Fitchburg

WBJ is conducting its annual Economic Forecast survey, gauging readers' opinions about what 2023 will bring. Those who fill out the survey by Dec. 19 will be eligible to win one of three $50 gift cards.

After winning a long fight to impose a surtax on the state's highest earners designed to fund education and transportation, unions and educators from across Massachusetts are making it clear that public higher education is on the top of their priority list for the newfound funds.

MassDevelopment made 18 grants totalling more than $1.5 million to businesses, cities, towns, and nonprofit organizations in Central Mass.

The UMass Donahue Institute’s Economic and Public Policy Research group, has completed a study exploring solutions for a worker shortage in Northern Worcester County.

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. granted $10,000 to the City of Fitchburg for the development of pop-up shops for local artisans, crafters, and entrepreneurs.

Herlihy Insurance Group, Workers Credit Union, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, and UMass Memorial Health are among the Central Mass. organizations with recent hires and promotions.

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts distributed $154,000 among 25 area nonprofits for community enrichment projects and operational effectiveness.

The manager for an elite competitive dance team and an instructor with a background in professional dance is taking over the MEM Dance Theatre in Sterling from retiring founder Paula Meola.

Specialty Products Resources Inc., a Fitchburg-based manufacturer and distributor of rawhide treats and novelty items for dogs, has purchased a 38,400-square-foot industrial building at 149 Industrial Road in Fitchburg to expand its operations.

The Aubuchon Realty Co., Inc. of Concord sold its remaining holdings at Parkhill Plaza in Fitchburg for $5.8 million to a Burlington corporation.