Greater Worcester

This year, the Worcester Business Journal marks its 25th anniversary. In each print edition, we are highlighting a major event within the Central Massachusetts business community between 1990 and 2014 and exploring how that event impacts today's business scene. In two weeks, we'll publish a special 25th Anniversary commemorative edition in place of our regular issue and look at the companies and business leaders who have made a difference over the last quarter-century. We'll also look ahead to what the future could bring.

Outside National Grid's Sustainability Hub on Main Street in Worcester, an electric car charges while a host of energy-efficient appliances inside sit ready to respond to wireless signals to shut them off during times of high energy use. The showcased technology has become a reality for 15,000 National Grid customers in Worcester.

American Alarm and Communications of Arlington has completed its acquisition of Auburn-based Brothers Security Systems, the company said Thursday. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

The Porter and Chester Institute trade school will move its 40 employees and 225 students from two Westborough sites into a new Worcester location beginning in October, according to the organization.

With work already underway to demolish and refurbish the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) tower at Worcester Regional Airport, the project has received a $1.1 million federal grant from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to help pay the $3 million price.

Energy procurement company World Energy Solutions of Worcester has been selected by a utility company to deliver energy conservation services to Western Massachusetts businesses.

The Family Health Center of Worcester has completed an $8.3 million renovation at its 26 Queen St. offices that will allow the center to see an additional 7,200 patients annually, it said.

Siemens Metals Technologies, which has operations in Worcester, has been contracted to upgrade facilities at a Keystone Steel and Wire Co. plant in Illinois.

Worcester State University will name its civic engagement center after alumnus and longtime state representative John J. Binienda, who died last month, the school announced.

The man who helped bring JetBlue to Worcester will be stepping down in February, the company announced on Thursday.