EDC Annual Report 2022: Western Mass Economic Development Council

Our Inaugural Annual Report, and Our Good News from 2022 A

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO

It is my great pleasure to present the 2022 Annual Report of the Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC). This is the first of its kind. I hope it updates our members and the community at large on the impactful work the EDC has done over the last year and provides a window to our continued growth and strengthening of the organization.

Despite difficult economic times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery, I am very proud that 2022 was a highly productive year for the EDC. We grew our membership to over 90 businesses and institutions by welcoming 10 new business leaders across industries to the EDC business table. We successfully partnered with a statewide coalition to pass legislation that will help bridge the economic cliff individuals face when they try to enter the workforce and/or take a job promotion. We have formally launched our Anchor Collaborative, which aims to create a more equitable economy, and we have significantly grown our role as the regional convener on all issues related to the Western Mass economy.

We’re financially healthy and have diversified our revenue streams, as was called for in the 2014 Strategic Plan. Further, we thoughtfully positioned ourselves to serve as a fiscal agent for numerous organizations in 2022, which resulted in strengthening our current partnerships. This renewed vigor made many things possible, such as:

• Leading the charge and organizing a series of community grants allowing cities and towns to invest in their business corridors.

• Building Back Better from Covid.

• Securing grant funding from the Center for Advanced Manufacturing to Advance Welding so they could buy equipment and expand into Springfield.

• Welcoming new relationships with community leaders and organizations that have a wider impact in Western Mass communities, not only diversifying our reach but truly impacting the economic health of our region and its constituents.

The year 2022 reaffirmed my belief that a rising tide lifts all boats.

This year also brought an innovative opportunity to best serve and prepare for a changing economy. We realigned our relationship with Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) and renewed our commitment to entrepreneurship and growing startup businesses in the region. This move resulted in the launch of the Western Mass Founders Network, which supports seasoned entrepreneurial founders to scale at a statewide, national, or global level.

Our Anchor Ready Accelerator program aims to prepare and scale our trade-focused enterprises to best serve our anchor institutions and diversify the regional supply chain, and a future partnership looks to grow companies in the clean-tech sector,

giving Western Mass a competitive advantage in this arena. The significant announcement of state funding for the soonto-be state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at Springfield Union Station also came in 2022. The EDC is proud to have been at the table during the inception of this major project in 2019, serving, too, as an integral player in getting the project off the ground. The Cybersecurity Center will bring much opportunity to Western Mass, which I believe will further diversify occupation access, advance necessary IT, and cybersecurity skills among workers, and provide a service to our members and beyond for improved cybersecurity support. This project will bring more investment to the region and construction opportunities in 2023.

When I think of the positive impact the EDC has achieved over the years, and especially in 2022, I must recognize the commitment the EDC staff has invested during their time with the organization. We couldn’t have done this work without our dedicated team. Thank you to my chief of staff, Xiomara Albán DeLobato; Karen Tetreault, our senior executive assistant; Anne Kandilis, director of Springfield WORKS; Hope Ross Gibaldi, executive director of Valley Venture Mentors; and Anne DeWolf,director of operations; and the entire operations team: Carrie Dzialo, Aurora Pierangelo, and Steve Wolf. I also recognize my municipal colleagues and EDC members who represent their esteemed companies and institutions and serve on our various committees and initiatives that drive our work—the EDC members who served with me on numerous committees for the Healey-Driscoll transition teams speak to the influence and reputation of the EDC across the commonwealth. Our members are the reason we can accomplish this important work for the place we all call home.

I thank every EDC member and community leader for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of the EDC. I'd also like to thank the board for the opportunity to serve the EDC as president and CEO and to represent the EDC membership and the business community of Western Massachusetts.

We had a very busy and fulfilling year and look forward to even more success in 2023.

Rick Sullivan PRESIDENT & CEO

Recovery, collaboration, and commitment A

MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

In many ways, 2022 felt like a turning point for Western Massachusetts and the nation.

As our region continued to recover from the pandemic, the EDC of Western Mass was at the forefront of efforts to collaboratively drive economic and workforce development with an inclusive lens. Through partnerships with a wide range of organizations, businesses, and community leaders at both the state and regional levels, in 2022 the EDC sought to provide responsive and innovative leadership to mitigate the ongoing impacts of the pandemic while also seizing the opportunities presented during the recovery.

A defining theme in this work has been partnership, working with stakeholders to benefit all in our community through a focus on local hiring and procurement and related workforce development, and small business support to help the community thrive. Our region should be proud of significant progress made by partners involved in both the EDC’s Springfield WORKS project, as well as the regional Anchor Collaborative Initiative, a joint project led by Baystate Health and the EDC.

One of the most exciting achievements of these efforts is the passage of a pilot program to address the Cliff Effect—a negative economic impact experienced by those receiving government assistance who begin working without sufficient income to offset the benefits lost—through the state legislature. Initiated by the EDC and Springfield WORKS, this pilot initiative was six years in the making and passed as the result of the work of many partners, including The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and legislators around the state.

In addition, the EDC, in recognizing the critical importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) priorities, has taken significant steps to advance this work, starting with the EDC itself—with the goal of expanding DEIB outward, providing resources for the region in the future.

The opportunities presented by 2023 are many, and the EDC board, members, and staff will seek to continue to leverage opportunities to make measurable positive impacts for the people and organizations of Western Mass. Exciting initiatives on the horizon include:

• Welcoming a new cohort into the Anchor Collaborative.

• Launching the recently passed Cliff Effect Pilot across the commonwealth.

• Concluding our current strategic plan and developing new three-year goals to serve businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and the citizens of our region.

• Expanding the EDC’s involvement in education issues, including the creation of an Education Committee to bring increased awareness and support to our youth and schools during critical postpandemic recovery.

• Continuing to convene leaders from around the region and beyond to advance dialog and progress.

As we look at 2022 in the rearview mirror, it is clear how lucky we are to live in the 413. The unwavering commitment to, and love for, this region by so many who live here, and the innovation and collaboration evidenced throughout the pandemic and into the recovery, is notable. The strength of businesses and nonprofits large and small, the livability of Western Mass, and the fact that we are, collectively, small enough to be agile and collaborative with enough resources and brain power to get things done make our area special.

I’m bullish on Western Mass, without a doubt. My hope for this year is that regional leaders and organizations, through the EDC, will continue to step up, collaborate, and build upon our strong foundation of progress to create even greater positive impact for all in our region.

Tricia Canavan EDC BOARD CHAIR

Vital. Game-changing. Powerful. Influential. Relentless.

DEDICATED TO Driving the economy

VITAL. GAME-CHANGING. POWERFUL. INFLUENTIAL. RELENTLESS.

That is the work of the Western Mass Economic Development Council.

We are committed to supporting and growing the region’s economy not just for our 90+ members who are industry leaders, economic engines, and market drivers but for everyone. Hundreds of entrepreneurs and innovators across the Valley. Thousands of dedicated workers. And individuals and families who add to the fabric of a vibrant economy.

We are on the job for them. We know that as our workforce grows and diversifies, and as smaller businesses scale into larger enterprises and achieve, we all win. So, our work spans all industries, draws on countless relationships and affiliates, shapes programs, services, and public policy, and affects everyone in our midst.

We are mindful to look through the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) lens, so that women-, minority-, and veteran-owned, and LGBTQ+ businesses also have ample access to financing, capital, and supply chains as well as equal access to growth.

At the EDC, we drive the economy in the hope that no one takes the back seat.

FORECASTING RESILIENCY IN A POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMY

Certainly, work looked different in 2022 than it did two years ago.

More people are working from home across all industries and sectors, from healthcare to government to financial services. More students in higher education are learning from home. And there is more emphasis and appreciation for work-life balance.

As the importance of home is heightened, to us, that’s a beautiful reason to broadcast to businesses and workers from afar that Western Mass is a great place to live. We have so much to offer.

The cost of living is less expensive here than in the eastern part of the state. Greenspace is part of our DNA. You can own your own home, raise a family, and do that much more inexpensively than many other places. The arts are entwined in our culture. There are fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation and the appreciation of nature. There are also jobs available for folks in all industries—education, healthcare, financial services, social services, advanced manufacturing, the arts and culture, food and beverage, and more.

To raise awareness about the region’s gifts, the EDC has a multi-faceted growth strategy in process for Western Mass. We are working closely with our local chambers, convention and visitors bureau, and business leaders to promote the region and its assets to draw more people to live and work here and are dedicated to raising up our local companies, our workforce, and innovators. The support and innovative services the EDC offers, including participation in the

“We are intentional in the work of helping everybody see a piece of a growing and improving economy. ”

Rick Sullivan, President and CEO

Western Mass Anchor Collaborative for our large companies that provide comprehensive, systemic, and locally-led solutions to certain regional business and workforce challenges, are big draws.

(See page 23 to learn more.)

“Western Mass is a good place to do business,” Sullivan says. “We say that when people are asking themselves where they want to live, they should put Western Mass at the top of the list.”

DEVELOPING SERVICES TO ATTRACT MORE INDEPENDENT THINKERS

Western Mass is home to many nonconforming, hardworking, proud, and independent innovators and leaders who are as creative as they are open-minded. Because we know that even these unconventional business leaders and entrepreneurs need support, we have a wide scope of services.

One resource that sets us apart from any other organization is our assist in site searches for companies seeking to locate—or relocate—here. Leaders reach out to us with specifications: They want to be within five miles of the Mass Pike or I91, have 500,000 square feet of space with loading docks and train access, for instance.

We take the details and send them out to our list of commercial brokers and developers who, combined, represent over 90 percent of the commercial real estate in the region. We also collaborate with municipal, county, and chamber economic development officials have knowledge of available real estate in their communities. The team facilitates interviews, arranges meetings, provides additional support for relocation and direct forms of connection to workforce development agencies, and access to grant opportunities and incentives. It’s free to request this service, and free to be on the recipient list, too.

Anne DeWolf, our director of operations, manages about 40 rolling, active inquiries that are on our radar each year. In 2022, there were 20 new site search requests.

The EDC also acts as a clearing house for companies looking at growth, whether that be companies already in the region that want to expand or new ones moving into Franklin, Hampshire, or Hampden county. We help them collect relevant data they need to make decisions. They might ask about school systems, community culture, the cost of utilities, and taxes. We get the answers.

We can even convene state and local government agencies to offer tax or workforce credits or other robust relocation incentives.

Other core services we provide help businesses:

Obtain capital access. Our members and partners assist in securing financial resources, grants, micro-loans, venture funding and incentive programs.

Network with peers. We can convene industry-specific groups and strategic alliances to give businesses new opportunities.

Expand their markets. We reach out to governmental agencies, academic resources, and international trade assistance programs to provide resources.

Develop the workforce. EDC has a variety of recruiting and training opportunities, internship programs, and grants to solve staffing issues.

Access research and intellectual capital. Our academic partners in the 29 colleges and universities in the region’s Knowledge Corridor offer intensive resources and training and make our workforce one of the best-educated in the world.

“We have a lot to offer here. You can own your own home, raise a family, and do that much more inexpensively than many other places.”

Rick Sullivan, President and CEO

“Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goes beyond our board and staff. We are weaving DEIB into all that we do at the EDC.”

Rick Sullivan, President and CEO

SOLIDIFYING A COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING

Western Mass is an incredibly diverse region, from the geographic landscapes to the many cultures and ethnicities represented across the counties. Living in an ever-changing world, in an ever-changing economy, requires deep understanding of the communities and people we serve.

In 2022, we embarked on a DEIB journey with Leading Culture Solutions, Inc. to begin this essential work that puts people at the center of all we do. This journey included staff surveys, community focus groups, team workshops on prioritized topics such as implicit bias, intersectionality, microaggressions, effective allyship, and strategic road mapping and planning. Investing in DEIB development is critical to the success and the future of the EDC. It positions us and our members to better serve and understand an evolving economy and its industries, resulting in the development of new innovative practices and programs that encourage economic growth and equity.

“Our commitment to DEIB goes beyond our board and staff. We have actively engaged other stakeholders to help us become a stronger, more inclusive organization going forward. We are weaving DEIB into all that we do at the EDC,” says Rick Sullivan, EDC president and CEO.

This DEIB commitment will help our members and affiliates support initiatives and public policy that promotes inclusive hiring practices, understanding the importance of diversifying our local supply chains, and supporting place-based investments as a few examples, such as Big Y’s excellent example—opening its massive $46 million warehouse in Springfield and creating 100+ jobs in the process, in one of the region’s most diverse and largest cities.

We are working to create unified and equitable vitality in our regional economy.

Strong, dynamic EDC

OUR LEADERSHIP IS FOCUSED ON DEVELOPING THE REGION’S ECONOMY THROUGH COLLABORATION. WE ARE THE DRIVERS OF GROWTH.

Meet our team

Steve Wolf MANAGER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, OPERATIONS TEAM

Anne Kandilis INITIATIVE DIRECTOR, SPRINGFIELD WORKS/ WORKING CITIES CHALLENGE

Rick Sullivan PRESIDENT & CEO

Xiomara Albán DeLobato CHIEF OF STAFF

Karen Tetreault SENIOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Anne DeWolf DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Carrie Dzialo SENIOR ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST, OPERATIONS TEAM

Aurora Pierangelo ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST, OPERATIONS TEAM

Hope Ross Gibaldi EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VALLEY VENTURE MENTORS

*Systems Change Workforce Development

*Regional Entrepreneurial Economic Development

SUBCOMMITTEES ENHANCE MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND deepen commitment from community leaders

The EDC now has six subcommittees at work to report on key focus areas: diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB); education; infrastructure; legislation; new industry sectors; and strategic planning.

“We’re eager to reintroduce a committee structure,” says Xiomara Albán DeLobato, chief of staff. “The goal is to engage our membership in valuable work beyond general member participation and to draw a higher level of commitment from our community leaders in areas they are deeply impassioned about that effect our economy.”

Each subcommittee focus has a major impact on the operation of the EDC and its vision. Says Xiomara, “We live in an ever-changing world, and we have an ever-changing economy, so having a focused framework in each of these areas of expertise allows our experts to forecast the future for us and inform the EDC team on various initiatives and projects we need to be involved in.”

Our members and community leaders are very busy people, and we thank them for enhancing our engagement. It’s a sign of their dedication to revitalizing the economy of Western Massachusetts.

MEET OUR COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND HEAR ABOUT THE FOCUS OF EACH GROUP

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & BELONGING (DEIB) SUBCOMMITTEE

Chair, Crystal S. Neuhauser, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Bay Path University

The relationship between diversity and business performance is statistically significant. Studies conducted by McKinsey & Company found that diverse teams have strong financial performance. This subcommittee seeks to bridge not only the EDC’s organizational work on creating and cultivating an inclusive space but also influencing the work among the broader membership and regional community. The EDC is a convener and the DEIB subcommittee serves as a conduit to help business partners explore how they can tackle and deliver on DEIB to impact growth and business performance for a more equitable economy.

EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE

Chair, Sandra J. Doran, J.D., President, Bay Path University

The Education Subcommittee’s primary role is to advocate for educational policy that will influence and support workforce development while simultaneously helping to prepare the next working generation for the next phases in their lives, work, military service, or education. The committee is committed to raising awareness and leveraging the higher ed system that we have in Western Mass. The relationship between the EDC and institutions of higher education is essential in the advancement of tech and vocational development in the region.

“We live in an ever-changing world, and we have an everchanging economy, so having a focused framework in each of these areas of expertise allows our experts to forecast the future for us and inform the EDC team on various initiatives and projects we need to be involved in.”

Xiomara Albán DeLobato, Chief of Staff

INFRASTRUCTURE SUBCOMMITTEE

Chair, Craig Reed, Chief Financial Officer, All State Materials Group

The Infrastructure Committee acts as a catalyst and influencer to support infrastructure projects and focus areas that will help support regional economic opportunity, growth, and resilience. The group also advocates for the continued development of roads, bridges, and additional infrastructure monies from the federal government with the intention to be inclusive of rural and urban regional development, such as broadband expansion and public transportation enhancements.

LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Co-Chair, David Chase, Vice President, Commercial Lending, Freedom Credit Union

The Legislative Subcommittee has a lens on the larger issues that impact economic development and growth, such as advancements in transportation, economic bond bills, workforce, public health, and education. A key ingredient for success is to closely collaborate with local chambers to help amplify their voices on small business-related issues.

NEW INDUSTRY SECTORS SUBCOMMITTEE

Chair, John Cook, PhD, President, Springfield Technical Community College

One key focus for the New Industry Sectors Subcommittee is further advocating for the development of the new cybersecurity center that will be located in Springfield’s Union Station and to have regional and statewide influence on advancement. This group will leverage our local colleges and universities and strengthen relationships by laying out a B2B model for universities and local companies. Clean technology has tremendous opportunity to develop in Western Mass as a hub for clean tech, accessible to individuals across the Commonwealth, and by growing minorityowned and women-owned business enterprises.

STRATEGIC PLANNING SUBCOMMITTEE

Co-Chairs, Tricia Canavan, CEO, Tech Foundry, and Christina Royal, PhD, President, Holyoke Community College

The Strategic Planning Subcommittee is charged with planning the future of the EDC and charting the course for the work of the organization into 2026. The work strongly plays off the 2020-2023 strategic plan. The goal for the group is to improve the economy for everyone in Western Mass.

Membership

The EDC is governed by a Board of Directors that includes elected representatives of the EDC’s membership. The membership includes the region’s mayors, CEOs of major corporations, and the chancellors and presidents of area colleges and universities. These local leaders are instrumental to the direction and the success of our EDC.

EDC Executive Committee

Board of Directors and Membership

NEW MEMBERS: REPRESENTED WITH AN ASTERISK, BOARD MEMBERS: REPRESENTED IN BLUE ITALICS

Robert Babcock, Marketing President, Western-Central Mass / TD Bank

Alicia Barton, CEO, FirstLight Power

Hurbert Benitez, DDS, PhD-President, American International College (AIC)*

Erin Bissonnette, Senior Energy Account Representative, Secure Energy, and President, East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5)

Deborah Bitsoli, President, Mercy Medical Center and its Affiliates

Jia Bo, Chairman of the Board, CRRC MA Corporation

Paul Bockelman, Town Manager, Town of Amherst

Robert Bolduc, Founder, The Hope Foundation for Youth & Families*

Elle Bonnevie, Group Controller Engine Systems, Tell Tool / Cadence Aerospace*

Daniel Butterfield, President, U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission, LLC

Kate Campiti, Associate Publisher, BusinessWest

Kristin Carlson, President, Peerless Precision, Inc.

Peter Carmichael, Park President, Six Flags New England

Steve Cary, President, Focus Springfield (Focus Springfield Chair)*

Gene Cassidy, President, Eastern States Exposition

David Chase Sr., VP Member Business Services, Freedom Credit Union

Kristin Cole, Director of Workforce Training Programs, Greenfield Community College

Tricia Canavan CHAIR CEO, TECH FOUNDRY

Steve Lowell TREASURER FORMER PRESIDENT, MONSON SAVINGS BANK

George Arwady PAST CHAIR PUBLISHER & CEO, THE REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER

Christina Royal FIRST VICE CHAIR PRESIDENT, HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Katie Allan Zobel CLERK FORMER PRESIDENT & CEO, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Lisa McCarthy SECOND VICE CHAIR PRESIDENT, YANKEE CANDLE

Charlie D’Amour MEMBER AT LARGE PRESIDENT & CEO, BIG Y FOODS, INC.

John Cook, President, Springfield Technical Community College

Mary Beth Cooper, President, Springfield College

Ellen Cummings, Regional Director, External Affairs, Central and Western Mass, Verizon

Stephen A. Davis, President, Ventry Industries, LLC

Kevin Day, President, Florence Bank

Ron DeCurzio, CEO, Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co

Barbara-Jean DeLoria, Senior Vice President, Florence Bank

Kevin Dillon, Executive Director, Connecticut Airport Authority

Dianne Fuller Doherty, Community Partner*

Sandra Doran, President, Bay Path University

Ann Marie Dowd, President, Tamarack Advisors, LLC

Harry Dumay, President, Elms College

Daniel Finnegan, Partner, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP

Tom Flaherty, General Manager, Westfield Gas + Electric

Herbie Flores, President and CEO, Partners for Community

The Honorable Joshua Garcia, Mayor, City of Holyoke

Edward Garibian, President, LLumin

Daniel M. Glanville, Vice President of Government Affairs, Comcast Western New England

Philip Goncalves, Senior Vice President, Westfield Bank

Todd Goodrich, CEO, Sulco Warehousing & Logistics/Lancer Transportation & Logistics

Alfred Griggs, A. L. Griggs Industries, Inc.

Dena Hall, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, bankESB

Sam Hallemeier, Director, State Affairs, Pharmaceutical Care Management Assoc. (PCMA)*

James Hickson, Senior Vice President, Commercial Regional President, Berkshire Bank

James Hunt, Vice President for Regulatory Affairs and Community Relations, Eversource

Tim Ingerson, CFO, Balise Auto

Robert Johnson, President, Western New England University

Al Kasper, President and CEO, Savage Arms*

Jaimye Kelley, Senior Vice President and Team Leader, WMass Commercial Banking / M&T Bank

James Kelly, President, Polish National Credit Union

Timothy Kennedy, President, MassLive

Mark Keroack, President and CEO, Baystate Health Inc.

Gus Kim, Vice President and Legal Counsel, Northeast Group, MGM Springfield

Sue Kristjansson, President and CEO, Berkshire Gas

The Honorable Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, City of Easthampton

James N. Lavelle, General Manager, Holyoke Gas & Electric

Raymond Lanza-Weil, President, Common Capital Inc.

John Libera, Chair, Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation (WMDC)

The Honorable Jennifer Macksey, Mayor, City of North Adams

Ben Markens, Principal, The Markens Group, Inc.

John Maybury, President, Maybury Material Handling

The Honorable Michael McCabe, Mayor, City of Westfield

Kathleen McCartney, President, Smith College

Hubert McGovern, President and CEO, OMG, Inc.

Marsha Medina, President, Pride Stores, LLC*

Daniel Moriarty, President, Monson Savings Bank

Dana Neves, Vice President and General Manager, WFSB

Maurice O’Connell, Senior Director State Relations, CSX

Kevin O’Shea, Director of Government Affairs, National Grid

Shawn Pace, Site Manager, Indian Orchard, Eastman Chemical/Solutia, now a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company

David A. Parke, Esquire, EDC Counsel, Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP

Peter A. Picknelly, Jr., President, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc.

Craig Reed, CFO, All States Materials Group

The Honorable William Reichelt, Mayor, Town of West Springfield

Barry Roberts, Chair, Amherst Business Improvement District

Steven M. Roberts, Former Owner, F.L. Roberts & Company (Retired)

Cesar Ruiz, President and CEO, Golden Years Home Care Services*

The Honorable William Sapelli, Mayor, Town of Agawam

The Honorable Domenic Sarno, Mayor, City of Springfield

The Honorable Gina-Louise Sciarra, City of Northampton

Paul Scully, President, Country Bank

Thomas Senecal, President & CEO, Peoples Bank

Robert Simone, Vice President and General Manager, WWLP-22 News & The CW Springfield

Seth Stratton, Managing Shareholder, Fitzgerald Law

Kumble Subbaswamy, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Jeffery Sullivan, President and CEO, New Valley Bank & Trust*

Richard Swift, President, Health New England

Beverly Daniel Tatum, President, Mount Holyoke College

Linda Thompson, President, Westfield State University

Tom Tilas, Vice President, AECOM Tishman

The Honorable Linda Tyer, Mayor, City of Pittsfield

Kevin Vann, Chairman, The Vann Group

The Honorable John Vieau, Mayor, City of Chicopee

The Honorable Roxann Wedegartner, Mayor, Town of Greenfield

Eric Weinstein, Lead Government Relations Advisor, MassMutual

Anthony Worden, President and CEO, Greenfield Cooperative Bank

Bolstering our affiliates WITH SERVICES, COLLABORATION, CONNECTIONS

We at the EDC are convenors. We connect dots. Bring business leaders and organizations together so they can support one another and serve our residents for the greater good.

In addition to serving our members and representing economic development professionals serving the entire region, the EDC is the umbrella organization for 10 key partners representing industry or area-specific organizations whose work both separately and as a team betters the region's economy and quality of life.

Our affiliate model allows for these key partners to access business services such as IT and accounting support, participate in group health insurance, pension plans, and 401K plans. By offering these services, our affiliates are able to reduce costs and have greater impact in our community.

“We’re strengthening this economic ecosystem that is multi-faceted and diverse in both who we serve and the services we provide,” says Xiomara Albán DeLobato, our chief of staff.

We are also conveners for our affiliates.

If leaders of the affiliate organizations seek support in convening our EDC members, we make it happen. We lift up our affiliates, give direct access to our corporate leaders, and showcase their successes.

The EDC has a longstanding, collaborative partnership with state, federal, and municipal officials. This dynamic allows us to provide added advocacy on behalf of our affiliates or additional resources or updated and new legislation.

Overall, our affiliates are comprised of economic development leaders within specific industries or districts. By organizing ourselves as one powerful regional asset, the EDC responds to companies and economic issues as a team with the resources and expertise of many.

“We’re strengthening this economic ecosystem that is multi-faceted and diverse in both who we serve and the services we provide.”

Xiomara Albán DeLobato, Chief of Staff

Meet our affiliates

AMHERST BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

35 South Pleasant St., Amherst amherstdowntown.com

The Amherst BID in downtown Amherst was founded in 2014. Formed as a way for property owners to pool their resources to fund and coordinate improvements and supplemental services in commercial areas. The ultimate goal: to promote business and cultural activity and create a thriving, accommodating destination for visitors and the local and regional communities. During the pandemic, the Amherst BID's work for small businesses was used as a case study by the state of Massachusetts. Their marketing efforts have been recognized widely as a bar for other municipalities to rise to. The BID created a separate not-for-profit arm, the Downtown Amherst Foundation, which conceived and built The Drake, Amherst's first dedicated live music and performance venue. The BID continues to see and fill needs, create Amherst as a destination, support current businesses, advocate for incoming businesses and work closely with the town of Amherst, Amherst College, and the University of Massachusetts on Amherst-wide economic development and empowerment.

ERC5 EAST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

280 North Main Street, Suite 2, East Longmeadow / erc5.com

The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce fosters the economic growth in East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow, and Wilbraham through the creation and expansion of businesses and jobs. It brings hundreds of member businesses together for events and helps its members invest in the community, get involved, and stay connected. The chamber provides various opportunities to showcase its members and their brands through its biweekly email newsletter, member spotlights on all its social media platforms, its podcast, “Conversations with the ERC5”, and its networking events. The Chamber offers Lunch & Learn events, providing business education workshops featuring topics of interest that benefit business owners.

FOCUS SPRINGFIELD

1200 Main St., Springfield focusspringfield.com

Focus Springfield is a collective of public access television stations, offering Channel 12, public access tv; Channel 15, for educational programming; and Channel 17, which provides government news. The mission of Focus Springfield is to improve the quality of life for Springfield residents through stimulating economic development, community building, education, training, and promoting the benefits of living, learning, and working in the city. The organization showcases the cultural and educational achievements of its residents over the airwaves, on the internet, and in the downtown gallery space. Focus Springfield also provides training that encourages individual and community-based programming, as well as activities that enhance the downtown streetscape.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

1441 Main Street, Springfield explorewesternmass.com

The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) is a membershipbased Destination Marketing Organization promoting the Western Mass region. The GSCVB collaboratively leads promotion and development for Western Massachusetts as a compelling visitor destination to drive economic vitality and enhance quality of life in our communities. Key target markets include leisure visitors, group tours, meeting planners and sports groups. Strategic partners include the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Invest in the West Partners and EDC.

MAKE-IT SPRINGFIELD

168 Worthington St., Springfield makeitspringfield.org

Make-It Springfield began in the fall of 2015 as a one-month, pop-up makerspace in a vacant storefront in downtown Springfield. In that

one month, volunteers hosted over 40 workshops in technology, art, engineering, bicycle repair, cooking, and sewing, and over 450 community members took part in the offferings. Given the wide show of support, founders stretched the initial seed money to keep the space open for several more months, and DevelopSpringfield, the Springfield Business Improvement District, and Silverbrick Lofts collaborated to help Make-It find its current home, which opened in 2016. Make-It Springfield is a growing and thriving organization that serves the creative needs of a diverse community.

SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

1243 Main St., Springfield springfielddowntown.com

Visit the website for the Springfield Business Improvement District, and you will get a feel for all that is available in downtown Springfield. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a formal organization made up of property owners and commercial tenants who collaborate to promote business development and improve an area’s quality of life. The goal of a BID is to restore or promote business activity in targeted commercial areas with management, marketing, and economic development services and programs. Springfield’s BID offers district management services, maintenance and security, promotion and marketing services, and other business services, and physical improvements and property management. The Springfield BID covers the 26 blocks of downtown Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD CULTURAL PARTNERSHIPS

127 State St., fourth floor, Springfield springfieldculture.org

Springfield Cultural Partnership (SCP) is a memberbased nonprofit with a diverse mix of individuals and organizations all committed to supporting a vital, local cultural economy. The SCP also oversees the Springfield Central Cultural District. The partnership’s mission is to foster civic engagement and arts education in Springfield by creating and sustaining a vibrant cultural environment and engaging institutions, artists, and the community. It fosters synergy and alignment of cultural resources that create an enriching, welcoming experience for Springfield visitors and residents and operates through collaboration, community, innovation, and respect, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1441 Main Street, Springfield springfieldregionalchamber.com

The mission of the Springfield Regional Chamber is completely aligned with that of the EDC. For over a century, the chamber has worked to strengthen and improve the region’s economy as “the voice of business” for hundreds of members. The organization develops the region’s workforce and provides legislative advocacy. As supporters for innovation and prosperity, the regional chamber drives economic vitality through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships and by convening leaders and

IMAGE CREDIT: GSCVB

influencers and championing local business growth. Its members work across all industries in the for- and nonprofit sectors. As part of its work, the chamber promotes members through events it hosts and through media outreach and the sharing of member news and information on its website.

WESTMASS AREA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

One Monarch Place, Springfield westmassdevelopment.com

Launched in 1960 by the commonwealth as a nonprofit economic and real estate development firm, the Westmass Area Development Corporation has a mission to promote, stimulate, develop, and advance the business prosperity and economic welfare of Western Mass. Drawing on professional and technical expertise in the region’s public and private sectors, Westmass shapes and manages large-scale development projects, prepares district development strategies, and has successfully developed financing and incentive packages. Over the course of its history, Westmass has developed over 2,500 acres in 13 industrial parks and projects; enabled the buildout of over 12 million square feet of commercial space and residential units; leveraged $400 million in invested resources on developments;

and helped create over 10,000 jobs. It also provides targeted, innovative development strategies and guidance on public infrastructure financing, tax incentives, urban design, historic revitalization projects and real estate development management.

WESTOVER METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (WMDC)

255 Padgette St., Chicopee westoverairport.com

Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation is a quasi-public development corporation created in 1974 to convert former military property at Westover Air Force Base to civilian use. The corporation has acquired over 1,300 acres and has developed them into 4 industrial parks and the civilian airport. Over 50 companies have located in the parks, employing over 3,200 people.

Today, the corporation manages the highly secured day-to-day operations of Westover Metropolitan Airport, the maintenance of 4 industrial parks, and the continuing development of commercial and industrial real estate at each of the parks.

A glimpse at our strategic accomplishments in 2022

As we work to achieve the mission of the Western Mass EDC and stimulate and strengthen the economy in the Pioneer Valley, we are involved in countless partnerships, affiliations, programs, and public policy initiatives.

THE FOLLOWING STORIES OFFER A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF OUR STRATEGIC PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN FISCAL YEAR 2022.

SPRINGFIELD WORKS ENHANCED THE FOCUS TO IMPROVE WORKFORCE SYSTEMS IN 2022

A key learning in 2022 for Springfield WORKS, an EDC community initiative, was that a significant number of residents do not know where or how to access resources. This knowledge came to the organization after it secured a $400,000 Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant in May and surveyed people who had been justice-involved or had a justiceinvolved family member. The discovery was that only half are employed a year after release. Springfield WORKS partners on the project committed to work collaboratively to break down silos and disconnects. For example, 413Cares, an online resource for housing, education, healthcare, and other services, is being customized to increase partner collaboration and resident access to services.

Achieving this vision requires ongoing, collaborative work to remove systemic barriers and create pathways to economic opportunity and well-being.

Now in its sixth year, Springfield WORKS has grown in depth and scope, creating an ever-widening circle of networks into a holistic, collaborative model of community transformation. The EDC serves as the backbone for Springfield WORKS and contributes to the work by lending influence to advance public discourse about social and economic problems and build support for solutions.

In 2022, Springfield WORKS achieved the following:

• Led the effort to remove Cliff Effects, in partnership with The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the EDC, and Economic Pathways of Massachusetts Coalition members. (See story on Cliff Effects, page 25.)

• Accepted a $100,000 award in partnership with Home City Development for the Whole Family Approach to Careers program, which focuses on both children and adults in families to bring about economic success.

• Became the second organization in Massachusetts to become a member of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions in 2021, and, in 2022, launched two healthcare-related workforce development projects with MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, Baystate Health, Holyoke Community College, Springfield Public Schools, and the Western Mass Nursing Collaborative.

“Forty percent didn’t know where or how to access resources,” said Director Anne Kandilis in August, when reporting on survey results. Anne says a focus on 413Cares and a deeper emphasis on building collaborative models to work one-on-one with justiceinvolved individuals will ensure that, “No matter what door you are coming from, you are going to be able to access a resource.”

Because the economic landscape changes continually, Springfield WORKS has a mission to ensure that people have access to economic opportunity. Springfield WORKS envisions a community in which anyone in Springfield will be able to find a job and increase earnings through career growth; systems are aligned to support workers and families; and workers will have an authentic voice and access to living wages.

• Completed The Family Prosperity project with Baystate Health, which helped shape the launch of new employer principles to support workers, increase work for justice-involved individuals, and create new pay-to-train and other innovative workforce learning models for careers in healthcare.

• Launched the Springfield Community Council with the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. The council will serve as a voice for Springfield to ensure that initiatives are driven by people with lived experience.

• Took part in the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston 2022 New England Working Cities Summit in Boston to build opportunity and examine systems and policy changes that affect Western Mass businesses and residents.

“No matter what door you are coming from, you are going to be able to access a resource.”

Anne Kandilis, Director, Springfield WORKS

JOINING FORCES WITH VALLEY VENTURE MENTORS HELPS US EXPAND OUR REACH TO ENTREPRENEURS

With a shared vision in stimulating and facilitating a vigorous regional economy, we welcomed Valley Venture Mentors into our EDC ranks in 2022 as a new focus area serving as a regional leader in the Western Mass entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are committed to supporting local entrepreneurship, which ultimately leads to the acceleration of economic development and community vitalization. Hope Ross Gibaldi was appointed as VVM’s executive director.

“It’s been a great year, aligning and strengthening the relationship between VVM and the EDC,” Hope says. “It was a great decision for both of us. Working closely with the EDC has provided us with a strong backbone and helps us to expand our reach in the region. You can’t have economic development without factoring in entrepreneurship.”

One key VVM achievement in 2022 was meeting with Governor Charlie Baker and introducing him to a number of entrepreneurs that VVM has worked with over the year, offering advice, a place to meet, and connections to customers, funders, and government agencies.

Governor Baker heard from a diverse group of entrepreneurial leaders representing a variety of industries found right here in Western Mass, including a soul food-Laotian fusion restaurant, SouLao’d Kitchen; Super Frau, a production company that makes beverages from “upcycled” whey from the yogurt process; and SolaBlock, a manufacturing company that created solar power bricks for construction. The governor was very impressed with each of the entrepreneurs in attendance and pledged his support for entrepreneurial growth in the region.

“Working closely with the EDC has provided us with a strong backbone and helps us to expand our reach in the region. You can’t have economic development without factoring in entrepreneurship.”

Hope Ross Gibaldi, Executive Director, Valley Venture Mentors

In 2022, VVM achieved the following:

• Became the core partner in the recently relaunched RiseUp! Springfield, a business development program aimed at small business owners, and announced it is taking applications for the next round of training. RiseUp! Springfield is hosted by the city of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, VVM, and powered by Interise. This six-month executive level education program teaches business owners how to advance their business operations, financial management, marketing and sales, human resources tactics, business strategy development, access to capital, and contract development.

• Hosted the first demo day for the inaugural Western Mass Founders Network (WMFN), where leaders came together to connect, network, and celebrate the culmination of WMFN’s eight-month program. Funded by a $200,000 Pathways to Scale grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), the event was coordinated in partnership with EDC, FORGE, and the Berkshire Innovation Center. The first-of-its-kind program, WMFN supports high-growthpotential, Western Mass startups with a curated peer-to-peer and experienced mentor network. The program created a virtuous cycle for scaling executives, in which they have access to resources in Western Massachusetts, embedding them in the local economy and building a sense of community and a network of experienced peers.

• Grew and supported its Women Innovators & Trailblazers, a VVM-affiliated program that matches professional women in mentor-mentee relationships, and the Collegiate Summer Venture Program, which helps student entrepreneurs make connections and network; the venture program is an equal partnership between VVM and the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

• Developed essential partnerships with key organizations in the region, such as The Association of Black Business & Professionals, Black and Brown Wall Street, BECMA, and the MA LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.

STATE REDO GRANT FUNDS SUPPORT BROAD SCOPE OF EDC PARTNERS, PROJECTS, AND INITIATIVES

For many years, the EDC has received state Regional Economic Development Organization (REDO) grant program funds used to support all of our partners and initiatives. Over $1 million in REDO funds were received in 2022, representing an increase that allowed us to earmark assistance to small and diverse businesses, property owners, and downtowns so they could plan for recovery from the pandemic.

“REDO grant money helps fund many of our initiatives,” explained Anne DeWolf, our director of operations. “It allows us to help our municipalities, community partners and provide necessary services to help improve the local economy.

In 2022, REDO funds also helped the EDC:

• Provide business support to a wide range of industry leaders, from manufacturing to academia; assist entrepreneurial systems in the region with expanded investments and mentors; connect businesses to technical assistance, workforce training, commercial real estate access, academic research, and other resources.

• Secure fiscal support for our municipalities for several local projects. The following cities and towns received funding in 2022: Amherst, Belchertown, Blanford, Chester, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Greenfield, Holyoke, Montague, Monson, Northampton, Shelburne, South Hadley, Springfield, Ware and Westfield. The following community organizations also received funding in 2022: Springfield Redevelopment Authority and Valley Venture Mentors.

• Increase supply chain opportunities for small, regional and diverse businesses through the Western Mass Anchor Collaborative Initiative.

(See story on page 23.)

• Implement our Springfield WORKS initiative in collaboration with over 30 partners to ensure meaningful employment to Springfield residents.

(See story on Springfield WORKS, page 20.)

• Influence hiring practices of employees and support leadership development through Leadership Pioneer Valley and other regional and industry-led initiatives.

“REDO grant money helps fund many of our initiatives. It allows us to help our municipalities, community partners and provide necessary services to help improve the local economy.”

Anne DeWolf, Director of Operations

THE WESTERN MASS ANCHOR COLLABORATIVE WILL STRENGTHEN THE LOCAL ECONOMY BY SUPPORTING WOMEN- AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES

In its first year, the Western Mass Anchor Collaborative, founded by the EDC in partnership with Baystate Health, has established multi-year targets to increase local procurement opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses and propel hiring and career pathways for BIPOC and marginalized populations.

The Anchor Collaborative’s mission is to foster equitable communities, and create jobs and healthier employees and residents by intentionally leveraging each anchor institution’s purchasing and hiring power to enhance impact and drive the regional economy.

The collaborative includes some of the region’s largest businesses and employers: Bay Path University, Baystate Health, Big Y Foods, Inc., Holyoke Community College, Springfield College, the cities of Holyoke and Springfield, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Collectively, the Anchor Collaborative institutions currently spend over $2 billion annually in goods and services and have committed to increasing their spending toward local and diverse businesses.

These institutions serve as key place-based economic engines that leverage their own institutional sourcing, hiring, and locally focused investing here in the region and create formal community impact commitments around five strategic focus areas: local and diverse sourcing, local hiring, low-wage incumbent workers, place-based investment, and policies for healthy equitable communities.

“By being more intentional about how we do business in the region, Anchor Collaborative institutions seek to address inequities that have resulted from historic patterns of disinvestment and bias related to neighborhood, race, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic status in Western Massachusetts,” says Rick Sullivan, president and CEO. He adds, “We recognize none of this will happen overnight,

but it starts overnight. It is a real commitment our anchors are making. This is a hand up, not a handout. It’s also a really good business model for finding employees they need and strengthening the local economy through solid economic strategy.”

To help inform this important work, we held a series of Anchor Collaborative Listening Sessions in the tri-county region to hear directly from our local businesses and vendors. After connecting with over 60 businesses across the region, we identified the top four items that are affecting small businesses in the area:

• Limited access to capital for scaling.

• High insurance premiums for large contracts.

• Cumbersome state certification application processes.

• Limited access to comprehensive information on important resources, such as contact information for decision makers, grant deadlines, diverse funding sources, etc.

“Hearing directly from our local vendors and community members is one of the key ingredients to the success of the Anchor Collaborative,” says Xiomara Albán DeLobato, chief of staff.

CYBERSECURITY CENTER COMING TO SPRINGFIELD’S UNION STATION

We have partnered with Springfield Technical Community College to bring Springfield into the forefront of the cyber realm and, together, we are developing a state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at Springfield Union Station. The center will offer education and hands-on job training to individuals looking to seek careers in the tech field. “This initiative provides an opportunity to grow and develop a workforce that will ensure long-term job stability, and meet the ever-growing cyber needs of community businesses,” says Rick Sullivan, EDC’s president and CEO.

This project has already received $1.5 million in state grant funding. The design stage is underway, and the center is slated to be open and accepting participants during the fall of 2023.

“We recognize none of this will happen overnight, but it starts overnight. It is a real commitment our anchors are making. This is a hand up, not a handout.”

Rick Sullivan, President and CEO

Four components will drive this project and allow the community to benefit and contribute to its success in meaningful ways:

• Educational offerings. Colleges and universities in the region—such as STCC, Bay Path University, the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Western New England University, Elms College, and Springfield College—will provide training opportunities to students, leading to future jobs.

• Municipality involvement. Technology experts are always in demand and rarely available within governmental sectors. This program will provide access to trained and skilled individuals, ready for hire.

• Military support. Westover and Barnes Air Forces Bases have already expressed interest in being able to train their workforces in the ever-growing field of tech. Both employers plan to support and hire from within the program.

• Small Business benefits. The manufacturing industries, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation, are constantly seeking individuals with cyber-certification. This new center will provide the much-needed resources to bring cutting-edge technologies to local businesses.

“This center is an essential economic development strategy to modernize and innovate the business infrastructure,” Rick says. “We expect to see substantial growth in the cyber industry arena, benefitting financial and economic vitality for the region.”

GRANT OPENS THE DOOR TO LAUNCH THE VALLEY AS A GREEN JOBS CORRIDOR

The EDC is now a partner in a grant project to develop clean tech and green jobs in the Pioneer Valley. Funded by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the project is led by Emerald Cities Collaborative and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

“It’s going to be a growth industry. We need to capitalize on that opportunity,” says Rick Sullivan, EDC’s president and CEO. “Clean tech jobs is a sector that’s not already calling another region home. We have an opportunity to grow significantly into this space.”

The presence of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, makes the Valley a perfect launching pad for clean tech and green job development as UMass is on the cutting-edge of ongoing development in green jobs—including solar, offshore wind, and smart building technologies. Through the grant project, and with additional capital investments, there is an opportunity to pilot a broad range of clean technologies in this region.

Companies in the green jobs sector will be looking to relocate where research and development in the field are ongoing. “It’s a natural on all fronts,” Rick says.

THE CLIFF EFFECT PILOT PROGRAM CREATES HOPE FOR SUSTAINABLE CHANGE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

In December, the EDC, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Springfield WORKS announced the approval of the Cliff Effect Pilot Program, a new initiative that will create incentives for those receiving public assistance to enter or re-enter the workforce without losing benefits. “This pilot is a tremendous victory for workers and families throughout the commonwealth,” says Anne Kandilis, director of Springfield WORKS. “To create economic opportunity, we must remove obstacles for people as they work to earn a livable wage by making sure that we do not strip away public benefits too rapidly.”

The best way to understand the impact of the bill is to digest the story of Shalonda, a single mother in Springfield. A family service clinician at Square One who is also in graduate school, she recently accepted a promotion, knowing full well the increase in pay would cause her to lose her housing benefit—and thus, the place her family called home. She says, “I’ve been avoiding promotions for so long, knowing that I would lose all this support, but I’m tired of it now.”

Unfortunately, our system places individuals in this tough situation, forcing people to choose between taking a minimum wage job—or in Shalonda’s case, a job promotion—or keeping critical services. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Our critical work on the Cliff Effect Pilot Program began several years ago in collaboration with The Food Bank and other community leaders. The three-year pilot will provide support to 100 households throughout the state with benefits

tailored to fill the gap created by the cliff effect as they work towards economic independence from public benefits programs. It is projected that the state will, in fact, save money over the three years.

The Cliff Effect Pilot will run hand-in-hand with the EDC’s Western Mass Anchor Collaborative, deploying a number of strategies and initiatives to support the business community to create career pathways for various occupations, so that people who enter the workplace can then, in turn, earn a living wage, gain ongoing professional growth, and can contribute to their respective businesses in Western Massachusetts.

“Fallout of the cliff effect is ultimately an economic development problem, severely impacting the workforce and many businesses struggling to find workers and consistent talent,” says Rick Sullivan, EDC’s president and CEO. “Workers are making the best financial decisions for themselves and for their families in a system that has no incentive to work, nor fosters the will to work, resulting in low workforce participation.”

“ This pilot is a tremendous victory for workers and families throughout the commonwealth.”

Anne Kandilis, Director of Springfield WORKS

Our Fiscal Year 2022

Year-End Financial Review

STATE AND FEDERAL GRANTS

20%

70% 10%

CONTRACT SERVICES AND EVENT REVENUE

MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION

THE EDC HAD ITS BUSIEST AND MOST PRODUCTIVE YEAR IN OVER A DECADE IN 2022.

At 90+ members strong, we have raised our ranks higher than ever before and have grown 60 percent since 2014. We have also significantly diversified our income streams—through membership support, grants, contract services fees, and event income—and we are, therefore, a stronger and more resilient organization.

Our 2023 budget and the new strategic plan will build on the success of each of these income streams and strengthen the organization through growth. We are proud that membership fees have not increased in the last nine years as we successfully adopted our growth strategy.