Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com February 15, 2016 • Worcester Business Journal 5 Mount Wachusett's president Asquino to retire Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel Asquino announced that he will step down in 2017. Asquino has served as president of Mount Wachusett Community College since August 1987 and is currently the longest-serving public higher education president in Massachusetts. During his time there, academic programs and the student population have grown, and devel- opment has taken off. A nationwide search for a new leader will be undertaken by the MWCC Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. Class action suit filed against HeartWare A class action lawsuit has been filed against HeartWare International, alleging that company officials misled shareholders as to the viability of a new technology by saying that the company had adequately addressed concerns by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The lawsuit, filed by Robbins Arroyo LLP of San Diego, alleges that HeartWare shareholders were misled about the com- mercial viability of the company's new ventricular assist device (VAD). According to the complaint, HeartWare officials said that the new device would revolutionize the VAD market and be the key driver for HeartWare's future growth. Worcester economy stalled in fourth quarter The Worcester-area economy slowed substantially in the fourth quarter of 2015, according to the Worcester Economic Index (WEI) released by Assumption College Professor Thomas White. The quarterly economic diagnosis index, which is estimated using Bureau of Labor Statistics data on employment and unemployment for the Worcester metro- politan area, declined by 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter to 109.4 and is not expected to see appreciable growth over the next six months. The model places Worcester's economic growth during that time in the 0.3 percent to 0.1 percent range. However, there are positive indications for the economy, with all three local lead- ing indicators -- online help wanted adver- tisements, new business incorporations and initial unemployment claims -- cur- rently providing positive signals. Largest Mass. brownfield solar array completed The largest solar array ever to be situat- ed over a brownfield in Massachusetts has been completed and is now set to serve Central Massachusetts communities. The six-megawatt solar array was built at the Palmer Airfield by Borrego Solar, Syncarpha Capital and Renewable Energy Massachusetts. The array was part of the airport's cleanup operations. The Town of Palmer will receive real and personal property tax revenue of approximately $2 million over the project's 20 year term. Knowledge + Experience + Trusted Advice. It all adds up. Large enough to serve the needs of most businesses and individuals; small enough to offer the personal attention you expect and deserve. Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, PC Certified Public Accountants 306 Main Street, Suite 400 • Worcester, MA 01608 508.791.0901 • www.grkb.com >> Continued from previous page REGIONAL BRIEFS REAL DEALS Real Deals highlights recent commercial property transactions in Central Massachusetts. Commercial real estate firms that want to submit information on transactions can send it to editorial@wbjournal.com. Source: Worcester County Property Records ADDRESS: 1 Ash St., Hopkinton AREA: 8,600 sq. ft. SALE PRICE: $1.2 million SELLER: Academy Realty Trust BUYER: Boston Athletic Association — Compiled by Sam Bonacci, Worcester Business Journal digital editor The home next to the starting line of the Boston Marathon was purchased by the organization that puts on the yearly race. According to BAA officials, the owners had been looking to sell the property that already held BAA offices. Meyrowitz hands over TJX CEO position to Herrman The reins of one of Central Massachusetts' largest companies have officially been handed over, as Ernie Herrman takes over the role of CEO from TJX's long-time leader Carol Meyrowitz. The board of the Framingham off-price retail company announced it had followed through on its October announcement of the succession plan and elected Herrman as the new CEO. Meyrowitz will remain executive chairman of the board. Herrman served as president of TJX since January 2011 and has been with the company since 1989, serving in merchan- dising and management postions. Worcester small business microloan center to open The South Middlesex Opportunity Council will open a new center in Worcester that will provide low-interest microloans to small businesses and under- served entrepreneurs throughout Worcester County. The South Middlesex Opportunity Council Financial Services low-interest loans will be focused on minorities, women, veterans and immigrants to help them stabilize and start their businesses in Worcester County. This would be the first privately capital- ized micro-enterprise initiative in the region, according to SMOC. PLAN WISELY. INVEST CONSERVATIVELY. LIVE WELL. 370 MAIN STREET, SUITE 1000, WORCESTER, MA 01608 | 508.753.8807 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network ® , Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Worcester-area residents have been entrusting Bartholomew & Company to guide their financial lives since 1994. As one of the region's premier wealth management firms, our approach pairs a conservative investment philosophy with time-honored investment strategies to address every element of your financial picture. For a personalized plan to help you enrich your lifestyle and legacy, partner with the experts who are right in your own community. Call us for a complimentary consultation at 508.753.8807, or visit www.bartandco.com. FINANCIAL FREEDOM TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES

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