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The Economic Pathways MA Coalition and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta will launch the Economic Pathways Income Cliff Calculator (EPICC) dashboard, the realization of a statewide partnership formed to help workers advance their careers while transitioning from public benefits. EPICC will launch at the monthly Economic Pathways MA Coalition meeting on October 19 at…

A leadership program is getting money from the state to help cultivate more leaders in western Massachusetts. Leadership Pioneer Valley received $50,000 from the state. The organization’s mission is to develop and connect leaders to strengthen the pioneer valley. According to the organization’s executive director, the funds will go towards scholarships to make sure they…

While North Adams tries to return to familiar norms, many are prepared to adjust if new pandemic concerns arise.  That’s the perspective of Mayor Thomas Bernard, anyway, who said his community has slowly and cautiously taken steps to bring back the positive routines of daily life.  “The moment that stands out for me is our…

Make no mistake, we live in an increasingly interconnected world, and the technology that makes that possible is always under threat from those who would mine, expose, and exploit data — often in life-altering ways. So while it’s no surprise that the cybersecurity field is rife with job opportunity, exactly how much opportunity (a half-million…

As we absorb the news that Smith & Wesson will be packing its bags — some of them, anyway — and leaving Springfield for Blount County, Tennessee, a self-proclaimed ‘Second Amendment sanctuary,’ we are left with a number of questions. Ironically, most of them don’t involve whether more could have been done, and should have…

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively, wide-ranging discussion with John Garvey, president of Garvey Communication Associates. The two talk about Facebook’s long, difficult week, the testimony of a whistleblower, comparisons of social media to Big Tobacco, and cries that something should be done to control this industry. It’s a compelling discussion and must listening, so…

The Indian Orchard neighborhood celebrated their return to pre-pandemic times with their day-long, fifth annual food truck festival. People gathered across from Myrtle Street Park in the heart of the neighborhood, attracting dozens of Indian Orchard residents. The food was as popular as always, and after last year’s festival cancellation, neighbors were happy to gather…

The 27th annual Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton is back after a two-year hiatus. Event organizers said they will go a step above the requirements from the City of Northampton, asking for proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test. However, many of the artists are glad to be back. “I’ve actually had…

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield will hold its grand opening ceremony for the organization’s $3.5 million, 15,000-square-foot building expansion on October 13. “We are so pleased to have provided funding for this terrific Boys and Girls Club project through the Early Education and Out of School Time Capital Fund,” said Early Education…