Page 5 - BusinessWest January 10, 2022

Inside
HIGHER EDUCATION
Features
MISSED CONNECTIONS
Women still lag in the IT workforce, but why? .................. 6
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Chicopee promotes public safety, business health........................ 10
Economic Outlook 2022
COVID complicates generally optimistic projections ............. 15
THE ECONOMY
Optimism abounds, but many factors make it difficult to project . .................................................. 16
THE REGION
There were glimpses of progress in 2021, and more are expected .. 19
SMALL BUSINESS
Many are busy, but challenges linger as the new year dawns .......................................................................... 22
BusinessWest
JAN. 10, 2022
VOLUME 38 NUMBER 18
Departments
OPINION...12
PICTURE THIS...51
AGENDA...52
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE...54
COMPANY NOTEBOOK...55
INCORPORATIONS...56
DOING BUSINESS AS CERTIFICATES...56
BANKRUPTCIES...57
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS...57
BUILDING PERMITS...62
On the Cover
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
COVID clouds generally optimistic projections...15
Cover illustration by Mike Nasuti/Getty Images
Region’s colleges, universities face more stern tests in 2022............................................... 25
HEALTHCARE
The prognosis is for another year of stern challenges in 2022 ........................................... 28
TOURISM
Sector is on the rebound, but hospitality still faces staffing issues.................................... 31
Law
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW ROUNDUP
What can business owners and managers expect in 2022? ........... 33
A DEVELOPMENT OF NOTE
COVID-19 may qualify as an ADA-recognized disability .............. 35
SOBERING ADVICE
Consider your legal obligations when hosting get- togethers.............................................................. 36
NO BREACH JANUARY
Three steps to improving your cybersecurity posture in 2022 .............. 37
Healthcare
WHEN IT CAN’T WAIT
New hospital guidance clouds importance of seeking medical care ... ................................................................................ 41
SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE
Recovery coaching provides hope for those battling addiction ............................................................... 45
NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Goodwin House sets teenage boys on a path to recovery ............................................................................................ 47
SEE: List of Law Firms >>Page 38
SEE: List of
Addiction Services >>Page 48
BUSINESSWEST (ISSN 1049-9822) is published bi-weekly at the rate of $45 per year by BusinessWest Inc., 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103. Periodicals postage paid at Springfield, Mass. and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to BusinessWest Inc., 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103. (413) 781-8600.
INDEX
JANUARY 10, 2022 5
BusinessWest