Holyoke panel supports Callie Niezgoda Flanagan for economic development board | CPT PPP Coverage

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HOLYOKE — The City Council’s Public Service Committee recommended Callie Niezgoda Flanagan for the Holyoke Economic and Industrial Corp. If approved, the appointment would run until June 30, 2025.

According to HEDIC’s mission, the board holds “the authority to buy and sell property, manage projects, approved financing and assist private developers.” The commission also administers a loan program for new and growing businesses.

Mayor Joshua A. Garcia submitted Niezgoda Flanagan’s name for consideration. She would represent the finance sector on HEDIC’s board of directors. The full City Council must vote on the appointment.

HEDIC coordinates activities with the Holyoke Office of Planning and Development. Niezgoda Flanagan serves as the lending director for Common Capital, a nonprofit that helps small and emerging companies.

Councilor at-large Peter Tallman chaired Wednesday’s Public Service Committee meeting. He was joined by Ward 3 Councilor David Bartley and Ward 2 Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota.

Niezgoda Flanagan, a Holyoke native, moved back to the city in 2006. “I wish I got more involved in the city and doing more things in the community,” she told the committee. “It’s one of the reasons why I’m here.”

She noted that Common Capital provides financing to small businesses and community projects to stimulate economic growth opportunities. “If I can put my skills to use that benefits the city, I’m happy for that,” she said.

Bartley said Niezgoda Flanagan’s appointment was a plus for HEDIC and the City of Holyoke. While he described HEDIC as an “obscure board,” the organization holds a long and important history in the city.

The Ward 3 councilor suggested Niezgoda Flanagan familiarize herself with HEDIC’s past meeting minutes. “At least the last has had some controversial things, in my opinion, has been raised,’ Bartley said. “I disagreed with a few of them and expressed my disagreement.”

Councilors-at-Large Joseph M. McGiverin and Tessa Murphy-Romboletti serve on HEDIC’s board. Bartley added that HEDIC’s board has a mix of new and veteran members, including stalwart Carl Eger.

John Dyjach of the Planning Department reported that HEDIC’s cash-on-hand was $1.7 million, a response to a question posed by Bartley. Tallman said HEDIC’s goals align with the city’s Economic Development Plan, a long-term blueprint.

McGiverin said Niezgoda Flanagan’s resume “spoke for itself,” and she can offer financial sector experience. “The relationship with HEDIC and the City Council is very important. Everything we do at HEDIC has to become an economic development plan,” he said.

HEDIC must seek City Council approval for projects or proposals.

Niezgoda Flanagan graduated from Fordham University in New York with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She sits on the board of Leadership Pioneer Valley.