EDC WELCOMES NEW BOARD CHAIR – TRICIA CANAVAN

The Economic Development Council of Western Mass (EDC) recently held its 2021 Annual Meeting at the Student Prince/Fort Restaurant in downtown Springfield.  The in person meeting was a statement by the region’s business community that Western Mass is open for business.  The highlight of the meeting was a heartfelt goodbye to outgoing Chair, Kevin Vann, Chair and Founder of the Vann Group and a welcome to the new EDC Chair Tricia Canavan, President of United Personnel.

After a unanimous vote of the membership Tricia Canavan accepted the gavel from Kevin and began her two year term as Chair.  With new excitement and energy Tricia spoke of the great opportunities that lie before us, building on the foundational work to finalize and operationalize the EDC’s new strategic plan.  She highlighted the pillars of the plan, the Anchor Institution Initiative, the Working Cities and Workforce Development work, the DEI commitment of the EDC and the continued emphasis on supporting members through advocacy, education and connections to opportunities.  In closing she emphasized that she “is struck by the time is now sentiment that that she believes exists in Western Mass and looks forward to working with the EDC team and all EDC members to seize the moment”.

The following officers were elected to two year terms:

Tricia Canavan, (President United Personnel), Chair

Christina Royal, (President Holyoke Community College), First Vice Chair

Lisa McCarthy, (President Yankee Candle Home Fragrance Division), Second Vice Chair

Steven Lowell, (Chair Monson Savings Bank), Treasurer

Katie Allan Zobel (President Community Foundation), Clerk