WORCESTER — In the never-ending quest to attract and grow their business sectors, leaders in Massachusetts' Gateway Cities — a designation given to more than two dozen post-boom industrial sites such as Worcester, Lowell, Chelsea, Fitchburg and Leominster — are betting that economic development comes to those who offer convenience and predictability, even ahead of cost savings and location.

It wasn't billed as a primer on what to look for in Worcester's next city manager, but the 29th annual meeting of The Research Bureau, held Thursday afternoon at the DCU Center, could certainly have been viewed that way.

WORCESTER — Proponents of the council-manager form of government say qualifications and experience should be the driving force behind the city's search for a new city manager rather than one's ZIP code.

Worcester's next city manager should be adept at overseeing a large organization, practicing long-range thinking and developing the political muscle to see changes through, according to a panel of experts.

If PARCC testing is to be implemented in the Commonwealth, a greater access to technology is needed for students.

WORCESTER — The Research Bureau released a report today endorsing the Common Core State Standards Initiative, but also offered recommendations it said would improve school standards adopted by Massachusetts and 43 other states.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is the focus of the latest Worcester Regional Research Bureau report, which was released this Thursday.

In an effort to help educate local citizens about the upcoming selection of a new city manager, The Worcester Regional Research Bureau has decided to assemble a group of current and former city managers for a panel discussion at their upcoming annual meeting.

It has now been four full months since Edward M. Augustus Jr. signed a nine-month contract to serve as an interim city manager for Worcester, yet the City Council remains in the starting blocks in its search for a permanent manager.

With just weeks until graduation, the job market is something that is closely examined by many college students ready to make their transition into their first real job. These students hope that they will be able to find a job that fits the subjects that they have been studying for the past four years.