Month: April 2016

SPRINGFIELD — Time is running out to nominate someone for the Continued Excellence Award, as BusinessWest magazine will accept nominations through Monday, May 2. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on June 16.

Last year, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The five finalists for that award last year were Kamari Collins, Jeff Fialky, Cinda Jones, Kristin Leutz, and the eventual winner, Delcie Bean IV.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “We wanted to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders. Last year’s five finalists have certainly done that, and we expect this year’s nominees to be equally inspiring.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-15. The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

William Fisher Leads Field Education Research in Social Work

By BusinessWest Staff April 29, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College School of Social Work Professor and Director of Field Education William Fisher is the lead author of a recently released report titled “Findings from the 2015 State of Field Education Survey: A Survey of Directors of Field Education on Administrative Models, Staffing, and Resources.”

Guided by Fisher’s leadership, this national survey of social-work field directors sought information on a number of important issues related to how field education programs are organized. The research also analyzed who is leading the programs and how the programs respond to unique student needs. Additional in-depth reports based on the findings are planned for the future.

The research was conducted with the support of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the accrediting body for social-work programs in the U.S., and the Council on Field Education, which is part of CSWE’s governance and policy-recommending structure.

CWSE has designated field education as the ‘signature pedagogy’ of social-work education, meaning that it is through field experiences and practice in the real world, in conjunction with classroom and project-based learning, that students learn to be social-work professionals.

Fisher has more than 25 years of experience in the social-work field, with emphasis in mental-health and substance-abuse counseling, community organizing, and community mental-health program development.

State’s Economic Growth Improves in First Quarter of 2016

By BusinessWest Staff April 29, 2016

HADLEY — Massachusetts real gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 2.3% in the first quarter of 2016, according to the Current Economic Index released this week by MassBenchmarks, the journal of the Massachusetts economy published by the UMass Donahue Institute in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

In contrast, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, national real gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 0.5% during the same period.

Recently revised data now reveal that, in 2015, the state’s economy expanded at an annual rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter (1.4% for the U.S.), 2.0% in the third quarter (2.0%), 4.9% in the second quarter (3.9%), and 2.0% in the first quarter (0.6%).

The pace of economic growth in Massachusetts picked up in the first three months of 2016 after slowing in the second half of 2015. Although underlying indicators were mixed, both employment and earnings recorded strong growth, and the unemployment rate fell. Payroll employment grew at a 2.0% annual rate in the first quarter, up from 0.7% in the prior quarter. Wage and salary income, as estimated from state withholding tax revenue, expanded 5.6% in the first quarter, after falling 7.0% in the final three months of last year.

The state’s headline unemployment rate — the so-called U-3 measure — stood at 4.4% in March, down from 4.9% in December, and down from 5.1% in March 2015. The U.S. unemployment rate in March was 5.0%, the same as in December, and down from 5.5% in March of last year. The unemployment rate in Massachusetts is now lower than its pre-recession low of 4.6% in 2007.

But this overall strong performance continues to mask troubling imbalances in the labor market. The broader U-6 measure of unemployment, which includes those who are working part-time but want full-time work, as well as those who are marginally attached to the labor force, is still significantly above pre-recession levels. It inched down to 9.3% in March from 9.5% in December and 9.8% in March 2015. The U.S. rate in March was 9.8%, down from 9.9% in December and 10.9% in March 2015. Prior to the recession in 2007, the U-6 reached lows of 7.1% in Massachusetts and 8.0% in the U.S.

“Spending on items subject to the state regular sales tax declined by 6.3% in the first quarter, in stark contrast to the very strong growth of 9.5% experienced in the fourth quarter of 2015. Year over year, spending is up 3.5%,” noted Alan Clayton-Matthews, MassBenchmarks senior contributing editor and associate professor of Economics and Public Policy at Northeastern University. “Most of the drop this quarter was due to spending on automobiles, which slowed after expanding strongly at the end of 2015, and also to weak spending on other taxable sales items in February.”

The Mass. Department of Revenue recorded weaker bonus payouts in February, tied to stock-market performance and corporate profits. Market fear tends to dampen business confidence and investment, and a prolonged market downturn may restrain consumer spending as well.

The MassBenchmarks Leading Economic Index suggests the state economy will continue to grow at a moderate pace over the next six months, at a 3.1% rate in the second quarter, and a 2.5% rate in the third quarter of this year. The factors weighing on the state and national economic outlook have changed little from last quarter.

One factor is the tightening labor market. As there are fewer unemployed workers and as more Baby Boomers retire, it is becoming more difficult for employers to find the workers they need. This is reflected in historically low levels of initial unemployment claims, a sign that employers are reacting to the tightening labor market by holding on to the workers they have.

Another factor is slower worldwide economic growth as China’s rapid pace of economic growth has decelerated, Japan’s economy is stalled, and Europe remains sluggish. A third is turmoil in financial markets. Although volatility in stock markets in reaction to falling commodity prices has calmed, there are remaining downside risk factors related to the fallout of weak global demand on corporate profits.

Country Bank Extends Financial Literacy to College Students

WARE — Recently, Country Bank sponsored its first Financial Literacy Fair for college students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester. This program was a partnership with WPI’s Student Aid and Financial Literacy Department.

The event featured the Next Step, a financial-literacy exercise where college students are asked to step into their very near future by visiting 10 financially informative booths to make real-world decisions.

“Students learn about many of the next steps that they will encounter after they graduate from college,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, the bank’s financial education officer. “They learn that the decisions they make today will affect their finances in the future, such as the unexpected expenses of owning a vehicle, saving for retirement, renting an apartment, or owning a home, and how location can be a deciding factor in their finances.”

The booths the students visit include credit, housing, student loans, insurance, budgeting, fraud prevention, transportation, savings and investing, career development, and employment benefits. The goal is for students to have a better understanding of their future fiscal responsibilities. They learn about balancing a budget and making educated choices about their finances. They also learn how one financial choice can greatly impact another.

Springfield Regional Chamber After 5 to Kick Off Summer  May 18

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will hold a “Kickoff to Summer” After 5 on Wednesday, May 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Colony Club, 1500 Main St., Springfield.

Sponsored by Wolf & Company, P.C., the after-hours networking event provides an opportunity for the business community to gather and network in an informal setting. Attendees will enjoy networking, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres on the club’s patio under the late-setting sun.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for as low as $100. Reservations for the event are $5 for members and $10 for the general public. Sponsorships and reservations may be purchased online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

Tighe & Bond Honored for Advancing Women in Engineering

WESTFIELD — The Connecticut chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS CT) honored Tighe & Bond as Employer of the Year during its annual awards dinner on April 14 at St. Clement’s Castle in Portland, Conn. The recognition applauded the firm’s support of WTS, and for providing ongoing opportunities to advance women in their engineering and transportation careers.

“It is an honor for our firm to receive this award, and we are thrilled that WTS CT selected us,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond, who accepted the award on the firm’s behalf. “Our firm takes recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in engineering seriously. More than 30% of Tighe & Bond’s 270-plus employees are female, and approximately 14% of these women hold key management and/or leadership positions at our firm. Last year, more than 30% of Tighe & Bond’s new hires were female, and this year the number is even higher.”

In business for more than a century, Tighe & Bond has a long history or providing high-quality traffic engineering and transportation planning services to commercial developers and municipal, state, and institutional clients throughout New England.

For more than 18 years, WTS CT has been dedicated to advancing women in transportation. It provides a forum for transportation professionals to meet and interact, sharing experiences and expertise. Member benefits include professional development, career support, mentorship, and student outreach.

Jonathan LaFrance Wins Pitch Competition with Sergeant Shower

HOLYOKE — Jonathan LaFrance, an MBA student from Bay Path University, took first place at last night’s awards ceremony and banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative, pitching Sergeant Shower, a biodegradable, two-sided, single-use, all-in-one shampoo and body-wash cloth mitt.

LaFrance convinced a panel of judges from six area banks that his pitch was the best at the event held at the Log Cabin. Jonathan Mendez, a Holyoke Community College student, took second place based on his business concept pitch for Mean Green Detergent Machine, a kiosk in stores allowing people to refill their laundry-detergent bottle. Steven Goldberg, a student at Amherst College, took third place with DineToday, a platform allowing restaurants to post discounts for off-peak reservation times.

The live event featured a student representative from each of the 14 participating local colleges: American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Amherst, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. First-, second-, and third-place winners received $1000, $750, and $500 respectively. Each student participating received $100.

The judges represented Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, First Niagara Bank, PeoplesBank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank.

The judges also identified nine winning teams as Best Exhibitors. These were selected from a pool of 56 unique companies during a ‘trade show’ portion of the evening which featured the 2016 Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winners. The three first-place winners (each receiving an additional award of $600) were: Connor Brown and Xavier Reed from Amherst College with Meetum, a platform for students to openly share events and activities with the college community; Misael Ramos from Springfield College with Royaume Expressions, garment decoration; and Joey Baurys and Nicolette LaPierre from Western New England University with Hemoflux, a prenatal genetic testing company.

The Entrepreneurship Initiative is one of several local initiatives supported by the philanthropy of Harold Grinspoon. For more information, visit www.hgf.org.

WNEU Students Focus Efforts on Mental Illness, Suicide Prevention

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) students will host their second annual Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting at the university’s Commonwealth Lawn. All WNEU and Springfield community members are welcome, including pets.

Students were also recently approved to start a campus chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The NAMI campus chapters work to end the stigma that makes it difficult for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. The NAMI clubs hold creative meetings, educational awareness events, and offer programs through partnerships with NAMI’s state and national organizations.

Out of the Darkness Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s signature student fund-raising series, designed to engage young adults in the fight to prevent suicide, the second-leading cause of death among all people ages 18-24.

“By engaging students and the community in the Out of the Darkness Walk, we raise awareness for suicide-prevention efforts, help fund research and educational programming, and help dispel the stigma on mental health,” said pharmacy major Kristy Nguyen. To register for the walk online or to donate, click here.

Balancing all the changes that happen in college can be stressful and challenging. Those challenges are even more difficult for the one in five students who also face a mental-health condition. Nearly three-quarters of mental-health conditions emerge by age 24, so many college students are facing these struggles for the first time, and may not know where to go for support.

NAMI also offers support groups and teaches friends and family of those afflicted with mental illnesses how to help their loved ones.

“I thought this chapter was important to start because I know so many people who suffer from mental illnesses, and a few of my friends and I have also lost people to suicide,” said junior Natasha Mercado-Santana, the new president of the campus chapter of NAMI. “Even if you don’t have a diagnosed mental illness, it is still important to get support, especially in college, where challenging classes, new social situations, and being away from home for the first time can all be very stressful. People don’t get help because they either don’t know where or how to get it, or because they don’t want to admit they need it. We’re trying to eliminate that stigma and guide students to the resources they need.”

Philip Chandler of Gage-Wiley & Co. Earns Financial Designation

NORTHAMPTON — Philip Chandler, vice president of Investment Services for Gage-Wiley & Co. Inc., has earned a financial designation to better help affluent clients maintain wealth and well-being.

Chandler attended the College for Financial Planning and now holds the accredited wealth-management advisor (AWMA) designation, recognized by high-net-worth individuals as a mark of expertise.

Chandler, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University, joined the Plymouth office of Gage-Wiley & Co. in 2012. In his practice, he focuses on providing holistic wealth-management services to individual and business clients, including risk management, financial planning, portfolio management, and insurance planning. He leads Gage-Wiley’s insurance affiliate, GWG Insurance.

Gage-Wiley & Co., led by President Christopher Milne, is an independent, boutique firm serving the wealth-management needs of individuals, fiduciaries, nonprofits, institutions, and small businesses throughout New England.

Martin Dobrow Named New England Journalism Educator of the Year

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Dobrow, a Springfield College professor of communications/sports journalism, was named the New England Journalism Educator of the Year at the recent New England Society of News Editors 2016 Journalism Awards.

This annual award recognizes a professor at a university or college in the six-state region who is doing outstanding work to prepare journalists to lead newspaper organizations into the future. Each college in New England is entitled to submit one nomination for this honor.

“I am certainly honored, but this recognition is principally a statement about how great our students are at Springfield College,” said Dobrow. “They consistently buy into the hard work that excellent journalism requires. You see that all the time in our campus media through television, radio, and the newspaper. We have undergraduate students right now publishing in local and national media outlets from the Daily Hampshire Gazette to the Boston Globe to USA Today. We have alums who have won state and national awards in both broadcast and print journalism.”

Dobrow arrived at Springfield College in the fall of 1999. He and fellow professor Dennis Gildea have been instrumental in designing a communications/sports journalism program at Springfield College that allows students to prosper as journalists.

“Dennis and I both revel in the growth and the accomplishments of our students and alumni,” said Dobrow. “When we added two superb journalists and educators, Jody Santos and Kyle Belanger, to our faculty six years ago, we hit a whole new level. I think the best is yet to come.”

Dobrow is the author of two books, Going Bigtime: The Spectacular Rise of UMass Basketball and Knocking on Heaven’s Door: Six Minor Leaguers in Search of the Baseball Dream. He also has produced freelance work for the Boston Globe, espn.com, Sports Illustrated, and theatlantic.com.

Magazine Readers Select Farmington Bank as Best Community Bank

FARMINGTON, Conn. — Farmington Bank announced it has been selected as Best Community Bank by the readers of Hartford Magazine for the second consecutive year.

The 13th annual “Best of Hartford Magazine Readers Poll,” which includes Farmington Bank’s recognition, is highlighted in the publication’s May 2016 issue, and includes categories such as best food, retail, service providers, and more.

“As a bank with more than 165 years of service to our customers and communities, we are honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to the people and places of Central Connecticut,” said John Patrick, the bank’s chairman, president, and CEO.

Farmington Bank is a full-service community bank with 23 branch locations throughout Central Conn. and Western Mass.

Greater Holyoke Chamber Slates Golf Tournament for May 16

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce invites all golfers to the 48th annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament on Monday, May 16 at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke.

Registration and lunch begin at 10:30 a.m., with tee-off at noon. The registration fee of $125 per player includes greens fee for 18 holes of golf, cart fees, lunch, a gift bag for each player, and an awards dinner.

A cash prize of $400 will be awarded to each division’s winning team. Prizes will also be awarded for hole in one, closest to the pin, and men and women’s longest drive. Raffle prizes include Red Sox tickets donated by Marcotte Ford, a signed official NFL football signed by Rob Gronkowski donated by Conklin Office Furniture, and a 50/50, among others.

The Chamber has openings for foursomes as well as sponsors at levels that include: Eagle ($650), Lunch ($350) and Par Plus ($150). For more details, prize donations, or to register, call Wanda Zabawa at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.

Trustees Recommend John Cook as Next STCC President

SPRINGFIELD — On Monday, the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) board of trustees recommended John Cook, vice president of Academic Affairs at Manchester Community College in New Hampshire, to succeed the retiring Ira Rubenzahl as STCC president. The state Board of Higher Education will vote on Cook’s selection in June.

Before his role at Manchester Community College, Cook served as assistant dean of faculty for Granite State College in New Hampshire. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., a master’s degree in community/social psychology from UMass Lowell, and a doctorate of philosophy in education (curriculum and instruction) from the University of New Hampshire.

After a national search that drew 40 applicants, Christopher Johnson, chairman of the STCC board of trustees and the 13-member presidential search committee, announced last week that four finalists were being considered to succeed Rubenzahl, who is retiring in June after 12 years at the helm.

Those finalists included Cook; Laura Douglas, provost of Des Moines Area Community College in Iowa; Kim McGinnis, dean of students for Miami Dade College Medical Campus in Miami, Fla.; and Julie White, interim provost, senior vice president, and vice president, student engagement and learning support for Onondaga Community College in New York.

Local Chambers Join Forces to Spotlight Regional Tourism

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke and Greater Easthampton chambers of commerce have partnered to host a Tourism Luncheon on Friday, April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

The keynote speaker, state Rep. Michael Finn, vice chair of Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development, will discuss the effects of visitor-generated tax revenue in Western Mass. Other speakers include Mary Kay Wydra, president, Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau; Seth Stratton, vice president and general counsel, MGM Springfield; and Michael Mathis, president and chief operating officer, MGM Springfield. Discussions will focus on the region’s tourism and how it impacts the Pioneer Valley’s economic growth.

Community leaders, CEOs, managers, and sales professionals are encouraged to attend the luncheon and to join the discussion on the community’s role in tourism.

“I am very proud of the great strides our region has made over the years,” said Maureen Bellevue, executive director of the Easthampton Chamber of Commerce.

Added Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, “we look forward to sharing highlights and results, while getting the community excited about new ways we can work together to really make a difference.”

The event is sponsored by Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll, United Bank, and Yankee Candle. Tickets cost $30 for chamber members and $35 for the public. To register, visit business.holyokechamber.com/events or call the Greater Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 or the Greater Easthampton Chamber at (413) 527-9414.

Jessica Roncarati Named President of Chicopee Chamber of Commerce

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce has named Jessica Roncarati its new president. The chamber’s board of directors voted unanimously to approve her appointment, and she began work on April 25.

Roncarati, a lifelong resident of Chicopee, most recently served as executive director of the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts Inc. She has held both professional and volunteer leadership positions with a number of local nonprofits, including Bay Path University, Women in Philanthropy of Western Massachusetts, Hawthorn Services, and the Springfield Museums Assoc. She is a member of Business West’s 40 Under Forty class of 2012. She is a graduate of chamber member Elms College, and received her master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy from Bay Path University.

As president, Roncarati will work with the chamber’s staff and constituents to further its mission to advance economic and civil well-being for all citizens of the Greater Chicopee area. She believes her most immediate focus is to build relationships among local businesses, government, and citizens in order to promote a sense of community.

“By connecting with the chamber, businesses have the chance not only to network and advertise their services, but to make Greater Chicopee an even better place to live and work,” she said. “We have an increasingly diverse business base to build upon, and events that we collaborate with the city on, such as the Tree Lighting, Halloween Costume Walk, Block Party, and 5k Run, bring more patrons to the area each year. It’s an exciting time to be a chamber member, and I look forward to making connections that will promote our local businesses.”

Springfield Central Cultural District Looking for Outdoor Art

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Central Cultural District (SCCD) has issued a call to artists for a unique placemaking opportunity in downtown Springfield. The Cultural District is searching for artists to submit their ideas and designs to beautify 20 utility boxes scattered throughout the downtown footprint.

“We had two boxes beautified in Stearns Square Park during our Springfield Under the Stars movie nights last summer, and the reception was amazing. We want to continue that momentum,” said SCCD Executive Director Morgan Drewniany.

Programs to create non-conventional murals are not new; cities such as Boston, Northampton, and Easthampton have all carried out similar beautification programs in their cities, to great success. The SCCD is funding this program by matching local businesses and organizations to artists that pique their interest.

The theme all artists are asked to adhere to is ‘unexpected beauty,’ piggybacking on the SCCD’s tagline, ‘experience the unexpected.’ Artists are invited to submit their ideas to paint the boxes to the director. The chosen artists will be paid for their time and reimbursed for materials. Applications are due Tuesday, May 3.

The Springfield Central Cultural District encompasses an area of the metro center of Springfield, and is membership-based, involving many of the downtown arts institutions. Its mission is to create and sustain a vibrant cultural environment in Springfield.

The request for proposal and more details on this program can be found at springfieldculture.org/artistresources. Any questions can be forwarded to Drewniany at [email protected] or (413) 781-1592.

M&M Consulting Names J. Jeffrey Sullivan President, CEO

SPRINGFIELD — M&M Consulting, LLC, a New England-based risk-management advisor to financial institutions, has named J. Jeffrey Sullivan president and CEO. He succeeds Jay Friedland, who founded the company in 1996 and will now serve as chairman of the company.

M&M Consulting’s clients range from one-branch institutions to regional banks covering multiple states. The M&M team includes a wide range of subject-matter experts in strategy, technology, and operations, including attorneys, CPAs, and other certified professionals. The cross-disciplinary M&M model allows financial institutions a more cost-effective, efficient strategy to handle the increasing complexity of regulatory compliance and risk oversight.

“Community financial institutions are the lifeblood of our local economies,” said Sullivan. “As regulations become more complex and burdensome, firms like M&M Consulting can provide meaningful assistance to help these institutions survive and thrive.”

Sullivan was most recently president and COO of United Bank, a $5 billion regional bank based in West Springfield. He oversaw all facets of the bank’s operations, including enterprise risk management, retail banking operations, and the commercial and consumer lending teams. He was chief lending officer at United Bank for nine years, chaired the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act committee, and was a member of the asset and liability management committee. Prior to United, Sullivan worked for 11 years for a Chittenden Corp. subsidiary, the Bank of Western Massachusetts, and for six years in the BayBank system. A lifelong New England resident, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in economics from Amherst College and his MBA from UMass Amherst.

“Jeff’s deep background in community banking blends perfectly with the diverse skill sets of our team and will add tremendous value to the managers and the boards of directors that we serve,” said Friedland. “We understand the challenges and complexities of today’s highly regulated and low-rate environment, and Jeff will lead us in maintaining our balance of technical expertise and knowledge of strategic and operational priorities for our clients.”

BusinessWest Seeks Nominations for Continued Excellence Award

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its 10th annual 40 Under Forty program, BusinessWest is taking nominations for its second annual Continued Excellence Award, the winner of which will be unveiled at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 16. The nomination deadline is Monday, May 2 at 5 p.m.

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award, in this case, classes 2007-15. The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

Green Miles Lipton, LLP Welcomes Nicole Bercume

NORTHAMPTON — Green Miles Lipton, LLP announced that attorney Nicole Bercume has joined the firm as an associate. She most recently was in private practice in Hadley.

After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management, Bercume pursued her law degree at Ave Maria School of Law. During her time there, she was a senior editor on the Ave Maria Law Review while working in various positions for Collier County.

Bercume is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Florida. Her areas of practice are land use, zoning and planning, landlord/tenant, real estate, business formation, estate planning, consumer protection, and personal injury.

Applications Underway for 2016 Employer of Choice Award

AGAWAM — The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) is currently accepting applications for the Employer of Choice award, which recognizes companies and organizations for developing workplaces that value employees, build engagement, invest in training, and reward performance. Applications are due June 24.

Employers from Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island who have been in business for at least three years and have a minimum of 25 employees are eligible. Both company size and resources are considered in the screening and selection process. Awards are given in two categories: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

Winners view the Employer of Choice award as a cornerstone of their company credentials and often use it in recruiting and retention, grants and funding, and business development. Winners receive a professional video that spotlights the company’s achievements and is customized to reflect the organization’s targeted initiatives.

In 2015, three area businesses were selected as Employer of Choice Award recipients: Bemis Associates Inc., Big Y Foods Inc. and Cadence Inc.

“We were thrilled to see our applicants focus on employee engagement, often implementing surveys and translating the findings to mission-vision-culture strategies,” said Meredith Wise, EANE president. “Traditional benefits such as tuition reimbursement were still strong, but contemporary offerings from wellness to flexible scheduling to community service were widespread, too. We look forward to learning about more outstanding companies in 2016.”

Learn more and download the 2016 application at eane.org/employerofchoice.

CEO of Data Intensity Named Commencement Speaker at Bay Path

LONGMEADOW — Kirk Arnold, CEO of Bedford-based Data Intensity, will address Bay Path University’s 2016 graduating class at its 119th commencement on Saturday, May 14 at 3 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. More than 700 students will be awarded master’s and bachelor’s degrees.

Arnold will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree for her extraordinary achievements in leadership. As the CEO of Data Intensity, a high-growth provider of cloud-based services and data analytics, she is a role model for women in the exploding market of data analytics. For more than 35 years, Arnold has been an active member of the technology and business community of Greater Boston. She sits on the boards of Cramer Marketing, EnerNOC, and the Commonwealth Institute. Arnold and Data Intensity were recognized among the Boston Globe’s “Top 100 Women-led Businesses in Massachusetts” last fall. She was also inducted into Bay Path’s 21st Century Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2004, its inaugural year.

Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, will also be presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree for his accomplishments as an author, educator, and passionate champion of reading aloud to children. Now in its 7th edition, The Read-Aloud Handbook continues to receive national and international acclaim. Trelease dedicated much of his career to leading seminars and lecturing school groups, parents, teachers, and librarians in all 50 states on the fundamental importance of youthful reading. He was one of the most sought-after speakers on the subject of education in the U.S., a frequent keynote speaker at educational conferences, and is credited with sparking read-aloud movements across the nation. Early in his career, Trelease was also a writer and staff artist for the Springfield Daily News (now known as the Republican).

Statue Honoring K-9 Rescue Units Comes to Museums

SPRINGFIELD — ‘Galaxy,’ a regal statue honoring the dedication and sacrifice of K-9 rescue dogs and their handlers, will be on view through the summer months at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History through a temporary loan arrangement with the Springfield Kennel Club.

The display of Galaxy is a perfect complement to Better Angels: The Firefighters of 9/11, the exhibit of poignant firefighter portraits by Dawn Siebel that are also on display at the Wood Museum. That exhibit has now been held over until November by special permission from the artist. Galaxy is also a great fit with the ongoing Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs exhibit at the nearby Springfield Science Museum, which closes on May 15.

To help celebrate Galaxy’s arrival, Officer Timothy Flanagan and “Riko,” a German Shepard from Springfield Police Department’s K-9 unit, will be on the Quadrangle to greet visitors and answer questions (weather permitting). Flanagan and Riko’s appearance is taking place to help raise awareness of next week’s “Beers and Badges” fundraiser for Springfield’s K-9 unit on Tuesday, April 26 at Pizzeria Uno’s in downtown Springfield.

Conceived by the American Kennel Club as a charitable public-art initiative, DOGNY: America’s Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs, was launched shortly after 9/11 as a way of bringing attention to the valuable work done by canine search and rescue teams on a regular basis. The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the attacks of September 11, 2001 brought these efforts to the forefront as startling and poignant images were replayed day after day of valiant attempts to search for and recover the many victims of these massive tragedies. DOGNY not only pays tribute to the heroic efforts of rescuers, handlers, trainers, and of course the canines themselves; it seeks to bring awareness and help fund the extensive costs associated with the training and care of these special animals.

The world-renowned wildlife artist Robert L. Braun was commissioned by the AKC to create an original bronze sculpture of a champion German Shepard. Over one hundred fiberglass replicas of Braun’s sculpture were then created and painstakingly painted by a number of talented artists. Following their initial display, a number of the works were then auctioned off, and so far the program has raised more than two million dollars. The Springfield Kennel Club was among the first to underwrite one of the sculptures, which was named ‘Galaxy’ due to the celestial symbols that adorn the dog’s face and coat.

Valley Gives Day Set for May 3

SPRINGFIELD — Nearly 500 community organizations will participate in the Pioneer Valley’s 24-hour e-philanthropy event – Valley Gives on May 3. This will be the fourth year for the hugely successful Valley Gives Day, but the first time the event is being held in the spring. Valley Gives is hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Valley Gives will take place from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Participating community organizations span the Pioneer Valley and are eligible if their work is focused on Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire Counties. Organizations include non-profits, schools and educational institutions, places of worship/religious organizations; and local community groups that can be fiscally sponsored by nonprofit organizations.

Since Valley Gives began in December 2012, $5.8 million has been raised from more than 24,000 donors in support of 559 nonprofits that are doing good work in every corner of the Pioneer Valley. With nearly 500 organizations signed on to participate this May, Valley Gives is expected to add substantially to those numbers again this year.

“Valley Gives has grown every year we have held it and we expect more big things in 2016,” said Community Foundation President, Katie Allan Zobel. “This day is all about generosity. It’s a day that connects the whole Valley in support of our amazing nonprofits. They do so much to make our region thrive, and we all benefit from their good work. It’s a chance to give back and invest in their important work. And of course, we have a lot of fun in the process.”

Upgrades to 3 Hydropower Projects Announced

WEST SPRINGFIELD — State energy officials today announced more than $1 million in funding to support upgrades to hydroelectric facilities in Orange, Ware, and West Springfield. The initiatives, announced during Earth Week, are aimed at increasing Massachusetts’ clean energy generation.

“In filing legislation for the procurement of cost-effective, low-carbon hydropower, our administration recognizes the importance of improving renewable energy facilities to help the Commonwealth continue to lead the way on clean energy, energy efficiency and the adoption of innovative technologies,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “These grants to make hydropower facilities more efficient and increasing hydropower production will help us meet our greenhouse gas emissions goals and continue to increase the role of renewables in our energy portfolio.”

The upgrades, which are being funded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Hydropower Program, will allow the facilities to annually produce an average of 1.2 million more kilowatt hours of renewable electricity, enough to power 157 average Massachusetts homes.

“Upgrading local hydroelectric facilities further diversifies the Commonwealth’s energy portfolio, while helping to reach our ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Hydropower is a low-cost, clean resource that allows us to provide reliable electricity to Massachusetts residents while protecting the environment.”

Facilities receiving grant funding are:

Mini-Watt Hydroelectric (Orange) — $500,000: This funding will go towards reducing leakage, replacing equipment with more efficient models and installing a fully-automated system that can be controlled via smart phone. These upgrades are expected to increase electric generation by at least 516,000 kWh per year, enough to power 68 average Massachusetts homes.
Pioneer Hydro Electric Co. (Ware) — $478,000: This funding will allow the company to make comprehensive upgrades that increase both the electrical generation capacity and efficiency of the facility. The upgrades are expected to increase average generation by about 561,000 kWh per year, enough to power 74 average Massachusetts homes.

A & D Hydro Inc. (West Springfield) — $68,831: This funding will go towards replacing the trash racks and trash raking machine and reprogramming the rake’s automation and control system, leading to an expected increase in generation of about 116,000 kWh per year, enough to power 15 average Massachusetts homes.

State Unveils Low-cost Bachelor’s Degree Plan

LOWELL — Gov. Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined public higher education leaders Thursday to announce the ‘Commonwealth Commitment,’ an innovative college affordability and completion plan to help more students achieve the dream of a college degree.

The Commonwealth Commitment, the first agreement of its kind in the nation, was signed by UMass President Marty Meehan, Worcester State University President Barry Maloney, and Middlesex Community College President James Mabry, representing the three segments of the public higher education system, at a ceremony at Middlesex Community College.

The plan commits every public campus to providing 10% rebates at the end of each successfully completed semester to qualifying undergraduate students, in addition to the standard MassTransfer tuition waiver received upon entering a four-year institution from a Community College. Students who meet the program requirements will, depending on the transfer pathway they choose, be able to realize an average savings of $5,090 off the cost of a baccalaureate degree.

Also, as part of the Commonwealth Commitment’s goal to increase cost savings and predictability, tuition and mandatory fees will be frozen for program participants as of the date they enter the program.

Students will begin their studies at one of the state’s 15 community colleges, enrolling in one of 24 Commonwealth Commitment/Mass Transfer Pathways programs that will roll out in fall 2016 (14 programs) and fall 2017 (10 additional programs). They must attend full-time, and must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. After earning an associate’s degree in two and a half years or less, students will transfer to a state university or UMass campus to earn a baccalaureate degree.

“I am pleased that our higher education leaders have worked collaboratively to create this program to decrease the cost of a college degree and accelerate on-time completion,” Baker. “Even though public higher education in Massachusetts is already a great value, the Commonwealth Commitment will make it even easier for students to go to school full-time and to enter the workforce faster and with less debt.”

Derby Day Event to Benefit Square One

SPRINGFIELD — On Saturday, May 7 at 4:30 p.m. the Colony Club in Springfield will the setting for hats, horses and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the 142^nd Annual Kentucky Derby.

Presented by The Gaudreau Group, with support from Northeast IT, as well as the Colony Club and host Jeffrey Lomma, the event will raise much-needed funds for Square One’s programs and services.

“We are so excited by the energy and buzz that this event has sparked,” said Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development for Square One. “Opportunities like this are a great reminder of how fortunate this region is to have businesses and community leaders who are committed to ensuring a bright future for our families. We are so grateful to our sponsors and our growing list of attendees for lending their support to our important work with children and families.”

Tickets are $35 and include big screen monitors to enjoy the race, hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary mint julep. Prizes will be awarded for the best Derby attire. Tickets may be purchased via Eventbrite or by contacting Heather at Inspired Marketing at (413) 303-0101.

Since 1883, Square One has been committed to ensuring that all children and families have the opportunity to succeed at school, at work, and in life by providing educational programs, family support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. Square One knows that children grow up to become better educated and more successful academically, emotionally and socially when they have high-quality early education, nurturing adults to care for them, and a safe and healthy community in which to live. At the core of everything they do is the belief, confirmed by research, that children who begin learning early become better learners for life.

For more information on Square One, visit www.startatsquareone.org.

David Bohl Promoted at GCAi

SPRINGFIELD — John J. Garvey, President of Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) recently announced that David Bohl has been promoted to digital marketing analyst. GCAi also announced that Bohl is now the agency’s third Google AdWords Qualified Planner.

Bohl started his career at GCAi in 2014 as a digital marketing intern. When he was hired, as digital marketing assistant by GCAi in 2015, he began to develop e-mail marketing campaigns. Mr. Bohl now manages content marketing, email marketing and social media marketing campaigns for GCAi and clients in entertainment, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and hospitality.

He also presented, along with Google, Carbonite, Corporate Ink and Brandwatch, on e-mail marketing at the recent Digital Marketing Innovation Summit in Hyannis. As a Google AdWords qualified planner, Bohl is required to pass tests in the areas of AdWords Fundamentals, search advertising, display advertising, and video advertising on a recurring basis. GCAi is the only agency in the region to hold the Google Partner status.

Bohl is a magna cum laude graduate of Western New England University in Springfield, where he earned a bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. He is a member of The Advertising Club of Western Mass., Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, and is an associate member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

United Financial Announces Q1 Earnings, Dividend

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended March 31.

The company had net income of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $9.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. Operating net income (Non-GAAP) for the first quarter of 2016 was $10.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $11.3 million, or $0.23 per diluted share for the linked quarter. Operating net income is adjusted for purchase accounting impacts and net gain on sale of securities. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2016, operating income was also adjusted for Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) prepayment penalties. The company reported net income of $13.0 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

“In the first quarter of 2016, linked quarter annualized growth included a 13% increase in demand deposits, 9% growth in total deposits, and a seven-basis-point expansion in the net interest margin. Non-interest expense to average assets declined to 2.03% on an operating basis and asset quality remained excellent. Tangible book value increased by 5% compared to the linked quarter (annualized) as we announced our 40th consecutive dividend payment,” said William H. W. Crawford, IV, CEO of the company and the bank. “Given the interest rate environment, we believe execution on the aforementioned key variables give us the best opportunity to continue building long term shareholder value.

“While volatile interest rates reduced mortgage banking income and headline Company profitability in the first quarter of 2016, management is focused on growing revenue centered in net interest income and core fee income,” he went on. “I remain bullish on United Financial Bancorp Inc.’s outlook for 2016 earnings and tangible book value growth.”

The report’s financial highlights include:

Return on average assets (ROA) of 0.76%;
Return on average equity (ROE) of 7.59%;
Net interest margin (NIM) increased to 3.09% from 3.02% in the linked quarter;
Operating non-interest expense/average assets (NIE/AA) of 2.03% for the quarter (annualized) balance sheet;
 Total assets at March 31, 2016 increased by $90.7 million to $6.3 billion from $6.2 billion at Dec. 31, 2015;
At March 31, 2016, total loans were $4.6 billion, representing an increase of $34.9 million from the linked quarter;
Despite the typical softness experienced in the first quarter in general, total commercial loans increased by $38.5 million, or 6% annualized;
Residential mortgages declined during the first quarter of 2016 by $3.6 million, reflecting the company’s strategy to reduce on-balance sheet exposure to residential mortgage loans.

Banks to Sponsor Pitch Competition

Six local community banks will sponsor a live elevator pitch competition at the 13^th Annual Awards Banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. Representatives from each bank will also serve as judges at the annual event planned for April 27 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

The banks are: Berkshire Bank, Country Bank for Savings, First Niagara, PeoplesBank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank.

An elevator pitch is an overview of an idea for a new business. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride. The term is used when an entrepreneur pitches an idea to a venture capitalist to receive funding.

The competition will feature a student representative from each of the participating local colleges who has already won the internal competition on their campus: American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, University of Massachusetts, Western New England University, and Westfield State University.

The judges will pick the top three students who will receive cash awards with the winner receiving $1000. The Live Elevator Pitch competition is always one of the highlights of the evening. Other features of the banquet include: Entrepreneur business exhibits featuring 78 student entrepreneurs from area colleges, each of whom has won a Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Additionally, the keynote speaker is Brendan Ciecko, founder of Cuseum, which powers mobile-first experiences that help museums engage their visitors.

Ciecko won a Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award in 2008.

The Entrepreneurship Initiative is one of many Western Massachusetts programs supported by the philanthropy of Longmeadow resident and businessman, Harold Grinspoon. For more information about the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation visit hgf.org or contact Cari Carpenter at (413) 335-3535 or [email protected].

As Falcons Prepare to Fly, What Now for Springfield?

Opinion

If the media reports are accurate, Springfield will soon be without professional hockey — and professional sports of any kind — for the first time in more than 50 years.

The Springfield Falcons have been sold, according to multiple reports, and it is very likely that the franchise will be relocated to Arizona. If that’s true, the question becomes, ‘what does Springfield do now?’

The natural reaction would be to say that the pursuit of a professional sports team — or another team — moves from something somewhere in the middle of the to-do list (a phrase that sums up the quiet efforts recently to attract the Red Sox’ Triple A farm team, which is still looking for a new home) to a real priority.

The theory goes that a city like Springfield needs a professional sports team to have an identity, to bring additional vitality to its central business district, and to make its arena or convention center profitable. And there are many that subscribe to that theory, including some here in Springfield.

But that’s just one theory. There are many cities that thrive without professional sports and don’t need it to have what would be called an identity.

Springfield is experiencing progress on a number of fronts — from MGM’s casino, to new manufacturing jobs, to a growing culture of entrepreneurship. If it continues to move forward in these areas, it’s easy to envision vitality without a sports franchise playing at the MassMutual Center, or anywhere else.

And in the meantime, the city may not really have a choice in this matter. While the Springfield Falcons have long been part of the city’s fabric — and BusinessWest presented its Difference Maker award to Bruce Landon for keeping hockey in the city for decades — one would have a very hard time making the case that Springfield, and this region, truly supported the Falcons. Having a legacy of hockey isn’t enough to make it work in this city.

We advise Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and his economic development team to address this matter with proper due diligence, and not pursue a professional sports team merely to secure dates for the MassMutual Center’s arena and to attempt to bring people downtown.

Moving forward, we believe that sports should just be one priority, and like other pursuits that fall in the category of economic development, it would have to make sense for all parties involved.

And that’s something that couldn’t be said of the Falcons and their recent history in the city.

Springfield Among Cities Gaining Jobs

BOSTON — Local unemployment rates dropped in 12 labor market areas, remained the same in nine areas and increased in three areas in the state during the month of March, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. The rates were down in all areas compared to March 2015.

A total of 14 areas added jobs over the month, with the largest gains in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham and Barnstable areas. The Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford area recorded the only loss over the month.

From March 2015 to March 2016, 14 areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the Haverhill-Newport-Amesbury, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton and Barnstable areas. The Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead area jobs level remained unchanged.

In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for March is 4.6%, down 0.1 of a percentage point from the February rate.

Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.4% for the month of March. The unemployment rate is down 0.7% over the year.

The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 6,900-job gain in March and an over-the-year gain of 61,400 jobs.

Valley Talent Showcase, Northfire Recording Reach Agreement

HOLYOKE — Valley Talent Showcase, a monthly talent show staged at Gateway City Arts, announced today that Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst has agreed to become a major new sponsor.

As part of the arrangement, Northfire will be providing the overall showcase winner with two full 10-hour days in their studio working with one of their world-class recording engineers to create a professional CD.

The Talent Showcase competitions, held the first Friday of each month, utilize celebrity judges to help choose first and second place winners. The winners of each month’s contest are entered in a “Super-Playoff” held on Sept. 9 where the year’s overall winner is chosen.

The overall winner will receive:

The 2 two free recording days at Northfire Recording Studio;
A $500 cash prize provided by the Eastern States Exposition (another major Valley Talent Showcase sponsor);
A headline gig at this year’s BIG E on Sept. 24 (traditionally the day of the largest attendance of the fair — more than 160,000.)

“We want to provide the opportunity for talented new performers to actually produce a real product,” said Jay Metcalf, owner and director of Operations at Northfire Studios. “That’s why we suggested providing them with two days in the studio.”

Said Valley Talent Showcase producer Mark Sherry, “we’re thrilled to have Northfire Studios as a partner in helping us to give a real boost to the careers of exciting up-and coming local musicians.”

The Valley Talent Showcase started in 2015 and has had five monthly events to date. Celebrity judges have included elected officials (several mayors, state representatives, and senators), well-known musicians, DJs, and other celebrities. Mass. State Senate President Stan Rosenberg will be a judge at one of the upcoming talent showcases.

The next showcase will be on May 6 at 8 p.m. at Gateway City Arts, 92 Race St, Holyoke. There is a suggested donation of $5-$10 at the door. Potential contestants can send an e-mail with their name, address, email, photo/video or audio sample (or web link) of the suggested performance to [email protected] or call (413) 374-7671.

‘Women Lead Change’ Event Slated

EASTHAMPTON — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) will host Women Lead Change: a Celebration of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) Class of 2016 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on May 23 from 6-8 p.m. The event will include remarks from Mass. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and a keynote address from Julie Chavez Rodriguez, special assistant to the president and senior deputy director of Public Engagement at the White House.

WFWM will acknowledge the lieutenant governor as well as Rodriguez with a “She Changes the World” award presented to honor exceptional contribution to social change, creating economic and social equity for women and girls. More than 300 participants are expected to attend the annual celebration of graduates of the Women’s Fund LIPPI program.

LIPPI is the only program of its kind in Massachusetts. Through 11 sessions over eight months, the program is designed to respond to the shortage of women stepping into leadership at all levels. LIPPI gives women the tools and confidence they need to become more involved as civic leaders in their communities and to impact policy on the local, state, and national levels. The event is open to the public with online registration at www.womensfund.net.

The current graduating LIPPI Cohort represents 60% women of color, and LIPPI graduates also embody a wide spectrum of backgrounds, ethnic groups, and ages with ranges from 18 to 60. They represent the entire state of Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to Boston-area counties. Together, graduates form a strong cohort of like-minded women who support each other when they run for office, meet with policy makers, form coalitions, and get-out-the-vote efforts.

The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) is a public foundation that invests in local women and girls through strategic grant-making and leadership development. Since 1997 the Women’s Fund has awarded more than $2 million in grants to over 100 organizations in Western Mass.

Brian Canina

Chief Financial Officer, PeoplesBank; Age 38

Brian Canina

Brian Canina calls himself a “math geek,” which has served him well in both phases of his career.

First, he earned a degree in accounting and worked for Wolf & Co. in Boston, then in Springfield. That firm’s niche is in banking, and he audited banks for a decade before being contacted about an open controller position at PeoplesBank in 2009. Late last year, he was named CFO.

“Essentially, I oversee all the financial aspects of the bank,” he explained. “I manage the loans and deposit balances and financial statements for the bank. We have to make sure we’re lending out at higher rates than we’re taking money in, make sure the bank stays financially healthy. From that standpoint, I manage the bank’s assets and liabilities and also financial reporting.”

In that role, he has increasingly embraced new technology, using sophisticated business-intelligence tools to ensure PeoplesBank remains competitive and responsive to customer needs. “That’s a new undertaking, this concept of big data, where we gather different data sources around the bank and bring it into one large database, then slice and dice and analyze it to get to know our customers better, see which customers are using which products. That’s the wave of the future, and we’re probably one of the first community banks around here using data analysis like that.”

That’s typical for PeoplesBank, which prides itself on staying on the cutting edge in banking. “We’re a smaller community bank, so we’re not going to be the one that comes out with anything first, but we consider ourselves fast followers behind the big banks, and typically first to market in Western Mass. with some of the up-and-coming technologies in banking.”

He says the math geek in him truly enjoys the strategic aspects of his job. “I love digging into numbers to find trends and different things that can give us an advantage.”

The father of two children, Aidan and Addison, with his wife, Sarah, Canina clearly has a heart for kids. So, in his spare time, he helps young people get a leg up in life, from coaching youth sports to his work as a board member for Children’s Study Home in Springfield, which serves young people and families with special needs, including behavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive issues related to experiences they’ve survived.

“It’s a little overwhelming how many different things they do. They’re active in so many different aspects of children’s lives,” he said. “I enjoy being part of that in any way I can. Getting involved in the community and helping children in need is probably one of the best things anyone can do.”

— Joseph Bednar

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Nunzio Bruno

Owner/Business Strategist, Disruptive Strategy Co.; Age 31

Nunzio Bruno

Nunzio Bruno says there are more similarities between his career and one of his newer passions — power lifting — than most people think.

“I started taking it seriously, honoring my own goals, putting money down on equipment and meets … essentially, showing up,” he said, noting that his first power-lifting meet was just a few weeks ago. “I realized, as I started to see changes as I progressed, that it’s like a metaphor for what I ask people to do every day.”

Bruno owns the Disruptive Strategy Co., a business-strategy firm based in West Springfield that works with companies of all sizes to improve their output, organizational structures, and, ultimately, their bottom lines.

“I work with staff to identify resources, offer communication coaching, develop business plans … it’s always a little different, but the idea is that all companies have challenges and don’t always have the capacity or capabilities to address them. Someone like me is brought in to dive into the research, get into the nitty-gritty, and create a plan for improvement, plus the documentation to show how it will play out.”

Since his company’s inception in 2009, Bruno has seen success with a wide breadth of clients, from an indie soap maker he helped introduce to Whole Foods, which now carries the line, to a Fortune 500 firm. He’s begun to develop his own curriculum of sorts for companies — the Disruptive Decision Framework — to assist them in identifying specific weak spots across their organizations and make decisions about next steps.

“I’m asking organizations to buy into a big process, and the curriculum helps us to build frameworks, do a bit of planning, and create a system to move everything forward,” he explained.

Bruno also teaches economics, finance, and strategy as an adjunct faculty member at Elms College, Bay Path University, Springfield College, and American International College, and speaks frequently on related topics. Both roles have allowed him to stay abreast of subtle changes in the corporate marketplace, including a shift he sees toward redefining success.

“Whatever the goal, we need to take the outcomes seriously, and honor a system,” he said.

That brought Bruno back to his new discoveries in the world of amateur power lifting, and those parallels he sees between his work and his weights.

“When I’m lifting, if I don’t feel right, the feedback is real. Something is off, and I can’t justify it away,” he said. “I work to get people to see their businesses the same way — if there’s a problem, it needs a fix. Be pumped to do it, and follow through.”

— Jaclyn Stevenson

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Darleen Buttrick

Project Manager, Tighe & Bond; Age 36

Darleen Buttrick

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry can lead to an array of careers. When Darleen Buttrick was earning hers at Bucknell University, her research into how tire-wear particles leach harmful substances into the environment piqued something inside her.

“That fueled my fire for taking what I knew about chemistry and getting into the environmental field,” said Buttrick, who enrolled at UMass Amherst for her master’s in environmental engineering. There, she became involved in research in the field of drinking water, “and I haven’t looked back.”

In her 11 years at Tighe & Bond, the region’s largest civil-engineering firm, she has specialized in the water-treatment arena, managing projects for some of the firm’s largest clients, including the recently completed, $3 million ultraviolet disinfection facility for Holyoke Water Works.

It’s important work, she said, even if most people don’t think about it often. “Treatment facilities tend to be out of sight, out of mind, until you see something like what happened in Flint, which brings the reality of drinking water to the forefront.”

In fact, cities face a constant challenge balancing needed infrastructure upgrades with limited funds, she added. “One of the big things I’ve been working on is assisting them with evaluating the condition of their infrastructure and targeting the most critical needs for improvements, and from there coming up with a cost-effective solution to upgrade their facilities.

“I love the feeling that I’m having a positive impact,” she went on. “If we can make water-treatment plan operators’ lives a little less stressful or develop a solution to construct a new system, that’s so satisfying.”

Recently promoted to an associate in Tighe & Bond’s stock-ownership program, Buttrick is excited to be with a rapidly expanding company that has grown from 175 to 275 employees over the past five years. But she’s just as passionate about her volunteer work, which includes wearing many hats at her church, serving on the Aquifer Protection Committee in her hometown of Easthampton, and launching and co-leading a Girl Scout troop in that community.

The Girl Scout work is personal to Buttrick, who recalls being diagnosed with scoliosis at age 9 and wearing a back brace, and struggling to develop friendships — until she became involved in the Pioneer Club, a church-based youth organization. “Those friendships lasted my entire childhood; they were constant friends who were always there,” she said. “I wanted my two girls to have the same chance to build lifelong friendships.”

— Joseph Bednar

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Andrew Anderlonis

President, Rediker Software Inc.; Age 32

Andrew Anderlonis

Andrew Anderlonis spent six years in the U.S. Navy — his obligation in exchange for the scholarship awarded him to attend George Washington University — and admits to occasionally thinking about making the Navy a career.

But he majored in international business and management information systems at GW, and admitted that this was where his passion really lay. And he wound up putting those talents to work in a setting he probably wasn’t thinking about while helping to put the USS George H.W. Bush, a Nimitz-class supercarrier, through its paces several years ago.

That would be Rediker Software, the venture started by the man who would become his father-in-law, Rich Rediker.

Indeed, while the founder is still quite active in the business, which specializes in creation of software programs for school systems, Anderlonis now serves as president, a broad role that involves everything from long-range strategic planning to new-product development, and to finding new and different ways for the company and its employees to make a difference within the community.

“I really act as COO, CTO, and CIO,” he said, using all those letters — the ‘t’ stands for technology, and the ‘i’ for innovation — to convey the message that he does a little bit of everything. (His wife, Amy, serves the company as marketing director.)

And he enjoys all aspects of that job description, particularly the community-involvement element.

Within that realm, he conceptualized the company’s internship program, which gives local high-school and college students the opportunity to develop, launch, and distribute new educational technology products to schools locally. He also launched the company’s volunteer initiative known as Rediker Cares, which gives employees the ability to give back to the local community.

Through that program, Anderlonis has ramped up the company’s already-considerable commitment to Link to Libraries (LTL), which, since its creation nearly a decade ago, has donated more than 500,000 books to area schools and nonprofits.

Rediker has for some time donated space at its Hampden headquarters for LTL’s warehouse, but Anderlonis has become directly involved by joining the agency’s board.

And while he’s serious about all that, he says he’s most passionate about what he calls a “full-time dad.”

“One of the big reasons I left the Navy was that I wanted to be around to see my child grow up and be there for him,” he explained, referring to 2-year-old Tyler.

In short, his life story has already had some intriguing plot twists, but some of the best chapters are still to be written.

— George O’Brien

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Amanda Moyer

Director of Account Services, Market Mentors, LLC; Age 29

Amanda Moyer

National Donut Day.

It’s not listed on any wall calendars, and with good reason. Officially the first Friday in June, it’s not a national or even regional holiday, and Hallmark hasn’t designed any cards to recognize it. But the date resonates with the Salvation Army, which, as those famous posters from World War I reveal, supplied donuts, among other things, to soldiers, thus providing one of the etymological roots of the term ‘doughboy.’

The Salvation Army uses the holiday to bring attention to its legacy and programming, but until recently, this was not a local phenomenon. Amanda Moyer changed all that. Indeed, as a board member for that organization, she called upon her work in public relations, as director of account services at Market Mentors, LLC, to recognize inherent value in Donut Day, bring it to Greater Springfield, and thus shed a strong light on the mission of the Salvation Army — “doing the most good” — and how it’s carried out.

But National Donut Day is just one of many ways she assists this organization; she’s also heavily involved in everything from the red-kettle campaigns to the annual Coats for Kids initiative.

And Moyer owes her position, not to mention Donut Day exploits, to BusinessWest. Well, sort of. She was a Central Connecticut State University student, working summers at Longmeadow Country Club and looking for internship opportunities, when she came across a copy of the magazine’s annual Resource Guide at the club. Upon perusing the list of advertising and marketing agencies, she came upon Market Mentors, sent the agency a letter of inquiry, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Since that internship in 2008, she’s advanced to account executive, project manager, and now director of all the agency’s departments. When asked for a job description, she said simply, “I’m basically responsible for everything that goes out the door.”

And while she doesn’t make donuts, she’s an accomplished baker, providing carrot cake, bread pudding, and cheesecake for Sturbridge Seafood, the eatery owned by her boyfriend, Ken Yukimura. She does some occasional modeling, and loves to work out; she’s especially fond of exercise boot camps.

So you might say she’s a tremendous role model in that she clearly demonstrates the value of working hard, getting involved in the community, staying in shape, supporting your significant other, and, yes, reading BusinessWest.

That’s food for thought. And so is this: National Donut Day is only seven weeks away.

— George O’Brien

Photography by Leah Martin Photography

Introducing the Class of 2016