Business Monday Outlook 2021

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Outlook 2021

enant applications were opened in November for the $15 million historic Overland Lofts in downtown Springfield. Work continues on the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge that connects West Springfield with Agawam. A $7.6 million runway refurbishing project was completed at Westfield’s Barnes Regional Airport.

Even amid the global coronavirus pandemic, life, work and business has carried on in our communities across Western Massachusetts. From Franklin County south to Greater Springfield, there are signs our region’s economy, while interrupted by COVID-19, endured the challenges of the pandemic and is on the upswing.

The theme for Outlook 2021, “Recovery & Reinvention: Confronting the Pandemic and Moving Forward,” rings true no matter where you live, work and play in Western Massachusetts. Everything changed in 2020 when the pandemic shut down our world last March.

Scores of employees in a wide range of businesses began working remotely; manufacturers looked to pivot their product lines to help supply personal protective equipment for the front lines of the pandemic; shuttered restaurants strove to find safe ways to make

Gina Parent takes an order from Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno at the August opening of the 413 Cafe.

Nancy Creed

and deliver food to the public; online learning took center stage for schools, colleges and universities; health care providers ratcheted up telehealth services; and the list goes on.

For this Outlook 2021 edition of Business Monday, the mayors of all cities in Hampden,

Hampshire and Franklin counties, along with the leaders of all of the region’s chambers of commerce, were invited to share their perspectives on the theme and on the strides made in 2020 and what they see ahead for 2021. Here are their submissions.

“Our journey forward will not be immediate, but step-by-step our actions will lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient Springfield.”

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

SPRINGFIELD MAYOR DOMENIC J. SARNO

Chamber connects, gives voice to business

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ARLY LAST MARCH, business leaders convened for the Springfield Regional Chamber’s 2020 Outlook luncheon, what would become the chamber’s final in-person event before the COVID-19 pandemic. As I listened to excellent speeches from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and state Rep. Joseph Wagner, assistant majority leader, I envisioned a much different future than would ultimately play out in the coming months.

When I reflect on this scene of normalcy, I am awed and humbled, not only by the stark difference between then and now, but also at the great lengths our business community has gone.

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, left, talks with Michael O’Brien, of the WinnCompanies, along with U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, center, on Oct. 21 as they tour the progress of renovations at the 31 Elm St. project in Court Square.

Businesses small and large have adapted to a new world, demonstrating resiliency, ingenuity, and compassion.

Businesses small and large have adapted to a new world, demonstrating resiliency, ingenuity, and compassion.

The chamber is proud to have served the business community during the challenges of the pandemic, and we will be there each step of the way toward recovery.

Pandemic or not, the chamber always works to connect businesses with the resources they need. Our function as a hub of information and expertise was never more important than during 2020.

When COVID hit, we initiated an ongoing campaign to proactively communicate for the region’s safe reopening and economic recovery.

Just in the first quarter of 2020, we sent more than 100 emails, distributed a Reopening Guide and held four virtual, industry-specific roundtables. We also made over 1,500 check-in calls to members, offering technical assistance, one-on-one counseling, help in securing grants or simple reminders that the chamber was there.

Striving to be the voice for the business community in the Massachusetts Legislature, we were the only area

SEE CREED, PAGE B8

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

‘Bold, interlocking actions’ needed to build back Springfield

Domenic J. Sarno

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HE YEAR 2020 WAS SURREAL AND EXHAUSTING. IT BROUGHT THE ONGOING SADNESS OVER the loss of lives, grave illnesses and quarantines. It brought shuttered businesses, layoffs and cancellations of coveted school and community events. It brought ongoing social and political unrest that continues to sweep across our nation.

Throughout 2020, the people of Springfield confronted these tremendous challenges with strength, fortitude and grace by coming together as one.

My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes out to my cabinet heads, to our rank-and-file em-

ployees and their families for their support and dedicated efforts over the past year. We have been tested and true through a number of past natural and manmade disasters. During such disasters we have always worked together to maintain core services for our

residents and businesses. We are deeply grateful for the patience, cooperation and collaboration of the city’s residents and businesses during such times.

In emergency situations such as this, public communication is

SEE SARNO, PAGE B8

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joins Oasis Food Pantry to hand out food for Thanksgiving holiday meals to the community at Central High School’s parking lot in November. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

EMPLOYMENT

Jobs outlook positive for Western Mass.

By CAROLYN ROBBINS

Special to The Republican

It has been one of the economic condundrums of the coronavirus pandemic: Unemployment rates rose to unprecedented levels, but some jobs went – and are still going – begging.

With the onset of the spread of COVID-19 triggering a state unemployment rate of 17.7% in

June – the highest since the Great Depression – the pandemic led to a state-ordered shutdown of

businesses. As a result, many companies furloughed workers, as others pivoted to find new ways of maintaining their business.

Unemployment benefits were extended and government stimulus kicked in to ease the pain for workers.

Now, even as the state has allowed companies to open up again, many Western Massachusetts emSEE JOBS, PAGE B8

“It’s been an unprecedented year. There are hundreds of job openings, but no one to place.”

Patricia Canavan, president, United Personnel Services

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BUSINESS MONDAY

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“We anticipate residents will spend more time visiting Chicopee Center as the work and progress continues to sustain, brand and reinvent our downtown.”

MAYOR JOHN L. VIEAU

The former Chicopee Public Library is next up for “reinvention,” says Mayor John L. Vieau. The building has been empty for decades. In the background, work continues on refurbishing City Hall.

In the photo at right from October, Vieau stands next to a replica of the Chicopee eagle weathervane before it was placed on top of the City Hall clock tower, now undergoing renovations. The original eagle will be on display in the City Hall auditorium once building renovations are complete. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Community trust essential for Chicopee in 2021

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HILE MANY OF us were frustrated by the numerous challenges that we faced in 2020, one thing we have learned is that Chicopee is far more resilient than we get credit for. The people of Chicopee and our sense of community have made this pandemic bearable. Knowing that our actions may have saved the lives of many of our loved ones, friends and neighbors as COVID-19 vaccinations roll out, each and every one of us should be filled with hope and gratitude with the expectations of a better new year.

Chicopee’s community has met the challenges, and we are still strong! We adapted, learned and persevered through this pandemic due to a team approach, spending freezes and responsible fiscal management. For many, COVID has brought financial hardships, educational and child care challenges, and

residents truly want – a great place to live, work, and raise a family (especially during a pandemic).

Reviewing 2020 provides us an opportunity to reflect on the key moments that have shaped how Chicopee will recover and reinvent itself moving forward. The coronavirus forced many residents John L. Vieau to stay-at and work-from home, businesses had to countless small disruptions reinvent themselves or shut to everyday life. We proudly their doors, and schools had helped 50 small businesses to quickly build interactive with loss-of-revenue grants teaching systems to keep and 24 tenants with rental education active. The result assistance over the last year, of these changes determined with plans to continue to many necessary shifts in support throughout this time governmental priorities and of uncertainty. funding efforts.

If we continue to work with Chicopee will emerge as a and trust in each other, we will smart city as these changes solve the challenges of today, bloom. Companies may no keeping in mind the kindness- longer need large workspaces es and acts of generosity that as they continue to utilize online applications to host meetwere abundant throughout the previous awful year. Let’s ings and manage workflows.

As Chicopee is ideally situated leverage that trust across with a municipal airport and the city to deliver what the

We anticipate residents will spend more time visiting Chicopee Center as the work and progress continues to sustain, brand and reinvent our downtown. With the proven success of the C-3 Policing Unit, the Center is now a safer place to appreciate. Our City Center will emerge even stronger as citizens continue patronizing local businesses and revitalization efforts continue to progress through municipal, chamber and MassDevelopment/TDI partnerships.

This Police Department substation is located at 35 Center St. Thinking creatively, we in downtown Chicopee. Mayor John L. Vieau says the substaneeded to temporarily tion has helped improve safety in and around the city’s central repurpose some municipal business district. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN) buildings. Chicopee Comprehensive High School had to shut down due to the halting sits at the crossroads of New we begin to return to a “new England, many distribution normal,” expect to see pop-up of in-person learning but centers will be looking to pur- bicycle lanes and electric-bike temporarily reopened as a chase these spaces, inevitably docking stations, increased COVID-19 testing site. As creating jobs and increasing students reenter the classinternet options with more rooms, the RiverMills Senior economic activity.

Chicopee Electric Light Center has taken the baton The stay-at-home order Crossroads Fiber installaand will host the test site next, tions, and even more online gave proof-of-concept to all while keeping focused on and interactive educational remote learning, working, SEE VIEAU, PAGE B6 opportunities. socializing and shopping. As

Heartbeat of Chicopee business community stays strong ness we experienced in 2020.

As executive director of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, a social network designed to promote business-to-business relationships and advocate for local economic developments, I spent my pre-pandemic days planning large-scale, professional events, making introductions Julie Copoulos (and a lot of firm handshakes).

The coronavirus pandemic URING A SOMEforced us to reevaluate social what somber Zoom priorities in our personal and meeting the last professional lives, dramatically altering the local (and week of the year, called to discuss relief grants global) business landscape. for small businesses in Today, I work mostly one-onChicopee, a high-pitched, one with Chicopee business Cindy-Lou-Hoo voice shout- owners and leaders, either ed from outside the frame, virtually, or masked and 6 feet “I love you, and I can’t wait apart.

We complete and submit to see you tomorrow!” My business relief grants, stratecolleague’s daughter was bidding farewell to her class- gically facilitate business remates, having just wrapped lationships, foster a healthy up a day of virtual kindergar- live-work-play environment ten, and, for a moment, we in the city of Chicopee and laughed, relieved to acknowl- promote the health and edge the universal strangeviability of industries central

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The city held a reverse parade in Szot Park on Nov. 10 to celebrate all the events that were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

to our city.

Western Massachusetts companies have faced disabling disruption due to supply chain issues this year, emphasizing the need to invest in an industry at the heart of Chicopee: domestic manufacturing. Chicopee chamber member manufacturers Universal Plastics and Callaway Golf (to name a couple) have remained in reliably steady production through the coronavirus pandemic.

Universal Plastics pivoted to manufacture COVID testing machines, face shields and more backyard playscapes than ever before. Callaway Golf met the demand for golf goods and apparel in a year where the outdoor industry was up almost 8%.

Both manufacturers were at the forefront of reorganizing floor production to accommodate worker safety; they have named employee health a top priority now more than ever.

Alongside the city and other collaborative partners, the Chicopee chamber is working to create public spaces and activities that encourage residents to get out and support Main Street retail establishments and restaurants, some struggling immensely to keep their doors open.

Expect to see beautiful, outdoor infrastructure that encourages walking, biking and commerce in Chicopee Center. The Chicopee cham-

A view of Center Street in downtown Chicopee. Julie Copoulos, executive director of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, says, “Assisting Chicopee business as they grow, pivot and change has illuminated the heart and soul of our Chicopee business community. The beat is strong!” (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

ber looks forward to hosting “Center Fresh Farmers’ Market,” which will be held every Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m., beginning in May. Former brownfield site and now remediated 181 Center St. is being transformed into a canopied gathering space with picnic tables. Food truck owners who obtain a city permit will be encouraged to park and sell food to the public.

This exciting development was made possible through a grant provided by the TDI Local Program administered

by MassDevelopment.

The state of Massachusetts has leaned heavily on chambers of commerce to channel vital information to local busi-

ness communities throughout the pandemic. Between Paycheck Protection Program updates, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. grants and more, any business owner can tell you, working to stay up to date on information and relief programs in the time of COVID has been a full-time job of its own.

Chicopee-based businesses are eligible for free grant application assistance through the Chicopee chamber.

Appointments can be made by calling 413-594-2101. It is a privilege to be of service to our business community in this capacity. Please do not hesitate to reach out for

assistance.

While it seems virtual meetings aren’t going anywhere in the immediate future, I am grateful for the personal moments of planning and relationship building 2021 has provided. Assisting Chicopee business as they grow, pivot and change has illuminated the heart and soul of our Chicopee business community.

The beat is strong!

Julie Copoulos is a former small-business owner and the executive director of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the Chicopee chamber and its work, go online to chicopeechamber. org.

The state of Massachusetts has leaned heavily on chambers of commerce to channel vital information to local business communities throughout the pandemic.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | B3

The city of Westfield and Barnes Regional Airport celebrated the completion of a six-month, $7.6 million runway reconstruction project on Aug. 26. Below, officials, Barnes personnel and members of the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The city hopes the investment in the airport will help in efforts to convince the U.S. Defense Department to bring a new generation of fighter aircraft to the 104th. At right, Barnes Regional Airport manager Christopher Willenborg speaks at the podium as state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, applauds from his seat at the ceremony.

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTOS)

Agawam Mayor William P. Sapelli “flips the switch” as the new Vanguard Renewables Organics Recycling Facility on Main Street was officially opened with a Dec. 3 ceremony attended by local and state officials. Others from left are City Councilor Mario Tedeschi, state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, R-Agawam, Councilors George Bitzas and Rosemary Sandlin and Vanguard Renewables chairman and CEO John Hanselman. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

Agawam welcomes new development, plans major projects

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T THIS TIME LAST year, I’m sure that no one could have predicted the year that lay ahead.

However, before we thankfully turn the page on 2020, we want to express our sincere appreciation to those who have worked so hard to deal with the new landscape that COVID-19 has created. All health and medical professionals must be recognized for their extraordinary efforts.

Recognition must go to school staff and administration for their tireless resolve to keep the education of our children moving forward.

Of course, our business community must be thanked for its cooperation and resolve.

As we move into 2021, there is the promise of effective vaccines and light at the end of this tunnel. Please know that everyone in the Agawam town administration is committed to explore continued opportunities for additional COVID relief. We will continue to support our businesses, schools and residents until we can all return to unrestricted time with family and friends.

Agawam is poised to welcome many new developments and infrastructure improvements in 2021. The Morgan-Sullivan Bridge project is on schedule for completion by midyear, creating opportunities for business development in that area.

Roadway and intersection improvements at Feeding Hills Center and at Pine and South Westfield streets have been completed, allowing improved and safe access to businesses and the Granger School.

The Villas at Pine Crossing will produce new housing units for the 55-and-older population. Ground will be broken next door for the town’s planned passive recreation development on the former Tuckahoe Turf Farm property which will be partially funded by the new ConEd solar array located on the northern section of the parcel.

This will be the second major solar project for Agawam in 2021, complementing the solar array to be developed on Shoemaker Lane by Engie. Vanguard Renewables, which turns waste food products into natural gas while

Barnes growth, commercial developments help propel Westfield forward in 2021 William P. Sapelli recycling leftover containers, has recently begun operations on Main Street.

HP Hood, a large contributor to Vanguard Renewables, has purchased the former Southworth Paper property on Main Street and is planning to expand its operations in 2021. Agawam is proud to welcome energy-efficient and environmentally conscious projects in town for their job creation and tax revenue in addition to aggressively addressing climate change issues.

Agawam has also recently retrofitted its nearly 2,200 streetlights to energy efficient LEDs, which will save taxpayers an estimated $200,000 per year beginning in 2021. Electric vehicle charging stations at School Street Park, Borgatti Field and the Agawam Public Library, among other anticipated locations, will be available for public use during 2021.

Infrastructure and safety improvements are also scheduled for the Suffield-Rowley-Cooper streets intersection, as well as O’Brien’s Corner and North Agawam. These projects will be funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funds and Safe Routes to School grants.

There are many reasons to welcome 2021, and we are particularly looking forward to new developments and improvements which will increase the already high quality of life which Agawam’s businesses and residents enjoy. New and exciting projects will be announced as plans are finalized in the coming year.

For now, let us bid a fond farewell tp 2020 and look forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.

William P. Sapelli is the mayor of Agawam. To learn more about Agawam, visit the municipal website, agawam. ma.us.

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Visit our beautiful showroom Monday thru Saturday 10am-5pm

413-287-7292

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HP Hood has been a fixture on Main Street in Agawam for decades. Hood has purchased the former Southworth Paper property on Main Street and is planning to expand operations there this year. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

benefit from having access to other chamber members who can help aid in the processes of applying for PPP loans and filing for grants.

The Greater Westfield chamber’s board of directors members are all volunteers who are leaders in their respective industries and business roles. They are Dino Gravanis all willing to sharing their time and resources with our MALL AND LARGE membership while providing businesses, municipali- The law firm of Bacon-Wilson plans a spring opening for its new a positive outlook and restorties and residents of the offices on Route 20 in Westfield. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN) ing confidence to help further economic recovery.

Pioneer Valley have all meetings, Zoom After 5 calls alternative way to speak with Some of Westfield’s specific felt the effects of our current indicators are the developeconomic situation stemming and Morning Coffee Calls each other, hear and share ment of new commercial from the COVID-19 pandem- with our mayor, we have concerns with our elected SEE GRAVANIS, PAGE B4 been giving our members an officials and continue to ic. Now, more than ever, we find the value and benefits of our local chamber of commerce.

As we find ourselves in challenging times the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for the region, its members and our community. While our past focus has been on advancing our local economic development, today we find ourselves working together on helping formulate recovery plans for all our community’s businesses and for compiling governmental information and sharing resources to help businesses survive this ever-changing landscape.

The chamber has been working with our municipal and business leaders at all levels in getting information about how to obtain Paycheck Protection Program loans, assist employers with getting employees connected to retraining programs and filing for unemployment assistance. At the same time the chamber has taken a more aggressive approach with communicating the needs of its members to state and local officials.

The chamber has attended and participated in the monthly teleconferencing meetings with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. These meetings have been highly informative and insightful, which in turn allows us to help our members.

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We and build you masterpiece for years enjoyment. survival. Chambers have become the local connection or familiar face where businesses can ask questions, express concerns, or get direction Reserve your seat in an informative and on where to go for specific government assistance. exciting Kitchen Workshop and receive At the same time, we must provide the programing that A Free Cutting Board (worth $100) members have always relied on for networking, sharing best practices, professional 665 HUNTINGTON ROAD, RUSSELL, MASSACHUSETTS development and having an organization to lobby on their behalf. Through our virtual

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BUSINESS MONDAY

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Holyoke evolves ‘globalized and knowledge-based economy’

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S THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO IMPACT OUR COMMUNITIES, the need for socioeconomic recovery strategies remains a top priority for us all. The public health measures necessary to mitigate a higher death toll have also led to a reduction in labor participation, employment, worker productivity and overall production.

Like other municipalities, the city of Holyoke has launched a myriad of programs to help ease these problems: emergency grant support to small businesses; monetary relief to residents

at risk of eviction; expanding internet access for nonconnected households; and organizing “learning pods” to socialize instruction and care for children during parts of the school day while observing

public health best-practices.

But the sustained, widespread national impact of the virus has also modified the economic landscape, requiring relatively swift actions by SEE MORSE, PAGE B7

Alex B. Morse

Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse says the city “is becoming a cluster of cannabis growing and product manufacturing, processes that aren’t all that dissimilar from other food and drug production that occur further east.” The is a view inside the Canna Provisions cannabis dispensary at 380 Dwight St., Holyoke. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Chamber adapts to new forms of networking

“If the restrictions brought to us by COVID-19 made us realize anything, it is how valuable open space land is for recreational activities.”

WEST SPRINGFIELD MAYOR WILLIAM REICHELT

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HAT A YEAR! AS the wild and turbulent 2020 has drawn to a close, we look back on how COVID-19 sent the global economy into the worst slump in a century and focus on what to expect beyond lockdowns, the virus and the vaccine in 2021.

A new year, a new way of life.

2020 was a challenging year for business, family, education, and government. The beginning of 2020 was a time of unknown. Not sure how to navigate this new obstacle, we shut down, secluded and held tight.

Spring and summer came, and we all began to struggle with how we will make the best of the situation that we were in. Fall and winter arrived, and a new resurgence arose and realization set in that this is a long-term struggle.

Families reinvented how to live as productively as they can, schools learned how to effectively handle remote learning, but small business was the hardest hit. As we approach the one-year mark for the pandemic, small businesses have come and gone, and many are now desperately trying to reinvent how they do business while bringing in little to no revenue and paying their necessary bills.

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce’s main focus

Jeremiah Boulter, owner of Apex Window Cleaning, works on the window of a business on Elm Street in downtown West Springfield. He and his partner clean many of the storefronts along Elm Street. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Robin Wozniak For the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, perfecting a productive virtual networking platform for its members is an important aspect the chamber has worked on implementing for 2021.

Collaborating with other local networking organizations and providing that platform for them to be productive in the small-business world was a priority.

As networking is taking on a new form, the West of the River Chamber is adapting and changing its role as a gateway for networking for its members. Providing them with this valuable format, our members can once again feel connected

As networking is taking on a new form, the West of the River Chamber is adapting and changing its role as a gateway for networking for its members. (THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

special savings and discounts while continuing to marketing their business.

Hybrid events will also take place in the coming year.

Those who feel ready to be together safely again will have the opportunity to do so at our popular mayoral luncheons or legislative breakfasts, while those who are not quite ready for in-person events will have the opportunity to still be a part of the West of the River

“Those who feel ready to be together safely again will have the opportunity to do so at our popular mayoral luncheons or legislative breakfasts, while those who are not quite ready for in-person events will have the opportunity to still be a part of the West of the River Chamber’s events by doing so virtually.”

Robin Wozniak, executive director, West of the River Chamber of Commerce

in the first half of 2020 was to keep its members informed with COVID restrictions and regulations and to assist in aid to the businesses that were able to apply. As summer and fall came around, the chamber felt it was imperative to regain some sort of normalcy for its members by hosting small, monthly virtual networking events and providing up-todate newsletters and collaborative networking opportunities to allow its members to connect and build again with other business people.

Resilience and adaptability will be the key to business success for this coming year.

to the business world and the many people in their business community. Lost friendships found and new ones being built is what will be necessary for business growth in our community.

Another important aspect the West of the River Chamber has been focused on is its member benefits program. Local businesses can offer special discounts for our chamber members on any number of products and services throughout Western Massachusetts. Promoting these savings through newsletters, emails, social media and website, they are able to offer

Chamber’s events by doing so virtually.

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce is focused on navigating this new way of doing business with its members. Listening to their needs and following up on important ways to assist members in continuing to market, network and succeed in Western Massachusetts is the West of the River Chamber’s mission.

Robin Wozniak is executive director of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to westoftheriverchamber.com.

Gravanis CONTINUED FROM PAGE B3

Dino Gravanis, chairman of the board of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, says development of new commercial properties, an influx of new businesses and expansion and growth of existing businesses is giving the chamber a positive outlook for 2021. Here, a view along Elm Street outside Circuit Coffee. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

properties, an influx of new businesses and seeing expansion and growth of existing businesses. During this COVID time we have seen the redevelopment of the former Westfield Ford-Westfield Feed property, the construction of a new facility by one of the area’s largest law firms and chamber member, Bacon Wilson, with a planned opening this spring, and with the continued growth of Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport.

This past fall the chamber joined in the lobbying efforts

West Springfield is purchasing 67 acres of former farmland off Birnie Avenue for hiking and biking around Bear Hole Reservoir. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

West Side focuses on economic recovery

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O SAY THAT 2020 WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR for any municipality would be an understatement.

The challenges and obstacles that municipalities faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic were unlike any other we have ever experienced.

West Springfield, however, was fortunate to have been able to adapt its workplace and business models to continue to provide essential services to residents, while moving along important projects and developments that will come to fruition in 2021.

While we were challenged by the pandemic, we were not derailed and believe that, as a result of our perseverance and creativity, 2021 will be one of our most productive years for development and growth yet.

If the restrictions brought to us by COVID-19 made us realize anything, it is how valuable open space land is for recreational activities.

In spring of 2020, we saw our parks, watershed and conservation lands flooded with residents looking to get out of their house for various activities. We were able to offer them respite from the confines of their homes through recreational trails, disc golf and open natural space to enjoy.

This resurgence of outdoor recreation highlighted the importance of one of our most significant 2021 projects – the finalization of

William Reichelt

Owners Andy Yee and Peter Picknelly gather on Aug. 21 with family members and local dignitaries for a traditional ribboncutting ceremony at White Hut on Memorial Avenue.

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

a conservation restriction to protect in perpetuity the land known as “Bear Hole” for the enjoyment and use of future generations.

West Springfield has partnered with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Audubon Society to secure permanent protection of Bear Hole, in exchange for $1 million to be used by the town in furtherance of the property’s recreational and other permitted uses.

While Bear Hole will be protected from development, several areas, including the Riverdale Street and Memorial Avenue corridors, as well as the Central Business District (in the heart of downtown West Springfield), are slated for development and improvements.

Riverdale Street will see the opening of a long-awaited Starbucks franchise in early 2021. On Memorial Avenue, the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge

SEE REICHELT, PAGE B7

“These developments will ultimately help bring more jobs and stability to our region while reinforcing positive economic growth for the city of Westfield and the surrounding communities which it serves.”

Dino Gravanis, chairman of the board, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce

of the U.S. Department of Defense in support of Barnes and the Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing to recapitalize the existing F-15 aircraft with the new F-35 aircraft, ensuring that our region play a long-term role in our nation’s defense.

These developments will ultimately help bring more jobs and stability to our region while reinforcing positive eco-

nomic growth for the city of Westfield and the surrounding communities which it serves.

The commitment and confidence of businesses investing in our region will only continue to show optimism and encourage other businesses to stay strong and work with each other to create a catalyst for economic growth.

The Greater Westfield Chamber is committed to

serve its members and community through strong leadership, continued local business promotion and offering access to local and state resources for its members.

Dino Gravanis is chairman of the board of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to westfieldbiz.org.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | B5

Vincent Jackson, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, says the city of Northampton “is poised for a roaring economic comeback when 37,000-plus students gradually return to the area.”

Here, people walk along Main Street in downtown Northampton on Feb. 3.

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

It’s time for new ideas, not old routines

The Broadside Bookshop has been a fixture of Northampton’s Main Street since 1974. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

For ’Hamp chamber, best is yet to come!

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T FIRST GLANCE, a 2021 outlook seemed like an unpredictable landscape during this unprecedented and challenging time. But as I considered the critical role that the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce plays in supporting a thriving economy and community, I am inspired by what we achieved in 2020 despite unimaginable odds.

As we navigated through a year rife with turmoil, we discovered pathways to new opportunities that we probably would not have thought possible in a “normal” year.

The pandemic caused us to power test our five-year strategic plan that we launched in 2019, which directed us to adopt a culture of experimentation to become a nimble organization and to create sustainable models that expand access and value to our programs and services.

Another reason to be hopeful is that there is finally a line of sight to a return to “regular life” given the vaccine rollouts and stronger requirements for everyone to mask up. I do not have a crystal ball, but I am optimistic about 2021 and know that the Northampton chamber remains committed to fostering a thriving economy and community, with a positive outlook toward recovery.

We will continue to support our local economy through People walk along Main Street in downtown Northampton earlier this month. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Vincent Jackson our coveted Northampton Gift Card Program, which pumps nearly $370,000 annually into our small-business community. This year, the program will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a plan that includes expanded distribution, enhanced marketing promotions, and stronger consumer engagement.

Our “Shop Local” campaign and the commonwealth’s statewide “My Local” campaign go hand in hand to support the economy. According to the U. S. Small Business Administration, $68 of every $100 spent locally returns to our community. This key driving insight is at the core of our work to help small businesses succeed and support our local economy.

Through our Economic Development Committee, we have determined that the arts, music, and restaurants provide unique opportunities that make Northampton a destination. In the

SEE JACKSON, PAGE B9

“Every action – no matter how small – has a ripple effect felt throughout our downtown.”

Amy Cahillane

T

HINKING BACK TO January 2020, it is difficult to imagine just how trivial the concerns I had on my plate that month would seem once March, then April and then May rolled around.

I’ve resisted thinking about 2020 as some sort of gift with silver linings of any sort because the devastation that the year caused (and that is still playing out in downtown Northampton and across the commonwealth) is staggering, forever changing the landscape of our downtown community. But there have been some moments of light and hope and creativity, even amidst so much uncertainty.

The impact of COVID meant that the Downtown Northampton Association’s usual slate of events and community gatherings were (understandably) not possible. By necessity, our focus shifted away from large-scale events and turned inward, focusing on the health and stability of our own community.

If you looked at our calendar of events and inbox prior to last March, you would see many of the partnerships one might expect of a downtown organization such as ours: restaurant weeks; retail sales; holiday community events; and the like. 2020 changed the positioning of our organization, refocusing our efforts and our collaborations to those issues that were critical to the continuation of our small businesses.

Our inbox now? Valley Community Development Corp., Grow Food Northampton, city councilors, local donors and, of course, business

AMY CAHILLANE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN NORTHAMPTON ASSOCIATION

Jeff Igneri is the owner of Local Burger in Northampton. Igneri is among the city’s restaurateurs who support the Feed the Frontlines – Nourish Our Community effort, a partnership between the iday Stroll.” Instead, “PPP,” Downtown Northampton Association, Grow Food Northampton “hand sanitizer” and “local and the Northampton Survival Center to provide meals for weekgrant funding” dominate. ly food distributions to people in need through the Community You’ll also find our state Food Distribution Project. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

owners all working collaboratively on a myriad of issues and efforts designed to keep

our independent businesses alive. You won’t find words like “face painting” or “Hol-

legislators, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Sen. Jo Comerford, repeatedly in our inbox and on speed dial. Before last

SEE CAHILLANE, PAGE B9

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Blueprint Easthampton sets course for future

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S WE CONTINUE to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and look toward inclusive economic development and recovery efforts, I am excited to announce a new initiative: Blueprint Easthampton. Operating under the belief that “talent is universal, opportunity is not,” the project provides a holistic approach to taking down barriers to innovation by creating and finding opportunities, resources, and capital for existing and prospective small businesses, makers, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Blueprint Easthampton has grown out of partnerships, assessments and community input, beginning in early 2020 when the National League of Cities selected Easthampton to be part of the City Innovation Ecosystem program.

The initiative challenges city leaders to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and STEM education by partnering with key constituents in the community and making a commitment to strengthen regional innovation.

Blueprint Easthampton was also informed by the city’s 2020 Downtown Strategic Plan and Arts and Culture Visioning, which brought together hundreds of residents at planning sessions and won the Massachusetts Association of Planning award for the best plan. Then, working with SourceLink, a nationally acclaimed firm that helps cities create job growth and entrepreneurial ecosystems, the city inventoried the region’s nonprofit, higher education, and governmental support resources for entrepreneurship, lending, and equity sources.

This assessment helped Easthampton identify both areas of strength and growth in how we can support local businesses.

Blueprint Easthampton aims to promote inclusive growth in several ways: • Help informal entrepreneurs enter the formal economy in the next six months with resources, professional coaching, training, and mentoring.

I have committed the city to this community-driven goal knowing that many informal entrepreneurs in Easthampton are women and minorities whose enterprises are often not recognized by government support agencies, resulting in the inability to access Paycheck Protection Program funds, Economic Injury Disaster Loans funding and other grants available to registered businesses. As unemployment has increased and informal enterprises have become the primary income source for many families, Blueprint Easthampton seeks to help these entrepreneurs become fully registered with the city, state, and federal governments by providing accessible information and seed capital to help cover expenses such as permit and legal fees, insurance, fiscal support, software, and support to obtain financing.

The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Easthampton worked to help a public-private partnership amid the pandemic that created a Sustaining Small Business Grant program.

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Corsello Butcheria at 130 Cottage St. is among the small businesses in Easthampton that have continued serving customers throughout the pandemic, offering locally sourced meats and meat products as well as ready-to-cook and eat specialties. Vincent Corsell, seen here, owns Corsello Butcheria with his wife, Kasey. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

A Nicole LaChapelle To this end, we partnered with the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce to distribute $47,000 in small-business grants to over 20 Easthampton businesses impacted by COVID-19. In addition, individual professional coaching and classes taught by community leaders and successful entrepreneurs will focus on how to set up a business, pivot business activities affected by COVID-19 restrictions, and effectively use Zoom, social media, Quickbooks, and e-commerce platforms.

• Provide customized, accessible resources for entrepreneurs and microbusinesses.

Launched on Nov. 20, the Blueprint Easthampton interactive Resource Navigator makes information and resources widely accessible and streamlined. Reliance on networking and word of mouth to build business partnerships can create barriers for some small-business owners. The directory, freely available online and in hard copy, is especially useful now as many in-person activities are prohibited and unsafe.

• Inform and amplify the impact of ongoing development in Easthampton.

Blueprint Easthampton’s findings about the economic makeup and priorities of our city guide how development projects can best support the needs of residents. The insights of Blueprint Easthampton are already increasing the community impact of projects already underway – such as the new pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade school, River Valley Market and One Ferry Street – that create new jobs,

Vieau

Blueprint Easthampton “aims to promote inclusive growth,” according to Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. She hopes it will “build a sustainable economic future based on equity, understanding, and tangible hope for 2021 and beyond.” Here, a view along Main Street in Easthampton. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

provide commercial and residential space, and meet the needs of business owners and their families. With Blueprint Easthampton, the city can realize the full potential of such developments.

As the city implements Blueprint Easthampton and strives for expanded economic development, I am buoyed by the progress made in the city last year, despite crushing economic conditions.

We’ve secured funding for crucial initiatives including: an Americans with Disabilities Act accessible trail on Mount Tom; $15 million in New Market Tax Credits; financial support for members of our creative economy; and a Housing Needs and Production Study, driven by extensive public input. Our many women-led businesses, leaders in the manufacturing sector, and the strong maker community show how gritty creativity and resilience can carve a path of survival.

In 2021, Easthampton looks to stand with all businesses so that they come out of the pandemic as healthy as possible, with secured long-term prospects. The progress we have made this year and tools like Blueprint Easthampton exemplify how, together, we can build a sustainable economic future based on equity, understanding, and tangible

Chicopee Mayor John L. Vieau greets passengers on Nov. 10 at Chicopee’s reverse parade in Szot Park.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B2

hope for 2021 and beyond.

Nicole LaChapelle is the mayor of Easthampton. To learn more about the city, visit the municipal website, easthampton.org.

S I STATE THE obvious, 2020 Did. Not. Turn. Out. How any of us had planned!

Our long-term strategic planning over the past five years, however, has paid off.

The Chamber of Greater Easthampton had already been shifting to a more agile chamber model and was able to adapt quickly and effectively to the sudden change of environment.

As of the third week in March, when the stay-athome mandate came into effect, we closed our brickand-mortar operation and efficiently established our remote operation. Events were paused. And the collecting, disseminating and broadcasting of the fire hose of information commenced and will continue until we are safely out of this.

As of this writing, we have pushed out 68 member-com-

Maureen Belliveau munity communications.

These communications consisted of sifting through, as I said, the fire hose of information that was coming at all of us, to make it more usable to our stakeholders.

It was important to me that, during this time, our members and the greater business community get clear, concise information.

These times are confusing enough without having to waste time sorting out the wheat from the chaff. What is it that my business and I

SEE BELLIVEAU, PAGE B9

WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS

(HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

copee’s Council on Aging and Public Libraries have and will continue to find virtual ways to be socially connected as it is vital to our at-risk population.

Our community strength is what supported our teachers, municipal employees and, most of all, our first responders. They had to make difficult decisions and personal sacrifices to maintain excellent safety standards and will continue to adapt to the challenges ahead. Our community will also determine Chicopee’s

planned future through the city’s comprehensive plan.

Chicopee leaders will continue to look for ways to improve the city’s outlook as vaccines become available and the pandemic ends with community immunity. The city of Chicopee will be prepared for whatever the future brings.

John L. Vieau is mayor of Chicopee. To learn more about Chicopee and its economic development efforts, visit the municipal website at chicopeema.gov.

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senior wellness calls and takeand-go meals.

The former public library in the center is next up for reinvention. We’re excited about the City Hall and municipal auditorium being available for meetings and functions as their former grandeur is restored.

As many approach the city with new business ideas, we look to the former Uniroyal Building site redevelopment, and it becoming a civic asset once more.

Social distance requirements have emphasized the need for reestablishing basic building standards to include improved ventilation, but it has also significantly highlighted the need for increased focus on mental health awareness and ways to combat social isolation. Chi-

Clear, concise information crucial during pandemic

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | B7

‘No business should feel alone in 2021’

Nancy L. Connor

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S THE EXECUTIVE director of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), I’m always grateful to contribute to The Republican’s Outlook. However, let’s face facts: This 2021 article was a challenge. It’s more likely than not that mine is among a chorus articulating the impediments of 2020.

The word “outlook” itself fuels feelings of hope, growth and prosperity where 2020 served quite the opposite.

But, like all periods of adversity, we also saw glimmers of hope throughout 2020, and, since this is the 2021 Outlook, I choose to move forward with a message of optimism, determination and resiliency. As the proverbial rug was suddenly pulled out beneath

Tim and Jill Murphy are the owners of 4RUN3 in Center Square, East Longmeadow. Nancy L. Connor, executive director of the East of the River Five Town Chamber, says the Murphys are examples of chamber members who rose to the challenges of the COVID pandemic. “4RUN3 knew they had to adapt to survive and quickly took quick action. 4RUN3 created an ecommerce platform with curbside pickup,” says Connor.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

The Lupa Zoo in Ludlow, a member of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, transitioned during the pandemic lockdown to stay open and meet the COVID safety protocols required by the state. Executive director Joan Lupa, shown here, reported an increase in both memberships and attendance. (EAST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO)

disabilities, teaching critical job-related skills, which are used to find future employment. Visit the website to learn more about our favorite livestreamed Iron Chef-styled way that’s entertaining and We became fluent in new zoo online at lupazoo.org. competition, complete with technical assistance proWe also witnessed a plethfamily friendly. As it turns take-out packages mailed to grams. If you’d have asked out, when you’re a zookeeper ora of shifts from sales to our guests. this time last year what PPE, production and installation you can’t exactly schedule a Our board president, EIDL, SBA Bridge Loans and throughout the ERC5 memvirtual feeding for the bears bership. However, many Debt Relief Loans were, most Charlie Christianson, sums or monkeys! As many of our actually opened their doors people would have had to get it up best: “I’m proud of the businesses transitioned to right before the pandemic right back to you. Our website ERC5’s position, with the lockdown, Lupa Zoo continued to operate and quickly disrupted our lives.

ERC5.com became a conduit full support of our board of Tim and Jill Murphy, the directors, to provide referrals, figured out a way to do virtual of resources and guides on class sessions with its partowners of East Longmeadners at the Springfield Public ow’s premier running shop Schools.

4RUN3, were one of them.

“I’m proud of the ERC5’s position, with the full support of Lupa Zoo’s executive di“We had planned to open our our board of directors, to provide referrals, resources and rector Joan Lupa said, “There doors right after the Holytangible events. Our message is clear, we will get through was a demand in the commu- oke St. Patrick’s Road Race, nity for safe outdoor fun, and parlaying our sponsorship to this adversity together. No business should feel alone in we were the perfect place to promote 4RUN3. We did not 2021.” visit.” As the gates opened, even entertain the thought of Charles Christianson, board president, East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce staff constructed and installed an online shop until we had safety protocols for guests, settled into Center Square and they saw an immediate Plaza!” But, like so many, us, the ERC5 was preparing resources and tangible events. increase in zoo memberships 4RUN3 knew it had to adapt these programs. to celebrate a windfall year.

Our message is clear, we will We even implemented a and attendance. Parents to survive and quickly took Instead, we found ourselves get through this adversity virtual gift certificate center had a safe place to take their quick action. 4RUN3 created making quick decisions to to provide a revenue bridge to together. No business should children to explore and learn an ecommerce platform with continue our mission and sup- small businesses. When meet- feel alone in 2021.” about the incredible animals curbside pickup. port our business community. ings had to be canceled, we We certainly aren’t the only at the zoo.

As respected race leaders, It’s fair to wonder how a provided webinars with indus- organization structured with And, the ERC5 would be re- 4RUN3’s reputation and chamber of commerce can try experts and virtual panel miss if we didn’t mention that relationships with the local a reliance on large events survive when a majority of discussions with lawmakers. the staff at the Lupa Zoo are and in-person attendance. running and sports medicine its members are challenged When the Feast in the constantly paying it forward.

Our good friends at the Lupa community enabled it to to even stay open, let alone East had to be canceled, we In collaboration with the Zoo in Ludlow have been a open successfully. 4RUN3 prosper. Our answer was to worked with our member Chicopee Public Schools, the even continued to sponsor fixture of our community add even more value for our partner GreatHorse and pivsince 1996, teaching us about zoo provides a special training races, albeit, virtual ones. As a oted our signature event to a members. program for students with wildlife conservation in a result, 4RUN3 has established

itself as a staple for athletes in our community this year.

You can visit the website at 4RUN3.com.

I would like to conclude by saying thank you to our members who continue to support the front lines of this pandemic. During times of crisis, I do as Mister Rogers suggested and look for the helpers. This year, they were countless, and, as I write this, they are still battling. Their kitchen doors stayed open, our shelves stocked, our machines running, our streets safe, and our deliveries coming. They cared for our elderly and at-risk neighbors, and tended to our sick. I will forever be in awe and thank them for the selflessness, valor and courage that fueled them to rise and meet this moment.

The ERC5 has always been the better for having them as members, and we will be forever grateful for their tireless efforts to our community.

Nancy L. Connor is executive director of the East of the River Five Town Chamber (ERC5), which serves the communities of Wilbraham, Hampden, Ludlow, East Longmeadow and Longmeadow. To learn more about the chamber and its work, visit the website, erc5.com.

Morse

nomically resilient during the pandemic.

Communities like HolyCONTINUED FROM PAGE A4 oke aren’t as lucky, with a urban policy makers everylarge sector of its residents where. In Holyoke, we are employed in personal services or retail, leaving them no stranger to this kind of more exposed to health and reinvention. For the past few years, the city has been in the economic displacement risks from the pandemic. midst of an economic repositioning into a modern, gloHelping local businesses balized and knowledge-based to retool their models and economy. continue operating in a more Commonly known to outenclosed and distant world siders for its poverty, crime remains a high priority – for and blight, Holyoke became 2021 and beyond, should such home of the largest urban dislocations endure or repeat. renewal plan in the common- Holyoke has sought to leverwealth, improved its standing age the business grant funds as a place once more worthy to prioritize businesses that of large investments, with have thought in such ways. increasing job opportunities Second, the increase in and neighborhoods that offer remote work means more a great quality of life. 2021 people are choosing to presents new challenges and relocate away from dense possibilities for us. and hyper-expensive urban First, businesses with centers of major metropolimodels that are apt to be tan cities, such as New York performed partially or comor Boston, and toward areas pletely remote have been like Western Massachusetts. able to continue producing, The increased demand on and a few fare better today housing from these relocations, already in short supply than before. In some cases, companies are realizing that throughout the state and they can continue to provide particularly in our Pioneer flexible work site opportuni- Valley, creates further ties to their employees and pressures to accelerate new are going partially or fully housing stock construction remote with some positions. in Holyoke and beyond. The Folks working for those incoming wave of residents companies have had a better from major metropolitan opportunity to remain ecoareas with high purchasing

ly skilled workers.

Today, Holyoke is becoming a cluster of cannabis growing and product manufacturing, processes that aren’t all that dissimilar from other food and drug production that occur further east.

It is possible that in the nottoo-distant future, Western Massachusetts – along with its lower living costs and proximity to several large markets – can find itself in the position of having enough highly skilled workforce to be an attractive location for pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion. This would aid in increasing the regional economic parity in Massachusetts, where economic gains in recent decades have been heavily weighted toward Boston.

2020 has been the toughest This is a view from the Holyoke Gas & Electric’s Hadley Falls Facility, located on the Holyoke year for this generation, and, side of the Holyoke Dam. The municipal utility has made major strides in going green. The city while 2021 promises to be generates two-thirds of its power from the turbines at the dam complex. Overall, the utility better, most of us are still in produces and imports 90% carbon-free energy. The utility’s affordable rates are considered a the midst of the worst social major drawing point for future economic development. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN) and economic turmoil of our lives. As municipal leaders, business ventures in Holyoke our call to action is not only power represents both an op- a drastic increase in living portunity to further develop and our area which have been to find our way out of these costs. The need for more our communities, but also a unlikely to take root in the difficult times, but also to workforce housing in our potential threat. improve our communities’ city and area has never been past.

Gains for new arrivals and more apparent than during For example, the life scienc- resilience into the future. es and pharmaceutical field existing privileged residents this crisis. is tightly located throughout should not come at the Alex B. Morse is mayor of the Lastly, the trend for more the Boston metropolitan sacrifice of some existing city of Holyoke. To learn more remote work and relocation area, where these industries residents who do not have the of skilled workers to our reabout the city, visit the municigion will make possible new can find a broad pool of high- pal website, Holyoke.org. financial means to survive

Reichelt

recovery and revitalization of West Springfield.

I am hopeful West Springfield is on the precipice of overcoming the challenges brought to both local businesses and government alike by the pandemic. We are excited to support and foster economic growth, recovery and development in 2021 and to a new year filled with promise.

William Reichelt is mayor of West Springfield. To learn more about West Springfield, visit the municipal website at townof westspringfield.org.

businesses continue to be drawn to this up and coming urban area.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4 Throughout 2020, with the replacement project is sched- support of the Town Council, uled for completion, which we’ve sponsored and been will tie in nicely with future able to implement several traffic improvements planned business-friendly initiatives, for the corridor. in an effort to spur economic The Central Business recovery efforts in response to District in downtown West the effects of COVID-related Springfield has experienced restrictions on businesses. investment and plans for Our support of economic recovery efforts will be a trend reinvigoration of some of that continues in 2021, as we its prime properties. The redevelopment began in 2020 intend to propose a number of business-friendly initiatives and is slated to carry on into 2021 as new projects and local to continue the economic

Work continues earlier this month on the reconstruction of the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge connecting Agawam with West Springfield.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

B8 | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

BUSINESS MONDAY

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Sarno CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

critically important. Last March, I began the weekly COVID-19 situational update meetings where I am joined by my cabinet, Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, and Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer for Mercy Medical, to provide important information regarding the city’s response to the ongoing pandemic and what actions are being taken to address its impacts. In addition, the meeting provides insight on the current state of the virus locally, in the commonwealth as well as nationally and internationally. The efforts from our local media have been exemplary in ensuring that the public remains informed about the virus and the city’s response to it.

To get this information out the city employed new technology and media platforms.

Focus Springfield covers the weekly update remotely with live video feed being broadcast on our municipal public access channel and on our city’s Office of Communications Facebook page.

We applied the Focus Springfield communication mode to other city public meetings so that government operations could remain publicly accessible and moving forward in compliance with the public health orders. While we await the return of in person meetings this has been a critical link to ensuring participatory local government.

I am particularly proud of the city’s ongoing response to the health, educational, economic and social impacts of the virus. The following are

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno gets a tour on Sept. 9 of a model apartment in the Overland Lofts project at 151 Chestnut St. The $15 million redevelopment of the historic Willys Overland Motor Co. building took place in the city’s Innovation District. The mayor is talking with Juan Prieto, left, and Charles Irving, co-principals of the Davenport Companies.

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno gets an update on jan. 6 regarding the installation of air cleaning equipment in Springfield Public Schools. From left are Scott Stebbins, facility manager at Putnam Vocational Technical Academy; Patrick Sullivan, a heating ventilation and air condition technician; John Carignan, the city’s assistant director of buildings; Sarno; and Patrick Sullivan, executive director of parks, buildings and recreation management. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

provide a strong bridge to the other side of the pandemic and (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO) to carry us through recovery.

I continue to work with Gov. just a few of the response meaipal buildings are having Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn • Established a $2 million sures that have been implePolito and U.S. Rep. Richard small-business loan fund with their heating, ventilating, mented by my administration. Common Capital; and air-condition systems E. Neal to ensure Springfield’s Health needs are made known and • Streamlined outdoor din- upgraded to comply with ing procedures; • Advocacy for COVID-19 American Society of Heating, continue to be provided for at • Waived liquor license testing and vaccine sites; Refrigerating and Air Condithe state and national level. tioning Engineers standards.

• AMR established ‘Stop the renewal fees for 2021; Their collective commitment The improvements include • Allocated $2 million for Spread’ testing site at Eastfield to Springfield remains unyieldthe installation of iWaves and ing. mortgage, rent and utility asMall; Through it all Springfield • Aggressively seeking and sistance through Way Finders; MERV filters. and maintained its core services, Schools securing Personal Protective • Provided $3 million for • Distributed 17,000 laptops assisted those residents exEquipment (PPE); periencing housing, food and direct housing services; for remote learning; • Establishing a comprehensive homeless medical economic insecurity, educated Finance • Provided all pre-kindergarten students with iPads; triage facility; our students and supplied • Tracking revenue and • Achieved 92% remote • Established a COVID-19 millions of dollars of direct deficit spending related to hotline for residents; and assistance to small businesses.

COVID-19 for reimbursement; attendance consistently; and • Served over 5.5 million • Created the Vax Force to We continue to utilize every • Transferred $1 million to provide information to the means and go after every reduce the tax levy impact for meals as part of the Sodexo Meals Program. public about the vaccine and available resource to ensure fiscal year 2021; and My administration will con- Springfield’s recovery is swift answer public questions.

• Adjusted and extended Economic development the collection date for certain tinue to advocate on behalf of and that its return is not just our residents and businesses • Provided $1.5 million back to normal, but back bettax bills in 2020. to build upon these endeavors ter than ever. in grants for businesses and Facilities Looking at the dawn of this and create new initiatives to nonprofits; • All schools and munic-

Jobs

A contingent from the Springfield Regional Chamber has some fun at the 2020 Reader Raves banquet held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)

Creed

but the Springfield Regional Chamber is still looking ahead. Whenever economic CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 recovery begins in earnest, chamber to present to the we want the tools, people, Reopening Advisory Board. and strategies in place to It was an honor to commuhelp the region grow. nicate our needs for a safe In terms of tools and reopening. resources, we have rolled Furthermore, through our out a comprehensive suite active role on Beacon Hill, of online tools that encourage business growth and we were able to successfully advocate for legislative expansion in the region. I’m COVID-19 support and pro- still amazed at the depth of vide polling data – the voices knowledge that the platform of our own community – for offers. Seven tools provide use by the Senate Revenue data about the business Working Group and the climate in the region, trends Massachusetts Taxpayers for industry, customer Foundation. demographics, competition, The chamber has virtually growth areas, workforce convened business leaders demographics, and even with legislators and influavailable properties. encers such as now former Returning to the idea of House Speaker Robert A. the chamber as a champion DeLeo, Rep. Wagner, nearly of business growth in the reall of our state senators and gion, I’m pleased that we’re able to offer this resource representatives, as well as political consultant Anthony free to members and nonmembers. Current business Cignoli.

Today, I think the business owners looking to expand or community can see the edge new entrepreneurs who want of the trees, but we’re not to start a business in our out of the woods yet. The region can all benefit. chamber continues to offer To keep the region’s information, support, and a leadership and talent voice in the legislature – even pipelines primed and ready, as we plan for a post-COVID the chamber is continuing world. our Leadership Institute What will the region’s eco- program and introducing a nomic landscape look like new Women’s Leadership in a year? It’s difficult to tell, initiative. To begin building

skills even earlier, we were an early adopter on the statewide Coalition on Early Childhood Education.

Furthermore, we’ve joined employer organizations across the commonwealth to form the Massachusetts Businesses Coalition on Skills to develop policy solutions for filling skills gaps.

Even though there is much uncertainty, we still need to bolster our people and skills so that once we come back, we come back strong.

Our current strategic plan envisions Greater Springfield as a leader for innovation and prosperity. Today that vision still guides all of our efforts.

The pandemic has set back overall growth, but it has also presented an opportunity for resilience and embracing change. I know the business community will emerge from this experience with new resolve, driving toward innovation and prosperity.

The chamber is committed to convening people and offering the resources that the region needs to get there.

Nancy Creed is president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to springfieldregional chamber.com.

The pandemic has set back overall growth, but it has also presented an opportunity for resilience and embracing change.

new year of 2021, the city of Springfield thankfully prepares for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and starting the task of building back what we have lost. These efforts will require bold, immediate and interlocking actions aimed at subduing the pandemic, recovering from the resulting economic loss, and reducing the societal inequalities which have been laid bare.

In these efforts, my administration and I find particular purpose. Our journey forward will not be immediate, but step-by-step our actions will lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient Springfield.

May God bless you all.

Domenic J. Sarno is mayor of the city of Springfield. To learn more about the city, its COVID-19 initiatives and its economic development plans, visit springfield-ma.org.

necticut fill a chief financial officer position.

United Personnel also helps CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1 identify workers for tempoemployers – especially manurary or contract positions facturers – can’t find enough for seasonal jobs or special workers to fill critical jobs, acprojects. Sometimes people cording to Patricia Canavan, hired as temps can become president of United Personnel full-time workers at a company, Canavan said.

Services.

While the state unemployResponses from applicants ment rate is relatively high for employment ads placed by – 6.7% in December – it is a United Personnel have fallen big improvement since June. by 90% since the state-ordered initial business shutDespite business setbacks down last March, Canavan due to the virus, Canavan shared as 2020 came to a says she’s hopeful things will close. begin to get back to normal When the shutdown for in the spring as more people businesses considered receive the vaccine against nonessential by the state COVID-19. eased up, employers began More than 30 years since to look for more workers, she its founding its founding said. That quest, however,

by Canavan’s parents Mary was stymied by the ongoing Ellen Scott and the late Jay increase in COVID-19 cases.

Canavan, United Personnel “It’s been an unprecedented has faced economic ups and year,” Canavan said. “There downs, Canavan said. She are hundreds of job openings, remains confident it will but no one to place.” weather the current storm.

In late December, United Like Canavan, Richard Personnel had some 200 job K. Sullivan Jr., president of openings, but, said Canavan, the Economic Development “It’s challenging to find peoCouncil of Western Massaple who are comfortable going chusetts, is similarly upbeat to work.” Contributing factors about 2021. “The outlook could be fear of contracting is bright for job seekers,” the virus, burdensome home Sullivan said. “All of our RICHARD K. SULLIVAN JR., responsibilities and the extenmembers are looking to hire.

PRESIDENT, ECONOMIC sion of unemployment beneWhen the region gets into a DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF fits and government stimulus post-COVID future, we’ll be WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS checks, she noted. working closely with manufacturers.”

At the beginning of the Lydia Rivera, media reppandemic, United Personnel off employees, Canavan said her agency is helping provide resentative for CRRC MA, helped clients considered the Chinese-owned rail car clients with other resourcnonessential find ways to es, including encouraging company based in Springfield, make themselves essential. said the shutdown due to the them to seek unemployment For instance, toy and game pandemic forced a delay in benefits. maker Cartamundi in East the delivery of subway cars for United Personnel, which Longmeadow converted some the Massachusetts Bay Transit of its manufacturing capacity helps companies in Massachusetts and Connecticut Authority’s Orange and Red into making protective face with different types of staffing lines. But the outlook for 2021 masts and other equipment is great, Rivera says. for responders. “It was excit- needs, expects to see the ing to help with that,” CanaAt company job fairs in hiring outlook to improve in van said of the pivot by the August and September, for 2021. company in May. instance, CRRC hired 40 In the coming months, the United Personnel, which electrical engineers and 42 company is ramping up its mechanical engineers to meet has offices in Springfield, efforts to recruit workers for demands for the coming year Northampton and Pittsfield, permanent jobs by helping and beyond. CRRC MA has was also forced to lay off companies form and staff 320 employees. The manufacsome of its own office staff search committees for new turing facility in Springfield members when the virus hit, employees, schedule interaccording to Canavan. Those views and negotiate full-time employs 258, including the workers slowly returned on an offers with candidates, Cana- production workers. van said.

When workers are comfortas-needed basis. able getting back into the job In other instances, United In normal times, United market, they will face many Personnel helps employers Personnel employs about 36 opportunities – especially in workers in its office as well as recruit workers for specific high-paying manufacturing management jobs. some off-site, Canavan said. jobs, business leaders said.

For example, the company The agency operated for many Rivera said benefits at CRRC, weeks with a skeleton crew for helped an area college fill a for example, are generous and position for an interim vice two to four days a week, she president and a nonprofit with offer workers a good quality added.

For companies forced to lay a statewide presence in Conof life.

“All of our members are looking to hire. When the region gets into a postCOVID future, we’ll be working closely with manufacturers.”

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Cahillane CONTINUED FROM PAGE B5

Greenfield keeps its downtown shopping area bright and welcoming. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Fire station, library projects help launch Greenfield’s rebound year

C

ALL ME AN ETERnal optimist, but I think some very good things are going to happen for local communities in 2021.

To start, one of the things that gives me great hope is our demonstrated capabilities as a city to continue managing what has been the worst global pandemic in over 100 years.

From a public health and emergency command perspective, Greenfield has stepped up time and time again to help keep our community and region as healthy and as safe as possible.

In addition, our pandemic responders continue to lead – from sponsoring free testing, advocating for additional testing, and leading the vaccination charge in the region.

Most recently, the commonwealth opened a “Stop the Spread” COVID-19 testing site in Greenfield, and our city has successfully completed the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations for first responders in Franklin County.

I’m confident heading into a new year that the city is doing everything possible to help, inform and support the residents of Greenfield during the pandemic.

We will be breaking new ground in Greenfield in 2021 and are advancing key capital

A Spanish-American War monument stands in front of the Greenfield Public Library on Main Street. Preliminary groundbreaking is expected in April for a new library. It is among several major capital projects on tap, which also include the building of a new fire station. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

many of our downtown retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues back on line and fully operating.

We will look at new ways to renovate and utilize the First National Bank Building, and we’ll begin to develop our marketing plan to reach out to and attract additional advanced manufacturing Roxann Wedegartner companies and smaller hightech businesses that can take must be built in order for the advantage of our extraordinary high-speed broadband library to begin its scheduled construction by April. internet connection.

The temporary fire station, Greenfield is poised to lead which will be fully staffed and the economic recovery charge

“This will be a year of reinvigoration and rebound in the city of Greenfield as we look toward reestablishing a sense of post-pandemic normalcy and focus strongly on our collective recovery – both socially and economically.”

GREENFIELD MAYOR ROXANN WEDEGARTNER

projects of major importance to the city.

First, the temporary fire station will break ground as the first, crucial step in the building of a new fire station and help pave the way for the preliminary groundbreaking of the Greenfield Public Library in April. These two projects are part of our Capital Improvement Plan and have been in that plan for several years.

A temporary fire station

Belliveau

equipped, is a necessary part of both the fire station and library projects as we cannot build one project without the other, given the planned location of the new library.

This will be a year of reinvigoration and rebound in the city of Greenfield as we look toward reestablishing a sense of post-pandemic normalcy and focus strongly on our collective recovery – both socially and economically. A significant focus will be bringing

kits local businesses can use in their promotion and marketing.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B6 Grant-funding opportunities need to do now, in order to presented themselves, and, navigate through this panas we often do, we were able demic? to pull together a strategic These communications public-private partnership have included information on between the city of Easthampton and private donors. Thus, state mandates, legislation, the Sustaining Small Business programming on all levels, Grant was born, and we were resources, and available funding. Anything that would able to assist 31 of our local qualifying small businesses. affect or help our businesses.

We have become even stronger These grant dollars helped our connectors of those who need businesses with the reopening costs associated with assistance to those who are COVID-19. able and eager to assist.

The chamber also has a seat We quickly developed our at the table with the Massachu- business resource page on the setts Emergency Management chamber website to make referrals to important programs Agency, along with many of our business support organiza- quick and easy. tional peers.

The Hampshire County ReWe have and continue to gional Tourism Council is anshare and promote any tools, other collaboration for which such as the state’s #MyLoour chamber has been a very calMA campaign and free tool active partner, together with

and has been working hard throughout to support the community and economy during a challenging time. We look forward to working with other regional partners as we all make a full-court press to help the region rebound with maximum efficiency.

Roxann Wedegartner is mayor of the city of Greenfield.

To learn more about Greenfield, go online to the city’s website, Greenfield-ma.gov.

the Northampton and Amherst Area chambers. We have been planning collectively so we can have a strong, safe promotional plan for Hampshire County when the timing is right.

The chamber also partnered with Easthampton City Arts in creating the “Greater Easthampton Holiday Gift Guide.” I am super-proud of this listing of artisans, retailers and service providers, in our continuing effort to remind people that shopping local means infusing our local economy and supporting our neighbors — especially during these times, when shopping at a big box store is so convenient. The words “Buy Local or Bye Local” never rang truer.

Maureen Belliveau is executive director the Chamber of Greater Easthampton. To learn more about the chamber, go online to Easthamptonchamber.org.

March, they were enthusiastic attendees at our events and volunteers at downtown clean-up days, important actions in their own right, to be sure. Since COVID, they and the teams that support them have become indispensable partners, making sure that state aid reaches past Worcester and out to the Pioneer Valley. Rather than a name on an email distribution list, they are often our first call when a business is struggling to obtain grants, wrestling with PPP concerns and trying to help employees wade through unemployment issues.

I’ve been immensely proud of new nonprofit collaborations developed during this past year as well. Feed the Frontlines – Nourish Our Community is one such example. Launched in December and building off of the success of our spring Feed the Frontlines effort, this new program is a partnership between the Downtown Northampton Association, Grow Food Northampton and the Northampton Survival Center. It provides meals prepared by local restaurants to include in weekly food distributions already underway through the Community Food Distribution Project (a collaborative effort on its own, providing fresh produce and shelf-stable food to community members experiencing food insecurity).

Individual donations from community members and local businesses are enabling us to pay restaurants to provide these meals.

The restaurants in turn are incredibly grateful to be able to do what they do best

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | B9

“The restaurants in turn are incredibly grateful to be able to do what they do best – cook meals with love for their community – making this a program that supports so many different parts of our local ecosystem.”

Amy Cahillane, executive director, Downtown Northampton Association

Christopher Ware is one of the co-owners of Jake’s restaurant in Northampton. Jake’s has been providing meals for the needy as part of a collaborative effort organized by the Downtown Northampton Association, Grow Food Northampton and the Northampton Survival Center. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

– cook meals with love for their community – making this a program that supports so many different parts of our local ecosystem.

I’m equally excited about new collaborations formed within our small-business community. This past holiday season, for example, a group of retailers came together to create ShopNoho. com, a website that highlights downtown Northampton retail stores with online shopping, an effort to make it just as easy to shop locally as to hop on Amazon.

Restaurants were just as creative: Belly of the Beast partnered with the I-Collective, bringing a group of Indigenous chefs to Northampton for a local pop-up, to cook out of their kitchen and share

Local Burger restaurant in Northampton participates in the collaborative effort organized by the Downtown Northampton Association, Grow Food Northampton and the Northampton Survival Center. (HOANG ‘LEON’ NGUYEN / THE REPUBLICAN)

Jackson

ing of 15 small businesses in Northampton as of the writing of this article. SevCONTINUED FROM PAGE B5 eral of them were cherished near-term, we will kick-off Northampton destinations a Restaurant Campaign that all their own for decades. will leverage “Project TakeTen other businesses are out,” an initiative launched closed temporarily for the by the Boston Globe to winter, and this has cost encourage individuals to sup- even more jobs. port their local restaurants On the flip side, 15 new by ordering a meal at least businesses have opened once a week. This restaurant in Northampton since the campaign is another way to pandemic. This reflects help save jobs, stimulate our a fearless, entrepreneurial spirit and welcoming economy and engage the business culture that run community. throughout Northampton.

As far as jobs go, the number of lost jobs since These new openings are a the pandemic has been mix of restaurants, retail significant. One recent shops and cannabis businesses and have resulted in source reported that there greater diversity. are 54% fewer jobs among Also, Northampton’s Northampton’s small businesses. According to Labor share of the steadily growing cannabis industry is Market Information on Massachusetts, Northamp- increasing. In addition to ton’s unemployment rate three medical and adultwas 5.3% as of the Novemuse cannabis dispensaries ber report. This was the that are currently open, first time in recent months two additional dispensaries that Northampton’s unemare scheduled to open very ployment rate was below all soon and seven more have three comparative unemapplications pending, spaces ployment benchmarks – the rented, and other set-ups Franklin-Hampshire Work- that suggests rapid expanforce Development Area, the sion in 2021. Additionally, state of Massachusetts and five cannabis production total U.S. We are hoping for and manufacturing facilities continued declines toward are expected to open. pre-pandemic unemployLocated in the Five ment rates which were in the College area of Western 2% range for Northampton. Massachusetts, Northampton is poised for a roaring Entrepreneurship has economic comeback when always been highly regarded in Northampton, which 37,000-plus students gradually return to the area. The is known throughout the region for its boutique retail five colleges are prepared to accommodate approxishops and farm-to-table mately 60% of their residenrestaurants. We have been disheartened by the clostial student population in

not only their food, but their knowledge of Indigenous influence in society, agriculture and more.

And cross-over restaurant-retail partnerships happened as well. The Dirty Truth and Provisions collaborated to create an ongoing program, the “second Wednesday initiative,” highlighting different organizations fighting discrimination and oppression against the Black, Indigenous and people of color community, with the Dirty Truth and Provisions donating 10% of sales to those organizations each second Wednesday.

Ultimately, I think COVID has given all of us a clearer understanding of the struggles, risks and dreams of small-business owners, and the importance and interconnectedness of our community. Every action – no matter how small – has a ripple effect felt throughout our downtown. And while a shared sadness is felt with every loss, a collective joy is felt with every success, every word of thanks, every kind gesture.

Here’s hoping 2021 brings waves of collective joy to our downtown!

Amy Cahillane is executive director of the Downtown Northampton Association. To learn more about the association and its work, go online to northamptondna.com.

February.

The Five College student population is representative of all 50 states and 173 countries, contributing to dynamic growth opportunities throughout all of Hampshire County and the Pioneer Valley. Having students back in the area will breathe a level of vibrancy into our communities that has been sorely missed, so long as we follow the safety protocols and aim for herd immunity over the next few months.

And, finally, we look forward to a full reopening of the travel and tourism industry. Prior to the pandemic, the visitor center at the Northampton chamber managed well over 100,000 visitor or potential visitor touch points throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the “the other side” of Massachusetts to experience our amazing outdoor attractions, iconic museums, historical landmarks and scenic beauty.

The statewide “My Local” campaign encourages all to “Put your money where your heart is.” This sums up how to help our economy and community get to the other side of the pandemic. 2021 will be a year of recovery, reengagement, reimagination and revitalization. Surely, the best is yet to come!

Vincent Jackson is executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the chamber, go online to northamptonchamber.com.

B10 | MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

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“We cherish our beautiful open spaces, our fresh air, our great outdoor recreation opportunities, our affordable homes, our unique businesses and our terrific employment opportunities.”

DIANA M. SZYNAL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Franklin County enters ’21 with renewed enthusiasm

Diana M. Szynal

F

OR EACH CHALlenge presented to us in 2020, I am convinced that 2021 Amy McMahan, the owner of Mesa Verde at 10 Fiske Ave. in Greenfield, teamed up with other restaurants in the city during the will provide an opportunity. pandemic, offering People’s Pint beer and pizza kits and salad from Magpie to customers. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN) One year ago today, none of us could have imagined the struggles, worries and loss that we were about to experience. But today I think it’s clear that we are poised to make a comeback. And it’s already starting here in Franklin County.

Last March, schools, stores, restaurants and entertainment venues were abruptly forced to close down or drastically change their operations.

We thought this might last a few weeks, but eventually the reality hit that we were in for a much longer haul.

That’s when the creativity started. It was amazing to see how Franklin County businesses worked together to support each other. I’m delighted to share two of my favorite examples.

Down a short alley in downtown Greenfield is an amazing little Mexican joint.

Mesa Verde has delicious food, including a killer buffalo chicken burrito and the best margaritas around. But its true treasure is owner Amy McMahan.

Amy is a fierce fighter for local businesses and the ultimate enthusiast about downtown Greenfield and Franklin An ice sculpture is displayed in downtown Greenfield last week. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

County. Her business quickly made the switch to exclusively take-out, and it was doing a brisk business.

But Amy is not one to look after just herself. She knew other local restaurants were struggling. She used the popularity of her business to help sell products from other Greenfield restaurants. She offered beer from the People’s Pint, and pizza kits and salad from Magpie.

Amy McMahan’s commitment to her hometown was further deepened by the challenges of COVID-19.

Amy also used her wholesale buying power to purchase bulk flour and yeast and assembling focaccia kits that were sold for $5 with all proceeds to benefit Greenfield Community College. Amy’s commitment to her hometown was further deepened by the challenges of COVID-19.

And then there were two larger businesses in Franklin County that joined forces in a truly unique way to fix a much significant pandemic related problem.

Bete Fog Nozzle is a manufacturer in Greenfield that specializes in, well, nozzles.

It is a global leader in spray technology, and its products include fog and misting nozzles, tank washing nozzles, material injection nozzles, and custom spray nozzles.

Bete president Tom Fitch heard from his friend Pam Reipold, owner of Travel Kuz, a Franklin County bus transportation company, that she needed to devise a way to

SEE SZYNAL, PAGE B11

Amherst Area Chamber ready to roar into the Twenties

W

HEN ASKED A year ago to do an Outlook 2020 viewpoint for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, one never imagined the dual health and economic crisis that was about to shut us down flat. There was no curve. It was a steep drop.

And with the closures of our flagship University of Massachusetts campus along with area colleges, our Amherst Area towns simply shut down overnight.

I want to talk about how our chamber will work with our local and state partners to play an active role in our economic recovery as a key part of our outlook for 2021. But first I must reflect.

I am in awe of our small-business owners. We have cried, held virtual hands, coached them through grant applications, grant acceptances and denials, Paycheck Protection Program questions, and we funneled their inquiries to the Statehouse as needed.

As a chamber, we tried to offer a lifeline at every turn, but no system is perfect. We could not save them all. Like most small towns, we have lost businesses permanently, and some are choosing to temporarily close as we hit another peak in COVID cases. But through it all the resilience of our business owners reminds me why my parents and my husband’s parents came to this country – the American spirit. It is alive in each small business.

Through it all, 2020 gave our small-business owners new perspective. It gave them the opportunity to think about their business differently. Our owners were forced to take a second look at their offerings. From reimagining their

“Through it all, 2020 gave our small-business owners new perspective.”

Claudia Pazmany

CLAUDIA PAZMANY, AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Supporting Amherst area children while buying local during the holiday season, Danny and Jessye Deane, of F45 Training Hampshire Meadows, members of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, raised money through two locations to buy toys for 48 children held in the court system during the holidays, purchasing them at The Toy Box in downtown Amherst. Jessye Deane is a Amherst Area Chamber Ambassador. (AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO)

Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, says members have stepped up to think creatively on how to sustain their businesses amid the pandemic. Here a view along North Pleasant Street in Amherst.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

menus to creating brand-new outdoor spaces, they breathed life into this crisis. And while it’s not over, I believe those left standing are better positioned for the future.

While I am hard pressed to predict the future, I do want to reflect on one of our original 2020 goals which was to activate our voice on behalf of our members. Mission accomplished. From weekly meetings with town and college officials, to state representatives and state leadership during COVID, we have never been more well positioned to advocate for our corner of Western Massachusetts.

Together, we effectively

advocated for federal and state grants. At the federal level, we successfully curated two Community Development Block Grant programs through the Valley Community Development Corp. The Amherst COVID Recovery Grant Program and Regional Small Business COVID Recovery Grant programs are both offering one-time grants up to $10,000 for businesses across the Pioneer Valley.

At the municipal level, we successfully created and ran a pilot effort in December to help our businesses through the winter months, matching town of Amherst CARES Act monies to monies raised

through the Relief & Resiliency Fund to feed 100 neighbors two dinners a week during the month of December. That December Dinner Delights program is extended, and more restaurants and families will benefit. Through another state earmark of $20,000, we are offering Winter Pivot Grants that began in January as an additional boost to small businesses.

We successfully advocated and received a Mass Development Resilient Places grant to adapt our visitors center and provide enhancements to other area town centers, while working nearly daily with Amherst to reduce liquor-licensing fees, expedite permitting for outdoor dining and liquor to-go, while implementing an Amherst-wide Relief & Resiliency Micro-Grant program that provided additional micro-grants, safety signage and personal protective equipment (PPE) for our

businesses.

We have turned every stone to keep our businesses afloat.

We launched our Amherst Area Gift Card program in December, raising over $11,000 in just the first few weeks that will go back to our small businesses. Despite all our actions and even with the relief and the vaccine on the way, our small businesses are only operating at 25% of their capacity.

I believe we are on the precipice of a second “Roaring Twenties.” That title was not acquired by accident, it was earned with a purposeful surge in economic drivers, even the cultural economy boomed. We need to create our own roar.

We must invest in growth.

That includes doubling down on long-term infrastructure with investment in capital projects – from leveraging outdoor spaces with physical improvements to large-scale

ideas. Capital projects provide jobs in the short term to set us up for long-term success.

When the pandemic hit, our chamber advocated for a Destination Amherst. That is a five-pronged project that includes the addition of an outdoor performance venue and parking structure and improvements to the North Common, Kendrick Park and other planned physical improvements.

It’s time to innovate and reimagine our downtowns and storefront spaces. Is current zoning ready for a post-COVID world? Modified zoning and expediting permitting during COVID was a stark reminder that we can do better. It’s time for us to reform policies, procedures, and practices to reflect our new reality, and myriad possibilities for both indoor and outdoor space use.

Harnessing the technology

SEE PAZMANY, PAGE B11

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | B11

Pazmany

“We need to think creatively, be proactive, partner and remove inhibitors to what will be a long economic recovery.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B10

A view along Main Street in downtown Greenfield.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Szynal CONTINUED FROM PAGE B10

quickly and completely sanitize her large fleet of school buses.

After some engineering and design work, the FastPASS Bus Disinfecting System was born. This small, inexpensive, easy to use and remarkably effective system can disinfect an entire school bus in a matter of minutes.

I had the good fortune of watching a demonstration of the system over the summer and it was very impressive.

A small generator is turned on, a hose is hooked from a disinfectant canister to a small nozzle system in the bus and within minutes the whole bus fills with a fog of a safe disinfectant that covers every surface. This system eliminates the need for personnel to disinfect bus surfaces, which means it could be done faster and more effectively. Brilliant.

Franklin County has the good fortune of relying on well-established businesses like Yankee Candle Co. and strong financial institutions like Greenfield Savings and Greenfield Cooperative banks. We are also rich in small businesses and artisans

and performance venues.

But who would have thought that in the midst of a global pandemic we would have the good fortune of attracting another powerhouse business?

In October, it was announced that Tree House Brewing Co. would be relocating to the former Channing Bete building in Deerfield. This is a game changer.

Tree House is a most welcome addition with a strong tradition of real community engagement and collaboration with other businesses, not to mention excellent beer.

We look forward to working with Tree House as it relocates to Franklin County.

We look to 2021 with a renewed enthusiasm for the special things that Franklin County has always offered but that 2020 taught us to appreciate. We cherish our beautiful open spaces, our fresh air, our great outdoor recreation opportunities, our affordable homes, our unique businesses and our terrific employment opportunities.

Diana M. Szynal is executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to franklincc.org.

Bete Fog Nozzle, of Greenfield, worked together with Travel Kuz, a Franklin County bus transportation company, to develop the FastPASS Bus Disinfecting System. It proved a small, inexpensive, easy to use and effective system can disinfect an entire school bus in a matter of minutes. (BETE NOZZLE PHOTO)

and research happening at UMass and area colleges and connecting them to financial and space resources, we can build a pipeline for entrepreneurship to build our local economy. We also know there has been a surge of talent arriving to our beautiful part of the world due to the urban flight. We must take advantage of that new talent and make it easy for them to do business.

There is a pent-up demand to travel, but how comfortable before we all get on a plane? When it feels safe, we must be well positioned for local travelers and the reactivation of college and alumni events. Thus, we have reignited our Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council board. Together, with our Greater Northampton and the Greater Easthampton chamber partners, we are leveraging our shared resources, and enhancing tourism tools to generate tourism.

We also need to talk about people. With unemployment at its highest, both locally and nationwide, we need to support our nonprofit leaders who are buoying our most vulnerable. We must be ready to partner and embrace new ideas on addressing food insecurity and homelessness, as advocates for leveraging varied funding resources. We just ended a $10,000 campaign for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts that included a $5,000 match from PeoplesBank which will provide 40,000 additional meals. The needs are varied, but we are ready to partner.

Last year, when our members sought out more networking, we gave them 56 events. This year, we relied on technology to keep us together, with over 56,000 connections across our marketing channels. We look forward to bringing new Women’s Leadership and Equity and Inclusion workshop series among other virtual programming throughout the first six months of the year and be back with our signa-

Claudia Pazmany, executive director, Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce

ture events all when it feels safe to do so.

We are heading into 2021 with a sense of pride and humility. Gratitude for our members who have stuck with us, when there was ZERO additional funding for us, and for those who invested with us that kept us whole during the darkest of times, our Chamber Champions. Please allow me to thank them here: PeoplesBank; Pioneer Valley Hotel Group; Cooley Dickinson Health Care; Encharter Insurance; Greenfield Savings Bank; UMass; Hampshire Hospitality; Steve Lewis Subaru; Applied Mortgage; Hampshire Mall; and Amherst College.

Speaking of gratitude, I must thank my board, led powerfully by Lynn Gray, general manager at Hampshire Mall, and my exceptional staff, membership and marketing manager John Page and bookkeeper Laurie Freitag. This team truly helped shoulder the burdens of these times.

All that I share here demonstrates a response that has been characterized by cooperation and collaboration.

For any vision of recovery to become reality, this must continue. We need to think creatively, be proactive, partner and remove inhibitors to what will be a long economic recovery. Stay safe. Mask up.

Your Amherst Area Chamber is in your corner and ready to roar.

Claudia Pazmany is the executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber is located at 35 South Pleasant St., Amherst.

To learn more about the chamber and its work, go online to amherstarea.com.

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For appt call Pieroways, 413-739-1101 betw 10-3pm

Merchandise Antiques/Collectibles Appliances Articles for Rent Articles For Sale Audio Building Materials Cameras Camping Equipment Clothing Coins and Stamps Construction Equipment Do-In-Yourself Materials Electronics/Compuiters Fitness Equipment Flea Markets Forklifts and Equipment Fuel Furniture, Etc. Good Things To Eat Hot Ticket Items Jewelry Lawn & Garden Lawnmower & Snowblower Machinery & Tools Med. Equipment Sales/Wanted Miscellaneous Musical Instruments Office Equipment Pools, Spas & Accessories Professional Equipment Restaurant Equipment Seasonal Snowmobiles Sports Television Tickets Video Vintage Clothing Wanted to Buy Wood-Burning Stoves

Appliances

REFRIG OLD APT SIZE FAIR CONDITION FREE MUST PICK UP (413)310-2816 Articles for Sale

A 2 hour on-line Mala Indian Cooking class gift certicate for 1 $39. paid $59 413-885-7272

BASEBALL, Football Basketball & Hockey cards, 1950’s-present, 50 to 90% off, selling boxes for $1.50. BUYING ALL SPORTS CARDS, RETIRED KOREAN WAR VET 413-596-5783 Irish Stamp Album $450.00 OBO. Stamps Wanted Call Ron 413-896-3324 Cash For Stamps Furniture, Etc.

4 piece bedrm bureau set, needs to be painted, but all else in great cond. $125.00 complete. They’re on 2nd floor. Text or call 413-575-0000

Med. Equip Sales/Wanted

Legal Notices

Hoyer $1200, Auto bed $650, wheel chairs, shower chairs, recliner $275, more, BRO. (413)813-7268

, date and time: 03/19/2021 at 9:00 AM Other Hearing You may bring an attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you.

If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter with a trial on the merits of the petition and an adjudication of this matter.

For further information call the Office of the ClerkMagistrate at (413) 3226700.

WITNESS: Hon. Lois M. Eaton, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 02/09/2021, Donald P. Whitney, ClerkMagistrate (February 12, 15, 22)

Real estate for rent

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act and Massachusetts Labor and Industries Law, which make it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation which shall not include persons whose sexual orientation involves minor children as the sex object, genetic information, ancestry, children, marital status, or public assistance recipiency, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. To report discrimination, call the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 1-800-6699777.

The HUD TTY telephone number for the hearing impaired is 212-708-1455.

Apartments/Condos, Unfurnished

0-1-2 BEDROOM AGAWAM FREE HEAT & UTILS No pets. 413-786-6323

PALMER - 1BR ALL APPLS STORAGE/LAUNDRY IN BSMT. NO PETS SMOKING. 1ST LAST SEC $800MO; BRETON ESTATES. 413-283-6940

Legal Notices Legal ads can be e-mailed to

classified-legals @repub.com For more information

call 413-788-1297 Legal Notices CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, DOCKET NUMBER 20CP0156HO, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Hampden County Juvenile Court, 121 Elm St., Holyoke, MA 01040 TO: Jose or the father of Joaquin McCoy Hodges born 5/19/20 to Destiny Yvonne Hodges in Springfield, MA: A petition has been presented to this court by DCF Holyoke, seeking as to the following child: Joaquin McCoy Hodges, that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named herein, if it finds that the child is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition.

You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following

Notice of Final Agency Action SUBJECT : MassHealth: Payment for In-State Acute Hospital Services, effective January 27, 2021 AGENCY : Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), Office of Medicaid Pursuant to 42 USC § 1396a(a)(13) and 42 CFR § 4 47.205, EOHHS hereby announces a change to MassHealth payment methods for participating in-state acute hospitals effective, January 27, 2021. A complete description of the MassHealth acute hospital payment methods and rates, including this update, and all other required information, is available under the heading “Acute Hospital Federal Fiscal Year 2021 Notices” on the “Special Notices for Acute Hospitals” page of the MassHealth website at https://www.mass. g o v / s e r v i c e details/special-noticesfor-acute-hospitals (see document entitled “Notice of Final Agency Action: MassHealth Payment for In-State Acute Hospital Services, effective January 27, 2021”). For further information, you may also contact Steven Sauter at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, MassHealth Office of Providers and Pharmacy Programs, 100 Hancock Street, 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171 or at steven.sauter@state. ma.us.

Statutory Authority : M.G. L. c. 118E; St. 2020, c. 227; St. 2020, c. 260; St. 2012, c.

224; 42 USC 1396a; 42 USC 1396b.

Related Regulations : 130 CMR 410, 415, 450; 42 CFR Parts 431 and 447.

(February 15)