BUSINESS BRIEFS: Biz Confidence, Salon Stars,

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The chamber serves the communities of Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, Milford, Mendon, Millis, and Upton. More information is available at https://www.tricountychamberma.org

Business Confidence

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) last month continued to hover around the dividing line between optimism and pessimism. The Index rose 1.4 points to 51.2 during October, leaving it 0.3 points higher than in October 2022. The BCI has moved for most of 2023 in a narrow range as employers attempt to gauge an economy that has proved surprisingly resilient in the face of rising interest rates, predictions of recession, and war in both Ukraine and the Middle East. The strengthening of employer sentiment in October reflected brightening views of both the US and Massachusetts economies. The nation’s economy grew at a brisk 4.9 percent rate in the third quarter while Massachusetts maintained a record low unemployment rate of 2.6 percent. At the same time,financial markets weakened, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones falling during October to post their firstthree-month losing streaks since 2020. “Rapid increases in consumer and government spending continue to fuel the economy, suggesting the Federal Reserve may have to keep interest rates high for longer than it originally anticipated. A persistently tight labor market is exerting upward pressure on wages, leaving price inflation uncomfortably high,” said Sara Johnson, Chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors.

Four Sage Salon stylists named finalists at Behind the Chair’s One Shot Hair Awards

Four stylists from Sage Salon, the premier hair and beauty treatment salon in Franklin, Mass., were recently named finalists for the eighth annual One Shot Hair awards put on by Behind the Chair (www.behindthechair.com), an international community of salon professionals devoted to the education and promotion of the industry. The four stylists—Steph Brown of Bellingham, MA, Taylor  Della Torre of Franklin, MA, Christa Rice of Millis, MA, and Natalie Salcedo of Marlborough, MA—were recognized at the annual One Shot Hair awards ceremony held in Austin, Texas.

A Dozen New Companies Choose MA

Twelve new companies to Massachusetts were honored today at MassEcon’s Corporate Welcome Reception. These companies, venturing from four countries and several other states, selected Massachusetts as their home to do business. The companies recognized at the Seaport Science Center at 601 Congress Street in Boston represent new jobs and business growth in locations including Lowell, Stow, Burlington, Cambridge, Marlborough, and Boston, and industries that include sciences, technology, renewable energy, food, and software. “We are grateful to these 12 companies for choosing our state as their new home and are thrilled to welcome them to Team Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao

Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT) has announced results for Q3 2023.

Sales for the third quarter of 2023 were $712 million, which grew less than 1% as reported, compared to sales of $709 million for the third quarter of 2022. In organic constant currency, sales declined 4%, with better-than-expected growth for pharmaceutical applications in the U.S. and Europe and weaker-than-expected overall performance in China. The impact of the Wyatt acquisition increased sales by 4%. Currency translation had minimal impact on sales for the quarter, which was adverse to our expectations. On a GAAP basis, diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter of 2023 was $2.27, compared to $2.60 for the third quarter of 2022. On a non-GAAP basis, EPS was $2.84, compared to $2.64 for the third quarter of 2022. This includes a headwind of approximately 1% due to unfavorable foreign exchange.

Maximum Impact Networking Group, Nov 14 Next Meeting

MAXIMUM Impact business networking group is a leads referral group providing a central meeting place where business referrals and prospects are exchanged. Help grow your business through business-to-business and business-to-consumer leads from trusted sources – other MAXIMUM Impact members! Comprised of representatives from non-competing business categories (i.e. only one accounting firm per group), The MAXIMUM Impact group meets via Zoom the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and in person once a quarter. For more information please email Jeff Katz. For more information, click here.