Greentown Labs’ FORGE initiative links present to future for WMass manufacturing
FORGE is bringing together the best of new and old Western Massachusetts. Serving the area’s startups by pairing them with manufacturers, the nonprofit organization is keeping the manufacturing industry for which the Pioneer Valley has long been heralded in the spotlight yet another generation. Read the source article at masslive.com
Cybercrime is major business threat: Delcie Bean Outlook 2020 Viewpoint
Imagine you are the CEO of a successful and thriving company. You wake up and think to yourself, “Today is going to be a good day.” You walk through the front doors with your head held high, say hello to your employees and co-workers as you work your way toward your office. But as you…
Hospitality is Massachusetts’ 3rd largest industry: Outlook 2020 Viewpoint Mary Kay Wydra
As I considered the topic of “Jobs and Education in the 21st Century” and its relevance to tourism, my thoughts quickly turned to the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. Today, this group is a veritable who’s who of business leaders in Western Massachusetts, yet, interestingly, many of them began their careers…
River Valley Co-op seeks building permits for Easthampton store; demolition of former Fedor dealership to begin soon
With a property purchase complete, River Valley Co-op is now seeking a building permit for its new store on Route 10 and plans to start demolition of the former Oldsmobile dealership at the site later this month. The $18 million, 23,000 square foot store will open in the spring of 2021 after about a year’s…
Westfield ‘knows what to do’ to improve city: Outlook 2020 Viewpoint Mayor Don Humason
The outlook for Westfield is bright. The state of our city is strong. From where I stand, that’s a good thing. I hope things are good because I love Westfield, and I am her new mayor. I’ve been on the job for five weeks. Prior to becoming Westfield’s mayor I served for six years as…
Baystate Health looks to break down barriers with language program for employees
As the United States continues to become more diverse, so does the country’s workforce. In order to provide equal opportunity for all employees to achieve their professional aspirations, many industries, including health care, are focused on creating welcoming environments along with plenty of opportunities for advancement. Read the source article at masslive.com
East-west rail sees public support despite pricetag in the billions
SPRINGFIELD — A mostly supportive general public got its chance Wednesday to speak out on the prospect of expanding passenger rail service west from Boston through Worcester and Springfield to Pittsfield. “I think it’s an important project,” said Marcus Phelps, a member of the Southwick Planning Board with a deep background in urban planning and…
Jim Murren steps down as head of MGM Resorts International, parent company of MGM Springfield
MGM Resorts International, parent company of MGM Springfield, announced Wednesday that CEO Jim Murren will step down prior to the expiration of his contract. Murren will continue to serve in his current leadership roles until a successor is appointed, the company said. Read the source article at masslive.com
Alchemy Group looking for the next best (ad)venture in entrepreneurship in Western Massachusetts
The Alchemy Group is taking a nontraditional approach to venture capital. With an eye on spotting early stage startups in the Pioneer Valley with massive scale potential, the venture capital firm takes a partnership approach by working with founders to upgrade their business model, add differentiating technology to their enterprises, provide seed funding and assign…
Sullivan Paper Co. wraps things up in style: ‘If it’s not wrapped, it’s got a present.’
Sullivan Paper Co. Inc. could be wrapped into this description: It is a third-generation, family-owned business that produces specialty papers and foils, and in addition to its world famous gift wrap, the company also produces papers for the back of game boards, box coverings and functional papers. As one customer says, the company “makes the…
Springfield Museums immerse visitors in learning: Outlook 2020 Viewpoint
The Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle embrace our critical role as a vital center of informal education that reinforces classroom instruction and workforce development. The Quadrangle is a unique, interdisciplinary complex that blends science, art, history, literacy and Dr. Seuss, to inspire children and adults to explore and learn together. Read the source article at…
Six Flags New England in Agawam starts 20th season with annual hiring fair – masslive.com
Six Flags New England plans to hire more than 3,000 seasonal employees for the upcoming 2020 season with hiring events this weekend. This season, which begins April 11, marks the park’s 20th as a Six Flags, having changed its name from Riverside Park in 2000. Read the source article at masslive.com