Massachusetts’ real gross state product increased at a 3.9 percent annualized rate during the first quarter, according to the Current Economic Index released Friday by MassBenchmarks. more

Spectra Systems Corp. has received a notice of allowance, or approval, from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its patent entitled “Currency Fitness and Wear Detection Using Temperature Modulated Infrared Detection.” more

Two Westerly Credit Union staff members have completed training and been awarded the designation of Certified Financial Counselor, according to a press release. more

Embrace Home Loans has donated $30,000 to 12 charities in honor of employees who went above and beyond to make a difference. more

To the editor: An open letter to Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee: more

As lawmakers consider renewing Rhode Island’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, we thought it important to highlight how this tax credit in particular is good for Rhode Island; and how incorporating long-term affordable housing into the program is a strategic investment for Rhode Island’s economy. more

More changes appear to be coming for the R.I. Economic Development Corporation, whether Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee wants them or not. Competing House and Senate proposals suggest that whatever ultimately emerges from the General Assembly, the independent governor’s reshuffling of the agency over the past year will not be the final word. more

There are good reasons for state and local officials and owners of the Industrial Trust Tower in downtown Providence to work together to save the Art Deco landmark. But not if it involves a government bailout. more

A businessman looks surprised when, at a bus stop, another businessman says “Maybe crime doesn’t pay, but there are a lot of tax advantages.” more

Rebecca “Becky” Moniz, an agent with Weichert, Realtors – Cress & Co., is the recent recipient of the Kent Washington Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Award. The award honors her efforts, and those of her strategic partners, in supporting Rhode Island’s military community. During the past several years, Moniz has served on the Rhode Island Association of Realtors Realtor Troop Support Tast Force, assisting in raising funds to bring the Military Childhood Education Coalition to Rhode Island, coordinating a partnership with the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to educate deploying military-service members on home ownership and providing advice and home-buying seminars for veterans. Moniz has been with Cress & Co. since 2009 and is the former broker/owner of Young Realty Inc. more