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NORTHAMPTON — Friendly rivalry and a passion to support the new Breast Center at Cooley Dickinson brought more than 144 players, sponsors, and volunteers to the Orchards on Oct. 2. In its 28th year, the Golf FORE Health Tournament surpassed the event’s fund-raising goal, bringing in $104,000.

Beautiful New England fall weather made the perfect backdrop for a day of camaraderie and community. Players were challenged by a championship-level golf course peppered with refreshment stations and contests. On-course highlights included hot dogs and refreshments from the Friends of Cooley Dickinson, lobster rolls from the Smithsonian Chowder House, barbecue from Bub’s BBQ, and ice cream from Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream. An exciting new addition to the tournament, an air cannon, gave players the opportunity to fire golf balls towards the 8th hole.

This year’s major sponsors included M.J. Moran Inc., bankESB, Tom & Sue Hodgkins, and Pioneer Valley EMS. Proceeds supported the construction of the new Breast Center, ensuring critical breast-care needs will be met at Cooley Dickinson.

“Projects like the new Breast Center would not be possible without the support of our community, our volunteers, and the Golf FORE Health Committee, who worked tirelessly on the tournament for months securing sponsorships, raffle prizes, and participants,” said Diane Dukette, chief Development officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

The event concluded with dinner at the clubhouse, a silent auction, and short speeches by tournament co-chairs Natalie Didonna and Pat Brough, Cooley Dickinson Health Care President and CEO Joanne Marqusee, and Dr. Michelle Helms of Cooley Dickinson Medical Group General Surgical Care, a self-described “passionate promoter” of breast health who will be integrating surgical services with the center.

“Cooley is committed to delivering compassionate and personalized care to every patient and family we serve,” Marqusee said. “The new Breast Center allows us to provide exceptional care in a patient-centered environment. We are truly grateful for all who participated and supported this year’s tournament.”

Past Golf FORE Health events have provided funding for the Massachusetts General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital (2013, 2014, and 2015), the Nursing Education Program (2012), the Locust Street Entrance Renovation (2011), the Cardiovascular Program (2010), the Emergency Department (2009), the Center for Midwifery Care (2008), and the Pediatric Hospitalist Program (2007).

Daily News

AGAWAM — Survivor Journeys invites the community to the third annual Halloween Gala sponsored by Health New England and S. Prestley and Helen Blake, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. The cost of the gala is $60 per person or $600 for a table of ten and includes dinner, music, and dancing. A cash bar will be available. Costumes are encouraged.

Survivor Journeys provides social and emotional support services to cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers. Services are built on collaboration with local providers and cancer survivors, along with regional and nationally recognized cancer organizations.

Survivor Journeys also announced that the organization will benefit from the generosity of the S. Prestley and Helen Blake Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, which has offered a $25,000 matching grant challenge to Survivor Journeys. The S. Prestley and Helen Blake Fund will match all funds raised, up to $25,000, by Survivor Journeys by Dec. 31.

Visit www.survivorjourneys.org to purchase individual tickets or tickets for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are available. E-mail [email protected] with any questions about sponsorships, support groups, or developing programs.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University is featured in the Colleges of Distinction guidebook, a widely used review publication that provides a discerning look at colleges throughout the U.S. Based on the judgments of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals, the Colleges of Distinction guidebook honors colleges that excel in key areas of educational quality.

“Western New England University is excited that Colleges of Distinction has recognized our outstanding qualities and has again included us in the guidebook,” said Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing at WNEU. “As one of the few small institutions in the country that has achieved the highest accreditation standards for business (AACSB), engineering (ABET), and law (ABA), the university successfully combines the highest standards of learning with one-on-one student attention in a vibrant and engaging community, and one that provides a quality experience, leading to successful outcomes.”

The university serves approximately 4,000 students, including 2,650 undergraduate students. In order to qualify for inclusion in the guidebook, WNEU was evaluated for its performance in the ‘four distinctions’: ‘engaged students,’ ‘great teaching,’ ‘vibrant communities,’ and ‘successful outcomes.’ Guidance counselors and admissions professionals around the country recommended Western New England highly in all four categories. The university was particularly noted for its active student body, devoted faculty, and academic programs based on developing collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Already recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its innovative approach to education, Western New England University has been honored further for its blending of the liberal arts with professional programming in business, education, and engineering. The 21st-century job market now demands employees who are both stellar communicators and critical-thinkers, and WNEU’s well-rounded approach to career development aims to prepare students to take on the post-graduation world.

“The single most important goal we set for ourselves at the university is to maintain the highest level of educational quality and to help assure the success of each of our students,” said Anthony Caprio, WNEU president. “At Western New England University, it is the high level of commitment to this goal that defines not only who we are, but also what we value as educators.”

Daily News

We can’t say with any degree of certainty whether Theodor Geisel would appreciate all the controversy that’s been swirling about his work recently. But we think he probably would.

Throughout his career, he never shied away from politics or controversy, and, more than anyone else, he understood that his works were always a matter of interpretation and that people often saw in them what they wanted to see.

Don’t forget, it was Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who, in 1974, just a few days before President Richard Nixon resigned in the wake of the Watergate scandal, sent columnist Art Buchwald a copy of his book Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! — with ‘Marvin K. Mooney’ crossed out and replaced with ‘Richard M. Nixon.’ Buchwald asked if Geisel if he could reprint it, and despite warnings from his publisher that this was probably not a good idea, Geisel gave his blessing to do so.

And that’s just one example of how the author eschewed the ‘play it safe’ and ‘let’s be careful not to offend anyone’ theory of the universe, one that has pretty much taken over life as we know it in 2017, where political correctness — or the endless pursuit of it — is the order of the day.

Which brings us to the recent controversy about Seuss and his work. First, a librarian in Cambridge refused to accept Dr. Seuss books given to her by the current First Lady, claiming that the author was a “tired and worn ambassador for children’s literature” and that his illustrations are “steeped in racist propaganda, caricatures, and harmful stereotypes.”

Next, three children’s authors said they would boycott a festival at the recently opened Seuss museum in the Quadrangle because of an image of a Chinese man on a mural at the museum, complete with chopsticks, one they said was a “jarring racial stereotype.”

In response, the museum’s leaders have said they will replace the mural with “a new image that reflects the wonderful characters and messages from Dr. Seuss’ later works.”

That decision didn’t sit well at all with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who called on the museum to consider leaving the offending mural in place. Meanwhile, restaurateur and developer Andy Yee, the son of Chinese immigrants, took offense at the proposed removal and, along with business partner Peter Picknelly, offered to buy the mural to display elsewhere.

“Where do we draw the line?” the mayor asked in his statement. “This is political correctness at its worst, and this is what is wrong with this country?”

As we said at the top, Theodor Geisel probably would have liked all this — and we’re just going to guess that he would be right there with the mayor on this one, saying, in essence, ‘my work is my work; interpret it how you will, and discuss it as you will.’

But we’re just speculating.

Actually, what Ted Geisel would do is not the issue here. It’s what the museum should do in this matter, and this is not an easy question to answer.

The new facility in the Quadrangle is called the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. His world was different from this one, and his world (and his works) certainly included a number of stereotypical images, many of which would be considered harmful to those who see them.

Does the museum present this world unvarnished, or does it take pains — as it looks like it will — to only show the parts of this world that probably (that’s probably) won’t offend anyone?

While we completely understand why the museum would take out the mural in question — this image may indeed be offensive to some Asians (if not Yee), and there are plenty of ‘safer’ images, for lack of a better term — this is a very slippery slope to start down, or continue down, because we started down it a long time ago.

If museums start removing art (and that’s what this is) that offends someone, anyone, then soon we’ll be looking at blank walls. It’s the same with books, statues, monuments, and buildings named after people.

Let the discussion continue. Theodor Geisel would have liked it, and he probably would have joined right in.

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank surprised 29 local schools, who participate in the bank’s Savings Makes Sense school banking program, with a $250 gift card to Staples, to help cover the cost of back-to-school supplies.

“We know how difficult it is for the schools to have the supplies they need when budgets become tight,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president, Community Relations at Country Bank. “They are truly so grateful and appreciative of this gift.”

One principal noted, “this donation is greatly appreciated. The past few years, we have used the gift card to purchase signs and posters for the hallways, auditorium, and cafeteria to support our school-wide positive-behavior program. The components of ‘Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be a Learner’ are posted throughout the building as a visual reminder of the expectations, and it has had such a positive effect on the students. Thank you, Country Bank, for your continuous support.”

It has been reported that teachers annually spend about $250 of their own money, on average, to purchase items for their classrooms.

Daily News

HADLEY — The UMass Donahue Institute released an analysis of the impacts from Plainridge Park Casino’s first year of operation.

The Institute worked directly with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and Plainridge Park Casino (PPC) in Plainville to determine the economic footprint of PPC’s operations, including employment, wages, vendor spending, and fiscal impacts from taxes and other assessments paid to government. Researchers also analyzed how shifts in patron spending as a result of gaming expansion affected the state.

The economic impacts of a new casino opening in Massachusetts are not limited to the impacts of employees spending new wages in their communities. The casino also purchases goods and services from other firms, and state and local governments collect taxes and other assessments from the casino, allowing them to spend more than they would otherwise have been able to. Alternately, and as with any new attraction, some of PPC’s revenue is coming from consumers who previously spent their money at other Massachusetts businesses, and those businesses are affected by the loss of support.

Among the report’s highlights:

• In PPC’s first 12 full months of operation (July 2015 through June 2016), patrons spent approximately $172.5 million on gambling and non-gambling activities at the facility.

• The majority of patrons surveyed at PPC were identified as ‘recaptured’ patrons who would have spent their money gambling out of state had PPC not opened, while others were out-of-state visitors whose visit was prompted by the casino. Recaptured patrons are responsible for $100 million of the $172.5 million spent at PPC. Out-of-state residents spent $36 million at PPC. Another $36.6 million was spent by Massachusetts residents who otherwise would have spent their money elsewhere.

• The largest single source of new economic activity came from $81 million in taxes and assessments collected from the casino’s gross gaming revenue. Of those funds, $77.6 million in payments were made to various Massachusetts government entities, with $66.4 million given directly to cities and towns in the form of local aid.

• PPC created approximately 556 new jobs at the casino and $17.8 million in wages. In total, PPC created or supported 2,417 jobs in the Commonwealth with 1,633 jobs in the private sector.

• PPC supported $19.1 million in spending on vendors, membership organizations, and charitable causes.

• Visitors to PPC spent an estimated $3.2 million in the Plainville area in the course of visiting the casino.

“The principal motivation for the Legislature in crafting the gaming law was to recapture the approximately $1 billion spent annually by Massachusetts residents at out-of-state casinos,” said MGC Chairman Steve Crosby. “This report demonstrates emphatically that we are in the process of accomplishing that important objective.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and representatives of Unify Against Bullying will hold a ceremony on Monday, Oct. 16 at 2:15 p.m. on the steps of City Hall. Sarno, on behalf of the city, will extend congratulations to Unify Against Bullying in recognition of its participation in National Bullying Prevention Month, and will proclaim Oct. 16 “Unify Against Bullying day”.

Unify Against Bullying’s mission is to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. There are countless children waging quiet battles against bullying. Many believe they are alone. The organization wants these children to know they are far from alone, supported by a loving, caring community of fellow students, teachers, parents, brothers, sisters, business leaders, and others.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute got a big boost yesterday from the governor’s office with the awarding of a $229,500 grant for the purchase of computer and kitchen equipment for the new downtown training facility, which is expected to open next month.

During an appearance at Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a total of $9.5 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants to 32 community colleges, high schools, and educational institutions to enhance and expand career training programs like the ones Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be operating at the Cubit Building on the corner of Race and Appleton streets in the city’s Innovation District.

“These Skills Capital Grants will help boost our economy and equip students with new skills, knowledge, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment across the Commonwealth,” Baker said. “We look forward to continuing our work with these 32 institutions and previous awardees to enhance their programs and develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.”

The HCC grant will be used to buy 32 computer workstations, networking infrastructure, and software programs unique to hospitality- and culinary-industry workplaces, as well as kitchen equipment such as refrigerators, grill and fry tables, ice machines, skillets, griddles, steamers, and dishwashers.

“All the items purchased with the grant will directly support workforce training for occupations within the growing hospitality and culinary-arts industry of Western Massachusetts, including preparing workers for MGM Springfield, one of our major employer partners,” said Amy Dopp, HCC’s interim vice president of Institutional Advancement. She said the new equipment will allow the college to increase the number of seats available in its credit and non-credit programs and be able to customize instruction to meet the needs of local employers.

Construction of the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, which will occupy nearly 20,000 square feet on the first and second floors of the Cubit Building, is expected to completed in late November, with non-credit workforce-training programs beginning in December. HCC’s credit programs in hospitality and culinary arts will relocate from the main campus to the new facility for the beginning of the spring 2018 semester.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Gándara Center’s Project Health program will host its 20th annual HIV/AIDS Vigil for the Springfield community today, Oct. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. The vigil begins at the corner of Bancroft and Main streets, where a brief gathering will be followed by a march to the North End Youth Center, which will host bilingual community speakers, poets, jazz singers and other vocal performances, dancing, and more. The event concludes at 8 p.m. with a unity circle.

The Project Health HIV/AIDS vigil was created in 1997 bring HIV/AIDS awareness to the Springfield Latino community and honor those living with the disease. Additionally, October is National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, and this year AIDS Awareness Day will be celebrated on Sunday, Oct. 15.

“The vigil was really a way to shed light on those who live with these conditions and let them know they aren’t alone,” said Gándara Center’s Project Health Program Director Jesus Aguirre. “HIV is not a death sentence, but it’s about a healthier way of living. The vigil provides awareness and education in the community in hopes of helping to prevent spreading HIV.”

For the past 20 years, Gándara Center’s Project Health program has provided bilingual case-management services for individuals in the Springfield area who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. Case managers help those living with HIV/AIDS to access medical, mental health, and addiction treatment and provide education to maintaining a healthy, positive lifestyle.

This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome to walk in the vigil or participate in the festivities at the North End Youth Center. For additional information about the vigil or Project Health, call Program Director Jesus Aguirre at (413) 732-2120.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the launch of its new website. Featuring dramatic original photography of the Pioneer Valley, mbkcpa.com is a written and visual depiction of MBK’s core mission to serve individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Western Mass. and beyond. A firm with deep roots, MBK takes a fresh perspective on why it does business in this community and declares its belief in the power and potential of the region.

“We’re very happy with the way the new site highlights our commitment to the individuals and businesses in Western Massachusetts,” said MBK Partner James Barrett. “We work with many local, independent, and family-owned businesses and are always inspired and energized by the strength of community found here in the Pioneer Valley. Our hope was to render this sentiment not only through words, but through a compelling visual representation as well. This new site reflects our passion for our clients, staff, and our community as we move toward the next generation here in Western Mass.”

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, slated for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will present a lunch event featuring keynote speaker Ron Insana, senior analyst and commentator with CNBC.

Titled “Trumponomics,” Insana’s talk will address how Washington will affect the economy in the years ahead. As the U.S. and global economies move toward recovery, Insana will apply his journalistic perspective to how Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington shape what the new normal means for everyone.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25. To register, visit www.wmbexpo.com.

A financial journalist with the experience of working for and running his own hedge fund, Insana offers clear insights on the ever-changing status of the economy. Currently host of a nationally syndicated daily radio show in addition to his roles at CNBC, he has access to the top financial players in Washington and on Wall Street and translates the market signals and political maneuvers into information everyone understands. His hands-on experience in the financial industry — through some of the markets’ most turbulent times — give an added depth of perspective. He offers practical advice on what individuals and businesses can and should do now to protect what they have and to find opportunities in any type of market condition. Insana is the author of Traders’ Tales, The Message of the Markets, TrendWatching, and most recently How to Make a Fortune from the Biggest Bailout in U.S. History: A Guide to the 7 Greatest Bargains from Main Street to Wall Street.

The Expo will feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor). Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) will host its inaugural Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) Kickoff on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the UMass Center at Springfield. Christine Monska, new program officer for Leadership Programs with WFWM, will host the city-wide youth event to highlight some of the key issues girls and young women face in the city of Springfield, and what the organization’s Young Women’s Advisory Council (YWAC) plans to do about it.

Parents, teachers, community supporters, and champions are encouraged to bring a young person in their life to this event. The kickoff celebration is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be available. Opening remarks will be delivered by Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst. This program features young women leaders working together with adult mentors to create a road map for their collective futures. The kickoff will center the voices of Springfield young women in their own leadership development. To RSVP, e-mail Ellen Moorhouse at [email protected] by Monday, Oct. 16.

The Young Women’s Initiative (YWI) Springfield Partnership is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving economic prosperity for young women. YWI is led by a coalition of eight women’s foundations across the U.S. The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is piloting the Springfield Partnership, a unique program that will produce systems change on behalf of young women in the region’s largest city.

“I am thrilled to join the Women’s Fund as our transformative leadership programs expand to include young women,” said Monska. “When young women and girls utilize their voices to become leaders in their community, our nation becomes one step further to achieving gender equity. I am honored to lead a program dedicated to fostering greater opportunity for Springfield’s young women and girls.”

Monska comes to the WFWM with extensive experience in program and curriculum development, capacity building, and advocacy for gender-inclusive policymaking at the international, national, and local levels. As a Western Mass. native who served as a district director for state Sen. Ben Downing and commissioner for the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women, she brings deep understanding of the structural barriers young women and girls continue to face in the community. She remains the Continuing Education advisor for Bard Microcollege in Holyoke, the nation’s first college for low-income women whose educations have been disrupted by pregnancy or other barriers to four-year degree programs and career opportunities.

Monska earned her master’s degree in global affairs, international law and human rights at New York University, Harvard Business School’s HBX CORe focusing on business analytics and financial accounting, and a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield announced the team that will oversee its marketing, advertising, and communications efforts, welcoming Sarah Moore as vice president of Marketing, Advertising & Retail and Saverio Mancini as director of Communications.

“I’m very excited about the team we continue to assemble to lead MGM Springfield,” MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis said. “I’m especially pleased that we were able to recruit New England natives and industry veterans for these two important positions. Moore and Mancini bring an abundance of experience to our resort that is exceeded only by their passion for our vision and their understanding of Springfield’s rich heritage.”

Moore assumes responsibility for the development and execution of strategic marketing plans and overall brand management as well as oversight of retail operations and leased outlets. She joins the MGM Springfield team with more than a decade of experience at MGM Resorts International. Most recently, she was responsible for the marketing, advertising, and retail strategy for the newly opened MGM National Harbor. She previously worked as Brand Marketing director and director of Sustainable Operations at MGM Resorts for more than five years. Prior to that, she was on the opening teams for ARIA, Vdara, and Crystals at CityCenter, all in Las Vegas. She is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

Mancini, who will work closely with Moore, will oversee the execution of external media and communications, as well as manage key brand corporate communications and public relations that support and enhance the image of MGM Springfield. He comes to MGM Springfield from Quinn & Hary Marketing in New London, Conn., where he was vice president of Public Relations. His client roster included Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, Old Saybrook, Conn.; Cape Arundel Cottage Preserve, Arundel, Maine; and the Connecticut Tourism Coalition. Before that, he spent nearly eight years managing and implementing successful communications and public-relations efforts for the pre-opening, grand opening, and subsequent expansions of Mohegan Sun in Connecticut.

He started his career as a weekly newspaper reporter, and his previous experience also included a stint as vice president in the Connecticut office of Boston-based Regan Communications. He earned his MBA in hospitality and marketing from Johnson and Wales University and his bachelor’s degree in communications sciences from the University of Connecticut.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, will conclude with the annual Expo Social from 3 to 5 p.m. — an event that will feature a new, tasty twist.

The social will include a “Best in Show” food-sampling competition. Those who register as Expo Social food exhibitors will be entered into the food competition. Expo attendees will vote for their favorite food item by dropping a token in the jar with the name of their chosen food exhibitor. Attendees are given one token each.

The “Best in Show” winner will be awarded with an advertising campaign in BusinessWest as well as editorial content in the magazine’s annual Restaurant Guide. Participants in the competition must be ready to serve their entry by 2:45 p.m., no exceptions. Vendors can register by clicking here.

The Expo, set for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will also feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor). Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Daily News

AGAWAM — Jean Deliso, CFP has been named a member of the 2017 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement for six consecutive years.

Her passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. She began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance.

Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s CT Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. She is currently chairman of the board of the Baystate Health Foundation and a board member of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University.

Deliso Financial and Insurance Services is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Co. or any of its affiliates.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — I Found Light Against All Odds will present its first annual Masquerade Ball Gala on Saturday, Nov. 4. The festivities will include horse-and-carriage photos, food stations, presentations, and music.

The gala will take place at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Black ties and masks are encouraged. Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased by clicking here.

The proceeds from this event will be used to award eight $500 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship for the 2017-18 school year. The recipients will be formerly at-risk high-school seniors from nine different high schools in surrounding cities and towns who have overcome the darkness in their lives, found light in education, and are headed to college. The student from the community with the most attendees at the gala will be the one to receive the $1,000 scholarship.

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Martha Rickson has joined Polish National Credit Union as assistant vice president, retail sales administrator.

Rickson has more than 37 years of retail and commercial banking experience. In her new position, she looks forward to returning to her Wilbraham roots and to the opportunity to introduce Polish National Credit Union to the many customers and friends she has made over the years in that community and in Hampden, Palmer, and Monson as well.

Rickson is a graduate of Springfield Technical Community College, the American Banking Institute, and the New England School of Financial Studies at Babson College. During the course of her career, she was the recipient of the Western Mass Peer Choice Award and a Customer Service Award with national recognition by “Your Money.” She also developed an ongoing refer-a-friend program as a sales tool for attracting new retail business and initiated a financial-awareness education program for graduating high-school seniors. She has also served as treasurer of the Wilbraham Chamber of Commerce.

“Martha has gained a reputation for exceptional service and earning the trust of the community, and she also has the expertise to help change lives,” said James Kelly, president and CEO of Polish National Credit Union. “Her background in retail and commercial banking, complemented by her dedication to developing and maintaining rewarding customer relationships, will serve her well for continued success in her new role with us. We are pleased to have her on our team.”

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Western Mass. hair salons are helping to make a difference in the fight against bullying, one haircut at a time.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, salons across Western Mass. will participate in a one-day Cut-A-Thon to benefit Unify Against Bullying. Salons will donate proceeds from haircuts, blowouts, and styling to the anti-bullying organization. The salons will even offer temporary pink hair color, reflecting the signature color of Unify Against Bullying. In addition, each salon will add its own activities and promotions for the event.

“It’s a fun day for a great cause, and everyone leaves the salon feeling and looking fabulous, each in their own unique way. We love how each salon is embracing Unify Against Bullying and being creative in their vision for the Cut-A-Thon,” said Christine Maiwald, executive director of Unify Against Bullying.

Each participating salon will be the exclusive Unify Cut-A-Thon salon in its city or town. Salons that want to participate may contact Maiwald at [email protected].

To date, participating salons include Cutting Edge Salon & Day Spa, 975 Springfield St., Feeding Hills; Gasoline Alley, 250 Albany St., Springfield, Hair West, Spa West, 322-326 West Ave., Ludlow; New Decadence Hair Designers, 375 Franklin St., Melrose; and Siciliano Salon, 1362 Westfield St., West Springfield.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced its annual Food Fest West will be held Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield.

The event will feature a DJ, dancing, and food from area restaurants including Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Crestview Country Club, Hofbrauhaus, LPVEC, Main Street Deli, Nadim’s Restaurant, Partner’s Restaurant, Springfield Country Club, Sorrento’s Pizza, Souper Sweet Sandwich Shop, Storrowton Tavern, Tekoa Country Club, the Westfield State University culinary team, and more. Cigar Room II will be on hand so attendees can enjoy a cigar on the country club’s patio.

Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will benefit the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing-education needs. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced the groundbreaking ceremony for its new educational facility will take place Wednesday, Oct. 18, starting at 3 p.m. Guests and speakers include U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, AIC President Vincent Maniaci, AIC board of trustees Chair Frank Colaccino; AIC Dean of Health Sciences Cesarina Thompson, and AIC Student Government Assoc. President Dante Raggio.

Located at 1020 State St., the building will house the college’s new exercise science programs in addition to expanded occupational therapy and physical therapy offerings. It is a complete remodel of the existing edifice and includes new construction. The one-level building will grow to a two-story structure totaling more than 20,000 square feet. Athletic-training programs will be introduced beginning in 2021.

Located in the geographic center of Springfield, this new facility complements the ongoing redevelopment of downtown by extending revitalization efforts up the State Street corridor to the Mason Square/Upper Hill neighborhood.

“With the increasing emphasis on health promotion, fitness, and disease prevention, there is a need to competitively prepare our students as exercise-science professionals who can practice in the growing areas of performance training and sports medicine in addition to the ever-expanding fields of occupational and physical therapy,” Thompson said. “This new facility will enhance the students’ educational experience, enabling them to be well-equipped to practice in an evolving and complex healthcare system.”

The state-of-the-art facility will boast a variety of lab, rehabilitation, and human-performance spaces, and will allow for clinical simulations. It will also contain classroom space and faculty offices.

Daily News

STOCKBRIDGE — Sarah Eustis, CEO of Main Street Hospitality Group, announced the addition of a sixth hotel into the company’s portfolio with the acquisition of the Briarcliff Motel in Great Barrington.

“The addition of this property to the Main Street family reinforces our commitment to the Berkshires as stewards of a 50-year legacy of hospitality in the region,” said Eustis. “The Briarcliff is a perfect fit to our portfolio and an ideal complement to its sister hotels, and we are so grateful to Richard and Clare Proctor for entrusting its future with Main Street.”

Main Street Hospitality took ownership of the 16-room, 1960s-era Briarcliff Motel, located at 506 Stockbridge Road, earlier this month.

“Since Richard and I opened Briarcliff in 2011, we have found the Berkshires to be a great place to live and run a small, independently minded business, and we’re filled with gratitude to the many people we’ve met who have encouraged and helped us along the way,” said Clare Proctor. “It’s time for the next big step, both for us and for the Briarcliff, and we are delighted to be passing the place into the hands of Main Street Hospitality: a company who will continue to shepherd it forward under Sarah Eustis’ passionate leadership.”

The acquisition was financed by Lee Bank of Great Barrington, Eustis noted. “Lee Bank is a valued partner to Main Street Hospitality, and we appreciate the confidence their employees have in our business.”

Main Street Hospitality includes six properties, 275 rooms, and 350 employees in Western Mass. Its footprint now expands from its affiliate property Race Brook Lodge in Sheffield in the southern part of the county, to the Briarcliff in Great Barrington, through Stockbridge, home of the flagship Red Lion Inn and Maple Glen at the Red Lion Inn, to centrally located Hotel on North in Pittsfield and further up county to the Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams.

“Independent hoteliers are facing so many new challenges in managing and marketing their properties, especially in the face of growing competition from shared-economy companies like Airbnb and a proliferation of brands,” said Eustis. “As we to continue to evolve as an operator and developer of independent hotels both within and outside of the Berkshires, we’re finding a rich pipeline of opportunities to grow the Main Street portfolio further.”

Daily News

HADLEY — The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament set a new fund-raising record by raising $131,300 to support Dr. Patrick Wen and his research colleagues in the Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The tournament was held on Aug. 21 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow and Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow, followed by a dinner at Twin Hills Country Club attended by more than 300 guests. The dinner featured a performance by Noah Lis from The Voice along with John Dennis, celebrity emcee of the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and featured a raffle and live and silent auctions. The event’s platinum sponsor was Edmunds.

The tournament was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi, co-presidents of TommyCar Auto Group, to honor the legacy of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a glioblastoma in 2009 and dreamed of a cure for brain cancer. What started as a small, four-team tournament in 2009 has grown to become one of the largest charity tournaments in Western Mass., with more than 52 teams and 300+ participants.

Proceeds from tournament sponsorships help Dana-Farber researchers design novel clinical trials to test and develop targeted therapies that have not previously been studied in brain tumors, initiate several clinical trials in immunotherapy, and conduct groundbreaking basic research to guide new therapeutic approaches. Since its inception in 2009, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has donated $830,712.

“Every year, I think it’s the best one yet,” said Carla Cosenzi. “However, I’m proud to say that our players and sponsors continue to come through, making each year more successful than the last.”

Visit tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com for information about the 2018 tournament, which will mark the event’s 10th year.

Daily News

BOSTON — The New England Information Office of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released New England and state unemployment numbers for August 2017. These data are supplied by the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program, which produces monthly and annual employment, unemployment, and labor-force data for Census regions and divisions, states, counties, metropolitan areas, and many cities.

The New England unemployment rate was little changed at 4.0% in August. One year ago, the New England jobless rate was 3.9%. The U.S. jobless rate was little changed from July at 4.4%. No New England state had a significant over-the-year jobless rate change.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, will introduce a new feature this year, called the “Ask an Expert Roundtable.” Ten business professionals in the community will share their expertise with a table of guests for 45 minutes. During that time, they will give a rundown of their professional experience, take questions, and participate in an open, relaxed dialogue with attendees.

Participants include Pam Thornton of Name Net Worth (who will focus on LinkedIn and social-media marketing); Amy Royal of Royal, P.C. (focus on employment law); Jenny MacKay of the Gaudreau Group (focus on healthcare reform); Sheila Magalhaes of Heartsong (focus on modern mindfulness); Angela Lussier of Speaker Sisterhood (focus on finding one’s voice and being more assertive); Ira Bryck of the Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley (focus on family-business work balance); Tracey Gaylord of Granite State Development Corp. (focus on funding one’s next big idea, big or small); Lorenzo Macaluso of the Center for EcoTechnology (focus on how to make a company green); and Jonathan Butler of 1Berkshire Chamber (focus on board of director succession planning); and Tiffany Appleton of Johnson & Hill Staffing (focus on recruiting, interviewing, and hiring).

The Expo, set for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will also feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor). Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Daily News

AMHERST — Chemical engineers Jessica Schiffman and Sarah Perry at UMass Amherst have developed nanofiber fabrics that are green and non-toxic that can be used in medical, environmental, personal-care and food-packaging applications. The research is supported by a three-year, $338,180 grant from the National Science Foundation.

Schiffman and Perry say the key to their research is thinking differently about polymers. While traditional methods of making polymer-based fibers require the use of toxic organic solvents, this new approach uses polymers that assemble to form fibers from a solution of water and salt. The resultant fibers are highly stable even if exposed to high temperatures or they are submerged in organic solvents. The grant supports fundamental research into the development and application of these new, green nanofiber fabric materials.

The existing method for making nanofibers is based on a process known as ‘electrospinning,’ where an electrical force is used to ‘draw’ or pull charged threads of polymer solutions into solid nanoscale fibers that cluster to form a soft, flexible fabric. This well-known method has been demonstrated to form fibers from more than 100 different polymers.

However, the use of such nanofiber fabrics is sharply limited because of the potential for residual toxic solvents or chemicals in the final product. By using this new, non-toxic, environmentally friendly approach, Perry and Schiffman say they will vastly expand the potential uses for the fabrics.

“This is a fundamental game changer,” Schiffman says. Perry added that the new method for creating the nanofibers “opens whole new fields of research and applications.”

New uses for the tissue-paper-like materials could include advanced wound dressing technologies where the fibers could simultaneously deliver medicine while removing infected, oozy exudate from wounds. They could also be used for water treatment and in the food-processing industry to detect when food has spoiled or contains harmful bacteria or other health threats, Schiffman and Perry said. Other uses might include cleaning chemical spills, delivering pesticides to crops, facial wipes, and food packaging.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, announced a new marketing partnership with the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. The Lottery will receive branding at Thunderbirds home games and arena signage at the MassMutual Center.

The organizations have launched a “Salute to Soldiers” initiative. As part of this military-appreciation platform, an armed forces member or veteran, along with their family, will be recognized at Friday home games. This program is designed to honor men and women for going beyond the call of duty. The partnership will also feature “Winning Weekdays,” which reward all fans in attendance with a ticket to a future game when the T-Birds win.

“Sports and the lottery are both synonymous with winning,” said Chris Thompson, senior vice president, Sales & Strategy for the Thunderbirds. “The Thunderbirds are excited to partner with the most successful lottery in the country and share our mission of giving back to the community.”

Added Edward Farley, assistant executive director and chief administrative officer, Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, “we are excited about this opportunity to recognize deserving individuals among us who have dedicated themselves to serving others.”

The Thunderbirds opened their 2017-18 home ice schedule on Oct. 14 with a matchup with the rival Hartford Wolf Pack. Ticket memberships, including season tickets, are on sale now, starting at $12 per game. Thunderbirds full-season ticket members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order, call (413) 739-4625 or visit www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley this week donated $6,000 to the Red Cross as part of a sponsorship for the organization’s hurricane-relief golf tournament held Oct. 2 at the Haven Country Club in Boylston.

“In the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Maria, we wanted to make a contribution that we knew would make a difference,” said firm partner Patrick McHugh. “There is no organization as committed to providing life saving assistance as the Red Cross.”

McHugh and the law firm have many clients with direct ties to Puerto Rico and are involved in the Puerto Rican community in Western Mass. and throughout the state.

“When you see such devastation in Puerto Rico and, of course, in Texas and Florida, you feel a need to do what you can. It’s frustrating to be so far away, but it is critical that all of us as Americans work to affect a positive outcome for the people who are so tragically impacted by these natural disasters,” said McHugh, who is also a Red Cross board member. “I know first-hand the incredible work that the Red Cross does, and our firm for decades has stood with this organization to lend whatever support we can to their efforts. We are so very proud of our affiliation with them.”

Daily News

AGAWAM — Valerie Krolicki recently joined Ayre Real Estate Co. Inc. as a full-time real-estate sales associate. She is a graduate of Hopkinton High School and has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University in Boston.

Krolicki is the daughter-in-law of the late Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Ayre, formerly of Ayre Real Estate and past president of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley and Realtor of the Year. She can be reached at Ayre Real Estate, 644 Main St., Agawam; (413) 789-0812, ext. 131; or [email protected].

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Michelle Wirth, owner of the new Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, will deliver the 2017 Innovative Thinking and Entrepreneurship Lecture at Bay Path University. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 in the Blake Student Commons on the Longmeadow campus. A networking continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the lecture to follow at 8:15 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, visit www.baypath.edu/michellewirth.

After graduating from Lehigh University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Wirth began her professional career with Mercedes Benz USA, and held positions in engineering, public relations, and marketing. In her roles, she was able to travel to the company headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. To achieve brand excellence, she observed, the company encourages a culture of innovation through employee collaboration — a philosophy that she embraces in her own day-to-day leadership.

“When your approach is ‘everyone deserves the best life has to offer’ … and you trust in the idea that there is plenty for everyone, I believe the universe conspires with you,” Wirth said. “Opportunities seem to pop up everywhere, and the feeling of abundance and generosity just propagates.”

Wirth joins a long list of past speakers for the Innovative Thinking and Entrepreneurship Lecture, including Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors; Sue Morelli, CEO and president of Au Bon Pain; and Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, among others. The lecture is sponsored by Strategic Alliances and the Advisory Council at Bay Path University.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Area employers and human-resource professionals are invited to join Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts for a panel discussion about breaking down the barriers that stand between the region’s workforce and sustained employment.

With sponsorship support from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, United Personnel, Sperion Staffing, Armbrook Village, and Western MA HRMA, the event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield.

“The right dress or suit might give you the confidence you need to perform well in an interview,” said Dawn Creighton, president of Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts. “But in order to truly be successful in the workplace, there are many barriers that must be overcome. Real success happens when employees and employers can work together to resolve some of these issues.”

Tickets for the event cost $25 and may be purchased online at westernmassachusettsdressforsuccess.org or by calling (860) 638-8980.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Pharmacy and Wellness Centers can now prescribe and fill naloxone for customers in all 39 of its pharmacy locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. This effort is intended to help prevent opioid-related deaths throughout the region.

Naloxone is used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. All Big Y pharmacists are trained to assist patients and their family members on how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer this medication.

According to state government data, in 2016 opioid-related deaths claimed nearly 2,000 lives in Massachusetts and 1,000 in Connecticut. Naloxone can be administered to any person who has overdosed on a variety of opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, and even heroin.

“Many of our pharmacists have contributed their professional expertise during panels at local opioid-epidemic forums in our communities. The ability to now prescribe and fill naloxone for our patients and their families is just another way we can help them prevent an accidental overdose, save lives, and allow our patients the opportunity to seek long-term treatment,” said Nicole D’Amour Schneider, director of Pharmacy.

Big Y operates 77 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, including 70 supermarkets, 39 pharmacies, Fresh Acres Market, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors, and five Big Y Express gas and convenience locations, with more than 11,000 employees in all.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, slated for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will feature a wide range of activities, including the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Speed Networking Event from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. in the Expo Show Floor Theater.

A fast and fun way to make connections, the event is like speed dating for business. Attendees are divided into two groups seated across from each other. The limit is one participant per company in order to give everyone a chance to meet a contact from a new company each time participants rotate. Attendees are invited to continue networking at the Expo Social after the event, where a cash bar will be available.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, $30 general admission. All Expo vendors may attend Speed Networking at chamber-member pricing. For more information and to register, visit www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

The Expo will feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor). Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Morrison Mahoney LLP announced the election of six new partners, representing a range of practice areas including appeals, insurance coverage, construction litigation, professional liability defense, medical malpractice, fraud, transportation, and employment-law disputes.

“The election of so many highly qualified partners speaks volumes of the depth of talent that we have in all offices of Morrison Mahoney and quality of our mentoring and professional development,” said Managing Partner Scott Burke.

The new partners are:

• Jeffrey O’Connor (Springfield), who focuses his practice on the defense of medical and legal professionals, healthcare law, employment litigation, and general liability defense;

• Joseph Ciollo (Hartford, Stamford), who represents insurance companies, insureds, private businesses, attorneys, and other licensed professionals in matters involving automobile, homeowner, and property insurance coverage; insurance fraud investigation; general liability defense; automobile liability defense; bad-faith claims; subrogation; professional liability; and employment discrimination;

• Christopher Davidson (Boston), who specializes in the defense of corporate clients involving claims of catastrophic injury or death in the context of construction-site accidents, product liability, premises liability, and transportation/trucking matters;

• Larry Slotnick (Boston), who has successfully represented insures in a wide range of coverage and bad-faith disputes, both at the trial and appellate levels, and also represents businesses in commercial-litigation disputes;

• Christopher Keenoy (New York), who focuses his practice on cases involving professional liability, construction defects, product liability, lead paint, trucking, and general liability; and

• James McKenney (New York), who litigates complex commercial and civil matters, including healthcare and insurance-coverage issues, regulatory violations, Medicaid fraud claims, contract disputes, and civil RICO actions in federal, state, and appellate courts.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Girls Inc. of Holyoke annual Western MA Business Leaders Reception, slated for today, Oct. 4, offers corporate leaders the chance to interact with the girls they support. Girls will display projects that they are working on, engage with supporters, and show what they have learned. Speakers will include Girls Inc. girls, parents, staff, and corporate supporters. The event will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Mill 1 at Open Square in Holyoke.

Corporate investment in the Girls Inc. experience equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and prepare for college and professional careers once unimagined. As part of a national network of 85 Girls Inc. affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, Girls Inc. of Holyoke advocates for all girls, and serves girls from low-income communities in Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, and beyond.

For more information, contact Sarah Etelman, Development manager, at [email protected] or (413) 532-6247, ext. 104.

Daily News

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index broke a two-month slide in September, rising 1.2 points to 62.4. The reading equaled its high for 2017 and was 6.5 points better than a year ago.

Employer confidence has moved in a narrow range so far in 2017, as employers appear bullish about the growth prospects of their companies. The September uptick was driven in part by a 5.7-point surge in the Sales Index, which is often a leading indicator of increased business activity.

“The Index was also taken prior to the announcement of an effort by Congressional Republicans and the White House to significantly reduce corporate taxes, a move that enjoys broad support among employers,” said Raymond Torto, Chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “The prospect of tax reform and tax simplification is likely to buoy employer sentiment through the end of the year.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The Index has remained above 50 since October 2013.

The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were generally higher during September. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, rose 2.2 points to 65.4, a reading that was 8.4 points higher than in September 2016. The U.S. Index of national business conditions dropped 0.4 points to 59.8 after surging more than 10 points during the previous 12 months. September marked the 90th consecutive month in which employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than the national economy.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased 1.6 points to 62.9, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose 0.7 points to 61.9. The Future Index ended the month 5.9 points higher than a year ago. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, gained 1.4 points to 62.3. Finally, the Employment Index fell 2.2 points to 55.8, continuing an up-and-down pattern within the mid-50s on the 100-point scale.

“The Massachusetts economy continues to maintain a steady recovery, with employers adding 10,800 jobs during August and the state jobless rate declining to 4.2%,” said Elmore Alexander, dean of Ricciardi College of Business at Bridgewater State University, and a BEA member. “The surge in the AIM Sales and Future indices suggests that business activity may actually accelerate in coming months, so the primary challenge for employers will remain hiring and retaining skilled workers in a tight labor market.”

AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, also a BEA member, said employers generally support federal initiatives to reduce business taxes, but also remain concerned about the potential effect those reductions might have on the deficit. It is ironic, Lord added, that the proposed Republican tax plan would lower levies for subchapter-S corporations and other small pass-through businesses, while Massachusetts voters may be voting on a surtax next year on those same companies.

“Subchapter-S corporations and other companies that pay taxes on the individual level are generally small to medium-sized enterprises that form the heart of the Massachusetts economy,” he noted. “What a shame it would be if the federal government were to help these companies while Massachusetts penalizes them.”

Cover Story

Mission Control

Mark Fulco

Mark Fulco

Roughly 21 months ago, Mark Fulco left Mercy Medical Center for a position with the hospital’s parent company, Trinity Health, one that would groom him for a leadership role somewhere within the vast Trinity system. As it turned out, somewhere became Mercy Medical Center.

Mark Fulco called it the “president track.”

Formally, he was carrying out a role within the Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health system, specifically that of ‘vice president, Health Ministries & System Office Communications Interface.’ While doing that, though, he was learning and essentially being groomed for a leadership position in one of the system’s many hospitals and medical centers.

“The idea behind this role was to bring in what they considered a high-potential executive for advancement to come here, work for the system office, learn some new things about how the system worked, and help set the operating model and the agenda for some of what the organization was going to do moving forward,” he explained, “and then return back to the regional help ministries at a level higher than they left the field at.”

He called it providential — a word he chose very carefully because of the significant meaning it carries — that the later stages of his 18- to 24-month tenure on this president track coincided with a presidential search at his former place of employment, Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, part of the Sisters of Providence Health System.

He became a candidate and prevailed in what became a nationwide search. Thus, he’s essentially coming home, as he put it, to a hospital and a system with a somewhat unique mission, one he came to fully appreciate during his tenure there, which included work in everything from fund development to marketing; new-business development to operations of the accountable-care organization and clinically integrated network.

Fulco said the Mercy presidency was essentially the first job at that level that he applied for, and it’s one he sought enthusiastically, because of what he experienced there and was part of.

Mercy Medical Center

Mark Fulco says one of the items at the top of his to-do list is to make Mercy Medical Center’s high-quality care far less of a best-kept secret.

“In this role [at Trinity], I’ve had the opportunity to see how healthcare is delivered across the country,” he told  BusinessWest. “And from that, I can say that the people of Western Mass. are really lucky to have such a talented and caring team at Mercy. And this is what really called me back to Springfield.

“It’s a great community,” he went on, referring to the Greater Springfield area. “But the real driving factor for me was the Mercy team; I’ve seen 94 or 95 different hospitals in our system, and I’ve met great caregivers from across the country, but Mercy has among the best I’ve seen, and the legacy of the Sisters of Providence … that’s a calling, it’s an honor, and it’s also a big responsibility to carry on that healing legacy.”

Fulco returns to Mercy at what he acknowledged was an ultra-challenging — and uncertain — time for the hospital, the system, and seemingly every healthcare provider in the country, with the uncertainty coming in many forms but especially the unknown fate of the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare.

Fulco said all providers are operating in an environment where reimbursements from most payers, and especially Medicare and Medicaid, do not fully cover the cost of providing care. This is not a recent phenomenon, but the situation has grown steadily more precarious in recent years.

In response, systems and individual providers must become ever-more efficient, he said, and, in a word, they must innovate.

To do to that effectively, he said he intends to take full advantage of the know-how, resources, and, yes, buying power of the Trinity Health system and its New England region. As an example, he cited a project that is in some respects already underway — conversion to a new electric medical record (EMR) system known as EPIC.

“This is something Mercy would not be able to do on its own,” he said of the EMR conversion. “If we weren’t able to rely on our colleagues in the region, this is something we couldn’t afford to do, and that’s just one example of taking full advantage of our regional resources.”

For this issue, BusinessWest talked with Fulco just days before his formal return to Springfield about his new role and that big responsibility he accepted to carry on the work of the Sisters of Providence.

Back to the Future

It’s not listed on his résumé, but Fulco still considers it one of his more important career stops.

He was referring to his time as an advanced-life-support EMT roughly 30 years ago, while he was in graduate school.

“That was my first job in healthcare,” he recalled, adding that, like all those that followed and especially his most recent assignment in Michigan, it was quite a learning experience. “That time as an EMT gave me some unique experience as a caregiver, and it gave me an appreciation for the clinical side of healthcare and incredible respect for physicians and nurses and the work they do.”

Mark Fulco, seen here with team members at Mercy Medical Center

Mark Fulco, seen here with team members at Mercy Medical Center, says that, in this challenging time, Mercy, and all healthcare providers, must be focused on innovation.

Over the next three decades, Fulco would move off the front lines in healthcare and take a series of management positions, with each one bringing new and different responsibilities.

After a stint as president of Masonic Management Services Corp. in Wallingford, Conn., a nonprofit affiliate of Masonicare, he became senior vice president of Cardium Health Services in Simsbury, Conn. From there, he took the role of vice president of Strategic Marketing and Business Development at Saint Francis Care in Hartford, another member of the Trinity Health system.

In 2005, he took the position of ‘chief transformation officer’ for the Sisters of Providence Health System. This was a broad role with a host of responsibilities that included strategy formation, accountable-care organization and clinically integrated network operations, and business-development activities, including marketing, communications, and fund development.

And as transformation officer, he helped oversee a good deal of, well, transformation in many areas, including formation and operation of an accountablecare organization, one of many areas where Mercy was out front and in many ways ahead of other providers within the Trinity Health system.

It was roughly 21 months ago that he joined Trinity Health in that aforementioned ‘interface’ role, and he described his time in Michigan as invaluable when it comes to meeting the challenges he will face as he leads Mercy Medical Center.

But as much as he enjoyed working behind the scenes, if you will, he was anxious to get back to a hospital setting.

“Healthcare is not necessarily delivered in the boardroom,” he told  BusinessWest. “Here in Michigan, I have an opportunity to see how the large healthcare system boardroom works, and how the large healthcare system team works in support of what’s delivered at the local level. But care is delivered at the bedside, and while this work here at the system office was exciting and invigorating, and it was wonderful to work with some of the best and brightest in healthcare, the hospital is where hope and healing occurs, and I wanted to be part of that again.”

He said he will bring to that role a management style grounded in the fundamentals of servant leadership, something he says comes to him naturally, because it has been his style throughout his career. And it’s also something that fits nicely with the missions of SPHS and Trinity.

“It dovetails with being a people-centered healthcare organization,” he explained. “And a lot of this was my upbringing — my father was a career public servant, and I was taught to be of service to others. It’s ingrained in me; it’s part of my DNA.”

Bringing it Home

As he talked some more about what made a return to Mercy so attractive to him, Fulco got his message across by relating the reactions he got from others when he would talk about the system.

“People here [in Michigan] are impressed when they hear about what the sisters have done, how they’ve served that community, and what that legacy is,” he explained. “But it’s interesting … they also tell me that me that, when I talked about the Sisters of Providence Health System and Mercy Medical Center, I had a twinkle in my eye that told them there was something special there. And I told them that you couldn’t help but have that if you spent any amount of time within that organization.”

mercy-exterior-front

Fulco will now get to spend considerably more time within that system, and he is already compiling a to-do list of sorts, or what he called a game plan for his first 100 days, one that came together through input gathered during the interviewing process, discussions with Interim President Beth O’Brien, and his decade of experience in the system.

And at or near the top of that list is doing a better job of telling Mercy’s story, he told BusinessWest.

“When I look at the challenges at Mercy, I think the care provided there is one of the best-kept secrets in Western Massachusetts,” he explained, adding that no business or organization, especially a hospital, needs or wants that particular quality, if that’s what a best-kept secret is.

“It’s been the organization’s culture to serve and be humble — that’s how the sisters taught us to be,” he went on. “But I think the community needs a better understanding of the physicians, the nurses, and the comprehensive services that are provided at Mercy and through the Mercy network.”

As he goes about working with those providers to better communicate Mercy’s services and mission, Fulco said he will put a heightened focus system-wide on the need to innovate, especially amid reimbursements that do not cover the full costs of providing care.

“Anyone who manages a household budget knows that you can’t spend more than you earn,” said Fulco. “So Mercy and Trinity Health New England are continuing to innovate with some of these approaches to deliver the absolute best and highest-quality care, but also deliver that care at the highest possible efficiency.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen with the Affordable Care Act,” he said. “But no matter where it goes, we’ll need to continue providing the very best care we can for people, and it needs to be done in a more efficient way at a lower cost year over year.”

There will be several initiatives in this broad realm, and some are already underway, he said, putting the EMR project in this category.

Improved EMR makes a system more efficient, he explained, because it allows for improved communication between providers across the region, giving physicians and nurses immediate access to information, an ability that often eliminates redundancies and mistakes in treatment, thus enabling Mercy, and the healthcare system as a whole, to reduce costs.

“When a test is done, other specialists don’t necessarily have to redo that test, so we’re able to save the system and, ultimately, all of us, as the payers for care, quite a bit of money,” he explained. “If a lab test is done, another physician isn’t redoing that lab test; when an X-ray is done or an MRI, you don’t necessarily have to redo that.”

Putting in the new EMR system is a massive undertaking with a lot of moving parts, said Fulco, adding that such enhancements have been undertaken at several facilities under the Trinity umbrella, and he intends to take full advantage of this accumulated wealth of knowledge and experience.

“We have a great team on the ground both at Hartford that has had experience implementing these systems, and the incredible team at Mercy that will help with the heavy lifting done,” he said. “It will be a process, and a big process, for us to undertake, but we’ll do that and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

“One of the best things about being part of a system like this is that we’ve done this several times before,” he went on. “And with each one, you do you learn some things; we can now avoid the bumps in the road that others have encountered.”

Mission: Statement ‘Providential.’

That adjective, which Webster defines, variously, as ‘destined,’ ‘divine,’ and even ‘preordained,’ certainly works when Mark Fulco talks about coming home and all that goes with that territory.

He told BusinessWest that carrying on the work of the Sisters of Providence is an honor, but also a very big responsibility. It is all of that and more.

But it’s an assignment he’s looking forward to — as much as he is having still more people recognize that twinkle in his eye when he talks about not just where he works, but where he carries out the sisters’ mission.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Claudia Pazmany was recently named director of Development & Marketing for Providence Ministries.

“My guiding core philosophy is to honor the work of today but to bring people together in the form of support to enable a vision for tomorrow,” Pazmany said. “It exemplifies how I feel about the power of philanthropy and how it can transform communities. I hope to transform how we think about our most vulnerable in my new role here at Providence Ministries, and how we can all play a vital role in that transformation.”

Pazmany is a community leader with more than 16 years of experience in professional fund-raising. Her business-development skills, combined with a long history in capital campaigns, philanthropy, community engagement, social media, and alumni relations, helped her build visionary and sustainable movements of giving. She continues to apply her leadership skills to creating a more just and equitable world.

Pazmany has an MBA from UMass, served on the executive team as former director of Development at the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, is a graduate of the Women’s Fund’s Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact, and is currently a board member at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the seventh annual business-to-business show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, slated for Thursday, Nov. 2 at the MassMutual Center, will present a lunch event featuring keynote speaker Ron Insana, senior analyst and commentator with CNBC.

Titled “Trumponomics,” Insana’s talk will address how Washington will affect the economy in the years ahead. As the U.S. and global economies move toward recovery, Insana will apply his journalistic perspective to how Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington shape what the new normal means for everyone.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $25. To register, visit www.wmbexpo.com.

A financial journalist with the experience of working for and running his own hedge fund, Insana offers clear insights on the ever-changing status of the economy. Currently host of a nationally syndicated daily radio show in addition to his roles at CNBC, he has access to the top financial players in Washington and on Wall Street and translates the market signals and political maneuvers into information everyone understands. His hands-on experience in the financial industry — through some of the markets’ most turbulent times — give an added depth of perspective. He offers practical advice on what individuals and businesses can and should do now to protect what they have and to find opportunities in any type of market condition. Insana is the author of Traders’ Tales, The Message of the Markets, TrendWatching, and most recently How to Make a Fortune from the Biggest Bailout in U.S. History: A Guide to the 7 Greatest Bargains from Main Street to Wall Street.

The Expo will feature more than 150 exhibitor booths, educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business (presenting sponsor), Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Wild Apple Design Group (executive sponsors), Inspired Marketing (show partner), MGM Springfield (corporate sponsor), Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst (education sponsor), Xfinity (social sponsor), Elms College (information booth sponsor), Smith & Wesson (Workforce Support Center sponsor), Savage Arms (JoinedForces parking sponsor), and the Better Business Bureau (contributing sponsor). Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $800. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — An evening with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is more than a musically memorable experience. To attend an SSO concert is to be part of a rich cultural tradition.

Single tickets and subscriptions, including the SSO’s new pops-oriented Wild Card 4 package, are on sale now for the SSO’s 74th season. The public may purchase tickets by visiting the box office at 1441 Main St., Springfield (ground-floor level in the TD Bank Building), or calling (413) 733-2291. The season opens on Saturday, Oct. 14 and runs through May 19, 2018.

“We are really looking forward to this season’s lineup,” said Kevin Rhodes, SSO’s longtime music director and conductor. “The musicians can’t wait to perform some of the greatest classical and popular pieces of all time, and we’re thrilled to welcome some incredibly talented guests to our stage. In this series, there is truly not a performance to be missed.”

In addition to offering its traditional subscriber options, which include four to all seven of its classical performances, the SSO has introduced the new Wild Card 4 package. Perfect for fans of the pops, the new subscription package includes all three special events — “Holiday Extravaganza with the Grinch,” “Star Wars & Star Trek Sci-Fi Spectacular,” and a performance by the Texas Tenors — as well as one classical performance of the subscriber’s choice.

“The Wild Card offers local music lovers the best of all worlds,” Rhodes said. “Not only will they get to attend all three of our amazing pops concerts, but they’ll get a taste of the classical genre, and all of it at special subscription pricing.”

For their opening-night concert on Oct. 14, Rhodes and the SSO will present selected works of celebrated composers Rossini, Prokofiev, and Brahms, featuring guest pianist Claire Huangci. Next up, on Nov. 4, guest cellist Julian Schwarz joins the musicians for “Viva America,” a toe-tapping nod to American masters Gershwin, Copeland, Bernstein, and Liebermann. Then, on Dec. 9, the Springfield Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra for the much-anticipated “Holiday Extravaganza.” Both this festive show and “Star Wars & Star Trek Sci-Fi Spectacular,” the season’s second special event (March 3, 2018), feature interactive family fun.

For the season’s third and final special event on April 21, 2018, the SSO will bring audiences the Texas Tenors, a popular vocal trio whose signature crossover style has topped Billboard charts. The group’s widely viewed debut on NBC’s America’s Got Talent quickly led to a worldwide concert tour and a 2014 PBS special, “You Should Dream,” which earned three Emmy Awards.

Free parking at three downtown garages is available to all attending an SSO concert. Subscribers, whether they choose a classical package or the Wild Card 4, enjoy additional benefits, including savings of up to 20% over single-ticket purchases and exclusive access to special events. An SSO subscription makes an ideal holiday gift for friends and family members of all ages.

For more information on SSO subscriptions, single-ticket sales, or the 2017-18 concert series, call the SSO box office at (413) 733-2291 or visit springfieldsymphony.org.

Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank knows people are at the heart of the communities it serves. Pioneer Valley residents are proud of their roots, and Florence Bank embraced the opportunity to put that on display with the launch of its new television commercials.

The new ads showcase the Pioneer Valley by featuring local residents celebrating the diversity and inclusiveness of the region’s people. As in years past, the ads place the musical spotlight on the bank’s tagline “Always.” This year, new lyrics were written for the bank’s signature song to display the essence of each resident featured in the commercials.

Among those featured in the new Florence Bank commercials are Bud Stockwell, owner of Cornucopia Foods; Melissa Torres, a volunteer with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen; sports broadcaster Scott Coen; Mohamed Ibrahim, a teacher at the International Language Institute; Madeline Nagy of Dakin Humane Society; Mark Giza, owner of Mark Henry Florist; and Alicia Zitka, a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield.

When asked what makes the Pioneer Valley such a special place to live, Ibrahim said, “it’s an integrated community with a lot of warmth and love.” Zitka added, “I live here, I work here, I volunteer my time and energy here, and this is my heart; this is my home.”

Stockwell also understands the importance of the word “local” and has seen firsthand the progression of his community throughout the decades. However, the loyalty of his customers has stayed consistently fierce, he said, adding that “we were local back in 1980 when there was no such thing as local.”

The ads were created by Sean Tracey Associates, the advertising agency that has produced Florence Bank’s award-winning ad campaigns for several years.

“Our intent with these commercials is to stay true to the message that the Pioneer Valley is a remarkable place to live and work,” said Monica Curhan, senior vice president and marketing director at Florence Bank. “We think that has once again been achieved with this year’s ad campaign, and we look forward to hearing what our customers, both present and future, have to say.”