Gardner

Gardner optical equipment manufacturer Precision Optics reported a profit for the third quarter as a result of forgiveness of its federal Paycheck Protection Program loan.

The 15 community college presidents comprising the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges issued a statement on Thursday urging their students and staff to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

The Gov. Charlie Baker Administration has awarded $1.1 million to Central Massachusetts municipalities and nonprofits as part of a new Regional Pilot Project Grant Program aimed at helping bolster economic recovery by supporting uniquely regional challenges, according to a Thursday announcement. 

Heywood Healthcare was profitable in its 2020 budget year, while most other Central Massachusetts hospital networks ran deficits despite federal coronavirus pandemic relief funding.

The Worcester area's unemployment rate improved slightly in February. But that good news masks a lingering problem: the number of people working dropped for the second straight month.

Colleges in Central Massachusetts are due to receive an estimated $100 million among them under the latest federal pandemic aid program.

People are on the move at GFA Federal Credit Union, ERA Key Realty Services, Open Sky Community Services and more.

A 15,000-square-foot mixed-use building on the edge of Gardner's downtown will head to an auction later this month.

Nearly $7 million in state funding announced Tuesday will go toward neighborhood and housing improvements in 10 Central Massachusetts cities and towns.

Three Central Massachusetts hospitals are part of a new state initiative announced Wednesday targeting COVID-19 vaccine distribution in communities hardest hit by the pandemic.