© 2024 New England Public Media

FCC public inspection files:
WGBYWFCRWNNZWNNUWNNZ-FMWNNI

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@nepm.org or call 413-781-2801.
PBS, NPR and local perspective for western Mass.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Western Mass. Chambers Of Commerce Have Advice For Governor On Reopening

A visitor used hand sanitizer prior to the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Outlook luncheon at the MassMutual Center on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen
/
The Republican / masslive.com/photos
A visitor used hand sanitizer prior to the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Outlook luncheon at the MassMutual Center on Friday, March 6, 2020.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has said he'll unveil a reopening plan next week for the state's economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nancy Creed is the president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. She says businesses — especially small ones — need clarity. So far, she said, that's been in short supply.

"Things are vague. They're not really sure what's moving forward and how to move forward," Creed said. "Clarity for those folks is going to be key to them successfully reopening."

Jonathan Butler, president of the economic development group 1Berkshire, said he's looking for a regional approach.

"It would be consistent with a lot of advocacy that has come from the Berkshires, that as the state does reopen, that they'll consider the data in the Berkshires, and how we're actually trending in a much better direction with regards to cases of COVID-19," Butler said.

Butler said that could also work for other parts of the state that have seen fewer cases of the virus

Other states, including Connecticut and Vermont, will embark upon their reopening plans next week, including allowing retailers to open with precautions.

New Hampshire allowed some businesses to reopen this week. 

Adam joined NEPM as a freelance reporter and fill-in operations assistant during the summer of 2011. For more than 15 years, Adam has had a number stops throughout his broadcast career, including as a news reporter and anchor, sports host and play-by-play announcer as well as a producer and technician.
Related Content