Page 19 - BusinessWest January 9, 2023
P. 19

Selling Points
EDC Leaders See Need
to Market the Region,
Leverage Its Assets
BY GEORGE O’BRIEN
[email protected]
As he surveys the scene in Western Mass., especially the ongoing focus on encouraging entrepreneurship and helping startups get to the next level, Charlie D’Amour says he can see some parallels to when his father, Gerry, and uncle, Paul, were getting started in Chi- copee nearly 80 years ago with a venture that would eventually become known as Big Y.
But this current surge in entrepreneurship is different in some respects from than the one in the mid-’30s, he told BusinessWest, add- ing that it is deeper and more diverse. And it holds enormous promise for the future of the region in terms of job creation and the vibrancy of individual communities.
“I continue to be impressed by the fact that we have a diverse and growing class of new entrepreneurs,” D’Amour noted. “Through the commitment of the EDC, the commitment of other organizations, and the commitment of anchor institutions in the area, if we can continue to grow, develop, nurture, and encourage these entrepreneurs, it’s only going to put us in a great position.
“That’s part of what gives me some optimism for the economy of our region — to see this growth in entrepreneurship,” he went on. “This is an interesting group of young entrepreneurs, and it’s a diverse group, and that speaks to where our future is going to be.”
Entrepreneurship and the prospects for more of it comprise one of many subjects touched on by D’Amour and other representatives of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) during a wide-ranging discussion of the issues facing the region as the calendar turns to 2023.
“I continue to be impressed by the fact that we have a diverse and growing class of new entrepre- neurs. Through the commitment of the EDC, the commitment of other organizations, and the
commitment of anchor institu-
tions in the area, if we can con- tinue to grow, develop, nurture, and encourage these
entrepreneurs, it’s only going to put us in a great position.”
D’Amour is a long-time member of the EDC and member of its execu- tive committee. Others joining the discussion were Rick Sullivan, presi- dent and CEO of the EDC; Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry and current EDC board chair, and relatively new board member Cesar Ruiz, president and CEO of Golden Years Home Care Services.
Together, they addressed subjects ranging from workforce issues to marketing of the region to the prospects for bringing more jobs to the area.
Overall, as the new year begins, those we spoke with are optimistic about the region and its fortunes, but there are reasons for concern, especially when it comes to workforce (more on that later), an issue touched on by many in this special Economic Outlook section.
“I’ve seen some real opportunities with some investments that I do believe will be coming with the new governor’s administration in terms of broadband and internet access,” Sullivan said. “There is a digital
BusinessWest << ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2023 >> JANUARY 9, 2023 19
Let’s Talk Business.
  Commercial Lenders VP Darlene Mark & SVP Rob Chateauneuf, with Commercial Portfolio Officer Catherine Rioux.
We’ll help your business thrive.
We have a strong history of providing custom lending solutions for businesses of all sizes and types. Let us help you finance your next business venture. Contact us at 413-267-1254 or [email protected].
 www.monsonsavings.bank
MEMBER FDIC I MEMBER DIF
      CHARLIE D’AMOUR








































































   17   18   19   20   21