Day: May 5, 2026

Massachusetts Business Confidence Edges Up in April

By
Daily News

BOSTON — Employer confidence increased slightly during April but remained in pessimistic territory amid a resilient, though slowing, economy.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index (BCI) gained 0.9 points to end the month at 47.9 on a 100-point scale. The increase left the Index 6.4 points better than its tariff-driven level of April 2025. Massachusetts employers have been pessimistic for 13 of the past 14 months.

The confidence increase was consistent with an uptick in hiring by Massachusetts employers a month earlier. The Commonwealth posted its biggest monthly job gain in two years during March as payrolls rose by 6,800 after a loss of 7,200 jobs in February. The state’s unemployment rate ticked down to 4.7% from 4.8%.

The U.S. economy also showed resilient growth, with first-quarter GDP rising by 2% on the strength of strong private investment and AI-related spending. At the same time, inflation was at 3.6% in the first quarter —with concerns that higher oil prices could eventually spill over into core inflation — while consumer spending showed signs of fatigue, and the labor market remained tight.

“The economy is holding up reasonably well, thanks to strong business investment, but it faces headwinds from inflation, cautious consumers, and global geopolitical risks,” said Sara Johnson, chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors (BEA), which oversees the Business Confidence Index.

The AIM Index, based on a survey of more than 140 Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative.

The constituent indicators that make up the index almost all increased in April after falling the previous month. The confidence employers maintain in their own operations gained 1.1 points to 53.7. The figure was 7.1 points better than a year earlier.

The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, rose 1.4 points to 39.9, leaving it 2.0 points higher than in April 2025. The U.S. Index, measuring conditions throughout the country, was flat, losing 0.1 point to 38.6 — still an increase of 9 points for the year.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, was up 2.2 points to 49.3. The Future Index, predicting conditions for the next six months, increased 0.3 point to 46.6.

The Employment Index gained 0.9 point to close the month at 50.4. The Manufacturing Index surged 6.4 points to 56.2, 16.5 points better than a year earlier.

Large companies (53.0) were more confident than medium-sized companies (49.4) or small companies (41.9).

Suzanne Dwyer, president of Massachusetts Capital Resource Co., said the private capital markets are trying to sort out the same complex mix of factors that are driving the overall economy.

“The private capital investment environment in Massachusetts is characterized by cautious optimism, sector-specific strength, and increasing competition from other states,” she noted. “Investors are prioritizing companies with strong fundamentals, such as positive cash flow and clear profitability paths, over pure growth.”

AIM President and CEO Brooke Thomson, also a BEA member, suggested that the jump in confidence among manufacturing companies might reflect relief that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed in 2025 were unconstitutional.

“Tariffs are not popular among AIM members, especially manufacturing companies, and the fact that some of these companies have now begun the process of seeking tariff refunds has apparently brightened their outlook about present conditions,” she said.

Jean Canosa Albano Honored by URI Graduate School of Library and Information Studies

By
Daily News

Jean Canosa Albano

SPRINGFIELD — The University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies (GSLIS) announced the winners of this year’s awards for Library of the Year and Alumni of the Year. The Alumna of the Year for 2026 is Jean Canosa Albano, assistant director of Springfield City Library.

Each year, GSLIS honors two alumni: one who graduated 10 or more years ago and another recent alumnus who graduated within the last 5-10 years. The Recent Alum of the Year for 2026 is Jo Knapp, and the Library of the Year for 2026 is the Brown University Sciences Library in Providence, R.I.

Upon graduating from URI GSLIS in 1995, Albano worked as a young adult librarian at Springfield City Library. She moved up through roles such as assistant supervisor and manager of Youth Services, then manager of Public Services at the Mason Square Branch Library. In 2016, she was promoted to assistant director for Public Services at Springfield City Library, a role where she has shined for a decade.

While committed to working for her library, Albano has also long been committed to the larger Springfield community. She has served as a trustee at the Wilbraham Public Library, an outreach advisory board member for the YMCA of Greater Springfield, a member of the Massachusetts State Advisory Council for Libraries, policy council community representative and board of directors member for Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, board member for Art for the Soul Gallery, public relations committee member for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and vice president of Springfield Public Forum. She has served on the boards of the Massachusetts Library Assoc. and the New England Library Assoc., and made conference presentations for those associations as well as for the national American Librarian Assoc. and the Public Library Assoc.

Bilingual, Albano has served English- and Spanish-speaking members of the Springfield City Library community, providing and advocating for library services for non-English speakers. In a profile highlighting her as a BusinessWest Woman of Impact in 2018, she was lauded for being “someone committed to being involved in the community and inspiring others to get involved.” GSLIS added, “the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies is proud of Jean Canosa Albano and all her accomplishments and dedication to library services and community outreach.”

Springfield Symphony Chorus to Perform at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on May 16

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Chorus (SSC) will hold its annual spring concert on Saturday, May 16 at 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 34 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Tickets cost $10, cash only, and are available only at the door. Doors open at 3:15 p.m.

This year’s concert theme is titled “Music in the Time of Jeanne,” in memory of longtime Springfield Symphony Chorus member Jeanne Tripp, who sang with the chorus for many years and passed away in 2020. The concert will also feature a newly commissioned work by Oliver Caplan in Tripp’s memory.

The SSC is an unpaid, semi-professional group of singers from throughout the greater Connecticut River Valley. Founded in the 1944-45 concert season to join the recently founded Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the chorus has since continuously performed with the orchestra each concert season, as well as in its own concerts.

During the 2025-26 concert season, the chorus performed at Holiday Pops in December, “Planet Earth: A Symphonic Journey” in February, and “Gloria! From Vivaldi to Gershwin” in April, and chorus members will also perform at the upcoming Juneteenth concert.

The Springfield Symphony Chorus is directed by Nikki Stoia, a graduate of Springfield schools and retired associate dean of the College of Humanities & Fine Arts at UMass Amherst. She is an active collaborative pianist in Western Mass. and beyond and is the founder and director of the Western Massachusetts Singers for Survivors, a chorus of cancer survivors and caregivers, which performs in the Western Mass. region to bring attention to cancer survival and support fundraising activities for cancer care.

“In addition to a new work commissioned by the SSC in memory of Jeanne Tripp, this concert will feature a potpourri of pieces of various styles that both the SSC and the Western Massachusetts Singers for Survivors performed during Jeanne’s time with us,” Stoia explained. “Not only are we happy to have something for everyone in this concert, but we’re also very grateful to, once again, have the opportunity to support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. To have the ability to honor one of our own and to support an important area nonprofit is a wonderful thing.”

Auditions for new chorus members typically take place in September and January. Those interested in auditioning for the Springfield Symphony Chorus should email Chorus President Claire Folini at [email protected].

Westfield Bank Donates $150,000 to YMCA of Greater Westfield for Camp Shepard

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield Bank announced a $150,000 donation to the YMCA of Greater Westfield as a major contributor toward renovations of its Camp Shepard. The donation, which will benefit the construction of a new welcome center, pavilion, and bathhouse, underscores the bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the health, wellness, and vitality of the community.

For more than 75 years, Camp Shepard has served thousands of children, introducing them to nature while building confidence and friendships that last a lifetime. These upgrades, which will be financed by a larger capital campaign, will update the aging facility, expand capacity from 215 to 300 campers per day, and open the site year-round to the community, all while maintaining access and affordability.

“This investment reflects what community banking should be about,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. “The YMCA of Greater Westfield and Camp Shepard have a tremendous impact on our community, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We’re proud to kick off their fundraising campaign and support their goal of replacing the aging camp infrastructure that has been so well used by generations of kids.”

Westfield Bank’s contribution is part of its broader commitment to civic engagement and community investment. Through financial support, volunteerism, and longstanding partnerships with local organizations, the bank continues to help create opportunities that make communities more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient.

“Westfield Bank’s $150,000 gift to YMCA Camp Shepard is truly transformative,” YMCA of Greater Westfield CEO Andrea Allard said. “Camp is so much more than a summer experience, it’s a place where kids discover what they are capable of, build friendships that last a lifetime, and feel like they belong. This kind of generosity makes it possible for us to reach more young people who need that experience the most. We are deeply grateful to Westfield Bank for investing in our community’s children in such a meaningful way.”

STCC Trustees Recommend Jennifer Cournoyer as Next President

By
Daily News

Jennifer Cournoyer

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College’s board of trustees voted to recommend Jennifer Cournoyer as the next president of STCC.

The recommendation is subject to approval from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and commissioner of Higher Education on May 19. If approved, she would be the seventh president of STCC and the first woman to lead the institution.

Cournoyer, who serves as vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at River Valley Community College in Claremont, N.H., brings more than 12 years of experience in two-year colleges across New England.

The board’s unanimous decision on May 4 is the result of a nationwide, comprehensive search that began with listening sessions involving various constituency groups at the college in November 2025. The presidential search committee, which included STCC trustees, faculty, staff, students, and community partners, selected three finalists to visit the STCC campus and engage with the broader community.

During her visit in April, Cournoyer toured the campus and participated in open interview sessions with faculty, staff, students, and the board of trustees.

Michael Knapik, chair of the STCC board of trustees, said Cournoyer will start her tenure this summer, pending approval from the Board of Higher Education and commissioner.

“I am pleased to join with my colleagues on the board of trustees in celebrating our vote in favor of the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Cournoyer as the next president of Springfield Technical Community College,” Knapik said. “This collaborative effort from all facets of the campus community has resulted in a selection of an individual who has our full confidence as she begins her tenure.”

In identifying STCC’s next leader, Knapik said it was the board’s desire to find an individual devoted to student success who could build relationships, strengthen trust, and unite teams throughout the college.

“STCC is in an exceptionally strong place as it serves our region and Commonwealth. We look forward to working with Dr. Cournoyer to advance its position and strengthen the institution for the next generation of learners,” Knapik said. “I am grateful to the students, faculty, staff, and community members who assisted the board throughout the search process. Together, we have found a leader who will elevate STCC to higher levels of achievement and excellence.”

Cournoyer holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University, a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Rhode Island, and a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Stonehill College.

She has held the position of vice president for Academic and Student Affairs at River Valley Community College since 2019. Before that, she was director of Library Services & Academic Supports at Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson, Conn.

“Springfield Technical Community College plays a vital role in transforming lives and strengthening the economic future of the region, and I am deeply honored to be selected as the college’s next president,” Cournoyer said. “I look forward to listening, learning, and partnering with the campus and community to advance student success and help shape the college’s next chapter.”

Cournoyer will succeed John Cook, the college’s sixth president, who is stepping down on Aug. 1 after 10 years of service.

STCC distinguishes itself as the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, and this unique status underscores the institution’s pride and responsibility in providing career education and pathways to its diverse student body.

The new president will build on STCC’s recent successes, including the substantial expansion of community access to health programs through the establishment of the Health Science Program, the launch of the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, and the funding and planning for the relocation of the School of Health and Patient Simulation.

Greylock Federal Credit Union to Host Workshops in May

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union is offering free workshops in May to help the community better understand budgeting and ways to prevent becoming the victim of a financial fraud or scam.

On Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m., “Basic Budgeting,” presented via Zoom, will help attendees set up a spending and saving plan, identify challenges, and create short and long-term financial goals and steps to achieve them.

“Frauds & Scams” will be offered in person on three different dates: Tuesday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at Becket Town Hall, 557 Main St; Wednesday, May 27 at 1:30 p.m. at the Guthrie Center, 2 Van Deusenville Road, Great Barrington; and Thursday, May 28 at 1 p.m. at Washington Town Hall, 8 Summit Hill Road. These workshops will host a discussion and include specific examples of frauds and scams, along with helpful tips to protect oneself and one’s finances online.

For more information about these and other workshops and to register, visit www.greylock.org/cec.

UMassFive Hosts Event Highlighting MassHousing Down Payment Assistance

By
Daily News

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union and Member Advantage Mortgage (MAM), in partnership with MassHousing, recently hosted an informational event focused on affordable homeownership programs, drawing 25 attendees interested in learning more about down payment assistance and mortgage resources available across Massachusetts.

The event, led by MAM Mortgage Consultant Gary Talbot and MassHousing Relationship Manager Oneida Fuentes, provided an overview of financing options designed to help eligible borrowers overcome one of the most common barriers to homeownership — upfront costs.

“Homeownership continues to be one of the most effective ways for individuals and families to build long-term financial stability,” said Craig Boivin, vice president of Marketing at UMassFive. “Events like this allow us to connect people directly with programs and resources that can make a real difference in their ability to buy a home.”

Attendees were also informed of an expanded statewide MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program, available now through July 31. Eligible borrowers may qualify for up to $25,000 in assistance, offered at a 0% interest rate with a deferred payment. Repayment is not required until the home is sold or refinanced, or the mortgage is paid in full. The program is part of MassHousing’s broader effort to expand access to sustainable homeownership for Massachusetts residents.

“Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that programs like this exist,” Boivin said. “Part of our role is making sure people know what’s available and helping them understand how to take advantage of it when the time is right.”

For more information about MassHousing, including its DPA program, visit umassfive.coop/mahousing.

BusinessTalk with Alex Balise, Director of Corporate Strategy for Balise Auto Group, and Giancarlo Crivelli, Executive Director of Fishing Friends: Welcome to the Club

By Ryan Leary
Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running. BusinessTalk is sponsored and presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 256: May 5, 2026

George O’Brien talks to Alex Balise, Director of Corporate Strategy for Balise Auto Group, and Giancarlo Crivelli, Executive Director of Fishing Friends

Alexandra Balise
Giancarlo Crivelli

There are now 800 people in the club — that would be the BusinessWest 40 Under Forty club. That’s 20 classes of rising stars, with the latest, the class of 2026, announced late last month. For this episode of BusinessTalk, George O’Brien sits down with two members of the class of 2026 — Alex Balise, director of Corporate Strategy for Balise Auto Group, and Giancarlo Crivelli, executive director of Fishing Friends. They exemplify the class of 2026, the many accomplishments of its members, and its commitment to giving back. On the podcast, we tell their stories, and we also hear some fish stories — Alex counts that among her favorite pastimes as well — along the way. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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