Day: May 20, 2024
We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.
Go HERE to view all episodes
Episode 214: May 20, 2024
Editor Joe Bednar talks with Ashley Muspratt and Emily Gaylord
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Ashik Mubarak
CHICOPEE — Caolo & Bieniek Architects announced the promotion of Ashik Mubarak to an architectural staff position.
This promotion comes as Ashik recently graduated from UMass with a master of architecture degree, marking a significant milestone in his career journey. He was also recipient of the second-place honor in the Metal Building Manufacturers Assoc. Student Design Competition, which sought to foster innovation in sustainable design for a marine nature center in Gloucester.
“We are thrilled to see him grow and develop within our team,” the firm said, “and we are confident that he will continue to excel in this new role.”
SPRINGFIELD — Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its annual spring 5K on Saturday, June 8 at Western New England University, an event expected to draw 3,000 to 3,500 people.
Girls on the Run is a physical-activity-based, positive youth-development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in third to eighth grade. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season, celebratory 5K event.
This spring season, Girls on the Run has 970 participants in 67 sites around all four Western Mass. counties, with 270 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life. Participants learn many important life skills throughout the lessons. One participant wrote, “I like Girls on the Run because it makes you more confident when you’re talking to others, and it helps you control your emotions when you’re feeling sad or anxious.”
This 5K is the culmination of a 10-week, 20-lesson, social-emotional program, bringing together all participants, coaches, running buddies, and families. This season, Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts served its 10,000 girl since it started.
The run starts at 10:30 a.m., but the group warm-up will begin at 10 a.m., with participants arriving for fun events at 9 a.m. Participation in the 5K event is open to the public, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts. The registration cost is $25 for adults and $10 for youth under 12 and includes an event 5K shirt for the first 700 registered. Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 9 a.m.
Girls on the Run is also looking for volunteers for this event. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last week, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal celebrated a significant step in bringing the North Adams Flood Chutes Project to fruition.
After being in frequent communication with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) over the last several months, Neal has secured $700,000 through USACE’s FY 2024 budget to complete a feasibility study of the project.
“The residents of North Adams have long advocated for much-needed improvements to the city’s decades-old flood chutes. This announcement is a substantial victory for the city, one that reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to making this project a reality,” Neal said. “As a former mayor, I know first-hand the importance of these issues, especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of residents. That is why I have prioritized funding for this project, one that will not only enhance protections along the Hoosic River Basin and reduce flood risk, but also make much critical improvements to the city’s infrastructure and create jobs.”
Built by the USACE in 1961, the flood chutes play a vital role in providing flood protection to about 85% of the city’s industrial and commercial firms and about 25% of residential property. After nearly 60 years of use, the flood chutes are in severe disrepair and in need of significant structural improvement.
“We are pleased to be able to continue the work on the Hoosic River flood-control project,” North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey said. “We are delighted with the continued support of the federal delegation, including Congressman Neal, Senator [Ed] Markey, and Senator [Elizabeth] Warren. This project is ever so important to the city, not only from a safety perspective, but also for the overall well-being of the river and the community at large.”
Neal previously secured $200,000 in the FY 2023 omnibus spending package for USACE to begin the feasibility study. The additional funding will allow for the completion of the study before the project can move on to the next phase.
“I applaud Mayor Macksey and her administration for their continued advocacy on behalf of the city of North Adams,” Neal said. “We are all in on this project, and I will continue working with the mayor and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure future funding is made available.”
BOSTON — The state’s April total unemployment rate was 2.9%, unchanged from the revised March estimate of 2.9%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 1.0% lower than the national rate of 3.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.3%.
The labor force increased by an estimated 12,200 from the revised estimate of 3,757,000 in March, with 10,100 residents more employed and 1,900 more residents unemployed over the month. The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased 0.2% over the month to 65.1%. Compared to April 2023, the labor-force participation rate was unchanged.
The BLS preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts lost 500 jobs in April. This follows March’s revised loss of 4,100 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; professional, scientific, and business services; and trade, transportation, and utilities. Employment now stands at 3,733,000. Massachusetts gained 669,500 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.
From April 2023 to April 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 21,800 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government.
