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HCC to Inaugurate George Timmons as Fifth President on April 19

By BusinessWest Staff March 28, 2024

George Timmons

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will mark a new chapter on Friday, April 19 with the inauguration of George Timmons as its fifth president.

The investiture ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater on the second floor of the HCC Fine & Performing Arts building.

Timmons started working at HCC in July. He is the fifth president in the 78-year history of the college and the first African-American man to serve in that position.

The ceremony will start in the theater lobby of HCC’s Fine & Performing Arts building with a procession of faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, including presidents from many other Massachusetts community colleges and four-year colleges and universities in the region.

Also attending and offering brief remarks during the ceremony will be state Sen. John Velis; state Rep. Patricia Duffy; Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia; Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts secretary of Education; Robert Awkward, assistant commissioner of Academic Effectiveness at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; Carlee Drummer, president of Columbia-Greene Community College; Quintin Bullock, president of the Community College of Allegheny County; and Briana Beaver-Timmons, Timmons’ eldest daughter (accompanied by her two younger siblings).

Barney Garcia, the student representative on the HCC board of trustees, will offer remarks. The event will also feature performances by several HCC students: Ally Carnes will sing the national anthem, William Rodriguez-Otero will give a spoken-word performance, and Chestina Thrower will give a musical performance.

Vanessa Smith, interim chair of the HCC board of trustees, will present the presidential medallion to Timmons, who will then give an address.

A community reception will immediately follow the inauguration ceremony in the HCC Campus Center. Those interested in attending should visit hcc.edu/inauguration24 and follow the link to RSVP.

Before coming to HCC, Timmons served as the provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, N.Y. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in higher education from Old Dominion University, and a bachelor’s degree in financial management from Norfolk State University. At HCC, he succeeded President Christina Royal, who retired in July 2023.

Tech Foundry Announces New Hires, Promotions

By BusinessWest Staff March 28, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the hiring of four new staff members as well as promotions of existing staff to support the organization’s growing operations.

Phillip Borras, Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, was recently promoted to Coaching manager. A professional speaker, comedian, and life coach, he now leads a team of three coaches who mentor student members throughout the organization’s IT support training program and after graduation. This work complements Tech Foundry’s professional-development training, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking, and other professional-development skills.

Jessica Cogoli has been promoted to instructor. A Tech Foundry alum, she has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, as a volunteer, assistant instructor, and technical lead for the IT support training program. She recently graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in computer science and is now working toward her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University.

Eric Maldonado, a 20-year veteran of the human-services field, joins the Tech Foundry team as a coach. His previous work focused on youth and homeless adults, including experience as a career coach with MassHire in Springfield. He is also an entrepreneur and has been running two successful businesses for the past five years.

William Medina, a former instructor at Tech Foundry, returned to the organization as the new Tech Hub director at the end of February. He is a technology enthusiast who helped build the organization during its early years. In his new role, he is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tech Hub, a Holyoke-based center which provides digital-literacy classes, technical support, and device distribution throughout Western Mass. As director, he manages daily operations, curriculum development, community relations, the digital fellows program, and professional development.

Hilda Santa, a recent graduate of Tech Foundry, joins the team as the new administrative assistant and coach. She is a retired 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air National Guard and brings more than 15 years of administrative experience to the organization. In her role as a part-time coach, she will mentor the next generation of student-members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health studies from UMass Amherst.

Pattie Carulli-Hauser brings her passion for coaching and mentoring to the Tech Foundry team as one of the organization’s new coaches. In her role, she will provide ongoing mentoring and support for Tech Foundry’s student members. She has spent most of her career in research and development leadership roles in the consumer-goods industry.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and resourceful team of professionals working at Tech Foundry,” CEO Tricia Canavan said. “We are grateful to our funders, donors, and partners in the community, whose support allows us to grow our programs, which in turn benefit more individuals, families, and businesses in Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

Balise Auto Donates $40,000 to Square One

By BusinessWest Staff March 28, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Auto recently presented a check for $40,000 to Square One. The funding combines Balise’s generosity with matching gifts from Balise’s corporate partners at Lexus and Toyota.

“Square One has such a positive impact on local children and families” said Alex Balise, director of Marketing for Balise Auto. “We are so grateful to Toyota and Lexus for matching our donations and enabling Square One to have an even greater impact in our community.”

Square One currently provides early learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-age children each day, as well as family support services to 1,500 families each year, as they work to overcome the significant challenges in their lives.

“Just as the auto industry is constantly evolving, so is Square One’s work with children and families,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “For decades, Balise has been by our side helping us respond to the growing needs of our community. We are humbled by and grateful for their longstanding, generous support for Square One.”

Cybersecurity Center at Union Station Named for Congressman Neal

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2024

From left, STCC President John Cook, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Springfield Redevelopment Authority Chair Armando Feliciano, and CyberTrust Massachusetts CEO Peter Sherlock.

SPRINGFIELD — At a construction project walk-through on March 26, regional leaders unveiled a name for the cybersecurity center at Union Station: the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

Announced by a group that included STCC President John Cook and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, the name honors Neal and his commitment to leading-edge cybersecurity education and the betterment of Union Station. Neal, who provided a tour of the center currently under construction, led a funding effort in 2023 that resulted in $3 million of congressionally directed spending to establish the center.

“This is a great honor, one that I am particularly proud of, knowing that this Cybersecurity Center for Excellence will have a profound impact on local students for years to come,” Neal said. “This project marks several noteworthy feats for our region. As one of just two cybersecurity centers in the state, this technological hub will invest in the brightest young minds in our region, giving them the resources needed to learn how to combat these threats, and shoring up the resiliency of our cybersecurity in Western Massachusetts.

“With the opening of the Cybersecurity Center for Excellence, we are also celebrating a historic milestone in this historic building: 100% occupancy of Union Station’s main concourse,” Neal went on. “Springfield Union Station has re-established the city of Springfield as the crossroads of New England, and it will soon serve as home to a state-of-the-art cybersecurity training center that will greatly benefit our region.”

The center also is supported by a $1.46 million state grant and $500,000 from the city of Springfield. It is one of two such centers to be established in the state. The other is situated at Bridgewater State University.

The Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Springfield, scheduled to open later this year, will serve as a hub for advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and innovation while battling global security threats. The 6,000-square-foot facility will include a cyber range, which is a simulated training environment, and a security operations center, which is envisioned as a support service for Massachusetts municipalities, as well as regional businesses, to detect cybersecurity events in real time and respond quickly.

“Once a mayor, always the heart of a mayor, Congressman Richard Neal continues to provide exemplary leadership on behalf of our city of Springfield and Union Station — the house that Neal built,” Sarno said.

The facility will serve as a regional center for Western Mass. and beyond, and is a collaboration between STCC, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, and CyberTrust Massachusetts.

“Under the leadership of Congressman Neal, the collaboration of government, business, and higher-education leaders in Western Massachusetts has been critical to our statewide initiative to grow and diversify the cyber workforce and address the security needs of the region’s cities, towns, nonprofits, and businesses,” CyberTrust CEO Peter Sherlock said. “With its state-of-the-art cyber range, educational facilities, and security operations center, this cyber center of excellence is a world-class resource to serve the region’s people and institutions.”

Students who train at the the center will have access to paid internships in preparation for employment, where they would work with professionals to confront cybersecurity threats, a growing global problem. The cybersecurity industry needs more trained professionals to help prevent incursions and defeat security threats, and the new center will help fill the demand.

Cook continued to express his appreciation as well as enthusiasm, given the center’s alignment with STCC’s mission of accessible and dynamic education and workforce development.

“Congressman Neal has long been a supporter of STCC, of Springfield, and our regional needs,” he said. “We are grateful for his dedication to driving innovation and excellence in cybersecurity, and for leading the collaboration that is making this center a reality.”

The Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence will offer a wide range of programs and resources, including but not limited to cutting-edge cyber range training, internships and industry partnerships that build experience and career networks, research opportunities that establish best practices combined with emerging technologies, and community outreach and education forums to raise awareness about cybersecurity risks and solutions.

The center will also work to ensure access for underrepresented communities into the industry, with a particular effort to draw women and students of color to the field. STCC’s programs, including degrees in cybersecurity, programming, and computer systems engineering, represent more than 200 students who could train at the CCE as part of their degree or certificate.

Laplante Construction Partners in Development of Modern Workspace

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2024

EAST LONGMEADOW — Bill Laplante of Laplante Construction announced that Modern Workspace, a co-working facility he is developing with partners Chris Orszulak and Jason Pananos, should be open for business by May at 7 Purves St. in East Longmeadow.

The modern, net-zero building will feature 25 individual spaces available on a membership basis for businesspeople who work remotely. The modern, luxury building will be heated and cooled by electricity produced from solar panels on the roof, which will also provide hot water and a charge for tenants’ vehicles.

The building will be accessible to tenants 24-7. In addition to high-speed internet, amenities will include conference rooms and office equipment such as standing desks.

Laplante and his partners said Modern Workspace is the third in a model that also extends to the historic Brewer Young Mansion in Longmeadow, with 17 offices; and Chatham, on Cape Cod, in a location with nine offices.

Various levels of membership will be offered, including an address-only membership, a 10-day pass, or a private office with all amenities.

To learn more about Modern Workspace or purchase a membership, visit modernworkspace.co or call (413) 627-4949.

The Royal Law Firm to Present Seminar About Union Activity

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — The popularity of unions has created dangers for employers, both unionized and non-unionized alike. Even if an employer is non-unionized, the employer risks violating the National Labor Relations Act and being subject to charges from the National Labor Relations Board if new laws and rulings are not considered.

Attorney Trevor Brice from the Royal Law Firm will present a seminar, titled “The Dangers of Union Activity Within a Non-union Workplace and Other Recent Changes to Enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act,” on Wednesday, April 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the firm’s offices at 33 Elliot St., Springfield.

Brice will discuss the dangers of union activity in a non-union environment, as well as other updates and changes to enforcement of the National Labor Relations Act that have occurred in the past year. The cost is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed to, and checks made payable to, the Royal Law Firm.

Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or with any questions about this seminar.

Bed In for Cancer Connection Comes to Northampton on April 5

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2024

NORTHAMPTON — For years, it was Monte’s Camp Out for Cancer Connection. Building on that inspiring and fun event, a new tradition has emerged: Bed In for Cancer Connection, hosted by Tara Brewster. Relaunched in 2023, the Bed In is now an annual spring event.

The 2024 Bed In will take place on Friday, April 5 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Greenfield Savings Bank’s newly renovated location at 325 King St. in Northampton.

All day long, the public is invited to stop by Greenfield Savings Bank to visit with Brewster; enjoy free food and drinks donated by local restaurants; hear live music; meet local business owners, artists, writers, and community leaders; hear inspiring stories; and show support for Cancer Connection. Donations placed online, in person, and by phone will fund crucial programs and services at Cancer Connection.

Brewster, the bank’s vice president of Business Development and director of Philanthropy, as well as host of the Western Mass Business Show on WHMP, will be talking from a bed all day, with the bed and furnishings provided by Andy’s Oak Shoppe.

Last year’s Bed In drew dozens of guests who climbed into bed with Tara to talk about their own cancer experiences, their family’s story, or how cancer has impacted their community. “People have cried here today, people have laughed here today, people have told really true and honest stories,” Brewster said last spring. “That’s what Cancer Connection is about.”

Thanks to the generosity of Greenfield Savings Bank and its $15,000 Community Leadership Challenge Grant, and through partnerships with local radio stations, the Bed In will bring the community together for fun and to raise vital funds for Cancer Connection. The whole day will be shared with a live broadcast from WRSI 93.9 and a livestream on YouTube Live.

Founded in 2000, Cancer Connection’s mission is to provide a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs. Cancer Connection is the only cancer-support center in Hampshire and Franklin counties and draws additional participants from Hampden County and beyond. All of Cancer Connection’s services are provided free of charge.

BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for Alumni Achievement Award

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award. As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2023.

Past winners include: 2023: Amy Royal, founder and CEO, Royal Law Firm (40 Under Forty class of 2009); 2022: Anthony Gleason III, president and co-founder, Gleason Johndrow Companies (class of 2010); 2021: Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney (class of 2015); 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (40 Under Forty class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 10 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 20. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Click here for the nomination form. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is Friday, May 10 at 5 p.m., no exceptions. For your convenience, a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes may be found by clicking here.

Sublime Systems Awarded $87 Million by Department of Energy

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — As part of a $6.3 billion initiative funding 33 projects across 20 states, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Sublime Systems in Holyoke will receive $87 million in federal funding from its Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and its Industrial Demonstrations Program.

Sublime Systems plans to build a new, ultra-low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Holyoke. The company’s new method to make cement, detailed in the March 4 issue of BusinessWest (click here), replaces carbon-intensive limestone with abundant calcium-silicate-based feedstocks, resulting in industry-standard cement that is produced electrochemically instead of using high heat.

By demonstrating this transformational process that was previously supported by ARPA-E, Sublime aims to strengthen American supply chains for low-carbon products, increase transparency for product environmental impact and performance, and catalyze industry-wide change.

“I am thrilled that Sublime Systems has been named the recipient of federal funding under the Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstrations Program,” U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said. “This funding will play a critical role in accelerating the construction of Sublime’s first commercial manufacturing plant in Holyoke, an investment that will spur significant economic opportunity in the Paper City and throughout Western and Central Massachusetts.”

The Industrial Demonstrations Program is a $6.3 billion initiative funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program invests in decarbonization projects in energy-intensive industries, providing American manufacturers a competitive advantage to help position the U.S. at the forefront of the race toward low- and net-zero carbon manufacturing, Neal noted. Click here for a list of award recipients and descriptions of their projects.

The Sublime project expects to create 70 to 90 permanent manufacturing jobs in a community that once produced nearly all of the country’s writing paper but has seen a decline in industry over the 20th century.

Sublime Systems and the United Steelworkers have signed a strategic partnership agreement supporting Sublime employees’ right to organize at the Holyoke factory. The company has also signed memoranda of understanding to negotiate project labor agreements with the region’s building trade unions.

Sublime Systems also plans to support the Holyoke K-12 education system through curriculum enhancement and teacher support in partnership with the Smithsonian Science Education Center and facilitate a long-term training pipeline for Holyoke and the broader Pioneer Valley.

Franklin Community Co-op Hires Outreach and Communications Manager

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2024

Caitlin von Schmidt

GREENFIELD — Franklin Community Co-op recently welcomed Caitlin von Schmidt as its new Outreach and Communications manager, effective March 19.

“Caitlin’s time as coordinator of the Greenfield Business Association and in the Mayor’s Office at the city of Greenfield sets her up beautifully to succeed in her new position, and we’re excited to have her on board,” co-op General Manager John Williams said. “We’re happy to have her as the newest member of our successful team.”

Williams also thanked Amy Britt for her time in the position as she moves on to other opportunities.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Franklin Community Co-op family,” von Schmidt said. “The co-op is a beloved establishment, and its role as an anchor business and vital community member can’t be overstated. In addition, I’m thrilled to be involved at such an important time, with the expansion into the Wilson’s building on the horizon.”

Westfield State to Induct Six Alumni into Criminal Justice Alumni Hall of Fame

By BusinessWest Staff March 26, 2024

WESTFIELD — On April 6, Westfield State University will recognize and induct six alumni into the Criminal Justice Alumni Hall of Fame. Inductees are recognized for their excellence in their chosen field and for their accomplishments in criminal justice and law enforcement at the state, federal, and local levels.

This year’s alumni inductees are Benjamin Campbell ’11 of the Maine State Police; David Campbell ’84, a retired special agent in the U.S. Department of Justice; Cheryl Clapprood ’92, Springfield Police superintendent; John Kotfila Jr. ’08, who served in the Sheriff’s Office in Hillsborough County, Fla.; Kenneth O’Connor ’87, a chief court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court; and Jeffrey Trask ’02, a leader in emergency management and preparedness. Kim Tobin, professor of Criminal Justice, is also being honored for her distinguished service to Westfield State. Both Benjamin Campbell and Kotfila are being recognized posthumously.

The ceremony will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and commence in the Scanlon Banquet Hall on campus. Michael McCabe ’84, Westfield mayor, will deliver the opening remarks, followed by addresses from university President Linda Thompson and Nicholas Smith ’24, president of the Student Government Assoc. Brunch will take place afterward and precede McCabe and Alice Perry, assistant professor of Criminal Justice, presenting the honorees.

For more information and to register to attend this event, visit westfield.ma.edu/cjhof by April 2.

Gregory Merchant Named President of Air Distribution Institute

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Duc-Pac Corp. announced that its president, Gregory Merchant, has been voted to serve as president of Air Distribution Institute (ADI), the national alliance of steel HVAC pipe and fittings manufacturers focused on research and working with industry leading decision makers to create better policy.

Duc-Pac is a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1949. The company moved its manufacturing facility to Springfield in 2022.

“I am proud to contribute my experience by helping lead the ADI,” Merchant said. “Duc-Pac has been a member of the organization for over 15 years. There is a lot of attention today on the use of green energy in HVAC and achieving ever-greater efficiencies with heating and cooling our homes. On one hand, we are very specialized production manufacturers. On the other hand, we have a big role to play in providing products and information essential to more efficient HVAC systems. We cannot lose sight that to not participate in HVAC improvements this way is to invite overseas competition to do so.

“I believe that my serving as president of ADI can also bring positive attention to our efforts here in Springfield, and in Western Massachusetts. This is specialized manufacturing that we see too little of still remaining in the United States,” Merchant added. “While most of the attention is on equipment such as electric heat pumps, the ADI works in a less visible but equally important space. Our efforts make sure that the overall installed system maximizes those new efficiencies for the benefit of both the homeowner and the environment. We do this by studying air-distribution systems, specifically the duct systems. Highly engineered, state-of-the-art equipment can lose a lot of efficiency if it is tied into a poor duct system. For decades, we have worked with universities around the country to study duct design and material. We communicate our findings to a variety of groups that are influential in residential construction, including building-code organizations and building designers.”

Massachusetts Unemployment Down Slightly in February

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2024

BOSTON — The state’s February total unemployment rate was 2.9%, down 0.1% from the revised January estimate of 3.0%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Massachusetts unemployment rate was 1 percentage point lower than the national rate of 3.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 0.7%.

The labor force decreased by an estimated 1,700 from the revised estimate of 3,750,200 in January, with 2,500 residents more employed and 4,200 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 — decreased 0.1% over the month to 64.8%. Compared to February 2023, the labor-force participation rate was down 0.3%.

The BLS preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 6,300 jobs in February. This follows January’s revised gain of 11,500 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in education and health services; leisure and hospitality; and trade, transportation, and utilities. Employment now stands at 3,738,900. Massachusetts gained 675,400 jobs since the employment low in April 2020.

From February 2023 to February 2024, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 24,800 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government.

Margarita Madness Slated for April 4

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2024

HADLEY — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s signature Margarita Madness event is scheduled for Thursday, April 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Interskate 91 North at Hampshire Mall. TommyCar Auto Group returns as the presenting sponsor, and Brick & Mortar Realty returns as supporting sponsor.

Margarita Madness will convene more than 150 local businesses, drawing nearly 500 attendees from across the region. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Emergency Department.

“The teams at Hampshire Mall, Interskate 91N, and TommyCar Auto Group continue to be exceptionally generous, and we cannot wait to bring our Amherst Area businesses together. It’s an opportunity to highlight our local businesses and create community at the same time,” said Youssef Fadel, committee chair. “Leave your skates at home, please. There will be many activities and opportunities to network, but skating will not be one of them.”

The Amherst Area challengers who will compete for this year’s fan favorite or best margarita are (those designated with an asterisk are also providing food tastings): Amherst Innovative Living LLC; Arizona Pizza*; Better Together Dog Rescue; Bub’s BBQ; Encharter Insurance LLC; Garcia’s Restaurant*; Greenfield Savings Bank; the Hangar Bar and Grill*; Johnny’s Tavern*; Jones Group Realtors/William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance; Legacy Counsellors; Loophole Brewing; MiTierra; the Nathan Agencies/Amherst Insurance; New England Promotional Marketing; Protocol; PiNZ Bowl; Texas Roadhouse*; TommyCar Auto Group; UMassFive College Federal Credit Union; Wagging Tails Pet Resort Inc.; and 30Boltwood.

Not mad about margaritas? There is something for everyone at Margarita Madness, including hosted water stations, beer and tequila tastings, and some sober sips with margarita mocktails. Tickets are $35 per person when purchased in advance at amherstarea.com.

bankESB to Host Two Free Shred Days

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2024

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on the following dates and at locations. No appointment is necessary.

• Saturday, June 8: 770 Main St., Agawam

• Saturday, June 22: 241 Northampton St., Easthampton (two trucks at this event)

Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

Country Bank Appoints New Corporators, Trustee at Annual Meeting

By BusinessWest Staff March 22, 2024

WARE — Country Bank announced the appointment of four new corporators and a new trustee at its annual meeting on March 11.

James Phaneuf, chair of the board, welcomed the new corporators to the bank, saying, “we are thrilled to have these accomplished individuals join our team. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will contribute to the continued success of Country Bank.”

Ivon Gois, president of Gois Broadcasting, brings a wealth of experience to the bank. Based in Worcester, Gois operates 12 radio stations in New England and is well-known for his contributions to the media industry, ethnic and racial diversity work, and financial expertise.

Mechilia Salazar, CEO and director of Hope for Youth and Families Foundation in Springfield, is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector. Her previous role as CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club demonstrates her commitment to serving marginalized and underbanked communities. She often serves as the bridge between local businesses and the communities they serve.

Samalid Hogan, a business consultant, CEO, and principal at Greylock Management in Ludlow, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of success. Her leadership as past president of the Springfield Rotary Club and her involvement on various boards further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for empowering small businesses has made her a respected leader in the industry.

Walter Pacheco, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, owns several Western and Central Mass. restaurants and investment properties. His extensive business acumen and local ties make him a valuable addition to the bank.

In addition to the new corporators, President-elect Mary McGovern was appointed to the board of trustees. Her expertise and leadership will help guide the bank’s strategic initiatives and ensure its continued growth as she takes over as president on April 1.

Paul Asselin Named ABC National 2024 Craft Instructor of the Year

By BusinessWest Staff March 22, 2024

Paul Asselin

WOBURN — The Massachusetts chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Paul Asselin, Gould Construction Institute instructor, is the 2024 ABC National Craft Instructor of the Year. Asselin was honored at the 2024 ABC Convention in Orlando, Fla. on March 13.

ABC presents the annual Craft Instructor of the Year Award to an outstanding instructor with a passion for their craft, creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through excellent communications skills and forward-thinking teaching to future construction professionals.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the construction industry, Asselin has taught basic through advanced electrical courses since 2001. He is the training manager for Elm Electrical Inc. in Westfield, where he has worked since 1983. He is also the wiring inspector for his hometown of Russell and previously served as chair of Westfield Technical Academy’s general advisory board and electrical shop advisory board.

“Problem solving is a daily occurrence,” Asselin said. “From the field to the classroom, it’s important that we, as craft professionals, know how to solve problems. As I tell my students, it is about training your brain to problem-solve, which we do our whole lives. Technology and safety awareness are vital components of our industry and are important tools in the way I teach, work, and volunteer in my community.”

As Craft Instructor of the Year, Asselin received a $10,000 cash prize. Co-sponsors of Craft Instructor of the Year are the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the training, assessment, certification, and career-development standard for the construction industry; and Tradesmen International, North America’s premier craft-professional staffing resource. Asselin will also be profiled in the June issue of Construction Executive magazine.

“Holding dozens of electrical and teaching certifications, Paul utilizes his electrical expertise to better his community and the construction industry as well as the next generation of craft professionals,” said Buddy Henley, 2024 national chair of the ABC board of directors and president of Henley Construction Co. Inc. in Gaithersburg, Md.

“A truly outstanding teacher whose excellence extends beyond the classroom, Paul’s nominator said that he wholeheartedly embraces any opportunity for professional development and is just as adept at teaching simple topics as more advanced ones, which is attributable to his excellent written and verbal communication skills,” Henley added. “Congratulations, Paul, on this honor, and I appreciate how you have furthered the industry and career pathways for countless electricians.”

T-Mobile Hometown Grant to Fund LED Lighting Installation in Northampton

By BusinessWest Staff March 22, 2024

NORTHAMPTON — The city of Northampton is the recipient of a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to install an artistic LED lighting system on the railway underpass in downtown Northampton. The new lighting system will enhance walkability and the physical connection of Main Street. The city of Northampton will hold a check presentation on Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at 6 Strong Ave.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to T-Mobile for awarding Northampton a Hometown Hero grant award,” Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said. “This invaluable contribution allows us to complete our popular bridge-lighting project on Lower Main Street, helping us connect two beloved sections of Northampton’s downtown. This is a true placemaking asset for everyone to enjoy. This project not only enhances the physical connection between Main Street and the area known as Paradise East, it also fosters a stronger sense of unity and community pride.”

T-Mobile Hometown Grants support community development initiatives across infrastructure, education, technology, environment, and more. Northampton is the first city in Massachusetts to receive such a grant. T-Mobile has awarded 275 projects across 46 states since the $25 million, five-year initiative launched in April 2021.

Nonotuck Resource Associates Honored Among Top Workplaces

By BusinessWest Staff March 22, 2024

NORTHAMPTON — Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc. was recently named a recipient of a USA Today 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 regional markets.

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage.

“We are humbled and honored to be recognized as a USA Today Top Workplace. At Nonotuck, our culture of civility and kindness is not just a philosophy, but a way of life,” Nonotuck President and CEO George Fleischner said. “We prioritize not only professional growth but also the delicate balance between work and home life. This award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our incredible team who embody these values every day.”

This news comes on the heels of Nonotuck being selected as a Boston Globe Top Workplace.

Report: MGM Looking into Selling Springfield Casino Operations

By BusinessWest Staff March 21, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — According to a report yesterday in Bloomberg, MGM Resorts International is exploring the sale of its casino operations at MGM Springfield and Ohio’s Northfield Park.

Bloomberg reported that the company is working with financial advisers on potential sales, but the discussions are preliminary and may not result in any action, according to people familiar with the matter who asked to not be identified. A spokesperson for MGM declined to comment on the discussions.

According to the report, MGM’s management has been frustrated with the company’s share price. The stock has climbed less than 5% over the past two years despite growth in sales and profit. MGM won the license to operate in Springfield after Massachusetts authorized casino gambling and opened in 2018.

“Our original valuation of this market simply was off — full stop,” MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle told reporters after meeting with local officials last year. The property generated $278 million in gambling revenue in 2023.

The real estate at both casinos is owned by New York-based Vici Properties Inc., which declined to comment on the sale talks.

Mei-Ann Chen Named Artistic Advisor of Springfield Symphony Orchestra

By BusinessWest Staff March 21, 2024

Mei-Ann Chen

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that internationally acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen, who was guest conductor for the SSO’s 2023-24 opening-night performance, is joining the SSO in the newly created position of artistic advisor, effective for the 2024-25 season.

Chen will serve as the orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists, and facilitating other artistic needs. She will also conduct a minimum of two symphonic concerts per season. At the same time, the SSO will continue to engage guest conductors in performances of the symphony.

Since the orchestra’s opening-night concert, “A Festive 80th Anniversary Year,” Chen’s skills were recognized by the SSO as a critical artistic voice as it moves forward in building its audience and diversifying its symphonic offerings.

“We are thrilled, as we surpass 80 years of sharing beautiful music in the city of Springfield and with the region, to begin an exciting new era of innovation, creativity, and memorable music collaborations with the guidance of Maestra Mei-Ann Chen,” said Paul Lambert, president and CEO of the SSO. “Her energy, artistic vision, incredible ideas, and musical drive align perfectly with our plans for growth and engagement as we evolve our music making and work to inspire current and future audiences. Our growing community of music lovers has shared their enjoyment of new faces on the podium for performances, which will continue with Chen’s guidance.”

Added Paul Friedmann, SSO board chair, “on behalf of the SSO board, I welcome Mei-Ann Chen and the energy and artistic sensibility she brings to the SSO. She will be an important creative asset by helping us to present concerts that will inspire both our loyal longtime subscribers and those new to live symphonic music.”

An acclaimed, innovative leader both on and off the podium, Chen has served as music director of Chicago Sinfonietta since 2011. Chief conductor of Austria’s Recreation – Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte, she also serves as an artistic partner with ROCO in Texas and Northwest Sinfonietta in Washington.

A sought-after guest conductor, she has appeared with distinguished orchestras throughout the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia (more than 150 orchestras to date). Named one of Musical America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers, Chen is a recipient of a League of American Orchestras Helen M. Thompson Award, a Taki Concordia fellowship, and several ASCAP awards, and is the only woman in the history of the Malko Competition to have been named First Prize Winner.

“It is an honor to join an icon in Massachusetts’ cultural scene,” Chen said. “The extraordinary musicianship, the commitment, and energy of this organization excites me. I look forward to working with this incredibly talented ensemble of musicians and exceptionally devoted staff introducing new ways to experience and appreciate music, sharing ideas and introducing innovative programs that continue to build upon the dynamic legacy of creativity and inclusion that Springfield Symphony Orchestra has achieved over the past eight decades.”

bankESB Parent Wins 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award

By BusinessWest Staff March 21, 2024

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB, Abington Bank, and bankHometown, announced it was named a winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage.

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that are dedicated to building an exceptional, people-first culture. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee-engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers that are proven to predict high performance, against industry benchmarks.

“We’re honored to be nationally recognized as an employer of choice for the second time in three years, and especially humbled that this honor resulted from positive feedback from those who know us best: our employees,” bankESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik said. “Every day, I’m inspired by our compassionate, dedicated, and talented group of employees, who demonstrate passion for unlocking the full potential of our customers, our communities, and each other. We try hard to foster a work environment that’s inclusive, innovative, team-oriented, and fun, and this honor proves that our employees believe we’re doing it right.”

Bulkley Richardson Honors Jeff Poindexter Through YMCA Gift

By BusinessWest Staff March 21, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — In continuing Jeff Poindexter’s legacy, Bulkley Richardson has partnered with the Greater Springfield YMCA to help area boys and girls attend summer camp. The firm will send 16 youth campers to a YMCA-run camp this summer for one week.

Poindexter was a partner at Bulkley Richardson and the former chairman of the Greater Springfield YMCA board of directors.

“Jeff knew summer camp was a privilege not all kids had access to, and he was a huge advocate of advancing equity in our Springfield neighborhoods,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “We felt that honoring Jeff’s longtime commitment to the YMCA and its efforts to provide opportunities to youth in the community was something he would be proud of.”

AIC President Hubert Benitez to Step Down

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced that Hubert Benitez plans to step down as president of the college at the end of the current academic year on June 7.

Frank Colaccino, chair of the AIC board of trustees, said Nicolle Cestero, who serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer at AIC, will be appointed interim president immediately.

In accepting Benitez’s resignation, Colaccino said, “I thank President Benitez for the service he provided to AIC over the past two years. Hubert’s leadership in developing the AIC Reimagined strategic plan was exemplary, and AIC will continue to benefit from that leadership as we execute the strategic initiatives embedded in that strategic plan.”

In his letter of resignation, Benitez said, “I want to thank the board of trustees for the opportunity it has granted me to serve AIC. It has been rewarding work with a committed team of colleagues reimagining the future of the college. While there are still vast opportunities to advance the mission of AIC, the collective efforts and progress made to date on executing the institution’s strategic initiatives fill me with hope, and I trust that these efforts will bear fruit in the near future.”

He added that “I made this decision by engaging in a deep process of prayer and discernment, and after thoughtful consideration and reflection with my family, I have decided to focus on the next chapter of our lives.”

Colaccino said the tenure of Benitez’s service as president of the college was marked by a number of progressive actions designed to promote the mission of AIC and his effective leadership in the development of AIC Reimagined, the strategic plan that will guide the initiatives undertaken by the college during the coming years.

“AIC deeply appreciates the contributions made by President Benitez to the mission of the college during his tenure as president, and we wish him well as he embarks on the next new and different chapter of his life and his family’s life,” Colaccino added.

Cestero, who will serve as interim president until the next president is identified, has been with AIC since 2011 when she joined as associate vice president for Human Resources. She has served the college as chief of staff and most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Prior to joining AIC, her professional journey began in New York City at the Council on Foreign Relations, a leading nonpartisan foreign-policy think tank in the U.S., focused on disseminating information to members, government officials, and the public on matters of international significance. She holds an MBA degree from AIC, a master of arts degree from the University of West Florida, and a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Holyoke College.

According to Colaccino, as COO, Cestero has overseen the day-to-day operations of the college and played a key role in implementing AIC’s strategic plan.

Colaccino said AIC is in the process of engaging a search firm to assist with a national search for the next president.

Community Foundation Receives $560,000 Grant from MassMutual Foundation

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced it has received a $560,000 gift from the MassMutual Foundation to support grantmaking in Springfield through the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding program. Through this grant, the MassMutual Foundation seeks to create more equitable access to social and economic opportunity in its local community.

“The Community Foundation appreciates the opportunity to partner with the MassMutual Foundation for the benefit of our community,” said Megan Burke, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Both foundations consistently work to improve the quality of life for residents in our region. This innovative partnership, generously supported by the MassMutual Foundation, offers a new way for us to collaborate to advance equity and opportunity through increased financial resilience.”

Recognizing a need in Springfield to address barriers to financial well-being, the MassMutual Foundation identified the opportunity to support the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding grant program, which uses a trust-based approach, informed by community, to make resources available to those nonprofits best positioned to increase equity and opportunity for all residents. The MassMutual Foundation’s funding will specifically target programs and organizations with a focus on building financial resiliency through four focus areas: building networks, fostering financial health, fulfilling basic financial needs, and expanding employment opportunities.

“Our success in advancing financial well-being for the community is predicated not only on the value of the programs that deliver services themselves, but also on the direct input we receive from members of our community on where needs are the greatest,” said Dennis Duquette, head of Community Responsibility for MassMutual and president of the MassMutual Foundation. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to provide more open access to MassMutual Foundation resources for members of our community and the causes they recommend.”

The Flexible Funding program provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofits and other organizations assisting their communities in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, prioritizing organizations actively working to combat racial disparities, promote equity and justice, and create pathways for marginalized communities. The program is designed to uplift the day-to-day operations and sustainability of these organizations.

“We received grant requests totaling over $8 million this past year, but only had $2.3 million to deliver. It’s a clear indication that there’s tremendous need in the region,” said Meredith Lewis, senior director for Community Impact and Partnerships at the Community Foundation. “We’re excited to help shepherd more financial resources through our open grant cycle and collaboratively work to reach more organizations that help residents of Springfield and the surrounding area.”

Applications for the next Flexible Funding round will open in August, and recipient grantees will be announced in December. Click here to learn more about Flexible Funding and Community Foundation events supporting this and other similar work.

Elms College to Present Fifth Annual Rev. Hugh Crean Lecture on April 4

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2024

CHICOPEE — Elms College and the St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture will present the fifth annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture in Catholic Thought on Thursday, April 4 at 4:30 p.m.

The lecture will take place in person in the college’s Alumnae Library Theater. Click here to register.

The distinguished speaker for this lecture is Dominic Doyle, associate professor of Systematic Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM). The theme for Doyle’s remarks will be “Christian Humanism and the Theology of Hope.”

Most recently, Doyle led STM’s Neuroscience Education for Theological Training grant from the Science for Seminaries program sponsored by the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science/Dialogue on Science, Religion, and Ethics. He is currently working on a book exploring the history of theological virtues, tentatively titled Thematic Variations in Theological Virtue.

The St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture (CERC) at Elms College was launched in October 2020 with support from an anonymous naming gift and several significant contributions. The center aims to increase engagement and discourse on the most pressing and complex questions related to ethics, religion, and culture in today’s society, and to lead the regional community in thoughtful, engaging dialogue.

The founding executive director of the CERC is noted bioethicist Peter DePergola II, Shaughness Family chair for the Study of the Humanities and associate professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities at Elms.

The annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture was established through an endowment made by Jack and Colette Dill to honor Crean’s legacy and recognize his academic work at Elms College and his pastoral ministry throughout the Diocese of Springfield and the entire region.

Attorney Karen Jackson to Lead Three Estate-planning Workshops at HCC

By BusinessWest Staff March 20, 2024

HOLYOKE — Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson Law in Holyoke will lead three one-hour estate-planning workshops at Holyoke Community College, beginning Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. with “Core Estate Planning.”

In this first session, Jackson, an elder-law and estate-planning attorney, will explain the importance of the will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and the core estate plan.

In the second session, “De-mystifying Trusts,” on Thursday, April 18 from 6 to 7 p.m., Jackson will review the different types of trusts and how to decide if one is needed.

In the final course, “Saving Your Home from the Nursing Home Bill,” on Thursday, April 25 from 6 to 7 p.m., Jackson will explain the use of an irrevocable income-only trust to save nursing-home costs. She will also explain MassHealth rules and provide tips and traps to avoid.

Students can choose one or two classes at $39 each or register for the series for $90. To register, call (413) 552-2320 or visit hcc.edu/bce.

MCLA Announces Tamar Sarai as 2024 Hardman Journalist in Residence

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2024

NORTH ADAMS — Writer and journalist Tamar Sarai will deliver the Hardman Journalist in Residence Lecture on Monday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation Atrium at MCLA. The lecture is free and open to the public.

“Tamar Sarai represents a refreshing journalistic practice which our Beacon and Beacon Web News journalism students will find energizing and modern,” MCLA Professor Michael Birch said. “Her writing will offer new topics and focus for their learning, as will her emphasis on the power and value of good writing in the service of exceptional storytelling. This will be an excellent learning opportunity for our students.”

Sarai is a writer and journalist currently based in Philadelphia. She is a features writer at Prism, a nonprofit media outlet that seeks to highlight the perspectives and voices of those directly impacted by some of today’s most pressing issues. Her work focuses on race, culture, and the criminal legal system. Both her writing for Prism and her freelance work often focus on the ways in which Black women and girls are impacted by policing and the prison system. Her work has been featured in outlets including Shadowproof, Capital B, and Essence. Sarai is a graduate of Wellesley College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

MCLA’s Hardman Lecture Series presents in-depth discussions with some of the leading journalists of our time and is made possible through the generosity of the Hardman Family Endowment.

Square One’s Dawn DiStefano to Present to the Federal Reserve

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Square One President and CEO Dawn DiStefano will be among three panelists from across the country to present to the U.S. Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. this week.

DiStefano was invited to be a panelist at the Fed Listens event on Friday, March 22 to hear perspectives on current economic conditions and how the pandemic experience has reshaped the economy and the workforce.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell will provide opening remarks, and Vice Chair Philip Jefferson and Governor Michelle Bowman will each moderate conversations with leaders from organizations that include the nonprofit, education, job-search, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.

This event is one in a series of discussions as part of the Fed Listens initiative and aims to engage a wide range of stakeholders to hear how the economy is progressing across the U.S.

The livestream will be webcast at www.federalreserve.gov and www.youtube.com/federalreserve.

Westfield State Art Professor Unveils Portrait of Frederick Douglass at Mechanics Hall

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2024

Westfield State University Associate Art Professor Imo Nse Imeh in his studio with his new portrait of Frederick Douglass, which was unveiled at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on March 14.

WORCESTER — Mechanics Hall in Worcester unveiled three commissioned portraits of 19th- century Black Americans at an event called “Beyond Frames” on March 14, as part of its Portraits Project.

Westfield State University Associate Art Professor Imo Nse Imeh contributed with his portrait of formerly enslaved civil-rights leader, orator, and writer Frederick Douglass. Other contributions unveiled included Worcester business owners and abolitionists William Brown and Martha Ann Tulip Lewis Brown, painted by Brenda Zlamany of Brooklyn, N.Y., and formerly enslaved abolitionist and women’s-rights activist Sojourner Truth, painted by Manu Saluja of Long Island, N.Y. The three portraits are the first to be added to the 167-year-old concert hall since 1999.

The Mechanics Hall Portrait Gallery is an installation honoring 19th-century Worcester innovators, social reformers, Civil War heroes, and political leaders.

“This is a historic moment for Mechanics Hall and our vibrantly diverse community,” said Kathleen Gagne, Mechanics Hall executive director and co-chair of the Portraits Project. “Many of the world’s most renowned performers take the Great Hall stage every year. They and their audiences will now share the hall with — and be inspired by — these striking paintings of Black Americans who lived extraordinary lives of courage. Our community, and especially our children, can look up to the individuals honored in the gallery with pride and hope.”

Imeh is a visual artist and scholar of African diaspora art. His work focuses on historical and philosophical issues around the Black body and cultural identity. His works are in the collection of the Petrucci Family Foundation Collection of African American Art; the University Museum of Contemporary Art at UMass Amherst; and the Danny Simmons Collection of Art, among others. Imeh is a recipient of the Mass Cultural Artist Fellowship, as well as grants from the Holyoke and Springfield Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts Invites Applications for 2024 Grant Cycle

By BusinessWest Staff March 19, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) welcomes grant applications for its 2024 grant cycle and intends to award 10 to 15 grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 by summer.

WFWM strongly encourages smaller, community-based, grassroots organizations to apply. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status and those with fiscal sponsors are welcome to apply, and those serving women and girls and transgender and gender-diverse people in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties are encouraged to do so. Priority will be given to organizations aligning with race and gender justice and equity and WFWM’s strategic pillars: economic security, equality in positions of power and leadership, and freedom from gender-based violence.

The two-year, unrestricted grants can be used for general operations or program support, and the WFWM grantmaking committee looks for grant proposals with a meaningful impact.

“We are excited to continue to fund the important work that is being done to support women, girls, and gender-expansive people in our Western Massachusetts communities,” said Amihan Matias, senior director of Community Partnerships at the Women’s Fund. “We have diverse community members and residents from all four counties of Western Massachusetts on our grantmaking committee. We are grateful for their valuable perspectives regarding the needs of their communities. It is so important to hear directly from communities.”

To apply, complete an online application. Click here for the English application, or click here for the Spanish version. Submit a brief, one-page letter of intent. The WFWM strives to make the application process as inclusive and accessible as possible and also accepts video submissions or grant proposals written for other funders in place of the narrative portion of the written letter of intent. To have the application translated into a language other than English or Spanish, email Matias at [email protected].

Applications are due by May 15, and the grantmaking committee will announce recipients on Aug. 30.

Massachusetts Senate Acts to Transform Early Education and Care

By BusinessWest Staff March 18, 2024

BOSTON — Last week, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed legislation to make early education and care more accessible and affordable for families across Massachusetts. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The EARLY ED Act — an Act Ensuring Affordability, Readiness, and Learning for Our Youth and Driving Economic Development — takes steps to improve the affordability and sustainability of childcare programs by making the state’s Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) operational grant program permanent, expanding eligibility for the state’s subsidy program and capping subsidy recipients’ childcare costs at 7% of family income, and boosting compensation for educators by creating a career ladder and providing scholarships and loan forgiveness.

“An equitable and competitive Commonwealth is one in which every child and family has access to affordable, quality early education,” Senate President Karen Spilka said. “At the same time, we must recognize the incredible work of the providers who are shaping the minds and hearts of our earliest learners. Today I’m proud that the Massachusetts Senate is once again taking action to lower costs for families, open up more opportunities for children, increase pay for our early educators, and make support for providers permanent so they can keep their doors open and thrive for years to come.”

State Sen. Adam Gomez added that “the EARLY ED Act creates an ecosystem where we can ensure affordable, accessible early education and care for our youth and viable career pathways for educators across the Commonwealth.”

The bill would make the state’s C3 grants permanent, providing monthly payments directly to early education and care providers. The grants, which provide monthly payments to more than 92% of early education and care programs across the Commonwealth, have become a national model thanks to their success at keeping programs’ doors open during the pandemic, reducing tuition costs for families, increasing compensation for early educators, and expanding the number of childcare slots available.

The legislation improves affordability by expanding eligibility for childcare subsidies to families making up to 85% of the state median income (SMI), which is $124,000 for a family of four. It eliminates cost-sharing fees for families receiving subsidies who are below the federal poverty line and caps cost-sharing fees for all other families receiving subsidies at 7% of their income, putting millions of dollars back into families’ pockets. Finally, the bill paves the way for expanding the subsidy program to families making up to 125% SMI, or $182,000 for a family of four, when future funds become available.

The legislation provides support for educators by directing the Department of Early Education and Care to establish a career ladder with recommended salaries. This career ladder will help increase salaries in this historically underpaid field. The bill would also make scholarship and loan-forgiveness programs for early educators permanent, as well as direct the state to explore more innovative ways to develop this workforce.

The bill would also create an innovative public-private matching grant pilot program, which would incentivize employers to invest in new early education and care slots, with priority given to projects serving families with lower income and those who are located in childcare deserts. In addition, the bill tasks the administration with completing a study to further analyze ways to incentivize or require employers to partner with the state to expand access to high-quality and affordable early education and care.

The bill also includes provisions that would:

• Ensure that early education and care programs serving children with subsidies are reimbursed based on enrollment, rather than attendance, to provide financial stability to programs;

• Require the cost-sharing fee scale for families participating in the childcare subsidy program to be updated every five years to ensure affordability for families;

• Establish a pilot program to expand access to shared-service hubs, which would support smaller early education and care programs;

• Increase the maximum number of children that can be served by fully staffed large family childcare programs, aligning with states such as New York, California, Illinois, and Maryland; and

• Bar zoning ordinances from prohibiting family childcare programs in certain areas, preventing an unnecessary hurdle to the expansion of childcare slots.

Sen. Gomez Applauds Move Toward Pardoning Marijuana Convictions

By BusinessWest Staff March 18, 2024

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez joined Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll at the State House last week for a criminal-justice-reform announcement related to pardoning those convicted of simple possession of marijuana.

As the governor stated in her address, the pardons will apply to all adult, state-level misdemeanor possession convictions handed down before March 12, removing criminal records that have become a barrier for residents seeking jobs or housing throughout the years.

“I’m thankful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for answering President Biden’s call and issuing pardons for those convicted of state marijuana offenses,” said Gomez, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy. “Eight years ago, Massachusetts residents voted yes on Question 4 to legalize recreational marijuana. Today, we are finally beginning to address historic racial disparities for those affected by marijuana prohibition.”

The proposal will still need the approval of the Governor’s Council before taking effect. If approved, the pardons would take effect immediately, although it may take several months for individual criminal records to be updated.

“As chair of Cannabis Policy, I have worked closely with organizations and community members who’ve advocated for this type of reform, but I’ve also been directly affected when I was charged with a low-level marijuana crime as a teenager,” Gomez said. “I encourage the Governor’s Council to vote favorably on the governor’s recommendation to make this a reality for tens of thousands of individuals across the state.”

Forest Park Zoo to Open 2024 Season on March 30 with Annual Eggstravaganza

By BusinessWest Staff March 18, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will open for the 2024 season on Saturday, March 30 with Eggstravaganza, presented by M&T Bank. The annual, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with final admission at 2 p.m.

Kids are invited to hop along the Bunny Trail, collecting prize-filled eggs at each stop. There will also be crafts, music from DJ Jonny Taylor, animal encounters, and the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. Link to Libraries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to distributing new books to children in need, is providing a free book to every child at the event.

“After being closed for five months, Eggstravaganza is the perfect way to kick off the new season,” said Gabry Tyson, assistant executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park. “It’s heartwarming to watch families return to visit the animals they love.”

Pre-registration is required to participate in the Bunny Trail. Registration closes March 27 or when all tickets are sold. Tickets are available at www.forestparkzoo.org/eggs. In the event of severe weather, Eggstravaganza will be moved to Sunday, March 31. If the rain date is not utilized, the Zoo will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 31.

Beginning April 6, the zoo will be open weekends only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30, through mid-May. After Mother’s Day, the zoo will move to its daily operating schedule.

HCC Receives Grant to Continue Free Paraeducator Training Program

By BusinessWest Staff March 18, 2024

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $104,000 state grant to continue training paraeducators to help address workforce needs in Hampden County public schools.

The grant, from the state’s Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN), will fund the next two rounds of HCC’s free, seven-week, online paraeducator training program. The first round begins March 25 and the second June 17.

Paraeducators, also called teaching assistants or teaching aides, typically work in classrooms in a variety of capacities, sometimes assisting classroom teachers with instruction or working one-on-one with students who have individual education plans (IEPs) and require additional assistance.

The 140-hour program blends job-readiness and career-exploration components with education and training specific to the knowledge and skills needed to pass the Professional Certification for Teaching Assistants (PCTA) exam, which qualifies individuals to work in federally designated Title 1 school districts, or those with a significant number of low-income households.

In addition to online instruction, the program includes in-person job shadowing and can lead directly to a four-week internship and subsequent employment with one of HCC’s public school system partners in Springfield, Holyoke, West Springfield, and Chicopee.

“I would never use the word guaranteed,” HCC Workforce Training Manager Andrew Baker said, “but I would say there is such a strong demand for this work that if students make it through our program, they’re pretty certain to get a job if they want one.”

HCC has been running the program four times a year since 2021 and expects to receive additional grants to keep it going beyond the March and June sessions.

The grant to HCC was part of a package of $1.5 million in TRAIN grants awarded to 13 community colleges across Massachusetts meant to prepare residents for careers in fields such as education, healthcare, addiction recovery, cybersecurity, and manufacturing. The grants will provide free career training to more than 400 adult learners at community colleges across Massachusetts, with all programs targeting residents who are unemployed or underemployed. The grant to HCC will pay to train 26 individuals.

HCC’s other grant partners include Springfield WORKS, MassHire Holyoke, MassHire Springfield, DTA Works, and United Way Thrive. Individuals who receive state benefits through the Department of Transitional Assistance or Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children may qualify for a ‘learn to earn’ training and internship stipend of $125 per week.

While the primary focus of the paraeducator program is to prepare students to pass the PCTA exam, also important is the job-readiness curriculum, which covers the basics of applying for a job: writing a résumé, preparing a cover letter, gathering references, and practicing for an interview. The program also covers subjects such as how to function effectively in a professional setting, including working with colleagues, communication, respect for diversity, and reliability.

For more information or to apply, visit hcc.edu/para.

Claudia Pazmany Joins Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

By BusinessWest Staff March 15, 2024

Claudia Pazmany

SPRINGFIELD — Following an eight-month search and interview process, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) named Claudia DeVito Pazmany as its new chief Development officer. She will be responsible for developing a sustainable institutional development effort to both support existing programs and expand them to serve the emergent needs of the organization’s clients. Pazmany had served as a volunteer member of the MLKFS development committee before being appointed to her new position.

“Claudia’s dedication to building the beloved community is evident, not only because of her volunteer service to our organization, but also based on her entire career of helping others succeed,” said Shannon Rudder, president and CEO of MLKFS. “She has a long history of social-change fund development mixed with a proven track record of rebuilding and repositioning organizations and nonprofits for success.”

Pazmany comes to MLKFS with 23 years of relationship building, strategic planning, innovative leadership, financial acumen, and visionary critical thinking, most recently serving as executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. Her experience includes a history of professional fundraising with a career total of raising more than $15 million in a development capacity for other location organizations, including the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts and Providence Ministries. She also serves as volunteer, advisory board member, and former board president of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, a development committee member of the United Way of Franklin & Hampshire Region, and as a 2020 and 2021 EforAll Pioneer Valley mentor.

In October 2021, Pazmany received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives for her leadership role in supporting Amherst’s small businesses throughout COVID, leveraging more than $2 million in small-business assistance. She was honored with the Family 2022 Outreach Center’s Helen Mitchell Community Service Award for conceptualizing and implementing a program that provided restaurant relief while feeding families who were disproportionately impacted by COVID. She was also honored as a 2023 BusinessWest Difference Maker along with Amherst Business Improvement District Executive Director Gabrielle Gould for their partnership and leadership to build a stronger community throughout COVID.

“I am deeply honored to step into this inaugural role at MLKFS,” Pazmany said. “I am eager to develop relationships and engage the community to further the inspired vision of its newest president and CEO, Shannon M. Rudder, whilst connecting its rich history to a strengthened role it can play in ensuring MLKFS for our future generations.”

Pazmany earned a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in French and business from UMass Amherst, and an MBA from Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She earned a program leadership certificate from the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts’ Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact.

bankESB hires Suarez as Assistant Vice President, Branch Officer in Holyoke

By BusinessWest Staff March 15, 2024

Hector Suarez

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently hired Hector Suarez as assistant vice president, branch officer of its Sargeant Street office in Holyoke.

Suarez grew up in Holyoke and Puerto Rico and has nearly 30 years of banking experience. He says he is passionate about providing a customer-first experience and brings an extensive background to his new role, where he will manage the Holyoke office team while fostering relationships within the community.

Prior to joining bankESB, he was a vice president, branch manager at M&T Bank, People’s United Bank, and United Bank. Before that, he was a branch manager at Key Bank and First Niagara Bank, as well as a personal banker with Baybank, BankBoston, FleetBoston, and Bank of America.

Holyoke Mall to Host Get Hired Job Fair on April 17

By BusinessWest Staff March 15, 2024

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall will host its spring job fair on Wednesday, April 17 from 2 to 5 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s. The Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills.

Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, looking for candidates at all skill levels. The event is free to attend for all job seekers. Employers that have already signed up to staff a table include Baystate Health, PeoplesBank, Holyoke Community College, YMCA Greater Springfield, and more. Last year, the September job fair drew more than 40 employers, representing more than 10 industries, and nearly 400 candidates.

Employers interested in participating in the upcoming job fair should contact Jim Geraghty, advertising representative for Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected]. Click here for full details regarding the event.

94.7 WMAS Radiothon Raises $289,355 for Baystate Children’s Hospital

By BusinessWest Staff March 15, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — The annual 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, held on March 5-6, transformed the 94.7 WMAS studios at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame into a bustling hub of generosity and compassion. This year, the Radiothon raised $289,355 in support of Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Throughout the two-day event, the Kellogg Krew, alongside other 94.7 WMAS personalities, spearheaded fundraising efforts, rallying listeners and supporters to contribute to this vital cause. The response underscored the compassion and generosity prevalent in Western Mass. to make a difference in the lives of children facing medical challenges.

“We can’t believe the support Radiothon receives from the local community,” Audacy Senior Vice President Craig Swimm said. “We are so lucky to have a hospital like Baystate in our backyard.”

The impact of the 94.7 WMAS Radiothon extends far beyond monetary donations, embodying a collective dedication to nurturing and safeguarding the well-being of the youngest members of the community, while also spotlighting the tireless efforts of Baystate Children’s Hospital’s doctors, nurses, and staff. Since its inception, the Radiothon raised more than $5,000,000 for local children.

Donations are still being accepted. Visit wmaskids.com for more information.

Keiter Executive Headquarters to Move to West Springfield Later This Year

By BusinessWest Staff March 14, 2024

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.”