Worcester Business Journal
@wbjournal.bsky.social
Your business news source for Central Massachusetts. Available in print, online, and in person.
With more than 25 years of operations and organizational leadership experience, Krumme comes to the New England Botanic Garden from his most recent role as deputy director of Seacoast Science Center, an interactive marine life museum in New Hampshire.
New England Botanic Garden names new COO
The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill has a new chief operating officer as the Boylston nonprofit has named a replacement for Jane Ellis, who retired from the role this year.
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February 3, 2026 at 6:40 PM
With more than 25 years of operations and organizational leadership experience, Krumme comes to the New England Botanic Garden from his most recent role as deputy director of Seacoast Science Center, an interactive marine life museum in New Hampshire.
The property at 99 Gold Star Blvd. is owned by Commercial Management Inc. of Waltham.
Checkers set to open in Worcester, brand’s only location in New England, on Feb. 10
The location replaces a former Honey Dew Donuts at the site, which closed in March.
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February 3, 2026 at 5:55 PM
The property at 99 Gold Star Blvd. is owned by Commercial Management Inc. of Waltham.
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a new regional subgrant program designed to help preserve historic properties in Central Massachusetts is being launched.
Historic Central Mass. properties eligible for $616K in development support
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a new regional subgrant program designed to help preserve historic properties in Central Massachusetts is being launched. The Central…
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February 3, 2026 at 5:05 PM
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, a new regional subgrant program designed to help preserve historic properties in Central Massachusetts is being launched.
"AI-powered search should improve results for local businesses demonstrating real expertise, audience messaging, and community relevance. It favors websites that clearly explain who a business serves, what problems it solves, and why it’s uniquely qualified to serve that customer."
Viewpoint: AI good for local small businesses
As AI in search continues to evolve, local businesses in Central Massachusetts face new challenges, but also game-changing opportunities.
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February 2, 2026 at 10:00 PM
"AI-powered search should improve results for local businesses demonstrating real expertise, audience messaging, and community relevance. It favors websites that clearly explain who a business serves, what problems it solves, and why it’s uniquely qualified to serve that customer."
Buffalo-based M&T Bank has promoted Jeff Carpenter into the role of the bank’s regional president of Massachusetts.
M&T Bank names new regional president for Mass. market
M&T Bank acquired People’s United Bank, a Connecticut-based chain with offices in Worcester, as part of a $7.6-billion deal in 2021.
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February 2, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Buffalo-based M&T Bank has promoted Jeff Carpenter into the role of the bank’s regional president of Massachusetts.
Photonis USA NV, the American subsidiary of French defense technology firm Exosens, has received $1.02 million in state tax credits for a $12-million night vision manufacturing facility in Sturbridge.
French defense tech firm undertaking $12M Sturbridge expansion
This will be the company’s first U.S. manufacturing site for image intensifier tubes used in military night vision equipment.
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February 2, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Photonis USA NV, the American subsidiary of French defense technology firm Exosens, has received $1.02 million in state tax credits for a $12-million night vision manufacturing facility in Sturbridge.
Thermo Fisher’s facility closure comes shortly after two of the company’s executives announced they would leave the provider to pursue other opportunities.
Thermo Fisher to lay off 100, close Franklin facility amid executive shakeup
Biopharma tools and services provider Thermo Fisher Scientific is set to lay off more than 100 workers as the Waltham-based firm is closing its Franklin facility amid an executive shakeup.
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February 2, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Thermo Fisher’s facility closure comes shortly after two of the company’s executives announced they would leave the provider to pursue other opportunities.
Donald Trump Jr. joined 1789 Capital as a partner in November 2024 shortly before his father started his second term as U.S. president.
Devens manufacturer raises $220M, including from Trump Jr.’s VC firm
VulcanForms, a Devens-based metal manufacturing company, has secured its second-largest funding round to date, raising $220 million to expand the company’s manufacturing facilities.
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February 2, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Donald Trump Jr. joined 1789 Capital as a partner in November 2024 shortly before his father started his second term as U.S. president.
Elizabeth Holmes of R.W. Holmes Realty shares some insights on how family businesses can persist through multiple generations:
Making it to three generations
Only about 12% of family businesses successfully transition to a third generation.
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January 30, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Elizabeth Holmes of R.W. Holmes Realty shares some insights on how family businesses can persist through multiple generations:
Northborough-based dental device manufacturer Solmetex has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of ReLeaf, a fellow dental device developer out of Washington state.
Northborough dental device company acquires Washington developer
Northborough-based dental device manufacturer Solmetex has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of ReLeaf, a fellow dental device developer out of Washington state.
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January 30, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Northborough-based dental device manufacturer Solmetex has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of ReLeaf, a fellow dental device developer out of Washington state.
A Fitchburg property developer is looking to convert a five-story office building in the city’s downtown into a 35-unit apartment building, the latest effort to convert former office space into housing in Central Massachusetts.
Fitchburg former bank building to be converted into 35 apartments
The site overlooks the North Nashua River and the Water Street Bridge, which is being rebuilt.
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January 30, 2026 at 5:55 PM
A Fitchburg property developer is looking to convert a five-story office building in the city’s downtown into a 35-unit apartment building, the latest effort to convert former office space into housing in Central Massachusetts.
Ozlo, a Northborough-based producer of noise-masking earbuds for sleep, is expanding its work into neuroscience research and development with the acquisition of Segotia, a neuro-audio engineering company out of Ireland.
Northborough inventor of one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025 acquires Irish firm
Ozlo, a Northborough-based producer of noise-masking earbuds for sleep, is expanding its work into neuroscience research and development with the acquisition of Segotia, a neuro-audio engineering…
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January 30, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Ozlo, a Northborough-based producer of noise-masking earbuds for sleep, is expanding its work into neuroscience research and development with the acquisition of Segotia, a neuro-audio engineering company out of Ireland.
Here are five ways you can implement AI into your business operations today, with little to no training.
Five ways your business can start using AI today
In truth, simple ways of using AI in daily business operations don’t equate to personnel cuts or apocalyptic collapse, but instead, save businesses time and money.
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January 29, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Here are five ways you can implement AI into your business operations today, with little to no training.
The opening of the new branch comes as WCU has appointed Mike Dubuque to the new position of chief of growth initiatives.
Workers Credit Union opens new Leominster branch, appoints new growth-focused executive
WCU’s new branch at 866 Merriam Ave. offers both personal and business banking.
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January 29, 2026 at 8:45 PM
The opening of the new branch comes as WCU has appointed Mike Dubuque to the new position of chief of growth initiatives.
The Elmwood, a 93-unit, mixed-income apartment community in Shrewsbury, has been completed by Boston-based developer WinnCompanies.
WinnCompanies completes 93-unit apartment complex in Shrewsbury
The Elmwood, a 93-unit, mixed-income apartment community in Shrewsbury, has been completed by Boston-based developer WinnCompanies. The $35.2-million project sees a mix of low-income, affordable,…
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January 29, 2026 at 7:15 PM
The Elmwood, a 93-unit, mixed-income apartment community in Shrewsbury, has been completed by Boston-based developer WinnCompanies.
Northborough-based dental device manufacturer Solmetex has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of ReLeaf, a fellow dental device developer out of Washington state.
Northborough dental device company acquires Washington developer
Northborough-based dental device manufacturer Solmetex has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of ReLeaf, a fellow dental device developer out of Washington state.
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Northborough-based dental device manufacturer Solmetex has expanded its product portfolio with the acquisition of ReLeaf, a fellow dental device developer out of Washington state.
The attorney general is asking the court to order the towns to create a zoning district that complies with the law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Campbell suing Holden, seven other towns over MBTA housing law compliance
Campbell pledged recently to take action by the end of this week if communities did not come into compliance.
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January 29, 2026 at 5:55 PM
The attorney general is asking the court to order the towns to create a zoning district that complies with the law signed by Gov. Charlie Baker.
Old Growth Cooperative aims to locally anchor communication services, such as mobile talk, text, and data services, to promote equitable access and better serve the needs of the North Central Massachusetts community.
Fitchburg Fiber Co. launches new cooperative, plans local mobile service
Internet service provider Fitchburg Fiber Co. has established a new cooperative to create a community-owned local fiber infrastructure, set to launch a mobile phone service in the spring.
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January 29, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Old Growth Cooperative aims to locally anchor communication services, such as mobile talk, text, and data services, to promote equitable access and better serve the needs of the North Central Massachusetts community.
With the first pitch of the 2026 Worcester Red Sox season less than two months away, the team has announced the addition of a canopy to its Hanover Deck event space at Polar Park.
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WooSox ownership adding roof to left field event space for 2026 season
The new roof for the space, often used for employee outings and corporate events, will help shield patrons from rain and heat.
wbjournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:16 PM
With the first pitch of the 2026 Worcester Red Sox season less than two months away, the team has announced the addition of a canopy to its Hanover Deck event space at Polar Park.
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101: Managers must look to create a high-quality internship program that develops potential employees and supports company productivity.
101: How to utilize interns
Managers must look to create a high-quality internship program that develops potential employees and supports company productivity.
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January 28, 2026 at 11:00 PM
101: Managers must look to create a high-quality internship program that develops potential employees and supports company productivity.
Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget will feature measures to tamp down on rising costs at MassHealth as the administration eyes savings for high-demand programs like personal care attendants.
State budget plans broad MassHealth rate freeze
Gov. Maura Healey's fiscal year 2027 budget will feature measures to tamp down on rising costs at MassHealth as the administration eyes savings for high-demand programs like personal care attendants,…
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January 28, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget will feature measures to tamp down on rising costs at MassHealth as the administration eyes savings for high-demand programs like personal care attendants.
Henken has expanded his real estate investment firm's presence with two major investments: the $100-million purchase in September of Plumley Village and the $32-million purchase in December of the 114-townhouse Devenscrest Village in Ayer.
Affordable opportunities: Schochet Cos. is spending $200M+ on affordable housing, as investor interest rises
While business and government officials focus their attention on new construction to solve Central Massachusetts' housing crunch, Rick Henken has carved out a business preserving and upgrading…
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January 28, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Henken has expanded his real estate investment firm's presence with two major investments: the $100-million purchase in September of Plumley Village and the $32-million purchase in December of the 114-townhouse Devenscrest Village in Ayer.
Five years after its passage, the MBTA Communities Act is beginning to produce “real but modest benefits,” according to a new analysis that puts the law’s impacts into the context of the region’s deep housing shortage.
Researchers: MBTA housing law responsible for 7,000 new housing units so far
The report shows that only about 30% of the units in the current pipeline are located within a half-mile of train stations.
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January 28, 2026 at 9:15 PM
Five years after its passage, the MBTA Communities Act is beginning to produce “real but modest benefits,” according to a new analysis that puts the law’s impacts into the context of the region’s deep housing shortage.
Southborough technology firm Virtusa is expanding its presence further into Asia with the acquisition of SmartSoC Solutions, a semiconductor manufacturer out of India.
Virtusa acquires India semiconductor company
Southborough technology firm Virtusa is expanding its presence further into Asia with the acquisition of SmartSoC Solutions, a semiconductor manufacturer out of India.
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January 28, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Southborough technology firm Virtusa is expanding its presence further into Asia with the acquisition of SmartSoC Solutions, a semiconductor manufacturer out of India.