BUSINESS BRIEFS: Haynes to ERA, Healey Drops Degree Requirements, Tech to DC, etc.

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Haynes Joins ERA Key’s Franklin Office

ERA Key Realty Services announced this month that Michael Haynes of Franklin has joined its Franklin office as a Realtor. He began his career in real estate as a Realtor for Platinum Properties, PC, Franklin. He is also the founder and owner of Terrapin Property Management, LLC, Franklin, which manages local properties, and a Business Analyst for Dell Technologies, Franklin. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is the son of ERA Key Realtor Michelle Haynes. “Having grown up in the real estate business, being a Realtor is in my blood,” Haynes said. “Joining ERA Key will provide me with an opportunity to put my experience with technology and property management to good use.” About ERA Key Realty Services ERA Key Realty Services of Northbridge, Mass., has 16 offices throughout central and eastern Massachusetts and is among the largest residential real estate agencies in Massachusetts. Since merging with HUNT Real Estate ERA in 2018, it has become the Number 1 agency in the ERA Franchise System, which has nearly 2,400 agencies worldwide. ERA Key was named among the top places to work in the state in the large company category for seven of the past eight years, based on a survey administered by Energage for The Boston Globe. It also won the Momentum Award as the fastest growing ERA franchise in 2012 and the Gene Francis Memorial Award as the Top All-Around Company in ERA in 2014 and 2018. For more information about ERA Key, visit keyrealtyservices.com. 

Gov Questions Value of College Ed

In her address to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) last week, Governor Healey announced that she signed an executive order instituting skills-based hiring practices for the state’s workforce. Through this Executive Order, for the vast majority of job postings, the administration will focus primarily on applicants’ skills, knowledge, and abilities rather than educational credentials. Job postings will only be allowed to include degree conditions when absolutely necessary to the performance of the job. Additionally, for the first time, hiring managers will receive training and tools to implement this new hiring strategy effectively. “As the state’s largest employer, we rely on a strong, diverse workforce to deliver crucial services and programs for Massachusetts residents, businesses and communities every day. But too many job applicants are being held back by unnecessary degree requirements,” said Governor Healey.

Tech Companies Meet DC Delegation

Last week, leaders from several Massachusetts blockchain companies participated in a fly-in event in Washington, DC with members of the state's congressional delegation. Founders Phil McManis of Waev Data and Katherine Kuzmeskas of Tamarin met with staff from Senator Elizabeth Warren's office, as well as Senators Ed Markey, Representatives Richard Neal, Seth Moulton, and Lori Trahan. The meetings provided an opportunity for productive discussions about policies impacting the crypto and blockchain industry. The founders advocated for a regulatory framework that encourages innovation while also protecting consumers. They also discussed the economic opportunities that blockchain technology can bring to Massachusetts. "It was great to engage with policymakers and share our perspective on these important issues," said Phil McManis, Co-Founder and CEO of Waev Data. "We hope the Massachusetts delegation will support common-sense regulations and continue to lead on technology issues."

Architecture Ideas for Retail Explored

Design best practices from the hospitality sector can help retailers drive traffic, extend dwell times and keep customers coming back for more, said veteran architects and designers from HFA Architecture + Engineering. Bringing more than eight decades of experience to a recent webinar, the veteran hospitality and retail architects and designers stressed the importance of crafting experiences that appeal to core customer segments and demographic groups.

Pictured from left to right: Garrett Small, Bo Ebbrecht, James Owens and Nicole Poole

"Most stores are now recognizing that different shoppers have different needs. For instance, some stores are reducing noise and bright lighting at certain hours of the day to better cater to shoppers who are highly sensitive to visual and auditory stimuli," explained HFA Vice President Bo Ebbrecht (AIA, NCARB). "Retailers need to be thinking about how the retail experience intersects with the specific demographic mix at every store." HFA is a nationwide architecture and engineering firm with offices in Bentonville, AR, Fort Worth, TX, Franklin, MA, and Mexico City. With over 30 years of experience, HFA has become a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, providing comprehensive services that combine design innovation and project delivery excellence. The studio's portfolio includes commercial projects in retail, industrial, mixed-use/office, restaurants, hospitality and entertainment spaces. 

PULSE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS KICKOFF EVENT

Get ready to kickstart your networking this year with the Pulse Young Professionals' exciting event at the newly renovated CraftRoots Brewery! Here's what we have lined up for a fantastic evening:

🌟 Ice Breaker Session: We'll begin with an engaging ice breaker to introduce you to what Pulse is all about. A perfect opportunity to learn, share, and connect!

🏗️ Showcasing CraftRoots' New Look: Witness the amazing transformation of CraftRoots Brewery. Be among the first to see and celebrate their recent renovations!

🤝 Meet the New Owners: A unique chance to network and get insights directly from the new owners of CraftRoots. Make connections that matter!

This event is the perfect place to mingle with fellow young professionals, gain valuable connections, and enjoy a great evening. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to be a part of the Pulse community!

RSVP today and mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of networking, learning, and fun.

Register HERE