Training and Course Funding Awarded By MGC Workforce Development and Economic Access Grant

In April 2018, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) awarded approximately $75,000 in grants to six recipients statewide as part of an ongoing effort to aid the advancement of economic development. MGC’s Workforce, Supplier and Diversity Development Office developed this grant program to maximize equity, opportunity, and inclusion within the emerging gaming industry.

Recently MGC staff visited with grant recipient, the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC), and had the exciting opportunity to witness the grant’s meaningful impact for Hampshire Country residents and local businesses.

About the Program

The QVCDC applied for and received a grant of $7,722.00 from MGC. The QVCDC is utilizing the funds to support business vendor opportunities and workforce development specifically for those interested in pursuing the many opportunities available with MGM Springfield.  Jobs training and relevant courses are available at the Education to Employment Learning Center (E2E) in Ware, MA. The center, a collaboration between Holyoke Community College and the QVCDC, provides Hampshire County residents and small business owners with training aimed at strengthening job skills and workforce readiness.

QVCDC Executive Director Sheila Cuddy coordinated MGC’s recent visit to the career center. The visit coincided with an evening training for the “Skills to Pay the Bills” course, a soft-skills course supported by MGC’s grant funding. During the site tour, MGC staff had the opportunity to meet with QVCDC students, many of whom expressed appreciation for the opportunity to pursue the valuable and free training offered at the center. MGC’s grant funding also supports a variety of workforce and job skill courses including the highly popular ServSafe program, a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association.

To further remove any potential obstacles for those interested in the courses and opportunities, the QVCDC provides travel vouchers for the Quaboag Connector, a free transportation service for residents of nine towns in the region. The Quaboag Connector serves low to moderate income riders aged 12 and up who are in need of dependable transportation for work, educational opportunities, medical appointments, court-related trips, and other similar purposes. There were 803 rides provided during May, alone! MGC grant funding covered 100 travel vouchers.

Casino connection

MGC’s grant enabled QVCDC to host a recent informational event for potential vendors interested in business opportunities with MGM Springfield. The event drew the interest of more than a dozen local business owners. A representative from MGM’s procurement office was also in attendance, which provided attendees with the beneficial opportunity for an introduction. As a result of the valuable connections made during the event, MGM Springfield requested that the QVCDC be invited to join MGC’s Vendor Advisory Team, a committee comprised of various organizations and government agencies to assist and support small businesses in their effort to conduct business with the state’s casino licensees. QVCDC recently attended their first team meeting and noted that it provided valuable insight about not only the opportunities available at MGM Springfield but how they might also better prepare their community to pursue those opportunities.

Winning results

Colleen Nadeau is a Monson resident and owns a local bakery, Creative Cakes by Colleen. Nadeau had completed most of the licensing steps necessary to become an eligible vendor to MGM Springfield with one exception; she had not completed the required ServSafe training and certification due to the program’s cost. She was delighted to learn of the free class (made possible by the MGC grant) offered by the QVCDC at E2E. Nadeau took the course and passed her ServSafe test! She is now certified and ready to sell her delicious, locally-made cupcakes and cake pops at MGM’s soon-to-be-open South End Market.

About the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation

Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is a member-based, non-profit organization committed to economic development and helping small businesses grow and prosper. Serving the 15 towns of the Quaboag Region and Southern Worcester County, QVCDC and its partner organization, Quaboag Valley Business Assistance Corporation (QVBAC) offer many programs and services with a focus on community and economic development and supporting small business in our region.