At PV Squared Solar, we often talk about the importance of long-term infrastructure. Most people assume we’re talking about solar arrays, electrical systems, and energy resilience. And we are.

But strong communities depend on more than physical infrastructure alone. They also depend on trusted institutions that connect us, inform us, educate us, and help us understand the world around us. That is why we were honored to be recognized as an “NEPM Champion” at the recent New England Public Media Appreciation Breakfast held at NEPM Studios in Springfield.

The event brought together a small group of businesses and organizations recognized for their ongoing support of public media in our region. It was an opportunity to celebrate community partnerships, preview the upcoming NEPM season, and reflect on the role that independent public media plays throughout Western Massachusetts.

For us, the recognition was both humbling and meaningful.

Why Public Media Matters

Public media occupies a unique place in our communities. It provides trusted journalism, educational programming, cultural storytelling, local news coverage, and civic dialogue that help strengthen the social fabric of our region.

At a time when many institutions are facing financial uncertainty, public media continues to serve as a vital resource for residents, educators, businesses, and community organizations alike.

Recent federal funding reductions have created new challenges for public media organizations across the country, making local support more important than ever. We are grateful for the work NEPM continues to do and proud to play a small role in helping sustain that work.

Brittany Hathaway, Worker Owner and Marketing & Outreach Specialist, offered, “At PV Squared Solar, we spend our days building clean energy infrastructure, but we believe healthy communities need cultural infrastructure, too.

We need local journalism, storytelling, arts, education, and gathering spaces that help neighbors feel connected to one another and to the place they call home.

Supporting NEPM over the years, and helping launch both The Fabulous 413 and 413 Day, has been one of the most joyful and meaningful sponsorships we’ve ever been involved with. These programs celebrate the people, creativity, resilience, and sense of place that make Western Massachusetts so special.

This is the ‘heart’ in our ‘Heart & Solar’ philosophy in action. It’s our way of investing not just in the physical places where we live and work, but in the stories, relationships, and shared experiences that strengthen our communities and make the 413 such an extraordinary place to call home.”

Shared Values

While solar energy and public broadcasting may seem like very different fields, they share something important in common. Both are investments in the future. Both require long-term thinking. Both create benefits that extend far beyond any single transaction.

At PV Squared, our worker-owned cooperative model encourages us to think beyond immediate outcomes and focus on what helps communities thrive over decades. Supporting organizations like NEPM reflects that same mindset. We believe strong communities are built through collaboration, education, civic engagement, and access to reliable information. Public media helps make all of those things possible.

A Community of Supporters

One of the most inspiring parts of the breakfast was being surrounded by other organizations committed to strengthening Western Massachusetts. The event served as a reminder that resilient communities are built through many interconnected efforts. Clean energy, affordable housing, workforce development, local agriculture, education, the arts, and public media all contribute to the health and vitality of our region.

None of us does this work alone. Thank YOU, NEPM! We are deeply grateful to New England Public Media for this recognition and for the essential role they play in our community. Being named an NEPM Champion is an honor, but more importantly, it is a reminder of the importance of continuing to invest in the institutions that help our region remain informed, connected, and engaged.

Congratulations to the entire NEPM team, and thank you for everything you do for Western Massachusetts.

We look forward to many more years of partnership and support!

About New England Public Media

New England Public Media serves audiences throughout Western Massachusetts with trusted local journalism, educational programming, cultural content, and public affairs coverage through radio, television, digital platforms, and community engagement initiatives.

About PV Squared Solar

Founded in 2002 in Greenfield, Massachusetts, PV Squared Solar is a 100% worker-owned solar cooperative, NABCEP Accredited, and Certified B Corporation serving homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and institutions throughout Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. Through thoughtful design, expert installation, and long-term service, PV Squared helps build resilient local energy infrastructure designed to last.