2021 - Page 17 of 44 - BusinessWest

SERVPRO of Hampshire County Celebrates 25 Years in Community

By BusinessWest Staff August 17, 2021

Daily News

BELCHERTOWN — SERVPRO of Hampshire County, a cleanup and restoration company, is recognizing its 25th anniversary in the local business community.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the local community and celebrate this milestone with them. We take pride in being able to offer customers professional cleanup and restoration services,” said Kevin Fall, owner of SERVPRO of Hampshire County. “We look forward to continuing our service throughout Western Massachusetts.”

The company will celebrate its milestone with an open house on Thursday, Sept. 16 at its offices at 50 Depot St. in Belchertown. Fall has been in business since Aug. 16, 1996.

“SERVPRO is dedicated to the growth and development of our franchise teams. This milestone is a tribute to the hard work and effort of everyone at SERVPRO of Hampshire County. We are proud of them for reaching this accomplishment,” said Rick Isaacson, CEO of Servpro Industries, LLC.

SERVPRO clients include insurance companies seeking restoration services, as well as commercial and residential property owners who require routine cleaning services. With more than 50 years of experience, the SERVPRO system’s time-tested techniques and proprietary cleaning products have earned its franchises a spot as a leader in the restoration and cleaning industry.

SERVPRO of Hampshire County is capable of cleaning and restoring a fire-, mold-, or water-damaged building and its contents, including wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces; furniture; fabric; fixtures; and more. Many franchisees also offer cleaning and restoration of special items, such as HVAC duct systems; building exteriors; electronic equipment, including computers; and documents that have sustained water damage.

Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations in Support of Unify Against Bullying

By BusinessWest Staff August 17, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations at all its branches throughout Western Mass. to benefit Unify Against Bullying, whose mission is to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. The Springfield-based nonprofit organization provides grants to those who are in the best position to make a difference — children, parents, teachers, and administrators. Freedom Credit Union is accepting donations through Tuesday, Aug. 31.

“Bullying affects children of every shape, size, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or physical ability,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “We hope to raise funds this month to assist Unify Against Bullying in their important work of understanding and eradicating the stigmas surrounding differences that fuel the majority of bullying.”

Throughout August, Freedom Credit Union employees and members, as well as the community at large, are invited to make monetary donations at any Freedom branch or online at freedom.coop.

Unify Against Bullying works to provide grant funding for schools and other programs where individuals are on the frontlines of potential bullying every day. By providing added resources, they hope to promote awareness and acceptance and to show children that the days of ignoring or tolerating bullying are over. They hope to promote the celebration of differences and come together as one community.

“Not only is this a cause we are proud to support, but our West Springfield branch officer, Debra Mainolfi, is a member of the board of directors for Unify Against Bullying,” Welch said. “We are proud that so many of our employees are involved in organizations working to better our communities, and we’re honored to support them in any way we can.”

BusinessTalk with Mary Flahive Dickson, chief development officer and chief medical officer for Golden Years Homecare Services

By BusinessWest Staff August 16, 2021

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 75: August 16, 2021

George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Mary Flahive Dickson

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Mary Flahive Dickson, chief development officer and chief medical officer for Golden Years Homecare Services. The two talk about what has become a very serious workforce crisis in healthcare, the reasons behind it, the impact on area healthcare providers, and the outlook for the future. It’s must listening so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

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State Announces Federal Grant for Apprenticeships, Promotes Job-Training Investments

By BusinessWest Staff August 16, 2021

Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced a $4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand Massachusetts’ apprenticeship programs, with a focus on connecting women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities with these training and employment opportunities.

The administration also highlighted its $240 million proposal to provide additional funding to apprenticeships and other job-training programs as part of its $2.9 billion plan to invest a portion of Massachusetts’ federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act into urgent priorities. With federal pandemic-era enhanced unemployment benefits slated to expire for more than 300,000 workers the first week of September, the administration urged action on these workforce investments.

The new federal grant awarded to Massachusetts will connect an additional 500 individuals to employment through apprenticeship opportunities over the next four years, with a focus on high-demand fields like healthcare, clean energy, IT, and advanced manufacturing. These fields were also identified in the administration’s recently published Future of Work Report as areas of growth for Massachusetts over the next decade, with upwards of 300,000 to 400,000 workers potentially needing to transition to different occupations or occupational categories. These economic changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of the administration’s $240 million plan to scale up proven job-training programs like apprenticeships.

“Our administration has long seen the value of apprenticeships, launching a program several years ago to expand this model in the technology space, and this new federal grant is an affirmation of Massachusetts’ approach to promoting access to these training and employment opportunities,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “Through our plan to invest $240 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act into apprenticeships and other proven job-training programs, we’re proposing to do even more to connect workers with high-demand fields and good-paying jobs.”

WNEU School of Law Co-Hosts Workshop to Support Asian-American Women

By BusinessWest Staff August 16, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — More than 100 current and aspiring law professors participated in the inaugural Workshop for Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Women in the Legal Academy on Aug. 5-6. The event included workshops focused on professional development, scholarship, wellness, and Asian-American history.

The AAPI workshop was co-hosted by Sudha Setty, dean and professor of Law at Western New England University (WNEU) School of Law, along with Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, associate dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Samuel Weiss Faculty Scholar; clinical professor of Law; and director of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Penn State Law in University Park.

“I’m delighted that WNE University School of Law and Penn State Law in University Park have been able to partner on bringing this workshop to fruition,” Setty said. “Law schools have spent the last year focusing on anti-racism as a guiding principle in legal education, including what that means in terms of supporting historically excluded populations of students, staff, faculty, and administrators. This workshop is one important way in which we can engage in some of that work. The overwhelming, positive response to this workshop is evidence that it is much-needed and long overdue.”

In addition to providing inspiration, the workshop offered tangible support to individuals from populations that are historically underrepresented in the legal field.

“Watching this workshop turn from an idea to a space for Asian-American and Pacific Islander women to build community, share their scholarship, and navigate the challenges and complexity of identity in the legal academy has been a truly rewarding experience,” Wadhia said. “I am grateful to have collaborated with Dean Sudha Setty and our stellar planning committee in this historic workshop, and hope it inspires representation and inclusion of AAPI women in the legal academy for generations to come.”

Given the workshop’s success in its inaugural year, Wadhia said organizers hope it will be an annual event hosted by a rotating group of law schools across the country. Institutional support, she added, is key to making progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal academy.

“It is inspiring to see leaders in the legal field recognize the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the vast range of successes and contributions of Asian-American and Pacific Islanders in the legal profession,” said Dr. Maria Toyoda, WNEU’s senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “Opportunities of this kind bring people together to advance communal conversations and education, which results in healthy, inclusive, and compassionate cultures.”

Dam Upgrades, Repairs to Begin at Historic Springfield Armory Site

By BusinessWest Staff August 16, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield recently announced it is beginning the $3.6 million project to repair and upgrade the Watershops Pond Dam at the historic former Springfield Armory manufacturing site. GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc., a multi-disciplinary firm providing ecological, geotechnical, environmental, water, and construction-management services, designed and provided permitting support for this major infrastructure project.

Watershops Pond, which is created by the dam, is surrounded by several historic industrial buildings that were part of the Springfield Armory, the first federal armory and the primary manufacturing center for U.S. military firearms from 1794 until its closing in 1968.

Gardner Construction & Industrial Services Inc. of Chicopee was awarded the general contract to construct the improvements at this high-hazard-potential dam. One of the key elements of the dam-improvement project includes replacing the 65-year-old crest gate. The three-foot-tall, 105-foot-long, flap-like structure can be lowered in advance of major storms and hurricanes to release water and reduce the level of the pond to mitigate potential flooding and protect the safety of the dam and downstream areas. Several other measures will be implemented to bring the dam in compliance with Massachusetts dam-safety regulations and improve access to the gate-control house for city of Springfield personnel.

“One of GZA’s core values is caring for our communities,” GZA CEO Patrick Sheehan said. “As a longtime member of the Springfield community, we were proud to work with the city and Massachusetts regulators to design and permit the improvements for this important project, which will help to continue to protect thousands of residents while preserving a piece of American history.”

In additional to providing geotechnical and other engineering services, GZA worked with city officials to secure approvals for the project with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, MassWildlife, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Springfield Conservation Commission. The project is being funded through a $17 million grant the city was awarded in 2017 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s National Disaster Resilience Program.

In advance of construction, GZA has facilitated and overseen a controlled draw-down of the 200-acre pond for inspection of the dam and pre-construction activities. This has also allowed the city and others to inspect and repair infrastructure and remove trash, rubbish, and debris, some of which was deposited there by the 2011 tornado that struck Springfield and other Western Mass. communities.

Dam-safety engineering has been one of GZA’s core disciplines since the company’s founding in 1964. GZA has been involved in designing, constructing, inspecting, and performing seismic evaluations of more than 1,000 dams throughout the U.S., ranging from hydropower dams regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to former mill-pond dams, levee systems, and high-hazard water-supply dams.

Statewide Virtual Job Fair Slated for Aug. 16-20

By BusinessWest Staff August 16, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber has partnered with MassHire and the Baker-Polito administration on a statewide virtual job fair, the first of its kind. The event will be held Aug. 16-20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no cost to participate, and the online platform will allow employers to connect with candidates on the spot.

“We are working with our partners across the state and convening the chambers in our region to ensure that this opportunity is available to every business seeking talent and every resident seeking a job,” said Nancy Creed, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “I encourage you to take advantage of this unique recruiting opportunity to find the talent you need.”

Employers and job seekers can register at www.mass.gov/massachusetts-virtual-job-fair. The fair will focus on all industries on Aug. 16 and 19; manufacturing, professional services, and finance on Aug. 17; healthcare, hospitality, and education on Aug. 18; and information technology, building services, and others on Aug. 20.

Francine Berman to Joins UMass Amherst Faculty as Stuart Rice Honorary Chair

By BusinessWest Staff August 13, 2021

Daily News

AMHERST — Francine Berman, renowned data scientist, researcher, and co-founder of the Research Data Alliance, will join UMass Amherst’s College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) faculty this fall as a research professor and Stuart Rice Honorary Chair. She will work across the UMass campus to build and lead a new initiative in public-interest technology.

A leading researcher in the field of data science, Berman has focused her past work on the societal, ethical, and environmental impacts of information technology. Most recently, she has been working to ensure that the internet of things develops in ways that are beneficial for human society and the ecosystem, topics she explored as a 2019-20 Katherine Hampson Bessell Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. She currently serves as the Edward P. Hamilton Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

“Most people are part of the internet of things and don’t even realize it,” Berman said. “A Fitbit, a Tesla, your smartphone or pacemaker — all of these are connected, and they’re all gathering and sharing information.”

Most of the time, all that information-sharing makes our lives easier, but sometimes it doesn’t, as when our identities are stolen or when discriminatory pricing is tied to our surfing preferences, she explained. “Technology should be good for us. It should be controlled by us, not the other way around.”

At UMass Amherst, Berman will lead a new initiative focusing on public-interest technology. The initiative will blend teaching and research with hands-on practice and provide students, alumni, and the community with tools to reap the benefits and minimize the risks of the technological world we live in. This initiative will span the university’s Amherst and Mount Ida campuses, leveraging the Newton location for outreach and student experiential learning.

Berman’s academic expertise has translated to an extensive career in public service. A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she was appointed to the National Council on the Humanities in 2015. In recognition of her service-focused work, she was selected by the National Academy of Public Administration for inclusion in its 2020 class of Academy Fellows.

In 2012, she co-founded the Research Data Alliance (RDA), a community-driven international organization that builds global infrastructure to enable data sharing and data-driven research. Since its launch in 2012, RDA has attracted nearly 12,000 members from more than 130 countries and has built data infrastructure in use by groups and projects all over the world.

Berman has also served in academic leadership roles, including as vice president for Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center, and director of the National Science Foundation’s Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure, a consortium of 41 research groups, institutions, and university partners with the mission of developing national infrastructure to support data-intensive and computationally intensive applications.

Berman is a fellow of the Assoc. of Computing Machinery, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science. Before joining RPI, she taught at Purdue University as an assistant professor and at the University of California San Diego as a professor. She earned her master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Washington.

“I love the mission of public universities,” she said. “I’m excited to join the UMass community, where social responsibility is at the forefront of so many people’s work, from students to faculty to leadership. And CICS, with its mission of computing for the common good, will be a wonderful new home.”

MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board Partners with CareerVillage

By BusinessWest Staff August 13, 2021

Daily News

GREENFIELD — The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board announced a new partnership with CareerVillage (careervillage.org). This collaboration will connect Franklin County and North Quabbin youth to local community professionals and industry leaders, helping them achieve their career goals and building the next generation of leaders.

The MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board will build on its work to support youth career development by partnering with CareerVillage, a 501(c)(3) open-access platform where learners can ask any question about any career. Each question is matched to one of more than 90,000 working professionals volunteering their time on the site. The organization’s unique model has enabled it to serve more than 5.5 million students worldwide with personalized career advice.

“Our young people need better tools and resources to boost their level of career readiness,” CareerVillage founder Jared Chung said. “The vast majority of youth who use careervillage.org found us on their own while they were searching the internet for basic career information. I’ve always believed that the public sector and workforce boards have a role to play in the lives of young people. I look forward to working with the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board to reach and serve local youth as they prepare for their dream careers.”

As a MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board partner, CareerVillage will provide students with 24/7 access to career-planning activities and educators with free career curriculum and professional-development opportunities. This builds MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board leadership’s capacity to serve local youth and rallies the Franklin North Quabbin communities to engage in youth career development. By engaging entire ecosystems of localized support, CareerVillage helps students achieve financially stable careers and fortifies local economies.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring national expertise in a wide range of industries right to the doorways of our student population,” said Rebecca Bialecki, executive director of the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board.

For more information on CareerVillage, visit www.careervillage.org, or e-mail MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board School to Career Coordinator Laura Robinson at [email protected].

SBA Announces Plan to Further Aid Operators of Shuttered Venues

By BusinessWest Staff August 13, 2021

Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is announcing a call to all eligible Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) applicants seeking economic aid for live-entertainment small businesses, nonprofits, and venues. New applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 20. The SVOG program has so far awarded $8.4 billion in grants to more than 10,800 businesses to assist in getting the nation’s cultural institutions, which are critical to the economy and were among the first to shutter, back on track.

While the application portal will close to new applicants, the SBA will continue delivering economic aid to help venues recover by providing relief through the supplemental awards program. Later this month, the SBA will open the program for supplemental SVOGs for 50% of the original award amount, capped at a total of $10 million (initial and supplemental combined). Details will be announced at a later date.

Additionally, to ensure no eligible venue is left behind, the SBA is currently accepting, by invitation, applications for reconsideration of award amounts and appeals. This rare opportunity gives applicants a chance to prove their eligibility and reverse a prior decision. Should the need arise, the SBA may reopen the portal or make other adjustments to its plan to best meet the needs of small businesses.

“After making much-needed improvements to this vital program, we’ve made swift progress getting more than $8 billion in funds into the hands of more than 10,800 performing-arts venues and other related businesses — two-thirds of which employ less than 10 employees. These small businesses suffered disproportionate impacts from the pandemic and were often left out of early rounds of relief,” SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said. “However, we also know so many small businesses continue to struggle. That’s why, as this program nears the finish line, we’re providing additional funding options for our hardest-hit venues through our supplemental awards program, which will provide another critical lifeline to ensure businesses can reopen and stay open.”

SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to provide technical assistance with the SVOG application portal and can be reached at (800) 659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard of hearing, at (800) 877-8339. For additional information on SBA’s economic-relief programs, visit sba.gov.

Freedom Credit Union Announces Community Shred Day on Sept. 18

By BusinessWest Staff August 13, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union will once again to offer the opportunity for Western Mass. residents to securely purge unwanted paperwork. In cooperation with PROSHRED Springfield, Freedom is offering a free community shred day at two of its branches in Springfield and West Springfield.

The event is slated for Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. at 296 Cooley St. in Springfield, and from 11 a.m. to noon at 58 Union St. in West Springfield. The public is invited to bring old bills, bank statements, tax returns, and other sensitive documents for free, quick, and secure on-site shredding.

Members and non-members alike may bring up to five file boxes or paper bags (per vehicle) to the events. Masks are not required for those who are vaccinated.

Stearns Square to Host Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival on Aug. 14

By BusinessWest Staff August 12, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — 2021 marks the eighth season of Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, an annual celebration in the heart of Springfield produced by Blues to Green.

This festival has become a powerful expression of civic pride, uniting the region’s diverse cultural communities through music, art, education, and revelry. The event will feature 17 performers between 12:30 and 10:30 p.m., as well as pop-up food and beverage vendors. Admission is free, but reservations are required this year. Visit springfieldjazzfest.com for the full lineup and schedule, and to RSVP.

Statewide Virtual Job Fair Slated for Aug. 16-20

By BusinessWest Staff August 12, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber has partnered with MassHire and the Baker-Polito administration on a statewide virtual job fair, the first of its kind. To date, nearly 3,000 job seekers from across the Commonwealth have registered to participate.

The event will be held Aug. 16-20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is no cost to participate, and the online platform will allow employers to connect with candidates on the spot.

“We are working with our partners across the state and convening the chambers in our region to ensure that this opportunity is available to every business seeking talent and every resident seeking a job,” said Nancy Creed, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “I encourage you to take advantage of this unique recruiting opportunity to find the talent you need.”

Employers and job seekers can register at www.mass.gov/massachusetts-virtual-job-fair. The fair will focus on all industries on Aug. 16 and 19; manufacturing, professional services, and finance on Aug. 17; healthcare, hospitality, and education on Aug. 18; and information technology, building services, and others on Aug. 20.

Excel Dryer Welcomes Tammy Stone as Director of Global Sales

By BusinessWest Staff August 12, 2021

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer Inc., manufacturer of the XLERATOR hand dryer, recently welcomed a new director of global sales to its team. Tammy Stone joins Excel Dryer with more than a decade of experience and a worldly expertise unlike many in her field.

“When looking for someone who could head up our global sales, Tammy was the perfect fit,” said William Gagnon, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Excel Dryer. “In addition to speaking five languages, Tammy holds three degrees, two of which she received at overseas universities. She is knowledgeable, driven, and will share her vast expertise in business and global solutions with our team.”

Born in the Republic of Georgia, Stone moved to the U.S. as a teenager. A graduate of Carl von Ossietzky University in Germany, Tbilisi State University in Georgia, and the University of Illinois College of Law, she holds degrees in business and political science. In previous positions, she grew national and international sales, developed business-strategy plans, and led a team of employees focused on business-to-business activities.

“I am thrilled to take on this challenging and exciting new chapter with Excel Dryer,” Stone said. “This company made a name for itself creating quality products that are in use all over the world. I hope to further spread the message of value and excellence Excel has come to be known for.”

In her role at Excel Dryer, Stone will be responsible for managing and providing business-strategy plans for all business-to-business interactions, negotiating transactions, and working to increase domestic and international market share and build sales activity.

Asnuntuck, Town of Enfield Partner on Early-childhood Initiative

By BusinessWest Staff August 12, 2021

Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — The town of Enfield’s Family Resource Center, a division of the Enfield Department of Social Services, has partnered with Asnuntuck Community College’s Early Childhood Education program. In a creative collaborative program, the two partners are providing an educational experience at the Enfield Public Schools’ Stowe Early Learning Center to preschool-aged children who are entering preschool and kindergarten in the fall, and who have had a limited preschool experience due to the pandemic.

The summer program, currently underway, is three weeks long, and there are three classes of 16 children each going to kindergarten and two classes of 10 children each going to preschool. Funding for the program has come from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and is partially staffed by teaching assistants who are Asnuntuck students or recent graduates.

Administrators from the college and the town of Enfield recently participated in a walk-through tour of the program. Led by Amy Morales, the Family Resource Center coordinator for Enfield who has been coordinating this summer initiative, the group had an opportunity to peek inside the classrooms to see the children in the program.

Participating in the visit were Enfield Assistant Superintendent of Schools Andy Longey, Assistant Town Manager Kasia Purciello, Director of Social Services Cindy Guerreri, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives Jaclyn Valley, Chief Academic Officer Michelle Middleton, and Partnership Coordinator Amy Witbro; as well as Asnuntuck CEO Michelle Coach, interim Dean of Academic Affairs Teresa Foley, and Professor and Career Programs Department Chair Carol LaLiberte.

Business Confidence in Massachusetts Hits Three-year High in July

By BusinessWest Staff August 11, 2021

Daily News

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers rose to its highest level in more than three years last month as the state and national economies continued to expand despite renewed COVID-19 outbreaks.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index marked its 30th anniversary in July by rising 2.2 points to 65.6, some 20 points higher than a year ago.

The increase was driven by a strong outlook among manufacturers and a brightening assessment by all employers of current economic conditions.

Those conditions included an estimated 6.2% annualized growth in Massachusetts real GDP during the second quarter and a 6.5% annualized surge nationally as federal stimulus dollars and the availability of COVID vaccines stoked the economic recovery. The Massachusetts economy had grown at a 6.9% annual clip in the first quarter.

The Massachusetts unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in June as employers created 9,400 jobs.

“Every component of the Business Confidence Index rose during July, from employer assessments of their own business prospects to their hiring plans. Employers see the recovery gaining momentum despite the presence of the Delta variant of COVID-19. With the reopening of the Massachusetts economy, consumer spending is proving its resilience,” said Sara Johnson, chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and executive director of Global Economics at IHS Markit.

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

The constituent indicators that make up the Business Confidence Index were all positive during July. The confidence employers have in their own companies rose 3.0 points to 67.7, leaving it 20 points better than it was during the depths of the pandemic a year ago.

The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth increased 2.4 points to 66.0, up 17.2 points since July 2020. The U.S. Index measuring conditions nationally gained 0.1 point in July and 21.8 points for the year.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, gained 3.3 points to 66.6. The Future Index, measuring projections for the economy six months from now, rose 1.3 points.

Confidence among manufacturing companies increased 3.9 points to settle 18.1 points higher than its year-earlier level. Large companies (70.6) were more bullish than medium-sized companies (65.5) or small companies (59.1). Companies in Eastern Mass. (69.2) were significantly more confident than those in Western Mass. (61.7).

Alan Clayton-Matthews, professor emeritus of Economics and Public Policy at Northeastern University and a BEA member, said the American Rescue Plan Act and expansionist monetary policy continue to stimulate consumer demand and hiring by employers.

“Economic growth is expected to remain strong in the second half of the year, but there is a risk that rising COVID-19 Delta-variant cases could slow the recovery,” Clayton-Matthews said.

AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said the $1 trillion infrastructure bill moving through Congress should allow Massachusetts to make significant new investments in transportation, utilities, and power infrastructure. The bill contains $550 billion in physical infrastructure spending.

“Roads, bridges, power-delivery systems, and transportation are key elements of sustainable business growth,” Regan said. “The proposed spending plan will be another pillar of the recovery and has the added advantage of being funded by reallocating existing federal resources with no additional taxes.”

Keiter Corp. Donates $10,000 for Northampton Gift-card Promotion

By BusinessWest Staff August 11, 2021

Daily News

FLORENCE — Keiter Corp. has donated $10,000 to the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce for a promotion that will allow consumers to purchase a $25 Northampton gift card and receive $50 in actual spending power.

This investment by Keiter, aimed at helping to continue to boost the local economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be supplemented by a $2,500 contribution from the chamber’s Community Revitalization Fund, allowing for 250 of the double-valued, $25 Northampton gift cards to be sold.

Billed as a “Kickstart the Community with a Keiter Card” campaign, the promotion will launch on Thursday, Aug. 12. The $25 Keiter cards will be sold exclusively at the chamber offices at 99 Pleasant St., Northampton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Consumers must mention that they want a Keiter card, and the promotion applies only to $25 Northampton gift-card purchases. (A $50 gift card would not be valued at $100, for instance.) There is a limit of one card per customer, per transaction.

“We care about our community and where we live,” said Scott Keiter, founder and president of the Keiter Corp. “Our families are here. Our business is here. We saw this as an opportunity to raise awareness about our business in a way that benefits the local business community and consumers. We’re trying to reinvest in a different way.

“COVID-19 was not fair,” he added. “Some industries, people, and families were hit significantly harder than others. We see this as a way to help people get back out there and feel better about having a nice meal and spending some time in downtown Northampton. Let’s continue to build the positive energy downtown and support our business community.”

Based in Florence, Keiter has provided general-contracting and construction-management services in the Valley since 2010 for its commercial and residential projects.

Scott Keiter is a member of the chamber’s board of directors and its finance committee, so he is personally aware of the financial hit that local merchants took during the pandemic. Knowing the gift-card program has been successful, he thought an investment focused on it would be a win-win-win for his business, the chamber, and shoppers around the region who have also been hard-hit.

“We see this as a positive way to invest in our community,” he said. “Things are coming back to life. It’s another little piece of the puzzle — another piece of forward movement. We hope this is very successful and triggers a cascade of other organizations getting involved in doing similar things.”

The Northampton Gift Card is currently accepted at 65 restaurants, shops, and other establishments. Additionally, 25 Keiter cards will be given away via an online promotion on the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s website, gazettenet.com.

Businesses Pull Together to Help YMCA of Greater Springfield, Camp Weber

By BusinessWest Staff August 11, 2021

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The YMCA of Greater Springfield reached out to several local business for their help with upgrades at its Camp Weber in West Springfield this past year. Ondrick Materials & Recycling of Chicopee, Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding of South Hadley, and Eastman Chemical Co. of Springfield were among several businesses that, without hesitation, stepped up to help. Over the course of a few months this spring, various projects were completed to upgrade Camp Weber, including paving, new roofs, painting, landscaping, consulting, new equipment, and more.

The YMCA was also fortunate to receive donations and grant awards to help with other expenses on the project. In addition, some community friends came together and helped raise enough money to send nearly 300 kids to one-week sessions of camp.

“The YMCA of Greater Springfield is so appreciative of all the hard work and donations from everyone who came together to help us with many of the projects needed at Camp Weber and raising funds to send kids to summer camp, culminating this spring. It allowed us to open camp on a strong foundation, providing our campers and staff with a better Camp Weber than before the pandemic,” said Dexter Johnson, president and CEO. “Because of COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, we were not able to open Camp Weber last summer. It was a blessing in disguise because it gave us more time to plan and roll out our capital improvements at the camp. I would also like to thank Jean Gailun and her friends, who, for another year in nearly a decade, have raised funds to help send kids to camp.”

Among those who helped the YMCA make improvements at Camp Weber are Adam Quennville Roofing & Siding, anonymous donors, the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust, Big E Trust – Town of West Springfield, Construction Dynamics, Eastman Chemical Co., Excel Dryer, Graybar Electric Supply, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Kelly Building Group, Kittredge Foodservice Equipment & Supply, Noonan Energy, Nora Roberts Foundation, Ondrick Materials & Recycling, Szlachetka Dubay, P.C., West Springfield Rotary Club, and West Springfield Rotary District 7890.

New Community Center, Housing Coming to Carriage Grove

By BusinessWest Staff August 11, 2021

Daily News

BELCHERTOWN — MassDevelopment and the Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corp. (BEDIC) announced the selection of Brisa Ventures, LLC to develop a 12-acre parcel of land at Carriage Grove into a new mixed-income residential community featuring approximately 100 units of housing.

Brisa Ventures will also preserve and redevelop the existing former Belchertown State School administration building into a community center, museum, cultural space, meeting space, and either a restaurant, brewery, or distillery. Construction of the development is projected to begin by the end of 2022 and is expected to be complete within 18 to 24 months.

The sale of this BEDIC-owned parcel and building to Brisa Ventures will represent the first phase of a multi-phased, mixed-use project under negotiation with the company intended to include additional commercial, residential, and community-oriented investments.

“MassDevelopment’s partnership with the Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation has made significant strides in transforming the former Belchertown State School from an underutilized asset into a thriving mixed-use community,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s board of directors. “This new development marks another exciting step in that journey and will add about 100 much-needed units to the Commonwealth’s housing stock.”

Added MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera, “momentum breeds momentum, and it’s clear that the progress the town of Belchertown, the Belchertown Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, and MassDevelopment have made in breathing life back into the former Belchertown State School campus has paved the way for this landmark new development. MassDevelopment has been proud to be a strategic partner in the development of Carriage Grove. Brisa Ventures, LLC’s proposal to build about 100 mixed-income rental housing units, while preserving and transforming the existing former administration building into community space and a restaurant for the benefit of the public, stood out as the best next step for the community.”

The new rental housing units will be designed as a mix of two- and three-story apartment- and townhome-style residences and built to ultra-low energy-use standards; they are planned to use solar energy to meet net-zero energy use. The development will also include extensive common green areas with play areas, community gathering spaces, and pathways that connect the housing units to each other and to the neighboring trail network.

WSU’s Enrique Morales-Diaz Wins Latino Scholarship Fund’s Antonia Pantoja Award

By BusinessWest Staff August 10, 2021

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University (WSU) interim Dean of Faculty Enrique Morales-Díaz is the recipient of the Latino Scholarship Fund (LSF) of Western Massachusetts’ Antonia Pantoja Award, which honors people who contribute to the Latinx community through research and education. It was presented in June, during the organization’s 30th annual awards ceremony, held virtually.

The Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Massachusetts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting higher education within reach of college-bound students in the region.

Morales-Díaz leads Westfield State’s initiative to become a federally recognized Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) and chairs the University’s Racial Equity and Justice Institute Team. The HSI designation is part of a larger commitment by Westfield State to address systemic racism and inequities on campus, such as in its policies and practices. It also supports its efforts to become a student-ready, relationship-centered campus community that is fluent in understanding all of its students’ needs and that values their culture.

“To say that I was surprised to learn I have been bestowed the Antonia Pantoja Award is an understatement,” Morales-Díaz said. “Dr. Pantoja’s example is what I strive to emulate with my work on these highly important matters of inclusivity and accessibility.”

An activist for the Puerto Rican community in New York City, Pantoja is best known for establishing ASPIRA in 1961, a nonprofit organization that promotes education and advancement for Puerto Rican youth by providing clubs within schools, career and college counseling, advocacy for bilingual education, and other services.

In his introduction of Morales-Díaz, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Commissioner Carlos Santiago said he was delighted to celebrate the accomplishments of his former student from their days at the State University of New York Albany, where Santiago taught as a professor.

“I know Enrique well,” Santiago said. “His receipt of the Antonia Pantoja Award is very well-deserved for his contributions to the [Latinx] community and to Westfield State University.”

One of Morales-Díaz’ former students, LSF board member Derek Estrella, nominated him for the Antonia Pantoja Award.

“As a former student of Dr. Morales-Díaz, I had the opportunity of getting to know his deep commitment to the Latinx community and, more specifically, this community at Westfield State University,” said Estrella, who graduated from WSU in 2019. “Dr. Morales-Díaz has always taken an initiative to be involved with Latinx students who are trying to navigate their collegiate careers.

“In addition to serving in various mentorship roles, he has pioneered many conversations surrounding intersectionality of being queer and Latinx,” Estrella added. “For these reasons — and many more — I am delighted to have advocated for Dr. Morales-Díaz as a more-than-deserving recipient for the Antonia Pantoja Award.”

Mark Fuller Named UMass Dartmouth Chancellor

By BusinessWest Staff August 10, 2021

Daily News

BOSTON — Mark Fuller, who has served as interim chancellor of UMass Dartmouth since January, was named permanent chancellor. He has served in the interim capacity since January, following nine years as dean of the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management, which rose to national prominence under his leadership, and three years as UMass Amherst vice chancellor for Advancement.

“Over the last seven months, Dr. Fuller has proven himself to be a good listener, a passionate advocate, a sincere collaborator, and a strategic, common-sense decision maker,” UMass President Marty Meehan said when recommending Fuller to the UMass board of trustees. “He has been tested by the pandemic and all of the challenges it has created. He has responded with focus and grace, always keeping the well-being of students, staff, and faculty front and center. As a first-generation college student who worked his way through school, he understands the challenges today’s students face and is tireless in helping them succeed. I look forward to working with Mark to advance the UMass Dartmouth mission.”

Robert Manning, who chairs the UMass board of trustees, added that, “with his breadth and depth of experience, his perspective as a first-generation college student, and his track record of success, Mark Fuller is the ideal leader to serve as chancellor of UMass Dartmouth at this pivotal moment. Dr. Fuller will bring the stability and results-driven focus needed for UMass Dartmouth to excel on a rapidly changing higher education landscape.”

Fuller spent 12 years in the UMass system prior to being named interim chancellor in January, including nine transformative years at Isenberg, which is now ranked as the number-one public undergraduate business program in the Northeast by U.S. News & World Report. Isenberg’s online MBA program rose to the top ranking in the nation, and third in the world, according to the Financial Times. With an alumni base of 60,000 (similar to that of UMass Dartmouth), the annual giving to the Isenberg School increased from $2 million to $10 million on Fuller’s watch.

As vice chancellor for Advancement for three years, he was a key player in redesigning UMass Amherst’s Advancement activities and building greater coordination between alumni communications, engagement, and fundraising.

“I am honored by the trust that President Meehan, Chair Manning, and the board of trustees are placing in me,” Fuller said. “Over the last seven months, I have been inspired by the students, faculty, and staff of UMass Dartmouth and by the people and civic leadership of the SouthCoast. I’m excited about the spirit of collaboration, inclusion, perseverance, and innovation that I have found in confronting the challenges posed by the pandemic and in creating new cultural and economic opportunity across the region. These are qualities that are critical to sustaining an environment of learning and discovery. I look forward to making the SouthCoast my home and accelerating the work we have started for our students and the community.”

Prior to joining the UMass system, Fuller was a professor and department chair at Washington State University for nine years and began his career in academia with eight years at Baylor University. His research interests are especially relevant to today’s world, including technology-supported learning, distance education, and teamwork in technology-mediated environments. His teaching interests include executive education, leadership, information-systems strategy, e-commerce, change management, and project management.

GCAi Dodges Raindrops to Help Westmass Launch New Digital Presence

By BusinessWest Staff August 10, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Generally, unless there’s a power outage, the weather does not impact digital production. But this year, all the rules were thrown out the window. While snowflakes were still flying during GCAi’s planning phase for the new Westmass Area Development Corp. website, it was both the heat and wet weather that proved to be challenging while capturing the high-quality visuals that the project required.

The critical component of the project was Westmass’ expansion of its traditional development role. The method to achieve success would be to get that expansion documented through not only text, but video interviews, high-quality images of past and current projects, and even drone video, scheduled carefully to miss the aforementioned raindrops.

“For decades, Westmass has sought to benefit the communities and residents in our region through the development of business and industrial parks,” said Jeff Daley, president and CEO of Westmass. “Today, it is our continued goal to help provide communities and private developers with the tools and resources they need to do smart development. The new website allows us to showcase the exciting projects Westmass is undertaking, as well as promote our efforts to advance real-estate and economic-development opportunities throughout Western Massachusetts for years to come.”

News of the ongoing production leaked before the launch, and what Westmass was up to, as well as some of the businesses and projects impacted by its work, could not be contained. The GCAi Digital PR team helped coordinate coverage, which resulted in the article “Westmass Strives to Become a More Impactful Force in Economic Development” in BusinessWest.

GCAi has now turned the keys to the new website over to the Westmass team, who continue to make updates and add content from their new offices in Monarch Place, adjacent to GCAi’s new perch in Tower Square.

AIC to Offer Two Cannabis Programs Online

By BusinessWest Staff August 10, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Since its launch in the fall semester of 2020, the American International College (AIC) master of science program in Cannabis Science and Commerce has been an online degree program. Beginning this fall semester, the Micro Emerging Markets: Cannabis certificate program will additionally be offered fully online.

The MS program in cannabis science and commerce, a 30-credit graduate program, is designed for individuals interested in a career in the cannabis industry, providing students with an understanding of the science, business, and legal issues associated with the industry. The program offers education in the areas of basic science, including chemistry, horticulture, cultivation, uses, and delivery systems; business management, marketing, and operations; and federal and state laws and policies.

The Micro-Emerging Markets: Cannabis certificate program offers three business courses in rotation. There are no prerequisites to enroll other than a high-school diploma or GED equivalency. Non-matriculated students are welcome to enter the program.

The first course of the certificate program, “Cannabis Entrepreneurship,” examines customer groups, products, and services in the recreational market. The effect of price, quality, and competitors will be explored relative to competing effectively. This will involve key components of the industry, including legal aspects, business models, financing, and marketing.

In “Cannabis Business Operations,” students will analyze the evolving cannabis marketplace and investigate the complexities and challenges of this sector. This course will conduct an in-depth look at the key components of different business types, how the sector is evolving, starting and operating a cannabis business, in addition to financial constraints, investments, and strategic marketing in the industry.

The final course of the certificate tackles “Law and Ethics of Cannabis,” which examines the legalization of cannabis. Discussion around the legal and ethical implications of cannabis use, its legalization, criminal activity, and marketing will be explored, in addition to perspectives of law enforcement, business owners, and recreational uses.

According to the 2021 jobs report issued by Leafly, the world’s largest cannabis website, 321,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across 37 states were supported by legal cannabis as of January this year. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have now legalized adult recreational-use marijuana, including Connecticut, the latest state to legalize recreational cannabis this June. The cannabis job growth in 2020 represented a doubling of the previous year’s U.S. job growth. In 2019, the cannabis industry added 33,700 new U.S. jobs for a total of 243,700. Despite a year marked by a global pandemic, spiking unemployment, and economic recession, the legal cannabis industry added 77,300 full-time jobs in the U.S. That represents 32% year-over-year job growth.

“American International College is excited to offer both a graduate-level program that offers courses focused on developing business acumen in a field that is experiencing a meteoric rise and a certificate program that is a business-based offering that provides courses in a developing field,” said Susanne Swanker, AIC’s dean of the School of Business, Arts and Sciences. “AIC is positioning itself to be an educational leader in this rapidly emerging market that offers entrepreneurial and employment and opportunities for the future.”

For more information regarding these programs, visit www.aic.edu/cannabis.

BusinessTalk with Tara Brewster, Vice President of Business Development for Greenfield Savings Bank

By BusinessWest Staff August 9, 2021

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 74: August 9, 2021

George O’Brien talks with Tara Brewster, Vice President of Business Development for Greenfield Savings Bank

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Tara Brewster, Vice President of Business Development for Greenfield Savings Bank and one of five finalists for BusinessWest’s coveted 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award. The two talk about her work, but especially her involvement in the community, her latest assignment as radio talk host, and her life as a self-described “recovering entrepreneur.” It’s must listening so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

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Baystate Medical Center Names Interim President, Interim Chief Nursing Officer

By BusinessWest Staff August 9, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A respected healthcare professional with more than 30 years of clinical leadership, Frank Cracolici, has been named interim president of Baystate Medical Center. Meanwhile, Joanne Miller, who has more than 30 years of hospital-operations experience, has been named interim chief Nursing officer (CNO).

Cracolici has an extensive background in leading hospitals and most recently served as senior advisor to the CEO of Morton Hospital, a member facility within the Steward Health Care System, a $7 billion system comprised of 36 hospitals with more than 40,000 employees. He was responsible for the day-to-day operations for the 125-bed hospital located in Central Mass., which includes 440 physicians and 730 associates, an active Emergency Department with more than 45,000 visits per year, 5,500 inpatient discharges, and an operating budget of $125 million.

Previously, Cracolici was president and CEO of St. Vincent Medical Center, part of Verity Health System, in Los Angeles, where he was responsible for all strategy, hospital operations, and ambulatory services for the 366-bed hospital. He has also held leadership roles as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and then president and CEO, at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, where he was responsible for the oversight of 1,000 inpatient beds and strategic planning for all clinical and operational departments of the dual campus hospital center and level 1 trauma center.

Cracolici is a Johnson & Johnson fellow from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania and has a master of professional studies degree in health services administration and a bachelor’s degree in business and health services administration from the New School for Social Research in New York City. He earned his diploma of nursing at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center School of Nursing in Englewood, N.J.

For 19 years, Miller served as senior vice president, Patient Care Services; vice president, Surgical Services; chief Nursing officer, and interim CEO in both major academic health systems and community-based hospitals.

Most recently, she served as CNO/vice president at Carson Tahoe Health in Carson, Nev., and interim CEO/CNO at Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter, Fla. She was also CNO/vice president, Patient Care Services at Johns Hopkins Medicine/Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. In this capacity, she led the development, implementation and evaluation of nursing-practice and patient-care standards across the acute-care hospital, ambulatory sites, and its skilled-nursing and assisted-living facilities. She held system nursing leadership roles to foster collaboration and promote peer learning to improve quality and the patient experience.

Miller holds a doctorate in executive nursing practice from Drexel University, a master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Hartford, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mount Saint Mary College. She is a Malcolm Baldridge executive fellow.

She is a strong champion for safety, quality, and patient and staff experience, and has a proven track record in value-based purchasing measurements. She also brings to Baystate her expertise in lean innovation and the Pathway to Excellence/Magnet journey.

Giombetti Associates to Offer Workshops to Help Students, Parents Apply to College

By BusinessWest Staff August 9, 2021

Daily News

WILBRAHAM — Giombetti Associates, a leadership institute providing behaviorally based talent development and acquisition services, will host a series of Common Application Workshops to assist students and their parents in the process of applying to college. The first two sessions will take place Wednesday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Giombetti Associates office, 2377 Boston Road, Unit 2, Wilbraham. Only four students will be admitted to each session, allowing for more personal attention.

“Applying to college may be the most stressful thing teenagers have had to face in their young lives,” said Ross Giombetti, president of Giombetti Associates. “We get a lot of questions and concerns about the application process through our work with student career coaching. Our hope is that these workshops can serve as a resource for families working through the process, offering support, guidance, and expert knowledge.”

During the two-hour workshop, student career coach and college-application expert Laura Lucarelle will walk students through the process step by step, answering questions and offering advice tailored specifically to their situation along the way. Lucarelle offers more than 25 years of experience counseling a wide range of students and families. She worked for eight years in higher education as an admissions counselor, where her responsibilities included reviewing applications and visiting high schools to represent the college and recruit students.

“Laura has dedicated much of her life to helping students achieve their dreams,” Giombetti said. “Her first-hand knowledge of the higher-education system will be an asset to anyone who takes this workshop. The intimate nature of these events will help students get one-on-one attention with a professional who has been in the position to admit students into college, and who specializes in making the college-application process easier and even enjoyable.”

To register for the workshop or for more information, e-mail [email protected].

MCLA Offering College Classes to High-school Students Via Student Diplomacy Corps

By BusinessWest Staff August 9, 2021

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education worked this summer with Student Diplomacy Corps (SDC) to offer college classes to 101 high-school students from 15 U.S. states and four different countries, including two from Berkshire County.

The program, which provides full scholarships for high-school students, lets participants select from 10 college-credit courses, from public health to sociology and culture, ecology, history, literature, and music. In addition to coursework, MCLA provided guest speakers, including current students, to connect with SDC students about the benefits of a liberal-arts education. While all SDC courses were delivered online this summer, a future residential program is planned.

The Student Diplomacy Corps creates opportunities for high-school students from underserved populations to access free summer programs that build college readiness and foster empathy. Learn more at sdcorps.org.

“The Student Diplomacy Corps has offered an outstanding program this summer that MCLA has been proud to support,” said Paul Petritis, associate dean for Graduate and Continuing Education. “With a rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty, and an international focus, SDC is a remarkable organization doing wonderful work, and we look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

Healthcare Career Open House to Be Held at Asnuntuck on Aug. 18

By BusinessWest Staff August 9, 2021

Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Are you looking for a career in the healthcare field? Asnuntuck Community College will hold a virtual Healthcare Career Open House on Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will showcase a number of in-demand careers, various short-term certification programs, and expert instructors.

Participants can learn about healthcare-career certificates and potential SNAP scholarships. Fifteen different non-credit career programs are available at Asnuntuck, including medical billing and coding, certified inpatient coder, certified pharmacy technician, CNA/certified patient care technician, emergency medical technician, electrocardiogram technician, dental assistant, sterile processing technician, ophthalmic assistant, veterinary assistant, esthetician, nail technician, personal trainer, as well as cosmetology and medical interpreter programs.

The college has designed a state-of-the-art facility for its cosmetology program, where students are receiving hands-on cosmetology and hairdressing education.

Registration is not required. Visit asnuntuck.edu/courses-programs/healthcarepersonalservices to register. For more information regarding programs, call (860) 253-3010.

Coca-Cola to Close Northampton Bottling Plant in 2023

By BusinessWest Staff August 6, 2021

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Coca-Cola announced it will close its bottling plant at 45 Industrial Dr. in Northampton in the summer of 2023, leaving its 319 employees to find new jobs, a move Mayor David Narkewicz told the Daily Hampshire Gazette “will be a significant economic loss for the city of Northampton.”

“After careful consideration, the Coca-Cola Company has decided to close our production facility in Northampton, Massachusetts,” the company, headquartered in Atlanta, said in a statement. “We did not make this decision lightly and are grateful to have had the opportunity to have been a part of the Northampton community.”

The statement added that workers “will be encouraged to apply and be considered for jobs that they are qualified to perform within the Coca-Cola system and at other third-party manufacturer locations. The facility is targeting closure in the second quarter of 2023, and we will support our associates throughout the challenging transition.”

After a conference call with company representatives, Narkewicz said the closure is tied to a corporate restructuring plan that will also shut down a plant in California, the Gazette reported.

Zaida Govan Named VP of Youth Services at Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services

By BusinessWest Staff August 6, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc. (MLKFS) appointed Zaida Govan as vice president of Youth Services. She will direct all educational programming, including after-school, summer, and college-readiness programs.

“The needs of the youth in our community have increased greatly,” said Ronn Johnson, president and CEO of MLKFS. “Zaida will help us to carry on the vision of Dr. King and respond to those needs. While our core focus remains the Mason Square community, the need has grown, and the people we serve come from all neighborhoods, even beyond the borders of the city of Springfield.”

Govan is a licensed clinical social worker and an accomplished community organizer who has worked with the Mason Square Health Task Force and its Drug Free Communities efforts. Her community work also includes serving as a board member of Wellspring Cooperative Corp. and Wellspring Harvest Greenhouse, as well as a board member of the League of Women Voters of Northampton. She is president of the Indian Orchard Citizens Council and president of the Springfield Community Land Trust, whose mission is to bring permanent, affordable housing to Hampden County. She also started community-garden efforts in both the Indian Orchard and Mason Square neighborhoods.

Govan attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Springfield College, including a master’s degree in social work and human services.

Associated Industries of Massachusetts Welcomes Karen Wallace

By BusinessWest Staff August 6, 2021

Daily News

BOSTON — Karen Wallace has joined Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) as executive vice president of Marketing. She will develop and lead strategies to support expansion of the association and implement AIM’s belief that business can be a positive force for change in creating a better, more prosperous Commonwealth.

A native of Springfield, Wallace was most recently a consultant to Northeastern University Khoury College of Computer Sciences, the Northeastern University College of Professional Studies, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. She previously spent more than 20 years in marketing positions at Fidelity Investments, including as senior vice president of Marketing, Communications, and Branding. She has also held senior marketing positions at MFS Investment Management and Sun Life. She brings a strong capacity for using data to drive marketing and business growth.

Wallace earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Simmons University in Boston. She has completed professional-development courses at MIT Sloan School, Harvard Business School, and Tuck School at Dartmouth College. She serves as a board member for the Boston Children’s Chorus and is a member of the National Black MBA Assoc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

MCLA to Receive $1.9 Million in ARP Funding to Distribute to Students

By BusinessWest Staff August 6, 2021

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA will receive $1.9 million to distribute directly to enrolled students from Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) that are part of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP).

One of the largest investments ever made in American higher education, ARP allocates $40 billion to colleges in order to mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A third round of pandemic relief for higher-education institutions, the ARP funds are more than double the first two COVID recovery packages combined. HEERF funding, which exists under the umbrella of ARP, is meant specifically for students.

MCLA students with the highest need, demonstrated via FAFSA information, will receive the majority of this funding, but all enrolled students will receive a check or the option to use the funds to pay off student debt or pay for future semesters of college.

The first disbursement of funds will be to MCLA undergraduates and graduate students who are enrolled for summer classes as well as for the fall 2021 semester. The next disbursement will be to students enrolled for fall 2021. The remainder of this funding will be disbursed to enrolled students in spring 2022.

Bonnie Howland, MCLA’s director of Student Financial Services, said she has heard from many MCLA students who are helping support their families, have lost jobs, or lack internet access at home. This funding can help pay for expenses so that students can stay enrolled in college while they deal with other emergencies brought on by COVID.

“It’s designed to help students stay in school throughout the pandemic,” Howland said. “I think we’re going to feel the effects of the pandemic for at least the next couple of years.”

Girls Inc. Awarded $10 Million as Part of Equality Can’t Wait Challenge

By BusinessWest Staff August 5, 2021

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc., the national organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold, has received $10 million in funding as one of four awardees selected by the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge to benefit its Project Accelerate program. Project Accelerate aims to expand the power and influence of women in the U.S. by 2030.

Building on Girls Inc.’s evidence-based programming, Project Accelerate addresses inequality in the workplace, particularly the absence of women of color in positions of influence and leadership. The program will accelerate young women’s trajectories through college and career entry, leveraging partnerships with corporations and social-impact organizations to ensure both their preparation and their access to positions of influence. Project Accelerate will also reduce the gender gap by working with young women starting as early as their junior year in high school to ensure they have the resources and support to thrive as leaders. Through a network of 78 affiliates, including here in the Pioneer Valley, Project Accelerate aims to lift 5,400 diverse women into corporate positions of power and influence, shifting the equity landscape for generations.

“The $10 million in funding secured by Girls Inc. National for Project Accelerate from the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge will be instrumental in addressing and dismantling gender inequalities in the workplace,” said Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley. “We are so thrilled for our national organization and the affiliates all over the country who will be piloting the program over the course of the next year, and we look forward to rolling out Project Accelerate at Girls Inc. of the Valley in the future.”

Project Accelerate will prepare thousands of young women leaders not merely to succeed in workplace environments, but also to affect cultural change from within. Expected outcomes include an increased number of young women graduating on time, an increased network of influence for girls from historically marginalized groups, and job placement in high-paying positions of leadership. In doing so, women will acquire the means and the opportunity to elevate their status, as well as their families, neighborhoods, communities, and organizations.

“A generation of bold young women stands ready to lead change in the world. Yet entrenched, inequitable systems prevent them from having the opportunities and resources they need to succeed,” said Girls Inc. President and CEO Stephanie J. Hull. “Girls Inc. is proven to make a positive difference in the lives of girls. Support from the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge for Project Accelerate extends the proven Girls Inc. experience through college and into early careers. The investment also supports change in the companies that employ these young leaders. In its insistence on justice and equity for women, Project Accelerate advances equality for all.”

The Equality Can’t Wait Challenge, which launched in 2020, is the first competition centered on gender equality in the U.S. with an award of this magnitude and represents an opportunity to invest in and empower women leaders who bring a wide range of lived experiences to their work to advance women’s power and influence in the U.S.

The Markens Group Adds NEFMA as Client, Hires Three New Employees

By BusinessWest Staff August 5, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Markens Group (TMG) recently announced the addition of the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. (NEFMA) to its comprehensive list of clients and expanded its team by hiring three new employees.

The Markens Group, an association-management company located in Springfield, now has a 15-person staff that serves clients ranging from local societies and membership organizations to national not-for-profits. Its new client, NEFMA, based in Massachusetts, provides personal- and professional-development opportunities to financial marketers through educational meetings and networking opportunities.

“NEFMA is thrilled to partner with the Markens Group. We’re excited for them to showcase their expertise, implement strategy, identify trends, and overall help our association learn and grow,” said Shelley Regin, board president of the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. and senior vice president of marketing at Country Bank, headquartered in Ware.

New TMG staff members include Michelle Everard, who serves as director of programs and events; Brandy Swanson, who serves as an accountant; and Lauren Martin, who serves as communications manager. The Markens Group’s community-first approach to business is driven by its inclusive team and client collaboration that fosters brighter communities and deeper engagement.

“TMG was founded over three decades ago to help organizations thrive and create connected communities. Today, we’re thrilled to be in a dynamic place with continuous growth and expansion,” said Ben Markens, founder and president of the Markens Group. “We’re excited to be working with NEFMA and look forward to helping them with their programs and communication efforts. With the addition of new clients also comes more talent, and we feel fortunate to welcome Michelle, Brandy, and Lauren to our team.”

Market Mentors Welcomes Pam Soisson as New Director of Agency Operations

By BusinessWest Staff August 5, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors, the region’s largest marketing, advertising, and public-relations agency, announced the addition of a director of Agency Operations, Pam Soisson, a 30-year marketing veteran. This new position was created to provide guidance and day-to-day oversight as the agency grows.

“Pam brings a wealth of experience to this role,” company President Michelle Abdow said. “We are thrilled that she agreed to join our team and has already made a strong impact. She’s extremely methodical, seeking order and ways to improve efficiencies in process and procedures. This mindset, paired with leadership experience, makes her an especially effective member of our management team.”

Soisson most recently served as vice president of Marketing Strategy for Rebel Interactive Group in Southington, Conn. At Market Mentors, she is responsible for the development and success of both the agency’s team members and the agency itself.

With her strategic-planning acumen, Soisson prides herself on asking better questions to get to the heart of issues. “I love getting to the root of challenges so that we can develop the best solutions that lead to client growth,” she said. “I’m delighted to join the team of creative professionals at Market Mentors. They truly extend themselves to provide every client with exceptional service.”

Partner Consulting Joins Pixel Health Family of Companies

By BusinessWest Staff August 5, 2021

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Partner Consulting has been acquired by Massachusetts-based Pixel Health as part of the company’s continued expansion of its national healthcare technology ecosystem. Headquartered in Middlefield, Conn., Partner joins VertitechIT (infrastructure design and implementation), Nectar (digital health strategy consulting), baytechIT (managed services), Liberty Fox Technologies (software-application development) and akiro (healthcare financial and business-advisory services) as part of the Pixel Health brand.

Turning ordinary phone systems into a unified communications tool with bottom-line impact on productivity and collaboration has been the hallmark of Partner Consulting for more than two decades. With experience in assessment, design, implementation, and management of unified communications, mobility, contact-center, and telecom expense-management methodologies, Partner consultants work with healthcare systems, Fortune 500 businesses, utility companies, and state governments in the sourcing and management of telecommunications and mobility platforms.

“Improving unified communications is of primary concern for major health systems nationwide,” Pixel Health President Brad Mondschein said. “Partner Consulting’s expertise fits perfectly with our growth plans and our intention to become an all-inclusive provider of technology advice, workflow and process design, and infrastructure-implementation services in the healthcare industry.”

Partner Consulting will continue to service healthcare and enterprise clients from its Connecticut headquarters. Pixel Health is based in Western Mass., with consulting offices in Philadelphia and central Pennsylvania, Vermont, Florida, Tennessee, and Washington.

“The Pixel Health message is all about taking a comprehensive view of where IT and people come together,” Partner Consulting President Barry O’Brien said. “We’ve collaborated with Pixel Health companies for many years at Baystate Health, Lancaster General, and Temple University Health System, to name a few. Now, we can formalize the partnership.”

Annual Excel Golf Tournament to Benefit the Children’s Study Home

By BusinessWest Staff August 5, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Registration is still open for the 33rd annual Excel Golf Tournament to benefit the Children’s Study Home on Friday, Aug. 13. This is the second year the tournament will be held at the Country Club of Wilbraham. Registration and breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. The day will conclude with a cocktail hour, dinner, speaker, awards, and raffles.

In supporting this year’s tournament, sponsors and participants will provide the opportunity for the Children’s Study Home to improve its residential treatment services for children with mental-health needs.

“These are good kids who have been through some bad things,” explained Yamilca Nogue, director of Community Relations & Development. “Sponsorships will help us incorporate sensory designs into our trauma-informed spaces with therapeutic items, facility improvements, and program enhancements such as therapeutic activities, field trips, and other unfunded resources.”

Sensory and other adaptive toys, games, furniture, room designs, and resources help children and adolescents feel safer, calmer, and often more able to engage or self-manage their behaviors. As a trauma-informed organization, the Children’s Study Home knows that many children are affected by recent trauma, anxiety, attention deficit, depression, and other behavioral-health or sensory issues that, when unresolved, can affect and limit life functions, such as social skills, academic development, and behavior management, among others.

This year’s event will also include a keynote speech by Bruce Dixon, CEO of Tech Foundry and an award-winning innovator, social entrepreneur, adventurer, storyteller, and self-described performance geek. His insatiable curiosity and zest have led him to trekking around the globe and engaging in an eclectic array of vocations including professional sports, financial-services management, leadership development, organizational behavior, career coaching, and social-venture leadership.

Top sponsors of this year’s tournament include Excel, Gyre9, Health New England, and PeoplesBank. To register, attend, or donate to the cause, visit bit.ly/CSHgolf21 or contact Yamilca Nogue at (413) 739-5626 or [email protected].

City of Springfield to Acquire Main Street Properties for Economic Redevelopment

By BusinessWest Staff August 4, 2021

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield and the Springfield Redevelopment Authority (SRA) announced they will utilize funding designated for eligibility of economic development from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to acquire properties for redevelopment in alignment with the Main Street and Convention Center Master Plan.

The properties that the city and SRA will purchase are 113-115 State St., 1139-1155 Main St., and 11-21 Stockbridge St. In 2019, all of the properties were put under the control of Freedom Credit Union and participatory lenders. Due to the city’s concerns that potential investors would not invest in or appropriately tenant them, Mayor Domenic Sarno and Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan reached out to Freedom Credit Union to discuss plans to acquire the properties for redevelopment.

The assessed value for the properties are $1,318,900 for 113-115 State St., $2,105,000 for 1139-1155 Main St., and $303,400 for 11-21 Stockbridge St. The properties were listed for sale for $5 million, and the city and SRA will purchase them for $2,750,000.

“This investment will greatly benefit my administration’s vision of enhancing our downtown district and ensures that that these key properties will not be underutilized or underdeveloped by questionable investors who would have no intentions of properly investing in our city and finding appropriate tenants for this prime real-estate area,” Sarno said.

Sheehan added that the proactive acquisition of these properties has thwarted the adverse impacts of further speculative investment in the real estate surrounding MGM Springfield from occurring, and will ensure that these properties will be reintroduced to the market in a manner consistent with their importance to the economic vitality of the area immediately surrounding the casino, as well as the development objectives of the Main Street and Convention Center Master Plan, as approved by the City Council.”

From May to October 2020, the city conducted extensive due diligence on the buildings and in May 2020 signed a letter of intent to acquire the properties. In June 2020, the SRA approved the purchase and sale agreement, and in July 2020, the agreement was executed. Currently, the city is in a 90-day due-diligence period prior to closing. The SRA will be the owner on record for these properties.

The Dowd Agencies Restructures Financial-services Division

By BusinessWest Staff August 4, 2021

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Dowd Agencies, LLC, a leading insurance provider serving New England for more than 120 years, has restructured its financial-services division to provide more focused services to its clients. The former Dowd Financial Services has been divided into two divisions: Dowd Wealth Management and Dowd Employee Benefits.

“We are very excited about this restructuring. Separating these divisions allows us to more expediently meet the needs of our customers,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Agencies. “In addition, our offerings have expanded. As a full-service financial and insurance agency, we are able to now provide our customers with a more diverse and broad range of needed services.”

Dowd Wealth Management will replace the financial arm of Dowd Financial Services, offering financial consultation relative to retirement planning and investments. Dowd Employee Benefits will center around both group and individual health, dental, life, and an assortment of ancillary products. Both divisions will serve individuals and businesses.

“With such a large client base, this became a necessary split,” said Jon Lumbra, chief financial officer. “This business decision is a testament to both our company’s growth and our commitment to offering professional and personalized service. We want both our commercial and personal clients to know we can serve them in a broader capacity, and this expansion is the perfect way to announce it.”

Canary Blomstrom Insurance Agency Merges with GoodWorks Financial Group

By BusinessWest Staff August 4, 2021

Daily News

AGAWAM — Canary Blomstrom Insurance Agency recently became a member of GoodWorks Financial Group, a national network of insurance agencies, according to Canary Blomstrom President Sandy Brodeur. The agency will retain its name, staff, and Agawam location, and Brodeur will continue to serve as president.

By joining GoodWorks, Canary Blomstrom will partner with Wheeler & Taylor Insurance of Great Barrington to broaden its insurance offerings locally, regionally, and nationally. Wheeler & Taylor is GoodWorks Financial’s flagship national agency.

“With this new arrangement, we can provide additional insurance products; offer new, specialized expertise; and represent more insurance companies,” Brodeur said. “And we’ll still offer the same great, personal hometown service.”

The move is a win for all parties, said Chad Yonker, chairman of GoodWorks Financial Group,

“By partnering with Wheeler & Taylor and GoodWorks, Canary Blomstrom can do even more for its personal and business customers,” he noted. “Local decision making combined with national resources creates a unique opportunity for companies like CB to preserve their heritage and commitment to the local community while at the same time significantly expanding their access to resources, product sets, and expertise.”

Canary Blomstrom offers all types of personal insurance, including home, auto, renters’, and boat insurance. It sells life, long-term-care, and disability insurance and annuities. Products for businesses and nonprofits include all types of commercial property and casualty insurance and employee-benefits insurance, including group health and dental plans and voluntary benefits.

Episode 75: August 16, 2021

George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Mary Flahive Dickson

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Episode 74: August 9, 2021

George O’Brien talks with Tara Brewster, Vice President of Business Development for Greenfield Savings Bank

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