Message from the President
It's finally Spring, and with masks off, we're ready to celebrate with dynamic, in-person events that will inspire collaboration, camaraderie, and connection. We have an exciting schedule of events in store and we're thrilled to reconnect, catch up, and learn from each other's successes and setbacks throughout the uncertainty that persisted in 2020 and 2021.
As always, we remain committed to keeping our members informed about the latest pandemic-related guidelines. Just this morning, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a new workforce program to get your jobs filled. HireNow provides eligible employers with a $4,000 per employee grant which can be used to cover training costs or as a signing bonus for new employees. The program is open to all Massachusetts employers with a physical location in the state, including both for-profit and non-profit entities (excluding federal, state, and municipal governments). Funding will be provided following the employee’s hire and a 60-day retention period. Hires must be made after March 23, 2022, be Massachusetts residents and employed in the Commonwealth, and work at least 30 hours per week. Compensation must be at an hourly minimum of $14.25 per hour with a maximum compensation of $42.50 per hour. Funding will be capped at $400,000 per employer and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage all our businesses struggling to find workers to take advantage of this new program.
Workforce development is one of the Chamber’s key priorities this legislative session, and we are pleased to see that it is for the Administration, as well. If you missed our Outlook 2022 event which outlined our other legislative priorities, we have made that available for access. You will also hear from Chairman Neal, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, and keynote speaker NPR White House Correspondent Asma Khalid. Then join us at our Government Reception on April 13 and share your thoughts on these issues with our region’s legislative leaders.
In the coming months, we will also bring you the Mayor’s Forum, an informal conversation with our region’s new municipal leaders; our Fire and Ice Craft Cocktail Competition in May featuring some of the hottest new spots like Dewey’s Jazz Lounge and Jackalope; and our Annual Meeting Celebration in June.
As we move forward, we encourage our community to remain vigilant, follow proper precautions, and continue to keep each other safe and well.
We can't wait to see everyone in person soon!
Nancy Creed
President
|
|
April's Rise & Shine Business Breakfast |
|
Rise & Shine Business Breakfast
MassMutual Center, Springfield
Wednesday, Apr 6, 2022
7:15 - 9:00 AM EDT
Rise & Shine Breakfast is back for the first time since 2019 with Gail Kulas, Owner of Northeast Conn. business consulting firm, Leading to Unlock!
Gail will present an interactive program that enhances business communication through the use of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method, a fun and creative way for organizations to unlock the potential of employees and personnel. The program is specifically designed to improve business performance, strengthen leadership skills, break down communication barriers and encourage teamwork. At the breakfast, we will also celebrate our new members and honor member milestones.
|
|
Admission:
*$35/member ($40 at the door)
*$45/general admission ($50 at door)
|
|
|
Government Reception
United States Courthouse
300 State Street, Springfield
Wednesday, Apr. 13, 2022
5:00 - 7:00 PM EDT
Government Reception is one of our signature annual events that gathers nearly 200 business and community leaders, along with municipal, state, and federal officials. Every year, elected officials and Chamber members come together in a social setting where they get to know each other better and engage in dialogue. Tickets previously purchased for the original event date in January will be honored at the April reception.
|
|
NEW DATE! Fire & Ice 2022: May 18 |
|
Springfield Country Club
1375 Elm Street, West Springfield
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
5:30 - 8:00 PM EDT
Back in person for the first time since 2019, we’re featuring premier regional restaurants and bars, while giving community members the unique opportunity to sample a variety of themed cocktails from local restaurants, while taking in fantastic live music, and connecting with local businesses and community leaders.
|
|
Member Anniversaries
5 Years
30 Years
|
|
Elevate Your Chamber Benefits |
Here we'll remind you of all the ways your membership gives you a seat at the table with community leaders and how you can take advantage of our resources.
Tool up for growth! With SRC membership, you get a variety of resources that offer immediate and tangible support for you and your business. Unlock:
|
|
Join us in welcoming our new member, Springfield Rescue Mission! Since 1892, Springfield Rescue Mission (SRM) has worked to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the hungry, homeless, addicted, and poor throughout Greater Springfield. As an Emergency Shelter, Mobile Feeding Program, Rehabilitation/Transformation Center, and Transitional Living Facility, SRM provides food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, Christian counseling, literacy training, and advocacy – free of charge. Learn more about their impact here.
|
|
Join us in welcoming our new member, Fitzgerald Law! Fitzgerald Law is a business advisory law firm serving the legal needs of businesses of all sizes throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Founded in 1992, Fitzgerald Law handles a wide variety of complex legal issues including Commercial Real Estate Development, Acquisition, and Sale; Business Succession and Estate Planning; Bankruptcy, Financial Restructuring, and Asset Protection Planning; Commercial Contract and Lease Negotiation; Commercial Dispute Resolution and Litigation; Commercial Loans; Land Use, Zoning, Permitting and Licensing; and Regulatory, Government Enforcement Actions & Investigations. Learn more about their services here.
|
|
Join us in welcoming our new member, Integra Health! Integra Home Health is a family-owned and operated home care agency. They offer personalized healthcare services in your home, as well as assisted living residences, senior housing communities, or nursing homes. They are headquartered in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and provide services in Massachusetts throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Integra also provides services in Litchfield County and Tolland County in Connecticut. Learn more about their services here.
|
|
Join us in welcoming our new member, Monson Savings Bank! Monson Savings Bank is a community bank that has served local residents and businesses since 1872. They're proud to play an integral role in the communities they serve, contributing to the progress and success of the area. Monson Savings Bank has knowledgeable banking professionals who offer warm and friendly service in addition to a variety of high-quality financial products and the latest in digital banking technology. Learn more about their services here.
|
|
MCLA Professor Amanda Laury Kleintop to Present "Abolishing Property Rights in People in the U.S. Civil War and American Memory"
NORTH ADAMS, MA— MCLA Assistant Professor of History Dr. Laury Kleintop will present “The Balance of Freedom: Abolishing Property Rights in People in the US Civil War and American Memory” at noon on April 5, via zoom. Presented as part of The Mind’s Eye Spring 2022 Works in Progress Lecture Series, this event is free and open to the public. Read More.
|
|
Springfield Science Museum Receives $750,000 in Federal Funds
SPRINGFIELD, MA – Springfield Museums is overjoyed to announce receiving a $750,000 Federal Earmark in support of upgrading the Springfield Science Museum. “The funded project is called Equitable Access to the Night Sky,” said Jenny Powers, Director of the Science Museum. “And it is going to be a game-changer for the Museums, our community, and our region!” Read More.
|
|
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Hires Two New Staff Members
SPRINGFIELD, MA— The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has announced it has hired a Development and Grants Associate, Heather Gawron, and an Audience Development Manager, Annie Celdran, adding to the SSO team. Read More.
|
|
|
|
Springfield Regional Chamber
1441 Main St, Springfield
413.787.1555
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
