Greater Worcester

Spectrum Health Systems in Worcester, one of the largest human services nonprofits in Central Massachusetts, has promoted long-time Kristin Nolan as its new chief operating officer.

With the state's commitment to the life sciences sector still tied up in an inter-branch dispute among Democrats, industry leaders acknowledged challenges on Tuesday including a record vacancy rate for lab space in Massachusetts, slower job growth, and a decrease in venture capital funding.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has fined three individuals and businesses with ties to Central Massachusetts, with the fines totaling $168,413. 

Boston-based Harpoon Brewery is teaming with the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester to launch Harpoon x Holy Cross Hazy IPA.

France-based manufacturer Saint-Gobain broke ground on a new administration building Monday in Worcester.

A Steward Health Care lawyer tells a judge the bankrupt company is close on deals to sell five of its Massachusetts hospitals and hopes to present formal proposals soon, then no details of the deals come to light and the company again delays the hearing at which it is expected to seek court approval of the transfers.

Worcester’s EcoTarium has launched a mobile-phone navigation app prototype.

WPI on Monday re-asserted its plans to buy two Worcester hotels, despite a pressure campaign against the move.

UMass Memorial CEO Dr. Eric Dickson said he hopes to work with the state to provide some healthcare facility for the Nashoba Valley region, although no formal discussions have taken place.

None of the deals to transfer six Massachusetts hospitals from bankrupt Steward Health Care to other operators have been consummated and they remain under mediation, a Steward lawyer confirmed Thursday during a hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.