Greater Worcester

The Central Massachusetts region’s tourism agency is now fighting for the attention of Times Square tourists with a new ad campaign.

As they explore ways to either shore up or restructure the Cannabis Control Commission, lawmakers heard Wednesday from outsiders who suggested that the Legislature first be clear about its goals for the agency and then allow the best governing structure to emerge from there.

An empty retail space at Worcester’s Mercantile Center has been transformed into an immersive experience featuring the art of Vincent van Gogh.

Worcester-based Spectrum Health Systems, one of the largest human services nonprofits in Central Massachusetts, will open a new outpatient treatment facility in the city come Monday.

Massachusetts businesses hiring members of the National Guard will now receive a $2,000 tax credit as part of the state’s initiative to expand economic opportunities for those serving in the military. 

Thrive Support & Advocacy, a Marlborough-based nonprofit offering human services to individuals with developmental disabilities, has bolstered its board of directors with three new members, electing Amy Reardon Doherty, Mary Ellen Duggan, and Stephen Maintanis to two-year terms. 

Top Democrats on Tuesday evening filed a compromise economic development bill months after their deadline-day talks collapsed, packing the measure with state support for the life sciences and climate technology industries, ticket sales regulations, a new live theater tax credit, educator diversity reforms and more.

Marlborough-based BJ’s Wholesale Club has named Scott Schmadeke as executive vice president, chief operations officer, effective immediately.

Business confidence in Massachusetts hit a two-year high in October, but in Central Massachusetts, confidence fell deeper into pessimistic territory.

The project is seeking to create 600 new jobs and increase exports to the United States by $400,000 by the end of 2026.