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Chamber closes

CLINTON - Citing the poor economy, the 97-year-old Wachusett Chamber of Commerce abruptly announced its closing yesterday. Wachusett memberships are to be transferred to the Devens-based Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In an email yesterday to chamber members, director of membership Beth Burns said the "current economy has had too harsh an impact on us." Earlier this week, she said, the chamber was informed that a major sponsor would not be renewing its contribution, which was crucial to its finances.

"Though we currently have a strong, vibrant membership, we are simply unable to get out from under past debts," she said in the email. "We have been able to effectively manage our debt over the last few years, and were in the midst of implementing a long-term financial plan to ensure that the chamber's finances would grow stronger."

Telephone calls and emails to Ms. Burns, and co-director Jenny Delorey were not immediately returned yesterday.

- Karen Nugent

Castparts profits

PORTLAND, Ore. - Precision Castparts Corp. posted $1.2 billion in profit last fiscal year as sales of its metal components and products grew.

The company's forged products business, which includes Wyman-Gordon in...