Company Notebook

Urban Co-Works Expands to Holyoke with New Facility

HOLYOKE — Urban Co-Works, a co-working space provider, announced the opening of its newest location at 98 Lower Westfield Road in Holyoke. This expansion marks the third location for Urban Co-Works, which began in 2017 in Schenectady, N.Y., and opened its second location in downtown Scranton, Penn., in 2023. The new Holyoke facility offers a state-of-the-art co-working environment featuring 55 private offices, three meeting rooms, an expansive event area with a fully equipped kitchen, and a co-working section with 20 workstations. Members will enjoy 24/7 access with a keyless entry system, free onsite parking, printing services, and complimentary beverages including coffee and tea. Conveniently located near shopping and dining options, the space is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Big Y Donates $75,000 to California Wildfire Relief

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y collected donations from customers and employees from Jan. 17 to Jan. 31 through its registers, online, and the myExpress mobile checkout app for California wildfire relief. Community and employee contributions, along with additional support from Big Y, resulted in a total of $75,000 donated to the American Red Cross network response to provide humanitarian relief to people affected by wildfires in California. D’Amour added that Big Y, along with its customers and employees, have a strong history of coming together to support those in need through the American Red Cross.

Whittlesey Named Regional Leader, Firm to Watch by Accounting Today

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, the largest Connecticut-based accounting firm, has been named a 2025 Regional Leader in New England and a Firm to Watch by Accounting Today. With $40.2 million in revenue, three offices, and a team of 175 professionals, Whittlesey continues to provide assurance, advisory, tax, and technology services to businesses and individuals across the region. Accounting Today’s annual rankings highlight firms demonstrating strong financial performance, industry leadership, and forward-thinking strategies. As the only Connecticut-based firm named to the Firms to Watch list, Whittlesey remains dedicated to helping businesses and individuals navigate complex financial challenges with expertise, innovation, and personalized service.

General Cleaners of Holyoke Completes Coat Drive

HOLYOKE — General Cleaners of Holyoke announced the culmination of its New Year coat drive with the delivery of coats to the Salvation Army in Holyoke on Feb. 28. This initiative has been a heartfelt effort to support those in need during the winter months, with contributions from the community and local partners making it a resounding success. The drive included a collection event during the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s Power Hour on Feb. 15. Attendees brought gently used coats as their admission, adding to the impactful donations. Additionally, Access Care Partners (formerly WestMass ElderCare) played a key role by collecting coats at its Mill Road location. All coats collected during the drive have been professionally cleaned by General Cleaners of Holyoke, ensuring they are ready to provide warmth and comfort to those who need them.

HCC Foundation Campaign Raises More Than $181,000

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College Foundation raised more than $181,000 for scholarships and student-support programs during its “Together HCC” one-day giving campaign on March 4. The fifth annual “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” campaign exceeded its goal of 500 donors, receiving donations worth $181,285 from 504 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college during the 24-hour fundraising drive. All of the money raised goes directly to six areas that support HCC students: academic excellence and innovation, scholarships, the Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry, the President’s Student Emergency Fund, the President’s Fund for Opportunity, and the HCC Foundation’s general, unrestricted fund. HCC alumni made up the majority of donors at 37%, followed by 30% from HCC faculty and staff, 19% from friends of the college, 5% from parents, and 5% from students. Together, they unlocked $130,000 in challenge pledges, including $5,000 from campaign partner Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke and a member of the HCC Foundation board of directors.

JP’s Restaurant Wins Battle of the Bars

HOLYOKE — On Feb. 28, the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke held the fifth annual Battle of the Bars bartending event at the Holyoke Knight of Columbus Council 90 to raise funds for the committee. Bartenders from six local bars competed for tips to determine a winner. Facing off in teams of two, round one was taken by Donovan’s Irish Pub, represented by Trista Kasperowski, raising $5,997, against Pic’s Pub & Pizzeria, represented by Matt Dulude, who raised $1,639. Round two was captured by JP’s Restaurant, represented by Mary Kate Glasheen, with $9,416, against Halfway House Lounge, represented by Colleen Flanagan, who raised $7,639. Round three was taken by Griffin’s Cafe, represented by Ashleigh McNulty, raising $1,122, against Francie’s Tavern, represented by Chy Clemens, who raised $779. In the end, JP’s Restaurant came out on top with $9,416 raised, and the entire night’s fundraiser brought in more than $26,500, a record total for the event. All money raised went toward the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke’s Marching Forward fundraising campaign to present the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend and to preserve the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race tradition for generations to come.