Home 2023 October (Page 4)

Month: October 2023

M.L. Schmitt Golf Tournament Raises $44,000 for Two Organizations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — M.L. Schmitt Inc. hosted a charity golf tournament at Springfield Country Club on Oct. 2 in celebration of its 100th anniversary in business.

Eighty-eight golfers enjoyed an 18-hole scramble under sunny skies and concluded their evening with dinner and a brief presentation. Because of the generosity of its sponsors, M.L. Schmitt’s charity golf tournament raised $44,000. The proceeds were split evenly between the Greater Holyoke YMCA and Baystate Children’s Hospital, which each received a $22,000 donation.

“Being in business for 100 years is a big milestone,” said Peter Coppez, president of M.L. Schmitt. “We wanted our celebration to be an event to give back to our community. We were humbled by our generous sponsors and thrilled to make our donations.”

Jean Pierre Crevier, vice president of M.L. Schmitt, added that “one of the strengths of our company is the relationships that we have forged with both our vending partners and our customers. Without them, this event would not have been successful. We are forever grateful for the support.”

M.L. Schmitt has done work for both the Greater Holyoke YMCA and Baystate Children’s Hospital and wanted to give to both organizations.

“We are so grateful, and so appreciative you thought to donate to the Y,” said Kathy Viens, director of the Greater Holyoke YMCA. “As a not-for-profit, support from companies like this are needed for us to make our programs and activities affordable for all. A donation of this size is truly incredible.”

Mia Goreck, Special Programs & Events coordinator for Baystate Health Foundation, accepted the donation on behalf of Baystate Children’s Hospital. “Baystate Health and the children and families we serve at Baystate Children’s Hospital are thankful for your donation,” she said.

Healthcare Heroes Tickets Available This Week Only

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, Oct. 26, BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will honor nine individuals as 2023 Healthcare Heroes at a celebration dinner at Marriott Springfield Downtown.

The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, Oct. 13. Tickets cost $90 per person, and reserved tables of 10 are available. Visit businesswest.com/healthcareheroes to reserve a spot.

The Healthcare Heroes class of 2023 was announced and profiled in the Sept. 18 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Honorees include Jody O’Brien of the Urology Group of Western New England (Lifetime Achievement), Cindy Senk of Movement for All (Community Health), Ashley LeBlanc of Mercy Medical Center (Emerging Leader), Ellen Ingraham-Shaw of Baystate Medical Center (Emerging Leader), Dr. Mark Kenton of Mercy Medical Center (Healthcare Administration), Kristina Hallett of Bay Path University (Health Education), Gabriel Mokwuah and Joel Brito of Holyoke Medical Center (Innovation in Healthcare), and Julie Lefer Quick of the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System (Healthcare Provider).

Event sponsors include presenting sponsors Elms College and Baystate Health/Health New England, and partner sponsors Holyoke Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, and the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst.

The Mighty Oktoberfest Postponed to Nov. 3-4

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Due to heavy rain in the forecast this weekend, the Student Prince and the Fort Restaurant have postponed the Mighty Oktoberfest to Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4.

The Mighty Oktoberfest kicks off for two nights on Nov. 3 at 5:30 p.m. with the Berkshire Mountain Wanderers on stage and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno on site to tap the ceremonial keg. Oktoberfest food will include bratwurst, knockwurst, and burgers, with a full menu indoors that includes German fare such as sauerbraten, braised lamb, and pork shanks.

Other live music includes Trailer Trash at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by Saturday’s lineup of Berkshire Mountain Wanderers at 5 p.m., American Badass (Kid Rock tribute) at 6 p.m., Jagged Little Pam (Alanis Morissette tribute) at 7:15 p.m., and a Foo Fighters tribute at 8:30 p.m.

“There’s nothing like Oktoberfest to welcome the fall season, and we are proud to keep the tradition alive in 2023 with one of the most authentic Oktoberfest celebrations around,” said Peter Picknelly, co-owner of the Student Prince and the Fort. “Join us for non-stop live music, good times, food and drink, and a barrel of fun in downtown Springfield.”

Single-night and two-night passes are available at the gate and in advance by clicking here. Passes include one complimentary ‘haus beer’ from a list for those who are 21 or older.

Attorney Amelia Holstrom Named to Top Women of the Law

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Amelia Holstrom of Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. has been recognized as one of the 2023 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The Top Women of the Law program celebrates the outstanding achievements of exceptional women in the legal profession. Each year, the publication and accompanying event — scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 1 — honors women who have demonstrated great accomplishments in their field.

“Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has a long tradition of recognizing pioneers and role models in the legal field,” Holstrom said. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized among so many exceptional women in the legal profession.”

Holstrom has been with Skoler Abbott since 2012 and was named a partner in 2019. She defends employers in litigation involving claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation, wage-and-hour violations, contract disputes, and other employment issues. She also advises clients with respect to compliance challenges, personnel policies, and day-to-day employment issues, and provides custom training programs and materials on a variety of important topics, including harassment, paid and unpaid leave, and ADA accommodations.

Holstrom is an active participant in the Greater Springfield community. She is chair of the Wilbraham Personnel Advisory Board and a member of the Wilbraham Commission on Disability, the boards of Clinical and Support Options Inc. and the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, the board development committee for Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, and the personnel committee for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Elms College to Host Mary Dooley Lecture on Oct. 18

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies at Elms College will host the fall 2023 Mary Dooley Lecture at 4 p.m. in the Alumnae Library Theater on the Elms College campus. This free lecture is open to the public.

The featured speaker at the Mary Dooley Lecture will be Katherine Schmidt, associate professor and chair of Theology and Religious Studies at Molloy University in Rockville Centre, N.Y. In her remarks, “Faith in a Digital Age,” she will speak on how faith has been transformed in current society and provide her thoughts on identifying faith in the digital culture.

Schmidt’s research focuses on the relationship of theology and culture, specifically digital culture and technology. She is the author of Virtual Communion: Theology of the Internet and the Catholic Sacramental Imagination.

This lecture is named after the late Sr. Mary Dooley ’44, who served as president of Elms College from 1979 to 1994. Prior to her presidency, she was a member of the Elms faculty and served as chair of the Language Department.

Country Bank Grants $25,000 to Revitalize Community Development Corp.

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Daily News

WARE — Country Bank is a supporter of Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) in Springfield, which performs critical repairs, modifications, and rehabilitation on the homes and nonprofit facilities of low-income families with children, elderly military veterans, and people with special needs.

“Revitalize CDC has supported so many families in our community by helping them to maintain safe and healthy homes. Meanwhile, they have spent decades themselves in need of a permanent home to be able to continue this important work and expand their offerings,” said Ben Leonard, senior vice president and Commercial Banking team leader at Country Bank and vice chair of the Revitalize CDC board. “Country Bank is honored to contribute $25,000 toward providing Revitalize CDC with this new home. We are confident that they will be able to broaden their impact exponentially with this building, along with increased storage capacity and the continued drive to do more for our neighbors in need.”

“All of us at Revitalize CDC could not express enough gratitude for Country Bank’s generosity,” said Colleen Shanley-Loveless, president and CEO of Revitalize CDC. “Your corporate partnership and support of our capital campaign to build a warehouse/distribution center will help us serve more families in need. Our appreciation is immeasurable for your trust in us and contribution to our mission.”

Greater Northampton Chamber Welcomes Claire Kelly

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) announced the hiring of Claire Kelly as senior manager of Investor and Community Relations. She brings broad skills and deep experience in entrepreneurship, educational programming, and event management to the role. She also has a strong appreciation for the local community, having lived in the Pioneer Valley for the past 10 years.

“I am excited to introduce Claire to our local businesses, nonprofits, volunteers, and other supporters of the GNCC,” said Vince Jackson, the chamber’s executive director. “Her history as a successful small-business owner gives her a unique perspective that will serve our member-investors well as she partners with them to support a thriving economy and community.”

Before coming to the chamber, Kelly spent seven years as founder and director of Educational Experiences Abroad, a custom academic service provider that specialized in study-abroad programs, primarily in Cuba. An innovative self-starter, she successfully navigated the fast-changing regulatory environment in the U.S.-Cuba travel industry, and delivered educational experiences and programs for a diverse group of clients. Prior to that, she directed business-development activities and designed custom program at Amherst-based Spanish Studies Abroad. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Gettysburg College and a master’s degree in Spanish linguistics from Middlebury College.

About her new role, and her pivot away from the global education industry, Kelly said, “I want to bring my experience to bear on critical local missions. I especially look forward to applying my skills to support local businesses and the community I love.”

OMG Inc. Promotes Maggie MacElhiney, Geri McCarthy

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Daily News

AGAWAM — To further its commitment to a ‘people-first’ philosophy, OMG Inc. has restructured its Human Resources Department to focus on initiatives that provide employees with opportunities to improve themselves, feel appreciated, and continually progress in their careers.

OMG has promoted Maggie MacElhiney to the position of director of Talent for the organization. In her new position, she is responsible for managing human-resource activities including talent acquisition and onboarding, talent development, performance management, compensation, succession planning, and workforce planning.

MacElhiney has been with OMG since 2006, most recently as the senior Talent Development manager. She holds a master’s degree in adult education and human resource development from the University of Texas, Austin, and is a member of the Assoc. for Talent Development and the Society for Human Resource Management.

OMG has also promoted Geri McCarthy to the newly created position of director of Employee Engagement, where she is responsible for managing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; employee wellness and engagement programs; and general HR responsibilities.

McCarthy has been with OMG since 2012 in a variety of roles, most recently as director of Operations, where she also headed the company’s DEI council and wellness committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from American International College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

“Maggie and Geri have worked very hard with regard to expanding our workforce and developing our employees,” said Hubert McGovern, president and CEO. “In their new roles, they will continue to focus on building an exceptional OMG experience for all employees. They are both outstanding managers with great track records, and they will play important roles as OMG continues to grow and evolve.”

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Adds STCC as Member Agency

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has become the first college in Massachusetts to join the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts as a member agency. Starting this month, STCC will be a part of the region’s food-assistance network.

STCC was also the first college in Massachusetts to join the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program, which provides donations to support the college’s food pantry, known as the Ram Mini Mart. Students who qualify can visit the on-campus Center for Access Services (CAS) to pick up free meals, groceries, and other necessities stored in the Ram Mini Mart.

Stop & Shop offers a school-based food-pantry program to help reduce hunger among students in communities served by the company’s more than 400 stores in the Northeast.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts provides healthy food to 173 members of the network in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. These independent pantries, meal sites, and shelters are on the front lines, providing food and other resources to individuals, families, seniors, children, college students, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Vice President of Student Affairs Darcey Kemp said CAS is an invaluable resource for STCC students, providing them with support and resources including free school supplies, food, and household goods. “STCC values its partnerships with community organizations like the Food Bank and companies like Stop & Shop. We sincerely appreciate their support.”

José Lopez-Figueroa, director of CAS at STCC, added that “we are thrilled to partner with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and continue our partnership with Stop & Shop. They are helping in our effort to ensure that no student is sitting in class hungry or goes home with nothing to eat.”

Samantha Plourd, dean of Enrollment, Retention and Completion, said STCC is grateful to have the Food Bank as a new resource. “Becoming a member agency of the Food Bank is a great help to our students facing food insecurity. As a member, STCC can access thousands of pounds of healthy food for our pantry, almost entirely for free.”

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts expanded its operations in September with a move to Chicopee. At more than 60,000 square feet, the new headquarters is double the size of its former building in Hatfield.

“The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is excited to welcome our first campus pantry to our member agency network,” said Michelle Geoffroy, the organization’s Agency Relations manager, noting that more than one in three college and university students faces food insecurity, and only 20% utilize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. “This partnership will allow us to support STCC’s established food pantry and help us both to reach more of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity in Springfield and surrounding communities.”

Jennifer Barr, director of Community Relations at Stop & Shop, added that “Stop & Shop is so proud to continue its support for STCC’s on-campus pantry, and we congratulate the school on its continued success in doing groundbreaking work to ensure its students have access to the food and resources they need to succeed in the classroom. As a longtime partner of the Food Bank for Western Massachusetts as well, we love seeing these groups come together to help put an end to student hunger.”

Real-estate Sales Licensing Course Starts Nov. 1

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40 hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Tuition costs $425 and includes the book and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. The association also has an affiliated partnership with the CE Shop to offer discounts on online exam prep materials.

Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave. in Springfield. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected].

Greenfield Savings Bank Donates $5,000 to WorkHub on Union

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Greenfield Savings Bank has contributed $5,000 to the Chamber of Greater Easthampton’s co-workspace project, WorkHub on Union. This partnership underscores the shared dedication of both organizations to empower local entrepreneurs and enhance the overall prosperity of the Greater Easthampton community.

WorkHub on Union seeks to establish a dynamic hub where local professionals, creative minds, and innovators can converge. This project is envisioned to foster collaboration, idea exchange, and networking among individuals representing diverse industries.

The donation from Greenfield Savings Bank reflects its commitment to nurturing initiatives that contribute to the holistic well-being of the community. This collaboration symbolizes the mutual resolve of Greenfield Savings Bank and the chamber to promote entrepreneurial spirit and offer resources that uplift local businesses and residents.

“As a local community financial institution, we are committed to supporting the communities that we serve and our local small businesses that make those communities thrive,” said Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank. “As an incubator to local businesses, WorkHub on Union will provide local entrepreneurs with a productive environment to succeed and collaborate, helping to grow and strengthen the local economy.”

Moe Belliveau, executive director of the Chamber of Greater Easthampton, added that “we are incredibly grateful for the generous contribution from Greenfield Savings Bank. WorkHub on Union is not just a co-workspace; it’s a platform for our community members to unite, collaborate, and pave the way for collective success.”

Aditya Surendhra of Dietz & Company Earns Architecture License

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects announced that Aditya Surendhra, AIA has completed the Architectural Registration Examination and met all of the requirements for architectural licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a licensed architect, he has been promoted from architectural staff to the position of architect.

Surendhra joined Dietz & Company in 2020 and primarily works on multi-family housing projects, with his approach being a focus on building performance and resilience. His work includes existing-conditions laser scanning and modeling for historic projects, as well as projects in the commercial sector. He also takes the lead in managing and developing the firm’s in-house Revit software standards, including libraries and templates.

Prior to joining Dietz, he earned his bachelor of architecture degree from Syracuse University. He also interned for firms in India and the U.S., where he worked on housing and historic-preservation projects.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Invites Community to Open House on Oct. 14

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley announced its participation in the Holyoke Office of Planning and Economic Development’s third annual Doors Open Holyoke on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Doors Open events across the country invite the public to see behind the doors of many places not usually open to the public. Doors Open Holyoke aims to connect residents and visitors to the city’s places of historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Girls Inc. of the Valley will host an open house with building tours during the city’s third annual Doors Open celebration to showcase its newly renovated headquarters at 480 Hampden St. Their new location allows the nonprofit to serve a larger community.

“We look forward to welcoming the community into our newly renovated program center and headquarters to offer tours of the updated spaces, as well as the soon-to-be-updated ones,” said Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley.

Difference Makers Nominations Due by Dec. 8

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region? BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 16th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2024 must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8.

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities.

So, let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by visiting businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in an upcoming issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

Connecticut River Conservancy Welcomes Rebecca Todd as Executive Director

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Connecticut River Conservancy (CRC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the Connecticut River watershed in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut since 1952, announced Rebecca Todd as its next executive director, effective Oct. 9.

Todd has most recently served as the executive director of New Hampshire’s Stonewall Farm, a nonprofit working farm and education center; however, her experience as an attorney has shaped most of her career. For more than 30 years, she has advised organizations, individuals, and businesses in matters related to environmental, educational, contractual, employment, and nonprofit management.

She served as general counsel for Antioch University and as associate attorney general in the Office of the Attorney General in Washington in the Education and Ecology divisions, and litigated cases for the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund Inc. (now Earthjustice) and the Natural Resources Defense Council Inc. related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and hazardous-waste laws. She also teaches environmental law, legal advocacy, and other subjects nationally and internationally.

In addition to these professional accomplishments, Todd grew up in the Connecticut River watershed, has raised a family while stewarding farmland along the river in New Hampshire, and is cultivating a new passion for the sport of rowing.

“After an incredibly thorough search and evaluation of the needs of our organization, we are thrilled to welcome Rebecca as the next executive director,” said Bob Sproull, board chair of the Connecticut River Conservancy. “Her robust experience, character, and passion for the Connecticut River and surrounding communities will help implement a strategic and sustainable path in the years to come.”

Todd added that “I look forward to supporting the incredibly collaborative network of partners, members, and community members who recreate on the Connecticut River, and to developing solutions dedicated to healthier rivers in our beautiful watershed.”

CRC’s previous executive director, Andy Fisk, departed in the fall of 2022 after 10 years with the organization and is now the Northeast Regional Director at American Rivers. During this transitional time, CRC has been led by interim Executive Director and Director of Restoration Programs Ron Rhodes, who has been a member of the CRC staff for more than 12 years.

AIC Earns Second Consecutive U.S. News Recognition for Social-mobility Access

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — For the second year in a row, American International College (AIC) has achieved recognition from U.S. News & World Report as a top performer in social mobility within the National Universities category. AIC’s 2024 ranking of 93 positions the college in the top 25% nationwide, among the top six in Massachusetts, and the leader in Western Mass. in this category.

Social mobility is one of the key areas evaluated for excellence by U.S. News to help students and families identify colleges that align best with their needs. This category assesses how well schools graduate economically disadvantaged students, a demographic that, according to the publication, faces greater challenges in completing their college education. By factoring in graduation rates of Pell-awarded and first-generation students in their rankings, the report highlights institutions like AIC that excel in fostering social mobility.

AIC President Hubert Benitez said the ranking is a testament to the college’s ongoing commitment to ensuring access to higher education.

“AIC, and its faculty and staff, understand that earning a college degree is vital in increasing and achieving social mobility,” he noted. “For this reason, AIC continues to strive to offer a high-quality education at an affordable cost, leading to a successful career path. In doing so, it is committed to helping every student, despite their background, to succeed.”

According to research conducted by the Hamilton Project published by the Brookings Institution, higher education plays a crucial role in providing opportunities for disadvantaged Americans to transform their economic circumstances. In an era marked by increasing inequality and limited social mobility, enhancing access to education holds the potential to promote equality of opportunity for all.

“Today, students who attend higher-education institutions come from diverse backgrounds, and the landscape shows vast social and economic disparities,” Benitez said. “Despite inherent obstacles, AIC is keeping true to its commitment to prepare and serve lower-income students, and it continues to take steps toward bridging the gaps, focusing on being an institution where access, opportunity, equity, and belonging are defining characteristics.”

Volunteers in Medicine Executive Director to Receive Charles Kusik Award

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) announced Ilana Steinhauer, executive director of Volunteers in Medicine, as the 2023 Charles Kusik Award winner.

The Kusik Award recognizes outstanding contributions to Berkshire County. Steinhauer has led Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) since 2014 as executive director and director of Medical Services. Under her leadership, VIM has increasingly considered the social determinants of health (housing, education, food security, employment, childcare, etc.) as key components of an individual or family’s health.

The Charles Kusik Award was instituted to recognize projects, groups, or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to planning in Berkshire County. BRPC inaugurated the Kusik Award in 1996 to honor Charles Kusik, who, for more than three decades, placed his expert imprint on the zoning bylaws of nearly every town in the Berkshires as a volunteer ‘citizen planner.’

Steinhauer will be recognized at the joint BRPC and Berkshire County Selectman’s Assoc. Annual Meeting & Reception on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield. Tickets cost $25 per person and are available online at www.berkshireplanning.org or by calling (413) 442-1521, ext. 10.

“Volunteers in Medicine plays an important role in Berkshire County, which has become pivotal for the well-being of all Berkshire County residents under Ilana’s strong leadership and guidance,” BRPC Executive Director Tom Matuszko said.

Volunteers in Medicine currently serves 1,700 uninsured patients, 90% of whom are immigrants. Their patient population has grown rapidly in recent years, with 400 new patients in 2022 and an expected 500 new patients in 2023. VIM’s patients range from newly arrived asylum seekers who need life-saving care to veterans who need dental work to essential workers who have lived here for decades. VIM manages this patient load with 17 staff members and more than 170 clinical and non-clinical volunteers who donate more than 10,000 hours annually.

Steinhauer first moved to the Berkshires in 2006 after graduating from Wesleyan University. She began interning at Volunteers in Medicine and quickly realized she wanted to do patient care with this population. After taking prerequisites at Berkshire Community College, she moved to the Boston area to complete her nurse practitioner degree and began her career as a nurse with the Medical Group/Harvard Vanguard Associates in Beverly. In 2014, she moved with her family back to the Berkshires to become executive director at VIM. Bilingual in Spanish, she continues to provide direct patient care in addition to being the executive director.

Tickets Still Available for Healthcare Heroes Dinner

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, Oct. 26, BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will honor nine individuals as 2023 Healthcare Heroes at a celebration dinner at Marriott Springfield Downtown. Tickets cost $90 per person, and reserved tables of 10 are available. Visit businesswest.com/healthcareheroes to purchase tickets.

The Healthcare Heroes class of 2023 was announced and profiled in the Sept. 18 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. Honorees include Jody O’Brien of the Urology Group of Western New England (Lifetime Achievement), Cindy Senk of Movement for All (Community Health), Ashley LeBlanc of Mercy Medical Center (Emerging Leader), Ellen Ingraham-Shaw of Baystate Medical Center (Emerging Leader), Dr. Mark Kenton of Mercy Medical Center (Healthcare Administration), Kristina Hallett of Bay Path University (Health Education), Gabriel Mokwuah and Joel Brito of Holyoke Medical Center (Innovation in Healthcare), and Julie Lefer Quick of the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System (Healthcare Provider).

Event sponsors include presenting sponsors Elms College and Baystate Health/Health New England, and partner sponsors Holyoke Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, and the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst.

BusinessTalk with Dr. Mark Kenton, chief of Emergency Medicine at Mercy Medical Center

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest 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.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 181: October 2, 2023

George Interviews Dr. Mark Kenton, chief of Emergency Medicine at Mercy Medical Center

Dr. Mark Kenton has seen it all during a long career in emergency medicine, from the fast pace and constant challenge of daily cases to a pandemic that sorely tested emergency departments in unprecedented ways. Through all of it, he says effective care, especially of individuals often facing the worst days of their lives, begins with listening and forging personal connections with patients and their families. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Kenton, chief of Emergency Medicine at Mercy Medical Center, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about his important work — both inside the ER and often far outside it as an outspoken advocate — for which he has been honored as one of BusinessWest‘s Healthcare Heroes for 2023. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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Big E Sets Five Daily Attendance Records

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A total of 1,427,234 fairgoers attended the 2023 Big E in West Springfield, down from 2022’s tally of more than 1.6 million, due largely to several days of rain over the fair’s 17-day run.

Still, when the weather did cooperate, five daily attendance records were set during the 2023 Big E: the first Tuesday, Sept. 19, 57,802; the second Friday, Sept. 22, 97,477; the second Wednesday, Sept. 27, 95,689; the second Thursday, Sept. 28, 108,962; and the third Sunday, Oct. 1, 170,471.

The 2024 edition of the fair is scheduled for Sept. 13-29.

Peter Albero named CFO, Treasurer of Greenfield Savings Bank

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Peter Albero has been appointed chief financial officer and treasurer of Greenfield Savings Bank. He will be responsible for all aspects of financial operations of the bank, including internal and external financial reporting, investments, and asset and liability management.

“Peter brings a wealth of experience to our bank,” President and CEO Thomas Meshako said. “His knowledge and experience in the industry and his commitment to our mission of community banking will help us continue to grow and maintain our profitability.”

Albero joins the bank with more than 35 years in the financial industry. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer at Salisbury Bank & Trust. In addition, he has been a risk advisory consultant at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, where he designed and implemented financial and risk data reconciliations for foreign banks. For more than 26 years, he worked at Morgan Stanley in a variety of senior roles in the Financial Controller group. He is also a licensed CPA in New York.

Albero has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Manhattan College and an MBA in finance and international business from New York University.

Bay Path Awarded $1.2 Million to Fund Special-education Teacher Training

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1,201,833 from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs to train special-education teachers.

The grant, to be applied over five years, will help Bay Path fund scholarships for graduate students and help the university create and offer professional-development opportunities to faculty and teachers at partnering school districts, which include Holyoke Public Schools, Worcester Public Schools, and the Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction, based in Worcester.

“As a result of this award, 40 scholars will successfully obtain educator licenses in both Massachusetts severe disabilities and moderate disabilities, combined with a master of science degree in education. We’ll be able to support them through high-quality mentoring and supervision, both during the program and for two years after graduating,” said Kristen Lech, program director of Bay Path’s graduate program in Special Education and English as a Second Language, as well as a professor of Special Education and the project director of this initiative.

Through this project, Bay Path will prepare for accreditation from the Council of Exceptional Children, the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

“This grant will help us increase the number of highly qualified and dually licensed diverse educators in the field of special education,” said Ellen Rustico, assistant dean of Education and Licensure Programs at Bay Path’s School of Education, Psychology & Humanities.

Bay Path is one of 41 colleges and universities nationally to receive funding through this grant competition. The grant comes at a time when Massachusetts has adjusted its licensing requirements as a means of streamlining the process by which an educator becomes qualified to teach special education.

In 2019, it was reported that 118,867 students in Massachusetts had complex or challenging special-education needs, up from 62,660 in 2004, representing the majority of the state’s entire special-education student population of nearly 174,000.

Grit 24 Fitness Set to Open Soon in Ludlow

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Daily News

LUDLOW — Grit 24 Fitness announced its upcoming launch at 56 East St. in Ludlow. What started as a love for fitness became a brick-and-mortar reality for co-founders Marco Vieira and Jared Duff.

“The name Grit holds a special place in our hearts,” Vieira said. “It embodies the idea that, when you feel the need to challenge yourself or decide to do something challenging, stop talking about it and actually do something about it. Do not quit until you have completed the challenge. Your future self will thank you. This is the energy that we are trying to bring to the gym to help motivate people to make a change and live a healthier lifestyle.”

He and Duff called Grit a community hub where area residents come together to inspire and support one another on their journey to health and well-being.

“Our facilities are designed to cater to everyone, but what truly sets Grit 24 Fitness apart is the unity among its members. Here, we aren’t just gym-goers; we’re a family committed to each other’s success,” Duff added. “Our team of trainers and staff are not just here to guide workouts; they’re mentors, partners, and motivators on your journey to empowerment. We walk alongside our members, offering guidance and encouragement, ensuring no one faces challenges alone.”