Massachusetts’ West Region striving for technologically relevant workforce
The advanced manufacturing companies in Massachusetts’ West Region are primarily small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are part of a supply chain that is primarily engaged in producing precision mechanical parts, components and sub-assemblies utilizing high technology equipment, lean manufacturing, and world-class technology development. Read the source article at masslive.com
Renovations signal new era at Springfield’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The current Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame site is its third location in the physical sense. In real terms, it’s the fourth, a virtually brand-new version of an existing structure. “We will wrap up all our new construction in 2020,” says President and CEO John L. Doleva with pride and satisfaction. “The outside of…
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative gives working model for technical careers
If enthusiasm were an occupation, Don Jarvis would have his next career all lined up. Jarvis is the principal of the Lower Pioneer Valley Career and Technical Education Center in West Springfield, where high school students from 10 communities receive technical training with an eye on future college or work. He knows first-hand how vocational…
Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce to activate 2020 Vision to create, maintain and promote vital business climate
2019 was a year to remember for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. A year of rebuilding and deepening relationships with our members from across the Amherst area – Amherst, Hadley, Belchertown, Sunderland, Leverett, Shutesbury, and Pelham – and connecting them to our region to build our economic reach. The face-to-face time our members experienced…
AIM cautions ‘demographic cliff’ threatens Massachusetts workforce
Kristin Maier Carlson, president of Peerless Precision in Westfield, grew up around the family-owned shop from the age of 15. She learned from her father the importance of providing educational and training opportunities to prepare employees for the demanding work of high-tolerance manufacturing. Read the source article at masslive.com
Springfield Regional Chamber champions WMass business growth
As we look ahead to 2020 and to all it may bring for businesses in our region, the Springfield Regional Chamber perspective is one of continued optimism. Among the very good reasons for this view: none other than Inc. Magazine included Springfield among its recently announced “Surge Cities: the 50 Best U.S. Cities for Starting…
Way Finders’ new Springfield office helps build lives, further housing mission, rejuvenate neighborhood
Way Finders, the housing agency that used to be known as HAP Housing, is used to transforming properties into affordable housing and using homelessness prevention, landlord assistance and job-search programs to improve lives. Now, it’s hoping to improve a neighborhood. Read the source article at masslive.com
Kristin Leutz leaving Valley Venture Mentors; Chris Bignell to serve as interim CEO
Valley Venture Mentors, a Springfield-based nonprofit that provides education and support to new businesses through mentoring and accelerator programs, will soon have a new leader at the helm. Kristin Leutz announced Monday that she is stepping down as chief executive officer of the organization. Read the source article at masslive.com
Bradley International Airport eyes continued growth, construction in 2020
Bradley International Airport drew about 7 million passengers in 2019, besting its 2018 mark of 6.7 million by more than 2%. 2019 was the seventh straight year of passenger gains at Bradley, said Kevin A. Dillon, CEO of the Connecticut Airport Authority, which oversees Bradley. “We are in a very competitive environment,” Dillon said. Read…
Tobacco, candy, specialty foods and products are billion-dollar business for J. Polep Distribution Services
For more than 120 years, J. Polep Distribution Services has been distributing specialty foods, candy, tobacco products and groceries, from its start in 1898 as the Polep Tobacco Co. to its role today as one of the largest wholesalers to the convenience and grocery store industry. The Chicopee-based fifth-generation company, which began primarily as a…
Economic development in Western Massachusetts
From a future economic development point of view, one of the biggest strength of Western Massachusetts is being home to some of the best, world-class colleges and universities. A recent University of Massachusetts publication, massachusetts.edu/impact, finds each campus of the University of Massachusetts has a tangible and intangible impact on its host region, through economic…
East-west rail backers say state underestimates potential ridership, overestimates cost
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, also called for the benefits of behavioral change in the population to be considered. In Washington parlance it’s called dynamic scoring and it was used in part to justify the Trump tax cuts of 2017. In the case of east-west rail, boosters say dynamic scoring makes sense. Read the source…