State Launches $4.6 Million Rapid Re-employment Grant Program
The Baker-Polito administration announced the launch of the $4.6 million rapid re-employment grant program, with the first round of grant funding totaling $360,000 being awarded to six employer partner programs that will train 105 participants. The grants will support training residents who have experienced an employment interruption due to COVID-19 and help place them in…
Fresh Paint Springfield Weekend Events Include Block Party, Mural Ribbon Cuttings, Bus Tours
The Fresh Paint Springfield mural festival has been transforming 10 large exterior walls into art in Mason Square and downtown throughout the week, culminating in weekend events to celebrate the new art in the city. A block party will be held on Saturday, June 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. outside Mason Square Library, 765…
Local Farmer Awards Program Funds 81 New Infrastructure Projects
The Local Farmer Awards program, funded since 2015 by community philanthropic leaders and businesses, recently distributed checks of up to $2,500 to 81 farmers in Western Mass. and Eastern New York. The funds, totaling $180,000, support infrastructure improvements and equipment. “Our local farmers continue to be an intrinsic and crucial part of our communities. We…
Businesses Adjusting to a New Normal – BusinessWest
The governor calls the last phase of his reopening plan the ‘new normal.’ It’s a phrase people are already tired of, even if they use it themselves. Life in the new normal isn’t like it was during the pandemic, and it isn’t like it was in 2019, either. As the stories below reveal, it’s a…
Price Hikes, Supply Shortages Challenge Construction Industry – BusinessWest
Few industries have been immune to the supply shortages and rising costs that have plagued the world economy over the past few months, but construction is especially vulnerable, relying heavily on materials — most notably lumber and steel, but dozens more as well — riddled by soaring prices. The good news is that demand for…
Westfield State University endowed scholarship created for faculty and staff excellence | Westfield State University
Westfield State University has received a gift from outgoing Interim President Roy H. Saigo, Ph.D., and wife Barbara Saigo, Ph.D., to endow a scholarship to assist employees in their professional development. “During our time at Westfield State we have witnessed the hundreds of faculty and staff dedicated to student success,” said Saigo. “In recognition of…
The Student Prince & the Fort to Celebrate Andy Yee on June 11
Anyone who knew Andy Yee knew how much he loved his family and friends, the restaurant business, good food, entertainment, and his community. And while many are mourning the loss of the legendary restaurateur, the Student Prince & the Fort will celebrate his life with a 60th birthday bash on Friday, June 11, featuring some…
Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations for Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations at its 11 branches throughout the region to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which leads the fight against food insecurity throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Donations will be accepted through Saturday, July 31. “Food insecurity is more prevalent than you might expect,” Freedom Credit…
Tickets Now on Sale for 15th Annual 40 Under Forty Gala
BusinessWest’s 15th annual 40 Under Forty gala will take place at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on Thursday, Sept. 23. Tickets cost $80 per person. This is expected to be a sellout event, and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, or…
Paragus IT Launches Division to Support New Service Offering: Automation
Paragus IT has always defined its core services as the ‘three pillars of IT’: on-demand support, security and compliance, and strategic planning. It announced it has launched a new division to support a fourth pillar: automation. Read the source article at BusinessWest
Bay Path University Names Shannon McCarty Vice President for Academic Affairs
Bay Path University announced that Shannon McCarty will join the university as vice president for Academic Affairs, effective July 12. Her appointment comes after a comprehensive nationwide search led by the firm Academic Search and supported by a 12-member faculty and staff cross-functional search committee. Read the source article at BusinessWest
Hazen Paper Continues to Shine in World of Holographic Printing
Hazen Paper, a third-generation family business that’s approaching a century in operation in the Holyoke mill district, has never stood still, expanding its operation over the years into facets like foil laminating, specialty coating, and rotary embossing. But its emergence over the past 15 years as an internationally celebrated producer of holographic printed products may…