Company Notebook
Bacon Wilson to Integrate Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll
HOLYOKE — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced the collaboration and integration of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll, Attorneys at Law, into the firm. For nearly a century, Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll has been recognized throughout Western Mass. for civil litigation, estates and probate, real estate, and municipal law. Established in 1929, the firm built a distinguished reputation not only for its legal expertise, but also for its deep commitment to the communities it served. The firm’s legacy includes notable legal and civic leadership. George Beauregard joined Samuel Resnic following his service in World War II and later became a senior partner of the firm. In 1958, he was appointed special justice of the Holyoke District Court, becoming the youngest judge in Massachusetts at just 33 years old. In addition to their professional accomplishments, the attorneys of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite and Driscoll have long been admired for their philanthropic and civic involvement. The firm maintained a strong presence within the community, with its partners serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles, including with the local Boys and Girls Club and the Hampden County and Hampshire County bar associations. Bacon Wilson, P.C. provides comprehensive legal services to individuals, families, businesses, and municipalities throughout the region. With roots dating back more than 130 years, the firm remains committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel and community-focused service across the Pioneer Valley.
The Hive Collective Opens in Downtown Amherst
AMHERST — On May 29, the Hive Collective — a new, multi-functional creative hub dedicated to increasing arts participation and cultural access in downtown Amherst — officially opened its doors at 49 Boltwood Walk with a grand opening celebration. Bringing together an arts market, gallery, and maker space under one roof, the Hive Collective is designed to be a place where local artists, makers, and educators can connect, create, and share their work with the community. A collaboration between the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), Amherst Innovative Living, and the Amherst Center Cultural District, the space will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 2 to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Hive Collective is seeking local artisans and makers of all crafts, including woodworking, painting, pottery, knitwear, and more, to join the collective ahead of opening day. For more information or if interested in getting involved, email Andrews at [email protected].
BBBSWM Wins National Award
SPRINGFIELD — Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts (BBBSWM) has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Platinum Award Winner for program excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature one-to-one youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, BBBSWM is one of 13 organizations to receive this top honor. This award recognizes the top agencies that meet requirements for both the Growth and Impact awards — meaning they have shown remarkable achievements in retaining the number of mentors (‘bigs’) and youth (‘littles’) matched through the program consistently from year to year and have exhibited exceptional growth in their local programs. In the past year, BBBSWM has served over 150 new youth and started several new programs in schools in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties.
Country Bank Wins Chamber Legacy Award
WARE — Country Bank received the Chamber Legacy Award at the 2026 QHMA Choice Awards hosted by the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes organizations that have made a lasting impact through leadership, service, and continued commitment to the local community. This recognition comes on the heels of Country Bank’s 175th anniversary celebration last year, further highlighting the bank’s longstanding dedication to supporting the communities it serves throughout Central and Western Mass. Country Bank was also honored to receive official citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives recognizing this achievement.
Beacon Bank Invests Nearly $600,000 in Nonprofits in Q1
PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation invested nearly $600,000 in its communities through charitable giving and sponsorships involving more than 130 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont from January to March. Examples of nonprofits that received funding in the first quarter include Berkshire Community College Foundation, Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, Community Access to the Arts Inc., Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center Inc., and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Inc. Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy of its local communities by supporting programs and organizations that focus on one of three areas: neighborhood revitalization and preservation, education, and critical services.
MCLA to Participate in Gardner Institute Program
NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has been selected to join a national cohort of more than 35 colleges and universities participating in Advancing Student Success: Strategic Prioritization for Student Success, an initiative led by the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, in partnership with the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and supported by the Gates Foundation. Participation gives MCLA access to a structured, evidence-based process designed to help campus leaders set priorities, strengthen academic pathways, and improve student learning, persistence, and completion. As part of the initiative, institutions receive customized reports, facilitated sense-making sessions, a strategic prioritization plan, and an implementation roadmap aligned with the Gardner Institute’s Six Transformation Principles. The initiative is delivered in partnership with the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, which serves as a key partner in advancing and supporting this work.
Eversource Recognized with 5 Star Employer Award
BOSTON — In recognition of its year-round dedication to prioritizing veterans in the workplace, Eversource has been named one of the nation’s top veteran employers by VETS Indexes for the third year in a row. This year, the energy company has been honored with VETS Indexes’ prestigious 5 Star Employer Award — the highest award level offered by the organization. This distinction highlights Eversource’s unwavering commitment to veteran employment and achievements in recruiting, retaining, and developing both veterans and the military-connected community. Eversource employs more than 830 veterans, representing all branches of the U.S. military.
Cigna Recognizes NBT Bank with Healthy Workforce Designation
NORWICH, N.Y. — Cigna Healthcare selected NBT Bank as a recipient of its 2025 gold level Healthy Workforce Designation for demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees through a workplace well-being program. NBT is committed to supporting employees’ overall health and well-being by providing tools and resources that educate, engage, and empower them, including an employee assistance program and financial wellness support. The company also fosters connection and inclusion through initiatives like Wellness Champions, NBT Communities, and the Inclusion Roundtable, helping create a more engaged and supportive workplace. The Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation evaluates organizations based on the core components of their well-being program, including workforce insights, strategy and culture, health equity and social determinants of health, dimensions of vitality, and engagement and experience.
AIC Introduces New Degrees
SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has introduced new programs focused on preparing the next generation of public service leaders, including undergraduate degrees in fire science and emergency services and a fully online master of public administration (MPA). Offered through the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, the bachelor of science in fire science and emergency services blends science, strategy, and service through coursework that integrates fire behavior and protection systems with training in leadership, administration, and community risk reduction. The program also offers an associate of science degree option. AIC’s master of public administration program prepares professionals to lead across government, nonprofit, public safety, education, and healthcare sectors. Delivered fully online in an accelerated format, the program emphasizes strategic management, data-informed decision making, ethical leadership, and effective communication. The fire science and emergency services programs align with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education model developed by the U.S. Fire Administration and prepare graduates for careers in fire service, inspection, investigation, emergency planning, and disaster response. Bachelor’s degree graduates are also positioned for supervisory and administrative roles. The MPA program offers concentrations in fire science and emergency services, emergency management, and criminal justice leadership and administration, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific areas of public service. The fire science and emergency services programs will be offered on campus, with online options available through AIC’s Online Degree Completion program. Students may enroll in the fully online MPA program on a rolling basis through seven-week modules, with the next session beginning July 5.
Monson Savings, Country Bank Contributes to YWCA Campaign
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank and Country Bank both announced their support of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts’ “Shifting the Paradigm” campaign, an initiative focused on expanding violence prevention programs, supporting survivors, and strengthening critical services across the region. Each bank committed to a $100,000 contribution. The campaign aims to secure the long-term future of the YWCA, which has served Western Mass. for nearly 160 years by providing vital programs such as domestic violence shelter and advocacy, sexual assault counseling, youth education, housing support, and a 24/7 confidential crisis hotline that assists more than 6,500 individuals annually. The organization reaches more than 12,000 people each year, offering not just immediate support, but pathways toward healing, independence, and long-term stability.
MountainOne Named Among Best Places to Work
NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne has been named among the 2026 Best Places to Work by the Boston Business Journal in the Medium Business category (100-249 employees), marking the second consecutive year the organization has earned this recognition. The Boston Business Journal’s annual ranking showcases Massachusetts companies that have built outstanding work environments for their employees. The 90 companies honored in 2026 represent a range of industries, including financial services, technology, retail, and healthcare. Businesses participated in employee-engagement surveys distributed by Boston Business Journal partner Quantum Workplace. Employees were asked to rate their work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, management, compensation, and benefits. Based on the results of those surveys, businesses were assigned a total score and overall ranking by Quantum.
UMassFive Earns Two Recognitions
HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union recently received national recognition through the Diamond Awards, an annual competition hosted by America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council that recognizes excellence in credit union marketing and communications. The credit union was honored in the Brand Storytelling & Purpose Video category for its Member Stories Campaign, which features real members — local individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations — sharing how UMassFive has supported them and their financial goals. This year’s competition drew a record 1,481 submissions from credit unions across the country, with 181 organizations from 42 states selected as winners. UMassFive was also recently named Best Credit Union for the 20th consecutive year in the Valley Advocate’s Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll. UMassFive was also recognized as Best Financial Services during the first year this category was introduced to voters, as well as a finalist for Best Local Bank and Best Place to Work.
Celtics Shamrock Foundation Donates to Square One
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation (BCSF) announced that it will be awarding $2 million through the Fast Break Fund, naming Horizons for Homeless Children and Square One as the inaugural recipients of grants exceeding $1.2 million cumulatively to support education-focused initiatives across their communities. In addition to the two selected organizations receiving grants, $670,000 will be distributed across an additional nine nonprofits in support of their outreach programs. The Fast Break Fund is a newly established funding initiative through BCSF as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to help children and families in New England. Square One provides a comprehensive range of education and family support services designed to meet the evolving needs of children and families. Its programming spans early education and care, youth workforce development, home-visiting initiatives, and broader family services, helping to build a strong foundation for long-term growth and well-being. This grant will support the expansion of a clinical team specializing in early childhood education for youth who have experienced significant trauma.
Beacon Bank Offers Support to Visually Impaired Customers
BOSTON — On the eve of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Beacon Bank announced free access at all branches to an on-demand service that connects visually impaired users to live, real-time guides who provide assistance through an app using the camera and microphone on the user’s mobile phone. The Aira Explorer service is available at the bank’s 145 branches, as well as for those who require additional assistance to access visual information in online banking and the bank’s mobile app. Among other things, it provides support navigating branches, reading statements, using ATMs, making transactions, and accessing online and mobile banking. Every call is picked up by a professional visual interpreter who signs a confidentiality agreement and has rigorous training in privacy and security. Aira Explorer offers a number of minutes-based subscription plans, but the service is available at no cost for anyone with a free or paid account while visiting any Beacon Bank branch or using the bank’s online or mobile banking.
UMassFive Highlights Down Payment Assistance
HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union and Member Advantage Mortgage (MAM), in partnership with MassHousing, recently hosted an informational event focused on affordable homeownership programs, drawing 25 attendees interested in learning more about down payment assistance and mortgage resources available across Massachusetts. The event, led by MAM Mortgage Consultant Gary Talbot and MassHousing Relationship Manager Oneida Fuentes, provided an overview of financing options designed to help eligible borrowers overcome one of the most common barriers to homeownership — upfront costs. Attendees were also informed of an expanded statewide MassHousing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program, available now through July 31. Eligible borrowers may qualify for up to $25,000 in assistance, offered at a 0% interest rate with a deferred payment. Repayment is not required until the home is sold or refinanced, or the mortgage is paid in full. The program is part of MassHousing’s broader effort to expand access to sustainable homeownership for Massachusetts residents.
Bulkley Richardson Continues Annual YMCA Camp Cleanup
SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson returned to the YMCA’s Stony Brook Acres Day Camp in Wilbraham on May 1 for the firm’s annual day dedicated to preparing the grounds for campers to arrive next month. With 46 attorneys and staff coming out to the camp, the firm was able to make a major impact through projects such as painting picnic tables, mulching nature trails, power washing changing rooms, and doing necessary yard work on the 20-acre property. “In 2024, we chose the YMCA as a firmwide community project to honor the legacy of our partner, Jeff Poindexter,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “His longtime commitment to the YMCA and giving back to the community has inspired us to continue this project, turning into an annual philanthropic event that we look forward to each spring.”
Forest Park Zoo Hosts Summit to Boost Wildlife Collaboration
SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park hosted its inaugural Wildlife Summit on March 27, bringing together nearly 100 wildlife professionals from across Massachusetts and Connecticut for a day of collaboration, networking, and professional development. The half-day conference was designed specifically for licensed wildlife rehabilitators and other wildlife professionals. Attendees participated in a variety of roundtable discussions covering key topics such as conservation methods, bird strike prevention, reptile care, carnivore care, and an ‘ask a vet’ session. The day also included a behind-the-scenes zoo tour, offering insight into the zoo’s animal care practices, as well as a ‘swap shop’ where rehabilitators could exchange supplies to support their work. The conference reflects the zoo’s ongoing commitment to supporting displaced wildlife through safe, permanent placement after an injured or orphaned animal is no longer considered a candidate for release back into the wild. Because of this tenet of its mission, the zoo works closely with wildlife experts, making the summit a natural extension of its role as both a resource and a partner in the wildlife community. The Wildlife Summit was free for participants thanks to a grant from the Christopher and Susan Mastroianni Foundation.
