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Month: October 2021

Children’s Study Home to Hold Second Annual Art Show & Auction on Oct. 14

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Children’s Study Home will host its second annual Art Show & Auction at the Carriage House Barney Estate in Forest Park on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Artwork from all media — including acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, chalk, and sculptures — will be shown from the students of the Children’s Study Home’s Mill Pond School and Curtis Blake Day School, as well as artwork from the children of the Children’s Study Home’s residential programs. The art will be auctioned to raise funds for the school and its programs.

The event not only showcases students’ talent, but is a product of how art is part of the educational and therapeutic experience of the students the school serves, Yamilca Nogue, director of Community Relations and Development, explained, adding that this year’s show also features donated works from both Don Blanton and Glenn Rossi, as well as a donated piece from the Art for the Soul Gallery. “We are so excited to count on the support of all these amazing local artists,” Nogue added.

The students at Mill Pond use art class as a way to express their personalities, through both their approach and their creation, explained Evelyn Cass, school adjustment counselor for Mill Pond School.

“Some students enjoy following specific instructions and practicing skills like carefully cutting out shapes or delicately mixing paints to create just the right shade. Alternatively, some students love taking the materials available to them in each class and letting their imaginations explore, creating unique and interesting pieces of artwork. No matter their approach, watching each student take the given prompt and materials for the day and create something distinct and creative each week is inspiring.”

The Children’s Study Home is a 154-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with families by providing innovative and educational programs and services that strengthen children and families, empowering them to succeed at home, within the community, and throughout life.

The facility serves children, adolescents, and families with special needs throughout the Pioneer Valley, the Berkshires, and Cape Cod. These children are often struggling to cope with behavioral, psychiatric, and cognitive issues related to the experiences they have survived. The staff assesses their needs and develops individualized service plans that foster recovery, growth, and wellness.

Springfield College, UMass Law Launch Accelerated Law Degree Program

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College and the University of Massachusetts Law School – Dartmouth have finalized a 3+3 agreement that will create new, accelerated opportunities for Springfield College students to attain a law degree.

As part of the agreement, Springfield College pre-law students will spend three years working toward their undergraduate degree before enrolling at UMass Law, where they will begin taking law courses that fulfill their remaining undergraduate requirements while beginning their legal education.

“We are delighted and honored to partner with an important institution whose mission is so aligned with ours,” said Springfield College School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rachel Rubinstein. “As the only public law school in Massachusetts, UMass Law is committed to providing an accessible and excellent legal education that prepares lawyers to advance justice through service and leadership. We can’t imagine a better fit for our students considering or planning careers in the law, whether they study history, criminal justice, business, or any number of related fields.”

Springfield College Professor of History and Pre-Law Advisor Thomas Carty was instrumental in forging this pathway for Springfield College students with UMass Law. Students will earn their bachelor’s and juris doctorate degrees in six years rather than the traditional seven. These accelerated degree programs allow students to apply credits earned during their first year of law school to their final year of college, saving students thousands of dollars in tuition payments and living expenses.

“As the Pre-Law program on our campus continues to expand, including the creation of a Mock Trial Club this year, we welcome this new partnership with UMass Law,” Carty said. “Springfield College has made a commitment to providing more opportunities for undergraduate students to explore the legal field. This commitment stays consistent with our mission of service and leadership to others.”

Over the past five years, UMass Law ranks second in the nation, among nearly 200 ABA-accredited law schools, for enrollment growth, while maintaining the smallest first-year doctrinal course sizes among all Massachusetts law schools. UMass Law’s most recent ABA Standard 316 ‘ultimate’ (two-year) bar pass rate is 92% across all jurisdictions. UMass Law has twice been ranked among the best law schools in the country for its program of practical training. The law school also ranks second among all 15 law schools in New England for the percentage of students entering public service.

“For UMass Law, it is important that we partner with undergraduate institutions to provide access to an affordable, high-quality legal education,” UMass Law Dean Eric Mitnick said. “Springfield’s support of legal education through their pre-law program and commitment to the region is a natural pairing for UMass Law that will lead to student success and community impact.”

Sen. Lesser, Rep. González Announce Funding Secured for Zoo in Forest Park

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 1, state Sen. Eric Lesser and state Rep. Carlos González were joined by members of the Springfield legislative delegation, and Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, to announce $50,000 in funding secured for annual operations.

Lesser acted as lead budget sponsor in the Senate in securing this earmark in the FY22 budget along with House sponsor González. The FY22 budget was passed by the Senate and House and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in July.

“Last year, when zoos across the country closed their doors for good, Forest Park Zoo took in dozens of animals in need of a home and welcomed 40 new animals, including two black timber wolves, a red fox, and a snowy owl,” Lesser said. “Alongside our Springfield delegation, I was proud to secure funding for educational efforts, animal care, and operations to ensure the Forest Park Zoo remains a vibrant cornerstone of our Western Mass community.”

González added that “Forest Park Zoo is more than a zoo, it’s a sanctuary. It allows for animals to be treated in a humane way and taken care of when situations arise. I’m delighted to be working with my colleagues in the Springfield delegation in a united effort to make sure that the zoo continues to thrive and drive opportunity for families in urban areas to come and see the animals here.”

These funds will help sustain the annual operations of the Zoo in Forest Park, which includes daily care of more than 240 animals 365 days per year, including several endangered species; educational opportunities for youth and adults across Western Mass.; camps during summer and school vacation weeks; collaborations with other local nonprofits, including Square One in Springfield and Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke; job training and internships in the fields of biology, veterinary medicine, and animal care; tourism and marketing initiatives that encourage visitors to spend time and money in the city and our region; and opportunities for individuals and local businesses to get involved in their community through volunteer projects.

“We are tremendously grateful to Sen. Lesser, Rep. Gonzalez, and all members of the Western Massachusetts legislative delegation for their ongoing support of our work and our mission,” Tsitso said. “Our zoo is part of the very fabric of this community, serving as a resource for generations of local families and providing high-quality care for animals that need our help. The funding we are receiving as part of the state’s fiscal year 2022 budget will ensure we are able to meet the needs of more than 240 animals that call our zoo their home 365 days a year.”

Jewish Family Service Receives $250,000 Citizenship and Integration Grant

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts (JFS) has been awarded a competitive two-year $250,000 Citizenship and Integration Grant from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This grant enables JFS to continue its work helping legal permanent residents become U.S. citizens.

The fiscal year 2021 grants, which run through September 2023, will fund legal services for citizenship applicants and educational programs designed to deepen an applicant’s knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics.

Since it began in 2009, the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has awarded more than $112 million through 513 competitive grants to immigrant-serving organizations in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Now in its 13th year, the program has helped more than 290,500 lawful permanent residents prepare for citizenship.

JFS is one of 40 organizations in 25 states to receive nearly $10 million in funding to support citizenship-preparation services. Now in its 13th year, the USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant Program has helped more than 290,500 lawful permanent residents prepare for citizenship. A ‘permanent resident’ is a person authorized by the U.S. government to live and work in the country on a permanent basis.

Jewish Family Service is a nonprofit social service agency that has developed both substantive legal and programmatic expertise during its 10 years of experience in citizenship and naturalization services.

“The program began as a response to a glaring unmet need in our community. Today, JFS is a well-respected and trusted partner in engaging the immigrant community in Hampden County,” CEO Maxine Stein said. “JFS is excited and pleased to have received this grant opportunity. It will allow us to strengthen our current work in citizenship and positions us to be a leader in helping those on the path to becoming U.S. citizens. As a Jewish organization, we are proud to provide this important service to our local residents. Like all of us, we value freedom, safety, and opportunity. Citizenship helps to provide that, and we can help make that happen.”

YMCA of Greater Springfield 2021 Golf Classic Raises More Than $70,000

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The YMCA of Greater Springfield held its 2021 Golf Classic on Sept. 20 at the Longmeadow Country Club, with local businesses coming together in a round of golf to support the mission of the YMCA.

“It was a great day to be with so many supportive companies from the greater Springfield area. The community stepped up to be a part of helping us fulfill our mission,” said Dexter Johnson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. “I am always truly amazed at how everyone comes together to support the community through the YMCA. We raised over $70,000, which will go to support kids in before- and after-school programs, child care, early-learning opportunities, summer camp, swim lessons, and health and wellness programs.”

Johnson noted that the YMCA of Greater Springfield is a nonprofit, charitable organization and more than a gym and swim. At the Y, no one is turned away due to the inability to pay in full for programs and services. “We have a scholarship program providing financial assistance to those that want to participate in our services. Last year, we provided over $250,000 for those in need. We can only do that with the generosity of individuals and businesses that are willing to contribute to the cause.”

Wellfleet Insurance President and CEO Drew DiGiorgio added that “the YMCA’s programs enrich the lives of so many children and families in Greater Springfield. We’re proud to support their work by sponsoring this year’s Golf Classic.”

State-of-the-art LEAP@WNE Training Center Established

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University (WNE) College of Engineering Laboratory for Education and Application Prototypes (LEAP), a state-of-the-art optics/photonics training center, has been established through a grant of $2,581,109 from the Massachusetts Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM). LEAP@WNE is part of a national effort to advance state-of-the-art manufacturing with the American Institute for Manufacturing (AIM) Photonics consortium.

With the support of the grant funding, WNE partnered with Convergent Photonics in Chicopee and Springfield Technical Community College for the development of the new advanced-manufacturing center, located at Convergent Photonics. The LEAP lab, only the fourth of its kind in the state, will focus on product development, educational training, and collaborative research in the field of integrated photonics.

The LEAP@WNE facility features six instrumentation and prototyping workstations with capabilities including tunable lasers and optical power meters, polarimeters, and polarization controllers; optical-spectrum analyzers and free-space optics; electronic signal generators, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and power supplies; and PCB fabrication using subtractive and additive techniques.

The grant was part of the CAM Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M212), which has made a $100 million commitment to manufacturing innovation through its capital grant program and is collaborating on more than 60 projects connecting manufacturers with universities and companies.

According to CAM, Massachusetts has made a substantial commitment to developing the Manufacturing USA infrastructure within the state’s academic, research, and manufacturing industry. Through the creation of sector-specific Manufacturing USA Centers, M212 will advance innovations and job growth within the state through cross-collaboration among companies, universities, national labs, government, incubators, accelerators, and other academic and training institutions.

Funded through the M212 program, LEAP is designed to support AIM Photonics, an industry-driven, public-private partnership that focuses the nation’s capabilities and expertise to capture critical global manufacturing leadership in a technology that is both essential to national security and positioned to provide a compelling return on investment to the American economy.

Holyoke Mall to Host Get Hired Job Fair on Oct. 6

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall will host an in-person job fair on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. on the lower level near Macy’s.

Sponsored by C&S Wholesale Grocers, the Get Hired Job Fair is a convenient opportunity for Western Mass. employers to interview and hire workers, and to help job seekers connect with businesses who need their skills. Employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance looking for candidates at all skill levels. Several stores and venues at Holyoke Mall will also be in attendance to fill open positions. The event is free to attend for all job seekers.

The list of participating employees includes 110 Grill, Amherst College, Altitude Trampoline Park, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, Billy Beez, C&S Wholesale, Charlotte Russe, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Express Employment Professionals, Guidewire Inc., Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Public Schools, Kind Hands Care at Home, Lane Bryant, Macy’s, McDonald’s, MGM Springfield, MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, MSPCC, Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, Pathlight, PretzelMaker, Pyramid Management Group – Holyoke Mall, Sephora, ServiceNet, Target, UG2, Uno Pizzeria & Grill, and Yankee Candle.

MGM Springfield Brings Free Music Fridays Concert Series Indoors

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield’s Free Music Friday concert series will move inside to the Aria Ballroom beginning Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Doors are scheduled to open at 7 p.m.

The upcoming lineup includes LA’s BackStage Pass (Oct. 15), Beyond Purple (Oct. 22), Raise Your Hands: Bon Jovi Tribute (Oct. 29), and Trailer Trash (Nov. 5).

“We are thrilled to continue offering this free concert series to our community featuring some of our most talented local artists,” said Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield’s president and chief operating officer. “Based on the success of the summer program, it makes perfect sense to bring the fun inside to one of our fantastic MGM Springfield venues.”

Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available during the shows. Guests also can enjoy MGM Springfield’s diverse food and beverage offerings before or after the concerts, including the Chandler Steakhouse, Tap Sports Bar, and South End Market.

For additional details on the Free Music Fridays concert series, including lineup updates, click here.

Governors America Corp. Hosts Six Students as Part of NEBA ‘Learn to Earn’ Program

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Daily News

AGAWAM — New England Business Associates (NEBA) created its Learn to Earn program both to help address the critical, growing need for employees in the manufacturing sector and to provide candidates with the tools and support they need for successful careers in this industry. Governors America Corp. (GAC), a veteran-owned, Massachusetts-based global manufacturer of innovative engine-control products, participates in this program and recently hosted six local students for a day of learning.

“We are passionate about helping the next generation sustain successful careers in the manufacturing sector,” Governors America Corp. President Sean Collins said. “Not only is this essential for the future of our communities and our country, but it opens career pathways for those who want to work in a hands-on field that can be very fulfilling.”

The goal of Learn to Earn is to place candidates in manufacturing positions that will allow them to earn a sustainable income, eliminate the need for public assistance, and foster growth and future promotions in the field.

During the five-hour event at GAC, students had the opportunity to tour the facility, speak with staff in a variety of roles, and learn about the various opportunities available within manufacturing. They saw how different manufacturing metal-cutting machines work and followed the process from raw material to finished part, then did a class metrology with the part. They also participated in developing a new process for packing using Lean manufacturing methodology.

“Our guests were all extremely enthusiastic about the experience, noting that it reinforced their training and the principles they are learning,” Collins said. “This was the first time for all of them visiting a manufacturing environment, and they expressed surprise at how pleasant a place it was, not noisy or dirty as they had imagined.”

Through Learn to Earn, students receive training in basic manufacturing skills from MassMEP, including shop math, blueprint reading, metrology, quality inspection, and shop-floor safety. They also receive employment support as needed.

“We are committed to helping to grow our future workforce,” said Marlene Woods, Human Resources manager at GAC. “In addition to participating in programs such as Learn to Earn, we have a robust internship program and hire people without experience and provide on-the-job training.”

Big E Packs Fairgrounds on Final Weekend, Including New Single-day Attendance Record

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Big E closed out its 17-day fair with a bang this past weekend, drawing 177,238 patrons on Saturday, Oct. 2 — the largest single-day attendance in the event’s history — followed by 118,582 on Sunday, Oct. 3, bringing the total 17-day attendance to 1,498,774.

That fell short of the all-time mark of 1,629,527 set in 2019, but was certainly robust enough to calm the fears of event organizers who worried about COVID-19 infection numbers, driven by the surge of the Delta variant, as mid-September approached.

“I have a fear … that the long arm of the government can suddenly change our lives — we lived through that in 2020, to be sure,” Big E President Gene Cassidy told BusinessWest in August, referring to last year’s first cancellation of the fair since World War II. “And the Eastern States Exposition is surviving on a very thin thread; we cannot withstand being shuttered for another fair because the vacuum that would occur in our economy is nearly three quarters of a billion dollars, and there’s no way that anyone is going to able to replace that.”

Signs were good, however, that attendance would be strong; Cassidy noted at the time that 2021’s advance ticket sales were running 80% higher than in 2019.

This year’s fair set attendance records on three other days as well; Sept. 21 drew the best first-Tuesday crowd ever (56,769), Sept. 26 was the best-ever second Sunday (136,512), and Oct. 1 was the best-ever third Friday (113,827).

Springfield College Promotes Joseph Tiraboschi to Deputy Chief

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Division of Finance and Administration announced that Lt. Joseph Tiraboschi has been promoted to Springfield College deputy chief.

Tiraboschi has been a member of the Springfield College Police Department since 2017, most recently serving as administrative lieutenant, where he supervised more than 40 personnel members, including officers and dispatchers. In addition, he managed all crime statistics, managed certification in accordance with the Massachusetts State Police, and directed all department policies and procedures.

“Although I’ve been working directly with Public Safety since July, I’ve had the chance to observe Joe’s work during my time in Student Affairs and was very impressed with his dedication, care, and commitment to students and the greater community,” Springfield College Associate Vice President for Administration Patrick Love said. “Now that I work more closely with him, I can see just how hard he works and his excellent leadership capabilities. His promotion is well-deserved, and Public Safety will benefit tremendously with having him in this position.”

Prior to his role as administrative lieutenant, Tiraboschi worked as detective sergeant, overseeing all criminal and non-criminal investigations, while also taking on the responsibilities of background investigator, internal-affairs investigator, and sexual-assault investigator. In addition, he was responsible for enforcing all U.S. Constitutional laws, Massachusetts General Laws, and Springfield College bylaws.

A 2013 graduate of the Massachusetts State full-Time Police Academy, Tiraboschi transitioned from a Springfield College Police Department dispatcher to a full-time police officer in 2013. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Springfield College in 2010, and he is currently on pace to earn his master’s degree in counseling from Springfield College in 2022.

Renaissance Investment Group to Open New Office in Downtown Lenox

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Daily News

LENOX — Renaissance Investment Group, LLC is joining the growing business community in downtown Lenox with a new office at 45 Walker St. The group will leave its current building in the Lenox Commons and plans to move into the Walker Street space in November. Mill Town Capital is the new owner of the building, acquiring the property last week.

“We are thrilled to bring life and energy to this property and be a part of Mill Town’s revitalization efforts in the area,” said Christopher Silipigno, CEO and managing director of Renaissance Investment Group. “We have viewed the downtown Lenox area as an extension of our office for some time and jumped at the opportunity to relocate there.”

Renaissance and Mill Town have agreed on a 10-year lease during which Mill Town will serve as the landlord for the building and will fund property improvements. Mill Town also owns and operates the Gateways Inn and Restaurant at 51 Walker St.

“This acquisition was an opportunity to expand our footprint in the area and create a meaningful relationship,” said Tim Burke, CEO and managing director of Mill Town. “We are excited to have the team at Renaissance Investment Group as a tenant and partner.”

Mill Town, an impact-investment firm based in Pittsfield, owns and operates numerous properties in the Berkshires as part of its efforts to expand and improve quality of life in the area. The firm focuses on making impactful business investments and community-development efforts.

“I’d like to commend Chris and Tim for their joint endeavor in putting this relationship together between two firms that care deeply about the Berkshires,” said Trevor Forbes, president of Renaissance Investment Group. “This building is a great location for Renaissance to build many years of successful growth and reinforces our commitment to Lenox and the Berkshires over the long term.”

Professional Drywall Construction Golf Tournament Raises $35,000 for Baystate Children’s Hospital

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Professional Drywall Construction Inc. (PDC), a commercial drywall company headquartered in Springfield, raised $35,000 during its fifth annual PDC Charity Golf Tournament, which was held on Sept. 9 at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke. All proceeds from the tournament were donated to Baystate Children’s Hospital.

“We were so excited to get back out on the links and raise money for an honorable cause like Baystate Children’s Hospital,” PDC co-owner Nick Shaink said. “Last year, things were a little different due to the pandemic, but this year we were able to have a full house come spend the day with us for a great cause.”

The tournament, which featured an 18-hole round of golf, lunch, and a dinner reception, drew 120 participants.

“PDC has always been about giving back in our own backyard, and no one deserves it more than the children in our community,” PDC co-owner Ron Perry said. “We hope the funds we were able to donate will assist with Baystate’s important work with the youth in our area.”

BusinessTalk with Lenny Underwood, owner of Underwood Photography and Upscale Socks

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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 82: Oct. 4, 2021

George Interviews Lenny Underwood, owner of Underwood Photography and Upscale Socks

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively, wide-ranging discussion with Lenny Underwood, owner of Underwood Photography and Upscale Socks. The two talk about both of those intriguing businesses — especially his ever-expanding sock line — and also about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, especially in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s must listening so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

 

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WNE’s Andrea Kwaczala Named Engineering Unleashed Fellow for 2021

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNE) College of Engineering Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering Dr. Andrea Kwaczala has been named an Engineering Unleashed 2021 Fellow by the Kern Foundation. The honor recognizes faculty for their contribution to engineering education, specifically entrepreneurial engineering.

“Dr. Kwaczala is truly an ambassador of excellence for your institution and is distinguished both through a Fellows Project and through interactions with the greater Engineering Unleashed community,” said Douglas Melton, program director for the Kern Family Foundation.

This grant will support the Making with Purpose Workshop Series. These are monthly hands-on events running throughout this academic year. The workshop is intended to introduce students to the entrepreneurial mindset in an inclusive community within the makerspace facilities within the College of Engineering. Some activities align with Kwaczala’s research in assistive technology, such as building rapid prototypes of body-powered prosthetic devices and low-tech assistive technology to improve activities of daily living. Other activities are geared toward understanding a product’s marketspace and learning about manufacturing in scale-up, such as glowing LED pumpkins for Halloween decor and laser-cut jewelry to sell at the holidays. The projects are intended to promote technical skills and coach students to use a growth mindset.

“I want to create a technical space on campus that is welcome to all people, designed specifically towards underrepresented people,” Kwaczala said. “I try to create a place where students can take risks, ask questions, and learn technical skills like soldering, using power tools, and constructing physical devices. I believe, when we use our skills to focus on products that make a difference in society, we can improve students’ engineering self-efficacy and help them to persist in engineering.”

Engineering Unleashed is a community of 3,800 faculty members from 160 institutions of higher education, powered by KEEN, a 50-partner collaborative that shares a mission to graduate engineers with an entrepreneurial mindset who are equipped to create societal, personal, and economic value. The Engineering Unleashed faculty-development workshops are elements of KEEN’s multi-institutional activities. Kwaczala is one of 27 individuals from institutions of higher education across the country to receive this distinction.

“Being named an Engineering Unleashed fellow shows Dr. Kwaczala’s passion for learning, teaching, and practicing the entrepreneurial mindset,” said Dr. Rob Gettens, chair of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Western New England University. “Dr. Kwaczala’s enthusiasm for engineering design and the Making with Purpose series is genuinely infectious. As a leader, Dr. Kwaczala teaches our students to be leaders themselves, gaining confidence in practical engineering and ‘making’ skills, and then spreading the entrepreneurial mindset beyond the university. Dr. Kwaczala is indeed a leader and innovator in engineering education.”

Through their home institutions, fellows are awarded a $10,000 grant that may be used in a number of ways: to advance their project/module, develop a new product/module, participate in conferences, support undergraduate student assistants, or pay for part of their salary.

The nomination and naming process began with Kwaczala’s initiative to participate in one of the many Engineering Unleashed faculty-development workshops. These workshops are designed and delivered by a collaborative group of subject-matter experts who serve as faculty members at more than 25 institutions. They attract faculty participants from across the country, focusing on the development and application of an entrepreneurial mindset whether in teaching and learning, research, industry, or leadership.

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts Hires New Development Director

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) announced the hiring of a new development director, William Dziura. He will work to plan and evaluate fundraising campaigns and activities; secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations; and develop further relationships with the community.

“We are thrilled to have William joining our team,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “We offer our programs at no cost to schools and community groups, meaning our fundraising efforts are paramount to our success, making this position a vital role within our organization. I believe, with his unique background and experience in education and giving, William will be very successful in this role.”

Dziura earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Elms College and a master’s degree in English literature from Trinity College. Most recently, he held the position of director of Annual Giving at the Elms, while simultaneously working as an adjunct professor. Prior to his career in fundraising, he worked as an eighth-grade English teacher at Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke, and director of Student Engagement and Leadership at the Elms.

“I am excited to help Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts realize a bold, 21st-century vision to benefit the children and young adults of Western Massachusetts,” Dziura said. “We owe it to today’s students to provide comprehensive workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial-literacy education. I am honored to be a part of an organization with over a 100-year track record of bringing these valuable programs to the local community.”

Uvitron International Receives ISO 9001 Certification

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Uvitron International Inc., a designer and manufacturer of high-performance UV light-curing systems and accessories, recently received ISO 9001 certification after demonstrating it met international standards of quality management and quality assurance.

“Since we were founded in 1993, we have earned a reputation for manufacturing and selling a quality product supported by a high degree of product knowledge,” said Eugene Mikhaylichenko, Uvitron’s Sales and Marketing director. “This certification underscores our efforts to continue to build on this strong foundation.”

Uvitron was established as a developer and manufacturer of switch-mode power supplies for light-curing systems, developing the first electronic arc lamp power supply. The company has since evolved into a total solutions provider of light-curing systems and accessories.

“We have distinguished ourselves in the industry as a dynamic and support-oriented company,” said Mikhaylichenko. “The electrical, optical, and mechanical design of all our products is performed in-house. Our experienced team includes engineers, programmers, technicians, and professional sales executives, all of whom are committed to providing our customers with a high degree of expertise.”

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, non-governmental, international organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems. ISO 9001 standards are based on seven quality management principles: customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making, and relationship management.

Florence Bank to Host Zoominar Event for Nonprofits in Hampden County

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Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank will host a Zoominar on Monday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 4 p.m. for nonprofits in Hampden County to introduce them to the bank’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program in hopes of helping them gain votes — and funds.

With branches located in West Springfield, Springfield, and Chicopee, bank leaders want organizations in Hampden County to be better acquainted with the innovative grant program so the bank can collaborate more fully in all the communities it serves.

“We want to help organizations get the most out of our program,” bank President and CEO Kevin Day said. “We are excited, too, about celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2022 and want to spread the word about how to help people in our midst.”

Leaders of nonprofits are invited to register for the event by Oct. 12 by e-mailing Erin Defoyd, Marketing Communications manager/officer, at [email protected]. Only those who have registered will receive the Zoom link to attend the webinar.

In 2020, almost 7,000 votes were cast through Customers’ Choice, and 32 nonprofits accepted a grant award in May; a total of $100,500 was handed out. Over 20 years, the bank has awarded $1.3 million to area nonprofits.

To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes from Florence Bank customers. The bank has a kit at www.florencebank.com/customer-choice-kit that nonprofits can use to strategize how to gain votes. The kit contains an information sheet on Customers’ Choice, a sample flyer to display, and a press release leaders can adapt and send to the media.

“We want to offer another layer of support to our neighbors in Hampden County, who may be unaware of the program, hence the idea to host the Zoominar,” said Monica Curhan, senior vice president and Marketing director at the bank. “We have some great tips for getting enough votes to qualify for a share of the $100,000 grant money, and we want to share them with organization leaders.”

Hampden County nonprofits who attend the Zoominar will be listed in a promotional piece to be handed to customers in the Hampden County branches from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, thereby increasing awareness of their organization and earning them more potential votes from Florence Bank customers.