Opinion

Brian Westerlind, president and CEO of Webster Five bank, sees a sturdy local economy heading into 2026.

"Let’s commit to giving even more in the years ahead," John Quirk, executive chairman of VIP Tires & Service, writes.

As the middle class fades, businesses who rely on people having at least some expendable income – or at least enough income to cover all their basic needs – will not have the necessary customer base to thrive.

"Today’s market is balanced. It may not be a buyer’s market, but it’s tilting in favor of buyers."

On Dec. 2, Saint Vincent Hospital posted a job listing in the search for a new CEO of the Worcester-based facility. Saint Vincent's current CEO Denten Park, joined the hospital only 10 months ago in February, following the swift exit of the facility's former leader Carolyn Jackson. Saint Vincent is currently embroiled in state-led investigations, numerous nurses complaints, and a whistleblower lawsuit.

Worcester Regional Airport announced in November that it had boosted its incentive program to attract new airlines and add new destinations. Airlines now can receive up to $250,000 and waived fees for two years if they begin servicing ORH.

When they are in a room full of hundreds of people all cheering for their achievements, you get to see this rare spark of humanity in them where all their hard work becomes a joyous culmination.

Between working full time and raising an elementary school–aged child, I needed a college offering flexibility, understanding, and structure. Quinsigamond Community College gave me exactly that: a clear roadmap to success and a support system.

After 46 years in the publishing industry in Central MA, I will retire at the end of January.

Housing affordability remains one of New England’s biggest economic issues. From Worcester’s competitive rental market to small towns dealing with aging housing stock, the pressure is widespread.