Gardner

Gardner optical instrument manufacturer Precision Optics is looking to expand its presence in the national investment community with the hiring of one of the country’s largest investor relations firms for smaller companies.

Gardner optical equipment manufacturer Precision Optics is acquiring a Texas-based Ross Optical for up to $2 million.

Mount Wachusett Community College is adding a mathematics associate degree for the first time this fall.

In September, GFA became the first – and remains the only – financial institution to offer banking services to the legal marijuana industry.

Hospitals in Worcester, Clinton, Framingham, Gardner and Milford have received the highest patient safety ratings in the newest report from a nonprofit hospital group.

Four Central Massacusetts cities — Framingham, Gardner, Marlborough and Worcester — are bucking a state trend that is generally showing fewer opioid-related deaths.

Worcester could have up to 15 cannabis shops. Western cities of similar size show there could be demand for far more, but the economic impact may not be so noticeable.

With cannabis businesses steadily entering the mainstream, it can be easy to lose sight of how difficult it is to launch and operate an organization in a quickly evolving industry.

The Baker Administration has given $784,000 to five sites in four Central Massachusetts communities to help clean contaminated properties.

Fidelity Bank's assets grew by 14% last year, landing it in what the Leominster bank says is in the top one-tenth nationally in growth rates.