North County

The Worcester area’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in October from 3.3% in September, while the Leominster-Gardner area also dropped a tenth of a percentage point to 3.5% over the month.

Workers at seven Starbucks locations in Massachusetts went on strike Thursday, including the store on West Broadway in Gardner, as part of a nationwide strike by unionized workers at more than 100 Starbucks locations. 

Leominster-based accounting firm Robert C. Alario, CPA, PC, named Christopher Aguilar to partner and changed its name to Alario & Associates, CPA, PC to reflect his promotion. 

Dr. SUBHASH PAUDEL has joined Reliant Medical Group’s department of nephrology.

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts distributed $154,000 among 25 area nonprofits for community enrichment projects and operational effectiveness.

The manager for an elite competitive dance team and an instructor with a background in professional dance is taking over the MEM Dance Theatre in Sterling from retiring founder Paula Meola.

Jabil Inc., the global manufacturing company based in Florida with major operations in Clinton, promoted Kenny Wilson to CEO, replacing President and CEO Mark Mondello, who will transition into the role of executive chairman when Kenny takes over as CEO on May 1. 

Specialty Products Resources Inc., a Fitchburg-based manufacturer and distributor of rawhide treats and novelty items for dogs, has purchased a 38,400-square-foot industrial building at 149 Industrial Road in Fitchburg to expand its operations.

The Aubuchon Realty Co., Inc. of Concord sold its remaining holdings at Parkhill Plaza in Fitchburg for $5.8 million to a Burlington corporation.

Fitchburg-based Rollstone Bank & Trust elected Brian Anderson as chairman of its board of directors.