Transportation

With temperatures plunging and the year's first flurries fallen, Beacon Hill lawmakers on Thursday will turn their attention to the safety of snow-removal workers.

Two influential planning groups told legislators Wednesday they are not yet ready to support a bill that would open the doors to a new funding scheme for transportation projects like the Green Line Extension.

The MBTA is eyeing fare hikes that could punch a hundred-dollar hole in the pockets of regular subway riders over the course of a year, a move one transit advocate likened to "punishing the victim" following recent service failures.

For efficient point-to-point travel, almost nothing beats the car, especially over short distances.

Frederick H. Eppinger, president and CEO of The Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester, was awarded the Chamber Advocate Award by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce at its annual business meeting. The award is given to a company or an individual who has gone above and beyond normal business activities to support the mission of the chamber and promote economic development. Eppinger has led The Hanover since August 2003.

10) Know job seeking habits. IT professionals rarely start a job search without some type of game plan. They begin by reassessing their strengths, career goals and interests. They'll also reconnect with their network.

Communities are strongest when they have talented, passionate and college-educated professionals filling some of society's most important roles: firefighters, police officers and social workers.

I was glad to read in your Dec. 10th article, “Baker emphasizes energy, transportation at conference,” that Gov. Baker is eager to work with the legislature in 2016 to pass legislation that will, as your article put it, “involve more wind … hydropower and solar energy.”

Worcester is showing many signs of being in the midst of an economic revival.

What is most valuable in your business? Is it your talent, your equipment or your physical plant? Chances are, it is your reputation, which can quickly be undone in the event of a crisis. Whatever crisis may occur – fire, flood, employee misconduct, product recall, data breach, alleged criminal activity, financial irregularities – the key is to be ready for it.