MetroWest

Compared to WBJ’s year-end Economic Forecast survey published in December, Central Massachusetts business leaders aren’t quite as optimistic as they were six months ago.

Dean College, the Franklin-based private higher educational institution, will create a School of Performing Arts, which will merge the School of the Arts and the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance.

Marlborough medical device manufacturing firm Boston Scientific looks to soon add stroke prevention treatment to its portfolio, as the manufacturer has entered into a $1.16 billion agreement to purchase California-based medical device company Silk Road Medical.

Framingham-based social service organization United Way of Tri-County received a $200,000 donation on Tuesday from the Clinton-based Nypro Foundation to expand its food pantry and hot meals program in Clinton. 

Massachusetts is approaching the most challenging period of its decades-long mission to reach net zero emissions by 2050, with decarbonizing the energy sector being a critical part of reaching the state’s next benchmark in 2030, according to one state official.

Worcester-based Pleasant Street Dental and its owner were indicted in June for their involvement in an alleged MassHealth scheme to defraud the state Medicaid insurance program for more than $2 million.

For the second straight month, both Worcester and Middlesex counties saw an increase in total home sales compared to May of last year.

The move will see Advocates merge with the Franklin-based Horace Mann Educational Associates, Inc. and Lawrence-based Family Continuity.

A bakery equipment manufacturer, a licensed asbestos contractor, and a local golf course were assessed fines in mid-June by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for incidents in Central Massachusetts. 

Littleton-based Workers Credit Union has named Jay Champion as its next CEO and president.