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Kevin Maltby Takes Oath as President of Hampden County Bar Assoc.

By BusinessWest Staff June 24, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that attorney Kevin Maltby is now president of the Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) after taking the oath of office Wednesday in front of his partners and peers at the association’s annual meeting and membership dinner at the Springfield Sheraton.

“I am enormously grateful to the members of the Bar Association for their confidence in me, and gratified to follow in the footsteps of my partners at Bacon Wilson, including past presidents Paul Rothschild, Hyman Darling, and Michael Ratner,” Maltby said. “I consider it an honor to be counted among their ranks. So many Bacon Wilson attorneys have, over their lengthy careers, given their time and legal skills to serve the Hampden County Bar.”

Also in attendance was attorney Michael Katz, who took office as chair of the bar’s Bankruptcy Section, while attorneys Michael Ratner and Paul Salvage were each honored for their 50 years of membership.

Maltby has a long history of service and involvement with the Hampden County Bar Assoc. He has served on the bar’s board of directors each year since 2012. He was honored with the HCBA’s Access to Justice Pro Bono Publico Award for 2012 for his vision and implementation of the Springfield District Court Lawyer for the Day program. Additionally, in 2013, he received the Community Service Award from the Mass. Bar Assoc.

Maltby is a member of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Advisory Committee on Professionalism. He has extensive jury-trial and courtroom experience, and is a former prosecutor for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. He is also an adjunct professor of Legal Studies at Bay Path University in Longmeadow, where he teaches litigation, advanced litigation, criminal law, and evidence. He earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 2001, and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from UMass in 1998. In 2014, he was a recipient of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty distinction, and has been a named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for seven years, since 2009.

Governor Names Michael Knapik Director of Western Mass. Office

By BusinessWest Staff June 24, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — In a visit to the governor’s Western Mass. office in Springfield yesterday, Gov. Charlie Baker introduced Michael Knapik, a former state senator and state representative from Westfield, as the office’s new director. Knapik will be a primary liaison between the administration and constituents and communities in Western Mass., effective July 5.

“With more than two decades of experience representing Western Massachusetts constituents, Mike is exceptionally qualified to lead our Springfield office,” Baker said. “Operating the office is one of the many essential tools we use to maintain an important relationship with the people, local leaders, and municipalities of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.”

Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “Mike will be an asset to both the administration and those serviced by the Springfield office. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role to continue building upon the strong relationships our administration has cultivated in the western part of the state.”

Knapik said he is “excited to join the Baker-Polito administration and begin working with people across Western Massachusetts again. Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer, and I look forward to playing an active role in our communities and the overall conversation with the rest of Massachusetts on behalf of the administration.”

Knapik served Westfield and 11 surrounding communities in the state Legislature for 22 years, first as a representative from 1991 to 1994 and then as a senator from 1995 to 2013. Born and raised in Westfield, he began his career in public service on the city’s School Committee from 1986 to 1990. Since leaving the Legislature, Knapik has served Westfield State University as executive director of Advancement, Alumni, and University Relations and as executive director for the Westfield State Foundation. In this position, his office has achieved the highest level of giving in the history of the school.

Berkshire Bank’s Kathryn Dube Earns United Way Volunteer Award

By BusinessWest Staff June 24, 2016

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that Kathryn Dube, first vice president, wealth business development leader, has been honored by the United Way of Pioneer Valley as Volunteer of the Year for the 2015-16 season. She received the award, which is based on leadership, community engagement, and core values, among other qualities, on Wednesday at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

Dube joined the United Way of Pioneer Valley board of directors in 2007 and committed to this position until 2017. As an affiliate of the United Way, she has also held other titles, such as chairperson of the allocations and impact committee, chairman of the board, and founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council in Western Mass. in 2013.

Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation Donates to Asnuntuck Foundation

By BusinessWest Staff June 24, 2016

ENFIELD — The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation recently made its second donation to the Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) Foundation. Last year, it made a donation that was used for the college’s inaugural Women’s Leadership Institute.

The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse. Rivest’s life was cut short at age 22 in 1982 when she was shot and killed in front of her 3-year-old son by her estranged boyfriend.

This year’s $2,000 donation to the ACC Foundation will be used once again for the college’s Women’s Leadership Institute. Last fall, 19 female students participated in its inaugural event, “Launch Your Leadership Journey.” The institute was established at ACC to address the needs expressed by women in the college’s community to develop their leadership skills and ability.

For more information, visit www.carolrivestfoundation.org. To learn more about the Asnuntuck Community College Foundation and how to donate, visit www.asnuntuck.edu/donate.

AMA Recognizes Public-health Benefits of Paid Sick Leave

By BusinessWest Staff June 23, 2016

CHICAGO — The American Medical Assoc. (AMA) adopted new policy last week recognizing the public-health benefits of paid sick leave and other discretionary time off. Citing a growing body of evidence that lack of access to paid sick leave results in the spread of infectious diseases, as well as delayed screenings, diagnoses, and treatment, the new AMA policies support paid sick leave, as well as unpaid sick leave, for employees to care for themselves or a family member.

“With both dual-earner and single-parent households on the rise in the United States, it is increasingly challenging for workers to juggle family and work,” said former AMA board chair Dr. Barbara McAneny. “Workers without paid sick days are more likely to work sick and are more likely to delay needed medical care, which can lead to prolonged illness and worsen otherwise minor health issues. Lack of paid leave also has a ripple effect across a worker’s family. Paid sick leave has been shown to aid children’s health, shorten hospital stays, and reduce the risk of disease transmission by allowing parents to stay home with sick children. Paid sick leave keeps our homes, offices, and communities healthier while ensuring the family’s economic security.”

The U.S. is the only industrialized nation without a federal family-leave law that guarantees workers may receive pay while taking time to care for themselves or their family. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act mandates that companies provide leave, the law does not require that it be paid.

The AMA also reaffirmed existing policy supporting voluntary leave policies that provide employees with job security and the continued availability of health-plan benefits in the event that leave becomes necessary due to medical conditions.

AIC’s Alexander Clark Interns with Hampden County DA’s Office

By BusinessWest Staff June 23, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) senior Alexander Clark is putting his summer to good use. Clark was afforded the opportunity to intern with the Hampden County District Attorney’s office and is gaining valuable real-life experience while being mentored by AIC alumnus Antonio Simmons, the office’s director of Community Safety and Outreach.

At a recent press conference, Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced the formation of the Hampden County Addiction Task Force (HCAT), a collaboration of community resources including local and state law-enforcement personnel, healthcare institutions, service providers, schools, and community coalitions whose goal is to focus on a county-wide approach to address drug addition, overdose, and prevention.

HCAT lists five primary objectives, including the development of consistent messaging for addiction and addiction-related issues. Clark was tasked with creating a social-media plan in support of HCAT’s efforts. On June 15, he presented his plan to members of the task force. “Social media will help give the campaign a face and communicate a consistent message throughout the community as well as promote events that are taking place around these issues,” he said.

Clark suggested a three-pronged approach to the social-media campaign using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get the word out while utilizing Hootsuite to manage all three sites, schedule posts, and provide analytics. “Facebook will be the primary go-to site,” he explained. Everybody uses Facebook, including my father, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother.”

Clark supported the use of Instagram to best reach his constituents, adults 18 to 30 years. “It’s where I get most of my news. It’s heavy with images which engage my age group.” Twitter “stirs conversations,” he added, and will do so relative to discussions around opioid addiction and prevention in the community.

Clark identified growing online followers as “our biggest challenge.” In an effort to further promote his social-media plan, he offered to personally attend community events that will help educate and engage the community about HCAT.

His supervisor and mentor, Antonio Simmons, said he is impressed with Clark’s contributions to the team. “Alex gives HCAT that input needed from a youth’s perspective. His knowledge of social media will be very helpful. Alex has very good communication and leadership skills that will be an asset to the team. I am impressed with his drive and determination to get involved and make a difference.”

When Clark returns to the AIC campus for his senior year, community outreach will continue to be a priority, as it has been since beginning his college career. Clark served as a representative to AIC’s student government his freshman year and president his sophomore and junior years. He continues to serve as the legislative chair for AIC’s Model Congress, the oldest of its kind in the country. He is an executive board member for POWER, a non-partisan political-activism organization on campus whose mission is to raise awareness regarding current issues and get students thinking about politics and the world around them.

Clark is one of 137 students selected nationally (only three from Massachusetts) to participate in College Debate 2016, a national, non-partisan initiative to empower young voters to identify issues and engage peers in the presidential election. The group met in Los Angeles this spring to strategize and will reconvene there in September. He is doing all this while he pursues his undergraduate degree in political science and works two jobs to help put himself through school. “My parents were excellent role models for working hard,” he said.

Eric Nelson to Replace Kenn Delude as Westmass President and CEO

By BusinessWest Staff June 23, 2016

CHICOPEE — The Westmass Area Development Corp. board named Eric Nelson the new president and CEO of the private, nonprofit, industrial- and business-development corporation that offers master-planned land resources at Chicopee River Business Park, Hadley University Business Park, Deer Park in East Longmeadow, and the historic Ludlow Mills.

Nelson replaces Kenn Delude, who is retiring after 10 years as president and CEO of the organization. Nelson has more than 30 years of experience in site development and design and has consulted on numerous industrial and commercial site-development projects. His background also encompasses financing development and creating public-private partnership agreements.

Having served as senior vice president of Westmass for the past two and a half years and with Westmass since 2011, Nelson has conducted regular meetings with industrial and business prospects interested in Westmass properties, conducted pre-development site analysis and research, headed the process of zoning and building permits, and was responsible for project budgets and grant applications.

According to John Maybury, Westmass board chair, “Westmass has been fortunate to have someone of Kenn Delude’s unique skills at the helm of the organization. We are equally fortunate to have Eric Nelson, who worked alongside Kenn for the past five years, making for a smooth transition. Eric has worked closely with Kenn and is intimately involved with all of Westmass’ industrial land resources in the region and in particular the Ludlow Mills preservation and redevelopment, an exciting project which is quickly approaching $100 million in investment and represents significant economic development for the region.”

Maybury said Delude would continue to provide support to Westmass and the Ludlow Mills project through the transition in a consulting role as needed.

Nelson is a registered professional landscape architect and holds U.S. Green Building Council LEED AP certification. He earned his master’s degree in landscape architecture from UMass Amherst.

Big-band Concert on July 9 to Celebrate Armory Workers

By BusinessWest Staff June 23, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — On Saturday, July 9, the Springfield Armory National Historic Site will commemorate the 1943 Benny Goodman concert which was held on the Armory grounds. Attendees will enjoy the sounds of Dan Gabel and the Abletones, hear rousing vocalists, and swing on the dance floor after free swing lessons. Admission is free.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with free swing-dance lessons from instructors Michele and Bob Barker. Pre-concert and intermission shows will feature the Small Planet Dancers of Springfield, performing World War II-era dance routines.

The main concert, running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., will feature Dan Gabel and the Abletones, an 18-piece big band. Gabel played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Tommy Dorsey, and is considered an expert on big-band-era music. The ensemble features lead vocalist Elise Roth.

Attendees are invited to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic supper or purchase items from the food vendor on site. The museum, which is wheelchair-accessible, will remain open during the concert. In the case of rain, the concert will move into Building 2 (Scibelli Hall) of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), where it will be held in the gymnasium.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site commemorates and preserves the site of the nation’s first armory, established in 1794. Managed with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, STCC, and the National Park Service, it is the home of the world’s largest historic American military firearms collection. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. For more information, call (413) 734-8551 or visit www.nps.gov/spar.

CityBlock Concert Series Finalizes Summer Lineup

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) announced that the lineup for the CityBlock Concert Series, presented by MassMutual Financial Group, has been finalized.

The Thursday-evening shows start with FAT on June 30 in Court Square. The shows then move to Stearns Square for the rest of the summer, and include Ricky Nelson Remembered (July 7), Forever Motown (July 14), the Machine performs Pink Floyd (July 21), Natalie Stovall and the Drive (July 28), Terry Sylvester (Aug. 4), Max Creek (Aug. 11), Blessid Union of Souls (Aug. 18), and the Shadowboxers (Aug. 25). All concerts are at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to the national acts, the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) will once again sponsor a weekly opening act. These acts will be the finalists of ESE’s Masters of Music Competition, now in its second year. The overall winner of the competition will be awarded a gig at the Big E, a $1,000 cash prize, and a trip to Nashville for two band members. For more information on submitting an entry for a local band to perform, visit www.springfielddowntown.com/cityblock.

Every show is free to attend thanks to presenting sponsor MassMutual Financial Group, as well as additional partners, including Sheraton Springfield, Alekman & DiTusa, Bud Light, Shock Top, United Personnel, and the Eastern States Exposition. For more information and artist bios, visit www.springfielddowntown.com/cityblock.

State Awards $28 Million in Community Development Block Grants

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2016

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration awarded 34 Community Development Block Grants, totaling $28 million, to a total of 57 cities and towns across the Commonwealth yesterday. The Community Development Block Grant program provides competitive funding that allows municipalities to pursue economic-development projects and support the needs of low- and moderate-income residents.

“Our assistance to municipalities is most effective when it provides flexibility to directly support their established goals,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “Community Development Block Grants provide for investment in wide-ranging improvements that will bring long-term, positive impacts in these communities.”

This year’s Community Development Block Grant awards will allow municipalities across Massachusetts to redevelop housing and local infrastructure, and provide for a variety of social services, including child-care assistance, elder services and domestic-violence-prevention programs.

“Residents across the Commonwealth will see marked improvements in the livability of their communities through these Community Development Block Grant awards,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “These awards will help further progress at the local level, and allow municipalities to pursue a bright future for their community.”

The grant awards to Western Mass. communities include:

• Amherst, $825,000 for Boltwood Walk accessibility improvements, Health Center HVAC improvements, Housing Authority modernization projects, and to provide services related to homelessness, after-school and literacy programming, youth mentoring, and family stabilization.

• Bernardston, Rowe, and Gill, $1 million to provide housing-rehabilitation assistance for 18 units of housing, and to provide a fuel-assistance program.

• Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Westhampton, and Worthington, $894,110 to provide housing-rehabilitation assistance for 13 units of housing, and to provide childcare assistance, elder services, and a food pantry.

• Easthampton, $800,000 to provide improvements in the Admiral Street neighborhood, and for housing-rehabilitation assistance for three units of housing.

• Greenfield, $825,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance for nine units of housing, infrastructure improvements to School Street, and to support a food pantry and youth and elder services.

• Huntington, Middlefield, and Chester, $753,226 for infrastructure improvements to Pleasant Street, a senior-center feasibility study, housing-rehabilitation assistance for seven units of housing, and to provide senior services, adult education, a food pantry, and domestic-violence-prevention services.

• Montague, $816,263 for housing-rehabilitation assistance for four units of housing, lighting improvements to Avenue A, and to provide youth-leadership, family-literacy, and elder services.

• North Adams, $825,000 for improvements to a community center, park improvements, a historic-properties inventory, and social services.

• Palmer, $807,862 for infrastructure improvements to Stewart Street, to provide housing-rehabilitation assistance for four units of housing, and to support financial-literacy and domestic-violence-prevention services.

• Sheffield and Great Barrington, $923,983 to provide housing rehabilitation for 14 units of housing, Sheffield Town Hall accessibility improvements, and design for new sidewalks and for circulation, drainage, and parking-capacity improvements at the Housatonic Community Center.

• Shelburne, Buckland, and Colrain, $961,382 for improvements to North Street (Buckland), to provide housing rehabilitation assistance for five units of housing, and to support a food pantry.

• Southwick and Granville, $900,000 to provide housing-rehabilitation assistance for nine units of housing, infrastructure improvements at Veteran Street, and a food pantry.

• Ware, $800,000 for infrastructure improvements to Prospect Street, design services for Bank and Spring Street improvements, and to support for domestic-violence-prevention services.

• Warren, Hardwick, and Ware, $724,000 for School Street neighborhood design, housing rehabilitation assistance for 14 units of housing, and for support services related to adult education, community health, and domestic-violence prevention.

• West Springfield, $825,000 for improvements to Memorial Playground, housing-rehabilitation assistance for 11 units of housing, code enforcement, Boys and Girls Club facility improvements, and support for services related to family self-sufficiency and homebuyer programs, ESOL, camp scholarships, and Head Start.

Employment Outlook Mainly Positive in May

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2016

BOSTON — Local unemployment rates dropped in 17 labor market areas in Massachusetts, remained the same in five areas, and increased in two during the month of May, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Compared to May 2015, the rates were down in all areas.

The largest gains last month were in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Barnstable, Worcester, Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, and Framingham areas. From May 2015 to May 2016, the largest percentage gains were in the Barnstable, Pittsfield, Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury, Worcester, and Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford areas.

In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for May is 3.8%.

Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.2% for the month of May. The unemployment rate is down 0.7% over the year. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 6,400-job loss in May, which was impacted by a temporary labor dispute, and an over-the-year gain of 53,400 jobs.

The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates. The estimates for labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs for Massachusetts are based on different statistical methodology specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Berkshire Taconic Announces Third Round of 2016 Grant Deadlines

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2016

SHEFFIELD — Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced the third round of deadlines for competitive grants in 2016. Covering the period from July through September, the summer cycle of deadlines is open to regional nonprofits, and includes the foundation’s two largest annual grants for regional artists and arts organizations.

Harvard Business School’s Governing for Nonprofit Excellence Scholarship is designed to enhance the leadership skills of nonprofit board chairs or vice chairs. Taught by a team of Harvard faculty members who specialize in nonprofit management and valued at $4,500, this program explores four core nonprofit governance competencies: board leadership, strategic stewardship, performance measurement, and financial oversight. Applications are due Aug. 8.

The Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Organizations provides grants to nonprofit organizations to purchase, exhibit, or commission work created by regional artists. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Aug. 1.

The Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund supports projects that focus on improving water quality and protecting the community’s natural resources. Applicants must be able to match the grant in cash or in-kind services. The fund has $20,000 available for grantmaking. Applications are due Sept. 30.

Meanwhile, for artists, the Artist’s Resource Trust Fund for Individuals provides grants to artists, age 35 or older, who seek funding to produce, exhibit, or commission their work. Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are due Aug. 1.

The Martha Boschen Porter Fund supports emerging artists and artists who want to take their work in a different direction. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to individual artists or collaborative efforts. Applications are due July 15.

For the application process for all grants, visit www.berkshiretaconic.org/searchgrants. For the application process for all scholarships, visit www.berkshiretaconic.org/searchscholarships.

Country Bank Staff Create Blankets for Hospitalized Children

By BusinessWest Staff June 21, 2016

WARE — Recently, the staff of Country Bank came together to support Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield. The Corporate Risk Department hosted a ‘blanket banquet’ and invited the entire bank staff to join them in creating ‘no-sew’ fleece blankets. To continue with the theme, the group also served a variety of comfort foods for all who helped with the project.

“We are so pleased with the response from all of our staff,” said Dawn Fleury, senior vice president and chief risk officer. “At the end of the event, we had 34 blankets to donate to the young patients at Baystate, who could use a little comfort at a very difficult time in their lives.”

STCC Names James Danko Coordinator of Media Relations

By BusinessWest Staff June 21, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has appointed experienced journalist and marketing professional James Danko to the position of coordinator of Media Relations.

Danko, who started June 6, brings more than 25 years of experience in newspapers, management, and digital marketing. Prior to joining STCC, Danko worked at Holyoke-based digital marketing firm Big Voodoo Interactive since 2009. As lead writer, he created and edited content for websites and produced press releases. He previously worked as page 1 editor at the Republican in Springfield and as a reporter at the Daily Hampshire Gazette in Northampton.

In his new role, Danko will serve as a liaison to media outlets for communications and information. He will help identify stories on campus and respond to media inquiries and interview requests. In addition, he will monitor and post to social media.

“STCC has a great reputation as an institution that provides a diverse group of people in our community with an affordable way to transform their lives,” Danko said. “As someone who worked in newspapers for years, I know how to recognize a good story. There are so many engaging stories at STCC involving the students, faculty, and programs. I’m proud to have the opportunity to put my experience to work for the college so these stories can be told.”

Danko, who earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida, will work in STCC’s Marketing and Communications Department with Joan Thomas, director of Marketing and Communications, and Kerry Ferrero, coordinator of Design and Production Services.

“Jim’s experience in journalism and in digital marketing makes him a valuable asset to our team,” Thomas said. “He can identify good stories and knows how to present them to the media. We’re happy to have him on board.”

TommyCar Auto Group Awards Two Scholarships

By BusinessWest Staff June 21, 2016

HADLEY — TommyCar Auto Group awarded two students with $1,000 scholarships to attend college this fall. Jennifer Moss of Hopkins Academy will be attending the University of Massachusetts. Olivia Kiritsis of Shepard Hill Regional High School will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Both students demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in the community. They were chosen from among more than 100 applicants.

The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Thomas E. Cosenzi. When he passed away in 2009, it was not only ownership of the TommyCar Auto Group that passed to his children Carla and Thomas, but his legacy of giving back to the community.

“The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship is dedicated to assisting high-school graduates in furthering their education,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group. “The combination of academic achievement and community leadership exhibited by these students underscores the core values of this scholarship.”

Springfield Regional Chamber Event to Tackle New Overtime Rule

By BusinessWest Staff June 21, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — On May 18, the U.S. Department of Labor released its new rule regarding overtime exempt status, which raises the salary threshold and could extend overtime pay to more than 4 million workers who are currently ineligible.

The rule doubles the salary level at which full-time salaried workers are eligible for overtime and increases the salary level for ‘highly compensated employees,’ which could impact more than 83,000 workers in Massachusetts alone.

Timothy Murphy, partner with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. and member and former chair of the Springfield Regional Chamber’s legislative steering committee, will explore the impact of the rule at the Springfield Regional Chamber Lunch ‘n’ Learn on Tuesday, June 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattitude, 1388 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

Murphy will break down the new rule, explain the impact on the region’s employers, provide guidance for nonprofits and higher-education institutions, outline what area businesses need to know to be compliant, and discuss strategies to lessen the impact to the bottom line.

Murphy joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser in 2001 after serving as general counsel to an area labor union. He represents and advises both union and non-union employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters. He regularly represents employers in matters before state and administrative agencies and courts. His work includes assisting employers to remain union-free, defending unfair labor practices, negotiating collective-bargaining agreements, and handling grievance arbitrations.

He is a graduate of Western New England Law School, where he has subsequently taught courses in employment law. He is a frequent contributor to business and human-resource publications and a contributing author to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter. He is a past Super Lawyers Rising Star and was named among the Best Lawyers in America.

Reservations for the June Lunch ‘n’ Learn cost $25 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $35 for general admission. Registration includes lunch and one-on-one discussions with Murphy. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

October Mountain Financial Advisors Welcomes Gary Schiff

By BusinessWest Staff June 20, 2016

LEE — October Mountain Financial Advisors announced it has appointed Gary Schiff as managing director of the firm, which provides client-centered investment-management, financial-planning, and trust-administration services to clients in Berkshire County and throughout New England. Formed earlier this year, October Mountain Financial Advisors is an alliance of Lee Bank and St. Germain Investment Management, based in Springfield.

“We’re excited to welcome Gary to October Mountain Financial Advisors. As managing director, he will be leading our efforts in the Berkshires and our alliance with Lee Bank,” said Tim Suffish, senior vice president and head of equities at St. Germain Investment Management. “Gary joins us with over 30 years in the business of investments and banking, and a passion for delivering professional and accountable service to clients at the local level. It’s this consistency with our core beliefs, along with Gary’s experience in the industry, that will benefit all of our clients in the Berkshires and the region.”

Schiff most recently served as vice president, senior investment advisor with the Private Client Group at TD Wealth in Pittsfield from 2001 to 2016. Prior to his position with TD Wealth, he joined Bank of Boston’s Berkshire Region senior management team in 1995, and through successive mergers leading to TD’s current ownership, held senior positions at the bank in marketing, communications, government, and public relations. Schiff is a graduate of Middlebury College, received his master’s degree from Harvard University, and has attended the Cannon Financial Institute Trust School. He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations.

Schiff is presently a member of the Berkshire Funders’ Roundtable and serves as a corporator of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Foundation, a member of the Congregation Knesset Israel Investment Committee, a member of the Berkshire County Estate Planning Council, and chair of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Investment Committee. He is a past director and president of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, past director of the Berkshire Economic Development Corp. and the Colonial Theatre, and a former member of the Lenox Planning Board, Berkshire County Regional Employment Board, and Berkshire Community College Business Advisory Committee.

Along with Schiff and Suffish, October Mountain Financial Advisors’ principal team includes St. Germain Investment Management’s Michael Matty, president and director; Richard Bleser, vice president, portfolio manager; Matthew Farkas, vice president, portfolio manager; and Thaddeus Welch, portfolio manager.

“I worked closely with Gary and Tim as portfolio managers with Banknorth Wealth Management. Together we served a significant number of individual, family, and institutional clients throughout Berkshire County and nationally,” said Chuck Leach, president and CEO of Lee Bank. “We’re all Berkshire residents, and October Mountain’s base in Lee enables us to again collaborate closely as a team that places the highest value on client relationships and locally made investment decisions.”

Marianne Fresia Joins Team at Lee Bank

By BusinessWest Staff June 20, 2016

LEE — Chuck Leach, president and CEO of Lee Bank, announced that Marianne Fresia was named assistant vice president, private banking and trust services. She will focus on attracting, growing, and retaining Lee Bank’s trust clients, and will serve as liaison to October Mountain Financial Advisors’ team for clients interested in wealth management.

October Mountain Financial Advisors, an alliance of Lee Bank and St. Germain Investment Management, was formed earlier this year. In her new role, Fresia will act as a conduit between retail banking, commercial banking, and October Mountain Financial Advisors to ensure that customers are aware of and have access to products and services from all areas.

Fresia joins Lee Bank after serving for six years as a financial trust administrator at Berkshire Bank Wealth Management in Lenox. Prior to her position in wealth management, she held various roles at Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield. Fresia has completed coursework toward achieving the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation and will sit for the exam in August.

Dowd Insurance Agencies Enters Alliance with Quincy Mutual Group

By BusinessWest Staff June 20, 2016

HOLYOKE — The Dowd Insurance Agencies announced it will enter into a strategic alliance with a subsidiary of the Quincy Mutual Group. Through Quincy Perpetuation Partners (QPP), the new subsidiary, Quincy Mutual will invest in a 20% ownership position in the Dowd Insurance Agencies.

The Dowd Insurance Agencies, a full-service agency, has been helping people and businesses in Western Mass. with their personal-insurance, commercial-insurance, and financial-planning needs for more than a century. Established in Holyoke in 1898 by James Dowd, it is the oldest insurance agency in the Commonwealth, with operations and management under continuous family ownership. Today, under the stewardship of John Dowd Jr., president and CEO; David Griffin Sr., executive vice president and treasurer; and Robert Gilbert Jr., chairman of the board, the Dowd Insurance Agencies provides counsel and coverage from five offices in Western Mass.

“When Quincy Mutual Group shared their vision and goals for QPP — to help locally owned independent agencies grow organically and through acquisition — we were all ears,” Dowd said. “What QPP offers fully supports what Dave and I want to accomplish, which is to ensure that the firm continues as a growing, family owned, and regionally strong independent agency.”

Added Griffin, “our roots and core beliefs have always focused on providing our customers with the best possible coverage and prices through our established network of industry partners and carriers. These values have helped us grow and maintain our reputation for more than a century. These same values have sustained Quincy Mutual Group for over 165 years, and we are proud to have them join with us.”

Panel Discussion on Owner Succession Planning Slated for June 22, 23

By BusinessWest Staff June 20, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — The Vann Group and Epstein Financial Services will present “Building Your Exit: The Owner Succession Planning Process Defined,” part of the BusinessWest/HCN Lecture Series, on Wednesday, June 22 at the Student Prince/the Fort in Springfield, and Thursday, June 23 at Hadley Farms Meeting House in Hadley.

Registration both days will begin at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and a panel discussion from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

One of the largest challenges facing business owners today is the question of how to get out of their business. These seminars will present a step-by-step breakdown of the succession-planning process and what to expect along the way, including the many benefits to transitioning business ownership.

Panelists include Kevin Vann and Michael Vann of the Vann Group and Charlie Epstein of Epstein Financial Services and Epstein Financial Group.

Admission is free, but RSVP is requested. Register online here, or call (413) 781-8600 for more information.

Dr. Jonathan Bayuk Honored with Continued Excellence Award

By BusinessWest Staff June 20, 2016

40 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award

Dr. Jonathan Bayuk

Dr. Jonathan Bayuk

SPRINGFIELD — Impressing a panel of judges as a committed, widely recognized advocate for families dealing with food allergies, as well as with his broader work in the field of allergy and immunology, Dr. Jonathan Bayuk won the second annual Continued Excellence Award at this month’s 40 Under Forty gala presented by BusinessWest..

BusinessWest launched the Continued Excellence Award last year to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who have built on the initial business success and civic commitment that earned them that honor.

When Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center, was named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008, he had created the Western Mass. Food Allergy Network and served on the boards of the New England Allergy Society and the Mass. Allergy and Asthma Society (he is currently president-elect of both), as well as maintaining his successful practice.

But he has since dedicated a tremendous amount of time and philanthropic support to other causes as well, including Homeward Vets, an organization that helps homeless veterans transition to self-sufficiency, and Team Henry, a group that promotes childhood wellness through exercise and nutrition. He also continues to coach several sports, serve on the board of Northampton Little League, teach medical students and residents, and organize events to help the region’s homeless.

“There were a number of excellent nominations for this year’s Continued Excellence Award,” said George O’Brien, editor of BusinessWest and HCN. “The judges could have picked any of these finalists, but they were obviously impressed with Dr. Bayuk’s work professionally, and within the community, since he was named a 40 Under Forty winner. His selection for this award speaks to the importance of healthcare to this region’s economy and Dr. Bayuk’s ability to grow his business and make a difference in this region.”
A panel of three independent judges — James Barrett, managing partner of Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT and last year’s Continued Excellence Award winner; and Janine Fondon, president and CEO of UnityFirst.com — considered dozens of submitted nominations and scored each one, narrowing the field to eight finalists. They then chose Bayuk as this year’s winner. The other seven finalists included:

• Michael Fenton (40 Under Forty class of 2012), Springfield City Council president and an associate at Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C.;

• Jeff Fialky (class of 2008), partner at Bacon Wilson and former chair of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce;

• Dena Hall (class of 2007), Western Mass. regional president of United Bank and president of the United Bank Foundation for Massachusetts and Connecticut;

• Amanda Huston Garcia (class of 2010), director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Elms College;

• Amy Jamrog (class of 2007), wealth management advisor with Northwestern Mutual and owner of the Jamrog Group;

• Alex Morse (class of 2014), third-term mayor of Holyoke; and

• Meghan Rothschild (class of 2011), co-founder of chikmedia and marketing and PR manager with the Melanoma Foundation of New England.

State Unemployment Rate Remains at 4.2% in May

By BusinessWest Staff June 17, 2016

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate remained at 4.2% in May, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Thursday.

The preliminary May job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that Massachusetts lost 6,400 jobs. Job losses were impacted by a temporary labor dispute in the information sector. In May, leisure and hospitality was the only sector to experience over-the-month job gains.

BLS also revised upward the state’s over-the-month job gains in April, reporting that 15,200 jobs were added compared to the 13,900-job gain originally reported. From December 2015 to May 2016, Massachusetts has added 30,500 jobs.

At 4.2%, the unemployment rate is down 0.7% over the year, with the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropping from 4.9% in May 2015. There were 26,600 fewer unemployed persons and 49,000 more employed persons over the year compared to May 2015. The Commonwealth’s May unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 4.7% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“The labor force continues to grow, with 7,000 more employed residents and 2,000 fewer unemployed residents in May,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker II said, adding that the education and healthcare sector and the professional, scientific, and business-services sector continue to generate the most jobs in Massachusetts.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — remained at 65.0%. The labor-force participation rate over the year has decreased 0.2% compared to May 2015.

Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains by sector were in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; other services; and leisure and hospitality.

Colin Leduc Joins Webber & Grinnell as Account Executive

By BusinessWest Staff June 17, 2016

NORTHAMPTON — Webber & Grinnell announced that Colin Leduc has joined the agency as an account executive. He brings insurance-agency experience to the firm, as well as knowledge gained during his many years as a recruiter for ADP.

Leduc was raised in Longmeadow and grew up working in his father’s sheet-metal shop in Holyoke. This experience greatly contributed to his passion for protecting the assets of local, family-owned businesses — and his decision to move to Webber & Grinnell.

“I spent my life watching my father work hard to provide for our family,” he said. “I was drawn to Webber & Grinnell because of their commitment to local businesses, as well as the work environment they provide for their staff.”

Bill Grinnell, president of Webber & Grinnell, noted that “Colin has a very dynamic personality and is a very strong addition to the Webber & Grinnell family. He’s very dedicated to helping the firm grow, especially in the field of family business.”

Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley to Host Dinner Forum June 21

By BusinessWest Staff June 17, 2016

HOLYOKE — The Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley will host a dinner forum called “What It Was Like to Sell Our Company” on Tuesday, June 21 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

Attendees will hear the perspectives of four people who sold their business. They will discuss what they did right and wrong, what they thought and felt, what they wish they’d known, and what they want others to know.

The event will also include a presentation on “How to Obtain Commercial Credit Today” by James McGuinness, vice president of First Niagara Bank. He will discuss how banks and other creditors provide different sizes of loans, how loan parameters are different for various requests (working capital, equipment, property, etc.), how to prepare for a loan request, and when to seek assistance from an accountant, attorney, or others.

To register, call (413) 835-0810, or e-mail [email protected].

Paragus Founder Delcie Bean Turns Over 40% of Stock to Employees

By BusinessWest Staff June 17, 2016

HADLEY — After more than two years of strategic planning, in a deal valued at approximately $1.6 million, Paragus IT announced that its employee stock-ownership plan (ESOP), which distributes ownership of 40% of the company to its 40-plus employees, is officially a go.

“There has been a lot of celebration around here,” said Paragus CEO Delcie Bean. “While this is an announcement we have all been anticipating for over two years, the time seems to have only contributed to the excitement.”

While there have been a few recent high-profile ESOPs, including Harpoon Brewery and Chobani Yogurt, they are still fairly uncommon. What makes the Paragus ESOP especially unique are the reasons behind it. ESOPs are traditionally formed after the company has fully matured and when a major shareholder is looking to exit. For Paragus, it’s about fueling future growth by giving everyone a direct stake and a personal investment in the future of the company.

“I knew this was the right decision for myself and for Paragus because Paragus is a company that owes 100% of its success to the hard work of its incredible employees, or partners, as I like to call them,” Bean said. “As the only shareholder, I knew that anything I could do to further that spirit and attract new talent would be a sound investment. That’s why it made sense to give everybody some skin in the game. Now they aren’t just growing a company, they’re growing their company. Which means Paragus is here to stay, and we’re only getting bigger.”

Added Dennis Schilling, quality assurance officer, “it’s always been about us at Paragus. It’s never been one person pointing and the rest following. With the ESOP, Delcie has made official what has always been true. It’s a beautiful thing that he has taken his company, his dream, and carved off such a sizable piece of it for all of us.”

While Bean has no plans to step down, he has shaken up the management structure a bit. Just before the ESOP became a reality, he appointed former Paragus Operations Manager Jim Young to be president of the company. In his new role, Young is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations and making sure everyone on the leadership team and across the company is working together to realize Paragus’ vision. This allows Bean to focus exclusively on growth, acquisitions, and moving into new markets.

“It’s a brand-new set of responsibilities and challenges for me,” Young said. “But these changes will enable each of us to contribute to the greatest extent possible while ensuring decisions are being made quickly by the people best positioned to do so.”

Added Bean, “we don’t believe in growth for growth’s sake. Our growth is fueled by one singular objective that is bordering on an obsession — we are all completely committed to being the absolute best at what we do while simultaneously being the best place to work. Ask anyone here, and they will all tell you that nothing is going to stand in our way when it comes to our relentless pursuit of being the best.”

Bryn Nowell Nominated for Pet-industry Social-media Award

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley resident Bryn Nowell has been named a finalist in the BlogPaws 2016 Nose-to-Nose Pet Blogging and Social Media Awards. Her blog, A Dog Walks into a Bar (www.adogwalksintoabar.com), was selected by judges to compete in the Best New Pet Blog category at the BlogPaws Annual Conference in Phoenix on June 23-25.

The first social-media network for pet bloggers, BlogPaws (www.blogpaws.com) hosted its first pet-friendly social-media and marketing conference in 2010, and has grown annually into the biggest social-media event and conference of its kind, drawing attendees from all over the world. Nowell was one of 48 finalists in 12 categories chosen by a panel of industry professionals. From these 48, 12 winners will be selected by judges based on creativity, expertise, and performance in their respective categories.

“Our bloggers strive to be something at BlogPaws, not just to write something or create something,” said BlogPaws co-founder Yvonne DiVita. “It’s about learning, growing, and striving for excellence. BlogPaws rewards them with our Annual Nose-to-Nose Awards, sharing the 48 finalists leading up to our conference, then awarding the winners at a red-carpet ceremony at the close of our conference.”

A Dog Walks into a Bar is a site that focuses on “paws, pints, and prose — all things dogs and drinking.” Nowell, the author and site designer, decided to focus on the two things she loves, dogs and adult beverages. As such, the page includes product reviews, DIY ideas, giveaways, and insights on both industries.

Springfield Museums Announce Summer Hours, Discounts for Military

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — This summer, visitors to the Springfield Museums will again be able to enjoy the Quadrangle seven days a week. From June 27 through Aug. 22, all four Springfield Museums will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Blake House Café will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museums will be closed Monday, July 4.

General admission remains $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students with ID, and $9.50 for children ages 3-17. Admission is free for museum members, children under 3, and Springfield residents with proof of address. From July 11 through Aug. 8, members can take advantage of ‘member Mondays,’ when they will receive 20% off in the Museum Store and free general admission for one guest.

Also, the Springfield Museums have once again joined more than 2,000 museums across the country by participating in the Blue Star Museums Program, which provides free admission to active-duty military personnel and up to five family members from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Blue Star Museums Program is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

At the time of entry, military members must show a Geneva Convention Common Access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card. Participants will receive general admission to all four Springfield Museums. Planetarium shows or other special program fees are not included.

“We are proud and honored to continue our participation in this wonderful program this year,” said Kay Simpson, Springfield Museums President. “It’s one small thing that the Springfield Museums can do to support the individuals and families who sacrifice so much in serving our country.”

Elms College, WNEU to Establish Law School Agreement

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

CHICOPEE — Elms College and Western New England University School of Law will execute a ‘3+3’ agreement this month that allows students to apply for admission to the law school and begin their legal education during their senior year at Elms College. This could shorten the time for students to earn both their bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees from seven years to six years.

This agreement is not limited to criminal justice or legal studies majors — any undergraduate student, regardless of major, can earn credits toward law school under this program.

“This is a significant opportunity for students in all majors who are interested in attending law school,” said Assistant Professor Kurt Ward, director of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies and director of ABA Paralegal Education at Elms College.

The 3+3 program agreement signing will be held on Wednesday, June 22 at the WNEU School of Law. Representatives of both WNEU and Elms College will be in attendance.

City’s New AHL Franchise Named Springfield Thunderbirds

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield’s new American Hockey League (AHL) franchise will take the ice for the upcoming 2016-17 season as the Springfield Thunderbirds. With hockey fans and local dignitaries looking on from center-ice seats at the MassMutual Center Arena, team officials announced the new name through a pulsating two-minute video on the arena’s state-of-the-art LED scoreboard.

“The Springfield Thunderbirds’ name represents the strength and pride of Western Massachusetts. It is a nod to our hockey past, a tribute to the men and woman of the Air Force who are so vital to this region, and a symbol of the new energy and spirit that is palpable in Springfield,” said Nathan Costa, Thunderbirds executive vice president.

Thunderbirds is an allusion to two previous Springfield AHL hockey team names, the Indians and the Falcons. The name refers to the animal of Native American legend that creates thunder and lightning by flapping its massive wings. Like the Falcon, it is also a fierce bird of prey. The name also refers to the famous demonstration planes of the U.S. Air Force and serves as an homage to Barnes Air National Guard Base and Westover Air Reserve Base, in Westfield and Chicopee, respectively.

The announcement follows a name-the-team campaign that solicited suggestions from the public in a survey coordinated in partnership with MassLive and the Republican. The survey received more than 2,600 responses.

“We would like to thank the thousands of fans who participated in this survey,” Costa said. “We were overwhelmed by the creativity and enthusiasm of those who submitted suggestions. Our fans wanted a name that honored the proud history of AHL hockey in Springfield while at the same time reflecting the new energy and excitement of this franchise. We believe the Thunderbirds captures this spirit.”

The logo features a bird’s head in bright blue with a curved beak against a background of red and yellow. The team’s name is picked out in yellow and white.

“The City of Springfield has a long and storied relationship with the American Hockey League going back to the days of Eddie Shore,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. “For 80 years, professional hockey has been played in our community, and many fans could not imagine a season without a local franchise playing home games at the MassMutual Center. Next season, the Springfield Thunderbirds will take the ice in pursuit of their first Calder Cup. And we have the ownership group to thank for the efforts to keep a charter member of the AHL in downtown Springfield. I am certain that local fans will welcome this exciting new team to ‘the Nest,’ and that the 2016-17 season will be a successful partnership between the Thunderbirds and the Florida Panthers of the NHL.”

In coordination with the announcement, the franchise also launched its new website, www.springfieldthunderbirds.com, where fans can now place deposits for season-ticket memberships. In addition, the team’s social media handles are Springfield Thunderbirds on Facebook, @thunderbirdsahl on Twitter, and thunderbirdsahl on Instagram.

“Again, so thankful, but not surprised that these outstanding corporate citizens continue to step up for our city of Springfield,” Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “Their continued belief and investment in our Springfield is deeply appreciated. Now we need to pack the house to help assure that professional hockey is here to stay for many years to come. Drop the puck!”

Added Florida Panthers Executive Chairman Peter Luukko, “we are excited to have our AHL players take the ice next season with the Springfield Thunderbirds name and logo on their jerseys. This is the start of a new era for AHL hockey in Western Massachusetts, and we look forward to being a part of it.”

Founded in 1936 and now with franchises in 30 cities across North America, the American Hockey League serves as the top development league for the players, coaches, managers, executives, and broadcasters of all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 88% of today’s NHL players are AHL graduates, and for the 15th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games in 2015-16.

Berkshire Bank Employees Volunteer More Than 4,500 Hours on June 7

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank completed its Xtraordinary Day on June 7. This event marked the first year the entire bank participated in community-service events concurrently from 1 to 4 p.m., closing the entire financial institution as a united effort for community involvement.

During Xtraordinary Day, 95% of the Berkshire Bank team, 1,161 employees, completed 56 projects. From painting of elementary schools and cleanups of local parks to financial-literacy lessons, they contributed more than 4,500 hours of service, a value of $128,000. The projects helped 54 different nonprofit organizations and directly impacted more than 100,000 individuals across the bank’s footprint.

Berkshire Bank’s goal with Xtraordinary Day was to affect the communities that support it every day in a significant way, by being active and immersed in projects that would have a meaningful and lasting impact on these communities.

“Berkshire Bank’s Xtraordinary Day was intended to create a sense of unity through all of our employees and within our communities,” said Tami Gunsch, the bank’s executive vice president, noting that the day’s projects benefited nonprofit organizations and communities in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.

In Berkshire County, projects included painting at Stearns Elementary School, Egremont Elementary School, and Boys & Girls Club Camp Russell; downtown guide assembly at Downtown Pittsfield; cleanup of Pittsfield parks, Greenagers Housatonic River Walk, and Berkshire Athenaeum; a home build with Northern Berkshire Habitat For Humanity; tree measuring with Trustees of Reservations at Bartholomew’s Cobble; and fourth- to sixth-grade literacy at Farmington River Regional School.

In the Pioneer Valley, projects included cleanup of Stanley Park, YMCA of Westfield, Southwick Rail Trail, West Springfield YMCA, Amelia Park Children’s Museum, Birthday Wishes, and Girls Inc. of Greenfield; a house build and restore for Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; a bike build at YMCA of Greater Springfield; administrative duties at Children’s Study Home; tree planting at ReGreen Springfield; and truck unloading at Community Survival Center.

West of the River Chamber Slates Annual Meeting for June 23

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) annual meeting will take place on Thursday, June 23 from 7 to 9 a.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman Brian Houle and the incoming WRC board of directors. Guest speaker Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will address guests during the event.

Annual meeting tickets are available for $35 for chamber members and $40 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

Online Resource Aims to Keep River Users Healthy

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

GREENFIELD — In time for the summer recreation season, the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) and 16 partners have launched the 2016 Connecticut River water-sampling program.

Water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria as an indicator for all types of other pathogens that could potentially make one sick. River users can visit the “Is It Clean” web page at www.connecticutriver.us to find bacteria test results at more than 147 river-access and recreation sites in Massachusetts, Northern Conn., Vermont, and New Hampshire. Samples are typically collected at each site weekly or bi-weekly, and test results are posted online 24 hours later, through early October.

“When weather gets warm, people head to our rivers to cool off and have fun, and they want to know if our rivers are clean. The data tells us that it is a good idea to stay out of the water for 24 to 48 hours after a heavy rain because bacteria levels could be high,” said CRWC Lower River Steward Alicea Charamut. “Heavy rain is often the cause of high bacteria levels. Bacteria can spike after a storm due to combined sewer overflows and polluted stormwater runoff from urban, suburban, and agricultural areas.”

Added CRWC Massachusetts River Steward Andrea Donlon, “cities and towns along the river are making significant investments to reduce pollution to our rivers, and this has made a tremendous difference. We want people to be able to explore and enjoy this wonderful resource. Our rivers are certainly much cleaner than they used to be, but it makes sense for river users to pay attention to this information so they know when it’s clean for swimming or boating.”

Water sample results are color-coded and map-based to offer guidance about whether the water is clean enough for swimming and boating. Results are a snapshot of river conditions at the moment the sample was taken, but give river users information they can use to make informed decisions and prevent potential illness. The website provides bacteria data for the Connecticut River and more than 20 tributaries, including the Chicopee River, Mill River in Northampton, Mill River/Lake Warner in Hadley, Farmington River in Connecticut, Ottauquechee and Black Rivers in Vermont, and many more.

Seminar Aims to Unravel Mysteries of Medicare and Medicaid

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — Medicare and Medicaid are two terms that can be confusing, yet necessary for many to receive proper care and support in retirement.

Western New England University (WNEU) will host a seminar on these topics on Wednesday, June 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Center for Science and Pharmacy, Room 200. Presenters will offer ways to qualify for benefits, while also protecting what people treasure the most.

The seminar begins with a look at the Medicare rules and what someone should know if they or a loved one are entering a nursing home and require access to Medicare benefits. It continues with a discussion unraveling the mystery behind Medicaid, how to effectively prepare an asset-protection plan, and what someone should know now if they may soon need to access Medicaid support. These two government programs may seem complicated, but the presenters will explain that, with some advanced planning, help is within reach.

Presenters include attorneys Hyman Darling of Bacon Wilson, P.C. and Michele Feinstein of Shatz, Schwartz, and Fentin, P.C., and Deborah Hollingworth, licensed social worker with Greater Springfield Senior Services.

The event is free to the public. To register, call (413) 796-2260 or e-mail [email protected].

Irish Cultural Center Presents Talk on Connemara

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

CHICOPEE — The Irish Cultural Center invites the public to a presentation by Mary Joyce on Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Theater at Elms College. She will speak about the beautiful area of Oughterard, Connemara, as well as adventures in County Galway and beyond. She will also talk about Connemara country cottages and their availability to the Connemara region.

The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit irishcenterwne.org.

A Chance to Manufacture Progress

By BusinessWest Staff June 15, 2016

Editorial

If nothing else, the recently announced initiative to take Valley Venture Mentors’ accelerator model for helping startup businesses and customize it for existing manufacturing companies wins high marks for originality (see story, page 6).

But we hope — and fully expect — that it will achieve much more than it.

Indeed, we anticipate that it will provide an important spark for this sector — which is steeped in history and part of this region’s DNA — by opening new doors to opportunity and offering greater potential for overall sustainability.

As conceived by the quasi-public agency MassDevelopment, in conjunction with VVM and several other partners, including the National Machine Tooling Assoc., this initiative will attempt to do for small to mid-sized precision manufacturers what the accelerator does for startups: find them dance partners.

Those are the words that VVM co-founder and Executive Director Paul Silva used to sum things up, and while they need to be explained, they are nonetheless quite effective.

In the case of startups, dance partners are angel investors and venture capitalists willing to roll the dice and help entrepreneurs take an idea to the next level. In the case of existing manufacturers, such dance partners are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for which they can solve problems and fill orders.

With both constituencies, finding people to dance with is difficult. Startups are, as that name indicates, just getting started. They often don’t know where or to whom to turn for help with gaining the critical capital needed to take their concept forward. Meanwhile, small- to mid-sized precision manufacturers have their noses to the proverbial grindstone, both literally and figuratively.

Indeed, they are so involved with the day-to-day challenges of putting out parts for their long-time customers that they are often unable to look up and out toward potential new customers.

VVM’s accelerator program, while still in its relative infancy (its second cohort just completed its three-month tour of duty) has nonetheless been successful in linking startups with both insight and capital. Can it enjoy the same success with manufacturers?

There is general optimism concerning this project, but only time will tell.

Manufacturers that fit the profile described above are so busy that many may not even be able to find the time and energy needed to participate in a project that will help secure them new customers — and a more solid future.

But if VVM can recruit companies for this project, it stands to reason that it can succeed with its broad mission. OEMs need partners, and contrary to popular belief, they may well not know that a company in Springfield, Westfield, or Greenfield has the equipment, know-how, and talent to make a part currently fashioned hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Again, this initiative is bold, potential-laden, and quite imaginative. And it’s one more thing — critically important.

As we’ve said many times, for this region to effectively compete for jobs, it must be strong across many sectors of the economy. Precision manufacturing has long been a pillar of strength, but it is not what it once was.

VVM’s initiative holds vast potential for making this sector an even more vital force in the overall health and well-being of the region’s economy. v

Chamber Corners

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com 
(413) 253-0700

• June 16-19: Taste of Amherst, on the Amherst Common, Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. This is a wonderful way to showcase your restaurant or business. Come join in the fun with more than 20,000 attendees throughout the weekend.  For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 253-0700 or [email protected].

• July 18: 13th annual Golf Tournament, at Hickory Ridge Golf Course, Pomeroy Lane, Amherst. Schedule: 10 a.m.: full-swing pro clinic; 10:30 a.m.: registration, putting contest, light lunch; noon: shotgun start, scramble format; 5 p.m.: social hour, cash bar; 6 p.m.: dinner, awards ceremony, live auction. Hole-in-one, longest drive, closest-to-pin contests. Cost: $135 per player, $540 per foursome.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org 
(413) 594-2101

• June 16: Mornings with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., at the Arbors at Chicopee, 929 Memorial Dr. Free for all members.

• June 18: 5K Road Race and 2-Mile Walk, 9:30 a.m., starting at the Portuguese Club. Cost: $25, which includes race fee, T-shirt, and lunch at Munich Haus Biergarten after the race.

• June 22: Three-chamber Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce will host “A Networking Night in the Tropics,” featuring island/beach music by Rum & Steel. Taste the food of the islands. Cost: $15 for members, $20 cash for non-members. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org 
(413) 527-9414

• June 17: Second annual Speaker Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Place, Easthampton. The keynote speaker is U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. How are your local business concerns being discussed at the federal level? Register online at easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414

• July 14: Networking By Night, 5-7 p.m., at the Oxbow Marina Sports Center, Old Springfield Road, Northampton. Register online at easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 572-9414.

• July 29: 32nd annual Golf Tournament at Southampton Country Club, 329 College Highway. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Sign up early and save. Register online at easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• June 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Renaissance Manor on Cabot, 279 Cabot St., Holyoke. Mix and mingle with your friends and colleagues at this casual networking event. Refreshments and 50/50 raffle. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members and walk-ins. Sign up at holyokechamber.com.

• July 13: Chamber Coffee Buzz Morning Networking, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at Ruwac Inc., 54 Winter St., Holyoke. Jump-start the day with this opportunity to meet business and community leaders while enjoying coffee and a light breakfast at this respected world leader in industrial vacuum systems. This event is free to members of the business community and is sponsored by Lyon & Fitzpatrick LLP.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• July 13: July Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Joint event with Northampton Area Young Professionals. Sponsors: Brain Analysis & Neurodevelopment Center, Highview of Northampton, the Healing ZONE Therapeutic Massage.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• June 13: “Wage & Hour Law Compliance” workshop, at Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Registration/networking, 8:30 a.m.; workshop, 9-10 a.m. Presented by Karina Schrengohst, attorney with Royal, P.C. Refreshments will be served. Cost: free to chamber members, $30 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• June 17: June Chamber Breakfast, at the the Ranch Golf Club, 100 Ranch Club Road, Southwick. Registration, 7 a.m.; breakfast, 7:20, a.m.; program begins, 7:50 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Guilluni. Platinum sponsor: Mestek Inc.; gold sponsor: Berkshire Bank; silver sponsor: First Niagara Bank; coffee bar sponsor: Spherion Staffing. Golf Special: chamber members who are registered for the breakfast can golf for $45 with a cart following the breakfast. Call the golf shop to reserve your spot and mention that you are a chamber member. 50/50 raffle to support two Citizen’s Scholarships. Tickets: $25 for members, $30 in advance for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• June 22: Three-chamber Networking Event, 5-7
p.m., at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce will host “A Networking Night in the Tropics,” featuring island/beach music by Rum & Steel. Taste the food of the islands. Cost: $15 for members, $20 cash for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• June 22: Three-chamber Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce will host “A Networking Night in the Tropics,” featuring island/beach music by Rum & Steel. Taste the food of the islands. Cost: $15 for members, $20 cash for non-members. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 532-6451.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• June 28: Springfield Regional Chamber Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Lattitude, 1388 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. “The New Overtime Rule — What Is It, and How Will It Impact Me?” Guest Speaker: Timothy Murphy, attorney with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• July 28: Chamber Golf Tournament, at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Registration/course-side lunch: 11 a.m. to noon; shotgun start: 12:30 p.m.; dinner immediately following. Sponsored by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Florence Bank, Chicopee Savings Bank, and the MassMutual Center. Cost: $600 per foursome, $160 per individual golfer. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• June 23: Annual Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef, Agawam. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman Brian Houle and the incoming WRC board of directors. Guest speaker: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Cost: $35 for chamber members, $40 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Departments People on the Move

John Hunt

John Hunt has been named chief executive officer of Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts in Ludlow. A speech-language pathologist by trade, he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMass Amherst. Hunt’s career in rehabilitation has spanned almost 30 years as a clinician, director, administrator, private practicioner, consultant, and educator, both regionally and nationally. He has served as a guest speaker and lecturer on the topics of motor speech and swallowing disorders in the neurologically impaired population. His focus has been the improvement of patient care and superior clinical outcomes in the post-acute continuum.

•••••

Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced the following:

Timothy Czerniejewski

Timothy Czerniejewski

• Timothy Czerniejewski, has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President and Credit Analyst. He served as a credit analyst for the last seven years at TD Bank, where he had been working since 2007. He is also a self-employed tax preparer and financial advisor with his mother under the name H&T Tax Services in Westfield. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western New England University. He is a Six Sigma White Belt, a certified tax preparer, and a Springfield Leadership Institute graduate, as well as a program committee member for the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, a volunteer at the Westfield YMCA, and a volunteer with Revitalize Springfield;

Lori Ingraham

• Lori Ingraham has been promoted to Vice President and Controller. She joined the bank as a teller/encoder in 1988 and was promoted to operations assistant in 1989. She became operations/audit assistant in 1991 and compliance/CRA manager in 1997. She was promoted to auditor in 1998, to assistant treasurer in 2006, and to assistant vice president controller in 2013. Ingraham graduated from Holyoke Community College and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Westfield State University. She is a member of the Easthampton School Committee, Easthampton Dollars for Scholars, and the Easthampton Parent Council. She is the management committee chairperson and vice president of Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals. She is also on the Westhampton Congregational UCC property committee and Christian education committee; and

Meagan Barrett

• Meagan Barrett has been promoted to Human Resources Officer. She joined bankESB in 2008 as a human resources assistant. She obtained her professional in human resources (PHR) certification in 2012 and was promoted to benefits specialist. Prior to working at the bank, she was a human resources generalist for Clarity Imaging and worked at CompUSA for 10 years, including as a human resources and operation manager. In her new role, she is responsible for employee relations, benefits, wellness, employee event coordination, and recruiting. Barrett has an associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College and was working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rhode Island College. She is involved with the Easter Seals 5K planning committee and Easthampton’s All-4-Kids event.

•••••

Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) recently announced six promotions. The new assignments are:

Mary Rawls

• Mary Rawls, Vice President, Compliance. Rawls has more than 22 years of experience in banking, and is responsible for ensuring bank compliance with the numerous banking and consumer laws and regulations. She also coordinates various regulatory and compliance examinations for the bank;

Adam Baker

• Adam Baker, Commercial Loan Officer. Baker has more than eight years of experience in banking, primarily in commercial lending. He is based in the King Street, Northampton Cooperative division of the bank, and is responsible for developing new commercial-loan business in the bank’s market area, with a focus in Hampshire County;

Chelsea Depault

Chelsea Depault

• Chelsea Depault, Commercial Loan Officer. Depault is based at the 62 Federal St. location of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, and is responsible for developing new commercial business in the bank’s market area, with a focus in Franklin County. She has more than seven years banking experience with GCB, most recently as a senior credit analyst;

Christine Gagnon

Christine Gagnon

• Christine Gagnon, Residential Mortgage Originator for the Hampshire County marketplace. Gagnon’s new duties will complement in her current position of assistant vice president at the Northampton Cooperative division of GSB. She will be responsible for assisting consumers looking to buy or refinance their home and to develop mortgage business through ongoing relationships with local realtors. She has more than 18 years of experience in banking with Northampton Cooperative Bank;

Janet Rosenkranz

Janet Rosenkranz

• Janet Rosenkranz, Loan Analyst. Rosenkranz has been in banking for the past 20 years, starting with Vanguard Bank and the former Springfield Institution for Savings. She will be based in the King Street, Northampton office and is responsible for monitoring commercial credits and will assist in managing the overall bank-loan portfolio; and

Kari Welch

• Kari Welch, branch Manager at the 67 King St. location of the bank’s Northampton Cooperative division. Welch has been with the bank for more than five years. She will be responsible for overall management of the King Street branch and its staff and operations.

•••••

F. Adam Yanulis

F. Adam Yanulis

Following the firm’s recent stockholder’s meeting, Tighe & Bond announced the promotion of F. Adam Yanulis to Vice President of Business Development. Since joining the firm two and a half years ago, he has strengthened the delivery of the firm’s engineering services throughout New England. With more than 30 years providing leadership to the public-sector engineering community, many in the region know Yanulis well. Over the years, he has worked closely with numerous municipalities to facilitate engineering and environmental solutions for water-resource, stormwater, environmental, and other infrastructure challenges. Although he works primarily out of Tighe & Bond’s Westwood office, his involvement is region-wide. Yanulis serves as a commissioner for the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, and sits on the board of directors of the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill and the New England Water Works Assoc. He also is on the New England Water Innovation Network’s advisory committee, and a member of the Massachusetts Water Infrastructure Finance Commission steering committee. In addition, he is finishing his term on the board of directors of the American Water Works Assoc.

•••••

Tyler Leahy

van Schouwen Associates, LLC (vSA) announced the addition of Tyler Leahy to its business-to-business marketing team. In his new role as strategic communications manager, Leahy’s work will involve account management, writing, social media and content development, public relations, and business development. Leahy arrives at vSA with unique experience as a communications professional in the Pioneer Valley, working in the media as well as the nonprofit sector. He most recently served as staff writer for two local newspapers, the Chicopee Register and the Ludlow Register. “Tyler has a knack for tailoring communications to the demands of individual projects. His strategic and tactical marketing aptitude will be invaluable to our clients,” said Michelle van Schouwen, vSA president. Leahy graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor’s degree in 2015, majoring in communications and English.

•••••
Bay Path University announced that Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, is one of 23 senior-level administrators in higher education nationwide selected by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to participate in the 2016-17 Executive Leadership Academy. Morriss-Olson will participate in two seminars in Washington, D.C. on July 11-13, 2016 and June 19-21, 2017. She will also engage in readings, webinars, and a mentoring program. In addition, she will develop a professional experiential learning plan focused on specific areas of presidential responsibility. The academy is intended to help prepare provosts and vice presidents to serve as effective college presidents. Morriss-Olson joined Bay Path University in 2006 as a faculty member and founding director of the graduate programs in Nonprofit Management and Strategic Fundraising. In 2009, she became the university’s first Graduate School dean, during which time she was integral in establishing the Center for Distributed Learning and several new graduate degrees, and strengthening the graduate student-support infrastructure. She obtained a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University of Chicago in 1995. Developing the talents of women and girls is a personal passion of hers, and she volunteers on behalf of a number of organizations that share this concern. “Melissa Morriss-Olson has taken Bay Path to new heights,” University President Carol Leary said. “As provost, she has spearheaded initiatives that have increased undergraduate enrollment and overseen the development of the university’s thumbprint — Bay Path’s distinguishing educational aspirations — and our Women Empowered as Learners and Leaders (WELL) program. She is an effective and natural leader, and her participation in the CIC Executive Leadership Academy will be an incredible milestone both for her and for Bay Path.”

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Agenda Departments

‘Leverage Technology to Do More with Less’

June 15: Comcast Business will present “How to Leverage Technology to Do More With Less,” part of the BusinessWest/HCN Lecture Series, at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, 21 Edward St., Springfield. Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and a panel discussion from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The panelists — influential minds in the IT field — will discuss issues that every business IT department is being forced to deal with, including rising demands to make changes to existing systems, increasing efficiency and improving security, and how budget restrictions impact IT. Panelists include Michael Feld, CEO, VertitechIT, and interim CTO, Baystate Health and Lancaster General Hospital; Frank Vincentelli, chief technology officer, Integrated IT Solutions; and Patrick Streck, director, IT Services, Baystate Health / Information & Technology. Admission is free. To register, visit HERE or call (413) 781-8600 for more information.

Summertime Pops Concert

June 15: Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield will welcome the Old Post Road Orchestra for a free summertime pops performance on the hospital lawn from 7 to 9 p.m. The Old Post Road Orchestra (OPRO) is enjoying its 30th concert season as a volunteer community orchestra based in Wilbraham. OPRO’s mission is to provide quality symphonic music at convenient locations in and around Western Mass., and to offer people of all ages the opportunity to play their instruments in a friendly, community-based orchestra. This summertime pops performance will feature a guest vocalist, Anita Anderson Cooper. Trained at Westminster College and Boston University, she has worked as a professional musician, conductor, and teacher. Career highlights include solo performances at Carnegie Hall; leading roles with various opera, Broadway, and regional theater companies, and solo appearances through the Hampshire Choral Society. Recent conducting roles were with the Green Mountain District in Vermont and the Quabbin Valley Music Festival. Cooper has been a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities grant and studied Mozart’s music in Vienna, Austria. She currently teaches three choirs, music theory, and jazz at Amherst Regional High School; conducts the New Valley Singers in Holyoke; and is the soprano soloist for South Church, Springfield. Her Chorale recently won the WGBY television series Together in Song, and WGBY produced a special about the group. Light refreshments will be available at the concert. Lawn chairs are permitted, but alcohol, smoking, and pets are not. For more information, contact Lee Roberts at (413) 755-2307 or [email protected]. For more information about OPRO, visit www.opro.org/content/about-us.

Estate-planning Conference

June 16: Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney Michele Feinstein will lead a full-day Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) symposium at the Hotel Northampton. With game-changing case decisions and new emerging regional trends, this day-long conference will provide attorneys with an in-depth update on Massachusetts estate planning. The event, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will explore how the governor’s budget has potential to influence elder-law planning in conjunction with Medicaid. MCLE is a nonprofit corporation that provides hands-on educational programs and reference materials for attorneys. This continuing-education program arranges more than 250 presentations annually in a variety of in-person and online formats. Feinstein concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning and administration, elder law, probate litigation, health law, and corporate and business planning, including all aspects of planning for the succession of business interests, representation of closely held businesses and their owners, and representation of physicians in their individual and group practices. She is a cum laude graduate of the Western New England University School of Law, and earned her bachelor’s degree and master of laws in taxation at Boston University. To register for the conference, visit mcle.org/store/cart. MCLE will offer a new-lawyers discount for attorneys who were admitted after 2013 and law students.

40 Under Forty

June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. An independent panel of judges chose the winners, and their stories were told in the pages of the April 18 issue. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsors), EMA Dental, Health New England, Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, United Bank, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. This event is sold out.

Oral Health Drive

June 18: The Women’s Way, a program of United Way of Franklin County, is holding a community Oral Health Drive from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greenfield Town Common. The Women’s Way volunteer group will be collecting items related to oral health, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and travel-size mouthwash, to help address the lack of access to oral-health screenings and services. Collection of items will also be accepted at various local businesses and at the United Way office, 51 Davis St., Suite 2, Greenfield, from June 1 to June 20. Some 48 million children and adults in the U.S. live in areas without enough dentists to provide routine oral healthcare. Millions more can get to a dentist but cannot afford to pay for dental care. Children without access to dental care use emergency-room services more often and face worsened job prospects as adults compared to their peers who do receive care. In Franklin County, access is even more limited for those who are low-income and receiving MassHealth dental benefits. Many dentists in the area do not accept MassHealth, and the dental benefits have been recently cut back. Just as the mouth is part of the body, oral health is a part of overall health. People cannot be healthy unless they have access to the dental services they need. Utilizing United Way’s Day of Action, the Women’s Way, working with the Health Care for All Oral Health Advocacy Task Force, is expecting to make a bigger impact in 2017 with an Oral Health Fair, in collaboration with service providers, providing services to area residents for free. “We’re very excited to be working with Health Care for All, Women’s Way, and area providers in anticipation of next year’s Day of Service. It is important to our mission and the community to ensure people have adequate access to basic dental services,” said Sandy Sayers, executive director of the United Way of Franklin County. “This year’s Oral Health Drive by the Women’s Way is just the beginning of addressing the community’s need and access to quality oral health care, as well as building awareness for next year’s Dental Fair.”

Sunbeam Social Club

June 20: Sunshine Village is introducing its Sunbeam Social Club, designed for people with memory loss and their family members. Sunshine Village has a long history of providing innovative programming for people with cognitive disabilities. Sunbeam Social Club will provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for people who often have fewer opportunities for socializing and fun. The debut of Sunbeam Social Club coincides with Alzheimer’s Awareness Day on Monday, June 20, the longest day of the year. The day is designed to shine a light on the millions of people living with memory disorders. The gathering will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Emily Partyka Central Library at 449 Front St. in Chicopee. Group and individualized activities are planned, and refreshments will be served. Volunteers from Sunshine Village’s Community Based Day Program will be on hand, as well as local professional resources. “We are thrilled to introduce the Sunbeam Social Club,” said Sunshine Village Executive Director Gina Kos. “This program is intended to provide joy to both people with memory disorders and their care partners. People with vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other memory disorders are all invited to attend with their family members.” For more information or to register for the June gathering of the Sunbeam Social Club, call Sunshine Village at (413) 592-6142.

Frankel-Kinsler Classic Golf Tournament

June 20: JGS Lifecare will host its 36th annual fund-raising golf tournament, the Frankel-Kinsler Classic, at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow to raise money for the purchase of a new wheelchair-accessible van and to fund employee scholarships. The Frankel-Kinsler Classic is named in memory of the late Michael Frankel, former chairman of the JGS Lifecare board of directors, and the families of Raymond and Herman Kinsler, longtime leaders and supporters, for their exemplary commitment to those served by JGS Lifecare. The Frankel-Kinsler Classic will include a barbeque luncheon at 11 a.m.; an 18-hole bramble; a pickle ball tournament; bridge, canasta or mah jongg tournaments; poolside fun; and an awards dinner ceremony. The pickle ball tournament, held at the Enfield Tennis Club, begins at 10 a.m.; poolside fun begins at noon; the shotgun start tee-off is at 12:30 p.m.; and the bridge, canasta, or mah jongg begins at 1 p.m. A cocktail reception begins at 5:45 p.m. with awards and dinner following at 6:30 p.m., with music provided by the Blood Brothers. Event sponsors include Harry Grodsky and Co. Inc., Astro Chemicals Inc., Berkshire Bank, Bolduc’s Apparel, Chicopee Savings Bank, Daniel Goodman, D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc., Epstein Financial, Kaste Industrial Machine Sales Inc., Meyers Brothers Kalicka P.C., Michael and Martha Kinsler and family and Sue Ann (Kinsler) and David Spahr and family (in honor of Richard Kinsler), NEFCO, Simione Consultants LLC, and TD Bank. Additional sponsorships and raffle opportunities are still available. Members of the community are also invited to attend dinner at $60 per guest. For more information on the Frankel-Kinsler Classic, call Kimberley Grandfield at (413) 567-3949, ext. 1610, or e-mail [email protected].

‘Building Your Exit’

June 22, 23: The Vann Group will present “Building Your Exit: The Owner Succession Planning Process Defined,” part of the BusinessWest/HCN Lecture Series, on Wednesday, June 22 at the Student Prince/the Fort in Springfield, and Thursday, June 23 at Hadley Farms Meeting House in Hadley. Registration both days will begin at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and a panel discussion from 7:30 to 9 a.m. One of the largest challenges facing business owners today is the question of how to get out of their business. These seminars will present a step-by-step breakdown of the succession-planning process and what to expect along the way, including the many benefits to transitioning business ownership. Panelists include Kevin Vann and Michael Vann of the Vann Group and Charlie Epstein of Epstein Financial Services and Epstein Financial Group. Admission is free, but RSVP is requested by June 14 for the first seminar and by June 15 for the second. To register, go HERE or call (413) 781-8600 for more information.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

Departments Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

Accelerating the Process

Valley Venture Mentors staged its second annual Accelerator Awards banquet on May 26 at the MassMutual Center. The event, which celebrates entrepreneurship across the region, spotlighted companies that took part in the second accelerator program, and presented checks (as determined by a panel of judges) to this year’s finalists to help them advance their venture. A total of $252,000 was awarded to 12 finalists. From top to bottom: Devin (left) and Kevin Murray, the father-son team behind better.bike, stand beside one of their prototypes; Scott Foster, co-founder of VVM, addresses the audience of more than 500 people; the team at Any Café, which is trying to market a product that will allow the user to brew a cup of coffee any time, anywhere, poses with its concept; Lora Fischer-DeWitt, founder of Scout Curated Wears, a maker of jewelry, proudly displays her check for $32,000; Raymond Berry, founder of White Lion Brewery and a finalist in the first accelerator cohort, addresses the audience. With him is the company’s mascot. The top prize winner, Marcelia Muehlke, founder of fair-trade wedding-dress maker Celia Grace, talks about her company and what she plans do with the capital she won in a story HERE

BetterBike-VVM
SpeakerVVM
whiteLionSpeakerVVM
AnyCafe-VVM
ScoutCuratedWearsVVM

Giving Back

Robinson Donovan, a law practice based in Springfield and Northampton, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The firm’s founder, an important political figure and instrumental businessman for the town of Chicopee, was a true public servant. As such, the firm will be donating to a nonprofit each month this year. The first few recipients have been chosen, including Providence Ministries Service Network, Friends of the Homeless Inc., the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Bay Path University.

From left, James Martin, partner at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Bourque, vice president at Bay Path University; and Michael Giampietro, CFO at Bay Path University

From left, James Martin, partner at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Bourque, vice president at Bay Path University; and Michael Giampietro, CFO at Bay Path University

Shawna Cobb, accounts payable/receivable at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Lamoureux, legal secretary at Robinson Donovan; Andrew Morehouse, executive director at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; and Michael Simolo, partner at Robinson Donovan

Shawna Cobb, accounts payable/receivable at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Lamoureux, legal secretary at Robinson Donovan; Andrew Morehouse, executive director at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; and Michael Simolo, partner at Robinson Donovan

Karen Blanchard, left, executive director at Providence Ministries Service Network, and Carla Newton, partner at Robinson Donovan.

Karen Blanchard, left, executive director at Providence Ministries Service Network, and Carla Newton, partner at Robinson Donovan.

Donut Day Doings

National Donut Day was June 3. The Salvation Army uses that day to bring attention to its programs and encourage contributions to help it carry out its mission. Among the local offices visited by donut-bearing representatives of the Salvation Army was BusinessWest, represented here by senior writer and donut enthusiast Joe Bednar (far right). Representing the Salvation Army are, from left, Laura Stopa, Market Mentors; Elaine Massery, Salvation Army board member; Keith Barrow, Salvation Army staffer, and Amanda Moyer, Market Mentors and Salvation Army board member.

National Donut Day was June 3. The Salvation Army uses that day to bring attention to its programs and encourage contributions to help it carry out its mission. Among the local offices visited by donut-bearing representatives of the Salvation Army was BusinessWest, represented here by senior writer and donut enthusiast Joe Bednar (far right). Representing the Salvation Army are, from left, Laura Stopa, Market Mentors; Elaine Massery, Salvation Army board member; Keith Barrow, Salvation Army staffer, and Amanda Moyer, Market Mentors and Salvation Army board member.

Deadline Approaches to Register for Owner Succession Planning Event

By BusinessWest Staff June 14, 2016

SPRINGFIELD — The Vann Group and Epstein Financial Services will present “Building Your Exit: The Owner Succession Planning Process Defined,” part of the BusinessWest/HCN Lecture Series, on Wednesday, June 22 at the Student Prince/the Fort in Springfield, and Thursday, June 23 at Hadley Farms Meeting House in Hadley.

Registration both days will begin at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and a panel discussion from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

One of the largest challenges facing business owners today is the question of how to get out of their business. These seminars will present a step-by-step breakdown of the succession-planning process and what to expect along the way, including the many benefits to transitioning business ownership.

Panelists include Kevin Vann and Michael Vann of the Vann Group and Charlie Epstein of Epstein Financial Services and Epstein Financial Group.

Admission is free, but RSVP is requested for both seminars. Register online here, or call (413) 781-8600 for more information.