Archive for July 2022
9th Annual Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival expands
The 9th Annual Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival is expanding to two days for 2022 beginning Friday, August 12th at 5:00 p.m. with a who’s who of local music veterans and a sneak peek (or an unveiling depending on its progress) of the iconic Worthington Street Mural project celebrating Springfield history. The mural is meticulously restored…
Read MoreHCC Accepting Applications for Free Community Health Worker Program
Holyoke Community College is now accepting applications for its free Community Health Worker training and apprenticeship program. The program begins in September and is tuition free thanks to a federal grant HCC received in 2020. The purpose of the four-year, $1.89 million grant, awarded in 2020 from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) is…
Read MoreWomen in Business Find a Home, Empowerment at the Mill District
Before the pandemic, Andréa Marion worked in the nonprofit world. As it was for countless others, COVID became a period of reflection for her, a time to determine what was really important. “I wasn’t happy and wanted a change,” she recalled. “I loved what I did, I loved working with and helping people, but I…
Read MoreDiana Szynal Takes the Helm at the Springfield Regional Chamber
Diana Szynal recently made a successful transition from public service — she was a selectman in Hatfield and then a legislative aide — to running the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Now, she’s making another transition, to leadership of the Springfield Regional Chamber. While Greater Springfield is a much larger area, she said the challenges…
Read MoreSouthwick Masters Delicate Balancing Act
Southwick residents love the natural beauty and the many recreation choices their town offers but they also like reasonable tax rates. Russell Fox, chair of the Southwick Select Board, said to accomplish both means business development must be part of the equation to ease the tax burden. “It’s a balancing act that the Select Board…
Read MoreBusinessTalk with Hubert Benitez, the recently appointed president of American International College
BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Hubert Benitez, the recently appointed president of American International College. The two discuss his latest assignment within academia, his goals for AIC, COVID, and the many other challenges facing colleges and universities today. It’s all must listening, so join us for BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with…
Read MoreMassDevelopment Puts 1550 Main St. on the Market
Colliers Capital Markets announced that it has been retained by MassDevelopment, to sell 1550 Main Street, the 128,900 square-foot office building in Springfield’s downtown corridor. Colliers Executive Vice President Jeanne Pinado will lead marketing efforts of 1550 Main, with Vice President Rob Schlesinger providing additional support, and the firm will issue a call for offers…
Read More$475 Million Courthouse Plan Proposed
Developer Peter A Picknelly, along with Springfield city officials, on Thursday unveiled a proposal to build a new Hampden County courthouse on a 14.5-acre site along the Connecticut River north of the Memorial Bridge. The proposal, which also includes housing and a marina, comes with a pricetag of $475 million. The plans, unveiled at a…
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