Western Mass Economic Development Council

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.

One of the best ways to support our local economy is by supporting the restaurants, chefs, and small businesses that help make our communities vibrant and unique.

EDC Affiliate, the Amherst Business Improvement District (Amherst BID), is proud to host Amherst Restaurant Week beginning this Sunday and continuing through June 13. This annual celebration showcases the incredible dining experiences available throughout Amherst and offers a great opportunity to discover a new favorite restaurant or revisit a longtime local staple.

We encourage residents and visitors alike to get out, explore, and support the talented food and hospitality businesses that contribute so much to the vitality of the region.

For more information check out their website at https://www.amherstdowntown.com/restaurantweek.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.