Western Mass Economic Development Council

05/27/2026

We’re excited to share that the 2025 Annual Report from the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) is now available.

The report highlights the partnerships, progress, initiatives, and momentum that continue to shape the future of Western Massachusetts. From workforce development and business attraction to regional collaboration and investment, the report reflects the collective work being done to strengthen our economy and support long term growth across the region.

We invite you to take a look back at the past year and the impact made possible through collaboration with businesses, municipalities, institutions, and community partners throughout Western Massachusetts.

You can view the full report here: https://issuu.com/repubnews/docs/edc_2025_annual_report.

Dive into our extensive resources on the topic that interests you. It's like a masterclass to be explored at your own pace.

05/26/2026

Residents across the Pioneer Valley are being encouraged to help shape the future of roadway safety through a new interactive mapping tool launched as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All regional planning initiative.

Community members can identify areas where they have experienced or observed concerns such as speeding, unsafe crossings, limited visibility, or near misses. The goal is to gather local insight from communities across the region to help guide future roadway improvements, reduce crashes, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation users alike.

To share your insight, click here > https://www.fhistudio-apps.com/arniev2/ #/tool/pioneer-valley-safe-streets

This is an important example of regional collaboration and community engagement working together to strengthen infrastructure, connectivity, and quality of life throughout Western Massachusetts. More information is available through the link in our bio.

05/21/2026

Great things continue to happen across the region with our EDC Affiliates leading the way.

The ERC5 (East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce) recently hosted another successful Feast in the East, bringing together community members, local businesses, restaurants, and partners for an evening that celebrated regional connection, culture, and economic activity. Congratulations to these winners:
- Best Brewery: Vanished Valley Brewing Co.
- Best Libation: Pafumi's on main
- Best Confection: The Sugar Chalet MA
- Best Wine: The Guilty Grape
- Best Restaurant: Center Square Grill

The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) announced its new $5 After 5 parking initiative at the Taylor Street Parking Garage at 33 Taylor St. The effort is designed to encourage more evening activity and support restaurants, entertainment venues, arts organizations, and businesses by making downtown more accessible for residents and visitors alike.

These are the kinds of collaborative efforts that strengthen communities and support continued economic momentum throughout Western Massachusetts and we’re proud that EDC Affiliates are at the forefront of growth in our region.

05/19/2026

Art up and down 91 continues to strengthen the identity, energy, and economic vitality of Western Massachusetts.

Springfield’s Mason Square Wall of Fame project is bringing new life and recognition to one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods thanks to EDC Affiliate, Common Wealth Murals, and the Mason Square Wall of Fame Committee. The large-scale mural initiative honors influential local leaders, artists, athletes, educators, and change makers whose contributions have shaped the Mason Square community and the broader region. Beyond preserving and celebrating neighborhood history, the project is helping foster community pride, inspire future generations, and create a stronger sense of place along a key commercial corridor. Public art investments like the Wall of Fame also contribute to neighborhood revitalization efforts by encouraging visitation, supporting local businesses, and creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Further north, in Greenfield, the city’s upcoming America 250 sidewalk mural project will transform downtown walkways into vibrant public art installations that celebrate local history, civic pride, and the community’s connection to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to draw residents and visitors into the downtown district, the murals will create a more engaging pedestrian experience while supporting nearby restaurants, shops, and cultural destinations. Projects like this not only beautify public spaces but also help generate foot traffic and reinforce downtown Greenfield as a destination for arts, culture, and community events.

Projects like these remind us that investment in the arts is also an investment in economic development. Public art enhances quality of life, encourages tourism and foot traffic, supports local businesses, and helps communities create memorable places where people want to live, work, and spend time.

Please enjoy a few photos of the Mason Square Wall of Fame courtesy of the City of Springfield and click here to read more about the full project > https://www.commonwealthmurals.org/wall-of-fame

📸: City of Springfield, MA - Office of Communications

05/14/2026

It’s time for THE BRIGHT SPOT - our good news report for the region.

These are just some of the amazing things our Members have accomplished or celebrated recently:

• Eversource MA was named among America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek and Statista Inc. This prestigious national award celebrates U.S. companies that demonstrate leadership in ethical business practices and have built strong trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders through consistently reliable performance and transparency, creating positive benefits and social impact in the communities they serve.

• American International College (AIC) raised more than $228,000 during the college’s annual Giving Day campaign that brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends in support of scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and campus initiatives.

• Holyoke Community College (HCC) Transfer Affairs Coordinator, Mark Broadbent, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New England Transfer Association

• Monson Savings Bank celebrated local nonprofits at their recent Community Giving Initiative Reception where bank leadership was able to honor organizations chosen by the community.

• Tech Foundry received a donation of 30 laptops to its Tech Hub programs through the Connected and Online Program. The donated laptops will be used for Tech Hub’s digital literacy community workshops hosted throughout Western Mass.

• Westfield Bank donated $150,000 to the YMCA of Greater Westfield for Camp Shepard which for more than 75 years has served thousands of children, introducing them to nature while building confidence and friendships that last a lifetime. This donation will benefit the construction of a new welcome center, pavilion, and bathhouse.

We also thought these three additional items are worth celebrating:

• The MassHire Holyoke Career Center celebrates 30 years of workforce impact. For three decades they’ve served as a critical connector between job seekers and employers, helping thousands of individuals access meaningful employment while supporting local businesses with talent, training, and workforce solutions.

• Businesses across Massachusetts are expanding workforce development efforts through the Registered Apprentice Tax Credit program, which provides employers with up to $4,800 per qualified apprentice. In 2025 alone, nearly $1 million in tax credits were approved for 50 employers hiring 206 apprentices across growing industries including clean energy, healthcare, and education.

• 128 local farmers received more than $270,000 in grants through The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF). With this year’s awards, the program’s total investment in local agriculture surpasses $2 million — marking a major milestone in its 12-year commitment to strengthening the regional food system.

Congratulations to all helping move Western Massachusetts forward through leadership, investment, innovation, and community impact.

05/13/2026

The Western Mass EDC was proud to attend Big Y World Class Market’s first Big Y Local Outreach event held today at their Springfield headquarters. They had a great turnout with businesses from across the region and the state.

As one of the original anchor institutions engaged in the EDC’s Anchor Collaborative initiative, and as a longstanding EDC member, Big Y continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to local procurement and regional economic engagement by intentionally creating opportunities for local businesses, suppliers, contractors, trades, and service providers throughout Western Massachusetts.

We applaud and support Big Y for continuing to invest in relationships with local businesses and for helping advance collaborative, institutionally driven economic development work that benefits the entire region.

See below to learn more about becoming a local partner!

https://www.bigy.com/page/community/local-partners

05/11/2026

We’d like to thank EDC Member, Western Mass News, and Dave Madsen for inviting your EDC President and CEO, Aaron Vega to recently joined him for an episode of “Getting Answers” to discuss the region’s economic momentum and priorities.

The conversation highlighted Western Massachusetts’ continued focus on workforce development, industry growth, and building a strong, competitive regional economy. From emerging sectors to talent pipeline strategies, the discussion reinforced the importance of alignment across business, education, and public partners. If you’d like to view the episode, click here > https://www.westernmassnews.com/video/2026/04/13/getting-answers-mar-15

This is the work in action. Clear priorities, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to moving the region forward.

05/06/2026

During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4 through May 8, we recognize the impact of educators across Western Massachusetts and the critical role they play in shaping the region’s future workforce.

The Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards will honor 90 local educators whose dedication, innovation, and commitment continue to strengthen our classrooms and our communities.

This recognition reflects more than individual achievement. It highlights the importance of education as a foundation for economic growth, talent development, and long term regional success.

We extend our appreciation to the educators who are preparing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and contributors across Western Massachusetts.

05/06/2026

ICYMI: Your EDC is proud to have recently gathered Western Massachusetts leaders, including Senator Barry Finegold , for a strategic conversation focused on advancing the region’s economic future.

The discussion brought together a strong cross section of leadership from across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, reinforcing a shared commitment to growth, innovation, and long term competitiveness.

Conversations centered on key priority sectors including the Food Economy and advanced manufacturing, along with the continued momentum of Western Massachusetts as a designated MA TechHub. Workforce development remained a central focus, with regional partners highlighting scalable models that are already aligning talent pipelines with industry demand and expanding access to opportunity.

Senator Finegold shared, “I am grateful to the EDC for hosting an informative roundtable discussion. I heard a lot about the region's economic opportunities and challenges from experts with varied expertise. Those perspectives are important because Western Mass is essential to the Commonwealth's vibrant future.”

From higher education to industry to workforce leaders, the meeting reflected a clear message. Western Massachusetts is aligned, collaborative, and ready to execute on a shared economic strategy.

If you have LinkedIn and would like to read more, please see our article there > https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/western-massachusetts-leaders-convene-oewoe.

04/30/2026

The EDC is proud of our member, Baystate Health, as the organization continues to demonstrate leadership on a global scale through a remarkable medical milestone.

A Baystate Health Gastroenterologist recently completed the first ever training in ERCP in Ghana, equipping local physicians with advanced, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat complex conditions. Prior to this effort, patients often faced far more invasive surgical options, making this training a significant step forward in patient care.

Beyond the immediate impact, this work creates lasting change by building local expertise and expanding access to safer, more effective treatment options. It is a powerful example of how innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to care can extend well beyond our region and improve lives around the world.

To learn more about this story, click here > https://www.baystatehealth.org/news/gastro-ercp-training-ghana

04/28/2026

MEET AN EDC MEMBER

This month we’re proud to recognize Country Bank for their continued investment in Western Massachusetts and their recent expansion into the heart of Springfield.

With the opening of their new branch in Tower Square, Country Bank brings a strong community banking presence to a key downtown location. This new space reflects their commitment to accessibility, relationship building, and supporting the financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses across the region.

Country Bank has long focused on creating meaningful local impact and their expansion in Springfield’s downtown represents that commitment and more. It reinforces their dedication to being a trusted partner in economic development and a resource for the communities they serve.

We are grateful to have Country Bank as part of the EDC network and appreciate their ongoing contributions to the strength and vitality of Western Massachusetts.

Thank you to Mayor Sarno for attending the ribbon cutting.