North County

UMass Memorial Health Care is exploring a potential merger between its two hospitals in North Central Massachusetts.

All but two of the acute-care hospitals in Central Massachusetts were profitable last year, pushing the overall margin for the region to fourth best out of the seven regions in the state.

The unemployment rate in Worcester continued a downward trend in July, according to the latest numbers from the state.

Fidelity Bank has hired Brenda Woods as the bank's new Gardner branch manager and a vice president.

Mount Wachusett Community College has received a five-year, $1.18 million Federal grant that will help adults in the region successfully transition to college or other postsecondary education.

A brewery, three makers and an entertainment provider from Central Massachusetts have been selected as the area's finalists for the 2015 Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards put on by MassEcon.

Executives at the largest health network in Central Massachusetts saw a bump in their total compensation in 2014, according to the nonprofit's latest tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service.

Following its merger with Barre Savings Bank and strong financial performance in 2015 and into 2016, Fidelity Bank has grown to the second largest mutual bank in Worcester County, CEO Edward Manzi announced at the bank's annual meeting.

In mid-June, UMass Memorial Health Care named Lisa Colombo as the permanent president and CEO of Clinton Hospital and she has set her focus on growth, marketing and philanthropy.

The president of Leominster's Exchange Authority announced on Tuesday he will retire with the company replacing the leader from within.