BusinessWest Book of Lists

From the Editor and Publisher

There’s a lot of history on the cover of this year’s Book of Lists, the annual Resource Guide produced by BusinessWest. Specifically, Springfield history, as revealed in a striking, detailed mural created last year by lead artist John Simpson and a team of collaborators.

It covers the south-facing wall of the old Skyplex Building on Bridge Street in Springfield, and it’s filled with dozens of images of individuals — some famous, some more obscure — who have been woven into the rich tapestry of the city’s history.

The Book of Lists is a tapestry, too, in a different way. Indeed, this guide paints a picture of its own — one made up of thousands of companies throughout the region — providing important information on myriad businesses, nonprofits, and institutions. Together, these snapshots convey the size, strength, and diversity of this region’s business community and how, as a group, they contribute to the still-vibrant, always-changing economy of Western Mass.

So the choice of this year’s cover, always a big decision — one that typically speaks to the region’s past, present, and future, as well as its character, resilience, and promise — is fitting, we think. Because every city and town in the four counties of Western Mass. presents a similar tapestry of economic energy, which we’ve shared in stories and photos on the pages of BusinessWest for 40 years, and present in a different way in this annual guide, which has proven to be a valuable resource for individuals and business owners alike.

It’s a living document of sorts, reflecting, with each annual edition, a raft of changes in the economic landscape as businesses open, grow, move, shift gears, change leadership, and, yes, sometimes shut their doors. As companies throughout Western Mass. continue to grow, evolve, and serve their customers, we will continue to serve them as well. That’s the real message to be gleaned from the pages to follow.
We urge you to make full use of the information this guide contains (it is also available as a flipbook at www.businesswest.com) to both grow your company and grasp the breadth and depth of the local business community.

Putting together this publication is a year-long process, and we thank all those involved in making it reality. High praise goes to Art Director Mike Nasuti, Graphic Designer Ryan Leary, and our entire sales and marketing teams. Special thanks to our sponsors and advertisers, whose support makes it possible to publish this great resource.

                    Joseph Bednar, Editor
                    John Gormally, Publisher
                    Kate Campiti, Associate Publisher