Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | April 17, 2017 | Worcester Business Journal 7 OptiMA to triple HQ manufacturing space OptiMA, a manufacturer of white- boards, custom dry-erase boards and accessories, in April announced it will move into a new location that will tri- ple the company's manufacturing space. The Shrewsbury company is moving less than 300 yards down the road to the new 34,000-square-foot headquar- ters and manufacturing facility, built to accommodate its growing whiteboard business. The move is planned for May. Boost Fitness adds Franklin gym Boost Fitness, a Hudson fitness cen- ter chain with eight locations, has bought Team Fitness Franklin. Team Fitness Franklin owners Bob and Tricia Flynn sold the decade-old gym for an undisclosed amount. Boost Fitness owner Mark Federico said he wanted to open in the southern Interstate 495 corridor and found Team Fitness to be a good match. He plans to retain the staff of about 30 employees. Boost Fitness says it is the largest independent fitness chain in Central Massachusetts with locations in Auburn, Franklin, Hudson, Northborough, Oxford, Tewksbury, Westford, Worcester, and a planned one in Fitchburg. Outdoor sports park to open in Charlton An outdoor sports park in Charlton for all-terrain vehicles, trucks, motor- bikes, climbing, snowmobiles, slacklin- ing will open April 22. The 22-acre park, called 508 International, is located at 219 Brookfield Road between the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 49. Marlborough robotics maker sells units to VA ReWalk Robotics, a manufacturer of robotic exoskeletons for spinal cord injuries, sold 28 of its systems to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. ReWalk, which has offices in Marlborough and is based in Israel, sold 20 systems to the VA last year to start a clinical trial. It has shipped 20 of the systems for the newest order. W Charlton sports park 508 International will include space for all-terrain vehicles. Tom McGregor, Senior Vice President and Regional Commercial Banking Executive and Kathy Trainor, Vice President, Area Branch Manager Deep community roots. Unparalleled expertise. Local leadership. United Bank is excited to announce our new full-service branch in Worcester. With a wealth of banking experience, unrivaled market knowledge and local decision-making, we have everything you need to reach your financial goals. From purchasing a home to growing your savings to building a business, our dedicated team is here to help you create your balance. Visit our new branch location at 1 Mercantile Street, Worcester, MA. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender OUR COMMITMENT TO WORCESTER JUST GOT STRONGER. 866.959.BANK (2265) bankatunited.com Mass. budget still includes healthcare penalty The Massachusetts House budget committee last week unanimously advanced a $40.3-billion spending blue- print for next year that would greenlight the plans by the Baker Administration to levy an assessment on employers to help pay for MassHealth, but only after a public hearing process aimed at giving the businesses an opportunity to air their concerns. The budget bill approved by the Ways & Means Committee would also increase local aid slightly above levels proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker in January and make targeted new invest- ments in early education, developmental services and affordable housing. Tom McGregor, Senior Vice President and Regional Commercial Banking Executive and Kathy Trainor, Vice President, Area Branch Manager Deep community roots. Unparalleled expertise. Local leadership. United Bank is excited to announce our new full-service branch in Worcester. With a wealth of banking experience, unrivaled market knowledge and local decision-making, we have everything you need to reach your financial goals. From purchasing a home to growing your savings to building a business, our dedicated team is here to help you create your balance. Visit our new branch location at 1 Mercantile Street, Worcester, MA. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender OUR COMMITMENT TO WORCESTER JUST GOT STRONGER. 866.959.BANK (2265) bankatunited.com Tom McGregor, Senior Vice President and Regional Commercial Banking Executive and Kathy Trainor, Vice President, Area Branch Manager Deep community roots. Unparalleled expertise. Local leadership. United Bank is excited to announce our new full-service branch in Worcester. With a wealth of banking experience, unrivaled market knowledge and local decision-making, we have everything you need to reach your financial goals. From purchasing a home to growing your savings to building a business, our dedicated team is here to help you create your balance. Visit our new branch location at 1 Mercantile Street, Worcester, MA. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender OUR COMMITMENT TO WORCESTER JUST GOT STRONGER. 866.959.BANK (2265) bankatunited.com SALES NET INCOME 2011 $24.7 billion $985 million 2012 $24.4 billion ($211 million) 2013 $23.1 billion $620 million 2014 $22.5 billion $135 million 2015 $21.1 billion $379 million 2016 $18.2 billion ($1.5 billion) Staples troubles Framingham office supply chain Staples has seen a steady decline in sales in recent years, leading to dozens of store closures, a failed attempt to merge with Office Depot, and now, a reported potential sale to go private. Source: Staples

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