Tech Foundry, HCC to Celebrate Grand Opening of Tech Hub on Oct. 25
Tech Foundry, a regional leader in IT workforce development and training, in partnership with Holyoke Community College (HCC), will celebrate the grand opening of Tech Foundry’s new Tech Hub on Wednesday, Oct. 25, beginning at 10 a.m. on the first floor of HCC’s Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center, located at 206 Maple St., Holyoke.…
Condition of Education in the Commonwealth
Please join us in Holyoke for a conversation on the state of education in Western Massachusetts. This event will put a local focus on findings of the Rennie Center’s Condition of Education in the Commonwealth report and bring together members of the business and education communities to discuss the need to rethink education, particularly where…
Equity in the 413 Aims to Engage Companies in Dialogue, Progress
Brianna Wales-Thaxton doesn’t see diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in a vacuum. In fact, she likes to take a long view. “We’re able to be a part of this work because of centuries of advocacy and justice seeking,” specifically from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) community, she told BusinessWest. “All of…
GCC Grant Aims to Drive Equitable Clean-energy Workforce Development
Greenfield Community College (GCC) will develop a new HVAC training program that’s focused on improving equity in the green workforce thanks to a grant from the Healey-Driscoll administration. GCC’s Workforce Development division is developing the HVAC training program with funding from an $18 million grant designed to drive equitable clean-energy workforce development. The awards are…
BusinessTalk with Keith Fairey, president and CEO of Way Finders
The housing crisis gripping Western Massachusetts and most of the Bay State has deep roots and a broad impact, affecting everything from homelessness in area communities to the region’s ability to effectively compete with other states and regions for talent and jobs. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Keith Fairey, president and CEO of Way…
Chamber of Greater Easthampton to Present Professional-development Conference
“The Future of Work/Humanification in the Age of AI” will be the topic of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton’s ignite 2023 professional-development conference on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 15-16 at Abandoned Building Brewery, 142 Pleasant St., Easthampton. The two-day conference is designed to empower leaders, business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and employees with the knowledge…
These 60 businesses in greater Springfield recognized for success
The Springfield Regional Chamber announced the winners of its annual Super 60 awards program. Businesses were nominated that achieved remarkable success and made significant contributions to the region, as well as non-profit organizations that have displayed selfless dedication through exceptional programming and support. In addition to the revenue and growth categories, this year the Super…
North Adams Builds on Growing Momentum
Jennifer Macksey grew up North Adams, and she’s seen some profound changes in her 50 years — and from many perspectives. As a young girl, she remembers Thursday nights downtown, which would be bustling as the thousands of employees at nearby Sprague Electric would be out spending their paychecks in the stores, like the one…
Announcing the 2023 Women of Impact
BusinessWest has long recognized the contributions of women within the business community, and created the Women of Impact program in 2018 to further honor women who have the drive and ability to move the needle in their own business, are respected for accomplishments within their industries, give back to the community, and are sought as…
Springfield Symphony Orchestra preparing to open 80th season
It’s a big weekend in downtown Springfield as both the Thunderbirds and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra open their seasons on Saturday and the orchestra is celebrating a big milestone: its 80th season. For the 80th time, the Symphony Hall stage is being set for a season opener “It’s a remarkable achievement. There’s just not that…
Open for Business
On Sept. 27, Liberty Bank cut the ribbon to its new loan production office on the 22nd floor of One Monarch Place in downtown Springfield. During the event, the Liberty Bank Foundation granted donations totaling $20,000 to three area nonprofits: the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield (pictured below), Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts,…
ERC5 to Host Second Annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 12 to Benefit Scholarship Fund
East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) will present a German-style buffet, as well as local craft beer, at ERC5 member Vanished Valley Brewing Co., located at 782 Center St., Ludlow. This event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m., and a portion of the proceeds will…