Millbury

Although the growth slowed last year, 2022 still showed Central Massachusetts has become a destination for new businesses. Another 2,772 new businesses incorporated in the region in 2022, a 1.5% increase over the eye-popping 2021 figures.

While single-family home prices in Worcester County remained relatively steady in January, the number of home sales dropped significantly.

A Sutton mechanical company will move its headquarters to Millbury, after the firm's owners bought the former location of Ray’s True Value Hardware in Millbury for $1.35 million.

Rhode Island developers Churchill & Banks purchased a property at 244 Worcester St. in Grafton, from Millbury aerospace company Wyman Gordon for $9.2 million, after receiving approval for a 375,000 square-foot warehouse facility on the property in April.

Beer has become big business. In Massachusetts, the industry supports more than 14,000 employees and, according to the Brewers Association, had an economic impact of more than $1.6 billion in 2021.

A retail plaza in Millbury was purchased by Ring City LLC of Westborough for $1.2 million on Dec. 7.

WBJ is conducting its annual Economic Forecast survey, gauging readers' opinions about what 2023 will bring. Those who fill out the survey by Dec. 19 will be eligible to win one of three $50 gift cards.

The management company that owns 21 Dunkin locations across Central Massachsuetts has agreed to pay more than $145,000 for child labor violations at the locations, resolving more than 1,200 allegations.

Four Gannett-owned local newspapers, which were closed or announced to be closing, will be acquired by New Jersey firm, CherryRoad Media Inc. and will return to, or continue operation.

Communities in Worcester County and neighboring MetroWest communities received $3.4 million in grants from the Massachusetts Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program for improvements benefitting pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of public transportation.