Harvard

Bowditch & Dewey and Solect Energy were just a few Central Mass. companies announcing new hires in January.

The highest-paying jobs among Central Massachusetts' most prominent organizations are overwhelming held by men, while the sectors with the greater gender mix are typically lower paying.

They happen in boardrooms, hallways, lawyers' offices and in car dealerships. They are, of course, negotiations – seen by many as a means to an end to wrap up a transaction of some sort, ideally involving give and take on both sides.

Although the details from the tax overhaul passed by Republicans in Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in late December are still being picked over, one thing is abundantly clear: Higher cost states are about to get more expensive.

Wachusett Brewing Co. in Westminster is the largest brewery in Central Massachusetts, according to data compiled by Worcester Business Journal.

Lampin Corp., Provo Wealth Management and Worcester Art Museum are among the companies with recent hires and promotions.

Cormier's Self Defense Academy of Holliston marked its 30-year anniversary of teaching men, women, teens and children karate and jujitsu.

A century after it opened as a military base, Devens has become a center of innovation and technology.

Can Devens fulfill its promise as a place where Boston and Cambridge technological firms want to expand their manufacturing capabilities in a less costly, but still easily accessible location?

From designing the first house to export electricity onto the power grid, Solar Design Associates has worked on projects large and small as the industry has evolved in fits and starts.