Chicopee businesses voice struggles and successes

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce hosted members of the business community to share their struggles with workforce development.

State and local officials met with business leaders Monday morning to listen to their workforce development struggles and successes. One business, Chicopee Industrial Contractors, is having trouble with Massachusetts’ new emissions legislation that was just passed making it harder for them to haul their equipment with their diesel trucks.

“I’m a little proactive. I just went out and bought two trucks. Am I happy about that? No, that is an expense that I really was not ready to do at this time, but trying to make it so that I can survive in my business,” said President & CEO Carol Campbell of Chicopee Industrial Contractors.

Other businesses are having trouble competing with state jobs. “There are similar jobs titles and roles for individuals employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and then by private providers, like Sunshine Village, and the pay is often drastically different, sometimes by up to 30 percent,” said Executive Director Gina Kos of Sunshine Village.

Sunshine Village, a organization that helps people with disabilities lead rich, meaningful lives, has already seen three employees leave to take state paid jobs. Businesses shared their struggles with many aspects of workforce development but there were also some successes shared with the Chamber and even one organization vowing to help be a part of the solution.

“Just this past year, we did something pretty bold. We made community college universally free for anybody who doesn’t have a degree. That is a game-changer here in Massachusetts. STCC’s enrollment is up 28 percent over last year,” said State Senator Jake Oliveira.

“We just want to be a part of the solution. We want to partner with you to ensure that we have the workforce for this region to continue to be able to continue to compete,” said Director of Career Services J Marshall at Elms College.

Many of the legislators said businesses should reach out with issues and concerns as they begin to gear up for the next legislative session.

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