Press Releases

Congressman Richard E. Neal joined Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones, MassHire President and CEO David M. Cruise, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, and Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack in celebrating the selection of MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board (MHHCWB) as a finalist for the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program.

Funded through the CHIPS and Science Act, the Recompete Program will invest in economically distressed communities to promote job growth, targeting areas where the prime-age (25-54 years) employment is significantly below the national average. Authorized for up to $1 billion in the CHIPS and Science Act, the Recompete Program received $200 million in initial appropriations for the 2023 competition. Through local investments, the Recompete Program will help support closing the employment gap by connecting historically marginalized communities with good-paying jobs.

“I am thrilled to join local, state, and federal partners in announcing MassHire’s selection as a finalist for the EDA’s Recompete Program. With much of the CHIPS Act drafted in the Ways and Means Committee, I was keen on delivering federal funds to the Commonwealth, particularly in western and central Massachusetts. The CHIPS Act is about bolstering economic activity through investments that will empower American innovators, stimulate job growth, and achieve economic security for future generations. With opportunities like the Recompete Program, that is precisely what the Pioneer Valley will see in the years to come,” said Congressman Neal. “I applaud MassHire, whose efforts in spearheading the Springfield-Holyoke Recompete Plan were critical in navigating the EDA’s rigorous application process. By collaborating with local partners, both public and private, MassHire's targeted approach would help thousands of local residents access economic opportunities otherwise not afforded to them.”

“We’re thrilled that the Springfield-Holyoke Recompete Plan was named a finalist to receive this funding, and we congratulate MassHire for their important work. This program will boost our efforts to ensure that all workers can access the training and workforce development opportunities they need to succeed in today’s economy. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris administration, Secretary Raimondo and her team, and our Congressional delegation for making this opportunity available,” said Governor Healey.

“Addressing employment barriers and advancing an equitable workforce are critical as we grow our regional economies across Massachusetts. Our Administration applauds the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board for its leadership and partnership in the region, leading in the development of the Springfield-Holyoke Recomplete Plan and being among finalists for this significant investment. Thank you also to the Biden-Harris Administration and our federal delegation for continuing to support our underrepresented and untapped, diverse talent and our growing workforce in Massachusetts,” said Secretary Jones.

Selected from more than 200 applications, MHHCWB was one of just twenty-two applications to be named a finalist for Recompete Plan Approval. Through cross-sector collaboration, MHHCWB’s $20 million proposal would spur job growth and retention in two gateway cities in Springfield and Holyoke, putting individuals on career pathways with living wages. Funding from the Recompete Program would support four holistic investments that address employment barriers through a shared services hub, workforce development and training, and the expansion of employer commitments to worker-friendly jobs. The formation of a Workforce Training System would establish a structure in which schools, training institutions, and employers mutually equip, commit to, and credential one another, creating an ecosystem in which partners are using the same approaches, systems, and practices that most effectively recruit, promote, and retain historically excluded prime-aged adults. A copy of MHHCWB’s proposal can be found here.

“MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, Inc. is honored and excited to lead the administration of the Strategy Development implementation process and the Recompete Planning process with operational partners led by Baystate Health, with support from the Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC), Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), and other key regional entities,” said MassHire President and CEO David Cruise. “Creating cross-sector collaboration in key census tracts in Springfield and Holyoke that increase employment and retention of prime-aged individuals and put them on career pathways with living wages is critical to accelerating job creation, driving economic development and industry competitiveness, strengthening families, and ensuring resilient communities.”

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “First, I want to thank President Biden and Congressman Neal for their continued leadership on the federal level.  By funding important initiatives and programs such as the EDA’s Recompete Program, they have provided our local collaborative with the opportunity to enhance our regional workforce by addressing economic and employment barriers that hinder employment and economic growth.  The Springfield-Holyoke Recompete Plan, a unique and innovative partnership with MassHire, Baystate Health and others, would utilize funding to connect historically marginalized communities in Springfield and Holyoke to good jobs by addressing employment barriers, partnering with local schools, training institutions and employers to help stimulate our local economy.  This is a sound, prudent and innovative plan and I want to commend my city team led by Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, Mayor Garcia of Holyoke, David Cruise and his team at MassHire, as well as all of our partners including Dr. Keroack and the incredible team at Baystate Health, for their continued belief and investment in our communities.”

“This is very good news for Holyoke. MassHire’s proposal will create pathways to both jobs and government resources. The City of Holyoke, MassHire and our strategic community partners are prepared to go forward to address social inequities and barriers to employment,” said Mayor Garcia.

“Baystate Health is proud to partner with the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board on the Springfield-Holyoke Recompete Project, and we are thrilled the project is among the twenty-two finalists for funding. As the largest healthcare provider in western Massachusetts, we are not only committed to providing high-quality healthcare but we are also dedicated to being changemakers in our communities. This funding will help our workforce pipeline programs which were designed to change lives for those who may not have job training and workforce development opportunities.   We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and to U.S. Rep. Richard Neal for his support,” said Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack.

As a Recompete Program finalist, MHHCWB will now move to Phase 2 of the program and receive a $500,000 Strategy Development Grant to refine their Phase 2 application. This funding will be accessed in early 2024 and can be used to increase regional economic development capacity by hiring experts, building and strengthening partnerships, conducting studies, and piloting strategies. In addition, EDA will provide individualized feedback and technical assistance to each of the Strategy Development Grant awardees.

More information about the Recompete Program can be found here.

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