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FLORENCE — Keiter, a construction-services firm located in Florence since 2008, recently announced it will relocate its executive headquarters to a 6,000-square-foot facility at 1 Interstate Dr., West Springfield later this year.

Keiter is comprised of Keiter Builders, the commercial/institutional division; Keiter Homes, the residential arm; and Keiter Properties, the real-estate venture. Its pre-construction, sales and marketing, finance and administration, and operations departments will be located in the new space.

The move is prompted by growth and will allow Keiter much-needed space to collaborate with customers and partners on projects.

“We have purposely grown our company over the past few years to better serve the needs of our customers and the broader community,” CEO Scott Keiter said. “Keiter needs to continue growing in other ways so we can continue to meet the needs of our customers, employees, partners, and communities.”

The new location will also help Keiter better serve clients in Hampden and Berkshire counties while continuing to serve clients in Hampshire and Franklin counties.

“The move will be phased in,” said Keiter, who is one of BusinessWest’s 2024 Difference Makers. “Keiter will continue to service all of its clients and customers in a business-as-usual way. We will not skip a beat. We are excited to make this move and look forward to growth and expanding our reach.”

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PITTSFIELD — Dulye Leadership Experience announced its next Culture Chat program, “Build a Better Relationship with Your Boss,” a one-hour, virtual event taking place on Friday, April 12 at noon.

Seasoned leadership coaches Jeff Schreier and Janet Forest will provide actionable advice for mending differences through better communication, collaboration, and self-awareness. The interactive Culture Chat format features a mini-workshop with the experts followed by small-group discussions.

There is no fee to attend, thanks to the sustained sponsorship of Dulye & Co. consulting firm. Click here to register.

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WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond announced the opening of a new office in Troy, N.Y. Located at 433 River St. in the Hedley Building, this location will allow the firm to better service its growing base of clients in the Albany region.

Tighe & Bond’s newest location brings the firm’s total office count to 16 throughout the Northeast and is the firm’s second New York location, in addition to the Hudson Valley office located in Rhinebeck. Vice President Erin Moore will provide leadership for the establishment of the Troy office as location manager. A lifelong resident of New York’s Capital District, with more than two decades of experience in municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater projects, she has been actively engaged in expanding Tighe & Bond’s services throughout New York in response to clients’ needs.

“Establishing a base in Troy allows us to better meet the needs of our clients in the Capital Region and offers the opportunity to expand to meet client demands in that geography,” Tighe & Bond President and CEO Bob Belitz said. “Our team has been working to grow our client base and employee count in New York, and this new office location is a natural step in that expansion.”

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SEATTLE — Work/life balance is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, and a new study reveals which states have the best and worst balances, with Massachusetts topping the list.

The study, by AI productivity platform Plus Docs, analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics data and looked at the average weekly hours worked, as well as average weekly earnings, in order to give each state an index score out of 100 for how good — or bad — its work/life balance is.

Massachusetts takes the top spot on the list, with a work/life balance score of 60.29 out of 100. With the highest average weekly income ($1,329.02 per week) and, as a result, the highest average hourly wages ($39.32 per hour), the people of Massachusetts were found to be among the states with the lowest average weekly hours worked, working only 33.8 hours per week on average.

Rounding out the top five, in order, are Washington, California, New York, and Alaska. Mississippi was found to be the state with the worst work/life balance, scoring only 0.19 out of 100. In Mississippi, the average person works 34.6 hours a week and earns only $829.71 per week.

“The study highlights significant variations in work/life balance across different U.S. states. Massachusetts takes the lead with a notably high index score, showing a fine balance between working hours and earnings,” said Daniel Li, CEO and co-founder of Plus Docs. “In contrast, at the lower end of the spectrum, Mississippi indicates a distinct pattern with lower weekly wages and a relatively higher number of weekly hours worked. These findings underscore states’ diverse approaches in managing the delicate balance between professional commitments and personal time.”

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SPRINGFIELD — A new report by MassINC and Cambridge Econometrics finds the Pioneer Valley has considerable strength in industries and technologies poised to grow with the transition to a low-carbon future. Billed as a “prospectus for transformative economic investment,” the study catalogs the region’s competitive advantages in food science, advanced materials, and clean energy.

“From sustainably producing alternative proteins from cells to protecting our drinking-water supplies from pollutants and extreme weather events, our region is developing the technologies of the future,” said Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. “It is imperative that we collectively recognize the opportunity and make strategic investments in these growing sectors.”

Citing the recent announcement of a $10 billion investment in Albany’s semiconductor sector and other notable examples of state-backed efforts to grow advanced industries, the report calls for the establishment of a $500 million economic-development fund for Western Mass. Resources from the fund would be deployed to draw federal and private investment into the high-growth sectors where the region is well-positioned to gain competitive niches in the innovation economy.

“UMass Amherst is committed to working closely with our partners in Western Massachusetts to play a central role in fostering economic development and growth for the benefit of our region,” UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said. “As the Commonwealth’s land-grant university, our researchers make new discoveries and develop technologies that support local industry and prepare the workforce required for the Commonwealth to flourish in the decades ahead.”

Charles D’Amour, executive chairman of Big Y, added that Western Mass. can capitalize on disruptive changes in the food industry. “From biotechnologies under development at UMass to innovative efforts to support local food entrepreneurs, the Pioneer Valley is situated to generate broadly shared wealth, positioning itself as a leading producer of sustainable food products.”

The federal government is eager to see the transition to a low-carbon future spur new forms of economic activity in slower-growth metropolitan areas across the U.S. Similarly, Gov. Maura Healey has called for the development of a clean-energy corridor across the entire state.

While the Pioneer Valley has many competitive strengths, including top-ranked programs in food science and advanced materials at UMass Amherst, the report indicates substantial investment is needed to increase research and development in the region, partner with existing businesses, commercialize new technologies, accommodate industrial growth with limited land available for development, and prepare the workforce to build the products of the future.

“This research illuminates promising opportunities unique to the Pioneer Valley as we develop low-carbon technologies,” said Jay Ash, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. “We must work together to help the region tap these opportunities to generate strong and equitable growth.”

Ben Forman, MassINC research director and co-author of the study, is eager to see the state act with urgency in this moment. “As a commonwealth, we have overlooked the Pioneer Valley for decades, jeopardizing its economic base,” he said. “It’s time to recognize and build on the region’s considerable economic assets.”

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GREENFIELD — The Franklin County Community Development Corp. (FCCDC) received a grant of $125,000 over two years from the M&T Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of M&T Bank. FCCDC provides a host of direct services and opportunities that help businesses start, stabilize, and grow throughout Western Mass.

With this grant, FCCDC is partnering with Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services (Springfield NHS) to provide business assistance and mini-grants to early-stage businesses in Springfield, where there is a history of underinvestment in Black-owned businesses.

“We are genuinely excited to partner with the FCCDC to reshape equity, justice, and access for small businesses in Western Massachusetts,” said Jeff Hamilton, president and CEO of Springfield NHS. “With the support from M&T Charitable Foundation’s Amplify Fund, Springfield NHS will amplify our initiatives to support small businesses, providing access to the support and funding often denied to historically underserved small-business owners.”

FCCDC Executive Director John Waite added that “we are grateful to the support of the M&T Charitable Foundation and are excited to get these Amplify funds to work bringing solid business support to the local entrepreneurs and small-business owners whose enterprises bring jobs and increase economic opportunities for their communities.”

The grant is part of the second round of giving through the Amplify Fund, providing more than $8.2 million to 68 nonprofit organizations throughout New England, Long Island, and Rockland County, N.Y.

“Through the Amplify Fund, we are committed to continuing our partnership with organizations like the FCCDC that work hand-in-hand with community members in the field to provide the critical resources and programming necessary to truly make a difference,” said Dominique Goss, executive director of the M&T Charitable Foundation. “At M&T, addressing the institutionalized and systemic issues preventing disadvantaged communities from accessing opportunities and achieving long-term success is key to our mission as a community bank. We are proud to provide the Amplify Fund as a difference-making resource in the communities we serve.”

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NORTH ADAMS — MCLA will host a virtual information session on Thursday, March 14 and an in-person session on Wednesday, March 27 for its graduate programs — master of business administration (MBA) and master of education (MEd) — as well as the Leadership Academy.

Potential students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff to learn more about how to continue education in three of MCLA’s programs that are designed to support rising workforce needs in the Berkshires and beyond.

The MBA program offers a broad-based, multi-disciplinary education that combines the strengths of MCLA business faculty with those of practicing managers actively involved in day-to-day decision making in the field. It is a part-time, 30-credit program designed for working professionals in partnership with the Berkshire Innovation Center.

The MEd program offers a blend of classroom and fieldwork experiences that prepare students to make a meaningful impact in their school communities. Programs include MEd with initial licensure, professional teacher licensure with MEd, MEd with individualized plan of study non-licensure, and accelerated 4+1 bachelor’s degree with MEd.

MCLA Leadership Academy prepares candidates to serve as effective leaders of educational institutions and active citizens in their communities.

The virtual information session on March 14 will begin at 5 p.m. The in-person information session on March 27 will begin at 5 p.m. on the MCLA main campus in North Adams.

To register, visit www.mcla.edu/graduate or call the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education at (413) 662-5575.

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SPRINGFIELD — With more than 300 participants, Springfield Rescue Mission announced that its 2024 Run to End Homelessness raised nearly $60,000 in needed funds. The 5K/10K run/walk was held on March 2 at Forest Park in Springfield.

“This was our most successful run ever,” said Kevin Ramsdell, executive director and CEO of Springfield Rescue Mission. “It was a little chilly, but our runners, walkers, and their cheering squads brought the heat, along with tons of enthusiasm.”

Springfield Rescue Mission also saw a tremendous turnout for its first-ever spaghetti buffet and early-registration event at the Basketball Hall of Fame the night before the run.

“We enjoyed a spirited night of food, fun, music, prizes, and spending time with our supportive community,” Ramsdell said. “We are so grateful to all our walkers, runners, volunteers, and supporters.”

Funds raised will help Springfield Rescue Mission expand its services and support its workforce-development and higher-education programs.

“Our services are desperately needed by a growing number of people every year, and with the support of the community, we can continue to respond to the call,” Ramsdell said.

The Springfield Rescue Mission offers much-needed services for the poor and homeless in Greater Springfield. As an emergency shelter, mobile feeding program, rehabilitation and transformation center, and transitional living facility, it provides food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, Christian counseling, financial literacy, workforce development, high-school equivalency, higher-education opportunities, and more, free of charge. These programs help local men take meaningful steps toward becoming responsible and productive members of the community.

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Peter Banko

SPRINGFIELD — The Baystate Health board of trustees announced it has appointed Peter Banko as Baystate Health’s new president and CEO. He succeeds Dr. Mark Keroack, who previously announced his plans to retire after serving as the system’s leader for 10 years.

An executive experienced in leading multi-faceted health systems in markets throughout the country, Banko was chosen after an extensive national search by the board of trustees. Banko will officially join Baystate Health at the beginning of June.

Banko most recently served as president and CEO of Centura Health in Centennial, Colo., which was part of the national CommonSpirit Health system. The $3.8 billion hospital and health-services system comprised more than 20 owned and affiliated tertiary and rural hospitals, an extensive network of physician partners, and numerous community-based services and clinics across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah.

“Among a slate of high-qualified candidates, Peter stood out for both his commitment to our community-based healthcare mission and decades of experience leading complex health systems in diverse and competitive markets. He offers a proven track record of strengthening programs and services, growing revenue and market share, improving operations and operating discipline, and serving as a workforce champion,” said Harriet DeVerry, chair of the Baystate Health board of trustees. “We look forward to him joining the organization.”

Banko, a native of New Jersey, started his calling in healthcare as a junior volunteer and has served in CEO-level roles for several health systems for nearly two decades. He has an industry reputation of leading innovation, transformation, integration, and partnerships with hospitals, physician groups, and health plans. He earned his bachelor of business administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and his master of health administration degree from the Sloan Program in Health Services Administration at Cornell University.

“Baystate Health has a stellar reputation around the country, and I greatly appreciate the immense responsibility that comes with joining such a truly mission- and values-driven team,” Banko said. “I am beyond excited to embark on an exciting new era of healthy growth with my fellow 13,000 caregivers — in care for our patients, in community, in business, and in spirit. The possibilities for us together are endless in redefining health and healthcare in Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

In his role, Keroack was a leading voice during the COVID-19 pandemic for the region, offering public-health information and partnering with public-health officials to address the crisis. A native of Springfield, he joined Baystate Health in 2011 as chief physician executive and president of Baystate Medical Practices and was appointed to the CEO role in 2014. He has had a long career in both medicine and health administration, serving in leadership roles at UMass Memorial Medical Group and the University HealthSystem Consortium.

“We are immensely grateful for the contributions of Dr. Mark Keroack as an exceptional leader and clinician who has successfully led the organization for the last 10 years with a deep commitment to Baystate Health and to our community,” said Colleen Holmes, vice chair of the Baystate Health board of trustees. “We congratulate him on his upcoming retirement.”

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Shannon Ortona

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced the recent promotion of Shannon Ortona to Ware branch manager. In addition to her new role, Ortona will continue to serve as the bank’s IRA administrator. She is now based out of the Ware branch, located at 136 West St.

“We are pleased to share the news of Shannon’s much-deserved promotion,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “Her dedication and pursuit of excellence have earned her this new position as a branch manager. Watching her professional development over the past 11 years she’s been with our team has been a pleasure. I am certain she will continue to deliver value to Monson Savings Bank and aid our clients in reaching their goals.”

Prior to joining the Monson Savings Bank family 11 years ago, Ortona began her banking career with Chicopee Savings Bank. After five years there, where she held the positions of full-time teller, senior teller, and head teller, she accepted the position of customer service associate supervisor in Monson Savings Bank’s Ware branch.

During her tenure with the bank, Ortona has earned positions of increasing responsibility. She became the assistant branch manager of the Ware branch and became a certified IRA specialist through Ascensus. Prior to her most recent promotion, she worked as the Wilbraham assistant branch manager.

In her new role, she will draw on her extensive experience and knowledge of retail banking. She will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Ware branch’s operations. She will also aim to foster an environment of teamwork within the branch and provide her team with a high level of leadership. She will work with customers to conduct various banking transactions and help them reach their financial goals.

“I am excited to be back at our Ware branch. It’s where I started with Monson Savings Bank, and it’s nice to be back home where I started my journey with such a great team,” Ortona said. “The Monson Savings Bank team has offered me so many opportunities to grow over the years. The people I work with want me to grow and push me to be the best version of myself, and in turn, I hope I strive to do the same for them. I am thrilled to be a part of our team’s growth.”

Ortona is a lifelong resident of Western Mass. and is enthusiastic about being part of the community. She is currently a board member with the Ware Business Civic Assoc.

“In my new role, I am most looking forward to helping our customers and getting to know the Ware community a little bit better,” she said. “One of my passions in life is helping others. This can mean simply holding a door for someone or opening a bank account for a small business just starting out.”

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SPRINGFIELD — Kim Casineau, board chair of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, announced that the YWCA Golf Tournament will be held at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield on Monday, May 6, with registration now open online at ywworks.org.

Proceeds of the charity golf tournament will support the Children Who Witness Violence program, which offers therapy for children who have witnessed or experienced abuse and violence. The Healthy and Empowering Relationship Education program of the YWCA, which helps Springfield middle- and high-schoolers learn about healthy relationships and friendships, will also benefit from proceeds raised at the tournament.

According to Casineau, the organizer of the event, “the leadership work the YWCA is doing in addressing domestic and sexual violence is critically important. These two youth-oriented programs are providing much-needed support and resources in our community. I encourage all who are interested in supporting our event to contact me at [email protected] or register on the website. We need golfers, cash donations, and donations for our raffle. My goal is to raise awareness to all the great work the YWCA does for our community in a fun way. Please join us on May 6 in support of these very worthy programs.”

Cost per golfer to participate in the tournament is $155, which includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner, and a quarter-zip jacket. There will be a raffle and cash bar at the country club. Individuals or organizations interested in registering or sponsoring the event can visit ywworks.org.

Headquartered in Springfield, the YWCA also provides services and offers programming to children and women in crisis in Northampton, Westfield, Belchertown, and Holyoke.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts scholarship committee announced that applications are now available for a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a deserving Western Mass. high-school graduate pursuing higher education in the communication arts in 2024.

Guidelines and an application form can be found at www.adclubwm.org/scholarships or by contacting David Cecchi, scholarship committee chairman, at [email protected] or (413) 786-3236.

Western Mass. high-school seniors who plan to attend an accredited college or technical school to study advertising, communications, marketing, or graphic design and will be attending school this September are encouraged to apply. The scholarship must be applied against tuition and fees at the school. Candidates will be judged on academic performance; extracurricular activities; community service and/or work experience; a demonstrated interest in advertising, communications, marketing, or graphic design; personal recommendations; and a letter of introduction outlining future plans.

Completed scholarship applications and all support materials must be submitted to the Ad Club and postmarked by April 15. The scholarship will be awarded in May.

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NORTHAMPTON — Gazebo, the lingerie, bra-fitting, and swimsuit store in downtown Northampton, has expanded with the opening of Gazebo Too in the location of the former Coughlin’s Place restaurant at 182 North Main St., East Longmeadow. A grand opening is slated for Tuesday, March 26 at 3 p.m.

Gazebo was founded in 1978 by Judith Fine and sold to employees Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson in 2016. McNeight will run Gazebo Too, and Dickinson will run the original Gazebo in Northampton.

Gazebo prides itself on full-service bra, binder, and cup-sized swimsuit fittings, with cups ranging from AA to N. Gazebo is a proud ally of the LGBGTQ community and is wheelchair- and service-animal-friendly.

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SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the appointment of 12 new members to its board of trustees. Hailing from a wide variety of professional backgrounds and including an alumnus of the organization’s 18‐week IT support training program, the new slate of directors represents the diversity of the communities served by Tech Foundry.

The organization welcomes Paul Nicholson (treasurer), Finance director at Wellfleet Insurance, and Briana Dawkins (clerk), associate attorney at Litchfield Cavo LLP in Simsbury, Conn. They join veteran officers Mike Walker (chair), retired financial-services professional at MassMutual Financial Group, and Delcie Bean (founder and immediate past chair), CEO of Paragus Strategic IT.

New directors include Jay Ash, CEO of Mass Competitive Partnership; Everton Chin, director of IT at Travelers; Damon DePaolo, director of Human Risk Management at MassMutual; Samalid Hogan, CEO and principal consultant at Greylock Management Consulting; Xiaolei Hua, first vice president at PeoplesBank; Cindy Knowles, Strategy & Change Management lead at MassMutual; George Timmons, president of Holyoke Community College; and Hector Toledo, commercial lender and vice president at New Valley Bank

Patrick Streck, president and founder of Estli Consulting, returns to Tech Foundry after serving on the original board of advisors from 2013 to 2021.

Salam (Sam) Zebian, Information Protection senior advisor at Cigna, graduated from Tech Foundry in 2017 and has been volunteering with the organization as a guest speaker since then.

They join veteran board members Greg Bialecki, principal at Redgate; Ann McFarland Burke, owner of Ann McFarland Burke Consultancy; Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach officer at Liberty Bank; and Dianne Fuller Doherty, one of the original founders of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.

“It’s incredibly exciting and humbling to have such a diverse and impressive group of professionals leading Tech Foundry during this time of innovation and growth,” said Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry. “We look forward to the board’s continued leadership as we celebrate 10 years of impact in Massachusetts, both on a small and large scale.

“Tech Foundry connects individuals to technical training for quality, living‐wage jobs, but we also support the very foundation of the Massachusetts economy,” she added. “We do this by filling critical employment gaps throughout the Commonwealth with diverse talent who have been historically marginalized from the IT field. Our expanded board will be critical in ensuring that our next 10 years of operations — and beyond — drive equitable workforce and economic-development goals throughout Massachusetts.”

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WESTBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech announced the launch of the Residential Internet Retrofit Program, a $22 million statewide initiative to equip public and affordable-housing units across the state with high-speed internet for current and future residents.

MBI will bring together internet service providers (ISPs) and property owners to upgrade in-building telecommunications wiring, equipment, and infrastructure within older housing developments to provide residents with the necessary network capabilities to fully utilize high-speed internet service essential for daily activities such as communicating with friends and family, remote work, online educational opportunities, and telehealth appointments.

“Our economic future depends on high-quality internet access for all, especially for low-income populations who have been historically overlooked and disproportionately impacted by the digital divide,” Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said. “The Retrofit Program takes an equitable approach to addressing the root causes of low-quality internet service in public and affordable housing. This program makes direct investments that will lead to enhanced connectivity for residents, helping them engage fully in 21st-century activities.”

MBI Director Michael Baldino noted that a substantial portion of public-housing buildings are more than 50 years old. “Low-income families in these buildings face barriers to accessing the speeds offered by broadband service if the wiring in their apartments predates the internet ageThe Retrofit Program will lead the charge to engage with property managers and then to engage internet service providers, who will work together to build out cutting-edge infrastructure that fully connects public and affordable housing units to high-speed internet.”

The effort will involve updating the wiring infrastructure of approximately 22,000 units in affordable-housing developments across the state.The funding for the Retrofit Program comes from the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), a program launched as part of the national American Rescue Plan Act. The project is part of $175 million in total CPF funding overseen by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance to address the digital divide in Massachusetts, which includes the ongoing Gap Networks Grant Program launched by the MBI in October.

Housing operators interested in joining the program should submit an expression of interest via MBI’s online form (click here), which collects basic organizational information, along with the addresses of eligible properties the operator wishes to submit to the program. In spring 2024, the MBI will launch a request for information (RFI), which will help inform the launch of a formal request for proposals (RFP) later in 2024. The MBI will then issue quarterly RFPs with an updated list of eligible locations statewide, based on the submissions of interest from housing operators.

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BOSTON — The state’s January total unemployment rate was 3.0%, down 0.2% from the revised December estimate of 3.2%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than the national rate of 3.7% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.5%.

The labor force grew by an estimated 400 from the revised estimate of 3,749,900 in December, with 8,000 more residents employed and 7,600 fewer residents unemployed over the month. The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — remained at 64.9% over the month. Compared to January 2023, the labor-force participation rate was down 0.1%.

Annual year-end revisions and updated population controls from the U.S. Census Bureau resulted in changes to the labor-force estimates from 2019 to 2023, with the most notable revisions in 2023. The revisions in 2023 resulted in an increase in the unemployment rate from previously published estimates, ranging from 0.1% to 0.7% during the months of April to November, with the largest revision of 0.7% occurring from June to September. Compared to previously published estimates in 2023, the annual revisions showed an increase in the labor-force estimates for all months, ranging from 0.2% to 1%, with the highest revision occurring in September.

The BLS preliminary job estimates indicate that Massachusetts gained 18,300 jobs in January. This follows December’s revised gain of 4,600 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in professional, scientific, and business services, leisure and hospitality, and education and health services. Employment now stands at 3,739,400. Massachusetts gained 675,900 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From January 2023 to January 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 25,800 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government.

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HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) is running a free, five-week hotel training program starting Tuesday, March 19 for anyone interested in jump-starting a career in the hospitality industry.

The hands-on, in-person classes for hotel front-desk workers and hotel-room attendants will take place in HCC’s hotel training lab on the second floor of the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute on Race Street in downtown Holyoke.

The program runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m., March 19 through April 18. Each of the 10 class sessions runs two and a half hours for a total of 25 hours of class time. A second spring training program will run from May 7 to June 6.

The course will provide students with up-to-date knowledge of the hotel industry, hands-on experience for front-desk and/or room-attendant roles, workplace skills, résumé building, interviewing, job-search assistance, and connections to local employers.

HCC’s hotel lab is set up like a hotel reception area, with front desk and adjoining guest room, and equipped with the most modern technology and software. The hotel lab gives students the ability to learn in a model hotel room and reception lobby, gain knowledge about key-card access systems, and understand point-of-sale technology.

No high-school diploma or GED/HiSET test is required for admission. Offered as part of HCC’s Business & Workforce Development division, the hotel training course is free to qualifying applicants.

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SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) announced that Jessica Roncarati-Howe is the organization’s new executive director, effective March 1.

Candidates were vetted by a volunteer hiring committee and the board of directors. After four years with DFSWM, most recently as director of Programs and Operations before taking on the interim executive director role, Roncarati-Howe has an intimate understanding of the work of the organization.

“Jess has excelled as interim executive director since she stepped into the role on January 1, and the board is confident that her vision and passion will take DFSWM to the next level,” the board noted in a statement.

Before joining DFSWM, Roncarati-Howe held several leadership roles, including executive director of both the AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. She has dedicated her career to promoting dignity and quality of life in the community and has 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on program development, management, board governance, and leading mission-based organizations toward maximum community impact.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and fine arts from Elms College and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy with a certificate in fundraising from Bay Path University.

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CHICOPEE — Caolo & Bieniek Associates Inc. announced that Principal Bertram Gardner has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Donald & Lois Prescott Founders Award by the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee. This recognition is awarded annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the youth, community, and mission of the club.

Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee carefully selects community members who exemplify dedication and support toward the club’s vision. Gardner has been chosen as this year’s recipient in acknowledgment of his inspirational commitment, vision, courage, enthusiasm, and leadership.

“Principal Bertram Gardner’s steadfast dedication to the club and its young members over the years truly embodies the spirit of this prestigious award,” the architecture firm said in a statement.

The Donald & Lois Prescott Founders Award, initiated at the Centennial Gala in 2012, honors the legacy of Lois Prescott and the late Donald Prescott, a longstanding member of the club’s board of directors.

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SPRINGFIELD — What if you, your child athlete, or your sports team could use data-backed physiological testing services to improve health and athletic performance? With the help of American International College’s (AIC) Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing (CSPET), that’s now possible.

The state-of-the-art human-performance laboratory, located in the AIC Colaccino Center for Health Sciences, is the only one of its kind in the Greater Springfield area. CSPET features sophisticated testing equipment used to provide advanced exercise assessments and analyses in all aspects of health and performance, including BOD POD body composition testing, resting metabolic rate testing, and VO2 max testing.

Susie Lachowski, director of the AIC Division of Exercise Science and founding director of CSPET, explained that, with repeated testing over time, the center’s team can track an individual’s progress and highlight areas of improvement that may need to be addressed. “I am excited to provide individuals, athletes, and coaches with exercise testing opportunities to enhance their performance, fitness, programming, and overall health-related goals.”

However, Lachowski added that the CSPET program is not limited to athletes. It’s also open to AIC faculty and staff as well as members of the public who can access the same exercise testing services and education about their results. “The data from the various tests we offer gives individuals a baseline sense of where they are, no matter their health or fitness goals.”

Working in the testing center benefits AIC students in the allied health professions, providing them with learning opportunities to advance their practical knowledge in exercise science. After being trained by faculty, students gain experience administering exercise testing protocols and educating participants on their results, setting them apart from others as they enter their careers.

“Providing applied learning experiences to our students where they can take the content they have learned within our courses and apply it to real-world scenarios is one of the most exciting components to all of this,” Lachowski said.

The CSPET is now open to members of the college and Greater Springfield community by appointment. AIC student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff may sign up for testing at a discounted rate. To request information or to make an appointment, visit www.aic.edu/lp/sport-physiology.

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NORTHAMPTON — On March 4, the website obitshighway.com published an article wrongly claiming that Steve Herrell, founder of Steve’s Ice Cream and Herrell’s Ice Cream, had died. Another site, indianhausa.com, picked up the story on March 5.

Judy Herrell, president and CEO of Herrell’s Ice Cream, publicly announced that the reports are not true. “Steve Herrell is in good health, active, and will be celebrating his 80th birthday on April 2,” she said. “It is believed that these websites, where these obits were published, are phishing sites and are attempting to increase their online traffic.”

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PITTSFIELD — Independent Connections (IndyConn), an IT-solutions company in the Berkshires, announced the grand opening of its Pittsfield office. The new building will serve as the company’s Massachusetts branch and will house its growing team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing innovative technology solutions to businesses across the region. The company has other office locations in Hartford, Conn. and East Greenbush, N.Y.

The grand opening will take place on Thursday, March 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 579 Fenn St., Pittsfield. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the new facility, refreshments, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, local business leaders, and city officials. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about IndyConn’s IT solutions and how they can benefit their businesses.

“I couldn’t be more excited about Indy’s future and the impact our services will have on local businesses,” said Christa Proper, CEO of Independent Connections, adding that Indy continues to expand its enterprise products and services by offering full-service IT and cybersecurity solutions for all types of businesses. “We are very committed to Pittsfield, and we feel it is the perfect place for Indy to expand and maintain a local presence for our local customers.”

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SPRINGFIELD — Francis “Sandy” Dibble, John Pucci, and Jeffrey Roberts, attorneys at Bulkley Richardson, have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 20 consecutive years, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Massachusetts Super Lawyers.

According to Super Lawyers, there are 42,635 attorneys registered with the Massachusetts state bar, but only 264 attorneys selected to Super Lawyers all 20 years, making this an elite group of 0.6% of attorneys in the state.

Dibble, partner, has been recognized in the area of business litigation. He has tried and won, or favorably settled, significant cases for a wide range of clients throughout the U.S.

Pucci, partner, has been recognized in the area of criminal defense: white collar crimes. He is one of Massachusetts’ top trial lawyers, representing individuals and companies in complex civil and criminal litigation of all kinds in both state and federal courts.

Roberts, counsel, has been recognized in the area of estate & probate. He has handled many sophisticated estate-planning matters throughout his career, as well as corporate work and business transactions, primarily for closely held companies.

“Twenty years of being recognized as a Super Lawyer is a testament to the solid reputations that these lawyers have earned within their respective fields of practice,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “Their contributions to clients across Massachusetts and beyond are noteworthy.”

Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. A patented attorney-selection process is peer-influenced and research-driven, selecting the top 5% of attorneys to the Super Lawyers list each year.

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Heather Rush

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors LLC recently welcomed Heather Rush to its team as associate creative director. She arrives with more than 20 years of experience in everything from graphic design, photography, and copywriting to creative direction, art direction, and brand development.

“Heather brings a wealth of creative energy and expertise to our agency,” said Michelle Abdow, president and CEO of Market Mentors. “She provides a holistic perspective to all aspects of the creative process and oversees our entire creative team, including copywriting, design, photography, and web design and development.”

In her previous roles, Rush has been immersed in all things creative, from storyboarding, strategizing, and conceptualizing to brand development and implementation, photography, and video shoots. Over the past six years, she managed a marketing team of designers and project editors and launched campaigns and products through digital and print channels.

A graduate of Elms College with a degree in commercial arts, Rush is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. She has received the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for book-cover design and layout, and several awards for book-series design from BookBuilders of Boston, which also awarded her the 2017 iPad App UX/UI design award. An avid painter, she recently spent two weeks in Italy on a watercolor painting intensive.

Active in the Hampshire County community, Rush is a team captain and team organizer/top-50 fundraiser for the Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage, a member of the Easthampton Farmers and Makers Market committee, and a volunteer with Easthampton Arts.

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NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair and fairgrounds, will conduct its 2024 Food Drive on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of its main office at 54 Fair St., Northampton.

The fair is seeking non-perishable foods such as canned fruit, vegetables, and tuna, plus cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, and peanut butter for area food pantries that have partnered with the fair. This year’s recipients include Providence Ministries’ Margaret’s Pantry in Holyoke, the Easthampton Community Center, the Franklin County Community Meals Program in Greenfield, Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry in Belchertown, and the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ food pantry.

“Food insecurity continues to negatively impact so many individuals and families throughout our region,” said Tom Smiarowski, president of the society. “The pantries that we partner with are doing heroic work helping those in need due to the increased demand for assistance they experience every day. And the Three County Fair is pleased to play a role in supporting their efforts.”

Each vehicle that donates a minimum of 10 in-date items will be supplied with a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2024 Three County Fair, running Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The fair requests that donations be compiled in disposable bags or boxes for volunteers to easily accept them from vehicles.

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PITTSFIELD — 1Berkshire announced that, as part of its official Berkshire marketing plan for FY 2024, it will will bring the Berkshires to New York City’s Grand Central Station (one of the busiest transit hubs in the country) starting this month.

Back in the mid-2000s, a campaign of this magnitude was successfully conducted in Boston. The intent of this branding campaign is to give Manhattanites a pause and to encourage a respite in the Berkshires. The campaign does not end there, though — it will continue through late spring in the form of a digital retargeting wraparound campaign and into the summer.

“The campaign will be three large, visually impactful triptychs with four sets of Berkshire imagery rotating through, along with three large single boards with six sets of imagery in rotation,” said Lindsey Schmid, senior vice president of Tourism and Marketing for 1Berkshire. “By having this campaign run in the station for a month, the commuters will be able to see Berkshire imagery time and time again, with a variety of locations and seasons. This is done to instill a Berkshire wanderlust, which we hope will make the viewers of the campaign into actual Berkshire visitors.”

The theme of this campaign is “Soar, Restore, and Explore in the Berkshires.” The idea of running this thematic campaign in the spring is to make New Yorkers aware that the Berkshires is not just a summer and fall destination, so as to entice visitation in the shoulder seasons.

The campaign will run from early March through early June and include inspirational Berkshire imagery, plus a dedicated landing page on berkshires.org (the official Berkshire tourism site, managed by 1Berkshire), along with a digital retargeting and lookalike campaign. It is set to garner more than 14.5 million impressions.

1Berkshire is supported by MASS MoCA and Shakespeare & Company in this campaign. The 1Berkshire marketing team has also worked to weave the theme of this campaign into other advertorial opportunities in New York City, Boston, and Eastern Canada, and it will be the focus of its spring and summer video campaigns.

“We were excited to learn that 1Berkshire was including this branding campaign in their Berkshire marketing plan this year,” said Jaclyn Stevenson, director of Marketing and Communications for Shakespeare & Company. “Being part of this campaign allows us to tie into the work they are doing to promote this region, while also shining a light on Shakespeare & Company in the New York City market.”

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SPRINGFIELD — As part of Eversource’s commitment to advancing clean technologies and exploring innovative ways to help the Commonwealth achieve its decarbonization goals, the company is testing a mobile battery energy storage system (MBESS) as a zero-carbon backup power source.

As part of its MBESS pilot program, the energy company now has two mobile batteries that it is strategically deploying across its Massachusetts service territory, including in environmental-justice communities, to provide power to customers while its crews make upgrades or repairs to the electric system that would otherwise require a power outage. Eversource is also charging one of the batteries using a solar array at its Springfield Area Work Center, further enhancing the clean-energy applications of the technology.

“The mobile batteries are passing our tests with flying colors, and we are excited about the many benefits it will provide to our customers as a quiet, carbon-free solution to ensure reliable service while we conduct critical work on the system,” Eversource Director of Distribution Engineering Umair Zia said. “We’ve field-tested the MBESS, bringing it to a site where we’d previously used diesel-power generators for backup power, and the mobile battery provided power for 18 hours at a time, quietly, with no emissions. It can also be recharged using our solar panels at our area work centers, making this a truly sustainable solution to enhance service for our customers.”

Mobile batteries produce no exhaust fumes, and, unlike diesel generators, the MBESS operates virtually silently. Also, by eliminating noise, batteries can facilitate clearer communication between workers on construction job sites or disaster-relief efforts. The MBESS can also be swapped out for recharging and save money previously spent on diesel fuel to power generators. One new 500 kilowatt-hour mobile battery can, for example, charge a 50-home neighborhood for four hours. The current plan is to have two mobile batteries at the Springfield Area Work Center for deployment.

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Michelle Muro

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the addition of Michelle Muro, AIA to its staff in the role of senior architect in the Cambridge office. She holds a bachelor of architecture degree from Montana State University and is a licensed architect in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, and Kansas. She brings more than 26 years of experience to Dietz & Company, having worked for firms in Massachusetts and Colorado.

Muro has worked on a variety of projects in the industrial, multi-family, commercial, retail, and sports-entertainment sectors. She has expertise in code compliance and accessibility and specializes in project management and construction administration. As such, she will be managing the construction process at the Walkling Court senior-housing development project in Medford.

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SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations through March 30 at its branches throughout Western Mass. to benefit Griffin’s Friends, a volunteer-led group dedicated to providing relief and support to children with cancer and their families.

“This is a cause we support annually because it is near and dear to the hearts of our members and staff,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “Griffin’s Friends is committed to helping ease the hardships of children in treatment for cancer and the families who love and support them.”

All funds raised throughout the March Month of Giving campaign will benefit the Griffin’s Friends Children’s Cancer Fund at Baystate Health Foundation Inc. Established in 1994, Griffin’s Friends is named for Griffin Kelleher, who passed away from cancer when he was 14 months old. This fund is his legacy, supporting children in treatment for cancer and their families by providing small acts of kindness. Examples include trips to stage performances and sporting events; in-hospital and outpatient entertainment; massage therapy; and activities such as art, computers, and games.

“We encourage our employees, members, and community to donate to this worthy cause at any Freedom branch this month,” Welch said. “Together, we can help ease the all-consuming burden of a child’s cancer diagnosis for local families by providing them with moments of comfort and happiness.”

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NORTHAMPTON — Alignable, an online networking platform for business owners, invited its more than 8.7 million members to shout out local business leaders who have gone above and beyond guiding peers and supporting entire communities amid challenging economic conditions.

The network announced that Judy Herrell of Herrell’s Ice Cream has again been elected Northampton’s 2024 Businessperson of the Year.

Alignable’s 2024 Local Businessperson of the Year contest reached unparalleled participation levels, logging more than 309,000 votes, more than 64,000 recommendations, and more than 5,100 local winners across the U.S. and Canada. It was most popular competition Alignable has hosted in more than five years, marking a 40% jump in participation over 2023.

Winners were commended for helping their peers and communities through a year with many challenges, including rising interest rates and rents, not to mention skyrocketing supply costs.

“In our local business community, we look out for each other to help make everyone in town as successful as possible, and the challenges we’re all encountering compel many of us to offer counsel to peers fighting to keep their businesses afloat,” Herrell said. “While I’m thrilled to receive this award, it’s really a testament to our entire Northampton business community.”

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NORTH ADAMS — In partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Assistance Program, BFAIR and Elder Services of Berkshire County are helping elders feed their pets in conjunction with Meals on Wheels, which provides hot lunchtime meals for people age 60 and older.

The Pet Assistance Program kicks off today, March 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services (CBDS) program participants will fill a vehicle at Berkshire Humane Society before embarking on a journey through Pittsfield and Dalton to deliver pet food to more than 20 elders in the Berkshire community. The program will run monthly, and BFAIR program participants will continue to deliver this much-needed resource.

BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services program helps adults with disabilities participate in their community and improve their skills by providing access to regular, meaningful social contact and stimulating activities. Services are designed to maximize a person’s ability to manage everyday life activities in their community.

According to Kayla Brown-Wood at Elder Services of Berkshire County, “for us at Elder Services, we’re excited to be able to offer this to the people receiving Meals on Wheels while also strengthening our community partnerships and helping people with disabilities make an impact through this experience.”

Laura Baran, recently appointed senior director of CBDS and Employment at BFAIR, added that “our CBDS program adds value to our local community in multiple ways, providing an opportunity for participants to interact in the community, and with that comes wonderful volunteer service in the Berkshires to help those in need.”

John Perrault at the Berkshire Humane Society noted that “it’s impressive how three very different nonprofit organizations can come together in this way to provide a meaningful service to people, and pets, in our community.”

To be eligible to receive pet assistance through this program, the individual must receive services through Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program. For more information on how to get started, visit esbci.org or call (413) 499-0524.

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Seth Clark

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Seth Clark to wire transfer officer, based in the 36 Main St., Easthampton office.

Clark has 11 years of banking experience and has held a variety of positions since joining bankESB in 2013, including wire transfer manager, assistant branch manager, personal banker, and senior teller. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State College. Outside of work, he has been a part-time church organist in Westhampton and Holyoke for 20 years.

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SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) will hold a kickoff event for the Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council on Friday, March 8.

The Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council is an affinity group of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, modeled on United Way Worldwide’s Women United program.

Robinson co-founded the council in 2014, when she served as president and CEO of UWPV. As the first woman to serve the century-old organization in that role, she championed opportunities for women to fulfill their philanthropic endeavors by sharing their talents, treasure, time, and leadership through the United Way.

After a period of inactivity, the council is ready to begin anew, re-established to honor Robinson’s spirit and legacy and to continue her visionary work on behalf of women and girls. A 13-member steering committee guides the strategic development of the council, and the March 8 kickoff event, which coincides with International Women’s Day, will serve as both a public reintroduction and a membership drive.

“As a beneficiary of Dora’s care and phenomenal leadership example, it is an honor to be a part of her legacy of empowerment for women of all backgrounds,” said Latoya Bosworth, co-chair of the steering committee and decades-long mentee of Dora.

Bosworth is joined by co-chair Giselle Gaines, who added that “it’s a privilege to be part of the Dora D. Robinson Women’s Leadership Council, celebrating a trailblazer’s legacy. In our commitment to women’s health, education, and financial empowerment, each woman on the committee brings unique gifts and leadership. Together, we build on Dora’s foundation, creating a lasting legacy of empowerment.”

The sold-out event will be held at Penthouse 650 at 1500 Main St. in Springfield. It will feature luxurious hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, and a cash bar.

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MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced that Vicki Baldyga, former Ware branch manager, and Amber Messer, former assistant Ware branch manager, have transferred to the bank’s Wilbraham branch to take the helm as the new management team of the 100 Post Office Park location.

“At Monson Savings Bank, we strive to offer our team members new opportunities. Whether it be a transfer to a new location, a role in a different department, or something else that better suits their professional goals, we’re happy to support our team members throughout their journey with us,” said Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO. “I am confident in Vicki and Amber’s leadership based on the years of dedication and support they have provided our customers up to today. I know that they will help to make this a smooth transition and provide our customers with the same amazing service as the previous management of the Wilbraham branch.”

Baldyga has 25 years of experience in the banking industry, 17 of which have been in branch management. She has been employed with Monson Savings Bank for five years. Committed to expanding her knowledge and skill set, she is currently enrolled in the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. New England School for Financial Studies and holds several diplomas and certificates from the Center for Financial Training.

In her role as Wilbraham branch manager, Baldyga will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing branch operations. She aims to foster an environment of teamwork and provide a high level of leadership to her team, as well as provide a high level of customer service with a positive, respectful, and courteous attitude.

Baldyga is very involved in the local community, volunteering at Crossway Community Clothing Outreach, serving on the board of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, and donating blood to the Red Cross.

“I have always strived to help others grow and achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. I have a servant’s heart and do my best to help others,” she said. “Whether it is a new couple looking for their first home, a small-business owner looking for the best products and services, a teen going off to college that needs financial literacy, or an elderly person that has just lost their spouse and needs help navigating their bank accounts, I truly love to help others and see them smile as they achieve their goals. I am so grateful for this opportunity to help people in the Wilbraham community reach their banking goals.”

Messer began her banking career as a customer service representative and teller at Monson Savings Bank six and a half years ago. Throughout her career, she has proven to be an asset to the bank and has achieved several promotions, ultimately attaining the position of assistant branch manager.

In 2023, Messer was a nominee for Monson Savings Bank’s President’s Award. She was recognized by a peer for her commitment to customer and community service, teamwork, and excellence. She has also received several customer-service excellence awards during her time with the bank for going above and beyond.

As the assistant Wilbraham branch manager, Messer will support Baldyga to manage the branch. She will also assist customers with their banking transactions, drawing on her extensive knowledge of bank products and services, while promoting an atmosphere of positive staff morale by inspiring trust and respect.

“As I continue my career journey with Monson Savings Bank, I am looking forward to becoming an active member of the Wilbraham community and forming deeper relationships with our Wilbraham customers,” she said. “I have enjoyed advancing my leadership skills and contributing to our overall team efforts. Through my patient and empathic personality, I can provide the highest level of customer service to help individuals achieve their financial goals. I like looking for opportunities to provide our customers with products and services that will make their banking easier. I am excited to expand on my skill set and continue to do my part to lead the bank to success.”

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WARE — Country Bank announced the appointment of Clare Ladue as the assistant vice president of the Customer Care Center. With 30 years of financial-service experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role.

Ladue graduated from Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. New England School of Financial Studies. She has a commercial lending certificate from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. and numerous professional leadership certifications.

Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience in banking, including retail banking, deposit operations, commercial lending, and regional management, making her the ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Customer Care team.

Her connection to the local community is evident through her previous involvement as an executive committee member of the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. She has also participated in numerous charitable initiatives, including the Walk of Champions, Junior Achievement, Rays of Hope, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and Link to Libraries. Her dedication to making a positive impact aligns with Country Bank’s core values.

“I am thrilled to join Country Bank and utilize my leadership skills and experience to support our valued customers,” Ladue said. “I will focus on their financial wellness, ensuring a superior customer experience from our exceptional Customer Care team, and I am eager to make a difference and contribute to the continued success of Country Bank.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Clare to the Customer Care Center team; her experience in retail and commercial banking, combined with her leadership roles, make her a perfect fit for Country Bank,” bank President Paul Scully said. “We look forward to Clare’s enthusiasm and dedication representing Country Bank, and supporting our iSTEP corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity, and we are pleased that she has chosen Country Bank to be her employer of choice.”

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AMHERST — Aaron Lansky, founder and president of the Yiddish Book Center, announced he plans to retire in June 2025.

Lansky founded the Yiddish Book Center in 1980 as a 24-year-old graduate student, and since then, the organization has rescued more than 1.5 million Yiddish books, created educational programs that bring the language and culture to new audiences, documented the oral histories of more than 1,300 narrators, created a publishing imprint devoted to Yiddish translation, and much more.

Susan Bronson, who has been the center’s executive director for 14 years and holds a doctorate in Russian and Jewish history, will succeed Lansky as president.

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SPRINGFIELD — Common Threads, the signature event of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM), is coming up on Thursday, April 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets are on sale until April 1.

Common Threads will feature networking, a sit-down dinner, and a silent auction leading into a program that will highlight multiple local women who have made significant strides toward financial stability and personal goals.

Award-winning weeknight evening anchor Ciara Speller of WWLP 22News will be the emcee for the event. LaTonia Monroe Naylor, school committee representative, small-business entrepreneur, gunshot survivor, author, nonprofit founder, wife, and mother, will serve as the keynote speaker.

During the event, Sarai Arroyo of West Springfield Public Schools and a student at Holyoke Community College will be given the Distinguished Alumna Award, Tammy Hickey will be honored as Volunteer of the Year, and Jessica Dupont of Alliant Health Plans, a DFSWM past board president, will be recognized as an Outstanding Contributor.

“The program will honor our awardees and five participants who have changed their lives while in our programming,” said Jess Roncarati-Howe, DFSWM interim executive director. “It’s inspirational to see how much these women have overcome — including poverty, abuse, addiction and more — to provide a better future for themselves and their families.”

All proceeds support DFSWM’s mission to provide women and non-binary people in the community with the tools and network of support to achieve financial independence. Local programs include the Foot in the Door workforce-readiness program, the Margaret Fitzgerald Mentorship Program, the Professional Women’s Group, a digital-literacy program, and the suiting program. The event will feature opportunities to donate to the work of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts.

Tickets, which cost $75 each, are available at www.dfswm.org.

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Evan Garber

SPRINGFIELD — Evan Garber has been named senior consultant and vice president of A.L. Cignoli & Associates Inc. Garber, who received his master’s degree in public affairs from the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy, started working with the firm as an intern during his time as an undergraduate student at UMass studying political science and education.

“Day one, as an intern, we knew Evan had every skill necessary, and more, to help serve our diverse clients, from crisis communications to event-plan execution to navigating the halls of local and state governments, as well as the wild waters of Washington D.C.,” said Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli & Associates Inc.

“Evan jumped right into several significant corporate client challenges for us, handled some very delicate political campaign issues, and had the compassion and background to assist several of our social-service clients, all from the start of our relationship with him. We are grateful that this exceptionally talented and energetic young man decided to accept our offer, to continue with us and stay here in our home base of Western Massachusetts,” Cignoli added. “It is important to me that young people with Evan’s skill remain in our region. Though our firm’s clientele reaches beyond the region, keeping someone with Evan’s talent here is a big win for us. And on top of all that, we’ve had a lot of great success with Eagle Scouts on our team over the years.”

Garber attended Chicopee High School and found his first interest in history, theater, leadership, economics, and politics there. Throughout his time at UMass, he was able to refine those interests.

“It’s amazing how those five things I was really into cross over and reinforce each other. The skills I learned from pursuing them are ones that I very much use every day in the government and public-relations field,” he said.

While in college, Garber chaired the UMass Theatre Guild, got experience working in grassroots political campaigns, was on the student staff of the UMass Marching Band, and got his class B commercial driver’s license to work at UMass Transit.

“When I began my first internship in 2019, I had been thinking of a different career path,” he recalled. “I knew I needed some real-world experience in public and media relations for that initial path. Working with Tony and the amazing people who are the firm’s clients and associates, I realized that the impact and difference I hope to make could be achieved through this specialized profession. The charitable and pro bono work we do is gratifying and exhilarating.”

Garber is thankful for the opportunity to work with clients both in Western Mass. and around the world.

“Every day working for our clients is unique,” he said. “From some of the biggest names on the planet in manufacturing to Western Mass. food cooperatives, farmer’s groups, healthcare, retail cannabis, entertainment industry, and social-service organizations, it is a great mix of economic impactors that make a difference in real people’s lives. And when we add in the excitement of challenging political campaigns, there are no dull moments.”

Garber will be responsible for oversight of all Cignoli client efforts. He works directly with Cignoli on all daily client operations, including drafting strategies, media monitoring, designing solutions that are customized to the firm’s unique clients, and contributing to the successful results of clients.

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Bobby Tyrol III

PITTSFIELD — Pearson Wallace Insurance announced a new hire, Marc Membrino, and shared the achievement of current employee Robert “Bobby” Tyrol III, who has acquired his property and casualty insurance producer license.

Membrino joins the team with an extensive background in the insurance industry. He moved to the Berkshires in 1979 and worked for his family-owned insurance company, which he later bought in 1989 and subsequently sold years later. Membrino’s current role with Pearson Wallace Insurance is customer service representative, in which he rates and services policies and provides help to customers.

Tyrol has been with Pearson Wallace Insurance for two years. He moved to the Berkshires in 2015 after taking a job at the Berkshire Hills Golf Course in Pittsfield, where he was an assistant golf professional for six years. In 2021, he decided he needed a career shift and joined Pearson Wallace Insurance as a personal lines client manager.

After receiving his insurance designation of a property and casualty producer, Tyrol has been promoted to customer service manager. He takes charge of all personal-line services for Pearson Wallace Insurance, with the goal of making customers’ experiences seamless.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — AXiA Insurance Services recognizes the recent professional achievements of two employees in its West Springfield location.

Aidil Cortinhas, personal lines account relationship manager, earned the certified insurance service representative (CISR) designation. The CISR program is nationally recognized with the mission to further develop insurance-related competencies for industry customer-service representatives.

Cortinhas has been with AXiA since October 2017, servicing clients’ home and auto insurance coverage. She is also a current member of the company’s team and events committee, which coordinates company employee events, and an active volunteer in AxiA Charitable Fund programs.

Colin Dandy, administrative coordinator, earned his property and casualty insurance license, having passed the Massachusetts state exams. This qualifies him to now sell insurance coverage, continuing his growth track at the agency and in the industry. Dandy has been with AxiA since September 2022, after graduating high school that same year. He currently is a member of a company process/procedural committee.