North County

Government & Politics

Paying for growth: Tax breaks central to Central Mass. economic development

Communities have often used tax deals to help companies in what officials say is the most important tool they can use in economic development.

Government & Politics

Fidelity, Berkshire offer loan programs for furloughed federal workers

Leominster-based Fidelity Bank and Pittsfield-based Berkshire Bank are offering their help until the government is opened.

Government & Politics

Fitchburg, Worcester receive Urban Agenda funding

Fitchburg has received $60,000 and Worcester $65,000 for economic development initiatives through the state's Urban Agenda Grant Program.

Retail

Gymboree liquidation to close four Central Mass. stores

The children's clothing store Gymboree has filed for bankruptcy and will close all of its stores, including four in Central Massachusetts.

Economy

Poverty up in Worcester neighborhoods, as home values lag

Even with a long period of economic growth and redevelopment through significant stretches of downtown, Worcester has not been spared from some broader troublesome trends.

Manufacturing

Central Mass. to train 160 advanced manufacturing workers

The Baker Administration is doling out $2.5 million to four regional consortia through a state training program to help bridge the skills gap in the advanced manufacturing industry.

Professional Services

Sentinel & Enterprise owner making play for USA Today company

Digital First Media, the owner of daily newspapers in Fitchburg, Lowell and Boston, has made an offer to buy USA Today publisher Gannett, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

Government & Politics

The government shutdown is beginning to hurt the craft beer industry

If the government shutdown drags on much longer, Central Massachusetts breweries and beermakers nationwide could suffer the consequences.

Manufacturing

Beer to benefit Worcester firefighter was a no brainer for Wormtown, Wachusett

Wachusett Brewing Co. in Westminster and Wormtown Brewery in Worcester are teaming up to create a beer to benefit the family of the Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy.

Arts & Entertainment