Western Mass Economic Development Council
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06/05/2026
Tomorrow, June 6, is National Higher Education Day and we’re proud to recognize the colleges and universities that help drive innovation, workforce development, research, and economic growth throughout Western Massachusetts.
We’re honored to have so many outstanding institutions as EDC Members, including:
🎓 American International College
📚 Bay Path University
✏️ Elms College
👩🎓 Greenfield Community College
💡 Holyoke Community College
🎓 Mount Holyoke College
📚 Smith College
✏️ Springfield College
👩🎓 Springfield Technical Community College
💡 University of Massachusetts Amherst
🎓 Western New England University
📚 Westfield State University
The impact of higher education can be seen across our region every day in many, many ways. Here are just a FEW recent examples:
- AIC recently partnered with Sophia Learning to expand access and flexibility for working adult learners, helping more individuals advance their education while balancing career and family responsibilities.
- The HCC Foundation awarded more than $405,000 in scholarships, providing critical support to students pursuing their academic and career goals.
- STCC was named a finalist in the National Community College Innovation Challenge, earning national recognition for student driven innovation and problem solving.
- At UMass Amherst, the new Public Health and Health Sciences Hub officially opened, bringing together six departments under one roof for the first time and creating new opportunities for collaboration, research, and learning.
Thank you to all of our higher education partners for preparing the workforce of tomorrow, advancing knowledge, and strengthening the economic future of Western Massachusetts.
06/03/2026
Congratulations to Xiomara Albán DeLobato on being named a Commonwealth Heroine as part of the Class of 2026. This well-deserved recognition celebrates her leadership, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact across our region and Commonwealth.
And while we’re celebrating this exciting honor, we are also sharing a bittersweet announcement. Xiomara, our long time Vice President and Chief of Staff, has accepted a new role serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Throughout her time with the EDC, Xiomara has been a passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, a trusted leader, and an invaluable partner to countless businesses, organizations, and community stakeholders. Her impact on our region has been significant and lasting.
Please join us in congratulating Xiomara on both this prestigious recognition and her next chapter. We are grateful for all she has contributed to the EDC and Western Massachusetts and wish her continued success in the years ahead.
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Aaron Vega
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
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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