Athol

The new owner plans to convert the site into a ballroom dancing studio.

In May, 1,410 new businesses filed incorporation paperwork with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, in order to do business in the state.

The work underway in Gardner is part of a sweeping effort to modernize New England's electric grid, replacing century-old infrastructure to meet surging demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps, advanced manufacturing, and other industries.

With new housing and public investment reshaping downtowns, entrepreneurs are attracted by lower rents and growing activity, while local leaders see them as essential to filling storefronts, generating foot traffic, and creating amenities.

Heywood Healthcare has named a new chief medical officer and vice president of medical affairs.

Unemployment in Greater Worcester declined in February, yet remained higher than the state’s average of 4.8%.

Daniel Zona, former president and CEO of Athol Savings Bank, was named president of Cornerstone Bank, succeeding Randal Webber. Zona plans to leverage the combined resources of both banks to enhance banking products for customers and support future growth.

Heywood Healthcare, the Gardner-based operator of two of Central Massachusetts’ largest hospitals, is on the hunt for a new chief medical officer as the system’s current CMO Dr. Frank Sweeney is set to retire.

Cornerstone Bank and Athol Savings Bank signed off in 2025 by finalizing their anticipated merger, with the latter officially becoming a division of the Worcester-based institution, effective Dec. 31.

Greater Worcester has finally received its September unemployment rate, after the federal government shutdown left states unsure whether they would receive their monthly unemployment data at all.