Bolton

Two decades have passed since Digital Equipment Corp. occupied a 58-acre site in Maynard just a mile south of town center. More than half of that time has been spent trying to redevelop the property.

A new report from researchers at UMass Dartmouth paints a detailed picture of a MetroWest region richer and better educated than the state as a whole, and an area fast-growing and diversifying.

New Hampshire hotelier Colwen Hotels, which will operate the AC Hotel scheduled to open on Front Street in Worcester next year, has named Andrew Dunn as general manager for the location.

The American Antiquarian Society, the Boys & Girls Club, Quality Beverage and Bethany Hill Place were among those making appointments and promotions.

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

Headwall Photonics added a facility in Bolton earlier this year, allowing for easier access to Boston. The Fitchburg company makes imaging spectrometers that can detect things beyond the surface level.

Spurred by millions in hotel tax collections and efforts by city officials to create a more well-rounded city, Marlborough is moving on from being a haven for major employers through new retail, residential and visitor developments.

Headwall Photonics, a Fitchburg manufacturer of spectral imaging products, has added a second location in Bolton.

Economic downturns cut into players' disposable income, and the Great Recession caused many Boomers to put off their retirement plans, forcing courses to adapt to changing demands.

A new partnership between the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. and the Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce will offer microloans to new businesses in the Assabet Valley.