Page 15 - BusinessWest May 26, 2020
P. 15

 An artist’s rendering of the proposed Facemate site, showing the athletic- field complex and the renovated Baskin building.
tion to meet current demands.”
Copoulos credits Chicopee businesses for
being resilient and adaptable during a challeng- ing year. “It was amazing to see these folks turn on a dime and change their business model,” she said. “Now they are in the process of changing it back.”
A new Chicopee Center project conducted in
“I’m excited about the future of downtown. It will be a thriving area with a small-town feel, and it will be one of the coolest downtowns you’ll see.”
partnership with MassDevelopment is designed to bring more business to downtown and support the businesses already there, the mayor noted. “I’m excited about the future of downtown. It will be a thriving area with a small-town feel, and it will be one of the coolest downtowns you’ll see.”
Chicopee officials recently selected a devel- oper for the last parcel of the former Face-
mate property. Plans for the site include a 54,000-square-foot, multi-sport facility; a 102- unit residential building; and renovation of the Baskin building into a 10,000-square-foot res- taurant and brewery, where Loophole Brewing is expected to locate.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts recently purchased 16.5 acres in the Chicopee
mation out quickly and to find out what a small business might need.
“Many business owners just needed someone who could say, ‘hey, I think this grant applica- tion fits you and would be a good one to apply for,’” Copoulos said. “These programs can save
a person’s business, but the application can be complex, so it really helps to have a person who has been through the process, to sit with you and get it done.”
Positive Shifts
Two Chicopee chamber members did not see a slowdown during the pandemic, but instead ramped up their efforts. Universal Plastics shifted its production to make COVID testing machines and face shields, while Callaway Golf manufac- tured the company’s top-end Chrome Soft golf ball in a year when the golf business jumped 8%.
“Universal Plastics is an excellent example of what great companies do,” Vieau said. “During a time of uncertainty, they modified their produc-
Healthcare Education
• MSN/MBA
• MSN in Nursing and
Health Services Management
• MSN in Nursing Education
• MSN in School Nursing
• MBA Healthcare Leadership
• DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner
• DNP in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP in Health Systems Innovation and Leadership
Classes Start in Spring • Fall
elms.edu/grad
[email protected] • 413-265-2456 • 291 Springfield Street • Chicopee, MA
BusinessWest COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
MAY 26, 2021 15




































































   13   14   15   16   17