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The biggest business stories in Central Massachusetts during 2015 ranged from a frenzy of deal making, to health care cost woes, to turnover in the corner office, to signs of economic development.

In other words, if something big happened globally or nationally in business, it probably happened here, too.

Mass Memorial Health Care posted continued revenue growth through fiscal 2015 while reporting more patients served throughout a system that is moving more towards outpatient care.

The largest employer in Worcester reported revenue of just under $2.174 billion for 2015, a growth of $21.8 million over fiscal year 2014. This came as a sign of continuing growth and turnaround for the organization over the course of the 2015 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30.

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The question of whether to perform a C-section, which can save a mother's or baby's life but also comes with surgical risks, has been a matter of debate for decades.

The ideal rate of childbirth by C-section versus vaginal delivery may be higher than previous guidelines suggested, a recent study by Harvard-affiliated researchers and the Stanford University School of Medicine reported. But within many countries, including the United States, where a third of all deliveries are by C-section, the rate may still be too high.

Eric Dickson, MD, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Health Care, is recognized by the Worcester Business Journal as one of this year's Central Mass. Power Players.

This year's Central Mass. Power Players all derive their influence from different sources, but it is how they use their stature to reshape the business landscape to their vision that makes them important players in the real economic and political arenas.

The season of eating your way from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day or even Easter is coming upon us with maddening speed. So many celebrations, with delicious treats everywhere you look! It’s easy to lose track of your family’s health goals. 

Healthy habits can be quickly set aside when a child sees a plastic pumpkin full of candy. To help them, you need to set limits, balance small amounts of sweets with healthy offerings and set a good example.  

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My father and brother both have had beards since they were in their early twenties. As the rebel in the family, I have shied away from having facial hair except for one month every year: November.

The men and women on this list lead some of the largest, most successful and prominent nonprofit healthcare organizations in the country. They were selected for this list based on editorial judgment and discretion. Nominations were also considered when making selections for this list.

For city leaders who have championed downtown redevelopment efforts, UMass Memorial Health Care's upcoming lease of 75,000 square feet in the Front Street office towers marks major progress toward revitalization.

While officials at the Worcester health care system are also enthusiastic, transitioning UMass Memorial's large information-technology department to a new location in the midst of a $700-million IT project, will also be a logistical feat. 

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UMass Memorial Health Care announced Monday morning it will be a major new tenant at 100 Front St., bringing 500 information technology jobs to downtown, starting by the end of the year.

Franklin Realty Advisors, of Wellesley, and Great Point Investors of Boston recently purchased the buildings at 90, 100 and 120 Front Street for $32.5 million, and announced that the entire project cost, including redevelopment of the property, will total $70.1 million.