Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546590
wbjournal.com | September 21, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 7 With dreams as unique as yours, you deserve a f inancial partner who believes With dreams as unique as yours, you deserve a f inancial partner who believes St. Mary's Credit Union www.stmaryscu.org (508) 490-8000 Opportunity should be within everyone's reach. EQUITY IN ACTION. RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY. At UMass Memorial Health, we are committed to creating a culture of belonging and delivering equitable care. This work is reflected in how we care for patients, support caregivers and strengthen our communities. As a result of our commitment, we have earned recognition from some of the nation's most respected organizations over the past year: • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2026 Healthcare Equality Index: LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader, the highest national designation for LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare • Joint Commission's Excellent Health Outcomes for All certification • Lown Institute's Social Responsibility Honor Roll • Newsweek's Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging and Community • Newsweek's Greatest Workplaces for Women • Forbes' Best Employers for Women These acknowledgements reflect our ongoing work to eliminate barriers, improve health outcomes and create an environment where every patient, caregiver and community member feels valued, respected and supported. The relentless pursuit of healing. For everyone. 60 The number of credits required in the new flexible master's degree program in mental health counseling offered at Nichols College in Dudley this fall. The program aims to tackle a shortage of well-trained mental health counselors in the state. Source: Nichols College $240 million The net gain BJ's Wholesale Club has received from a settlement stem- ming from a settlement of litigation over credit card interchange fees. The Marlborough-based wholesale giant disclosed the settlement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: BJ's Wholesale Club 0.6% The decline in employment in Worcester County from March 2025 to March 2026, which was the second lowest county behind Norfolk. Massachusetts saw a 0.9% decline in overall employment. Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics The amount awarded to the Massachusetts Nursing Council on Workforce Sustainability, which has an administrative hub in Worcester, from the state Executive Office of Health and Human Services to launch a nursing apprenticeship initiative. Source: State Executive Office of Health and Human Service $240,000