Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | March 6, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 7 W MHI-MS-Q1EMPLOYERAD-2017-02-01-ALL EMPLOYERS TAKE ON THE HIGH COST OF HEALTH INSURANCE. OFFER YOUR EMPLOYEES HIGH VALUE & QUALITY HEALTH CARE AT LOWER COSTS Start at MinutemanHealth.org or contact your broker. Massachusetts is the best Massachusetts ranked No. 1 last week in a U.S. News & World Report listing of the best states, using what the magazine said was thousands of data points, from schools and infrastructure to the strength of the economy and access to health care. Here are a few key ratings that led to the Bay State being named best overall state in America. Access to health care ......................................................... 1st Business environment ....................................................... 2nd Strength of economy ......................................................... 5th Infrastructure .................................................................. 19th Average commute ............................................................. 47th Source: U.S. News & World Report Sevcon shareholder loses shakeup bid An attempt by a 20-percent owner of Southborough electric vehicle company Sevcon to overhaul its board of directors failed at a shareholder vote. The proposal by former executive chairman Ryan Morris' Meson Capital fell slightly short of a needed majority from shareholders. That means the board's makeup will remain as it was Though Morris lost, he remains a mem- ber of the board of directors. Sevcon makes control components for zero- emission, electric and hybrid vehicles. Worcester seeks to limit traffic around CSX rail yard The Worcester City Council in February told municipal officials to cut down on tractor-trailer traffic going around the CSX rail yard, which just completed an $100-million expansion. The council floated ideas such as making certain streets one way, limiting vehicle weight or changing speed limits on certain roads, or re-configuring the entrance to the rail yard, in order to reduce tractor trailers from the rail yard driving down largely residential streets. The city administration will review the traffic pattern around Grafton, Hamilton and Plantation streets, which run south of the 51-acre rail yard. Becker president finalist for UMass job Robert Johnson, president of Becker College in Worcester, is one of three finalists to become UMass Dartmouth chan- cellor. Johnson was named Becker president in 2010. He is chairman of Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. The finalists were selected out of 165 candidates. Johnson toured the UMass Dartmouth campus in March to meet with faculty, staff and students. Cumberland employs 600 after $15M upgrade Westborough convenience store chain Cumberland Farms has reached 600 employees at its distribution center after a $15-million expansion. The company, which has more than 600 stores in eight states, now holds its business office, which was formerly in Framingham, along with distribution operations and a culinary center in the massive building just off the intersection of the Massachusetts Turnpike and Interstate 495. Housing firm pays $75M over discrimination The owner and manager of Washington Heights, a Worcester hous- ing complex, settled for $75,000 with the state Attorney General's Office for dis- criminating against a disabled tenant. The tenant began using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke during childbirth, according to the state. In 2013, the tenant and her husband requested an accessible unit with a wheelchair ramp but allegedly were told the wait list was long and they would be better off moving elsewhere. Related Companies and two affliated firms that together own and manage Washington Heights agreed to pay $75,000, including $60,000 to the tenant and the remainder to the state. Robert Johnson, president, Becker College

• Cover