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Date: 3/9/2022
SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Adam Gomez, state Rep. Orlando Ramos and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez gathered with the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce Director Andrew Melendez to celebrate the 22 Latino businesses operating in the Eastfield Mall during a March 1 press conference.
Of the 22 businesses, 16 opened at the 1655 Boston Rd. mall within the last six months, according to Melendez. The Chamber of Commerce director said the newly established businesses are a part of revitalizing the Eastfield Mall space, with 75 percent of the mall’s tenants representing ownership from the Black and Latino communities. Several businesses received guidance from the Latino chamber, with Melendez explaining the chamber’s role providing social media support, business planning and human resource assistance.
“It’s great to see so much diverse ownership in the mall,” said Melendez in an interview with Reminder Publishing. Melendez shared that the infusion of businesses brings a newfound collaborative spirit to the mall, with each enterprise being supportive of one another’s ambitions. He also stressed that the businesses are “thriving” as the mall progresses with local entities taking center stage over traditional retailers like Macys.
“This is thriving right now. We are thriving and resurging,” said Melendez during the press conference.
In his address, Ramos credited the courage and entrepreneurial spirit of each business owner. He also celebrated the fact that entrepreneurs are embracing new business ideas in the aftermath of the pandemic and its impacts. “It takes a lot of courage to be an entrepreneur these days…but the entrepreneurial spirit lives within our culture,” said Ramos.
Gonzalez recognized the 22 businesses as a part of Springfield’s expansive economic recovery efforts, citing the fact that more businesses are opening in the city compared to most areas around the country. The state representative also acknowledged the cultural nuances that the family-run businesses imbues within the city while hoping other nearby enterprises can embrace similar diversity efforts.
“Businesses like this make the city thrive…hopefully this is the start of what other malls can do,” said Gonzalez.
Gomez reflected upon the innovative ways the new business owners are reinventing the Eastfield Mall space into a prosperous and diverse atmosphere.
“There’s been a lot of movement here…this is an environment that supports all creeds and colors,” said Gomez. The state senator also awarded Melendez a citation of recognition for making strides across different communities for the Latino populous.
Co-Property Manager of the Eastfield Mall David Thompson also spoke about the successful partnership between the mall and its new tenants. “If they don’t succeed, we don’t succeed, so it’s been a wonderful marriage,” said Thompson.
Melendez and Thompson also announced a new pilot program established by the mall. Starting in April, the mall is offering a free space for different pop-up businesses each month for enterprises to test out a brick-and-mortar platform.
Representatives from each of the 22 business received citations of recognition from the state delegation.
One of the recognized business owners, Arturo Gonzalez of Calm Panda Smartshop, reflected upon his success as an Eastfield Mall entity in an interview with Reminder Publishing. Since opening on Oct. 1, Gonzalez said his mall location continues to aid him in building awareness for his brand of topical health and wellness products.
The business owner also shared that he’s developed relationships with other local enterprises, including incorporating a product line from Spartan Hemps in East Longmeadow. “It’s been a great landing spot to increase brand awareness and meet other vendors,” said Gonzalez.
Readers can learn more about the newly established businesses and updates regarding the Eastfield Mall at https://www.eastfieldmall.com/.