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WBJ Features

Latest Headlines

  • Traffic Jams

    There is no one panacea to making Framingham’s downtown the cultural and civic hub town officials and local business owners want it to be. But last month the Board of Selectmen allocated about $7 million to replace the roundabout, improve the streetscapes and ease traffic flow.

    » Read More...

  • Banking The Unbanked

    In Massachusetts, according to a new report by the FDIC, 95.9 percent of households have a checking or savings account. That number is significantly higher than the national average of 92.3 percent, thanks in part to the efforts of the state’s banks and community organizations to help more people get accounts.

    » Read More...

  • Getting Organized In Westborough Leads To Growth

    The folks at Systematics Inc. in Westborough were pretty excited the day I visited. They had just finalized a merger agreement with National Office Systems Inc. (NOS) of Maryland, more than doubling the company’s size and moving it into markets where opportunity abounds.

    » Read More...

  • Contents Of The March 15, 2010 Issue Of The WBJ

    Check out the March 15, 2010 Issue of the WBJ.

    » Read More...

  • Shop Talk: Q&A With Chuck Edwards, Lenze Americas

    Chuck Edwards, president of Lenze Americas, talks about his company's success through the recession and adapting to cultural differences.

    » Read More...

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Events

Friday, March 19

Managing Employees During a Lackluster Economy (and Dealing with Grumpy People)

Sponsor: Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce/Avidia Bank

Time: 8 to 9:30 am.

Place: Avidia Bank, 42 Main St., Hudson

Cost: $25 members; $40 non-members

Contact: Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce, 978-568-0360

» More local events

Inside the Worcester Business Journal

  • Patrick Targets Health Care Cost Increases

    Should health care providers be regulated like utilities?

    When Gov. Deval Patrick announced emergency changes to the way health insurance companies report rate increases to the state, neither the state’s health insurers nor hospitals and doctors were happy.

    » Read More...

  • Traffic Jams

    Framingham moves ahead with plans to revamp traffic patterns downtown in hopes of revitalizing business

    There is no one panacea to making Framingham’s downtown the cultural and civic hub town officials and local business owners want it to be. But last month the Board of Selectmen allocated about $7 million to replace the roundabout, improve the streetscapes and ease traffic flow.

    » Read More...

  • If You Build It, Will They Come?

    High hopes for a high tech park in Leominster

    When you think of life science and high tech hubs in Massachusetts, a few communities come to mind. Cambridge certainly. Devens, probably. Maybe some MetroWest towns like Framingham and Natick. If you’re from Central Massachusetts, Worcester is likely to be high on the list.

    » Read More...

  • Banking The Unbanked

    Education and outreach critical to reaching people without checking, savings accounts

    In Massachusetts, according to a new report by the FDIC, 95.9 percent of households have a checking or savings account. That number is significantly higher than the national average of 92.3 percent, thanks in part to the efforts of the state’s banks and community organizations to help more people get accounts.

    » Read More...

  • Grafton Suburban Looks To Expand Territory

    Credit union wants to draw members from all of Middlesex County

    Grafton Suburban Credit Union, an institution with about $114 million in assets and more than 11,000 members, is asking the state Division of Banks to allow it to draw members from all of Middlesex County, instead of the small 11-town region surrounding Grafton.

    » Read More...

  • Convenience Stores Take A Swipe At Interchange Fees

    When customers pull up to one of Leo Vercollone’s two dozen gas stations across Massachusetts and use a credit card, it may be convenient for the customer, but it equates to money out of Vercollone’s margin.

    » Read More...

  • Revolving Door: As Local Banking Market Shifts, So Does The Workforce

    When Deborah Larsen left her former post at a local Bank of America office to become senior vice president of commercial banking at Whitinsville-based UniBank for Savings last March, she said it was a bit of a culture shock.

    » Read More...

  • No More Money Please

    Local banks not interested in fed loans

    Small businesses created 64 percent of the net new jobs added to the country’s economy over the past 15 years, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. And, since the 2008 financial meltdown, community banks have earned a reputation for responsible lending that contrasts with the more “creative” practices of larger financial institutions.

    » Read More...

  • LCU Eyes Worcester Location

    Leominster Credit Union wants to open a branch office at 137 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester.

    » Read More...

  • Market Picture

    Banking trends in Massachusetts

    » Read More...

  • Software Firm With Concord, Maynard Locations Eyes Move

    French company Dassault Systèmes, along with DS SolidWorks Corp., its Concord-based subsidiary, is looking for space to consolidate three of its Massachusetts offices, including those in Concord, Maynard and Lowell.

    » Read More...

  • $7M Loan Helps Keep GTC Alive

    French company injects cash to keep research going in Framingham

    GTC’s main product, ATryn, has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing in the United States.

    » Read More...

  • Natick Collection Owner Receives Third Offer

    Two offers to help General Growth Properties get out of bankruptcy just wasn’t enough.

    » Read More...

  • Death By PowerPoint

    Does your audience have glassy eyes? Here’s some advice for getting their attention.

    We’ve all been there. The lights are dim, the screen is covered with dense black text. The speaker drones on wielding his laser pointer like a light saber, and you’re too busy planning out your grocery list to absorb any of the information. That scene plays out every day in conference facilities, board rooms and offices across the United States and the globe. So what’s to blame for all these boring presentations? I’ve got one word for you: PowerPoint.

    » Read More...

  • Getting Organized In Westborough Leads To Growth

    Systematics Inc. can get 10 pounds of stuff into a 5 pound bag

    The folks at Systematics Inc. in Westborough were pretty excited the day I visited. They had just finalized a merger agreement with National Office Systems Inc. (NOS) of Maryland, more than doubling the company’s size and moving it into markets where opportunity abounds.

    » Read More...

  • Brewing Up Campaign Cash

    Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owners form PAC

    In 2004, the state passed a law that kept restaurant staff with managerial responsibilities from being part of any tip pool. According to Jim Coen, president of Bellingham-based Dunkin’ Donuts Independent Franchise Owners Inc., it was a good idea, but the specific legal language has caused problems for his members.

    » Read More...

  • Movers & Shakers from the March 15, 2010 Issue

    The latest hirings and promotions in Central Mass.

    » Read More...

  • 10 Things I Know About... Innovation

    10 tips that will lead to innovation.

    » Read More...

  • Knowhow - Getting Ink

    Want positive press? Keep three words in mind: Trends, Issues and Concerns

    When the news is bad or public safety is at risk, it’s usually not a problem to get media coverage whether you like it or not. Getting good media coverage for your business is a bit more challenging if you’re not prepared or don’t have the skills to navigate through the media.

    » Read More...

  • 101 Employee Engagement

    In business today, it is critical that companies find ways to keep their employees motivated and feeling involved. Employee engagement is at the core of any successful business, helping it to grow and compete.

    » Read More...

  • Opposing Views On Sheet Metal Regs

    New regulations in Massachusetts recently have been implemented requiring licensing of sheet metal workers. The law has both sides of the issue talking.

    » Read More...

  • The Largest Loophole

    In an effort to close loopholes and bring a public retirement system rife with abuse and calculated manipulation into line with the state’s present economic priorities, Deval Patrick and the state legislature last year tightened the rules governing state pensions.

    » Read More...

  • Photo Finish From The March 15, 2010 Issue Of The WBJ

    Familiar faces from the Central Mass business community.

    » Read More...

  • Contents Of The March 15, 2010 Issue Of The WBJ

    Check out the March 15, 2010 Issue of the WBJ.

    » Read More...

  • WBJ Talk Back In The March 15, 2010 Issue

    Find out what has people talking...

    » Read More...