Day: January 16, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — American Outdoor Brands Corp. announced that its board of directors has named Mark Smith and Brian Murphy co-presidents and co-CEOs of the company, effective immediately. Smith was most recently president of the Manufacturing Services Division of the company, while Murphy was most recently president of the Outdoor Products & Accessories Division.

In their co-leadership roles, Smith and Murphy succeed James Debney, who has separated as president and CEO and as a director of the company, following the determination by the board of directors that he engaged in conduct inconsistent with a non-financial company policy.

The company is proceeding with its previously announced plan to spin off its outdoor products and accessories business as a tax-free stock dividend to its stockholders in the second half of 2020, a transaction that would create two independent, publicly traded companies: Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (which would encompass the firearm business) and American Outdoor Brands Inc. (which would encompass the outdoor products and accessories business). Jeffrey Buchanan, chief financial officer, will continue to serve as the lead executive on coordinating and executing the separation of the two businesses.

Upon completion of the transaction, and as previously announced, Smith will become president and CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., and Murphy, will become president and CEO of American Outdoor Brands Inc.

“We appreciate James’ contributions toward the growth and development of our company and its infrastructure,” said Barry Monheit, chairman of the board. “The board believes the company is fortunate to have two highly capable and experienced leaders in Mark Smith and Brian Murphy. Each has played a critical role in the development of our strategic plans, including our intention to establish each business as an independent, publicly traded company. In addition, Mark and Brian have each demonstrated, through years of leadership and service, their extensive knowledge of and passion for our company, our customers, and our industries. Their capabilities and objectives position them well to share the combined CEO role as the team completes the separation of our two businesses later in 2020. The board has every confidence that they will provide the vision and determination to lead each independent company and its highly respected brand portfolio toward a successful future.”

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield reported gross gambling revenue of $18.9 million for December, the lowest full-month revenue figure in the casino’s 16-month history, the Republican reported. That follows a $19.9 million figure in November. The casino reported gross gaming revenue of $21.6 million in December 2018.

In other figures released this week by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Encore Boston Harbor reported gross gaming revenues of $54 million in December, an improvement from $47 million in November, while the slots-only Plainridge Park Casino posted $10.2 million in December, down slightly from $10.9 million in November.

HOLYOKE — Homework House announced the hire of Angel Coriano as its new director of Programs. He will be responsible for the supervision of day-to-day program operations, including the tutoring and learning process, and will also work closely with local schools, student assessment and evaluation, along with curriculum development.

Homework House serves children ages 6 to 12 from Holyoke Public Schools and Holyoke Community Charter School. Since its beginning, it has offered free tutoring and mentoring. Today, it continues to offer its services from three different locations in Holyoke. Tutors, many of whom are volunteers from local colleges and the community, provide individualized instruction to strengthen children’s educational learning and retention.

Coriano is a lifelong resident of Holyoke and a graduate of Holyoke Public Schools. An alumnus of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, he has spent the last 10-plus years in the field of education. “I am committed to working with the local community to ensure that a rewarding educational experience is accessible to all,” he said.

Virginia Dillion, executive director of Homework House, added that “we enthusiastically welcome Angel to Homework House as our new director of Programs. Angel’s experience working within the academic community is of significant value to us and the children that we serve.”

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2020. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 14.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form.

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges. The selected individuals will be profiled in the April 27 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 25 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The event’s presenting sponsor is PeoplesBank, WWLP-22News is the media sponsor, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield is a partner. Other sponsorship opportunities are available.