Grand Opening Prep: Laying the Groundwork
The idea of opening our own office started as just that – an idea. A goal. A dream of having a space where we could collaborate, innovate, and bring structure to the wild, often chaotic world of digital transformation. No more setting up makeshift desks. No more hauling monitors back and forth. No more temporary workspaces.
When we set the date for our Grand Opening, we knew it had to be more than just an office tour – it had to be a celebration of how far we’ve come and a glimpse into where we’re headed. With that in mind, we dove into planning mode: securing the venue (which, conveniently, was our own office inside Barnes Municipal Airport), sending out invites, and ensuring that every detail – from the ribbon-cutting logistics to the Breville Barista – was handled.
Key Takeaways:
- Officially moving from ‘temporary’ to ‘established’ with a dedicated workspace.
- Planning was key, but the excitement of launching something new was what really drove us.
- The espresso machine might be the most critical investment in our future.
Morning Of: The Calm Before the Excitement
The morning of the event felt like the buildup to a big performance – except instead of rehearsing lines, we were triple-checking last-minute details. The space was ready, the signage was up, and the food from Crave Café was looking dangerously good.
As guests started arriving – The Westfield Chamber of Commerce leadership, Mayor Mike McCabe, MA State Senator and Rep, fellow entrepreneurs, business acquaintances, BNI members, friends, family, and even the media (WWLP 22 News and Westfield Evening News) – it became clear that this wasn’t just a milestone for Savvy Source, but something the community was genuinely excited about.
Key Takeaways:
- People were genuinely interested in what we were building.
- Seeing local business leaders and officials show up reinforced that we’re making an impact.
- Everything was set – now, it was time to make it official.
Grand Opening Goes Live: The Big Moment
Larry took the stage (or, more accurately, the podium under the balloon arch in the lobby) and delivered a speech that perfectly captured what Savvy Source is all about – innovation, integration, and making work easier through automation. But before diving into where we’re headed, he shared a bit of how we got here.
Fifteen years ago, Larry worked in accounting at a local bank in Westfield. He loved problem-solving but found himself frustrated with inefficiencies – manual data entry, paper-based chaos, and slow processes. That’s when he discovered OnBase, and everything changed. He realized work could be smarter, processes could be automated, and people could be freed up to focus on work that truly mattered.
Fast forward to today – Savvy Source was founded with the mission to automate manual tasks, eliminate inefficiencies, and empower people to work smarter. None of this would be possible without the dedicated team who helped turn this vision into a reality.
The Westfield Chamber of Commerce and local government officials presented us with certificates of recognition, further cementing the importance of our work in the community.
The Westfield Chamber of Commerce and local government officials presented us with certificates of recognition, further cementing the importance of our work in the community.
Key Takeaways:
- Larry’s speech set the tone for what we stand for.
- Receiving recognition from city and state officials was a huge honor.
- The ribbon-cutting was new for us, but we nailed it.
Making Headlines: WWLP Covers Savvy Source
A highlight of the day was being featured on WWLP 22 News. The segment showcased our new office, our mission, and the impact of automation on businesses. Seeing our story on TV gave us a renewed sense of validation – it’s one thing to work hard behind the scenes, but another to have our efforts recognized in front of a wider audience.
This media attention wasn’t just about publicity; it was a reminder that what we’re building has meaning and impact. And let’s be real – seeing ‘Savvy Source’ on TV was a pretty cool moment for all of us!
Post Grand Opening High: Reflecting on the Day
As the event wound down, we had time to reflect on what just happened. The food was amazing (thanks, Crave Café), the atmosphere was positive and full of energy, and the conversations were flowing. We made valuable connections, met new potential customers, and most importantly, we felt the support of our community.
Key Takeaways:
- The atmosphere was exciting and welcoming – exactly what we wanted.
- Media coverage from WWLP 22 News and Westfield Evening News was a great way to spread the word.
- This is just the beginning – momentum is everything.
The Impact: What’s Changed Since the Grand Opening
Beyond the celebration, the grand opening has already started showing its impact. We’ve seen a significant increase in website traffic, sparked conversations with new leads, and most importantly, our office finally feels like home. It’s no longer just a space – it’s where ideas take shape, where our team collaborates, and where our mission continues to grow.
And, of course, per Yev’s request, we now have a coffee machine – expertly handled by Dan, who might have secretly launched a side career as a barista.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this wasn’t just an office opening – it was a statement. A milestone. Proof that what we’re building matters. To everyone who showed up, who supported us, and who believed in what we’re doing – thank you.
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