Day: February 28, 2025

UMass Economist Says New Tariffs Could Balloon Inflation

By
Features

Trade Talk

With President Trump moving quickly to make good on promises of widespread tariffs on products from U.S. trading partners, consumers and businesses are left trying to understand the ramifications.

But while the mechanisms behind tariffs can be complex, Anna Nagurney says the impact on consumers is easily explained.

“The tariff works like a tax,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s essentially paid by the importers of the particular product, but consumers will ultimately bear the cost.”

Nagurney, the Eugene M. Isenberg chair in Integrative Studies in the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, is a supply-chain expert who has spoken at length in a number of outlets about tariff policy and how it might play out.

“Tariffs on products from our major trading partners will be felt quickly — prices for our favorite fresh produce along with beef and dairy will rise, and even certain alcoholic beverages will cost more, challenging consumers already dealing with inflation,” she said. “We can also expect increases in costs for housing, cars, clothes, laptops, and smartphones.”

The other factor involves how U.S. trading partners will respond — or have already responded, she added. “Retaliatory tariffs will cause further pain for U.S. producers and consumers. Before long, workers in the underlying supply chains will lose their jobs.”

ANNA NAGURNEY

ANNA NAGURNEY

“We can’t produce all the aluminum we need for cans and cars and airplanes. We can’t grow all our fruits and vegetables we get from Mexico. Our North American allies are very important.”

One concern among economists is what’s known as the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, or USMCA, which Trump’s administration negotiated during his first presidential term, and is up for renegotiation in 2026.

Elmore Alexander, dean emeritus of the Ricciardi School of Business at Bridgewater State University and a member of the Board of Economic Advisors at Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), recently posted an article on the AIM website, to be published in the spring issue of the Bridgewater Review, explaining the potential impacts of Trump’s promised — but currently delayed — tariffs of 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico.

“It is likely that this will create major disruptions in trade and relations among the three countries. The impact of these tariffs will be felt across the entire spectrum of U.S. manufacturing and service industries,” he explained, noting that the U.S. imports large amounts of energy — both oil and electricity — from Canada and a majority of automobiles and automobile parts from Mexico.

“Since the tariffs proposed by President Trump violate USMCA, these actions will throw the entire agreement into flux. The agreement governs many elements of North American business and economic relationships. Thus, the implications of the tariffs could reverberate well beyond just U.S. imports from Mexico and Canada.”

Nagurney agreed. “Ironically, in Trump’s first administration, he signed the USMCA agreement to supersede NAFTA,” she said, referring to the North American Free Trade Agreement. “Now he’s violating his own agreements.”

Alexander notes, however, that rhetoric and action are two different things, and the tariff threats could be a means to extract concessions from trading partners — as evidenced when Trump delayed the proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico when those countries promised to address his border concerns.

Threats and Realities

Trump has long been enamored of tariffs, and has deployed them — or the threat of them — for essentially three reasons: to increase revenue, to balance trade, and as leverage in negotiations with other nations.

In a keynote address to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in January, he issued a call for businesses to make their products in the U.S. and benefit from promised lower taxes, with the tax revenue in U.S. coffers offset by external tariffs.

“If you don’t make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then, very simply, you will have to pay a tariff — differing amounts, but a tariff — which will direct hundreds of billions of dollars, and even trillions of dollars, into our treasury to strengthen our economy and pay down debt,” the president said.

Political rivals disagree — often vehemently. After Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports on Feb. 10, U.S. Sens. Richard Neal and Linda Sánchez issued a blistering joint statement.

“Tariffs alone will do little to stop the unfair trade practices in these industries or bring back American jobs,” they said. “Our workers and producers in steel and aluminum deserve relief that will deliver results, and we could do that by working with our allies who are also being hurt by the flood of steel and aluminum in our markets from bad actors. Unfair trade practices undercut our workers and businesses and warrant more than the president’s dithering and façades of victory. Thoughtful action builds effective strategy that will re-establish fair trade for these products, and that’s what the people deserve.”

One of the major issues with tariffs, Nagurney said, has to do with economic stability and certainty, and an environment that mixes threatened, delayed, and active tariffs isn’t doing businesses any favors.

“What businesses really care about, where they thrive, is with is certainty and confidence. They can hire the right number of people, and they know the kinds of prices they can expect to get. Now, the volatility is extremely disorienting and very, very uncomfortable for everyone who’s involved in manufacturing and trade, and retailers as well.”

As for Trump’s call to manufacture in America, “we can’t produce all the aluminum here,” Nagurney noted. “We can’t produce all the aluminum we need for cans and cars and airplanes. We can’t grow all our fruits and vegetables we get from Mexico. Our North American allies are very important.

“And it’s important not only for the health and well-being of people and the economy, but also security. When we talk about having enough aluminum and steel, that affects military planes and other products that are really important,” she added. “We can’t just go it ourselves. It’s a global marketplace.”

 

Cause and Effect

Nagurney noted that Trump’s tariffs on steel during his first administration did benefit U.S. manufacturers and increased wages and employment in the steel industry. But the landscape isn’t the same for aluminum, as the U.S. depends on foreign trading partners for much of its supply.

And, as noted earlier, tariffs are considered inflationary by most economists, and inflation has already started to tick back up in 2025.

“It’s generating so much confusion among businesses and our close allies, and people are worried about inflation,” she said. “I mean, look what happened to eggs. Yes, that’s the avian flu, but eggs are now over $8 a dozen. Stores and restaurants are charging 50 cents extra for each egg. And people care about the cost of food.

“So when you slap these tariffs on Mexican produce, people will notice that, and will be extremely fast because we’re dealing with perishable products,” she added. “And now you’re talking about semiconductors and pharmaceuticals as well. We’re living in very interesting times.”

The Evolution of Financial Fraud and How You Can Prevent It

By Contributor
Banking and Financial Services

Preparing for 2025

By Daniel Cardi

 

If there’s one thing we all learned in 2024, it’s this: scammers aren’t slowing down. From texts that pose as Amazon to fake job offers asking you to deposit checks, their deception is getting more creative — and more effective. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates Americans will lose more than $10 billion to fraud this year alone.

The good news? Protecting financial data doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart strategies and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can avoid becoming a statistic in 2025. Let’s break down what’s deceiving people, why it’s working, and what you can do about it.

 

Scammers Got Smarter in 2024

Last year, we saw some old tricks making a comeback. Counterfeit checks were still common — people receiving fake checks, depositing them, and being asked to forward the funds before the check bounces. These scams often target folks selling things online or applying for jobs.

Daniel Cardi

Daniel Cardi

“Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll tell you your account’s been compromised or there’s a suspicious charge on your card, hoping you’ll panic and act without thinking.”

But one thing really stood out: fraudulent text messages. Criminals sent fake texts pretending to be from retailers like Walmart or Amazon, claiming there were “suspicious charges” on your account. The goal? Get you to click a link, enter your banking info, and give them instant access to your money.

These scams are working for a reason. As a society, we use our phones for everything, and we trust them with a lot of information — from shopping to banking to ordering pizza. Scammers know this and are doubling down on texts and emails because they know we’ll respond quickly, often without a second thought.

 

What Scams to Expect in 2025

These tactics aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they’ll likely get more advanced. Cybercriminals are already using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing fake messages. It’s only going to get harder to tell the difference between a legitimate message and a computer-generated one.

Who’s most at risk? Unfortunately, older people are still a primary target because they’re less familiar with digital tools. But anyone who’s too quick to click or too trusting can fall victim, especially as scams get more sophisticated.

For our part, the financial industry is fighting back. Many institutions, like Community Bank, are embracing AI to catch fraudulent activity faster. These systems analyze millions of transactions in real time to flag suspicious activity. But even with all the technology in the world, the best defense is still a vigilant consumer.

 

How You Can Protect Yourself in 2025

So what can you do to stay ahead of scammers? Luckily, the best strategies are simple and don’t require a computer science degree.

Slow down. Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll tell you your account’s been compromised or there’s a suspicious charge on your card, hoping you’ll panic and act without thinking. Pause and look closely at the message. Does it seem real? Check the link — is it actually from a legitimate source, or is it some random string of letters and numbers? When in doubt, call your financial institution’s customer-care center directly and have them research the activity.

Change your passwords. I know — it’s inconvenient. But using old, weak passwords is like leaving your front door wide open. Make a habit of updating your passwords regularly and using different ones for different accounts. If that sounds overwhelming, get a password manager to do the hard work for you.

Use multi-factor authentication. MFA is an added layer of protection for devices and accounts — a gateway guard that says “prove it’s really you.” When you log in, you’ll need to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it to keep scammers out of your accounts.

Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. If someone offers you a job out of the blue or says you’ve won money but need to send funds to claim it — run. Scammers love to bait people with promises that sound amazing but aren’t real.

Report fraud ASAP. If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t stay silent. Call your bank immediately. Not only can we help you secure your account, we might also be able to recover your money. In 2024, our team at Community Bank helped recover more than $235,000 on behalf of our customers who would have otherwise lost that money to scams.

 

The Role of AI and What’s Next

Here’s the silver lining: 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for fraud prevention. Like I mentioned earlier, financial institutions, like Community Bank, are rolling out advanced AI systems that can adapt in real time to catch new scams as they emerge. Because these tools use machine learning to analyze millions of transactions daily, they can spot patterns that humans might miss. Any new trend will be addressed instantly, with new or updated alerts to our team.

But with every advancement in fraud prevention comes new strategies from the scammers. They’re also experimenting with AI to create fake emails, texts, and even phone calls that are more convincing than ever. This is why vigilance and skepticism will always be your best tools.

We also expect more regulations in 2025 aimed at improving cybersecurity. Businesses will need to comply with stricter rules to protect sensitive data — which is great news for consumers. But at the end of the day, personal accountability remains key.

 

Don’t Rush and Stay Skeptical

The main takeaway for this year? Take your time. Whether it’s a text about a suspicious charge or an email requesting urgent action, don’t rush to respond. Scammers rely on speed and panic — take that away, and you take away their power.

Remember, if something feels off, don’t hesitate to call and ask questions. By staying informed, skeptical, and proactive, you can outsmart the scammers and protect what matters most.

In short, 2025 will bring new challenges, but with the right mindset and tools, you’ll be ready.

 

As vice president and Corporate Security officer for Community Bank, Daniel Cardi draws on more than three decades of experience in policework, gaming investigations and security analysis to stay ahead of emerging threats and prevent financial losses for customers. He specializes in risk management, fraud prevention, and physical security, overseeing security upgrades and modifications across the bank’s branch network. He also supervises a dedicated team of corporate security investigators committed to investigating allegations of fraudulent financial activity across the bank’s footprint to foster a safer banking environment for all customers.

 

What the Tax Code Says About Your Losses

By Contributor
Banking and Financial Services

Scammed in a Crypto Scheme?

By Sean Wandrei

 

Have you received a text lately from strangers who think they know you or want to be your friend? I have been receiving those for a while now. I thought I was popular, and these people wanted to be my friend. Maybe a few of them want to be, but many of these texts are from people looking to find their next target.

‘Pig butchering’ has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. That’s the term for a scam that deceives individuals into giving up money under false pretenses. The scammer fattens the victim, the ‘pig,’ by slowly guiding them into making increasingly large investments before disappearing with the victim’s money. These schemes can be presented as an opportunity to help someone out, find love, or take advantage of an incredible investment opportunity. With the boom in the cryptocurrency market, many of these schemes involve investments in crypto.

The scammer gradually builds trust with the victim over time. Once the trust is built, the scammer tells the victim about a great investment opportunity where they made a lot of money from investments, or how they need money for other reasons. The scammer may show the victim evidence of investment gains.

Sean Wandrei

Sean Wandrei

“The key difference between these two situations is the victim’s intent — if the individual engaged in the transaction with the expectations of earning income or capital gains, then the loss suffered can be treated as an investment loss rather than a personal expense.”

Eventually, the victim is guided to a website or app to invest in crypto. The app could look like a platform such as Coinbase. The platform is set up by the scammer, and eventually the victim’s crypto is transferred off the platform and gone forever. Or the crypto never existed — the money the victim sent simply went into the scammer’s account.

 

Deducting Losses from the Scam

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 165 provides the taxpayer with an opportunity to deduct losses incurred from various transactions, subject to specific rules and limitations. The deductibility of losses suffered from fraudulent schemes depends significantly on the nature of the transaction and the taxpayer’s motive at the time of the transaction. Two distinct scenarios arise in the context of pig-butchering schemes: losses incurred from transactions driven by personal motives (helping someone out or looking for love) and losses incurred from a transaction entered into for a profit (investing in crypto).

When a loss is incurred because an individual gives money to help someone out or in the pursuit of a romantic relationship, the transaction is typically characterized as a personal expense. These losses could be seen as a theft loss arising from non-business, personal transactions. Under IRC 165(c)(3), theft losses generally are not deductible due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which limited the deductibility of personal casualty and theft losses to those incurred in a federally declared disaster area.

In this context, the taxpayer’s motive was not profit-driven, but rather a personal connection or desire to help, which means this loss would be a theft loss and not deductible. The rationale is that the tax code does not provide relief for personal financial mistakes or misguided generosity when they lead to fraud.

Contrast this with the scenario where the pig-butchering scheme is one where the victim believes that they are investing in an asset such as crypto. In this case, the victim’s primary motive is to earn a profit by investing in crypto. Under IRC 165(c)(2), losses incurred from transactions entered into for profit, which are not connected to a trade or business, are deductible.

The key difference between these two situations is the victim’s intent — if the individual engaged in the transaction with the expectations of earning income or capital gains, then the loss suffered can be treated as an investment loss rather than a personal expense. The IRS treats crypto as property, so a case can be made that the victim was investing in property with a profit motive of investment income.

If the victim is going to deduct the loss under IRC 165(c)(2), he or she must adhere to substantiation requirements. Detailed records of the transaction, evidence of the profit motive, and clear documentation of the loss are necessary to support any deduction claimed on the tax return.

For example, consider a taxpayer who entered into a crypto scheme that ultimately turns out to be a pig-butchering scheme. If the taxpayer entered the transaction with a clear profit motive, expecting to realize gains from a booming cryptocurrency market, the loss from the scheme can be characterized as an investment loss. This categorization aligns with the general principle that taxpayers are allowed to deduct losses on investments when those losses result from a transaction entered into for profit.

 

Bottom Line

There is little case law on this subject, as it is relatively new. To deduct these losses, a taxpayer must maintain clear documentation of all interactions with the scammer, deposit dates, and evidence of profit motive.

Falling victim to these scams can have major financial consequences for the victim and his or her family. The monetary loss could be alleviated by deducting the loss and reducing the taxpayer’s tax liability. As mentioned above, there is limited tax precedent on this subject, so taxpayers should contact a tax professional to ensure the claim is legally sound and in full compliance with current laws.

 

Sean Wandrei, CPA, MST is a senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting at Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

An Introductory Guide for Business Owners

By Contributor
Home Improvement

Selling Your Small Business

By Sasha Wilde

 

Selling your small business is a pivotal moment in your life. It marks the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and vision. Whether you’re selling to retire, pursue a new venture, or capitalize on your business’s value, the process demands strategic thinking, preparation, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. This guide will walk you through the essentials to consider ahead of a sale.

 

Are You Ready to Sell?

Selling a business isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one, too. Before starting the process, ask yourself:

• What legacy do you want to leave behind? Think about the impact your business has had on your community, employees, and customers.

• What’s your plan after selling? Will you retire, start a new business, or focus on personal projects? (Keep in mind that most buyers will want you to sign a non-compete.)

• Is succession planning necessary? Consider whether there are people (employees, family members, or partners) within your network who might be the right fit to take over.

 

Consider Your Stakeholders

Your decision to sell directly impacts those around you, including:

• Your family. Discuss your decision with family members, especially if they’ve been involved in the business.

Sasha Wilde

Sasha Wilde

“Whether you’re selling to retire, pursue a new venture, or capitalize on your business’s value, the process demands strategic thinking, preparation, and a clear understanding of the steps involved.”

• Your employees. Transparency is key. Plan for how you’ll communicate the sale and secure their future during the transition. (The timing of this communication is important to consider as well.)

• Your customers and community. Think about how the sale might impact those who rely on your business.

 

Define Why You’re Selling

Understanding your motivations will help clarify your goals and approach. Common reasons include:

• Personal milestones, like retirement or burnout;

• Shifting focus to a new venture; and

• Capitalizing on the current value of your business.

Clearly defining your ‘why’ will also make your pitch to potential buyers more authentic and compelling.

 

Determine What Your Business Is Worth

The first and most vital step is understanding the value of your business. Buyers will ask for evidence backing your valuation. Here are some factors you should consider:

• Cash flow. Strong, predictable cash flow makes a business more appealing.

• Management structure. Is the business independent of you? The less reliant the business is on the owner, the more valuable it is.

• Revenue type. Recurring or subscription revenue is typically more stable and attractive to buyers than one-time sales (a/k/a project-based).

• Assets and liabilities. Tangible and intangible assets (intellectual property, equipment, or customer relationships) influence your valuation.

Tip: A professional appraiser or M&A (mergers and acquisitions) advisor can provide a more precise valuation based on your specific industry and market.

 

Build Your Dream Team of Advisors

Selling a business is complex. It’s important to gather a team of professionals who can guide you through the process, including:

• Legal advisors, to help you draft contracts, review sale agreements, and protect your interests.

• Accountants/tax experts, to ensure the sale is compliant with tax laws and to help reduce tax liabilities.

• M&A professionals or business brokers, specialists who can help market your business, find buyers, and negotiate the best deal for you.

 

Where to Find Buyers

There are multiple ways to promote your business to potential buyers. Some popular routes include:

• Business brokers and M&A professionals can act as intermediaries, negotiating on your behalf and helping to connect you with serious buyers. They can also bring expertise in marketing and legal compliance.

• If your business includes real estate, commercial real-estate agents can help you sell both the business and its physical location.

• Reach out to your local chamber of commerce or business associations, as they are well-connected and knowledgeable about the local community.

• List your business on reputable websites such as bizbuysell.com, bizscout.com, or businessesforsale.com. These online platforms allow you to connect with a global network of buyers. For example, businessesforsale.com offers more than 53,000 business listings worldwide, making it one of the largest marketplaces for buying and selling businesses.

 

Tips for a Successful Sale

• Be transparent and organized. Buyers want assurance that your business is healthy and well-run. This means having detailed financial records, operational documents, and contracts readily available for due diligence. Transparency builds trust and increases the chances of closing the deal.

• Highlight your business’s strengths. Create a compelling narrative about why your business is valuable. This may include a strong customer base, a clear competitive advantage or unique selling proposition, and/or opportunities for growth.

• Stay patient. Selling a business takes time. It’s normal for the process to last several months, or even longer, depending on the market and buyer interest.

 

Final Thoughts

Selling your small business is a major step that requires careful planning, communication, and execution. By aligning your emotional readiness, understanding the value of your business, and building a team of trusted advisors, you’ll be better prepared to achieve a favorable sale.

Looking to start the process? Reach out. I am happy to be a resource to get you headed in the right direction. Email me at [email protected].

Make the next chapter of your entrepreneurial story just as successful as the one you’re closing!

 

Sasha Wilde is co-owner of Sexton Roofing & Siding.

GCC Seeks New Instructors for Expanding HVAC Program

By
Home Improvement

Meeting a Growing Need

As the demand for HVAC technicians continues to grow, Greenfield Community College (GCC) is actively seeking new instructors to join its Workforce Development team and help train the next generation of skilled technicians.

GCC recently graduated its first cohort of HVAC technicians from the new entry-level HVAC technician course, and a waiting list of future trainees is already building.

At this time of year, when the heat goes out, homeowners rely on HVAC technicians as emergency responders to ensure their comfort. However, the HVAC industry is facing a critical shortage of workers. Many seasoned technicians are retiring, creating a significant gap in the workforce, even as the need for skilled technicians increases due to Massachusetts’ decarbonization targets and incentives promoting the transition to electric heat pumps and other advanced systems.

“Our HVAC program is aimed at addressing this urgent need,” said Kristin Cole, vice president of Workforce Development at GCC. “However, to continue meeting the demands of local employers and the community, we need more experienced instructors who can share their expertise with aspiring HVAC professionals.”

GCC’s entry-level HVAC technician program, funded by an Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, equips students with valuable skills, including five industry-recognized credentials: OSHA 10, NORA Bronze, Massachusetts Oil Burner, NATE Ready-to-Work, and the EPA 608 Universal certification. The curriculum, developed by HVAC Program Coordinator Sharon Cates and Instructor Joel Tognarelli, combines technical principles with hands-on training to ensure students are well-prepared for careers in the field.

Kristen Cole

Kristen Cole

“Becoming an instructor is a fantastic opportunity for HVAC professionals to make a meaningful impact on their community while also addressing the workforce gap in our industry.”

The need for HVAC instructors is complemented by the growing interest in the program. In this expanding environment, GCC is seeking individuals with HVAC experience who are passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of technicians.

“Becoming an instructor is a fantastic opportunity for HVAC professionals to make a meaningful impact on their community while also addressing the workforce gap in our industry,” Cole said. “We encourage anyone with HVAC expertise who wants to give back to consider this rewarding teaching opportunity.”

In addition to the technical training, the HVAC program emphasizes the importance of service in the community. Students learn not just how to fix systems, but also the responsibility they carry as technicians who help keep families safe and comfortable in their homes.

With a coalition of local employers and ongoing feedback on curriculum development, GCC is aligning its training programs with the needs of the HVAC industry. This collaboration aims to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.

HVAC experts interested in teaching opportunities at GCC are encouraged to email Cole at [email protected].

Partnerships Aim to Improve Maternal, Cardiometabolic Health

By
Healthcare News

Heart of the Matter

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced partnerships with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and Atrius Health Equity Foundation as part of the administration’s Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) initiative, which works to eliminate racial, economic, and regional disparities in health outcomes. The partnerships will finance initiatives in Chicopee and New Bedford.

These partnerships will fund community-level initiatives that will identify and understand community needs related to maternal health or social drivers of cardiometabolic health. Cardiometabolic disease, which refers to disease of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease, is a leading cause of death across Massachusetts. The initiative works to improve health outcomes in 30 communities that have been identified as having the greatest health disparities for maternal health and social drivers of cardiometabolic health.

“While we recognize that disparities in these health conditions occur in these regions, we strongly believe that each community may face different challenges in addressing them, and that requires solutions at the community level,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh said. “I look forward to hearing from the programs in the communities and am grateful to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and Atrius Health Equity Foundation for their support and partnership that will have a real difference in the lives of people in the communities.”

John Vieau

John Vieau

“Improving the health and well-being of Chicopee residents begins with understanding the issues and complications facing our community. The work sponsored by the BCBSMA Foundation and performed by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts will help us to determine the best way to positively affect the health of our residents.”

BCBSMA Foundation has approved $100,000 in funding for the first year of a two-year Strategic Health Equity Grant to the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. The nonprofit organization will lead a community engagement process in Chicopee to identify and understand community needs related to maternal health or the social drivers of health that impact cardiometabolic conditions and maternal perinatal morbidity. The coalition-building work will engage communities of color and other marginalized communities to inform the identification of needs, preferred solutions, and the implementation of those solutions.

“We are pleased to partner with leaders from EOHHS and DPH on a place-based community-engagement model that will help advance our shared health-equity goals,” said Audrey Shelto, president and CEO of BCBSMA Foundation. “Our grant partner is well-positioned to serve as a backbone organization for the AHEM initiative in Chicopee and to support community members as they develop solutions to the health disparities in their region.”

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau added that “improving the health and well-being of Chicopee residents begins with understanding the issues and complications facing our community. The work sponsored by the BCBSMA Foundation and performed by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts will help us to determine the best way to positively affect the health of our residents.”

In Southeastern Mass., Atrius Health Equity Foundation is committing $500,000 over two years to establish Youth Creating a Healthier New Bedford, a youth-led initiative that empowers young people in New Bedford to identify the social drivers impacting cardiometabolic health, engages them in developing a shared agenda for promoting community health and wellness, and supports them as emerging leaders.

The foundation is partnering with SouthCoast Community Foundation to convene local organizations to align efforts for broad, sustainable support for the initiative, while helping integrate other areas, such as the arts, environmental sustainability, and community development, to foster long-term transformative change in the community.

The partnerships with Atrius Health Equity Foundation and BCBSMA Foundation are the first of many partnerships AHEM seeks to create with private-sector partners to address health inequities.