Fitchburg

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation in Worcester has granted $2.2 million total to 120 local nonprofit organizations to aid in operations and fund new projects.

The three Central Massachusetts metropolitan areas tracked by the state all saw slight increases in their unemployment rates in December.

Merrimack Valley Realty Group, LLC of Lawrence, owned by Bernard Goulet, purchased three multi-family properties in Fitchburg totaling 18 units.

Through the Working Places Challenge program, the Fed supports a competition among cities and towns for grant money provided by states, the private sector and philanthropists to address a "shared goal for improving the economy that benefits low-income people."

Now the residential real estate market has slowed, Richard Healey of Foster-Healey Real Estate Inc. hopes to see it settle down again and level out.

With new building codes on the horizon, battles will be fought in the name of progress, as developers and various interest groups are hesitant to make sweeping changes.

Rollstone Bank and Trust of Fitchburg has appointed Tony Rakic as executive vice president and chief lending officer, replacing Michael Olson, who is retiring after 17 years with the bank.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. in Fitchburg approved a $206,000 loan to help Salt and Life Café purchase its location at 159 Main St. in Groton.

WBJ’s Best of Business awards are centered around one idea: referrals.

Lowell-based grocery store chain Market Basket will open its new Shrewsbury location on Friday, Jan. 13.