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Bradley International Airport looks to regain traffic as world emerges from COVID pandemic
Passenger traffic at Bradley International Airport through the first 11 months of 2020 was down 63% compared with the year before, with just more than 2.2 million people getting on or getting off airliners. In 2019, more than 5.6 million people had traveled through Bradley by the end of October, and the airport was on…
Read MoreOutlook 2021: The story of MGM Springfield ‘remains early in writing’ (Guest viewpoint)
MGM Springfield stands hand in hand with the Springfield community, our local partners, team members, and guests during this time of unprecedented challenges. As we turn the page, we approach the future with optimism. The Foundation is Strong: Often the way forward begins with a look back. Prior to the pandemic, MGM Springfield was actively…
Read MoreHeartbeat of Chicopee business community stays strong (Guest viewpoint)
During a somewhat somber Zoom meeting the last week of the year, called to discuss relief grants for small businesses in Chicopee, a high-pitched, Cindy-Lou-Hoo voice shouted from outside the frame, “I love you, and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!” My colleague’s daughter was bidding farewell to her classmates, having just wrapped up…
Read MoreWest of the River Chamber of Commerce adapts to new forms of networking (Guest viewpoint)
What a year! As the wild and turbulent 2020 has drawn to a close, we look back on how COVID-19 sent the global economy into the worst slump in a century and focus on what to expect beyond lockdowns, the virus and the vaccine in 2021. A new year, a new way of life. 2020…
Read MoreSpringfield Regional Chamber connects, gives voice to business (Guest viewpoint)
Early last March, business leaders convened for the Springfield Regional Chamber’s 2020 Outlook luncheon, what would become the chamber’s final in-person event before the COVID-19 pandemic. As I listened to excellent speeches from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and state Rep. Joseph Wagner, assistant majority leader, I envisioned a much different future…
Read More‘No business should feel alone in 2021’: East of the River chamber sees glimmers of hope (Guest viewpoint)
As the executive director of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), I’m always grateful to contribute to The Republican’s Outlook. However, let’s face facts: This 2021 article was a challenge. It’s more likely than not that mine is among a chorus articulating the impediments of 2020. The word “outlook” itself…
Read MoreOutlook 2021: ‘Cautious optimism’ abounds for region’s tourism venues (Guest viewpoint)
What a difference a year makes. In December 2019, the Western Massachusetts tourism industry appeared to be in its strongest position in decades. And, it was. We were enjoying a continued strong economy, stable gasoline prices and our solid inventory of one-of-a-kind attractions had been enhanced by key new investments. Fueled by newly planned and…
Read MoreBarnes Regional Airport growth, commercial developments help propel Westfield forward in 2021 (Guest viewpoint)
Small and large businesses, municipalities and residents of the Pioneer Valley have all felt the effects of our current economic situation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we find the value and benefits of our local chamber of commerce. As we find ourselves in challenging times the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce…
Read MoreGov. Charlie Baker signs transportation bond act; bill includes money for east-west rail project, Bridge of Flowers and more
Joined by the town administrator from rural Buckland, Gov. Charlie Baker hosted a virtual ceremonial signing Wednesday for the $16 billion transportation bond act passed last month just as the legislative session was ending. The bond act authorizes as much as $50 million for east-west rail. The money could be used to begin design and…
Read MoreColumbia Manufacturing of Westfield adds PPE to its portfolio for COVID response
Columbia Manufacturing Inc. began as the country’s first bicycle maker in 1877 and switched gears to school furniture in the 1950s, a line that became the company’s mainstay. In 1993, so it could focus solely on school furniture, Columbia authorized another company to make bicycles. “The company has a tradition of reinventing itself,” says Ali…
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