Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey visited Big Y’s Support Center on Sept. 22 as part of the family-owned grocer’s 90th anniversary celebration and presented the company with an official proclamation marking the milestone.
Michael D’Amour, president and CEO of Springfield-based Big Y Foods, opened the event with welcoming remarks. He thanked Healey, elected officials, community partners and employees for joining the celebration.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno spoke about Big Y’s longstanding partnership with the city and its continued investment in Springfield, including a $40 million expansion of its Fresh & Local Distribution Center.
Rep. Angelo Puppolo presented a citation on behalf of the Springfield delegation. He was joined by Reps. Brian Ashe and Carlos Gonzalez and Sens. Adam Gomez and Jake Oliveira. The citation honored Big Y’s 90-year legacy and recognized the company’s deep commitment to the communities it serves, as well as the loyalty, dedication and family focus that have remained constant throughout its history.
Healey said it was a joy to join the celebration of Big Y’s 90th anniversary, noting the company’s enduring commitment to family, community and service. She thanked Big Y employees for all they do each day and for their contributions to the company’s success before presenting the proclamation. 
“For 90 years, Big Y has been an important part of communities across Massachusetts,” said Healey. “Big Y creates good jobs, support local farmers, fishermen and small businesses, help families put quality food on the table and give back to the communities they serve. We’re proud that Big Y continues to invest and grow here in Massachusetts and I’m excited to see what the next 90 years bring.”
Following the presentation, Healey met with Big Y’s executive leadership team for a roundtable conversation on the company’s 90-year history, the importance of collaboration and partnership and opportunities for the future.
“Celebrating 90 years is an incredible milestone for our family business,” said D’Amour. “We are honored to welcome Governor Healey to our Support Center and grateful for the opportunity to share the Big Y story. For nine decades, our team members have been dedicated to serving our customers, supporting local organizations and strengthening the communities we call home. We deeply appreciate the Governor’s recognition of our history and the contributions of our employees who have made this milestone possible.”
As it marks its anniversary year, Big Y said it remains focused on the future while staying true to the values that have guided it for generations: earning the trust of its customers, supporting families, strengthening community connections and welcoming every shopper like family.
Brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour founded Big Y in 1936. The store takes its name from an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where two roads converge to form a “Y.”
Today, Big Y serves communities across the Northeast with more than 10,000 employees. The company operates supermarkets, Table & Vine fine wine, beer and liquor locations and Big Y Express fuel and convenience locations. Forbes has named Big Y a Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut for seven straight years, and Newsweek has named it one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for four years running.