Sturbridge

A 77-room Holiday Inn Express opened last month on Route 20, and as soon as September, work will begin on a new building with 28 hotel rooms at the Publick House.

Eight destinations in Central Massachusetts, including Old Sturbridge Village and Worcester's EcoTarium, were among those receiving funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Ten years into running Old Sturbridge Village, Jim Donahue has grown the 71-year-old museum's revenue to $14 million annually, launched a theatrical division, re-opened its hotel and – starting this fall – founded the Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School.

About 80 Massachusetts companies, including several based in Worcester County, have exhibits at a manufacturing showcase happening today through Thursday in West Springfield.

Construction has begun on a 43,000-square-foot office space in Sturbridge at the junction of I-84, Route 20, and the Massachusetts Turnpike, according to the project's architect.

The key to growing business is utilizing a dual strategy of building an amazing brand that commands long-lasting attention and layering on a performance marketing approach that connects with the right audience to drive revenue.

As part of Kate Alexander's desire to create a more sustainable, community-centric Southbridge Credit Union – increasing its $175 million in assets currently under management – she is ramping up efforts to provide more services to the credit union's members.

Westborough's Well-Being Center has opened in the restored 1800s Nathan Fisher House.

Central Massachusetts had nearly no customers without power by mid-morning Wednesday following a storm in which 60,000 were reported without power at one point.

Courtney Grimes started Sturbridge Metallurgical Services, Inc. in his garage in 1990, and today, the company has 10 employees.