Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council

Featured News
1. The Pioneer Valley Labor Market Blueprint
  
  Explore From the EDC Nov 30 2018 Workforce
  
  As you know, the Workforce Skills Cabinet (WSC) is requiring a Mid-Point Report be submitted to the WSC by December 15, 2018. We have been given a template to follow and are aggressively assembling the required collateral to form our narrative. We are excited about sharing with the WSC the progress that has been made since we began the Implementation phase in the late spring, 2018. As with the Blueprint, we expect the Secretary’s and/or their staff and others will review the Mid-Point Report and share their thoughts with us. We continue to believe that as we begin ...
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
2. UMass water technology lab could spur new developments
  
  Explore masslive.com Oct 15 2018 Education
  
  Thirty companies are in the pipeline, waiting to use a $3.9 million water technology demonstration center that could be built at the University of Massachusetts in as soon as two years. About 250 people attended the "Innovations and Opportunities in Water Technologies" conference Monday at the Amherst campus. Now the job is to get the money, already called for in a 2014 state bonding bill, and include it in a state spending budget, said Richard K. Sullivan Jr., president and CEO of the Economic Development of Western Massachusetts.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: University of Massachusetts Amherst Clean Energy Center
3. MassHire: Employment boards, job centers take on new name, statewide brand
  
  Explore masslive.com Sep 7 2018 Workforce
  
  What used to be the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County is now the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. The former CareerPoint in Holyoke is now the MassHire Holyoke Career Center, and the former FutureWorks is now the MassHire Springfield Career Center. It is all part of a statewide rebranding of Massachusetts' 29 career centers and 16 workforce boards, which used to go by 45 different names. They're now part of the unified MassHire brand, with a consistent logo and themed website addresses and social media handles. It's statewide, so the Franklin Hampshire Regional Employment Board is now ...
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Domenic J. Sarno Springfield Holyoke
4. Pre-opening VIP party underway as MGM Springfield poised to launch $960 million casino resort
  
  Explore masslive.com Aug 23 2018 Tourism
  
  Glitzy slot machines, expectations and the chatter of thousands of suited and gowned guests filled the gaming floor Thursday as the "MGM Springfield VIP preview party" got underway. Local officials like Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, the face of the seven-year pitch behind the project, and representatives of international giant MGM attended the celebration before the Friday opening of a $960 million casino resort. The development of 2 million square feet in the South End of the City of Homes is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. Friday.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Domenic J. Sarno Springfield The Republican
5. See all articles
From the EDC
1. MASSACHUSETTS - PHASE III, STEP ONE TO INITIATE ON MONDAY, JULY 6TH
  
  Explore From the EDC Jul 6 2020 by Mike Kennealy
  
  The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that on July 6^th, Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin and updates on gatherings will be in effect. For the City of Boston, Phase III and the gatherings order will take effect on Monday, July 13^th. The Department of Public Health (DPH) also issued updated guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
2. Massachusetts link to resources
  
  Explore From the EDC Jun 30 2020 by Mike Kennealy
  
  Please find the link to MGCC’s small business survey mentioned on Friday. This statewide survey will be used to help MGCC formulate programs that meet the needs of the small business community as we proceed from reopening into economic recovery. Please encourage businesses in your circles to respond to this survey to inform that effort. Click here for survey.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
3. East West Passenger Rail Study
  
  Explore From the EDC Jun 29 2020 Transportation by Astrid Glynn
  
  Thank you for sharing your thoughtful comments and preferences on which three alternatives should be carried into the final analysis phase of the East-West Passenger Rail Study.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Palmer Springfield CSX
4. Bay Path University launches Risk Management cybersecurity degree and offers scholarship program for women pursuing cybersecurity degrees
  
  Explore From the EDC Jun 25 2020 Education by Melissa Weinberger
  
  Bay Path University is expanding its focus in the rapidly growing area of cybersecurity—and helping to bring more women into it—with the introduction of an undergraduate major in risk management. In addition, the University will offer scholarships to women looking to obtain degrees in cybersecurity. Made possible by Strada Education Network, these generous scholarships will help offset the cost of fall 2020 enrollment in cybersecurity programs.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
5. See all From the EDC articles
Western Massachusetts Business News
1. Cultural organizations in Greater Springfield, Berkshires receive $135K in federal grants
  
  Explore masslive.com Jul 10 2020
  
  National Endowment of the Humanities grants totaling $135,000 for 26 organizations in Greater Springfield and the Berkshires were announced on Friday. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, who represents 87 cities and towns that make up the First Congressional District, announced the grants with Mass Humanities Executive Director Brian Boyles. Fourteen grants were earmarked to cultural organizations in Berkshire County and totaled $72,500.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Springfield Congressman Richard E. Neal
2. US Rep. Richard Neal announces $400K coronavirus response grant for Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
  
  Explore masslive.com Jul 9 2020
  
  The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has received $400,000 from federal coronavirus response legislation passed earlier this year that could help it lay groundwork for even more federal funding in the future.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Springfield Congressman Richard E. Neal
3. MGM Emphasizes Safety as It Reopens After COVID-forced Shutdown
  
  Explore BusinessWest Jul 9 2020
  
  Those visiting MGM Springfield after it reopens following a nearly four-month-long shutdown forced by COVID-19 will certainly recognize the place. But much will be different at One MGM Way, to put it mildly, when it opens to its M life members this week and the general public on July 13. Plexiglass dividers are now in place between some slot machines. Many of the table games — roulette and craps, for example — will not be open for play. There are seats only at the slot machines that are in use. Those that are not bear a simple round, black sign that reads ...
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Springfield
4. People in Business: Baystate Health appoints Marion A. McGowan, Bsn, Mpm, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
  
  Explore masslive.com Jul 8 2020 Health Care
  
  Baystate Health announces the appointment of Marion A. McGowan, BSN, MPM, PhD as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. She is President and CEO of Health New England, and SVP for Payer Innovation at Baystate Health. Marion’s successes during her professional healthcare career, from her start as a staff nurse to her continually expanding, impactful and engaging leadership roles overseeing strategy development, operations, service models, value based payments and population health, position her ideally for this new role. Prior to joining Baystate Health, Marion served as Chief Clinical Administrative Officer & Senior Vice President of Population Health at UPMC ...
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Baystate Health Springfield Health New England
5. ‘This is where we had to be’: Springfield’s Basketball Hall of Fame reopens following $23M renovation, coronavirus shutdown
  
  Explore masslive.com Jul 8 2020 Tourism
  
  In a modernization push, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this year updated its exhibits with interactive touchscreen-activated kiosks as part of a $23 million top-to-bottom renovation. But that was before the coronavirus pandemic made touching shared surfaces and going around without a mask troublesome.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Mary Kay Wydra
6. UMass Amherst Researchers’ Receive $317,732 NSF Grant for Project on Wind Energy Technology
  
  Explore University of Massachusetts Amherst Jul 8 2020
  
  A project two University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers in civil and environmental engineering are spearheading has received a $317,732 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) program in collaboration with Texas A&M, UC Davis and UMass Dartmouth. The project involves research that Sanjay Arwade and Don DeGroot have been performing to develop models for loading placed on multiline ring anchors subjected to wind, waves and other forces as part of an offshore wind development. A Multiline Ring Anchor (MRA) is a ring-shaped anchor designed to be deeply embedded in offshore ...
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: University of Massachusetts Amherst
7. Antonio Dos Santos Named Board Chairman of Westmass Area Development Corp.
  
  Explore BusinessWest Jul 8 2020
  
  The Westmass Area Development Corp. board of directors has elected Antonio Dos Santos its new chairman, replacing Carol Campbell as her term expires. Dos Santos joined the board in 2011 and has served in numerous roles, most recently as vice chair. He is a partner at the Springfield-based law firm Crear, Chadwell, Dos Santos & Devlin, P.C., specializing in business, commercial real estate, and commercial lending.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Springfield Westmass Area Development Corp.
8. Northampton Jazz Festival Postpones 2020 Season
  
  Explore BusinessWest Jul 8 2020 Tourism
  
  Due to the current regulations regarding community health and limitations on public gatherings brought on by COVID-19, the Northampton Jazz Festival has made the decision to postpone its 2020 festival scheduled for the first weekend in October. The Northampton Jazz Festival is a celebration of jazz music held yearly in downtown Northampton, collaborating with local businesses and performers to provide the community with musical performances. From jazz strolls to intimate venues with Grammy Award-winning performers, this weekend has become a staple of the community. Next year’s event will be held on Oct. 1-2, 2021.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Northampton
9. Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival will be broadcast, online event this summer because of pandemic - masslive.com
  
  Explore masslive.com Jul 8 2020 Tourism
  
  The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival regularly fills Court Square with thousands of revelers, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizers this summer to turn to community television and the web as a venue. A day of music performances will be shown on Focus Community TV and streamed on springfieldjazzfest.com on Aug. 15. Organizers Blues to Green will broadcast highlight performances from the past six years from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with Springfield community leaders serving as hosts.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Springfield
10. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield to reopen Wednesday following $23M renovation - masslive.com
  
  Explore masslive.com Jul 8 2020 Tourism
  
  The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will reopen Wednesday following a six-month closure due to renovations and the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re very excited to reveal our museum renovations to the basketball community and understand these are unprecedented times for public health. Above all, the health and safety of our guests and employees are of the utmost importance,” said John Doleva, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame.
  Read Full Article
  
  Comment
  
  Mentions: Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame
Picture Gallery

MASSACHUSETTS - PHASE III, STEP ONE TO INITIATE ON MONDAY, JULY 6TH From the EDC

Massachusetts link to resources From the EDC

East West Passenger Rail Study From the EDC

Bay Path University launches Risk Management cybersecurity degree and offers scholarship program for women pursuing cybersecurity degrees From the EDC

The Pioneer Valley Labor Market Blueprint From the EDC

UMass water technology lab could spur new developments masslive.com

MassHire: Employment boards, job centers take on new name, statewide brand masslive.com

Pre-opening VIP party underway as MGM Springfield poised to launch $960 million casino resort masslive.com

Cultural organizations in Greater Springfield, Berkshires receive $135K in federal grants masslive.com

US Rep. Richard Neal announces $400K coronavirus response grant for Pioneer Valley Planning Commission masslive.com

MGM Emphasizes Safety as It Reopens After COVID-forced Shutdown BusinessWest

People in Business: Baystate Health appoints Marion A. McGowan, Bsn, Mpm, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer masslive.com
Western Massachusetts- It's Your Move