Month: June 2021

WORCESTER — At its annual meeting on June 21, held at Polar Park in Worcester, Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced a $1 million pledge to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Worcester County Food Bank.

Newly appointed Country Bank board members Elizabeth Cohen-Rappaport, Richard Maynard, Ross Dik, and Stacey Luster surprised both Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Jean McMurray, executive director of the Worcester County Food Bank, with checks for $500,000 each.

“As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities and the people who live in them,” Scully said. “In recognizing the burdens that many have experienced throughout this past year, Country Bank is ‘throwing hunger a curveball” by pledging $1 million to the communities it serves. Supporting and enriching its communities has been the bank’s mission since 1850.”

In 2020, Country Bank’s philanthropy exceeded $1 million by supporting 450 nonprofits throughout the region, mainly focused on helping food pantries, homeless shelters, COVID-19 relief services, veterans, and other programs that supported the everyday needs of the people in its communities.

Meredith-Springfield Associates Breaks Ground on Expansion Project

LUDLOW — Meredith-Springfield Associates Inc., a plastics manufacturer specializing in bottles and hollow technical articles manufactured through extrusion blow molding and injection stretch blow molding, recently broke ground on an expansion in Ludlow.

The project will add 5,000 square feet of light manufacturing space, 12,000 square feet of warehouse space, and three new loading docks in a 1,000-square-foot addition, bringing the total facility to 83,000 square feet. The larger footprint makes way for six top-of-the-line machines that will help to automate production and increase capacity.

“Meredith-Springfield was chartered in 1979,” President and CEO Mel O’Leary said. “Through our years of incredible growth, we’ve called Massachusetts home, so to be able to expand our headquarters where our company was born is important to who we are.”

Since its founding, Meredith-Springfield has offered extrusion and coextrusion (double- and triple-layer) blow molding and injection stretch blow molding of PET, HDPE, PP, PVC, PA, ePET, TPE, TPU, ABS, LDPE, and fluoropolymers for clients spanning the globe. Notable customers include American Distilling, B&G Foods, Henkel, Honeywell LifeMade Products, PepsiCo, Reebok, and more.

“It’s been a challenge to meet the needs of our growing business with our existing space,” O’Leary added. “This investment in the building and manufacturing equipment allows us to better plan for the future and increase efficiencies. It will give us room to grow while enhancing our manufacturing and warehouse spaces.”

In the coming months, Meredith-Springfield will install two new extrusion blow molding machines, a Bekum 155 and R&B/Sika 850 long stroke, as well as an Aoki AL-1000 injection stretch blow molding machine. In addition to the molding machines, the manufacturer has acquired three new, fully automatic Dyco Baggers and a Mexan Automation semi-automatic bagger. These machines will automate bottle discharges from the machines after their production, with attached conveyors offering leak checks and visual inspections. Then the baggers will palletize the finished products, readying them for shipping while eliminating the use of corrugated boxes.

“Ultimately, our goal is to serve our customers with reduced lead times and higher-quality products that are more sustainably packaged,” O’Leary said. “We’ll soon have the space and equipment we need to move forward to the next level as a company while providing the service our clients expect and deserve. We’re all very excited to start this next phase in our company’s evolution.”

Springfield Regional Chamber President Warns of Phishing Attack

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Regional Chamber President Nancy Creed issued a warning to chamber members about a recently reported scam.

“It’s come to our attention that the Springfield Regional Chamber’s likeness is being used in a targeted phishing attack,” she wrote. “You may have received an e-mail regarding membership verification. This is not a chamber-affiliated communication. Please be cautious and do not input any personal data.”

Creed also listed some tips for identifying phishing attacks:

• Check the sender information. Does the email address look suspicious?

• Watch out for shortened links. Cybercriminals often use these — from Bitly and other shortening services — to trick the recipient into thinking they are clicking a legitimate link, when in fact they are being inadvertently directed to a fake site.

• Be wary of threats and urgent deadlines.

CitySpace Receives $35,000 from Beveridge Family Foundation for Old Town Hall

EASTHAMPTON — The Beveridge Family Foundation awarded CitySpace $35,000 in support of the restoration of Old Town Hall into a center of the arts for the city of Easthampton and Western Mass.

In 2006, beginning with Old Town Hall’s first floor, CitySpace embarked on an effort to create affordable space for arts organizations and creative businesses under one roof in Easthampton’s Main Street Historic District. Now, CitySpace is raising funds to convert the unused, second-floor, 3500-square-foot hall into a flexible, accessible, 350-seat performing-arts and community space for performances, concerts, and community events. Renovations will include a new box office, elevator, entryway, theatrical lighting, and sound and projection systems.

To date, more than $4 million in grants and contributions have been received for the $6.9 million project. CitySpace plans to begin renovations in late 2022, and the organization seeks further support to complete the project.

“From the beginning of our campaign, the Beveridge Foundation has been incredibly generous and encouraging of CitySpace for the restoration of Old Town Hall,” said Burns Maxey, CitySpace board president. “We are deeply thankful and honored for the foundation’s growing support to create a vibrant destination for the performing arts for our Western Massachusetts community.”

Paragus I.T. Moves into Worcester Market with Acquisition of Comportz Technologies

HADLEY — Paragus I.T. announced the acquisition of Worcester-based IT firm Comportz Technologies. Like Paragus, Comportz specializes in outsourced IT services, cybersecurity, and other technology solutions for small to medium-sized businesses.

For more than a decade, Paragus has been one of the fastest-growing I.T. companies in the region. With a few exceptions, it has primarily been focused on Western Mass. and surrounding areas. This new acquisition is the first big step toward expanding its services into Worcester and Central Mass.

“We’re very excited about this acquisition,” Paragus CEO Delcie Bean said. “Entering the Worcester market is something we’ve been strategically planning. This is a perfect opportunity to do it with an excellent company with a great crew and a strong client base. We look forward to bringing everyone into the fold and getting involved with the Worcester business community — and going to see some WooSox games. It’s a great city.”

Comportz Technologies offices have been closed for most of the pandemic, and staff have been working remotely. This fall, Paragus will open a new Worcester office. All Comportz staff have been retained, as well as many of its clients.

“This acquisition will enhance our ability to service our customers with speed, efficiency, and support at the highest level,” Comportz Technologies owner Kevin Anderson said. “Paragus brings additional resources to the table that will benefit everyone. And our staff is excited to join the fun, dynamic company culture that Paragus is known for. I think they will make a big splash in the local market and take things to the next level.”

Paragus will share more details about the acquisition in the coming weeks and is planning a fun event to kick things off in Worcester.

Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Creeps Down in May

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate was down 0.3% in May to 6.1%, following a revision to the April unemployment rate of 6.4%, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 9,200 jobs in May. This follows April’s revised gain of 10,200 jobs. Over the month, leisure and hospitality once again had the largest gains with 3,200 jobs added, followed by education and health services, adding 2,400 jobs. Since December 2020, Massachusetts has gained 91,800 jobs.

From May 2020 to May 2021, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 357,700 jobs. Education and health services gained the most jobs, adding 50,600, followed by leisure and hospitality, adding 43,400 jobs.

The May unemployment rate was 0.3% higher than the national rate of 5.8% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Massachusetts labor force increased by 1,900 from 3,745,700 in April, as 13,700 more residents were employed and 11,800 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 9.2%.

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 66.4%. Compared to May 2020, the labor-force participation rate is up 2.5%.

Elms College Plans Full On-campus Experience for Fall Semester

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced it will offer students a full on-campus living and learning experience for the fall 2021 semester.

“The college successfully had students living and taking classes safely on campus at the height of the pandemic, and due to our ElmsSafe health protocols, we completed the 2020-21 academic year that way,” Elms College President Harry Dumay said. “With the vaccine readily available and state COVID restrictions easing, I feel confident that we can provide students with an on-campus experience that includes residence halls at pre-pandemic capacities, on-campus classes, competitive sports, and more.”

Plans are now underway to also ensure that the dining hall is fully operational and students will be allowed to gather on campus for various activities and clubs.

“Our top priority has always been the health and safety of the entire Elms community — students, faculty, and staff — and it is because of their diligence and hard work over the past year that we are able to make this important decision,” Dumay added.

The college is requiring all students who are planning to attend classes in person and those who will reside in residence halls to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination prior to the start of the fall semester. Students whose coursework is entirely online and are not required to be on campus are exempt from this requirement.

The decision was made based on guidance provided by the Massachusetts Higher Education Testing Group, as well as discussions with faculty and staff across the Elms College campus. The Massachusetts Higher Education Testing Group has found that vaccination levels above 80% are essential — and levels above 90% will be most effective — in controlling infections on residential campuses.

Since the college will be fully open in the fall semester, Elms is also requiring that all staff and faculty get a COVID-19 vaccination before returning to campus.

“We made the decision to require everyone on campus to be fully inoculated in order to facilitate a vibrant and supportive learning environment that is as close to normal as possible,” Dumay said. “That is what makes the educational experience at Elms so special.”

To help facilitate vaccinations, the college scheduled a vaccination clinic on June 15 as part of its COVID vaccination partnership with Big Y supermarkets.

Elms is awaiting confirmation by the Great Northeast Athletic Conference and the NCAA regarding the announcement of the fall sports schedule.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Issues Fiscal Report

GREENFIELD — Michael Tucker, CEO, and Anthony Worden, president and COO, of Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) and its parent company, Greenfield Bancorp, MHC, announced the operating results of the bank’s latest fiscal year at the 116th annual meeting of the bank on June 15.

Worden reported that FY 2021, which ended on March 31, was very successful, and the assets of the bank grew by $98.1 million (an increase of 14.31%) over the prior year.

In FY 2021, GCB originated more than $165 million in loans of all types, including $51.28 million in residential mortgages, $104.43 million in commercial real-estate and commercial and industrial lending, $31.13 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans, $31.91 million in municipal lending, $8.92 million in home-equity loans and lines, and $1.09 million in MassSave zero-interest energy loans.

GCB had an increase of $104.7 million in deposits (up 18.15%) over the past year, its largest one-year increase ever.

The pre-tax operating income for Greenfield Cooperative Bank was $3.424 million for the year ended March 31, and the net income after taxes was $3.059 million. Total equity grew to $82.83 million. GCB’s tier 1 capital to average assets is 10.9%. The bank is considered well-capitalized by all regulatory definitions.

As a result of these solid earnings, Greenfield Cooperative Bank and its employees were able to contribute over $260,503 to 200 community groups and charities throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties during the past fiscal year, a 7.8% increase over the prior year.

BusinessTalk with with Charlie Christianson, president of East Longmeadow-based CMD Technology Group

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Episode 69: June 21, 2021

George O’Brien talks with Charlie Christianson, president of East Longmeadow-based CMD Technology Group

BusinessWest editor George O’Brien talks with Charlie Christianson, president of East Longmeadow-based CMD Technology Group. The two discuss the recent spate of high-profile cyber attacks and how they have served to drive home the point that small businesses — and large businesses as well — need to do all they can to be prevent such breaches and properly respond when and if they do happen. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

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GSB Names Shandra Richardson Senior Vice President, Senior Operations Officer

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) named Shandra Richardson senior vice president and senior operations officer. She will direct all aspects of the bank’s operations, including compliance, retail banking, marketing, deposit, electronic, and loan operations, as well as developing and implementing new policies and procedures for organizational systems management.

“Shandra has joined GSB with more than 15 years of financial and banking experience at the executive level in consumer retail banking, operations, and regulatory functions,” said John Howland, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank. “In addition, Shandra is the embodiment of our core values of commitment to customers and community.”

Prior to joining GSB, Richardson held multiple leadership roles at Citizens Bank N.A. and, most recently, at Santander Bank N.A. She specializes in operational life-cycle transformation, regulatory exam preparation, project management, and organizational development. She has also been involved in company diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including active participation in multiple employee resource groups (ERGs) focusing on the support and empowerment of women and black and Latinx employees.

A UMass Amherst graduate, Richardson received a bachelor’s degree in marketing and then went on to earn an MBA along with completing leadership and Lean Methodology Executive Education courses. While working in the Boston area, she has been active in the Greater Boston and South Shore communities volunteering at a wide range of organizations, such as Cradles to Crayons, Dress for Success, United Way, Year Up, and OneBostonDay.org. She also serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review advisory council, an opt-in research community of business professionals, and has also served as the New England regional lead of the Thrive ERG, which provides resources and support to caregivers and individuals with physical or cognitive differences.

Soccer Clinic for Refugee and Immigrant Youth Slated for June 28 to July 2

SPRINGFIELD — Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts has partnered with Soccer without Borders and Springfield College to host a first-of-its-kind soccer clinic in Springfield. The week-long clinic will be held June 28 to July 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Springfield College for 50 refugee and immigrant Springfield high-school students.

The soccer clinic will provide a positive summer experience for refugee and immigrant students who attend Springfield public schools. For some students, this will be the first in-person activity of the school year, and for others new to the city or the U.S., it is an opportunity to meet peers in person and find common ground.

“As one of the few global languages, soccer has the power to shape the world for the better,” said Bruno Contreras, Soccer without Borders Boston program director. “Soccer Without Borders (SWB) uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing underserved youth in the U.S. and abroad with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success. SWB Boston has been serving the refugee and immigrant community in and around East Boston since 2012 with a culture of welcoming and belonging that supports newcomers to build a new home.”

JFS and Springfield College are excited to have Soccer without Borders make its debut in Springfield. The clinic will bring together youth and coaches from diverse cultural backgrounds to create community, exercise, build leadership, and practice their English-language skills. Over the course of the week, teens will have the opportunity to foster teamwork, connect and build friendships with other teens, and, of course, have fun.

Monson Bank in East Longmeadow to Host Free Community Shred Day on June 26

EAST LONGMEADOW — Monson Savings Bank’s East Longmeadow Branch announced it will host a free Community Shred Day on Saturday, June 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. As in past years, the bank is partnering with PROSHRED of Wilbraham for this event. The bank welcomes the public to dispose of their private documents safely and securely.

Storing documents that contain personal information in the home can pose a major security risk. Monson Savings Bank is encouraging residents to shred any documents they no longer need, especially those that contain private information. This Community Shred Day is an ideal chance to properly discard unwanted documents, such as tax returns, bank or credit-card statements, bills, medical records, and more.

“The East Longmeadow branch has been open for almost a year now; we have really enjoyed being a part of the town’s community,” said Aimee Kohn, branch manager. “We are very excited to host our branch’s first Community Shred Day. We prioritize protecting the personal information of our customers and community members. Every day, our employees, in every department of the bank, do everything they can to keep the information of our customers and noncustomers safe. Our Shred Day gives the community the opportunity to safely gather together at a fun event, while providing them with a convenient and secure way to destroy their documents.”

Pre-packaged refreshments and giveaways will be available at the event, while supplies last.

Price Rite Marketplace Partners with Feed the Children on Food-security Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — Price Rite Marketplace teamed up with anti-hunger organization Feed the Children and event partners Pepsi and Revival Time Evangelical Center to distribute food and essentials to 400 local families on June 16. The community event is part of the supermarket retailer’s 2021 Feeding Minds & Bodies Campaign in partnership with Feed the Children, which helps food-insecure families in the communities where Price Rite Marketplace stores operate.

Each family, pre-identified by Revival Time Evangelical Center, received a 25-pound box of food; 15-pound box of essentials like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and personal-care items; a backpack filled with school supplies, and additional shelf-stable items provided by Price Rite Marketplace.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Feed the Children to help combat childhood hunger,” said Jim Dorey, president of Price Rite Marketplace. “Supporting the communities we serve is a top priority for us, and after the year we’ve been through, we are needed now more than ever. We are proud of our team’s continued work helping families during difficult times.”

Fighting hunger is at the heart of Price Rite Marketplace’s charitable giving, and, paired with Feed the Children’s vision to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry, the two created an initiative called Feeding Minds & Bodies, which is designed to help bring attention to and fight the serious issue of childhood hunger. Price Rite Marketplace and Feed the Children help families by providing food, personal-care items, and school supplies throughout the year. With more than 15.6 million households living with food insecurity in the U.S., hunger remains a serious issue in many communities.

“The Price Rite Marketplace partnership means a so very much to Feed the Children and, more importantly, to the families we serve,” said Travis Arnold, president and CEO of Feed the Children. “Those living paycheck to paycheck do not have a safety net. Our partners are a critical part of providing compassionate support to those who are facing tough decisions about how to care for their families.”

Since partnering with Feed the Children in 2015, Price Rite Marketplace has contributed nearly 3 million pounds of food, totaling more than $9 million in gift-in-kind donations, helping more than 145,000 people in 49 cities.

NAI Plotkin Sells Former Manchester Hardware Building to CHD

EASTHAMPTON — NAI Plotkin, an office of NAI Global, a leading commercial real-estate brokerage firm located in Western Mass., announced it has sold 55-69 Union St., a 17,900-square-foot commercial building in downtown Easthampton known for many decades as Manchester Hardware.

The building was sold to the Center for Human Development (CHD) for $1.4 million and includes a total of 1.06 acres of land in downtown Easthampton. Jim Reardon and David Wolos of NAI Plotkin brokered the deal. CHD, which provides a broad range of community-oriented human services, plans on renovating the building to house a community-related program.

American International College Announces Three Additions to Leadership Team

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced that Velmer Burton Jr., Jennifer McDonough, and Louis Izzi Jr. will join its leadership team.

Burton joins AIC on July 12 as executive vice president for Academic Affairs. As part of his responsibilities, Burton will advance the academic priorities and goals of the college in a fiscally responsible manner, balancing expenses and revenues and managing growth, with an emphasis on new and enhanced programming, student learning, and quality of instruction in a student-centered, culturally diverse, and inclusive environment. He will oversee undergraduate and graduate degree programs in AIC’s School of Business, Arts and Sciences; School of Education; and School of Health Sciences.

In his most recent executive positions at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Burton has served as senior vice chancellor of University Strategy and Performance and professor of Criminal Justice, with the goals of building external constituencies, collaborating with the institution’s communities, and enhancing offerings and outreach initiatives within the local community. As executive vice chancellor and provost at UA Little Rock, he also served as the university’s chief academic officer, overseeing 164 academic programs supported by 500 full-time faculty. He was responsible for personnel and planning across six colleges, as well as all academic issues and initiatives, operations, and programs.

As provost, coupled with providing internal and external leadership for the division of Academic Affairs, he monitored departmental and college governance document processes, co-chaired the university budget review committee, worked with the executive committee of the university’s faculty senate, expanded tenure-track and tenured faculty and full-time instructors, and implemented the ‘teacher-scholar model’ to ensure quality teaching and scholarship. In addition, he oversaw Higher Learning Commission Accreditation efforts and activities.

With a goal of building external constituencies, Burton collaborated with the institution’s University District to bridge academic programs, offerings, and outreach initiatives with the local community. An advocate for diversity and ensuring a culture of respect and opportunity, Burton is committed to work with stakeholders to foster the continuation of a diverse and inclusive AIC.

McDonough joins American International College on July 1 as vice president for Institutional Advancement. She brings nearly 40 years of experience in the advancement profession, incorporating institutional leadership positions and philanthropic consulting services focusing on campaigns and ongoing development, as well as alumni-engagement program planning, implementation, and assessment; talent development; and leader and partner involvement.

In her previous roles as a vice president for University Advancement/Development and Alumni Relations, she was responsible for comprehensive teams and programs that included annual giving, major and principal gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, prospect research, donor relations and stewardship, alumni engagement, alumni and donor records, and communications.

As a former executive associate with Bentz Whaley Flessner, a national and international fundraising consulting and services company, McDonough served an extensive number of diverse private and public higher-education institutions across the country, including AIC. Her consulting work also extended to nonprofits in the academic medicine and healthcare, social and community service, and arts and culture sectors. She has been actively engaged at both strategic and tactical levels with presidents, senior staff, trustees, volunteers, deans, faculty, and advancement staff and teams.

McDonough brings substantial and varied consulting experience, with multi-million to billion-dollar campaigns and with cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies impacting individual philanthropic commitments and overall fundraising results.

Izzi, who joins the college on July 12, will lead the Yellow Jackets as the vice president for Athletics. He joins AIC from the University of Bridgeport (Conn.), where he served as vice president for Athletics and Enrollment Management since 2019. While at Bridgeport, Izzi was responsible for the strategic planning, leadership, development, and operational and personnel management of the university’s NCAA Division II athletics program, providing management oversight and direction of all operations and strategies related to undergraduate, graduate, domestic, international, and online recruiting efforts. Additionally, he worked closely with the university’s Office of Institutional Advancement to cultivate and steward gifts for the Athletics department.

Prior to his role at the University of Bridgeport, Izzi served as director of Athletics at New England College in Henniker, N.H., a Division III institution with 18 varsity sports, club and junior varsity teams, and intramural and recreational programs. While at New England, he administered a comprehensive national recruiting plan to increase student-athlete enrollment by 38%; implemented an academic plan to improve student-athlete academic success and retention, achieving the highest department GPA in 20 years; and worked with Institutional Advancement to increase yearly giving, including procuring a major gift for a new athletics center.

Before accepting the position at New England College, Izzi was the assistant director of Athletics Administration at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. for 17 years, while also serving as head men’s ice hockey coach at Johnson & Wales and Nichols College for 15 years.

Home City Development Inc. Selected for Project in Springfield’s South End

SPRINGFIELD — Home City Development Inc. (HCDI) has been chosen as the developer of the former Gemini site in the South End of Springfield. Once completed, the development will include 33 for-sale residential units, to be known as Gemini Town Homes. This project will expand home ownership in the South End by more than 150%.

“We are proud to have been chosen as the developers on this project, and we are grateful for the help and support of many organizations,” said Thomas Kegelman, executive director of HCDI. “Thank you to Mayor [Domenic] Sarno, the South End Citizens Council, Councilor Melvin Edwards, Tim Sheehan and the Office of Planning and Economic Development, and MassDevelopment for making this project possible.”

Once completed, the project will provide dozens of otherwise non-existent housing opportunities for people and families with low to moderate income, as well as millions of dollars of contracting opportunities for local and minority-owned businesses.

HCDI has assembled a team of experienced professionals with demonstrated success with projects like the Gemini Town Homes development. “We believe that this project will provide a solid footing for Springfield’s economic resurgence and continuing pride as the City of Homes,” the company stated.

Home City Development Inc. is a nonprofit, resident-centered developer of multi-family and mixed-use properties in Western Mass. Founded as Better Homes Inc. in 1968 by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, HCDI has worked for more than 50 years to facilitate community stability and growth in collaboration with the community.

MachineMetrics Announces $20 Million Series B Funding Round

NORTHAMPTON — MachineMetrics, an industrial data startup that elevates manufacturing performance through autonomous machining, announced it has raised $20 million in Series B financing. The company will use the funding to scale its platform globally and democratize access to the machine insights that power manufacturing operations.

“Manufacturing is on the brink of a digital renaissance. The intersection of software, big data, and physical machinery is the next frontier for manufacturing and a proven solution for overcoming the production and labor shortages we are experiencing right now,” said Bill Bither, co-founder and CEO of MachineMetrics. “Today’s industrial machines are inefficient because they require significant human intervention to operate. MachineMetrics makes it easy to harness data from these machines and lays the foundation for the factory of the future, where machines operate autonomously and with predictability.”

Teradyne, a market leader in industrial automation and robotics, led the funding round with participation from Ridgeline Ventures and existing investors Tola Capital and Hyperplane.

“MachineMetrics’ rapid growth reflects the value and demand for its data-collection and analytics solutions. Our customers increasingly want to monitor the performance of their production machines to improve utilization and increase output. MachineMetrics makes this easy with an innovative and simple solution that delivers a fast ROI,” said Greg Smith, president of Teradyne’s Industrial Automation Group. “The team’s vision aligns strongly with our larger industrial automation strategy, which focuses on equipping all manufacturers with accessible, reliable, and easy-to-use automation solutions.”

Today’s global capacity challenges underscore the urgency to improve manufacturing productivity. A 2020 benchmarking report by MachineMetrics revealed an average machine-utilization rate of only 24%, an alarmingly low mark that limits manufacturers’ ability to meet demand.

MachineMetrics’ industrial data platform solves this challenge by enabling manufacturers to improve machine utilization and increase production without adding more machines. The IoT-powered solution, which can be installed in minutes, automates the collection of data from manufacturing equipment and delivers actionable, machine-data-driven insights for factory workers, empowering organizations to immediately reduce waste and optimize shop floor productivity.

MachineMetrics is currently used by hundreds of customers and connected to thousands of machines globally. These manufacturers, which range from small contract manufacturers to some of the world’s largest OEMs, are leveraging MachineMetrics to enable remote visibility into real-time production, identify production bottlenecks, predict machine failures, improve quality, and build workflows that automate the operation of machines.

“We are experiencing the single largest disruption to manufacturing and supply-chain operations of our time. Manufacturers simply don’t have the time or resources to rebuild from scratch. They need results right now,” said Eric Fogg, co-founder and chief customer officer of MachineMetrics. “Our solution continues to prove highly effective in one of the most complex markets ever. This past year, our customers were able to pivot, respond, adapt, and grow. Their success wasn’t luck — they were equipped with the data, tools, and mindset needed to win.”

West Springfield, Eastern States Exposition Leaders Officially Announce Big E Plans

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President Gene Cassidy and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt met with media on Tuesday to officially announce the opening of the 105th edition of the Big E, slated for Sept. 17 to Oct. 3.

“It’s a good day,” Cassidy said. “We have long awaited the opportunity to make this announcement and have been working diligently on our program. Preparations are underway as we look forward to welcoming everyone back to our beloved Big E.”

Added Reichelt “the Big E is a West Springfield institution, and we welcome all of New England to our town in September. We have appreciated ESE’s transparency and communication through this process as well as their assistance in providing a location for the West of the River Regional Vaccine Center. Personally, I can’t wait to get back to the Big E.”

Cassidy thanked Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Reichelt, and West Springfield Director of Public Health Jeanne Galloway, “who has been working closely with us as we all navigated the many phases of the Massachusetts reopening process.”

“Big is Back” is the theme of this year’s fair. Currently the fifth-largest fair in North America, the Big E will debut some features this year, including the Super Wheel, a 150-foot-high ferris wheel with 36 climate-controlled gondolas that seat up to six people. It will be located between the Better Living Center and the Gate 5 entrance.

Music fans will enjoy concerts at the Big E Arena, sponsored by Truly Hard Seltzer, and fairgoers will be able to visit the Avenue of States and Storrowton Village Museum, shop, eat iconic fair foods, watch the new Big Parade, ride the rides, and much more.

Advance discount tickets to the 2021 Big E are on sale now online at thebige.com or at the Big E box office.

The Big E relies on thousands of employees and volunteers in a variety of positions to help present the fair each year. Visit thebige.com for job postings for the 2021 Big E.

Finally, the Big E would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. The fair has myriad sponsorship opportunities at a variety of levels. Businesses and organizations interested in becoming a sponsor at the Big E should contact Jill Larsen at (413) 205-5017 or [email protected].

MassDevelopment Awards Grant to Relocate Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival Downtown

SPRINGFIELD — MassDevelopment awarded a $10,000 grant to Blues to Green Inc., which will use the funds to relocate the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival downtown to the Springfield Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) district to help catalyze economic recovery and support black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-owned businesses in the neighborhood. Festival events will also take place at local parks and businesses, including three emerging black-owned businesses, and will provide employment and exposure opportunities to local Springfield artists.

Blues to Green will also crowdfund this summer; if the organization reaches its $40,000 goal, it will receive an additional $40,000 matching grant from MassDevelopment. The funds are awarded through MassDevelopment’s special Commonwealth Places COVID-19 Response Round: Resurgent Places, which was made available specifically to assist local economic-recovery efforts as community partners prepare public spaces and commercial districts to serve residents and visitors.

“Before this pandemic, the vibrant centers of our cities and towns were not only a driving force behind the strength of local economies, they were the places where we gathered to dine, to shop, and to be entertained, and the Commonwealth Places program is one way that we can help these areas bounce back stronger than ever,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who chairs MassDevelopment’s board of directors. “The Baker-Polito administration continues to support downtowns and town centers through various economic-recovery programs, and these Resurgent Places grants are providing nonprofit community organizations with the resources to activate public spaces, boost economic activity, and support an equitable recovery.”

Added MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera, “we are proud to support Blues to Green Inc. in this way as it relocates the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival downtown to drive foot traffic to BIPOC-owned businesses,” said. “MassDevelopment is focused on assisting hard-hit neighborhoods as they recover from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. Our Resurgent Places grants will help make it easier for people to come together again for arts and cultural celebrations that benefit both the local economy and the larger community.”

Pride Stores CEO Looking to Sell Chain

SPRINGFIELD — Pride Stores CEO Bob Bolduc announced plans to sell the chain, which includes 31 stores and 525 employees, with 10 additional sites in development.

Bolduc told the Republican he will know in six to eight weeks if he will sell and who the buyer will be. He has hired a merger and acquisition firm and has been speaking with potential buyers, which include oil and gas companies and chain convenience-store operators. The plan is to sell the whole company, retaining only a few real-estate investments.

Bolduc worked at his father’s gas station in Indian Orchard in 1970 before buying him out, thus becoming the third generation of the family to run that business. In addition to running the station, he became a tire and auto-parts wholesaler, specifically a distributor for BF Goodrich and Continental.

But in 1976, Bolduc made the shift that would define his career, buying a self-serve gas station in Indian Orchard. Over the years, he would gradually expand his business, creating the chain of stores known today as Pride. But, more importantly, he developed a reputation as an industry innovator by marrying the self-service station with another emerging phenomenon, the convenience store.

Other innovations would follow; Pride would eventually become the first chain in Western Mass. to put a Dunkin’ Donuts in the stores, and the first to incorporate a Subway. But where the company has really made a name, in recent years, is with its own fresh-food production, supported by the Pride Kitchen, located at the company’s headquarters on Cottage Street in Springfield.

Smith & Wesson Supports Square One Campaign for Healthy Kids

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based Smith & Wesson is once again lending its support to the children and families served by Square One. The company recently committed $20,000 in corporate giving, in addition to funds donated by employees as part of their commitment to social responsibility.

The gift marks the latest addition to a long list of contributions made over the years. The company supported Square One’s early-education and care initiatives and programs to support victims of domestic violence. It was also among the first businesses in the region to fund Square One’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

“Smith & Wesson and its employees are proud to support Square One’s efforts to offer tools and resources to local families,” said Mark Smith, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson. “We recognize that a strong foundation is the key to the development of all children. Through their programs, the staff at Square One has enhanced the lives of many children and families in our community.”

The funds will support Square One’s Campaign for Healthy Kids, a multi-year fund-development initiative focused on the agency’s commitment to providing healthy meals, physical fitness, social-emotional well-being, and a healthy learning environment.

“Square One has long relied on support from Smith & Wesson to support our programs and services,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “They are quick to recognize and respond to the changing needs of our community and take responsibility to support our work whenever possible. We are truly grateful to have them as our community partners.”

A check presentation will be held on June 30 at 11 a.m. at Square One, 1095 Main St., Springfield.

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

American International College Announces Four Promotions

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced four promotions, most effective July 1.

Nicolle Cestero has been promoted to chief operating officer, executive vice president, and retains her title as chief of staff. Cestero joined AIC in July 2011 as the associate vice president for Human Resources. Since that time, she has assumed increasing levels of responsibility and scope of duties. In 2012, she was named vice president for Human Resources and Title IX coordinator. She was promoted to senior vice president for Human Resources and Title IX coordinator in 2016, and two years ago, she was named chief of staff and senior vice president for Human Resources.

Among the responsibilities in her newly expanded position, Cestero will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the college, while continuing to serve as advisor to the president, playing an integral role in implementing AIC’s strategic plan. Cestero will oversee the college’s legal matters and support presidential and institutional initiatives to ensure project deadlines are met and targeted outcomes are attained. She serves on the president’s cabinet and all individual board committees. Additionally, she will play a key role, in collaboration with the board of trustees, in the nationwide search for President Vince Maniaci’s successor following the recent announcement of his retirement at the end of the 2021-22 academic year.

Matthew Scott has been serving as vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students since July 2020. He will add Title IX coordinator to his area of responsibilities. With that addition, he will be the designated official from AIC with primary responsibility for coordinating compliance with Title IX, including providing leadership for Title IX activities; consultation, education, and training; and helping to ensure that the institution responds appropriately, effectively, and equitably to Title IX issues.

As vice president and dean of students, Scott oversees the Division of Student Affairs, which includes Student Life, the Saremi Center for Career Development, and Dexter Health and Counseling Services. The following programs and services fall under his purview: residence education; student conduct; student activities; diversity and engagement; campus recreation programs such as intramural sports, fitness, and wellness programs; and the Fitness Center.

Jessica Chapin has been promoted to director of Athletics and will oversee all aspects of AIC athletic programs. Chapin joined AIC in 2014 as the compliance coordinator. Among her duties, she is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the athletics department, including oversight of compliance with ensuring NCAA Division I and Division II rules and bylaws, retention, financial aid, and new-student recruitment, collaborating with offices across campus. She is the Title IX deputy coordinator for Athletics.

In 2017, Chapin was appointed to a four-year term with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Management Council, serving on the national student-athlete advisory committee, convention planning team, committee on infractions, legislation committee, and research committee. She currently serves on the NCAA’s women’s volleyball regional advisory committee and was recently appointed to a four-year term on the NCAA committee on infractions. She currently serves on the executive committee of both the Atlantic Hockey Assoc. and the National Intercollegiate Rugby Assoc.

Michael Eriquezzo has been promoted to director of Marketing and Communications. He will have oversight of all aspects of institutional digital and traditional marketing, web, and public-relations functions for the college, including the semi-annual Lucent magazine with a circulation to more than 30,000 alumni. Eriquezzo came to AIC as the art director and senior designer in 2017 from Go Graphix in East Longmeadow, where he served as project manager and creative lead, and the Children’s Study Home, where he was the external communications manager.

HCC, Enchanted Circle Theater Partner on Summer Youth Program

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Enchanted Circle Theater are joining forces to offer an in-person racial-justice program this summer for area youth.

Called “I Am Somebody,” the four-day, interactive performing-arts program will run Monday, July 19 through Thursday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to noon each day in the HCC Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development.

The program is free and limited to 15 youth ages 8 to 11 chosen through a lottery to be held Monday, June 21.

“Enchanted Circle is proud to offer this exciting, new, creative youth-development program in partnership with Holyoke Community College,” said Priscilla Kane Hellweg, executive and artistic director of Enchanted Circle Theater, a Holyoke-based nonprofit that combines arts and education. “The arts are such a powerful teaching and learning tool for the expression of cultural identity and an inspiring platform for getting to know ourselves and each other.”

Participants will explore racial justice through a variety of creative activities, including writing, music, visual art, movement, and theater.

“Students will be encouraged to find and use their own unique voices to express their understanding of equity and racial justice,” said Michele Cabral, HCC’s executive director of Professional Education and Corporate Learning. “In celebrating themselves, each other, and our collective community, they will examine how we are each unique, diverse, and yet all connected.”

Following the final session on July 22, parents are invited to attend a lunch and family arts-sharing celebration from noon to 1 p.m. in the Kittredge Center.

The sessions will be led by Enchanted Circle teaching artists Maya Rivera and Axel Cruz. Rivera is a visual artist, performer, vocalist, and photographer who holds a bachelor’s degree in theater from Smith College. Cruz, who has theater degrees from HCC and UMass Amherst, is an actor, dancer, choreographer, theater director, stage manager, and designer.

In advance of the June 21 lottery, interested parents and their children are invited to attend a virtual family information session on Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m.

To sign up for the information session or to apply for the “I Am Somebody” program, e-mail Sharon Grundel at [email protected].

Christopher Silipigno Named CEO of Renaissance Investment Group

LENOX — Christopher Silipigno has been promoted to CEO of Renaissance Investment Group, LLC, a financial-services firm headquartered in the Berkshires that specializes in comprehensive financial counseling and investment management for high-net-worth individuals. Managing approximately a half-billion dollars in assets, Renaissance’s clients reside across the U.S. with a concentration in Western Mass., Upstate New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.

For the last three years, Silipigno has served as chief operating officer, working to grow the business, lead organizational development efforts, and advise clients. During this time, Renaissance has increased its client base at its fastest pace in 20 years and nearly doubled the amount of assets being managed. Silipigno has been instrumental in this development, as well as helping Renaissance introduce new technology, providing even closer client contact and enhanced information sharing for clients and the team, said Trevor Forbes, the firm’s president and chief investment officer.

“His efforts have been instrumental in helping the company and its clients through the last difficult and challenging 12 months, coping with the rigors of COVID and working remotely,” Forbes added. “I am delighted to be able to announce this well-deserved appointment, which provides for long-term continuity for both our staff and clients, which has been a hallmark of our success since the establishment of Renaissance 21 years ago. I wish Chris every success in his new role and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming years.”

Added Silipigno, “I was extremely impressed with the team at Renaissance from the time I began working with them just over three years ago. Having initially spent a considerable amount of time with clients and professional associates that work with the firm, it quickly became clear that Renaissance offers financial planning and investment-management services that are truly exceptional and well-regarded. This fact has provided a strong tailwind to our growth efforts. I am honored to accept this appointment and plan to continue and further develop Renaissance’s client-centric focus as we move into the future.”

Tickets Now on Sale for 15th Annual 40 Under Forty Gala

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest’s 15th annual 40 Under Forty gala will take place at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on Thursday, Sept. 23. The class of 2021 was introduced to the region in the magazine’s May 12 issue, and the profiles may be read online at businesswest.com.

Tickets cost $80 per person. This is expected to be a sellout event, and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected].

Business Confidence Rises in Massachusetts in May

BOSTON — An emerging economic recovery and good news about COVID-19 pushed business confidence slightly higher in Massachusetts during May.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 1.2 points to 61.9 last month, leaving it almost 20 points higher than a year ago. Confidence levels remain comfortably in optimistic territory.

The increase was the fourth in five months and came as Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced the resumption of full business activity in the Commonwealth. The federal government also said vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks in most public settings.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts unemployment rate fell to 6.5% during April as employers created 5,100 jobs. Massachusetts has gained an estimated 392,300 jobs since the nadir of the COVID crisis.

“Employers remain confident amid a state economy that is projected to grow at a 8.7% annual rate in the second quarter and 6.9% in the third quarter of this year,” said Sara Johnson, vice chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and executive director of Global Economics at IHS Markit. “The economy still faces challenges ranging from persistent worker shortages to global supply-chain disruptions, but there is a sense that we are returning to a more normal economic situation.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of more than 140 Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative.

The constituent indicators that make up the Business Confidence Index were mostly positive during May. Employers’ confidence in their own companies posted its seventh increase in eight months, rising 2.2 points to 63.8. The Company Index was 18.1 points higher than it was a year ago.

The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth was 60.7, up 0.3 point for the month and 23.3 points since May 2020. The U.S. Index measuring conditions nationally lost 0.9 points in May but gained 21.6 points for the year.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, surged 3.7 points to 60.3. The Future Index, measuring projections for the economy six months from now, lost 1.3 points for the month at 63.5.

The Employment Index was flat at 56.9 as employers now able to open at full capacity confronted an acute shortage of qualified workers. A separate AIM survey last month revealed that 60% of employers currently have job openings, and 53% cannot find qualified workers to fill those vacancies.

Confidence among manufacturing companies increased 2.2 points, leaving it 19.3 points higher than its year-earlier level. Small companies (63.2) were more bullish than large companies (62.1) or medium-sized companies (60.9).

Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at the College of the Holy Cross and a BEA member, said Baker’s decision to lift almost all COVID-related business restrictions will help public-facing industries that were most affected by the pandemic.

“The retail, hospitality, restaurant, and travel sectors that lost hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout Massachusetts last year now have the opportunity to bring back some of those jobs,” she noted. “At the same time, construction and other sectors are likely to benefit from federal stimulus dollars and a possible federal infrastructure bill.”

AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said the economic recovery received an important shot in the arm last week when the Massachusetts Legislature and the Baker administration took multiple steps to stabilize an unemployment-insurance system battered by the COVID recession.

Baker signed legislation that will moderate an unexpected spike in unemployment-insurance taxes by spreading the levies over the next 20 years. The new measure, together with a previous UI rate freeze and the administration’s announcement that Massachusetts will reinstate the requirement that people who collect unemployment benefits must actively search for a job, aims to stabilize the stressed UI system in the short term and encourage people to return to the workforce.

“These were important steps to helping employers and workers alike get back on their feet and move the economy forward,” Regan said. “The one step that remains is for policymakers to use some of Massachusetts’ federal stimulus money to stabilize the unemployment system for the long term.”

Community Foundation Grants $150,000 to Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) announced a grant of $150,000, spread over the next three years, to the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley (HRIPV). The grant represents a significant contribution to the initiative’s capital drive to raise $1 million in commitments now to support and build capacity for the organization over the next three years.

The multi-year, strategic grant is part of CFWM’s ongoing commitment to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces and promote equitable growth in the region. The funding will support HRIPV’s capacity in engaging communities across the state of Massachusetts in its signature two-day training. HRIPV has been in existence since 2012, and more than 1,000 community members have participated in its programming.

Funds from the capital drive have also allowed HRIPV to develop a comprehensive online and virtual series of trainings and programming. The Healing Racism initiative will also be resuming in-person training sessions in July. Members of the community interested in participating can learn more and register online at www.healingracismpv.org.

The first $50,000 grant to HRIPV will occur in July 2021. According to the Community Foundation, the multi-year funding approach will guarantee revenue stability while HRIPV meets demands for its services and continues its capital-campaign efforts.

“As an alumna of HRIPV’s two-day anti-racism training, I know what a powerful experience it is,” said Katie Allan Zobel, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “I have seen firsthand the transformation in the community that HRIPV has catalyzed. That is why the foundation is investing in them to help expand their capacity for the future. We recognize the critical role HRIPV can play in creating shared understanding, connecting diverse members of our community, and dismantling systems that perpetuate inequalities. I’m optimistic about our partnership with HRIPV and encourage others to join us to work together toward a more equitable region.”

This award will also help HRIPV build its internal infrastructure and capacity to help ensure its sustainability efforts.

“The Healing Racism Institute is a recognized leader in promoting anti-racism within the Pioneer Valley,” said Paul Murphy, chair of the CFWM board of trustees. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with HRIPV in the expansion of its transformative program. We’re delighted to grant this funding as part of our commitment to invest and foster racial equity in our communities.”

The Healing Racism Institute is led by Vanessa Otero, one of the co-founders of HRIPV and an original member of the board until assuming the position of interim director in 2020.

Added Frank Robinson, board chair of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley, “we welcome and celebrate this crucial grant for the important work we are doing to create more equitable communities, and see the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts as a critical partner in that work.”

Chikmedia Announces Chik of the Future Scholarship Winners

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the generosity of Summerlin Floors, Ryan McCollum of RMC Strategies, and the Springfield Thunderbirds, Chikmedia has chosen four $500 scholarship awardees for its 2021 Chik of the Future scholarships.

Chikmedia, a boutique firm offering strategic marketing planning and creative PR, launched its annual scholarship this year to support future generations of marketing professionals. Chikmedia offered four $500 scholarships in 2021, and a variety of local businesses decided to match that scholarship amount. These four scholarships are being awarded to Western Mass. women who are high-school graduates pursuing a college degree in marketing, public relations, communications, or business. They are:

Shermarie Hyppolite is pursuing a double major in communication and public relations with the hope to one day become a successful public-relations professional specializing in brand building and storytelling. She aims to have her own public-relations agency that can help uplift brands and create a space in the public-relations industry for women and non-binary people of color.

“Winning this scholarship is so meaningful to me because it feels special to have won it from public-relations professionals since it is my dream to become one as well,” Hyppolite said. “I am so grateful to be awarded something that will allow me to further my education in public relations.”

Claudia Gonzalez is currently obtaining her degree in marketing with the goal of working in a television and networking company. Additionally, she will be pursuing her MBA this fall at Bentley University.

“I am honored to receive this scholarship from an organization that empowers women in business with diverse and cultural backgrounds,” Gonzalez said. “Winning this scholarship brings me a lot of joy and some financial relief.”

Kimberley Moore is completing her degree in communications with a concentration in human resource management at DeVry University. As a mother of six daughters, she made a commitment early in their life to instill the importance of education, including hard work and dedication. She is proud to say that all have finished or are still attending college, and it is now her turn to do the same.

“I am honored to be selected to receive the Chik of the Future Scholarship. This will certainly assist as I continue the final stretch of my educational journey as a non-traditional student,” Moore said. “It also gives me the push and motivation to work even harder and maintain my 4.0 GPA. I am deeply appreciative of your generosity and support.”

Saniya Stewart is a full-time student at American International College and a dual-enrollment student at a local community college. She simultaneously attends both colleges, working toward her bachelor’s degree and the prerequisites for a master’s degree in healthcare management. Her goal is to open a nonprofit healthcare facility in her hometown of Springfield to be an advocate for those who truly need a person to lean on.

“I am ecstatic to be a recipient of the Chik of the Future Scholarship. As a black woman in a male-dominated major, it is important to receive support and recognition; I am glad that Chikmedia makes it a priority to recognize students such as myself,” Stewart said. “This scholarship will help with my educational expenses and aid me in becoming a trailblazer in the business community.”

Three Pathfinder Tech Students Win Top Honors in EnTEENpreneur Challenge

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) held its annual EnTEENpreneur Challenge on May 7, naming three sophomores from the business technology program at Pathfinder Regional Technical High School the winners of the virtual competition. Sean Moon, Cody Ostiguy, and Max Sanderson received top honors for Private Pockets, a teen business that sells ties with hidden pockets in the back for customers to store business cards, cash, and credit cards.

“We are so proud of all the students who participated, especially since the virtual nature of the competition added extra challenges,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “It was a hard decision for our judges, but the Private Pockets team really checked off all the boxes. We congratulate them on their success.”

The EnTEENpreneur Challenge is a regional teen pitch contest in which teams create a comprehensive business plan and product idea for a small business and pitch it to a team of judges, similar to the reality show Shark Tank.

The concept for the ties was the brainchild of Moon, but Ostiguy and Sanderson helped bring the idea to fruition. The team would like to expand their company at some point to include socks with pockets in them.

Judges for the event were provided by its sponsors and included Wesley Days, UMass Springfield; Amanda Garcia, Elms College; and Mychal Connolly, Stand Out Truck. The winning team received a $5,000 scholarship to Elms College, a $500 cash prize, and their photos featured on a Stand Out Truck roaming billboard truck.

“This is the second year we held this popular event virtually due to the pandemic,” Connolly said. “We hope to return to a live format next year.”

BusinessTalk with Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

Episode 68: June 14, 2021

George O’Brien talks with Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce

BusinessWest editor George O’Brien talks with Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. The two discuss the broad impact of the pandemic on a region heavily dependent on college students and tourism, and how the same region is bracing for the ‘new normal’ and the many challenges and opportunities that will come will with it. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

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Fresh Paint Springfield Weekend Events Include Block Party, Mural Ribbon Cuttings, Bus Tours

SPRINGFIELD — The Fresh Paint Springfield mural festival has been transforming 10 large exterior walls into art in Mason Square and downtown throughout the week, culminating in weekend events to celebrate the new art in the city. A block party will be held on Saturday, June 12 from 3 to 7 p.m. outside Mason Square Library, 765 State St., with food, music, and a paint party, along with mural bus tours at 3:30 and 5 p.m.

During the Saturday block party, ribbon cuttings will take place for two Mason Square murals: at 4 p.m. at the Heritage mural, 727 State St. — originally the oldest mural in Springfield, painted in 1967 by local artists Don and Paul Blanton — which has been repainted during Fresh Paint 2021; and at 4:45 p.m. at the Wall of Fame mural, 827 State St., which features portraits of 13 pioneering men and women, past and present, from Mason Square in Springfield, painted by several Western Mass. portrait artists.

State Rep. Bud Williams, Springfield Cultural Council President Andrew Cade, and a member of the Springfield City Council will attend and offer remarks at the ribbon cuttings, along with Nelson Stevens, who was a lead artist and organizer of 37 murals that were painted in Springfield in the 1970s and an early member of AfriCOBRA, an African-American artists’ collective formed in Chicago in the 1960s.

On Saturday, there will also be mural bus tours on a double-decker Peter Pan bus, leaving from the Mason Square Library, 765 State St., at 3:30 and 5 p.m. The tour will visit all the new murals that were painted during Fresh Paint 2021, along with the murals that were painted during Fresh Paint 2019. Tours will also be held on Sunday, June 13 at noon and 1:30 p.m.

This year’s festival involved members of the community in the design and painting of all 10 murals, which has resulted in opportunities for more than 1,000 Springfield residents to actively participate in the beautification of the city. Also new to the festival this year is the community mural apprentice program, which paired 10 local artists with established muralists to learn how to independently engage with the community in designing and painting large, professional murals.

State Launches $4.6 Million Rapid Re-employment Grant Program

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced the launch of the $4.6 million rapid re-employment grant program, with the first round of grant funding totaling $360,000 being awarded to six employer partner programs that will train 105 participants. The grants will support training residents who have experienced an employment interruption due to COVID-19 and help place them in high-demand job categories such as information technology and healthcare by scaling up training opportunities provided by organizations to employers.

“As Massachusetts focuses on economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we think strategically about getting people back to work and increasing our investments in programs that are successfully serving local businesses and people most affected,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “The rapid re-employment program can help thousands of people get access to high-demand jobs in the Commonwealth through workforce training and building skills to get people hired quickly.”

The rapid re-employment program is designed to help businesses develop a pipeline of workers to meet their skills needs as well as providing better lifetime earnings potential for those whose job prospects have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These grants are funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The application process is rolling through Sept. 30 or until funds are expended.

“No economy can succeed without a high-quality workforce. This funding will help individuals and businesses accelerate a return to full employment that is more equitable and leads to more employment resiliency in Massachusetts,” Labor and Workforce Secretary Rosalin Acosta said.

One of the six partner programs is based in Western Mass.: Tech Foundry: which is being awarded $80,000 to train 20 participants. In partnership with MassHire Springfield Career Center, Tech Foundry will provide training and placement to prepare individuals impacted by COVID-19 for jobs as computer network support administrators. Trained individuals will be placed at Rediker Software, Paragus Strategic IT, Veritas Prep Charter School, and Winslow Technology Group.

“This grant program will play a key role in helping people get back to work, which is a central component of our strategy for economic recovery,” Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said. “As we continue taking steps to put this pandemic behind us, efforts that assist in matching workers with available jobs and that provide necessary training to address gaps in skills will further our goal of accelerating the Commonwealth’s recovery.”

UMass President Says University System Set to Drive Post-pandemic Renewal, Recovery

BOSTON — University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan said the university system is emerging from the pandemic period “with its academic, research, and financial strengths fully intact” and positioned to play a major role in driving economic renewal and recovery in the Commonwealth.

“Thanks to the leadership of the board of trustees and the sound management of our chancellors and finance teams, the University of Massachusetts is positioned to thrive — not just for the next fiscal year or decade, but for generations,” Meehan said.

Speaking at a quarterly meeting of the UMass board of trustees, during which the board approved the university’s operating budget for the coming year, Meehan said there are many signs UMass has weathered the COVID-19 storm and is moving forward in its mission of service to the Commonwealth.

For example, the five campuses of the UMass system recently awarded 19,000 degrees to students, the vast majority of whom will live and work in Massachusetts. Meehan projects that student enrollment will remain stable and that each of the UMass campuses will be open to students when the new academic year begins in the fall.

The university is also on course to end this fiscal year with a balanced budget and projects a 6% increase in its workforce, bringing staffing back to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile it will use $113 million in federal recovery funds to provide emergency grants to students in need while also freezing tuition for most students for a second consecutive year.

“As I said at our recent commencements, we can now feel the breeze of reawakening and recovery flowing throughout the university and in our daily lives,” Meehan said. “UMass answered the call throughout the dark days of the pandemic and will continue to be there for Massachusetts and for the world.”

Rob Manning, UMass board of trustees chairman, said the university established sound goals and benefited from strong management and leadership throughout the pandemic period.

“Over the past year and a half, our driving principles have been simple — preserve the strength of the university and do as much as we can for the students who have been hit hardest by this crisis,” Manning said. “By balancing the need to stabilize operating costs with the imperative to support our neediest students, we have held true to our mission throughout the most challenging of circumstances.”

Both Meehan and Manning also indicated that, while the university is currently on firm financial footing, the expiration of federal funding after this fiscal year, combined with ongoing disruption in the higher-education industry nationwide, will require continued vigilance and innovative management in the coming years.

UMass expects to receive $258.6 million in total federal stimulus funding. In addition to the $113.5 million that will support student emergency grants, the university will strategically invest $145 million of these one-time funds — available through the end of fiscal year 2022 — to create a financial bridge to future fiscal years with the goal of ensuring financial stability for the long term.

“We are grateful to the members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, to the leaders in the U.S. House and Senate, and to the president for stepping up to assist UMass and all of higher education,” Meehan said. “The federal funds are a critical bridge for this fiscal year and next, allowing us to make the necessary strategic decisions to keep UMass financially strong for the long term.”

White Lion Brewing Tapped as Partner at MGM Springfield’s Free Music Fridays

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield announced it will partner with local brewery White Lion Brewing to provide guests a wide selection of craft beer during the resort’s Free Music Fridays concert series at the Plaza. Located in downtown Springfield, the brewing company will activate a bar and beer trailer from 6 to 9 p.m. where guests can tap into local brews while enjoying live music from local musicians. Concerts are scheduled to run from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

“MGM Springfield is proud to partner with White Lion Brewing, a company who, similar to our team, has a focus and commitment to revitalizing the area,” said Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and chief operating officer. “We look forward to working together to bring the community a terrific lineup of great live music as well as a taste — or sip — of Springfield with White Lion’s wonderful offerings.”

Ray Berry, White Lion Brewing’s president and general manager, added that “White Lion is extremely happy to extend its long-standing relationship with MGM Springfield. There has always been synergy and mutual creativity in our efforts to support the local community and local business. We are excited to showcase a number of craft and artisan breweries with everyone at Free Music Fridays.”

MGM Springfield kicked off the new concert series on June 4 with FAT. Upcoming local favorites scheduled to perform include Brass Attack, Trailer Trash, Darik and the Funbags, and Michelle Brooks-Thompson, among many others. For details on the Free Music Fridays concert series, including lineup updates, visit mgmspringfield.com.

Local Farmer Awards Program Funds 81 New Infrastructure Projects

By BusinessWest Staff June 10, 2021

AGAWAM — The Local Farmer Awards program, funded since 2015 by community philanthropic leaders and businesses, recently distributed checks of up to $2,500 to 81 farmers in Western Mass. and Eastern New York. The funds, totaling $180,000, support infrastructure improvements and equipment.

“Our local farmers continue to be an intrinsic and crucial part of our communities. We recognize their growing need for assistance now more than ever,” said funding partner Charles D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO. “For over 85 years, Big Y has been proud to support hardworking farmers and their families, and as partners with the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, we provide one more way to help our local growers thrive.”

In its short history, the awards program has made more than $900,000 available to local growers, who have become better positioned to expand, compete in the marketplace, and provide the public with the health and environmental benefits of local farming.

Not surprisingly, the pandemic fueled a need for some unexpected projects and new equipment. Stillman Quality Meats in Hardwick won its award to purchase a commercial egg-washing machine necessitated by a 10-fold increase in demand for eggs, a demand now anticipated to grow.

Winner Gideon Porth, owner of Atlas Farm in Deerfield, added that “we are incredibly grateful for funds to buy a flat-filling machine for our greenhouse operation, a quantum leap in both labor efficiency and uniformity of flats for seeding. Our plants and people are loving it.”

Program funders, all of whom recognize the urgent need to invest in local farms, include the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with Big Y, along with Ann and Steve Davis, the DeNucci Group at Merrill Lynch, Farm Credit East, HP Hood LLC, PeoplesBank, Audrey and Chick Taylor, Baystate Health, Country Bank, and others.

Local Farmer Awards Director Cari Carpenter of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation noted that farmers have exhibited enormous persistence, creativity, and great spirit throughout COVID-19. “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to purchase local farm products at farmers’ markets, farm stands, CSA [community supported agriculture] shares, and in our grocery stores. We urge all consumers to continue buying local farm products whenever and wherever they can.”

Sara Ugalde Named Head Girls’ Hockey Coach at Wilbraham & Monson Academy

By BusinessWest Staff June 10, 2021

WILBRAHAM — Following a national search, Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) named former prep and collegiate standout Sara Ugalde head coach of its inaugural girls’ ice hockey team. Ugalde will take the helm of the program beginning July 1.

“We are extremely excited to have Sara Ugalde joining WMA to launch our girls’ hockey program,” Head of School Brian Easler said. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Sara. With her depth of playing and coaching experience in youth leagues, prep-school hockey, collegiate and professional hockey, combined with her passion to build this program and grow the sport for girls, we look forward to Sara’s impact as the founding head coach of this new program for female WMA scholar-athletes.”

A hockey MVP as a player at Westminster School, Ugalde helped lead Middlebury College to NESCAC championships in 2011 and 2012. Her experience with collegiate hockey coaching includes assistant women’s ice hockey coach at Trinity College, Williams College, and Colby College. She was director and coach of the Connecticut Junior Rangers and assistant coach for the NWHL Connecticut Whale, and has helped run multiple hockey camps throughout the country.

“I am extremely excited to join the Wilbraham & Monson Academy community,” Ugalde said. “I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to build the girls’ hockey program. Throughout the entire interview process, I was moved by the unified vision and support displayed by members of WMA. After years working at the collegiate level, I am delighted to rejoin the prep-school sphere. I am looking forward to finding players that add to the already-established excellence at WMA and helping them reach their athletic aspirations.”

Melanson Announces Passing of Principal Patrice Squillante

By BusinessWest Staff June 10, 2021