November Message from the President

Good morning,

As I reflect on the past months, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support and enthusiasm that you, our members, have shown. The 2023-2024 year officially kicked off in September, and it has been an incredible journey so far.  

We’ve had the pleasure of hosting two successful Rise and Shine Breakfasts, where we had the chance to reconnect and learn how sports and local hospitals impact our economy and residents. Our recent Super 60 Luncheon was a true testament to our dedication to promoting economic vitality and community strength. With nearly 500 attendees, this event was an incredible success.  

Super 60 has been celebrating exceptional businesses in Greater Springfield for over 30 years. This year, we revitalized the program with three new categories – Start-Up, Give Back, and Non-Profit – in addition to the traditional Revenue and Growth distinctions. I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all our winners for their outstanding contributions and their role in strengthening our region. 

This year’s event was not just a celebration; it was an opportunity to witness the innovation and dedication that make Greater Springfield thrive. With these exceptional companies leading the way, I have no doubt that the future of our region is in good hands. I also want to thank our generous event sponsors along with our keynote speaker, Ashley Kohl, and our emcee, Rich Tettemer, for making the event even more memorable. 

I invite you all to join us at our next event, Chamber Night with the Springfield Thunderbirds on Nov. 17, to enjoy an evening of exciting hockey and community engagement, followed by the Rise and Shine Breakfast on Jan. 11 to celebrate our region’s non-profits. Often unrecognized for their strenuous and tireless efforts, we are elated to shine a light on several social service non-profits in the new year. 

I would also like to share some exciting news about my recent City to City Discovery Trip to Raleigh, North Carolina. As the sole representative from Western Massachusetts, I had the privilege of traveling with a delegation of Massachusetts officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chamber colleagues, and prominent business leaders. Our three-day visit was filled with productive discussions with Raleigh officials, focusing on topics such as economic development, workforce solutions, and housing initiatives. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the abundant economic potential within our region and strengthen our connections with other Chambers and decision-makers. Our commitment to championing the Greater Springfield region remains unwavering. 

As we enter the holiday season, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. May you find time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones in the coming weeks. Our members are a testament to the amazing community we have built, and I’m truly thankful for each and every one of you. 

Let’s also remember the importance of supporting our local small businesses on Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 25. By choosing to shop locally, we can bolster the backbone of our community and help these companies thrive. You can learn more about some of the incredible businesses in our region in our Membership Directory. Additionally, as we celebrate the spirit of giving, I’d like to encourage everyone to consider donating to our area non-profits for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28. These organizations play a vital role in supporting our residents, and your support can make a real difference in their efforts.   

I encourage you to explore our full calendar of events along with our sponsorship opportunities to plan your involvement in 2024. Together, we can continue to make Springfield much more than just a place on the map. 

Warmly,  

Diana Szynal 

President, Springfield Regional Chamber