Industry Clusters

In this WWLP-22News InFocus interview, EDC President & CEO Aaron Vega reflects on his first six months with the organization, sharing early priorities, regional insights, and the direction guiding EDC’s work moving forward.

As we move through Q2 of 2026, I am pleased to introduce EDC | The Monthly Brief, a new monthly newsletter designed to keep our members informed about the work happening across the organization, the region, and the broader economic development landscape. Click here to view the newsletter

The EDC’s Annual Report highlights the partnerships, strategic initiatives, and regional progress shaping economic growth across Western Massachusetts. It also looks ahead, outlining the organization’s direction and continued commitment to future progress. Click here to view the 2025 Annual Report

Community Spotlight Christal Russo acknowledged that Wilbraham hasn’t historically enjoyed a reputation for being ‘open for business,’ as communities like to say. And that’s understandable given its rural nature and status as one of the more desirable of Springfield’s bedroom communities. But it has always welcomed businesses that enhance the quality of life there and…

Sullivan came to the EDC as an already-seasoned leader in Massachusetts, and in his 11-year tenure, he focused on growing the organization and its influence with statewide leaders and policy makers. Programming has greatly expanded, and membership has doubled. “I’m proud of the work that we’ve done,” Sullivan said. “I’m always very mindful of the…

They’re calling it VVM 2.0. And that nickname for a new initiative called Innovate413 says a lot, said Paul Silva, who will be leading this effort to spark new, tech-based startups in the region, while not repeating some of the mistakes of the original VVM, Valley Venture Mentors. Chief among them is getting into the…

The Western Massachusetts Literacy Collaborative (WMLC) recently received a $190,000 Early Literacy Consortium (ELC) grant from the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The collaborative, through which local colleges and schools work together to address teacher preparation, boost student literacy, and enhance classroom practices, was created three years ago. It…

State Sen. Adam Gómez joined the Executive Office of Economic Development in announcing a grant award through the Community Workforce Partnerships Grant Program (CWP) for Springfield WORKS in the city of Springfield. This program is a re-imagining of the Urban Agenda grant, which supported local economic priorities and collective problem solving for 10 years. The…

The Springfield Thunderbirds enter their 10th season next month riding a series of highs — soaring attendance that has the team selling out the MassMutual Center on a regular basis and season ticket sales that have exceeded expectations, a robust program of community outreach, the opening of a new parking garage and event space outside…