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Date: 6/29/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) hosted its annual Legislative Luncheon and Business Meeting on June 22, in hybrid fashion, at the Storrowton Tavern.
The legislative panel consisted of state Sens. Adam Gomez of Hampden County District and John Velis of the Second Hampden and Hampshire County District and State Rep. Mike Finn of the Sixth Hampden District.
Mayor William Sapelli of Agawam and Mayor William Reichelt of West Springfield were also present.
The legislators and mayors were given the opportunity to share a few words. Gomez kicked off the group and said the last few months have been interesting for business owners. Gomez himself was a previous business owner and claimed, “It all started as a dream.”
On June 16, Gomez was one of the few to stand with the Baker-Polito Administration when they announced the $30 million in additional support for Massachusetts small businesses.
“I pledged that this will go to the West side of the River,” said Gomez.
He claimed he would do anything for his constituents and assured he is trustworthy. “I wear my feelings on my sleeve.”
Velis addressed the fact that we are still working with COVID-19. He claimed having events such as the luncheon is “paramount.”
“What you guys do deserves more of our attention,” said Velis.
He explained, currently there is a workers shortage – “you can’t find people to work.”
Finn applauded Gov. Charlie Baker for his good work under such serious circumstances.
When it came time for the luncheon participants to ask the legislators questions, one person reiterated Velis’ point and said, “We need to get people back to work.” He then asked, “Are you going to act on the legislation side?”
Gomez replied, “Our conversations have been more about sustaining houses and families.”
He went on to say, “there is not a place that’s not hiring.” Throughout many towns, there are help wanted signs plastered in restaurants, more specifically mom and pops, along with supermarkets, and so on.
Velis claimed, “We have an influx of cash and employment but it’s state and federal.”
Legislators said the unemployment benefits expire on Sept. 5. Come Sept. 7, they believe people will be out there in search of work.
One participant expressed his confusion with the unemployment process and described it as “ludicrous”
Gomez agreed, however, he claimed that problems were still existent even before Covid-19. This includes housing, employment, and homelessness.
The participant believed the government has been waiting too long. Finn replied, “The government ship is hard to turn – not as nimble.”
The event concluded with the induction of the WRC new Chai Jamie Smith from Westfield Bank. Smith is the second woman to receive this position. Her one year term will begin on July 1.
Smith said her goals include work-based learning, specifically for high school students. She hopes to provide mentorship and internship opportunities to assist in their navigation toward the workforce.
WRC Executive Director Robin Wozniak followed-up on the meeting, saying, “It’s important for our legislators to hear exactly how our small business owners feel about how the state is helping small business or lack thereof.” In the future, the chamber intends to provide more opportunities for elected officials and small businesses to come together for an “intense discussion,” she added.
For additional information on the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, visit ourwrc.com.