Latest news with #Healey-Driscoll
Business Journals
a day ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Supply chain visualization in the absence of crystal balls
Ira Kalish, Chief U.S. Economist, Deloitte, recently noted to colleagues that somewhat predictable, precedent-guided variables in economic models make for more informed predictions. For many watching economic forecasts, the value of these predictable variables may be most evident when there are suddenly less available. Anyone leading a business – big or small – is familiar with watching and managing numerous variables, and likely grateful for some level of predictability and the measurable metrics that go a long way in providing clarity, particularly in supporting supply chain planning during a time of economic uncertainty. Supply chain woes have been a recurring theme for a while, during the COVID-19 pandemic and now with current market volatility. Given the new normal of unpredictability in this space, I've checked in with colleagues on the fundamentals that can help leaders steering complex organizations as nimbly as possible through related surprises. Import-Export in Massachusetts The general public may have eyes on finished consumer goods availability and pricing, but Massachusetts import and export activity is foundational to the local manufacturing sector supply chain for numerous industries. Massachusetts' manufacturing supply chain contributes $61.9 billion to the state economy, employs over 230,000 people across more than 6,000 firms, and is driven by high-tech sectors like medical devices and advanced materials.[1] Related structural investment is of note. In 2024, the Healey-Driscoll administration and MassTech Collaborative's Center for Advanced Manufacturing worked to strengthen supply chains and encourage sector growth with more than $3.5 million in grants to 23 manufacturing companies through the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program (MMAP).[2] Also in 2024, Massachusetts invested $100 million in upgrading ports and maritime infrastructure to support clean energy development and enhance supply chain logistics, especially for manufacturing sectors reliant on imported components and offshore shipment capacity.[3] Nearshoring or not: integrated systems can reduce variables Work is ongoing to optimize import and export success, yet economic forces may drive organizations to create their own supply chain stability by reshoring in the United States. Nearshoring may appear to be a logical reflex response, and there are reasons why it could be strategic for some. 'Economically viable opportunities for reshoring production to the U.S. are likely to be higher-value, complex products with strict quality standards, produced with technologically advanced, higher-capital intensity processes,' noted Kate Hardin, managing director, Deloitte Services LP and executive director at Deloitte's Research Center for Energy & Industrials. Nearshoring may offer a more nimble approach to production scenario planning, but there are other factors that can offer agility. For example, factories using sensors can enable digital supply chains to benefit from AI algorithms that offer insights and support prediction, reaction and integration. The evolution of this automated process is creating greater resilience overall, as variables can be addressed in the moment – particularly for those that have greater challenges than sourcing alone. Connecting supply chain aspects Availability of raw materials or finished goods deserves the spotlight at this time. Risk management has long included diversifying suppliers, increasing inventory buffers and developing contingency plans. Life sciences companies often need to go beyond this to accommodate a broad scope of related issues such as evolving regulatory standards compliance, including adhering to guidelines for the transportation and storage of pharmaceuticals. Transparency, traceability and efficiency can play a crucial role in the timely delivery of materials; digital transformation including AI, machine learning and blockchain technology may play a role in this process. An example of this is Deloitte's work with a cell and gene therapy (CGT) company. These therapies often involve living cells, which require precise handling, storage, and transportation conditions to maintain their viability and effectiveness. Any disruption or delay in the supply chain can compromise the quality of the therapy, leading to potential treatment failures and significant financial losses. Even without the current supply chain volatility, a smooth and uninterrupted flow of product involves rigorous planning and execution. One way that Deloitte moved to support this is through ConvergeHEALTH™ CGT Vantage, a software-as-a-service solution designed to simplify the orchestration of CGTs with clear visibility into chain of identity (COI) and chain of custody (COC) across industry stakeholders. The system offers a single portal point of connection for patient treatments regardless of therapy or manufacturer, and provides CGT innovators with supply chain transparency on product launch and go-to market while safely managing COI and COC. Navigating a web of production considerations As the CGT example shows, supply chain management can be an interconnected web of touch points originating with sourcing. In line with that, I'll close with some leading practices to consider: Apply duty deferral, reduction, and duty recovery strategies Explore the use of foreign trade zones, bonded warehouses and other bonded regimes, Chapter 98 provisions in the United States, and drawback opportunities Seek exemptions and exclusions: If available, participate in public comment and hearing processes, and pursue available exemptions and exclusions Strategically re-evaluate supply networks and structures such that resiliency and agility is embedded in the system vs. managed outside the system Study methods to reduce customs values, such as working to unbundle fees from product prices to remove non-dutiable elements, assessing/implementing First Sale for Export structures, and joining reconciliation programs for customs value declarations and duty/tariff payment management Supply chain management is a vast undertaking with numerous variables that stretch from tariff-related planning to larger structural assessments. If you are working through these challenges to visualize and improve your process and want to connect, please reach out to me at officeofrebeccachasen@ Deloitte may have subject matter specialists that can help. This article contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this article, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This article is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ('DTTL'), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as 'Deloitte Global') does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the 'Deloitte' name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see to learn more about our global network of member firms.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amherst-Pelham Regional School District receives electric school bus grant funding
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Amherst-Pelham Regional School District is among eight districts in the state receiving funding to replace diesel-powered school buses with electric ones. The Healey-Driscoll administration is awarding over $9 million to electrify public school buses through an initiative led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). These western Massachusetts cities awarded funding to boost protection against cyberattacks This is the third round of awards distributed through this program, going to several school districts and private transportation providers across the Commonwealth. This includes Highland Electric, which supports the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District. 'Transitioning to electric school buses is a meaningful investment in the well-being of our students and the future of our communities,' said Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. 'This program showcases what's possible when we prioritize sustainability and equity in our investments, and I'm grateful to our partners at MassCEC and MassDEP for leading this important work.' As part of the School Bus Deployment Program, MassCEC and MassDEP say this will help improve public health across the state. Highland Electric received $500,000 in funding through the program, with other districts receiving up to nearly $2 million. MassCEC is now accepting applicants for the fourth round of the program. For those looking to submit proposals or to find more information, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Massachusetts launches public survey on graduation requirements
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Healey-Driscoll administration is giving residents a chance to submit ideas on what the state should adopt for graduation requirements going forward. The state is launching a public survey for students, parents, and educators alike to detail how they define a graduate in the Bay State. They're also holding listening sessions around the state, with one coming up in Holyoke on Thursday and a virtual session on Tuesday at 6 p.m. Education Department pausing plan to garnish Social Security checks over defaulted loans 'The listening sessions in Taunton, Worcester and Somerville provided deeply meaningful feedback, and I thank all of the parents, educators and community members who joined. We are working to bring the definition of what it means to graduate from high school to new heights, and additional public feedback is only going to strengthen these efforts. I encourage everyone to fill out the survey and look forward to engaging with more residents at the remaining listening sessions,' said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. For more information on those listening sessions or to complete the survey by June 30th at WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mass. nonprofits receive grant funds to combat opioid crisis
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Healey-Driscoll administration awarded $1.5 million in matching grant funds to municipalities and organizations across the state to address areas impacted by the opioid crisis. The grants have been delivered in collaboration with the Mosaic Opioid Recovery Partnership, which began its partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services and RIZE Massachusetts in 2024. The administration announced on Monday that 30 nonprofits and municipalities received funding. First responders host Public Safety Day in South Hadley 'Our ability to meaningfully reduce the devastating impacts of the overdose crisis is dependent on expanding pathways to accessible services at the grassroots level. These nonprofit organizations are equipped with the knowledge and resources to respond effectively to the unique needs of their communities,' said Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. 'Supporting culturally responsive and evidence-based strategies in our hardest-hit communities has – and will continue to – save lives.' Through this funding, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, organizations will be able to fund initiatives in their communities to support those impacted by the opioid crisis. These initiatives focus on at least one of these areas: prevention, harm reduction, access to care, recovery, trauma, grief, and family support. This is the second round of grants distributed through the Mosaic partnership. RIZE Massachusetts plans to conduct two more rounds of matching grants through 2027. The grant recipients receiving funds are the following: Adult & Teen Challenge Southern New England Women's Home Behavioral Health Innovators (BHI) Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Choices City of Cambridge City of Fall River City of Fitchburg City of Lawrence City of Lynn City of Medford City of New Bedford City of Revere City of Somerville Community Legal Aid, Inc. Franklin Regional Council of Governments Gloucester, Ipswich, Rockport Opioid Abatement Collaborative Justice Resource Institute d/b/a Program RISE Latin American Health Alliance Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Metro Mayors Coalition Power Forward Inc. Tapestry Health The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Town of Arlington Town of Brookline Town of Falmouth Town of Holbrook Town of Natick Town of Orange Town of Winthrop Troubled Waters Inc d/b/a The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HCC, Dean Tech team up to teach green tech, construction to jobseekers
SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke Community College and Dean Technical High School are teaming up for a new, free seven-week green tech and construction program that's already getting a diverse, inaugural group of trainees prepped for the workforce. 'We like to call it a three-in-one introductory program. It is an introduction to green construction and electricity, and how those are applied to clean energy systems, such as solar panels and EV chargers,' said Mary Wagner, HCC clean energy training manager. Trainees in 'Introductory Training Green Construction, Electricity and Clean Energy Systems' can earn some Occupational Safety and Health Administration construction safety credentials, while learning green building, hand and power tool use, electrical concepts and circuitry. The free program is paid for with a two-year, $832,000 state grant that HCC received in 2024 for climate-related workforce training initiatives. HCC was the only institution in Western Massachusetts to receive this funding, which was part of a $3.4 million allocation from the Healey-Driscoll administration. Four Dean Tech educators teach the program. On top of having teaching experience, they also have worked in the field and have union knowledge. Wagner said students have conveyed to her that these well-liked instructors have created a helpful, friendly learning environment. Starting July 7 through Aug. 1, there will be two free, four-week programs to train workers for jobs in the clean energy sector and prepare students for careers in one of Massachusetts' fastest-growing industries. The green construction, electricity and clean energy systems program will shift from evenings to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition, the schools will run a weatherization-intensive training program. Those classes will meet at Dean Tech and HCC on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During this four-week program, trainees will learn proper tool use and techniques for air sealing, weather stripping, insulating, spray foaming, and controlling building moisture and ventilation. All of these measures reduce energy costs by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. State Rep. Patricia Duffy said this kind of program is exactly what her constituents need, and what the city needs. 'It's what people of all ages are looking for. Holyoke Community College is following high-demand industries,' said Duffy. 'Holyoke is getting a lot of attention for clean energy companies coming to the city, and we want companies to come and hire local people.' Students who complete the program will be eligible for work in construction, can apply for a paid electrician apprenticeship program or enroll in further training as a clean energy technician. Programs like these reflect the state's priorities of closing the skills gap and creating pathways into high-demand industries. HCC works with multiple community and employer partners to ensure their trainees receive assistance to secure employment or further education. Local assistance programs and employers include places like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Springfield Works, Green Crest Energy, the Coalition for an Equitable Economy, Trinity Solar, Holyoke Gas & Electric, and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. Kermit Dunkelberg, HCC's assistant vice president of adult education and workforce development, shared that he hopes the dual focus of training people for jobs and helping small businesses grow will result in more locally owned companies doing the work in the area. 'Much of the work to date is done by out-of-state contractors with large companies, but where is the space for a new company? Where's the space for BIPOC-owned companies and women-owned? I hope we are creating some pathways that are more accessible for the communities we're trying to serve,' said Dunkelberg. Last year, the state Division of Apprenticeship Standards approved $465,600 in registered apprenticeship tax credits for employers who hired 97 apprentices, a statement from the Healey-Driscoll Administration said. Because of a 2023 tax cut package, clean energy employers are now eligible for the tax credit of up to $4,800 per apprentice. Clean energy employers hired 26 apprentices using the tax credit last year. 'By expanding eligibility to some of our most in-demand and growing industries, we are reducing the cost of doing business in Massachusetts, encouraging employers to leverage apprenticeship as a strategy to fill their hiring needs, and giving dozens of Massachusetts residents a pathway to a good-paying career,' Healey said in the statement. In the fall, HCC and Dean Tech also will launch a solar associate technical training and certification program that will run from September to December. Wagner said that future programs include EV charger installation and maintenance training and certification, energy auditing training, and home energy rating system training. While this is a two-year funded grant, Duffy said she will advocate for additional funding. 'We have to show the proven results that we are getting students through this program, getting jobs, and companies are attracted to it. We will need to get the companies to advocate on this program, too,' said Duffy. To be eligible, students must be at least 18, authorized to work in the U.S., have a high school diploma or equivalency, be able to start work after the training, and pass a background check. For more information or to enroll, visit or contact career counselor Mike Blasco at mblasco@ or 413-552-2801. Read the original article on MassLive.
