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Month: August 2021

Country Bank Announces Promotions

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Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced several recent staff promotions.

Julie Yi has been promoted to senior vice president, controller and Operations. She has extensive experience in finance and operations and serves on Country Bank’s senior management team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and is a certified public accountant.

Justin Calheno has been promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies. He serves as a board member for the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club.

Lisa Saletnik has been promoted to assistant vice president, Business Systems. She holds an associate degree in health science from Bay Path University and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.

Mackenna Hogan has been promoted to Commercial Banking Administration officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from UMass Amherst.

Antonio Palano has been promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending. He holds an associate degree in business administration from Springfield Technical Community College.

Newly appointed officers include Sam Pursey, Erin Skoczylas, Ashley Swett, and Sarah Yurkunas.

Pursey has been promoted to Relationship Management officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from UMass Amherst.

Skoczylas has been promoted to assistant controller. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University, an associate degree in business administration from Springfield Technical Community College, and is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.

Swett has been promoted to Customer Care Center officer. She is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies.

Yurkunas has been promoted to Relationship Management officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Bay Path University, a certificate from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. in Fundamentals of Credit Analysis: Intro to Commercial Lending, and is currently enrolled in the New England School for Financial Studies.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Julie, Justin, Tony, Lisa, Mackenna, Sam, Erin, Ashley, and Sarah on their promotions and all of the accomplishments that got them here; they are a key part of our success,” said Miriam Siegel, first senior vice president of Human Resources. “We’re pleased to provide the opportunities for our people to develop not only within their roles today, but into new opportunities tomorrow. These team members embody our corporate values of iSTEP – integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity.”

United Way of Pioneer Valley Opens Volunteer Signups for Day of Caring 2021

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The United Way of Pioneer Valley announced it has officially opened volunteer signups for Day of Caring 2021, which takes place on Friday, Sept. 24. Volunteers may sign up at uwpv.org/doc21-events.

“There is a greater need than ever for kindness, good deeds, and building our sense of community this year,” said Paul Mina, president and CEO of the United Way of Pioneer Valley. “I implore anyone with free time on or around Day of Caring 2021 to sign up and do good with us. Help our nonprofits, who have struggled greatly through the COVID-19 pandemic, and you will start your last weekend of September with the best night’s sleep you can find — knowing you’ve done a good thing when it was needed most.”

Greg Williams, council program director for the Boy Scouts of America Western Massachusetts Council, added that “the United Way Day of Caring volunteers love coming to our 1,300 acres in the woods while providing essential work hours that allow us to better deliver the promise of scouting to thousands of youth throughout Western Massachusetts.”

Learn more about the United Way Day of Caring at uwpv.org/day-of-caring, or donate at uwpv.org/donate.

Whalley Computer Associates Announces Partnership with Cynet

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Daily News

SOUTHWICK — Whalley Computer Associates has joined forces with cyberattack defender Cynet to offer customers an enhanced layer of protection with an autonomous breach platform.

The joint venture between the two IT solution providers offers customers another cybersecurity option to keep data safe with state-of-the-art prevention and detection.

“WCA has a very diverse set of customers of all sizes and from a variety of industries,” said Paul Whalley, WCA vice president. “We are pleased to add Cynet to our security portfolio. We believe it is a great solution that has the features large companies expect with a small to mid-size company price.”

Rovi Barnea, head of Channel for North America, echoed Whalley’s sentiment and said the partnership also allows WCA to make the most up-to-date, comprehensive protection available at a reasonable cost for even the smallest security teams.

“This is a great partnership to help security teams that are already stretched thin,” he said. “For organizations outside the Fortune 500, the ability to consolidate multiple security tools into a single pane of glass means they can gain greater visibility into their environments and offer better protection without straining their budgets or teams.”

Cynet pioneered the autonomous breach-protection platform and offers cybersecurity to organizational security teams already stretched thin by the resources demanded to integrate and employ disparate solutions across frequently complex and wide-ranging security needs.

The Cynet 360 platform secures organizations of every size, deploying and integrating across thousands of endpoints in hours, and providing all the fundamental capabilities of NGAV, EDR, UEBA, Network Analytics, and Deception solutions, plus backing through its frontline CyOps, a team made up of SOC experts available 24/7.

Paragus IT Named to Channel Futures Annual MSP 501 List

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Daily News

HADLEY — The Channel Futures annual MSP 501 list is a definitive ranking of the most influential and fastest-growing managed service providers (MSPs) around the world. This year, Paragus IT ranked seventh in Massachusetts and 15th in New England, making it one of the top-ranked MSPs in Western and Central Mass.

Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the information and communication technologies channel industry with insights, analysis, information, and in-person events. Its annual 501 list serves as a critical benchmarking tool and speaks to the rapidly evolving IT-channel ecosystem and its diversity of business models.

“As an employee-owned company, it’s always an honor for everyone’s hard work to be recognized, especially during the difficult times many businesses have been facing over the past year and a half,” said Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus IT. “It’s a testament to the dedication of all of our partners, and this is a victory we all share.”

Virtual Seminar on Sept. 15 to Address Importance of Automation

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Delcie Bean says business owners have always had good reason to consider automation and what it can do for their employees — and their bottom lines.

But today, they have more reason than ever, he told BusinessWest, adding that technology and urgency combine to make this a time for business owners and managers to stop talking about automation and commence doing it.

“The labor market is so terrible right now that many organizations, in addition to trying to hire and figure that out, are also just having to figure out how to be leaner and how to be more efficient,” said Bean, CEO of Hadley-based Paragus Strategic IT. “So as you look at the state of the economy and the state of the job market, you have to ask: ‘how can I do more with less?’”

These sentiments comprise the main thrust of a virtual seminar to be presented by Bean, in conjunction with BusinessWest and Comcast Business, on Wednesdsay, Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. To sign up for the event, visit businesswest.com/businesswest-virtual-webinar.

The program is titled “Automation: the Time Is Now,” and subtitled “How Automation Can Streamline Your Business and Offset the Labor Shortage,” and those words effectively and succinctly describe the material to be covered.

Indeed, the 60-minute presentation will focus on the benefits of automation and the ways it can be utilized to save businesses time, trouble, and expense, said Bean, adding quickly that many business owners and managers are not fully aware of the many ways automation can benefit them.

“In the small-business space, it’s usually the most boring, unattractive tasks you can think of,” he said. “But it’s the things that have to get done behind the scenes that you never really pay much attention to but take up a fair amount of time and energy.”

As examples, he listed everything from the many steps involved in onboarding a new employee or client to the information that has to be gathered when someone signs up for something on a website and then moved to another system, to the steps involved in the approval process when employees want to request a new computer.

All of this should be automated, Bean said, and with emerging technology, specifically the Microsoft 365 platform, it can be, to the point where these tasks and functions now take a fraction of the time they once did.

But technology is just part of the reason why now is the time to automate, he added, noting that the ongoing labor shortage has given more urgency to such matters.

“Rather than sacrificing quality or increasing stress and risking burnout, which can lead to even more turnover, businesses need to ask how they can leverage technology to help them solve some of this problem,” he said. “Reacting to the current situation, there’s never been a better time, both from the availability of the technology and the demand and the urgency of the situation, to look for ways to automate things.”

Overall, the virtual presentation is designed to educate and empower business owners to first identify those tasks and processes that can be automated and then take the steps to go about doing it, said Bean, adding that the program is targeted for businesses with 15 to 250 employees, which encompasses most of the companies in Western Mass.

“There is not an industry that isn’t applicable,” he concluded.

Bacon Wilson Announces Brian Rucki, Amanda Carpe as New Associates

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that Brian Rucki and Amanda Carpe have joined the firm as associate attorneys. Rucki is a member of the real-estate team, and Carpe has joined the probate and estate-planning department.

Bacon Wilson’s managing partner, Kenneth Albano, welcomed the new associates, noting that “both Attorney Rucki and Attorney Carpe have significant prior experience that makes them especially valuable additions to the firm, and means they are ready to hit the ground running. Brian and Amanda are already hard at work serving clients and getting to know their colleagues. We are very happy to have them as part of Bacon Wilson’s team of excellent lawyers.”

Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Rucki spent five years practicing law in Westfield, where he worked on all aspects of real-estate transactions including purchases, sales, refinances, and title work, as well as estate-planning matters. Previously, he also served as a clerk in the solicitor’s office for the town of Agawam, where his work focused on municipal law. He attended Western New England University School of Law, earning his juris doctor laude in 2016. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in 2013.

Carpe comes to Bacon Wilson with five years of experience in estate planning, estate administration, guardianship, conservatorship, and residential real estate. She previously practiced in Ludlow and Worcester. In addition to her work in estates and probate, she clerked for the Hampden County Juvenile Court and interned with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, where her work focused on juvenile and child-welfare law. She earned her juris doctor in 2016 from Western New England University School of Law, and a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University in 2013.

The Zoo in Forest Park to Host Fourth Annual Brew at the Zoo Fundraiser

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its fourth annual Brew at the Zoo, presented by PDC Inc., on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a day at the zoo complete with unlimited beer samples from local craft breweries, a home-brew competition, food trucks, live music, games, and animal interactions.

“This event is always a fan favorite, so we are thrilled to bring it back,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We are grateful to the sponsors, brewers, and guests who make Brew at the Zoo so special. All the money we raise through this event goes directly to support the 250 animals that call the zoo their home, 365 days a year.”

The event, which was canceled last year due to the pandemic, offers three ticket types: VIP, general admission, and designated driver. Attendees with a VIP ticket will enjoy an extra hour of sampling beginning at noon, the opportunity to participate in up-close animal encounters, and grain to feed the animals. This event is 21+.

The zoo will be closed to the public on Sept. 25. Advance tickets are required, and IDs will be checked at the door. For a list of participating breweries and to purchase tickets, visit www.forestparkzoo.org/brew. Limited tickets are available.

Bulkley Richardson’s Michael Burke, Mark Cress Named Lawyer of the Year

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson partners Michael Burke and Mark Cress were named 2022 Lawyer of the Year in their respective practice areas by Best Lawyers in partnership with U.S. News Media Group.

Burke was recognized for his work in personal-injury litigation, and Cress was recognized for his work in corporate law. Burke and Cress have been named by Best Lawyers since 2001 and 2003, respectively.

Lawyer of the Year rankings are awarded to one lawyer per practice area in each region, making it a distinguished accolade. Honorees receive this award based on their extremely high overall peer feedback within specific practice areas and metropolitan regions.

BusinessTalk with Dr. Robert Roose

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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 77: August 30, 2021

George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer for Mercy Medical Center

Dr. Robert Roose

On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Dr. Robert Roose, chief medical officer for Mercy Medical Center. The two discuss the changing scene with COVID-19, the emergence of the Delta variant, the outlook for the fall — and beyond, and the many factors that will determine the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

 

Sponsored by:

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Lynnette Watkins, MD, MBA, Named President and CEO at CDH

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Lynnette Watkins, MD, MBA, an ophthalmologist and widely respected health care administrator and leader, has been named president and chief executive officer at Cooley Dickinson Health Care.

Currently the group chief medical officer for the Baptist Health System/Tenet Healthcare — Texas Group, she will begin her new role at Cooley Dickinson Sept. 27.

Following a national search, Watkins was selected to lead the Northampton hospital based on her extensive healthcare leadership experience and her many accomplishments in performance improvement, quality, safety, provider relations, and financial management. Since joining Baptist Health System/Tenet Healthcare in 2017, she has been a member of the team that has provided executive oversight for the multi-hospital system that stretches across the state, with more than 3,600 beds and $3.45 billion in patient revenue. She also has significant leadership experience in community hospital settings.

In addition, Watkins has ties to Massachusetts and the Mass General Brigham system, having completed her residency at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, where she began her clinical career in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery and served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School.

“Dr. Watkins brings to us a breadth of skills, leadership experience, perspective and vision that will help Cooley Dickinson continue to thrive as a destination of choice for health care in the Pioneer Valley,” said Fraser Beede, chair of the Cooley Dickinson Health Care Board of Trustees. “She not only has been an extraordinary leader within the organizations she has served but also has been a trusted voice and active participant in the communities where she has worked. Dr. Watkins will be instrumental in guiding our future strategic direction as a strong and vibrant organization and key contributor to the success of Mass General Brigham.”

Before joining the Baptist Health System, Watkins held the position of chief medical officer and chief operating officer at Paris Regional Medical Center in Paris, Texas. She has also served as chief medical officer in Tenet’s Abrazo Community Health Network in Arizona. Her career as a healthcare executive began in Mishawaka, Ind., where she was vice president and chief medical officer for the Saint Joseph Health System/Trinity Health.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to have been chosen to serve the patients and community of the Pioneer Valley,” said Watkins. “Cooley Dickinson Health Care is a unique and valuable institution that has a proven track record of excellence in care close to home. As part of Mass General Brigham, Cooley Dickinson can leverage the strengths of this top academic medical system to continue its tradition of excellence and expand the level and complexity of services it offers to the community.”

Watkins earned her undergraduate and her medical degrees at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and completed her internship in internal medicine at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City before coming to Boston in 1995 as a resident in ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear. After residency, she completed a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery at the University of Iowa, then returned to Mass Eye and Ear, where from 1999 to 2004 she directed the Emergency Ophthalmology Service/Walk-in Clinic and was an attending physician in the Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service.

Active in the community, Watkins has been a board member of the San Antonio Chapter of the American Heart Association and has been involved as a mentor in the AHA’s STEM program. She served as a participant in the San Antonio Mayor’s Business Roundtable. Her awards and honors include Dean’s Community Service Award, Harvard Medical School; Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (Medicine); Beta Sigma Gamma Honor Society (Business); Female Healthcare Executive of the Year-Bexar County (Texas) Medical Society Women in Medicine; Notable African American San Antonians; Becker’s Hospital Review of African American Leaders in Healthcare; and San Antonio Business Journal C-Suite Awardee.

Watkins and her husband, Ed Sackett, a Presbyterian minister and photojournalist, are the parents of three adult daughters. A second-generation ophthalmologist, Watkins’ father Garey L.C. Watkins, MD, is one of the first African American practicing ophthalmologists in St. Louis.

Rachel’s Table, Food Bank Join Forces to Fight Hunger

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table, (RT), the food rescue and redistribution program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (FBWM), are joining forces to fight hunger.

Rachel’s Table, with its 200 volunteer drivers, will transport the food directly from designated grocery stores to the FBWM agencies, filling the gap where agencies lacked transportation or when its volunteers were needed elsewhere.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to help deliver food to agencies, especially for those who need our transportation,” said Jodi Falk, director of Rachel’s Table. “Transporting healthy food to people instead of it going into landfill is what we have been doing for almost 30 years and being able to use our operations to better serve our neighbors in the Pioneer Valley is a win for everyone. It is the epitome of partnership to fill gaps and support each other’s good work.”

Rachel’s Table’s partnership with The Food Bank began pre-pandemic in Westfield, and has become revitalized during the past several months. Together, RT and The Food Bank are serving seven agencies, with 13 RT volunteer drivers that rescue nutritious food from eight donors in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Starting slowly but deliberately, more than 15,000 lbs. of healthy meat, produce and dairy have been delivered since the program began, and there is more to come.

“Our teams (RT and FBWM) met together, it was clear that our services were complementary, and working together, we would positively impact the communities we serve.” said Shirley DelRio, director of Food Operations at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Currently using volunteer cars, the RT- Food Bank Partnership drivers are servsafe-trained and use freezer blankets and infrared thermometers to ensure food deliveries remain safe. RT was the recipient of a $7,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts that helped purchase 100 blankets and thermometers for this task.

People interested in driving for Rachel’s Table, or who know of food from a local restaurant, bakery or grocery store that is going to waste, please contact Rachel’s Table at www.rachelstablepv.org.

Mask Mandate Considered for the Big E

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Daily News

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield Board of Health is considering a mask mandate for the upcoming Big E to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

At a special meeting staged Wednesday, Dr. Heather Sankey, the board’s chair, said she feared the 17-day fair, slated to begin Sept. 17, could become a super-spreader event.

The Board of Health is planning a public hearing before the start of the fair to consider a mask mandate, and could vote to require masks indoors and at large outdoor events.

The Big E drew more than 1.6 million visitors in 2019. Big E officials are encouraging those who are not fully vaccinated to wear a face covering while on the fairgrounds.

Today Is the Last Day to Nominate a Woman of Impact

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For three years, BusinessWest, has been celebrating outstanding women from all industries, from Helen Caulton-Harris, who is committed to a healthier community and social equity, to Carol Campbell, leading her manufacturing company to continued growth and success, to Denise Jordan, who has been a leading public servant in Springfield.

You certainly know some women who are actively leading and making a difference for their companies and their communities, and acting as role models and mentors for our region’s future leaders. Nominate them today for BusinessWest’s prestigious Women of Impact Award.

Nominations are due by end-of-day today, August 27. For nominating guidelines and to submit a nomination, click here. Event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Nominees who score the highest in the eyes and minds of a panel of independent judges will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 9.

‘Women of Impact’ was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can be from the world of business, they can also be from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, healthcare, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, or a combination of these — any inspirational women on any level.

Springfield JCC to Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine for Staff

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Daily News

 

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Jewish Community Center has announced that it will require all employees, volunteers, and contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 8.

The Springfield JCC, which employs more than 150 full-time and part-time staff, joins with other local, regional, and national organizations that are requiring their employees to become vaccinated.

“For the safety of our members, students, and staff, it is vital that our workforce get the vaccine, especially as the Delta variant spreads across the country,” said JCC Chief Executive Officer Samantha Dubrinsky. “As a community center, we have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of those we serve, including children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Limited religious and medical exemptions will be granted, and reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with guidance from public health authorities, the JCC’s Medical Advisory Committee, and applicable law.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is the most powerful tool we have to end this pandemic,” said JCC Board President Richard Goldstein. “We believe it is imperative for the Springfield JCC to take the lead in requiring staff vaccinations to set an example to the broader community.”

To support this new vaccination policy, the JCC will host a Town Hall meeting on Sept. 1, so that employees can have questions answered by the JCC’s management team.

The Springfield JCC served as a COVID-19 vaccination clinic site in 2021. The agency also hosted a mobile testing program as part of the state’s “Stop the Spread” campaign in 2020.

North Brookfield Savings Bank Announces Promotions

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Daily News

 

NORTH BROOKFIELD — North Brookfield Savings Bank announced the promotions of Joseph Deady and Kaitlyn Malin within the Operations Department.

“We are so pleased to announce Joe and Kaitlyn’s well-deserved promotions and to have them continue to grow with North Brookfield Savings Bank,” said North Brookfield Savings Bank Executive and Human Resource Director, Andrea Healy. “They are both highly knowledgeable and are committed to providing valuable support and service to our customers while contributing to the Bank’s overall success. I know they will continue to be great assets to our Operations Team, our customers and retail staff alike.”

A person wearing a blue shirt and tie Description automatically generated with medium confidenceDeady has been promoted to digital services manager/fraud analyst. Deady will be responsible for ensuring the bank is using all possible digital products to align with our strategic goals and needs of our customers, while overseeing account fraud.

Deady joined North Brookfield Savings Bank as a teller in 2011. He has held various roles at the bank; supervisor and management roles and finally fraud analyst in the Operations Department in 2015. Most recently, he held the title of operations specialist/fraud analyst, where he handled debit card fraud claims and account compromises and processed and reviewed international wires. He has more than 10 years of professional banking experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts as well as being ACH certified.

Deady supports his local communities by volunteering his time and attending fundraising events for local, community-focused organizations like Camp Putnam in New Braintree.

A person smiling for the camera Description automatically generated with medium confidenceMalin has been promoted to operations specialist. She holds an associate’s degree from Mount Wachusett Community College. Malin previously held the position of operations customer service representative, where she was tasked with answering customer calls and connecting customers and non-customers with appropriate staff to assist them. She also was responsible for reviewing all daily operations reports.

Before coming to the bank in November 2020, she worked as a teller at Athol Savings Bank. In her three years there she assisted customers with transactions, concerns, and other inquiries.

In her new role, Malin will be responsible for reviewing reports to mitigate fraud and risk for both the bank and customers as well as servicing customer’s online banking needs and completing account modifications such as travel notifications.

Nominations for Women of Impact Awards Due Aug. 27

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For three years, BusinessWest has been celebrating outstanding women from all industries, from Helen Caulton-Harris, who is committed to a healthier community and social equity, to Carol Campbell, leading her manufacturing company to continued growth and success, to Denise Jordan, who has been a leading public servant in Springfield.

You certainly know some women who are actively leading and making a difference for their companies and their communites, and acting as role models and mentors for our region’s future leaders. Nominate them today for BusinessWest’s prestigious Women of Impact Award.

Nominations are due by end-of-day, Friday August 27. For nominating guidelines and to submit a nomination, click here. Event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Nominees who score the highest in the eyes and minds of a panel of independent judges will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 9.

‘Women of Impact’ was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can be from the world of business, they can also be from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, healthcare, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, or a combination of these — any inspirational women on any level.

Berkshire Bank Chairman to Retire

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Daily News

J. Williar Dunleavy, chairman of Berkshire Bank and its parent company, will retire in September, the bank announced Wednesday.

He will be succeeded on the board of both the bank and Berkshire Hills Bancorp by David Brunelle, currently vice chairman. Brunelle is co-founder of Northe Pointe Wealth Management in Worcester. He has been on the board since 2017.

Dunleavy took over as chair of the board in late 2019, when Bill Ryan, formerly the chief exective of Banknorth, gave up the position for health reasons.

Grant Aims to Reduce Textbook Costs for HCC students 

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Daily News

 

HOLYOKE — With the help of a federal grant, Holyoke Community College is continuing its efforts to make college more affordable and inclusive by increasing the use of free Open Educational Resources (OER) in place of costly textbooks in its classrooms. 

HCC is part of a consortium of six state colleges, along with the state Dept. of Higher Education, sharing a $441,367 grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The three-year grant project aims to boost the number of college courses that make use of Open Educational Resources. 

The project — Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens (ROTEL): Culturally Relevant Open Textbooks for High Enrollment General Education Courses and Career and Professional Courses at Six Public Massachusetts Colleges — will test the hypothesis that underrepresented students will achieve higher academic outcomes if colleges use free, culturally-relevant course materials that reflect their experiences. 

Open educational resources, or OER, are teaching, learning and research materials that are not protected by copyright and readily available in the public domain for free use, duplication and distribution.

Framingham State University is the lead partner in the project. The other colleges taking part are HCC, Fitchburg State University, Northern Essex Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Salem State University. 

“We are excited about the project’s potential and outcomes for our students,” said Millie González, interim dean of Framingham State’s Whittemore Library and the lead project manager. “We will track performance measures, including numbers of courses, sections and faculty using new OER materials, student grades and satisfaction in those courses.”

JGS Lifecare to Host Baystate Vaccination Van August 30, Sept. 20

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW —  JGS Lifecare  a health care system serving seniors and their families in Western Mass., will be hosting the Baystate Vaccination Van at its campus located at 770 Converse St. in Longmeadow, August 30 and  Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. 

This service is open to the community. Visitors can get the first and second inoculation of the Pfizer vaccine, or come either of the dates for the one-time Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Visitors must bring a legal form of identification and wear a mask and maintain proper social distance at all times while on the property. No one will be permitted without a mask.

For more information, contact Mary-Anne Schelb, JGS Lifecare director of Business Development, at (413) 567-6211, ext. 3571.

MGM Unveils Two New Sports Lounges

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield marked its third anniversary Tuesday by unveiling two wide-screen luxury sports lounges.

MGM Springfield President Chris Kelly led a tour of the new lounges, which he said reinforces the resort’s position and commitment as the market’s leading destination for sports and entertainment.

The new multi-million-dollar MGM Springfield Sports Lounge will be positioned on the casino floor and feature a 45-foot state-of-the-art HD viewing wall, inviting fans to watch multiple sporting events at once, along with more than 70 individual lounge seats. The venue is designed to seamlessly incorporate sports betting via the BetMGM platform should Massachusetts lawmakers pass future legislation.

The property also unveiled a new VIP Sports Lounge within TAP Sports Bar. This second viewing destination will offer a more intimate experience with an HD-TV wall, couches and a special culinary menu crafted by TAP chefs.

STCC Obtains Federal Grant to Lower Cost of Textbooks for Students

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College is one of six colleges that received a federal grant that aims to increase the number of college courses that use free Open Educational Resources rather than costly textbooks.

STCC is part of a consortium that received a $440,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for a new project to add more access to free Open Educational Resources (OERs). The goal of the grant is to make college more affordable and inclusive.

Chelsea Contrada, STCC’s OER librarian, said the grant will help STCC support its mission to remove barriers for underrepresented students. According to a survey of STCC students, about 70% of them said they decided against buying or renting a textbook because of the cost.

Contrada said OERs not only help students save money, but offer faculty resources for their classrooms. OERs are educational materials in the public domain or introduced with an open license. The nature of these open materials means that anyone can legally and freely copy, use, adapt and re-share them. OERs range from textbooks to curricula, syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, tests, projects, audio, video, and animation.

“We currently have about 70 courses with zero textbook cost, with more added each semester,” Contrada said.

“We are so excited for the opportunity to be a part of this grant,” Contrada added. “The program will certainly save students money on textbooks, but it will also create materials and learning environments that are more equitable and culturally relevant for our students.”

This project is called “Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens (ROTEL): Culturally Relevant Open Textbooks for High Enrollment General Education Courses and Career and Professional Courses at Six Public Massachusetts Colleges.” Librarians and faculty will receive training and assistance in the creation and adaptation of OER materials that are accessible, intentionally inclusive and representative of the student population.

Faculty at STCC say they welcome using OERs in their classrooms.

“The average textbook in a science class like mine would be a few hundred dollars,” said Brandon Poe, professor of Biological Sciences at STCC. “They usually have to buy a couple of books, so in one class they’re laying out $500 or $600. I wanted to find an option that would be more affordable for students. My payoff is having students getting quality material that they don’t have to shell out a whole lot of money for.”

Colleges taking part in the effort, in addition to STCC, include Framingham State University, Fitchburg State University, Holyoke Community College, Northern Essex Community College and Salem State University, in consortium with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

Market Mentors Names Bryan Czajkowski New Director of Production and Technology 

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors, a marketing, advertising and public relations agency, announced the addition of a director of production and technology, Bryan Czajkowski. He brings more than 25 years of experience to the newly created position, in which he oversees the agency’s web, design, video and production operations. 

“Bryan’s expertise in all of these areas and others, including business development, management and building client relationships, really made him an ideal candidate,” said company President Michelle Abdow. “We had been considering adding a specialized leadership position within our creative technology services for some time, and Bryan’s strengths and enthusiasm really helped solidify just what that role would look like.”

Czajkowski most recently served as the chief technology officer for Rebel Interactive Group in Southington, Conn. Through this and previous positions, he has gained extensive experience working with international and national organizations across diverse industries, from finance and insurance to automotive and aerospace. The opportunity to integrate his various professional skills and interests is something that drew Czajkowski to the Market Mentors position. 

“I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge around emerging technology and digital media, and I understand the challenges clients face around so many choices,” he said. “At the same time, this unique role has allowed me to apply years of experience in broadcast media and video production, where my career began and has continued in various capacities. This position seems incredibly natural to me, and I’m thrilled to have hit the ground running.”

AIC to Offer Free Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations for Community Members

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Students and employees at American International College (AIC) are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to returning to campus for fall semester. However, some students live in areas where vaccines are not readily available. To assist in maintaining a healthy environment, AIC will partner with the Behavioral Health Network (BHN) in Springfield to host on-campus vaccination clinics, administering the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

As part of the college’s efforts to help people stay safe and remain well, AIC is opening the clinics to the public to support vaccination efforts in the local community.

“American International College is in the heart of the city, and makes every effort to be a good neighbor,” said Matthew Scott, Med, vice president for Student Affairs. “Helping the greater Springfield community benefits everyone. We are grateful that we can provide this service.”

The free, walk-in service will be available on the AIC main campus located at 1000 State Street in Springfield on Sunday, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, August 30, from 9 a.m. to noon; and Tuesday, August 31, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

All clinics will be in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center located at the corner of Homer and State Streets. Clinics are approved for people eighteen years or older. Shots administered at this clinic are for people in need of receiving their first vaccine only.

Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley Attorney Joins Habitat Board

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Michael Cardaropoli, a partner in the law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley, has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of Springfield Habitat for Humanity.

“I’m proud of the opportunity to serve on the board of this incredible organization,” said Cardaropoli.  “We have a rich history as a firm of charitable connections to the community.  I had first-hand experience with the Habitat for Humanity team as we worked on the SGT Sullivan house, and I am so pleased to now be a part of their ongoing efforts,” he added.

Twelve staff members from Pellegrini Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley donated a total of nearly 100 man hours to kick off the Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan project on the first build day in 2018. The firm also contributed $2,500 to the effort.
“As a firm we are committed each day to help make the lives better for the residents of Springfield,” said Cardaropoli.

Bacon Wilson Announces Eight Attorneys named to ‘Best Lawyers’

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that eight of the firm’s attorneys have been named to Best Lawyers in America® 2022: Attorney Kenneth Albano, the firm’s managing partner, was recognized in Best Lawyers for business organizations including LLCs and partnerships; Michael Katz for bankruptcy and reorganization; Stephen Krevalin for family law; Hyman Darling for elder law; Gary Breton for banking/finance law and business organizations; Gina Barry for elder law; Mark Tanner for real estate litigation; and Peter MacConnell for real estate law.

In addition to being named a Best Lawyer, MacConnell was also named as 2022 Lawyer of the Year for real estate law in Springfield, a designation presented to a single outstanding lawyer in each practice area for each region.

Founded in 1895, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is one of the largest Pioneer Valley firms, with 43 attorneys, and approximately 80 paralegals, administrative assistants, and support staff. The firm has five locations – Springfield, Amherst, Hadley, Northampton, and Westfield.

First published in 1983, Best Lawyers is regarded as one of the definitive guides to legal excellence. There is no opportunity to pay for a listing in Best Lawyers; rather, lists are based entirely on peer review, and as such, inclusion in Best Lawyers in America® is considered an honor.

Nominations for Women of Impact Awards Due Aug. 27

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For three years, BusinessWest has been celebrating outstanding women from all industries, from Helen Caulton-Harris, who is committed to a healthier community and social equity, to Carol Campbell, leading her manufacturing company to continued growth and success, to Denise Jordan, who has been a leading public servant in Springfield.

You certainly know some women who are actively leading and making a difference for their companies and their communites, and acting as role models and mentors for our region’s future leaders. Nominate them today for BusinessWest’s prestigious Women of Impact Award.

Nominations are due by end-of-day, Friday August 27. For nominating guidelines and to submit a nomination, click here. Event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Nominees who score the highest in the eyes and minds of a panel of independent judges will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 9.

‘Women of Impact’ was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can be from the world of business, they can also be from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, healthcare, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, or a combination of these — any inspirational women on any level.

Venture X Slates Grand Opening of Holyoke Location

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Venture X®, a membership-based workspace community, will celebrate the opening of its newest location, in Holyoke, on Sept. 9.

The 16,000 square-foot co-working space is located at 98 Lower Westfield Road. Venture X Holyoke invites the community to stop by on Sept. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m., to tour the business center and connect with other professionals.

Venture X Holyoke provides flexible workspace solutions, IT security, and amenities. The space was built out during the pandemic, so special attention was given to the installation of high-tech air filtration system, touchless bathrooms, and keyless door-entry systems.

“As a commercial real estate owner and manager, I was looking at co-working options, and Venture X fit the bill,” said Ned Barowsky, owner of Venture X Holyoke. “I’ve had a good experience with United Franchise Group and felt confident about exploring this growing concept with them. “We’re delighted to bring this high-tech business center with private offices, community, and networking space that is complimented with high-quality customer service to the Holyoke market.”

The Holyoke facility features 65 private offices ranging from one-person spaces up to 10-person offices with dedicated desks and shared desks. The location also offers a community space, where members may mingle and network in the lounge area or around the coffee bar café. Members will have access to hi-tech conference rooms, mailboxes, copy center, shredding service, and other business-related amenities.

Venture X Holyoke is conveniently located at the intersection of I-90 and I-91 and is on the access road to the Holyoke Mall. The facility also has ample free parking.

Venture X®, a brand of the United Franchise Group, is inspired by boutique hospitality brands where relationships, consistent quality, and value-added offerings are the cornerstone of the membership experience.

Freedom Credit Union Raises More Than $2,700 for The Food Bank

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout June and July, Freedom Credit Union collected cash donations at its branches throughout Western Mass. to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which leads the fight against food insecurity throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties. It raised $2,710 thanks to the generosity of members and staff.

“Especially as we continue to recover from the pandemic, food insecurity is a pressing concern for many in our community,” said Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch. “In fact, more than 100,000 people across our four counties need support, a call our members and staff responded to with generosity.”

 

Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has helped provide much needed food to area residents. It source its products from donations and then supplies it to participating pantries, meal sites, and shelters throughout the region. Its work allows individuals, families, seniors, children, veterans and people with disabilities to lead healthy and meaningful lives.

 

Based on the donations received in their previous fiscal year, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts was able to provide the equivalent of 12.3 million meals, a significant increase over previous years.

 

Freedom’s August Month of Giving Campaign will benefit another worthy local charity: Unify Against Bullying. Visit any branch or freedom.coop to make a donation through August 31.

 

BusinessTalk with Peter Rosskothen

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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 76: August 23, 2021

George O’Brien interviews Peter Rosskothen

Peter Rosskothen

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Peter Rosskothen, owner of the Log Cabin Banquet & meeting House, the Delaney House restaurant, and other hospitality-related businesses. The two talk about the changing numbers when it comes to the pandemic, the emergence of the Delta variant, and what all this could mean for businesses already facing a number of challenges as they seek a return to something approaching normal. It’s must listening so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

Sponsored by:

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Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in July

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Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.9% in July, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 43,400 jobs in July. This follows the previous month’s gain of 11,200 jobs.

Over the month, the private sector added 30,700 jobs as gains occurred across seven sectors, led by leisure and hospitality and professional, scientific, and business services. Since December 2020, Massachusetts has gained 146,400 jobs.

From July 2020 to July 2021, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 254,200 jobs. Gains occurred in all sectors, led by leisure and hospitality; professional, scientific, and business services; and trade, transportation, and utilities, with greater than 40,000 jobs gained over the year.

The July unemployment rate was 0.5% below the national rate of 5.4% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The labor force increased by 4,900 from 3,696,700 in June, as 5,000 more residents were employed and 100 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 4.9%.

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 — was up 0.1% at 65.6% following a revision to the June rate of 65.5%. Compared to July 2020, the labor-force participation rate is up 2.5%.

Veteran News Reporter, Anchor Mary Cate Mannion Joins GCAi

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) announced that veteran ABC News affiliate reporter and anchor Mary Cate Mannion has joined the team as a digital PR analyst and will be responsible for planning, producing, and editing video content; photo supervision; and writing posts for digital dissemination on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and the Google Ads Display Network, but not Tik Tok, as well as working directly with media publications.

She is working in GCAi’s Springfield edit suite with award-winning video producer Darcy Young and planning digital campaigns with award-winning digital marketer James Garvey, who is based in GCAi’s Marina del Rey, Calif. office.

Mannion is an award winner in her own right, receiving a Broadcasters Award and two Emmy nominations during her tenure as an anchor and energy-news reporter with NBC News affiliate KFYR-TV. Her reporting was also used in an investigative segment by John Oliver on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, and she has served as a correspondent for Headline News.

“Mary Cate is a proven storyteller who not only possesses excellent interviewing skills, she literally can edit on the fly, which is sometimes on the hood of a car,” Garvey said. “That is speed that Darcy and I can appreciate and find very valuable.”

Mannion earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Emerson College. She crossed paths with Young during her time at Western Mass News, when she emceed the Springfield Colleen Contest, for which Young is a long-time volunteer. Mannion also her singing skills during an American Idol audition in Boston and was successful for six rounds. Her progress ended when Simon Cowell told her, “you only get one song, Mary,” and he apparently didn’t like the one she sang.

Mannion has also achieved considerable success as a competitive Irish dancer, something she is still enthusiastic about today as a member of Springfield’s Claddagh School.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Massachusetts Statewide STEM Week

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Daily News

WORCESTER — The Baker-Polito administration announced that the fourth annual STEM Week will take place this year Oct. 18-22 and will feature mainly in-person events, after being held virtually last year. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Secretary of Education James Peyser joined Worcester Polytechnic Institute President Laurie Leshin to make the announcement at WPI, where they also awarded nearly $300,000 in design challenge grants to seven educational organizations gearing up to provide STEM-education opportunities to students across the Commonwealth during the fourth annual statewide STEM Week.

“Our administration, through the leadership of Lt. Governor Polito and the STEM Advisory Council, has worked hard for the past several years to help kids across the state gain experience in STEM fields,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “Especially now, with the most technology jobs per capita in the country, the demand for highly skilled people is a pressing issue, and STEM Week is an important way to highlight the many opportunities that exist in science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Polito, who co-chairs the STEM Advisory Council, added that “we remain committed to creating additional access and awareness to STEM careers for Massachusetts students across the state. STEM Week, and the design challenges offered by these organizations that we are proud to support, will help students gain more exposure and experience in STEM subjects and provide them with the opportunities they need to succeed.”

STEM Week is a collaborative effort between the Executive Office of Education; the STEM Advisory Council, which works to generate interest and support from the business community for STEM activities; and the Commonwealth’s nine regional STEM networks, which plan and coordinate activities with local schools, community leaders, and business partners.

“The STEM design challenges provide engaging and meaningful opportunities for students in all grades to gain knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math by solving real-world problems that communities face,” Peyser said. “Our design challenge partners are a crucial part of making STEM Week meaningful and fun for our students.”

Monson Savings Bank Donates $1,000 to Monson’s Christmas Lights

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently donated $1,000 to the town of Monson’s Christmas lights display to honor the hard work and long careers of John Malo and John Morrell.

Malo recently was recognized by the town of Monson for his 50 years of service to the town’s post office, and he has no plans to retire. On July 23, family members, friends, and town residents gathered together at the Post Office to celebrate his long and successful career.

In November 2020, Morrell celebrated 53 years of service to the Monson Highway Department as the Monson highway surveyor. He started his career with the town in 1968 as a truck driver and spent many years working hard to keep the townspeople safe.

“I’m homegrown in Monson, so I have grown up around these two and have been a witness to their hard work. Both men have demonstrated superior service and dedication to our town,” said Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO. “The bank is very thrilled to be able to present this donation to the town in their honor. When this year’s Christmas lights go up around town, we will all be reminded of them and their longtime devotion to the town of Monson.”

Both Malo and Morrell said they are grateful to the bank for making this donation to the town they have enjoyed serving for so many years.

Nominations for Women of Impact Awards Due Aug. 27

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest magazine is currently accepting nominations for its fourth annual Women of Impact, a recognition program launched in 2018 to honor a specific segment of the local population: women who are making an impact in and on this region. Nominees who score the highest in the eyes and minds of a panel of independent judges will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 9.

‘Women of Impact’ was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can be from the world of business, they can also be from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, healthcare, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, or a combination of these — any inspirational women on any level.

Nominations are due by Friday, Aug. 27. For nominating guidelines and to submit a nomination, click here. Event sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Audit: STCC’s Spending of CARES Act Funding Consistent with Federal Guidelines

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Daily News

BOSTON — In an audit released Aug. 18, the office of state Auditor Suzanne Bump found Springfield Technical Community College’s spending of federal assistance under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been consistent with federal guidelines.

During the audit, which examined March 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020, STCC received $4,586,795 in CARES Act funding and spent $1,157,621. The majority of STCC’s spending (97%) was allocated to students for emergency financial aid to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, and the remaining funds covered institutional costs.

“There is no doubt that the CARES Act has provided a much-needed lifeline to support higher-education institutions, like Springfield Technical Community College. I commend STCC’s appropriate use of these federal funds,” Bump said of the audit. “As we move forward, my office will continue this work to ensure federal COVID-19 relief money is used as intended and effectively by state government entities.”

The CARES Act was enacted by Congress on March 27, 2020, and provided $30.75 billion for a national Education Stabilization Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Massachusetts Department of Education received $50.8 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds from the CARES Act, which it then distributed to elementary-, secondary-, and higher-education recipients. This week’s audit is the second in a series of upcoming reports that will review state spending of COVID-19 federal funding.

In addition, unrelated to the examination of CARES Act spending, the audit notes that STCC had not established a campus-wide program to ensure that employees receive cybersecurity training. In its response, STCC stated that it is working toward providing mandatory IT training for all staff.

Attorney Timothy Murphy Recognized as Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers in America

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield and Worcester areas, announced that one of its partners, attorney Timothy Murphy, was recognized by his peers as a 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Springfield for his work in Labor Law – Management. Only a single lawyer in each practice area in each community is honored with this award.

In addition, Murphy is recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2022 in three fields: employment law – management, labor law – management, and litigation – labor and employment.

Focusing his practice on labor relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining and arbitration, employment litigation, and employment counseling, Murphy has been included in The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013 and was Lawyer of the Year in 2015, 2019, and 2020. In 2017, he was named “Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout” by the Girls Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. He also sits on boards of directors for several area organizations, such as the Human Service Forum and Community Legal Aid, and is a member of the World Affairs Council.

Seven Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers in America

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that seven of its attorneys were listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2022, and two were also named a Lawyer of the Year. The seven attorneys are:

• Shareholder Michele Feinstein, recognized in the fields of litigation – trusts and estates, elder law, and trusts and estates;

• Shareholder Gary Fentin, banking and finance law and commercial transactions/Uniform Commercial Code law;

• Shareholder Carol Cioe Klyman, elder law and trusts and estates. This year, she was also named a Lawyer of the Year in the field of trusts and estates;

• Managing Partner Timothy Mulhern, corporate law and tax law;

• Shareholder Steven Schwartz, bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law, business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), closely held companies and family business law, as well as corporate law. This year, he was also named a Lawyer of the Year in the field of business organizations.

• Shareholder James Sheils, commercial transactions/Uniform Commercial Code law; and

• Shareholder Steven Weiss, bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law.

Best Lawyers listings are published in dozens of countries around the world. The 2022 edition includes more than 67,000 attorneys in 148 practice areas, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and inclusion in this year’s publication is based on more than 9.4 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

Thirteen Bulkley Richardson Lawyers Named to Best Lawyers in America

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bulkley Richardson announced that 13 lawyers from the firm were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2022. These lawyers were recognized in 20 unique areas of practice. They are:

• Peter Barry, recognized in the fields of construction law and healthcare law;

• Michael Burke, medical malpractice law – defendants and personal-injury litigation – defendants;

• Mark Cress, banking and finance law, bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law, and corporate law;

• Francis Dibble Jr., bet-the-company litigation, commercial litigation, criminal defense – white-collar, litigation – labor and employment, and litigation – securities;

• Daniel Finnegan, administrative/regulatory law and litigation – construction;

• Scott Foster, business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships);

• Kevin Maynard, commercial litigation, litigation – banking and finance, and litigation – construction;

• David Parke, corporate law and mergers and acquisitions;

• Melinda Phelps, medical-malpractice law – defendants and personal-injury litigation – defendants;

• Jeffrey Poindexter, commercial litigation;

• John Pucci, bet-the-company litigation, criminal defense – general practice, and criminal defense – white-collar;

• Elizabeth Sillin, nonprofit/charities law and trusts and estates; and

• Ronald Weiss, corporate law, mergers-and-acquisitions law, and tax law.

Monson Savings Bank Pledges $100,000 to Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced it will donate $100,000 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to support people who struggle with food insecurity.

Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty recently attended the Food Bank’s capital-campaign kickoff at the Chicopee Moose Lodge, where he joined Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Erica Flores, president of the Food Bank’s board of directors, to present the donation.

Monson Savings Bank was a major charitable donor to the Food Bank’s capital campaign, which is focused on gathering funding for the new Chicopee facility that will serve as its future headquarters. The Food Bank is aiming to raise $22 million to help fund the new headquarters, set to open in 2023. It has surpassed the halfway mark, raising $12 million so far. Monson Savings Bank’s $100,000 contribution to the project helps the Food Bank reach its goal of providing essential services in an area that is most accessible to those facing food insecurity.

“Monson Savings Bank is a proud supporter of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. It is with great pride and happiness that we make this donation to help fund their new facility,” Moriarty said. “The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is a pillar in our communities. They help so many of our neighbors, giving them access to a basic need by providing them with meals. The new facility will help them to expand their reach and better serve those who rely upon them for survival.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Christopher Caouette

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Tony Worden, president and chief operating officer at Greenfield Cooperative Bank, announced that Christopher Caouette has joined the bank as the new senior vice president – credit officer. He will be based in the main office at 62 Federal St. in Greenfield.

“We are thrilled to add someone with Chris’s experience and reputation to the team,” Worden said. “I believe he will be an excellent addition to Greenfield Cooperative Bank.”

Having spent the majority of his career in the Pioneer Valley, Caouette arrives with more than 30 years of banking experience, most recently as vice president, credit officer at another area bank. He holds an MBA in finance from UMass Amherst and attended the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. BankExec program – School for Financial Studies, where he finished second among 10 competing bank groups.

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