There’s a Developing Story in Palmer
Three years ago, when Ryan McNutt took the job as Palmer’s town manager, he observed that, when people entered town from Mass Pike exit 8 (now exit 63), they encountered a Big Y World Class Market, a McDonald’s, a couple of other businesses, and lots of empty parcels all around them on Thorndike Street. “You…
Now Part of the Edc, Vvm Continues to Evolve and Grow
Valley Venture Mentors has long had a singular but multi-faceted mission — to promote entrepreneurship in the region and provide various forms of assistance to help business owners take their venture to the next stage. Through a new and broader affiliation with the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, the agency has an opportunity to become,…
Bay Path University Announces New Graduate Certificate in Digital Transformation
At Bay Path University, we have been engaged in the transformation of our enrollment marketing and management systems throughout the pandemic. We have also accelerated the development of wraparound support systems for our students that allow them to focus on their studies and minimize the time spent on registering for or changing courses, paying their…
The Baker-Polito Administration, including MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards and the Commonwealth Corporation, is hosting a workforce Series
The Baker-Polito Administration, including MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards and the Commonwealth Corporation, is hosting a series of 10 regional employer roadshows from late April to May, with the goal of connecting employers to new and existing workforce supports from the Commonwealth. You can register for the below sessions today: MetroWest | Monday, April 25, 4:30…
Big Y projected to open in downtown Springfield
Springfield Mayor Sarno said Big Y Express is coming downtown. Big Y has announced plans to build a new idea, Big Y Express Fresh Market. This new plan will be at 1500 Main Street. According to Mayor Sarno, it will replace the old CVS at Tower Square. Currently, there are not any major grocery store…
Leadership Pioneer Valley Now Accepting Applications for LEAP Class of 2023
Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) is now accepting applications for enrollment in the LEAP class of 2023, a regional leadership-development program. This year’s class is expected to have a fully in-person experience. Applicants are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The LEAP program engages the Pioneer Valley’s most promising emerging leaders through learning, exploration, and connecting.…
BusinessTalk with Darby O’Brien, founder and principal of Darby O’Brien Advertising
BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien engages in provocative discussion with Darby O’Brien (no relation), founder and principal of Darby O’Brien Advertising. Speaking from 42 years of experience, Darby believes businesses have become too cautious in their marketing and advertising and far less willing to take on anything approaching risk — to their detriment. The give and take…
Big Y donates 1.2 million meals to food banks
Big Y announced Wednesday their annual Sack Hunger campaign raised enough money to donate 1.2 million meals to food banks in Massachusetts and Connecticut, including the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The grocery store’s Sack Hunger program allowed customers to donate $5 at their 71 supermarkets or Table & Vine locations, which can bring 10…
MassDevelopment Issues $9.5 Million Bond for Food Bank Construction Project
MassDevelopment has issued a $9.5 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Inc., which will use proceeds to build and equip a 63,000-square-foot building at 25 Carew St. within the Chicopee River Business Park in Chicopee that will serve as the Food Bank’s new headquarters beginning in the summer of…
Springfield City Councilors call to make PVTA bus lines free
Springfield City Councilors are calling to make PVTA bus lines free for the next two years. The councilors plan to use the American Rescue Plan Act Funds and create a two-year pilot program. The program would make lines B7, G2, and B6 free. “We’ve always thought the ARPA money ought to go to the communities…
UMass gets $330,000 to expand free early college program
The University of Massachusetts has received a $330,000 grant to launch a pilot program that will eventually give thousands of high school students the chance to save money on their college education by providing a free one-year head start on earning a degree, officials said Wednesday. The grant from the Richard and Susan Smith Family…
United Way of Pioneer Valley Salutes Hometown Hero to Celebrate Centennial
United Way of Pioneer Valley will host a luncheon in honor of its 100th-anniversary year, alongside special guest Chirlane McCray, the former first lady of New York City and native of Springfield. Today’s unprecedented challenges have low- to moderate-income households struggling with an economic downturn due to inflation and other consequences of the prolonged pandemic.…