EDC | The Monthly Brief

Introducing the EDC’s new monthly member update

From the Desk of CEO

As we move through Q2 of 2026, I am pleased to introduce EDC | The Monthly Brief, a new monthly newsletter designed to keep our members informed about the work happening across the organization, the region, and the broader economic development landscape.


This monthly update will highlight key meetings, partnerships, advocacy efforts, site visits, initiatives, and regional priorities advanced by the EDC team. Our goal is simple: to give members a clearer view into how the EDC is working every month to strengthen Western Massachusetts’ economic competitiveness and ensure our region has a strong voice where decisions are being made.

As I continue settling into this role, I am reminded that much of the EDC’s work is a long game. It is built through trusted relationships, strategic convening, cross-sector collaboration, and consistent advocacy. I am grateful to our company members, board members, elected delegation, and regional partners who continue to support this work and share a commitment to the long-term vitality of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties.

We are also pleased to share the EDC’s 2025 Annual Report, which reflects the partnerships, initiatives, and regional priorities that shaped our work over the past year. We hope you enjoy reviewing it and seeing the collective impact of this organization and its members.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Western Massachusetts.

Aaron Vega
President & CEO

What Moved the Needle

• Advanced statewide advocacy for Western Massachusetts businesses
  Aaron continued representing the region through his appointments to the Governor’s SHIELD Council and Economic Competitiveness Council, advocating for Western Massachusetts employers, manufacturers, workforce priorities, and the region’s role in defense-related industries and supply chains.
  
• Provided testimony in support of the Economic Development Bill
  The EDC provided in-person testimony in support of the Economic Development Bill, reinforcing the importance of regional investment, business competitiveness, workforce development, and Western Massachusetts’ role in the Commonwealth’s economic future.

• Advanced the Food Economy and Food Science Feasibility Report
  The EDC continued work with MassINC, UMass Amherst, and Cambridge Econometrics on the regional Food Economy and Food Science Feasibility Report. The team is preparing county-based stakeholder roundtables and one-on-one interviews across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties to identify barriers, opportunities, and investment priorities.
  MA Food Science TechHub – Stakeholder Engagement Interest Form
  
• Strengthened regional business and municipal engagement
  The EDC continued meeting with employers, municipalities, developers, financial institutions, and economic development partners across the region, including site visits and meetings with Westmass Development, Friendly’s, Springfield Technology Park, Westover Airport, Fontaine Brothers, Greenfield Savings Bank, and municipal leaders. 
  
• Supported regional workforce and training priorities
  The EDC submitted letters of support for workforce and training initiatives including Dean Tech High School’s Skills Capital Grant proposal and Tech Foundry’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund application, both focused on expanding career pathways and employer-aligned training.
  
• Supported cross-sector alignment through the 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit
  The EDC sponsored the Springfield Creative City Collective’s 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit in Holyoke through its Valley Venture Mentors initiative, supporting a regional convening focused on renewable energy, food systems, advanced manufacturing, regional readiness, and the future economy of Western Massachusetts. The program also featured a fireside chat with EDC President and CEO Aaron Vega and Vice President Xiomara DeLobato.

• Elevated local procurement and anchor institution engagement
  The EDC attended Big Y’s first Local Outreach Event, recognizing Big Y as a longstanding EDC member and one of the original anchor institutions engaged in the EDC’s Anchor Collaborative efforts focused on local procurement and supplier engagement.
  
• Convened members at the EDC Annual Meeting
  The EDC held its Annual Meeting on May 22, bringing members together to reflect on the organization’s work, discuss regional priorities, and reinforce the role of cross-sector leadership in advancing Western Massachusetts’ economic future.



Stay Connected

Questions about this month’s update or interested in learning more about the EDC’s work? Contact Aaron Vega at a.vega@westernmassedc.com.

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