Page 13 - BusinessWest January 24, 2022
P. 13

                  Northampton
COVID caused the Continued from page 11 mood to change.
Vince Jackson, executive director of the Northampton Cham-
ber of Commerce, explained it as people feeling “weary and wary.”
“Weary because we’re just tired of COVID and the sense that we start to make progress only to see another setback,” Jackson said. “And wary because of all the uncertainty when you try to plan ahead in this environment.”
For Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks, September and October felt like old times. Hoess-Brooks, region- al managing director for the Hotel Northampton and Fairfield Suites, noted that, even when busi- ness was up, staffing levels were down — which
“Weary because we’re just tired of COVID and the sense that we start to make progress only to
see another setback. And wary because of all the uncertainty when you try to plan ahead in this environment.”
remains an issue. On some days, the housekeep- ing crew could not finish their work until evening hours because they were so short-staffed.
“Everyone was pitching in to help,” Hoess- Brooks said. “I cleaned more guest rooms this
Vince Jackson says businesses have been opening and closing in Northampton at about the same rate during the pandemic.
summer than I have in my entire 32 years in the industry.” Still, while January and February are traditionally slow months, he remains optimistic that business and staffing will improve by spring.
To find ways to keep going, Cahillane said many business owners are upgrading their online shopping and ordering capabilities, while others are renovating their locations.
Despite all the challenges, Jackson remains hopeful about the coming year. He pointed
out that, since the beginning of the pandemic, Northampton has seen 20 businesses close, but 20 new businesses opened during the same time. “It speaks to the resilience of the community and the example that it sets for the entrepreneurial spirit in Northampton.”
Raising All Boats
Meanwhile, Cahillane is busy planning her first community event for 2022, the Northampton Ice Arts Festival, scheduled for Feb. 11, featuring various ice sculptures throughout downtown.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed that we will be able to have the event, especially because it’s out- side,” she said, acknowledging the uncertainty while continuing to move forward.
Outdoor dining, which Cahillane has called
a lifesaver for many restaurants, remains very popular. Amit Kanoujia, general manager of India House (see story on page 25), is looking to start his outdoor seating earlier and expand it later this year because so many people have asked him to consider it. “In the early spring, our guests bring jackets, and by the fall, they are willing to wear parkas to soak in as much of the outdoor experience as they can.”
Kanoujia remarked on the spirit of coopera- tion he’s seen among businesses and city leaders to keep moving forward. Jackson echoed that sentiment and added that collaboration is more important now than ever before.
“At the chamber, we try to remind everyone that we are all investors in our community and in our economy,” he said. “When one succeeds, we all succeed.” u
            IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR COLLEAGUES
Viktorija Randall and Melin Menas were not only our colleagues, but also incredible mothers, friends, mentors and often times the go-to people for so many of us at Freedom. They
lit up the room with their bright smiles, big personalities and kind hearts.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support we have
received from our members and the community during this difficult time. Loved ones have established accounts for both families. You can donate online at bit.ly/SupportTheRandallGirls for Vika’s daughters or bit.ly/HonoringMelin for Melin’s family.
     freedom.coop
Freedom Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Shares and deposits in excess of NCUA limits are fully insured by the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC). Equal housing lender. NMLS #478769.
FREEDOM IS YOURS.
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