Sublime Systems Advances Manufacturing Tradition in Holyoke
It’s called the Justice40 Initiative, also known as Section 223 of Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.” It was issued by President Biden his first week in office back in 2021, and it directs 40% (hence the name) of the overall benefits of certain federal investments — including those in…
D1 Hockey Regional Comes with Risks, High Expectations for the Region
Jeff Smith acknowledged that, at this time of year, he’s certainly plugged into the NCAA Division 1 hockey rankings, standings, and something called … bracketology, a science of sorts whereby an analyst, starting several weeks in advance, projects which teams will wind up in the season-ending tournament and where they will play. Most of his…
Holyoke Wants to Move ‘Way Beyond Potential’
As he talked about Holyoke and its many marketable assets, Mayor Joshua Garcia listed everything from its location — on I-91 and right off a turnpike exit — to its still-large inventory of old mill space and a few available building lots, to its “green, clean, and comparatively cheap” hydroelectric energy. And all of these…
Agric Organics offers mobile grocery store to help with food access
After announcing a store opening in early 2024 at 10 Chestnut St. at Sky View Tower in Springfield, Agric Organics will also be taking their products and more on the road with the introduction of the 99 Farm Mobile Store. The year-round, full-service mobile grocery store will offer fresh fruits, veggies, bread, milk, eggs, rice…
BusinessTalk with HBRAWM Executive Director Andrew Crane
For seven decades, the Home & Garden Show presented by the Home Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts (HBRAWM) has been a much-anticipated annual event, where people come to check out what’s new in home improvement, maybe book a project or two, and have fun with friends and family. On the next episode of…
InFocus: Regional employment outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the country’s economy is expected to add nearly five million jobs from now through 2032, especially in the health care and social assistance industries. Does that reflect what’s happening in western Massachusetts? This week on 22News InFocus we’re going look into the current situation of our state’s…
Bay Path University to Acquire Cambridge College
The boards of Bay Path University and Cambridge College announced today that Bay Path has entered into a formal agreement to acquire Cambridge College. This move reflects a strategic focus by both institutions on planning for future success providing career-focused education models to a diverse student population. “The determination and spirit that have guided Bay…
Florence Bank Supports West Springfield’s 250th Celebration
Florence Bank has donated $4,000 to the city of West Springfield to help support four events the city has planned in 2024 as part of a year packed with 250th-anniversary festivities. Florence Bank’s backing of the West Springfield 250th celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July, and November; a block…
Bradley gets $5 million in federal funds to help build 80,000 square foot baggage inspection system
Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks is getting $5.4 million of federal funding that will go towards a major construction project. The Connecticut Airport Authority said on Thursday that the funding will be used for the ongoing construction of an 80,000 square foot checked baggage inspection system that’s currently under construction behind the Sheraton Hotel.…
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll to Keynote Springfield Regional Chamber’s Outlook 2024
Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will keynote the Springfield Regional Chamber’s premier legislative and economic forecasting event of the year on Friday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taking place at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Outlook brings together business leaders and local, state, and federal policymakers to discuss this year’s economic outlook.…
2024 Economic Outlook – There’s Uncertainty, but Also General Optimism About the Year Ahead
Brooke Thomson says the Business Confidence Index issued each month by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), does a fairly effective job of conveying what business owners are thinking. When the index is consistently below 50, it indicates general pessimism about the economy in general. Conversly, when it’s above 50 and trending north of that mark,…
Advocates urge continuation of program making internet access more affordable
Tens of thousands of western Massachusetts families face losing internet access as a federal program is set to end. Advocates for digital equity gathered in Springfield on Wednesday to call for the continuation of the program. “It’s going to be the difference between ‘Do I pay rent, do I pay for food, or do I…