BusinessTalk with Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and COO
Many people vividly remember their excitement when MGM Springfield opened its doors five years ago — as well as the early returns, which didn’t meet the lofty expectations casino proponents had laid out, followed by the pandemic shutdown and, later, a halting return to activity. What people might not realize is that the casino’s last…
Big E unveils new foods for 2023 fair
We have a bit of local history for you. The ‘E’ in The Big E stands for entertainment, education, and excitement. It could also stand for eats too because that’s what a lot of fairgoers get the chance to do. Even in its 107th year, The Big E is still introducing new food to guests.…
New MBTA train delivery dates remain work in progress
The Chinese firm responsible for building new MBTA Orange and Red Line trains is still crafting an updated schedule for the project after multiple delays, and T officials appear pleased with how well the vehicles have been performing lately. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng told the agency’s board that CRRC has “strengthened” its quality assurance…
American International College Introduces Division of Arts, Media, and Design
American International College (AIC) has made a significant advance toward meeting the evolving demands of the workforce with the introduction of a new Division of Arts, Media, and Design within the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. This division encompasses redesigned undergraduate programming in the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science curricula, launching with…
City of Homes Puts a Heavy Focus on Housing
As he reflected on 16 years in office and his intention to serve another four, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said that, while much has been accomplished during his tenure in the corner office — the longest in the city’s history — “there is still considerable work to be done.” And that assessment covers many different…
MGM marks fifth anniversary in Springfield’s south end
Five years ago Thursday, MGM took a gamble on Springfield and opened a multimillion dollar casino and resort in the south end. On Friday, August 24, 2018, Western Mass News was there as thousands of people gathered in a once-blighted and tornado damaged area of Springfield’s south end for a chance to see what three-plus…
Student hails new free community college program as “life-changing”
Fighting back tears, incoming MassBay Community College interior design student Danita Mends recounted on campus Thursday how she had to drop out of college and enter the workforce in the early 2000s due to financial setbacks. In corporate America, Mends found she was “hitting ceilings” and “being overlooked constantly” for opportunities. Mends made the decision…
Sr. Mary Caritas Marks a Century of Being a Leader and an Inspiration
Sr. Mary Caritas, SP turned 100 on Aug. 22. It was a day to be celebrated in almost every respect, with one sad note, if it can be called that. She decided that would be the day she turned in her driver’s license (it expired then, actually), saying goodbye to at least the driver’s seat…
HCC Announces Free Line-cook Training Courses for Fall
Holyoke Community College (HCC) will run three sessions of its free line-cook training program this fall at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. The first of two daytime sessions begins Monday, Sept. 18, and runs five days a week through Oct. 20 (Monday, 9 a.m. to noon; Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).…
Springfield WORKS uses grant to facilitate socioeconomic changes in the city
A Springfield business helping employers and residents navigate this new economic landscape has received a community empowerment and re-investment grant. Springfield WORKS received their second community empowerment grant in January of 2023. The group partners with local agencies to remove systemic and racial barriers and creates pathways to economic opportunity. This grant will allow them…
United Way distributes ‘Stuff the Bus’ donations to area school districts
Deliveries of school supplies donated to the United Way’s ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign went out to school districts in the area on Tuesday, thanks in part to Western Mass News viewers who participated. The school bell is about to ring. Summer’s over and classes are about to begin and to kick off the new academic…
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Announces Sale of Hatfield Facility
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the successful sale of its Hatfield building and property to Myers Produce, a woman-owned regional produce distributor and trucking company offering farmer-focused distribution, freight, and warehousing services. The strategic decision to sell the building marks a significant milestone for both businesses. The Food Bank will move to its…