Good morning, Worcester.

Cow Tavern at 274 Salisbury St. got new siding on Sept.

21 following community leader concerns over its decay. The city mowed the overgrown lawn outside 251 Salisbury St. earlier this month + councilor Tony Economou said he hopes more improvements follow.

A new lease-to-own condo project now offers Main South business owners a chance to secure lasting leases and build equity (after years without guaranteed terms) in their storefronts.

Worcester-based Commonwealth Electrical Technologies purchased Connecticut-based Horton Electrical Services to nearly double its workforce and expand its work in wastewater infrastructure, solar energy and civil construction — a move expected to boost project capabilities.

Horton’s team will remain under current management as both companies aim to secure larger projects.

Grace Elton, who led New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill for nine years, will leave Dec.

4 to become CEO at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC—succeeding Bill LeFevre.

Fidelity Bank promoted three bankers, including Maria Heskes-Allard to senior vice president, and Fitchburg-based Rollstone Bank & Trust advanced Chris Connors to vice president, while the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce named 28 professionals for its Leadership Class of 2027 starting in September (graduating in June).

VulcanForms hired Jeff Hemenway as chief revenue officer today to lead its global commercial growth strategy as the company prepares a 1 million sqft advanced manufacturing facility in Devens that will create 1,063 jobs.

Mark Conti, the new editor of the Worcester Business Journal, said the paper will deliver in-depth business reporting on local industries, workforce trends and economic growth in Central Massachusetts.

He invited readers to share ideas on which business topics matter most.

Worcester is updating its Cultural Plan and invites residents, workers, artists and visitors to complete a 10-15 minute survey to help set the city’s arts and community projects through 2032; participants can win prizes + join in shaping a brighter local future.

Massachusetts gas prices rose by 7 cents to $4.41 per gallon this week and are 36 cents higher than last month, according to AAA Northeast — the increase comes as global oil supply concerns from Iran's conflict keep markets volatile.

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Megan Marshall will speak on non-fiction storytelling and Worcester State’s founding by Elizabeth Peabody on Friday, Sept.

25 at 12:30 p.m. in the Blue Lounge (this free talk opens Homecoming and Family Weekend and invites aspiring writers).

Former city councilor Sean Rose has been hired as chief of access, opportunity and equity by Worcester Public Schools following a vetting process with input from parents and community members.

The district announced his appointment Friday, Sept. 18 and he will oversee programs that boost inclusion and narrow achievement gaps.

A new report from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau shows that zero-emission vehicle registrations increased nearly fivefold since 2021 but remain low in some areas (with income, education and slow charging access hampering adoption).

The report urges state and municipal leaders to expand fast charging infrastructure and supportive policies.

Local leaders support a yes vote on Question 7 this November, which would let cities allow starter homes meeting minimum standards (at least 5,000 sqft, 50 feet of frontage, and municipal water and sewer access) to address Worcester’s housing challenges.

The College of the Holy Cross community is mourning incoming volleyball player Amanda Mack, who died Wednesday, Sept.

16 at Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute from a rare blood disorder — team members remembered her with a moment of silence at a recent football game.