In an age of digital discovery and social media, here’s something that more and more local businesses are learning: Existing customers can be one of the most powerful growth engines ever. One way to put this engine to work is to identify and harness the hidden marketing potential in your “rock star” customers. more

Maolin Guo, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, landed a $400,000 research grant from the National Science Foundation to support the development of a molecular imaging probe for cell research. more

Mallinckrodt, the pharmaceuticals business of biotechnology giant Covidien PLC, has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to manufacture and market a generic version of its Concerta tablets for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the company announced Monday. more

More than 250 members of the Rhode Island business community weathered the cold rain on Wednesday morning to attend the Providence Business News Social Media and Marketing Summit. more

GreenBytes Inc., developer of cloud-scale IO-offload solutions, has been named the winning Virtualization Trailblazer in the inaugural 2012 Tech Trailblazers Awards, the company announced Wednesday. more

Textron subsidiary, Cessna Aircraft Co., has released its Citation Performance Calculator – CPCalc – to Apple’s App Store. more

Covidien PLC has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use its LigaSure curved, small jaw, open sealer/divider in ear, nose and throat procedures. more

MidOcean Partners acquired Agilex Flavors & Fragrances from Providence-based middle-market private equity firm Nautic Partners LLC on Dec. 19, 2012, MidOcean announced Wednesday. more

Medical device maker Covidien PLC is facing scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over the way its management handled the recall of its Duet TRS surgical staples. more

Age: 37 more