The Training Associates, the largest provider of training delivery solutions and trainers on demand in the United States, recently hired Art Sharkey of Westborough as its human resources manager. His responsibilities consist of planning and directing programs for all human resources areas, including recruiting, employee relations and equal employment opportunity. Sharkey was previously human resources site manager for the Rohm and Haas Co. in Marlborough. He has an MBA degree from Boston College and a bachelor’s degree from John Jay College. The Training Associates in is Continue reading >>>

In 2010, upward of 20 million people (more than three times the number actually resident in Massachusetts) came to visit our state. Many vacationed on Cape Cod or in the Berkshires, while others, here on business, stayed in or around Boston. According to figures compiled by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), while those 20 million visitors were here, they spent a whopping $15 billion. Not a bad number for local businesses and institutions, when you think about it. While MetroWest had no formal tourism program in 2010 (our new Visitors Bureau was still in formation), Continue reading >>>

Sarah Bertschmann has a new appreciation for the value of a pencil. The Hopkinton Middle School eighth-grader took school supplies for granted until she spent yesterday afternoon assembling packages for children in need at Cradles to Crayons in Brighton. “These kids don’t have them,” Bertschmann said. “It makes me appreciate what we have in Hopkinton more.” Bertschmann and more than 250 other eighth-graders from throughout the Bay State started their Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend by giving back. The students participated in Project 351, an initiative Gov. Continue reading >>>

Speaking at the New Stars for Young Stars event at Jillian's -- which was presented by the Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston -- Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine confirmed that he has talked to outfielder Carl Crawford. The phone conversation took place with both Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington and Crawford's agent, Brian Peters, on the line, according to Valentine. "I finally got that call into Carl," the manager said. "Carl sounded great. "He seemed very determined. He seemed very understanding of the fact that things got spinning a little fast for him last year in a new environment. Continue reading >>>

Entertainment significant component of active, urban, mixed-use neighborhood* Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) today announced the execution of a 60,000 square foot lease with AMC Theatres (AMC) for a 12-screen theatre at Assembly Row, the 50+ acre mixed-use development in Somerville. Auditoriums at the new AMC Theatres location will feature upgraded seating, premium sound and 100 percent digital projection. AMC is also evaluating additional amenity possibilities including a Marketplace concession area, a MacGuffins bar and lounge area, and an IMAX auditorium. “We’re excited Continue reading >>>

Weekend Forecast: Saturday's weather, according to the National Weather Service based in Taunton, calls for mostly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind between 11 and 15 mph. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 7. Wind chill values as low as -4. North wind between 8 and 11 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as -6. North wind between 8 and 10 mph. Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 10. West wind between 3 and 6 mph. Last Chance to See Exhibit “A Second Look” at Zullo Gallery:  It’s the last weekend to see the Zullo Gallery’s current exhibit Continue reading >>>

Related Stories Joe at Batt: Political spotlight on Massachusetts Joe at Batt: 2012 Joe at Batt: Getting into the holiday spirit Joe at Batt: Are voters the flip-floppers? Joe at Batt: Blunders on the campaign trail (NECN: Joe Battenfeld) - This election year, the political spotlight will be on Massachusetts. The races for president, senate and congress will have the media flocking to the Bay state. And that's good news for the state.Mitt, Scott, a Kennedy, too? It’s a campaign trifecta. And, once again, Massachusetts is taking its rightful place as the center of the Continue reading >>>