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Slow economic growth forecast for N.E.
Organizers of a major economic conference in Boston this week see slow growth ahead for New England. According to the New England Economic Project, all six states in the region are projected to see employment growth below the national average during a forecast period that extends to 2017. The Greater Boston area has more than recovered the jobs lost during the last recession and has been the “bright spot” in the region’s economy, but the broader region is not expected to see pre-recession employment levels until 2014 and unemployment in New England is not expected to fall below 6 percent until 2016, Scripps Howard News Service reported. Prepared by Community College System of New Hampshire Chancellor Ross Gittell, the New England forecast calls for growth rates “below what would typically be associated with strong or even moderate growth.” The project hosts its fall outlook conference Thursday at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, with summaries of the regional and individual state economic forecasts marked for release this morning.
Elephant Walk closes in Waltham
The Elephant Walk, a popular Cambodian and French restaurant on Main Street in Waltham, has closed, according to its website. “I write this with profound sadness and regret, but the Elephant Walk in Waltham has closed,” wrote its owner Bob Perry. “Please know that the Elephant Walk restaurants in Boston and Cambridge are both open for business.” Perry did not write why the restaurant closed.
David’s Bridal offers military discount
In honor of Veterans Day, David’s Bridal is offering a 20 percent discount to all active service members and veterans on any bridal gown purchase through Nov. 15. This discount, available in U.S. stores only, applies to service members who are planning their weddings, as well as those who are marrying a service member. Based in Conshohocken, Pa., Dave’s Bridal operates a MetroWest store in Natick. For more information, visit davidsbridal.com.
Marlborough mall to host Santa Saturday
Kidgits and The Children’s Place presents Santa Saturday on Nov. 16 starting at 8:30 a.m. in the Solomon Pond Mall, 601 Donald Lynch Blvd., Marlborough. For Kidgits members, the event includes a “Despicable Me 2” ornament, “Make Your Own Minion” food, letters to Santa, a jingle bell parade led by Santa and ornament craft making. There will also be a visit from Santa at The Children’s Place. The event takes place in the mall’s jcpenney court. The Auburn Mall also hosts Santa Saturday. For more information, visit simon.com.
Andelman to speak at Marlborough Chamber
Dave Andelman, founder of the “Phantom Gourmet” TV show, is the guest speaker for the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 annual meeting on Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 181 Boston Post Road West (Rte. 20), Marlborough. The cost is $42 and includes lunch. The event features the election of the 2014 board of directors. For more information, call the chamber at 508-485-7746.
Baker to speak at Blackstone Valley Chamber
Charlie Baker, 2014 Mass. Republican gubernatorial candidate, is the keynote speaker for the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 35th annual meeting and awards breakfast on Nov. 21 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Pleasant Valley Country Club, 95 Armsby Road, Sutton. The cost is $40 for members, $55 for non-members. Reservations are required. For more information, call the chamber at 508-234-9090.
Benefits Council to hold Best Practices Conference
The New England Employee Benefits Council holds its Best Practices Conference “Employers at the Head of the Class” on Dec. 4. The full-day conference kicks off with keynote speaker Jim Braude, Emmy-Award winning journalist and broadcaster for WGBH and NECN, whose presentation “Grading the Media on Health Care: Has it Been Thorough and Fair?” will look at the media’s responsibility for providing fair and balanced coverage. Five employers representing the best in class for employee benefits will also present their award-winning programs. The conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Waltham Woods Conference Center, 860 Winter St., Waltham. For more information, visit neebc.org.