Home 2024 (Page 7)

Year: 2024

WBOA Financial Bootcamp Slated for Nov. 14

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Women business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to take a significant step toward financial empowerment at the upcoming Women Business Owners Alliance (WBOA) Financial Bootcamp, presented by Berkshire Bank. Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m., this event will be held on the second floor of the MillWorks event space, 77 Mill St., Westfield.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, financial literacy is more crucial than ever. The WBOA Financial Bootcamp provides a focused platform for women entrepreneurs, offering them essential tools and insights required to excel at managing their business finances. This comprehensive program features a series of workshops tailored specifically to the needs of women in business, covering fundamental topics such as budgeting, cash-flow management, financial planning, and more.

Led by industry experts from Berkshire Bank, attendees will gain hands-on experience in creating realistic business budgets, tracking expenses effectively, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. The program also delves into strategies for managing cash flow, interpreting financial statements, and making informed, strategic financial decisions.

Beyond the workshops, participants can engage in one-on-one consultations with financial representatives, offering a personalized approach to tackle individual financial challenges and develop customized solutions. This unique feature ensures that each participant walks away with actionable insights tailored to their specific business needs.

Networking is a key component of the WBOA Financial Bootcamp, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs. These connections foster a supportive community, opening doors to potential partnerships and collaborations.

Ticket prices are $49.99 for WBOA members and $99.99 for guests. For registration and

West of the River Chamber of Commerce to Present Annual Food Fest West

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) announced its annual Food Fest West will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Supporting sponsors include Peoples Bank and OMG Inc. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 for more information.

The event features foods from area eateries, restaurants, food trucks, sweet shops, and more in Western Mass., like Murphy’s Pub, Partners Restaurant, Nadim’s Downtown, Joey’s Deli, the Buc, Crumbl Cookie, and many more. Vendors do not need to be chamber members to participate. The event gives local eateries the opportunity to showcase their cuisine to hundreds of local residents in Western Mass. Vendors can register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Attendees vote for their favorite cuisine, and the winner is announced at the end of the event and awarded a trophy. There is also a silent auction, photo booth, music, and raffle to round out the fun night of festivities.

Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the WRC Educational Fund, which provides support to businesses and for student ambassador programs.

Tickets are on sale now and cost $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Ariana Chiapella to Give Environmental Issues Lecture at MCLA on Nov. 14

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Ariana Chiapella, a faculty member with the Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont, will present the fall 2024 Elizabeth and Lawrence Vadnais Environmental Issues Lecture at MCLA on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in the college’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation.

“The Environmental Studies Department is excited to welcome Dr. Chiapella to campus to discuss ‘The Implications of Contaminants for Aquatic and Human Communities,’” said Daniel Shustack, MCLA professor of Environmental Science. “The threats that contaminants pose to our waterways is one of today’s most pressing environmental issues.”

The lecture will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Center for Resourceful Living, a program started by Vadnais.

These events are free and open to the public. Call (413) 662-5224 or email [email protected] for more information. This annual lecture series is named for Professor Lawrence Vadnais and is sponsored by the Vadnais Endowment.

Businesses Invited to Add or Update Information in BusinessWest’s 2025 Book of Lists

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is calling on all Western Mass. companies to update or add their listings in the 2025 Book of Lists, our annual resource guide of dozens of industries and thousands of individual businesses.

The guide, available in print and online at businesswest.com, provides important information on myriad businesses, nonprofits, and regional institutions. Together, these snapshots convey the size, strength, and diversity of this region’s vibrant business community.

Click here to view your current listing and update it, or add a listing if it is not already included. The submission deadline is Dec. 1. Call us at (413) 781-8600 with any questions.

To be included as an advertiser or sponsor in the 2025 BusinessWest Book of Lists, reach out to Kate Campiti, sales manager and associate publisher, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 106 or [email protected]; or Kathleen Plante, advertising consultant, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 108 or [email protected].

East-west Rail Investments Highlighted Following Latest Federal Funding

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 31, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) West-East Rail Director Andy Koziol to highlight substantial federal and state investments made in Compass Rail following the latest $36.8 million CRISI grant awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

This announcement comes one year after Neal joined Gov. Maura Healey to announce a $108 million CRISI grant to support west-east rail, the third-largest award in the nation for FY 2022. This funding will facilitate two additional daily round trips between Springfield and Boston and support infrastructure improvements that will increase train speeds, allowing one trip to be completed in under two hours. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which was drafted in the House Ways and Means Committee under Neal’s chairmanship, marked the nation’s largest investment in infrastructure in more than six decades and more than tripled the funding for the CRISI program.

“Throughout my career, I was steadfast in my belief that Springfield Union Station would not meet the wrecking ball. Since its reopening, the investments that have been made in passenger rail have been extraordinary. Today, we celebrate another one of those investments, one that brings us one step closer to making west-east rail a reality,” Neal said. “With the substantial progress that has been made with west-east rail, the Commonwealth is well-positioned to pursue additional funding for years to come.”

Promising to rehabilitate and reopen Springfield Union Station during his campaign for City Council in 1977, Neal secured more than $75 million to support the $103 million redevelopment of Springfield Union Station. The station officially reopened on June 24, 2017. Since then, more than $200 million has been allocated toward west-east rail, including $11 million from MassDOT for Platform C at Springfield Union Station; $1.75 million from the FRA CRISI program for the Springfield Track Reconfiguration Project, with a $1.75 million match from MassDOT; $108 million from the FRA CRISI program for the inland route, with an $18 million match from MassDOT; $4 million from MassDOT for Palmer station planning and design; $8 million from MassDOT for Pittsfield track capacity; and $36.8 million from the FRA CRISI program for the Springfield track-reconfiguration project, with a $9.2 million match from MassDOT.

This does not include the $75.7 million awarded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program in 2010 to restore the Vermonter. This funding, coupled with $20 million for the West Springfield flyover anticipated in the state’s Capital Investment Plan, along with repair work that has been completed along the Knowledge Corridor, brings the total investment in Compass Rail to nearly $300 million.

“We are grateful to Congressman Neal, other members of our congressional delegation, legislators, and local officials for helping us expand and enhance passenger rail service in Massachusetts,” Koziol said. “The Healey-Driscoll administration has been and will continue to be persistent in pursuing federal grant opportunities to support capital projects which will create a state transportation system which is equitable, resilient, and meets the needs of all communities.”

One of 122 projects funded by the FRA, the latest award from the CRISI program totals $36.8 million. Funding will support the Springfield track-reconfiguration project, which is designed to increase capacity to accommodate both freight and increased passenger rail service. The project will include building new crossovers and layover tracks, upgrading platforms around Springfield Union Station, and modernizing track and signal systems. The project is being advanced by MassDOT in coordination with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, Amtrak, CSX, and other railroads that operate in Springfield.

American Hockey League Announces Creation of Bruce Landon Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The American Hockey League (AHL) announced the creation of the Bruce Landon Award, to be presented annually beginning this season to an outstanding hockey operations executive as selected by the league’s Board of Governors.

This new award honors the man who was a mainstay in the American Hockey League for nearly a half-century and is considered by many to be synonymous with hockey in Springfield. Landon was drafted as a goaltender by the Los Angeles Kings in 1969 and joined their AHL affiliate in Springfield that fall, helping the club win a Calder Cup championship in 1971. He played five seasons with the New England Whalers in the WHA before returning to Springfield in 1977, but a knee injury forced him to retire that December at age 28.

Landon immediately took a marketing and public relations position in the Springfield Indians’ front office and was named general manager in 1982. He guided the team’s back-to-back Calder Cup championships in 1990 and 1991, won with two different NHL affiliates (New York Islanders and Hartford Whalers).

In 1994, with the Indians relocating to Worcester, Landon helped organize a group of investors and purchased an expansion franchise to keep the American Hockey League in Springfield. He served as president and GM of the Springfield Falcons from their inception in 1994 until stepping down in 2014, and was the club’s director of Hockey Operations until 2016. He also spent the 2016-17 season as an advisor with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

A 2016 inductee into the AHL Hall of Fame, Landon has been honored with the AHL’s Ken McKenzie Award for outstanding promotion of his club (1980), the James C. Hendy Memorial Award as the league’s outstanding executive (1989), the Thomas Ebright Award for career contributions (2002), and induction in the AHL Hall of Fame (2016).

With the creation of the Bruce Landon Award, the AHL has redefined the criteria for the James C. Hendy Memorial Award, which will now be presented annually for outstanding achievements by a business operations executive.

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Wins 2024 New England Food Vision Prize

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced that it has been selected as one of the 2024 New England Food Vision Prize winners, an honor awarded by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. This recognition comes with $124,420 in funding, contributing to the more than $1.2 million awarded to local food projects across the region.

The Food Bank’s award will support a key existing partnership between the Food Bank Farm, Lakeside Organics of Hadley, Atlas Farm, and Springfield Public Schools, designed to increase access to local, organic produce in school cafeterias and educational programs.

The awarded funds will be used to acquire equipment that enables partner farms to expand the production, harvesting, and processing of organic vegetables on the Food Bank Farm. These vegetables will be sold to Springfield Public Schools, providing students with healthy, locally sourced options in their meals. The Springfield Public Schools will promote this partnership through initiatives in the cafeteria, the classroom, and field trips to the Food Bank Farm, immersing students in the story and impact of local food systems.

“We’re proud to deepen our partnership with local farmers and Springfield Public Schools,” said Andrew Morehouse, executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. “This initiative not only supports local farms, but also provides Springfield students with nourishing, organic produce grown right here in our community. We’re excited to make the farm-to-school experience a reality for these students and to play a role in building a sustainable food system in Western Massachusetts.”

The New England Food Vision Prize, launched in 2018, supports innovative collaborations that address sourcing challenges and strengthen local food infrastructure. This year’s prize-winning projects were selected from more than 35 initial proposals, with careful evaluation by the Kendall Foundation and a team of reviewers representing diverse sectors within the New England food system, including local food hubs, distributors, school nutrition programs, and community organizations.

Report Shows How Tourism Drives Economic Growth in Massachusetts

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism announced the 2023 economic impact of the Massachusetts travel and tourism industry, which grew 5.3% to $23.6 billion in spending from 52.3 million domestic and international travelers, generating $2.3 billion in taxes for municipalities and the state and supporting 154,330 jobs.

“Massachusetts’ tourism industry is a critical part of our state’s economy, showcasing our rich history and culture for millions of visitors from across the globe,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We are thrilled to see that tourism in Massachusetts continues to grow and just reached a five-year high — and we look forward to continuing to build on this momentum as we celebrate Massachusetts 250 over the next couple of years.”

In 2023, visitor-generated state and local tax revenue amounted to approximately $825 per household in the state. For every dollar spent by a visitor in the state, 6.7 cents went towards state taxes, and 2.8 cents contributed toward local taxes, highlighting one significant impact of tourism in Massachusetts.

The state also generated substantial revenue from visitor spending through hotel-room occupancy taxes. State hotel occupancy tax collections reached $395 million, while local-option room occupancy tax collections totaled $350 million.

International visitor spending in Massachusetts grew 80% to $2.9 billion in 2023, nearing the pre-pandemic amount of $3.3 billion spent in 2019. Domestic visitor spending remained at 2022 levels with $20.7 billion spent.

CitySpace Awarded $501,000 for Easthampton Old Town Hall Restoration

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Gov. Maura Healey, alongside Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao, and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus, announced more than $161 million in funding for local economic-development across Massachusetts, benefiting 313 projects in 171 communities.

Among these grants, CitySpace has been awarded $501,830 to complete the second phase of the Old Town Hall restoration, a project aimed at making this historic arts and culture venue fully accessible to all members of the community.

CitySpace is one of only 37 recipients statewide to receive the highly competitive Underutilized Property Program grant, further underscoring the significance of this project. This funding will directly support CitySpace’s mission to restore and revitalize Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall into a 350-seat, fully accessible arts center, preserving a piece of the city’s cultural heritage while creating an inclusive venue for artistic expression.

“CitySpace’s commitment to the community is evident in their dedication to transforming Old Town Hall into a vibrant center for arts and culture,” Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle said. “This revitalization enhances Easthampton’s historic charm and serves as a beacon for creativity and collaboration.”

The second phase of restoration will introduce a new accessible entryway, an elevator serving every floor, and the repair and display of a historic stained-glass window on the building’s street-facing entryway. For more than a century, Old Town Hall housed municipal offices, and while its second floor served as a public performance and gathering space, it has been unusable since 2003.

CitySpace began managing the first floor as a multi-genre arts and community center in 2006, now welcoming more than 15,000 visitors annually. The organization cemented its commitment to the building’s restoration in 2019 by securing a 40-year lease from the city of Easthampton to fully manage Old Town Hall and restore the second floor, a project shaped by regional community input and the needs of the performing-arts community.

“This pivotal grant enables us to build on crucial investments from the Easthampton CPA, our community, local businesses, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund to complete phase II of Old Town Hall’s restoration,” said Burns Maxey, president of CitySpace. “Together, we’re transforming historic spaces to be more inclusive, accessible, affordable, and impactful. We are so thankful for this generous award and its recognition of the economic-development opportunities this project will provide for both Easthampton and the wider region.”

Wealth Transition Collective to Host Food Drive for Margaret’s Pantry on Nov. 11-15

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Wealth Transition Collective will host its fifth annual weeklong food drive Monday through Friday, Nov. 11-15, at its office ay 1632 Northampton St., Holyoke. The drive will benefit Margaret’s Pantry in recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Weather permitting, the firm will have a table in front of the office for dropoffs. Thanks to the help of clients, friends, and community, more than 4,000 pounds of food and monetary donations of more than $7,500 have been raised since the start of this event.

Some of the most-needed items at the pantry during this time of year are canned foods (poultry, tuna, soups, stews, chili, gravy, sauces, fruits, vegetables, and beans), dried goods (soup, stuffing, pancake and other baking mixes, tea bags, powdered milk, rice, and pasta), as well as potato chips, granulated sugar, peanut butter, frosting, syrup, honey, bottled water, salad dressing, condiments, Jell-O, and kids’ snack items.

Margaret’s Pantry, a division of Providence Ministries for the Needy, is a full-service food pantry that has provided food to residents of Greater Holyoke for more than 30 years. Presently, the pantry provides food to more than 180 families each month, and approximately 72,000 meals a year are distributed to the needy in the community.

Rice Fruit Farm Donates Pumpkins to Outpatient Program at MiraVista

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — In a show of support for the local community and those on the journey to recovery, Rice Fruit Farm donated dozens of pumpkins to MiraVista Behavioral Health Center’s Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) on Oct. 30. These pumpkins will be used in therapeutic group activities, where participants will engage in painting and creative expression, further fostering a sense of community that is critical for individuals navigating their path to sobriety.

“At MiraVista, we believe in the importance of community and creating spaces where individuals can engage in meaningful, supportive activities,” said Kimberley Lee, MiraVista’s chief of Creative Strategy and Development. “This generous donation from Rice’s Fruit Farm not only adds a seasonal touch, but also provides our clients with an opportunity to connect, engage, and express themselves creatively through activities like pumpkin painting. It’s these types of contributions that strengthen the sense of belonging that is so vital for recovery.”

The pumpkins will be central to group activities within MiraVista’s IOP, where clients will paint and decorate them, using art as a tool for self-expression and teamwork — both essential components for long-term sobriety.

Anthony Maloni, owner of Wilbraham-based Rice Fruit Farm, emphasized the commitment of the family-owned business to giving back to the community. “We’ve always believed in supporting our neighbors, and this donation is a small way to show that we’re rooting for everyone in recovery. We hope these pumpkins bring a bit of joy and help people see that, like the seasons, there’s always opportunity for growth and renewal.”

MiraVista’s IOP provides clients with a safe and structured environment as they work toward recovery from substance use. This donation underscores the collaborative spirit between local businesses and the mental-health and substance-use recovery community.

Country Bank Supports Local Schools with Back-to-school Donations

By
Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced a recent donation of Visa gift cards to 35 local schools, totaling $12,000. These schools have been long-standing partners in the bank’s financial-literacy initiatives, and this contribution aims to support teachers and students as they head into the new academic year.

“At Country Bank, we are deeply committed to the communities we serve, and we believe that investing in education is critical to our future,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president of Community Relations. “Our financial-literacy programs have empowered students with essential money-management skills, and we are excited to continue working closely with local schools to enhance financial education.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to financial literacy, Country Bank offers a robust Money School program, which includes a variety of resources designed to teach students about managing money, budgeting, and saving. Most recently, the program introduced a new debit-card option for kids, allowing them to learn hands-on how to manage money earned from chores. This innovative approach to financial education is designed to give young people the skills they need to succeed financially throughout their lives.

Max’s Swing Lounge to Open Nov. 14 at Basketball Hall of Fame

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Max’s Swing Lounge, a new destination for golf enthusiasts and casual players alike, announced its grand opening on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This state-of-the-art lounge combines cutting-edge technology with fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind, practice, and socialize.

With nine high-definition Track Man simulators that offer a realistic golfing experience, guests can play iconic courses from around the world without leaving the lounge. These simulators also have other games available that are suitable for kids and the whole family. Whether a player is a seasoned pro or just starting out, staff will be on hand to provide tips and guidance.

In addition to golfing, Max’s Swing Lounge offers a full-service bar and menu featuring food and beverages from the Max’s Tavern menu. Guests can enjoy everything from artisanal snacks to signature cocktails.

A grand-opening celebration will be held on Nov. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will feature live music by one of the area’s most popular music groups, Eight to the Bar, plus free simulator trials, food and drinks, and more. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to Men Wear Pink of Springfield, an organization of men stepping up and using the power of wearing pink to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to fight breast cancer.

“The American Cancer Society appreciates the generosity of Max’s Swing Lounge to use the platform of this incredible event to raise awareness for all of those who are impacted by breast cancer,” said Stephen Morelli, senior Development manager at the American Cancer Society.

John Thomas, owner and partner of Max’s Swing Lounge, added that “we’re excited to create a community hub where golf lovers can connect, improve their skills, and enjoy great food and drinks. Our goal is to provide an inviting atmosphere for everyone, whether you’re here to play a quick round or spend a few hours with friends.”

For more information about Max’s Swing Lounge, including membership options and event bookings, visit www.maxswinglounge.com.

Big Y on St. James Avenue to Host Grand Reopening Following Remodel

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. announced the grand reopening of its supermarket at 1090 St. James Ave. Springfield, on Thursday, Oct. 31. The project included major renovations in many areas of the store and various new additions in response to changing customer preferences.

After months of planning and construction, the remodeled store now features upgraded décor, flooring, and finishes throughout the building. The exterior façade was also given a more modern look. Additionally, a modified Customer Service Center opened up space to include café seating for customers to enjoy their favorite foods and beverages.

The new design features several exciting updates and expansions, including an expanded variety of fresh foods; updated deli and kitchen offerings; an expanded Hispanic grocery section featuring traditional ingredients and pantry staples from across Latin America, including Brazil and the Caribbean, and sustainability initiatives, including new, high-efficiency LED lighting, refrigerated cases, and equipment throughout the store.

“This remodel’s focus was to improve the overall shopping experience while delivering the quality and variety our customers have come to expect,” said Michael Matyszewski, store director at the St. James location. “With the enhanced look and feel to every aspect of the store, employees have great pride in being able to share this new family market with our community here in Springfield.”

Rick Bossie, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Big Y, added that, “as we continue to grow, it is important for us to keep up with the ever-changing grocery industry. We not only want to offer the best quality products and services to our customers, but also give our employees the tools and training they need to be successful. When they succeed, we all win. This new store format and design will allow us to do that.”

Valley Opportunity Council to Host Trunk-or-treat Event Today

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) will host a free trunk-or-treat event for the community today, Oct. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of VOC’s Chicopee location, 35 Mt. Carmel Ave. The event is open to the public and will feature decorated trunks with treats, games, and prizes.

Families are encouraged to wear costumes (though not required) and walk from trunk to trunk, all of which will all have a theme and be decorated, to collect treats. Each VOC program will have a trunk, and those in attendance can also vote for their favorite trunk. Families who attend can also receive information about VOC programs and services.

Nominations Open for Difference Makers Class of 2025

By
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 17th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2025 must be received by Monday, Dec. 16.

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 the Feb. 17 issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

Florence Bank Donates $5,000 to Tech Foundry

By
Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $5,000 to Tech Foundry of Springfield in its 10th-anniversary year, supporting its newly established Innovation Fund to help enhance the organization’s digital-literacy curriculum and grow its reach.

Serving Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties, Tech Foundry provides tech training and mentoring, increases access to careers and jobs in the tech field, builds talent and opportunity pipelines, drives digital literacy, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the region.

Training and mentorship are available at its classrooms in Springfield and across the region at organizations such as libraries and councils on aging. A new learning lab called Tech Hub in Holyoke also focuses on digital literacy, training, device distribution, and tech support.

“Tech Foundry helps connect people to living-wage jobs in the tech sector and increase equity and access for all in our community while driving economic development,” said Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry. “We want to raise awareness of the ways in which we offer opportunity to residents and also partner with employers.”

Founded in 2014, the organization surged after the pandemic, doubling the number of classes offered annually and now serving roughly 400 people a month, up from roughly 90 per year before Tech Hub opened in October 2023. Students and mentees are trained for jobs that include IT help desk, digital imaging and deployment, network administration, and field technician.

“We’ve long been aware of Florence Bank’s deep and broad community support,” said Canavan, expressing gratitude for the recent grant. “They understand the unique needs of the community and can leverage their generous financial donations to really make an impact.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity added that “it’s a win when organizations like Tech Foundry are successful, so we are happy to provide support that will strengthen the organization and the community.”

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Tech Foundry hosted a workforce-development luncheon in the spring and held a casual fundraiser, called Gaming for Tech, at the Quarters in Hadley on Sept. 19. On Oct. 24, a gala fundraising event was held at MGM Springfield.

Canavan said the goal is to raise $325,000 for the Innovation Fund to drive growth. Roughly $294,000 has been raised so far, and there is roughly $60,000 left of $100,000 in matching funds.

To donate, visit thetechfoundry.org/donate.

OMG Inc. Announces Three Promotions

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — In a strategic move to accelerate growth and enhance leadership, OMG Inc. announced key promotions within its FastenMaster team. Three senior leaders — Nikki Long, David Ellis, and Anthony DiSanto — have been elevated to new roles, positioning FastenMaster for continued success.

Nikki Long

Long has been named vice president of the Structural Business Unit and the Customer Service Department. In her new role, she will oversee the Structural Business Unit, including the LOK line of fasteners, plus FastenMaster’s new construction-sales team and its five-member customer-service department.

Long, who joined FastenMaster in 2003, has held roles of increasing responsibility, including customer service manager, home center channel manager, and director of key accounts. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College.

David Ellis

Ellis has been promoted to vice president of Sales & Marketing, where he will oversee FastenMaster’s nationwide field sales team, the key accounts team, as well as FastenMaster’s marketing group.

Ellis joined FastenMaster in 2009 as a field sales representative and has steadily risen through the ranks, most recently serving as director of Sales, where he led the company’s growth in strategic product categories. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University.

Anthony DiSanto

DiSanto has been promoted to director of the Decking Business Unit. In this role, he will oversee strategy and execution for FastenMaster’s deck-fastening business, including the Cortex, TrapEase, and Tiger Claw product lines, as well as the development of new decking innovations.

DiSanto, who joined FastenMaster in 2006, has played a pivotal role in launching more than 20 new products during his tenure. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University.

The promotions are effective immediately, and all three will report to Web Shaffer, senior vice president and general manager of FastenMaster.

“These promotions reflect FastenMaster’s commitment to innovation and customer success,” Shaffer said. “Nikki, David, and Anthony have been instrumental in our past growth, and I am confident their leadership will help drive new opportunities for our business and partners.”

Party with 1 Purpose Raises More Than $329,000 for Breakthrough T1D

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Party with 1 Purpose fundraiser, hosted at the Basketball Hall of Fame on Oct. 26, was a resounding success, raising more than $329,000 (and counting) in support of Breakthrough T1D, surpassing the event’s fundraising goal. The event brought together a vibrant community of supporters, families, and advocates, all united in the fight against type-1 diabetes (T1D).

Co-hosted by David Fontaine Jr. and Sarah Fontaine, along with Chris and Deb Connelly, the event raised funds to directly support ongoing research and initiatives to find a cure for T1D, a cause close to the hearts of many attendees.

The night was emceed by Ashley Kohl, and guests were treated to a powerful speech by Brett Dobson, who shared his personal story and motivated the audience to continue pushing for progress in the fight against T1D. Magician Blaise Serra added a magical touch to the evening.

“There was an undeniable sense of hope and community in the room,” David Fontaine Jr. said. “We’re deeply humbled by the support and thrilled with what we were able to accomplish together in raising both funds for a cure and greater awareness in our community around T1D. The fight against T1D is personal for our us, and seeing everyone come together for this cause means the world to our entire family.”

For those who were unable to attend or who would still like to contribute, donations are still being accepted. Click here to donate.

Springfield Mayor Issues Personal Health Statement to Residents

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 25, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno issued a statement concerning his recent cancer diagnosis.

“I have been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will begin treatment ASAP,” he wrote. “I have the utmost faith in my excellent medical team of primary care: Dr. Francis Murray; Dr. Phil Glynn, director of Medical Oncology at Mercy Medical Center and the Sister Caritas Cancer Center; President of Mercy Medical Center Dr. Robert Roose; and staff — they’ve all been great. I expect to make a full and complete recovery. I will continue to execute my duties as mayor during my recovery. I am particularly thankful that I have a wonderful wife and two amazing daughters by my side as we face this challenge. I ask that you respect my privacy and my family’s with regard to this matter.”

Sarno added in a postscript, “and, of course with the power of prayer and the legendary reputation of ‘the Energizer Bunny’ Sister Mary Caritas, she’ll scare the ‘you know what’ out of this too!”

bankESB promotes Katie Woods to Assistant Branch Manager

By
Daily News

Katie Woods

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Katie Woods (LaValley) to assistant branch manager of its 770 Main St., Agawam office.

Woods joined bankESB earlier this year as a float teller supervisor. Previously, she was assistant branch manager at PeoplesBank and, before that, store operations manager at CVS Health. In her new role, Woods will assist the branch manager in reaching branch goals while striving to deliver excellent customer service and helping employees and customers unlock their potential.

Holyoke Mall to Host Halloween Mall-O-Ween on Oct. 31

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Families and children of all ages are invited to Holyoke Mall’s annual Halloween Mall-O-Ween trick-or-treating event on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Participating mall businesses, along with community partners and local organizations, will be handing out hundreds of pounds of candy throughout the center, making it an ideal destination for little ghouls and goblins to safely gather treats.

Attendees can also participate in a Halloween costume contest via Instagram. Simply snap a photo while trick-or-treating at the mall, post it on Instagram, follow and tag the mall @HolyokeMall, and use the hashtag #HolyokeMallHalloween2024. Contestants must be at least 18 years old. Winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 4 and awarded prizes.

Charity Golf Tournament Raises More Than $20,000 for Local Nonprofits

By
Daily News

AGAWAM — Allied Flooring, Paint and Design and Budget Cabinet Sales recently made donations to two local charities: $10,429.86 to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, a Springfield-based program that connects local students with economic-education and financial-literacy programs aimed at setting them up for long-term career and financial success; and $10,429.86 to Gándara Center in Holyoke, which promotes the well-being of African-American and Hispanic people and others through healthcare, prevention, and education.

About 100 players and sponsors gathered for Allied’s first annual charity golf tournament last month at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Members of the Allied team combined forces with other local businesses and vendors, engaging in friendly and fun competition while feeding a shared passion for charity.

“We believe in giving back to the communities that have supported us over the years,” Allied founder Mario Tedeschi said. “It is a privilege to contribute to such worthy causes and see how we can make a real difference together. Thank you to everyone who played a part in our first golf tournament.”

Through its first annual charity golf tournament, the home-design company surpassed expectations by raising enough money to split evenly between the two organizations.

“A well-balanced company is one that gives back to the community,” Allied President Jorge Morgado said. “We couldn’t be happier with the success of this event. The funds raised will help these two local nonprofits continue their work within the communities we all work and live in.”

Uduak Enyiema, vice president of Fund/Development & Community Relations at Gándara Center, said the organization is deeply grateful. “With Allied Flooring’s contribution, we can continue to provide needed resources and hope to our community, empowering people to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.”

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts President Amie Miarecki added that “we are so grateful for the incredible efforts by Allied Flooring and Budget Cabinets. It created awareness of JA’s programming and opened up opportunities for partnerships that will benefit the thousands of young people we serve in our region.”

BusinessTalk with Bill Gagnon, executive vice president and COO, Excel Dryer

By
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 220: October 28, 2024

Joe Bednar talks with Bill Gagnon, executive vice president and COO, Excel Dryer

It’s hard to imagine anyone not having seen or used an Excel Dryer product, but there’s still plenty of opportunity for growth, says Bill Gagnon, executive vice president and COO at the East Longmeadow-based manufacturer and maker of the powerful, high-efficiency XLERATOR. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Gagnon talks to BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about Excel’s latest product advancements, its cutting-edge work with advanced air filtration, its sustainably built headquarters expansion, its intriguing contributions to worldwide relief efforts (including in Turkey following a major earthquake), and much more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

Also Available On

Tickets on Sale for 2024 Women of Impact Award Gala

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are now on sale for BusinessWest’s seventh annual Women of Impact award gala. The event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Click here to purchase tickets.

The 2024 Women of Impact, profiled in the Oct. 28 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, are:

• Alison Berman, council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts;

• Dianne Fuller Doherty, co-founder of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts and former director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center’s Regional Office;

• JoAnne Finck, president of Friends of Cooley Dickinson;

• Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center;

• Megan McDonough, executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity;

• LaTonia Monroe Naylor, chief business educator at Monroe Naylor Consulting, LLC and president and CEO of Parent Villages;

• Kristi Reale, partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; and

• Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker, nephrologist, artist, and filmmaker.

The seventh annual Women of Impact program is presented by TommyCar Auto Group and Country Bank, and sponsored by Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these.

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru Enters Final Weekend of Season

By
Daily News

WINDSOR, Conn. — Oct. 25-27 is the final weekend of the season for the fourth annual Great Halloween Drive-Thru event. Next to Brown’s Harvest, 1911 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, Conn., visitors enter through the huge pumpkin head and stay in their vehicles while they drive along a journey of spooky holograms, special effects, sound effects, and projections.

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is not scary. There are no live actors and no jump scares. Spooky fun without the scare, the Great Halloween Drive-Thru is the only event of its kind in the Northeast and draws visitors from across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Tickets cost $30 per car (cash only), paid at the entrance.

“We’ve had a record-breaking season and are excited for our final weekend. The weather looks great for families to enjoy all three days. This event is perfect for those who want Halloween fun without the scare. We’re the only attraction like this anywhere in the country, maybe — definitely in the Northeast,” said creator Frank Campiti, owner of Campiti Ventures.

“People come from all over Connecticut and Massachusetts to experience this family-friendly event,” he went on. “Parents and grandparents are always looking for fun things to do with their kids, and this is an experience the whole family can enjoy together. We have families coming back multiple nights, friends looking for something festive and fun to do together, couples on date night — this is the kind of event people of all ages enjoy.”

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is sponsored by AMP Electrical Inc. Campiti Ventures is responsible for the highly successful Great Halloween Drive-Thru and Suffield Summer Fair and Fireworks. Click here for more information on the Great Halloween Drive-Thru, or follow on Facebook by clicking here.

Greenfield Savings Bank Promotes Cassandra Morrey

By
Daily News

Cassie Morrey

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank announced the promotion of Cassandra “Cassie” Morrey to senior vice president and senior Residential Lending officer. She will succeed Lori Grover as head of the Residential Lending department, following Grover’s retirement in January 2025 after a long and successful tenure with Greenfield Savings Bank.

Morrey began her banking career in 2002 as a loan processor at the Bank of Western Massachusetts (now M&T Bank) and has been a valued member of Greenfield Savings Bank since 2010. With more than two decades of experience in the banking industry, she brings extensive expertise and leadership to her new role.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Morrey is deeply committed to community service. She currently serves on the boards of three nonprofit organizations: the Children’s Advocacy Center, Highland Ambulance EMS, and the Southampton Youth Athletic Assoc. basketball committee.

“We conducted an extensive selection process, and Cassie stood out as the ideal candidate for this leadership position,” said Tom Meshako, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the senior leadership team. Her dedication and vision make her an excellent fit to lead the Residential Lending department as we continue to deliver top-tier services to our customers.

“We are also deeply grateful for Lori Grover’s exceptional leadership and more than 30 years of service to our bank and community,” he added. “She will be greatly missed, but we are confident that Cassie is the right choice to carry the department forward.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Promotes Harlin Glovacki

By
Daily News

Harlin Glovacki

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the promotion of Harlin Glovacki to branch manager of the Shelburne Falls branch.

Glovacki has been a valuable member of the Greenfield Co-op team for several years. In his new position, he will oversee all aspects of branch operations.

“We are thrilled to promote Harlin to branch manager,” said Lisa Kmetz, executive vice president, Retail & Security officer. “He has consistently exceeded expectations and has a proven track record of success. His dedication to providing exceptional customer service will be invaluable as he takes on this new role.”

Tad Tokarz Helps Kids Envision a Bright Future

By
Tad Tokarz
Where Are They Now?

Where Are They Now?

 

Tad Tokarz

Tad Tokarz in 2007 as a 40 Under Forty honoree (right) and today in his office at Springfield Central High School.

Tad Tokarz

Tad Tokarz

Only a few months after being named to BusinessWest’s inaugural 40 Under Forty cohort in 2007, Tad Tokarz won a promotion.

At the time of that first award ceremony, he was wrapping up another school year as assistant principal and director of Athletics at Springfield’s Central High School. But then-Principal Dick Stoddard retired, and Tokarz, then just 33 years old, applied for and won the job.

It altered his life’s course in some ways, but has impacted the lives of young people in far more meaningful ones.

As for his career, he was the owner of the Western Mass. Sports Journal at the time, which covered sports at a variety of levels, but always with a Pioneer Valley slant. Operating out of the Scibelli Enterprise Center at Springfield Technical Community College, it was, in essence, a second full-time job, and one he couldn’t keep going after his promotion at Central.

“Once I became principal, it was just too much work. So we had to shut it down,” Tokarz recalled. “But it was good while it lasted. The experience that I got from from running my own business has helped me tremendously here, because this is a business, with the hiring and the partnerships and the thinking outside the box. So I think that experience really helped me push Central forward in a unique direction.”

And that he has, in more than one way. “Physically, it’s a different place,” he said, citing the addition of a three-story science wing with 12 classrooms, a renovation to the athletic complex, and a current project to renovate the theater and gymnasium.

But socially, Central is also different, he added, noting that “we have put so many safeguards in place and wraparound services for our kids.”

And academically, well, the numbers speak for themselves; last year’s seniors set a Central record with $24 million in scholarship offers.

“We sent kids to some of the best colleges and universities in the country, and it’s great giving kids an opportunity to excel in whatever interests them once they graduate. We tell our kids, ‘we want you to have options when you graduate,’ and I think we’re doing a pretty good job.

“It’s very rewarding to see where these kids actually end up, and to feel like you played a small part in their development.”

“We have a tremendous staff, and the district has given us an amazing amount of support,” he went on. “Yes, COVID was a real challenge for us. But we came out stronger, I think, after COVID. What transpired was kids starting to participate more in clubs and activities. That’s a big part of who we are. We want our kids to participate, whether it be ROTC, athletics, clubs, whatever it is.”

Students have also improved academically, and that success has been mirrored by Central’s athletic programs, which bring in 10 to 15 Division I athletic scholarships each year, “so we’re watching our kids play on TV, which is fun,” Tokarz told BusinessWest.

“Now, we have every college in the country recruiting our students, athletically and academically. This year, we created a new position of recruiting coordinator; he meets with a lot of the seniors about the kinds of colleges would best suit them, along with our guidance counselors, adjustment counselors, and graduation coaches. So we’re done a lot of different things the last 17 years, put in a lot of different positions, to push kids forward, not just in the classroom, but far beyond that.”

Tokarz, always willing to work toward self-improvement — for instance, he completed an Ironman triathlon in 2005 just two years after starting to train on a bike and in the pool — has earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership since his promotion to principal. But while working toward becoming a better leader, he still says it’s the students and staff that make his job fulfilling.

“They make this place what it is. And it’s never boring; you’re helping people get to the next chapter in their life, and that, to me, is very rewarding,” he said. As for the staff, “the people that we have surrounding our students are second to none, and the reason why we’ve been so successful over this time period.”

New challenges are always emerging in education; right now, Massachusetts schools are waiting to see if voters decide on Nov. 5 to keep the MCAS test as a graduation requirement.

If they decide to change course, Tokarz said, “I’m interested to see how that’s going to change the testing and the accountability, because we’ve always focused on accountability — that’s important to us.”

No matter how the standardized test is deployed, Tokarz said he and his team will continue to help students get the best grades possible and envision a future where anything is possible.

“I just came back from the 10-year reunion of the Central High School class of 2014, and we have dentists, doctors, veterinarians, people working downtown in New York City on the Today show … all kinds of stuff. It’s very rewarding to see where these kids actually end up, and to feel like you played a small part in their development.”

Where Are New Title IX Regulations Not Enforceable?

By Contributor
Education

Emerging Challenges

By Kathleen E. Dion and Sabrina Galli

By Aug. 1, 2024, universities across the country were required to implement the Biden administration’s new regulations concerning Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which contained numerous expansions on the law’s protections.

Kathleen Dion

Kathleen Dion

Sabrina Galli

Sabrina Galli

For example, the regulations, released in April 2024, redefined sex discrimination to include “all forms of sex-based discrimination,” as opposed to only sexual harassment, and include discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

While these regulations are intended to expand protections for all under the Title IX umbrella, not all are happy with the expansions. As anticipated, litigation has emerged, challenging multiple portions of the new regulations and resulting in district courts issuing preliminary injunctions throughout the country barring enforcement of the 2024 regulations. Challengers to the new regulations oppose the expansion of the sex-discrimination definition to include discrimination based on gender identity, the ‘de minimis harm’ standard, and the definition of hostile-environment harassment as it applies to gender-identity discrimination.

As a result of these lawsuits, the 2024 regulations have not been enforced in nearly 26 states, encompassing a large portion of the South and Midwest, including but not limited to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Not only were these injunctions issued on a state-by-state basis, but one injunction out of Kansas barred enforcement of the 2024 regulations on any campus that had a chapter of one of three conservative organizations: Young America’s Foundation, Female Athletes United, or Moms for Liberty.

“As anticipated, litigation has emerged, challenging multiple portions of the new regulations and resulting in district courts issuing preliminary injunctions throughout the country barring enforcement of the 2024 regulations.”

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) responded by asking the U.S. Supreme Court to partially stay the injunctions, allowing the non-challenged parts of the new regulations to go into effect. On Aug. 16, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Department of Education v. Louisiana, denied that request, citing the lower court’s findings that the provisions in dispute were too intertwined with other provisions of the rule to allow severability.

A dissent written by Justice Sotomayor and joined by Justices Kagan, Gorsuch, and Jackson disagreed, finding that the injunctions barring enforcement of the entire rule are too broad.

While the states enjoining enforcement of the 2024 regulations have fluctuated over the last few months, the U.S. Department of Education’s website provides a full list of enjoined states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The Department also maintains a list of schools where the 2024 Title IX regulations currently cannot be enforced.

It should also be noted that schools on the department’s list are not limited to schools in the above-listed states. For example, the list currently has nine schools listed from Connecticut, four schools in Massachusetts, 20 schools in New York, and several schools in California.

Institutions included in either list may be asking, what now? In light of the litigation and injunctions, the DOE has issued guidance explaining that — in states or schools where the 2024 regulations are enjoined — the Title IX regulations, as amended in 2020, apply.

Some institutions covered by the regulations have not amended their policies that applied during the 2023-24 school year. Other schools, particularly those that are not in the 26 states covered by a statewide injunction, have decided to implement policies that are consistent (either wholly or in part) with the new 2024 regulations, reasoning that the injunctions do not apply to the schools themselves but rather to the DOE’s ability to enforce the new regulations to those schools.

As the litigations play out in due course, institutions in affected states will want to be on the lookout for any changes to these preliminary injunctions as well as consider whether any state laws weigh into their consideration whether to amend their policies to be consistent with the new regulations.

 

Kathleen E. Dion is chair of the education industry team at Robinson+Cole. She represents private schools, colleges, and universities in a variety of civil matters, such as tuition disputes, allegations of staff misconduct, and Title IX matters. Sabrina Galli is a member of Robinson+Cole’s business litigation group and education industry team. She represents corporate clients in general commercial litigation matters involving breach of contract and business torts, as well as in arbitrations, mediations, and settlement negotiations.

bankESB Wins Three Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB received three Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards from Energage for Employee Appreciation, Well-being, and Professional Development.

Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards celebrate organizations that are dedicated to building an exceptional, people-first culture. The Employee Appreciation award celebrates organizations that make employees feel valued for their efforts, thereby motivating employees to give their best at work. The Employee Well-being award honors organizations that stand out for their commitment to putting health and wellness at the center of their workplace culture. The Professional Development award honors companies that make it a priority to provide employees with opportunities that help them develop their careers and grow professionally.

Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, administered by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“We’re honored to be nationally recognized for fostering a workplace culture that puts our people first,” bankESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik said. “We try hard to cultivate a workplace that unlocks our employees’ potential by showing our appreciation for their efforts and our genuine interest in their well-being, learning, and development. Because these awards are based on our employees’ feedback, we think they signify that we’re on the right track.”

Energage CEO Eric Rubino noted that “earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity’s Building Dreams Benefit Slated for Nov. 7

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity’s (GSHFH) Building Dreams Benefit will take place on Thursday, Nov. 7. Attendees will enjoy a night of entertainment, cocktails, raffles, and auctions, all while making a difference in the Greater Springfield community. Doors open at 6 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.

From gift cards to luxury items, the prizes available at the benefit include brands like Elite Island Resorts, Charity Safaris, Boston Crawling, Hartford Yard Goats, the Huntington, Lisa Scheff Designs, Hot Brass Indoor Firearm and Bow Range, Craftsman, Boston Bruins, and Boston Red Sox. In addition to the auction, the event will feature a cash bar, games, and sweet and savory samplings from local restaurants such as MexiRico, Cima, Motu Indian Kitchen, Crave, Jimmy’s Pub, and Twin Hills Country Club.

“Our fall benefit is always a great time to celebrate the work that we have completed and show members of the community how they can support future projects,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit habitatspringfield.org/building-dreams.

WNE Receives $850,000 Earmark for Center for Advanced Manufacturing

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Western New England University (WNE) President Robert Johnson; Hossein Cheraghi, dean of the College of Engineering; as well as students, faculty, and staff to announce an $850,000 earmark for the establishment of WNE’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS).

The allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2024 spending bill that was signed into law by President Biden on March 9. This funding will allow WNE to establish CAMS, which will serve as a hub for industry-university collaboration, focusing on training and retraining a workforce in advanced manufacturing techniques.

“In an ever-changing society fueled by innovation and technological developments, the importance of workforce development cannot be understated. As a result, higher education has come to play a prominent role in training the next generation of workers. That is why I was proud to fight for Western New England University to secure funding that will benefit their students for years to come,” Neal said. “As one of the top engineering programs in the nation, WNE continues to invest in programs that will lead to immediate job placement upon graduation. This funding will play a critical role in ensuring their students are equipped with the skills needed to meet the demands of our region’s workforce, stimulating economic growth and opportunities.”

Florence Bank Sponsors Cancer Connection’s Harvest Dinner, Silent Auction

By
Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently sponsored Cancer Connection’s 2024 Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction with a $7,000 gift to support the organization that serves as a haven for people with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.

“We’re on track to reach our $40,000 goal, thanks in large part to Florence Bank and its generous sponsorship,” said Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection.

The nonprofit offers a broad range of free services. Founded in 2000, it will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

“The people we serve tend to be isolated, and they have a lot of emotions and don’t necessarily have a safe outlet for them,” Kline said. “They can come to us when they’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, and having all these emotions that go along with a cancer diagnosis, and be in community here. This is a place to find strength.”

Cancer Connection programs include therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and reiki; support groups for those living with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers; and one-one-one emotional support with trained ‘befrienders’ on staff who hold confidential conversations with caregivers and people with a diagnosis on Zoom or in person.

“We have space for laughter and jokes and processing grief. That’s what’s so special about this community here,” Kline said, noting there are groups for young adults, those living with a breast-cancer diagnosis, men only, and those for caregivers and families.

“We are honored to support an organization that provides comfort to those enduring a cancer diagnosis in our midst,” Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said. “That we can help them gives our bank community a sense of comfort as well.”

The annual Harvest Dinner and Silent Auction was held Oct. 17 in Amherst. The event is one of Cancer Connection’s largest fundraisers.

Announcing the 2024 Women of Impact

By
Cover Story Women of Impact 2024

BusinessWest has long recognized the contributions of women within the business community and created the Women of Impact awards in 2018 to further honor women who have the authority and power to move the needle in their business, are respected for accomplishments within their industries, give back to the community, and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within their field of influence.

Go HERE to view the 2024 Women of Impact Digital Section

The eight stories below demonstrate that idea many times over. They detail not only what these women do for a living, but what they’ve done with their lives — specifically, how they’ve become innovators in their fields, leaders within the community, advocates for people in need, and, most importantly, inspirations to all those around them. The class of 2024 features:

Alison Berman

Council director of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts

Dianne Fuller Doherty

Co-founder of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts

JoAnne Finck

President of Friends of Cooley Dickinson

Kimberley Lee

Chief of Creative Strategy and Development at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center

Megan McDonough

Executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity

LaTonia Monroe Naylor

Chief business educator at Monroe Naylor Consulting, LLC and president and CEO of Parent Villages

Kristi Reale

Partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker

Nephrologist, artist, and filmmaker

WOMEN OF IMPACT GALA

Presenting Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

Struggling Baystate Health Puts Transformation Plan in Place

By
Baystate Health
Features Special Coverage

Digging Out

Baystate Health

Peter Banko says he wasn’t necessarily looking for a turn-around job when he was exploring options for his next career opportunity, but he found one as the new president and CEO at Baystate Health.

Still, he was quick to note that, these days, there are very few CEO opportunities at large hospitals and health systems that do not involve turn-around efforts.

The one at Baystate certainly does, as was made clear in a press release of sorts — it was more of a statement, actually — issued by the institution early this month. It detailed everything from $300 million in operating losses over the past few years to a Leapfrog Safety Grade of ‘D’; from erosion on the balance sheet (particularly days of cash on hand, which declined from 180 days in FY 2020 to 109 by early October) to the launch of a 24-month ‘focused transformation’ to improve core operations (acute care, ambulatory, and physician enterprise) by more than $225 million.

The statement was issued in an effort to be transparent about the system’s current fiscal situation and the plan in place to return it to sound financial health, and also prepare the ground for steps that may come next, including workforce reductions, said Banko, who arrived in Springfield in June, fully aware of exactly what he was getting himself into.

He elaborated on its various points in a recent round of interviews with media outlets from across the state, including one with BusinessWest, during which he noted that Baystate is suffering from the same affliction as most all other healthcare providers in these post-pandemic years — a situation where revenues are simply not keeping pace with expenses — and will have to make some hard decisions, and many of them, to get back on track.

“We have a clear path, and we’re working on implementing it; it’s a two-year plan to improve our core operations by more than $225 million.”

“We have a clear path, and we’re working on implementing it; it’s a two-year plan to improve our core operations by more than $225 million,” said Banko, noting that the basic playbook in this case, as it does with any struggling business in any sector, calls for growing revenues and reducing expenses, efforts carried out simultaneously.

“We’re leaving no stone unturned,” he went on, noting that the system has already taken several steps, including the termination of its defined-benefit pension plan, sale of its laboratory to Labcorp, and the pending sale of Health New England to Point32Health, a move that will “remove a distraction we don’t need right now” more than it will help the bottom line, he noted.

In the growing-revenues category, he said the system is engaging in a strategic-planning process, one involving the entire organization and community, and one that will define where the system wants to grow. Elaborating, he explained that the system is working on revenue-cycle management, especially billing-and-collection operation, “to make sure we’re collecting every dollar, no more, no less.”

Meanwhile, the system is also working on improving access to physicians as well as the larger issue of throughput — in the operating room, endoscopy, heart and vascular, and more.

On the expense side, the system is looking to reduce corporate overhead, “things that don’t touch the bedside,” he said. “We’re looking at external spends — supplies, pharmacy, the must-haves versus nice-to-haves, what pens and paper we’re using.”

But obviously, the largest item on the expense side is workforce, Banko went on, adding that reductions are all but inevitable, although he could not say where they will come or how many.

Peter Banko

Peter Banko says he arrived at Baystate fully understanding the challenges facing the health system.

“We’re still working on the plans and execution, and we will be transparent as we make those changes, both externally and internally,” he said, adding that the system will start with reducing corporate overhead and improving billing and collections.

As he goes about leading this ‘transformation,’ a word he used instead of ‘turnaround’ to describe what’s taking place, Banko said he will call on his considerable experience with such efforts (more on that later).

Ultimately, he is confident that Baystate can and will pull out of this dive and return to something approaching profitability.

“I have complete confidence in where we’re headed,” he said. “Everyone knows where we need to go; we’re aligned about where we want to go. Everything here is fixable, and there’s a great path forward to be able to invest $1.2 billion over the next six years and get into the fun stuff.”

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Banko about how Baystate Health arrived at this moment, but mostly about what happens now — especially those hard decisions, the turning over of all those stones, and everything else needed to move the system into recovery.

“The light at the end of the tunnel can’t be another train coming — it has to be something better.”

While doing so, he provided some insight into the challenges facing virtually every healthcare system in the region — and the country, for that matter.

 

Numbers Game

As noted earlier, Banko knew exactly what he was facing when he agreed to succeed Dr. Mark Keroack as president and CEO at Baystate Health.

“The board was very transparent, and there have been no surprises,” he said, joking that, while there was a very short honeymoon period as he transitioned into the job, it is long over, and the hard work of returning the system, which includes four area hospitals — Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Wing Hospital, and Baystate Franklin Medical Center — to sound financial health is well underway.

Similar work is taking place almost everywhere in healthcare, especially across the Commonwealth, he said, noting that a recent Massachusetts Hospital Assoc. report noted that, in 2023, 75% of the hospitals in the state lost money, with some losing at a more dramatic rate than Baystate, while most others lost less.

“The American Hospital Association reported that, over the past few years, inflation grew by 12.5%, so let’s say it’s 6.25% per year,” he said, while explaining how Baystate arrived at this moment. “Our revenue at Baystate over the past 10 years has grown 5.3%, and there’s the issue: our expenses have been growing faster than our revenue.

“We have an aging population, so more than 70% of our patient base is Medicare and Medicaid, and we know neither of those cover their costs,” Banko went on. “So we rely on the other 30% to cover the cost of Medicare and Medicaid. We’ve lost commercial market share and key services to Boston and Hartford, including cancer, heart and vascular, and to a lesser extent orthopedics, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. So all the key procedural areas that are profitable for us … we’ve lost some business to elsewhere, and for a variety of reasons.”

Listing some of them, he mentioned access to physicians — “if you call us and it’s a month and you call someone in Boston and it’s ‘we’ll see you next week,’ you’re going to go to the place that will see you next week, if you have the ability to get there” — as well as a lack of awareness within this region of the talent and services available at Baystate.

This loss of revenue, compounded by rising expenses, has had far-reaching ramifications, he said, adding that it limited the system’s ability to reinvest back into itself and the community, while also stunting its ability to grow and impacting the balance sheet.

The plan to stem this tide is fundamental, Banko said, adding that it involves both growing revenue and reducing expenses, and, ultimately, growing revenues faster than expenses.

“That means we have to start growing revenue 6% to 8% a year, and we’ve got to transform our cost structure to get below that,” he said. “We’re still early on, so the more we get on the revenue side, it takes some of the pressure off on the cost side, but we’re still early in the process.”

He said Baystate is not interested in cutting back on operations or discontinuing services, in large part because it is a safety-net hospital, and many of those services are not available elsewhere.

 

Bottom Line

As the system goes about putting a plan in place and then implementing it, it will use some consultants, while also drawing on some of the lessons generated by providers who have managed to recover financially from the pandemic quicker than most others.

There are only a handful of those, Banko said, stressing, again, that most systems — in this region, across New England, and across the country — are fighting the same battle, although Baystate has a deeper hole from which to dig out.

“We got hit harder — our fall, post-pandemic, was further than most systems, and our recovery has been slower,” he noted, adding that those that recovered faster made the hard decisions earlier.

As noted earlier, Banko has considerable experience with turn-around projects. He’s confronted them at several of his earlier career stops, including Centura Health in Colorado, and others as a turn-around specialist in New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere.

As he looked around his office at the system’s corporate headquarters on Chestnut Street, Banko said that, somewhere, there’s a book on turn-arounds he read earlier in his career.

He doesn’t have to reread it because he’s lived through many of them now, and also because it isn’t exactly rocket science. It’s about fundamentals, execution, and “not relying on luck,” he noted. “For me, what’s more important than what you do is how you do it.”

Elaborating, he said one key is maintaining morale and getting buy-in on the strategic plan that is developed. This comes through transparency and focusing on the endgame. He noted that the poor Leapfrog score was a “gut punch” for the system, one that doesn’t reflect the work being done and the quality of talent within the Baystate family of hospitals.

“Still, it’s a grade, and it’s how we’re being graded; I said we’re going to be an ‘A’ organization — everyone wants to work for an ‘A,’ said Banko, who said he also serves as ‘chief culture officer’ for Baystate Health, and in that role it’s his job to set a tone and generate optimism for the system moving forward.

“The light at the end of the tunnel can’t be another train coming — it has to be something better,” he noted. “We’ve got a really nice picture of being able to grow the organization and invest a significant amount of money over the next six years if and when we do the plan.

“We don’t have to sell to someone, we don’t have to turn over the keys, we’re not in the same situation as Steward,” he said, referencing the Texas-based health system that filed for bankruptcy in May and has closed several hospitals, including two facilities in the Bay State. “We have a clear path, and if we execute on the path, we’re going to be healthy and growing and thriving for the next 140 years.”

UMass Amherst’s $600 Million Campaign Seeks to Harness Momentum, Generate More

By
Education Special Coverage

Accelerating the Process

While UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes is thoroughly engrossed in the university’s ongoing $600 million fundraising campaign, the most ambitious in the school’s history, he admits to allowing himself to occasionally think about the next campaign and the bold, round-number goal that might be attached to it.

“I’m not sure, but most of the flagships, after having a $600 million or so campaign … they’ll go after $1 billion, and I see no reason why we shouldn’t set that goal given where we are and the stature we have,” Reyes told BusinessWest. “We’re developing a stronger foundation, a stronger philanthropic arm of the university, and I have no doubt that we’re building such a strong foundation that the next one will get us to those levels.”

But enough about the next campaign and that statement goal.

The current initiative, called “Accelerate: The Campaign for UMass Amherst,” is still in its middle stages, with much work still to be done. To date, more than $452 million has been raised from nearly 100,000 donors, with several “transformative” gifts that are helping the school make major strides with the campaign’s three major commitments: revolutionizing access to higher education; growing investment in cutting-edge research, teaching, and creative endeavors; and magnifying the university’s impact on the common good” (more on these later).

Overall, the campaign is aptly named, said Reyes, adding that, through the campaign and the funds it will raise, the institution will work toward accelerating a wave of momentum that has seen the university and individual schools and programs, such as the Isenberg School of Management, rise in the U.S. News & World Report rankings and increasingly become a school of choice.

“I’m not sure, but most of the flagships, after having a $600 million or so campaign … they’ll go after $1 billion, and I see no reason why we shouldn’t set that goal given where we are and the stature we have.”

Its $600 million goal makes a statement in its own right, he said, noting that this number speaks to not only how high the state’s flagship public university has risen, but also to its plans to continue on that trajectory at a time when many institutions are struggling.

And while the goal of the campaign is to raise money — for individual schools, programs, capital projects, and initiatives, as well as an endowment currently at roughly $600 million, well below other major state universities — in the course of doing so, many other goals are met, said Reyes and UMass Amherst Foundation President Arwen Duffy. At the top of this list is the opportunity to tell the university’s story to those who might not know all the recent chapters, and connecting — or reconnecting — with members of many different constituencies, including alumni, parents, foundations, the business community, and others.

Javier Reyes

Javier Reyes says the campaign is an opportunity to achieve a new level of fundraising — and a new way of connecting with alumni.

“It’s not a one-time buildup; it’s getting to a new level of philanthropy, a new level of fundraising efforts, a new level of connecting with your alumni,” Reyes said. “If you can continue gathering and really nurturing those relationships for the future, it sets the stage for future contributions.

“You also try to make sure that this is a way to bring to light great things happening at the university that many may not have noticed yet,” he went on. “When you look at your extensive alumni network, you’re able to show programs that have had tremendous success in the past years and leverage that for the future.”

Duffy agreed. “We’re trying to stay close to alumni and present opportunities for them to engage,” she noted. “And often, that engagement sparks a desire to give back in other ways. When people know what we’re up to, when they see the work that we’re doing, that often inspires investment.

“The goals set forth for this campaign are ambitious,” she went on. “But the collective power of our community makes them achievable. Alumni cherish their ties to the university, carry that pride with them, and bring inspiring energy to serving as ambassadors for UMass Amherst.”

 

On-the-Money Analysis

As she talked about the “Accelerate” campaign, its goals, the money raised to date, and the work still to be done to reach its lofty goal, Duffy drew an autumn analogy.

“It’s apple season right now,” she said. “And after you pick all the apples you can reach from the ground, you’ve got to figure out how to climb higher into the tree. It’s the same with a campaign like this one. The people that we already know and have relationships with, we’re talking to — we know where they are. As you work through all those known friends, you’ve got to figure out what’s higher up in the tree.”

And in the process of getting higher into the tree, the university will do more of that connecting and reconnecting mentioned earlier, and “inviting people in,” said Duffy, adding that this is one of the more intriguing, and beneficial, aspects of a campaign like this one — as is the ability to tell the university’s story to a wide range of audiences.

“When you look at this campaign, it gives you that kind of notoriety and the ability to project to the nation and the world where you are. Some of your alumni that may not already be connected will be found, will be connected, through these efforts, so with the next campaign, you will have a stronger network, a stronger base from which you can continue to nurture and build relationships.”

Reyes agreed. “When you look at this campaign, it gives you that kind of notoriety and the ability to project to the nation and the world where you are,” he said. “Some of your alumni that may not already be connected will be found, will be connected, through these efforts, so with the next campaign, you will have a stronger network, a stronger base from which you can continue to nurture and build relationships.”

“Accelerate,” as noted, is the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the school’s 161-year history. The previous campaign, called “UMass Rising,” ran from 2010 to 2016 and raised $379 million from more than 103,000 donors.

“Accelerate” officially began in 2018, said Duffy, and was really just getting started when the pandemic hit, slowing things somewhat, especially when it comes to the face-to-face discussions that are critical when it comes to securing larger, transformational gifts.

But the campaign has certainly gained some momentum, she noted, adding that it has been helped by the generational transfer of wealth to the Baby Boom generation, a larger and seemingly more energetic alumni base, and the university’s rise in stature and the rankings.

Arwen Duffy

Arwen Duffy says large, transformative gifts create opportunities to connect the university’s philanthropic priorities with the specific interests of donors.

Duffy noted that, while there are several constituencies being approached for support, the alumni base is the largest and, in many ways, the most important.

There are now more than 300,000 alums, she said, and they are scattered across the country and around the world. But there are several dense pockets — Massachusetts, obviously, but also the New York City area, Washington, D.C., the West Coast, and, increasingly “warmer climates.”

Among the foundation’s challenges is finding them, keeping them informed, and engaging them in the university and its future.

 

Gifts That Keep Giving

As noted earlier, the campaign has three main focal points: improving access to higher education; investments in research, teaching, and creative endeavors; and magnifying impact on the “common good.” And all of these are reflected in transformative gifts from donors. These include:

• A $21.5 million naming gift from the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Charitable Foundation to the College of Nursing, which is supporting student scholarships, an endowed professorship, the work of the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation, and mentoring and research initiatives that create access and equity for nursing students from a variety of backgrounds;

• A $20 million pledge by Douglas (’71) and Diana Berthiaume to the Isenberg School of Management to create endowed faculty positions, endowed doctoral fellowships, a new behavioral research laboratory, and expanded faculty research at the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship; and

• A $10 million gift from Jerome (’60) and Linda Paros to endow the Paros Center for Atmospheric Research at UMass Amherst, a center of excellence where students and faculty conduct high-impact research projects in atmospheric sciences, distributed geophysical sensing, and hazard warning and mitigation to revolutionize the nation’s ability to forecast, plan for, and respond to climate and weather events.

The Paros Center is an example, said Duffy, of how philanthropy often provides seed money or next-stage funding — situations where donors’ interests and philanthropic priorities converge with the university’s, “and you start to get some really interesting things happening.”

Reyes agreed. “With a campaign like this, you want to elevate the institution to continue to be of national prominence, find the areas in which you already have a certain level of excellence, and strengthen them,” he explained. “When you look at what we’re doing in the College of Engineering, Computer Science, Nursing, Food Science … you find the pillars where you’re already strong and say, ‘we’re going to double down on those.’ And we need resources to bring more students into those programs, retain faculty through endowed chairs, or providing support for facilities.”

As for access, that is a huge focal point of this campaign, said Reyes, adding that, at a time when the cost of higher education continues to rise and challenge students and their families, improving access is critically important.

“One of the most important things is finding ways to make higher education affordable,” he noted, adding that, with funds raised from the campaign, the university will focus on all aspects of affordability — not simply tuition, but also the “cost of living,” as he put it, and the costs associated with undertaking an internship, such as travel and, in some cases, living in a different city of country.

Meanwhile, this campaign will place additional emphasis on reinforcing the university as a force in economic development across the state.

“When you think of community engagement, community-engaged research, reaching out to the community and being not only a partner, but a collaborator … it really is a different era for the university,” Reyes said. “And we’re going to start showcasing that as part of this campaign, since some of the resources that we’ll be able to gather from this campaign can help with that community engagement, with that outreach.”

 

Bottom Line

Overall, “Accelerate” comes at a pivotal moment — for the university, higher education, this region, the country, and the world. It is a critical initiative for an institution that has generated large amounts of momentum and wants to create more.

It was launched with the goal of raising $600 million, but also the larger, even more important goal of taking philanthropy at the state’s flagship university to a new level, one where the goal for the next campaign may, indeed, be $1 billion.

“Campaigns are not just about the dollars today,” Reyes said. “Campaigns are also about building the stature and the connectivity of the university such that, in the future, this support and this engagement with your alumni network and those that have a stake in the university continue to be strengthened, grown, and maintained.”

That’s what “Accelerate” is all about, and thus far, it is certainly living up to that name.

Super 60 Honorees Reflect Success, Growth, Civic Commitment

By
Special Coverage Super 60

A Regional Economic Snapshot

The Springfield Regional Chamber (SRC) recently announced the 2024 winners of its annual Super 60 awards program, honoring 60 businesses and nonprofits across five distinct categories. They will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, Nov. 8 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
For more than 30 years, the Super 60 awards have honored the accomplishments of successful and growing businesses that call the Greater Springfield area home. Last year, the Super 60 program was reimagined and expanded. In addition to the traditional categories of Revenue and Growth, the Springfield Regional Chamber added three new categories to celebrate additional measures of success.
The Start-Up category recognizes businesses that have achieved remarkable success during their early years of operation, the Give Back category recognizes businesses that made significant contributions to local communities and organizations, and the Non-Profit category recognizes organizations that have displayed selfless dedication to serving the community through exceptional programming and support.
This year’s winners represent numerous communities across myriad industries, including dining, automotive, manufacturing, finance, sports, and many more.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible diversity and innovation within our business community through this year’s Super 60 program,” said Diana Szynal, president of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our region, and we’re excited to celebrate so many nonprofits that make a difference in our community. It’s more important than ever to shine a light on the accomplishments and unwavering resilience of our local businesses and nonprofits. I look forward to honoring these incredibly deserving organizations at our Super 60 luncheon on November 8.”
The keynote speaker at the luncheon will be Tania Barber, president and CEO of Caring Health Center, which, under her guidance, operates five primary-care sites across the region, employing 266 professionals who provide healthcare services to about 28,000 patients.
Super 60 sponsors include Health New England, WWLP-22 News, Stand Out Truck, Florence Bank, Keiter Corp., the Republican, and Paylocity. Visit springfieldregionalchamber.com to reserve a seat at the luncheon.

Revenue:

Fontaine Brothers Inc.
Whalley Computer Associates Inc.
Tighe & Bond Inc.
Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
Baltazar Contractors Massachusetts
Keiter Corp.
Maybury Associates Inc.
Freedom Credit Union
L&C Prescription
The Dowd Agencies LLC
Paragus Strategic IT Inc.
Knight Machine Tool Co.
Baystate Crushing & Recycling Inc.
Springfield Hockey LLC
Pioneer Valley Financial Group Inc.

Growth:


Roberts Energy
Keiter Corp.
Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
Baltazar Contractors Massachusetts
Tighe & Bond Inc.
Springfield Hockey LLC
L&C Prescription
Paragus Strategic IT Inc.
Court Square Group Inc.
Giggle Gardens Inc.
Bart Truck Equipment LLC
Campora Construction
Connections Real Estate Corp.
Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting
Pioneer Valley Financial Group Inc.

Start-Up:


DDS Acoustical Specialties LLC
Exotic Scentsations
MorningBird Media
Rewarding Insurance Agency LLC
Hoppy Mustard
L’Amour Restaurant

Give Back:


Allied Flooring and Paint/
Budget Cabinet Sales
Bulkley Richardson
Keiter Corp.
Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
MGM Springfield
Monarch Fore Charities
Pioneer Valley Financial Group Inc.
Springfield Hockey LLC
The Horace Smith Fund

Non-Profit:

Way Finders
Valley Opportunity Council Inc.
Springfield Partners for
Community Action Inc.
Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts
The Horace Smith Fund
WestMass Eldercare Inc.
MassHire Holyoke Career Center
Springfield Rescue Mission
Second Chance Animal Services Community Veterinary Hospital
MassHire Springfield Career Center
The Food Bank of
Western Massachusetts Inc.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield Inc.
Clinical & Support Options
Gandara Mental Health Center Inc.
Work Opportunity Center Inc.

REVENUE

Fontaine Bros. Inc.
510 Cottage Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
(413) 781-2020
www.fontainebros.com
David Fontaine Jr., CEO
Family-owned and operated for 91 years, Fontaine Bros. offers services such as general contracting, with a focus on K-12 schools, higher education, commercial properties, historical renovations, and municipal work, as well as construction management. As one of New England’s original green builders, it has expertise in building sustainably and responsibly for all kinds of projects.

Whalley Computer Associates Inc.
One Whalley Way, Southwick, MA 01077
(413) 596-4200
www.wca.com
Michael Sheil, President
Whalley Computer Associates offers data-center services, cloud backup, managed services, training, desktop services, network services, and staff-augmentation services. The company focuses its work in the corporate, finance, healthcare, K-12, higher education, retail, and SMB industries.

Tighe & Bond Inc.
53 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-1600
www.tighebond.com
Robert Belitz, President and CEO
Tighe & Bond offers engineering, design, planning, and environmental-consulting services, with focuses in building, transportation, water and wastewater engineering, coastal and waterfront solutions, environmental consulting, GIS and asset management, landscape architecture and urban design, civil engineering, and site planning.

Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 536-1900
www.marcotteford.com
Bryan Marcotte, President
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department, including a mobile service operation that comes to customers for basic maintenance and recall servicing. Marcotte has achieved Ford’s President’s Award multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

Baltazar Contractors Massachusetts
83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-6160
www.baltazarcontractors.com
Paulo Baltazar, President
Baltazar Contractors is a heavy civil construction company with services in utility construction, roadway construction, site work and development, culvert and bridge construction, earth support and shoring, and trenchless technology. The company has remained family-owned over three decades in business.

Keiter Corp.
35 Main St., Florence, MA 01062
(413) 586-8600
www.keiter.com
Scott Keiter, President
Keiter Corp. is a construction-services company working with clients on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects of all sizes. The firm is divided into four divisions: Keiter Builders (commercial and institutional construction), Keiter Homes (residential construction), Hatfield Construction (excavation, site work, and structural concrete), and Keiter Properties (real estate and rental).

Maybury Associates Inc.
90 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow
(888) 629-2879
www.maybury.com
William Maybury, President
A one-source provider of quality industrial products and services to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing customers, Maybury Associates designs, supplies, and services a wide variety of handling equipment throughout New England and provides customers in a wide range of industries with solutions to move, lift, and store their parts and products.

Freedom Credit Union
1976 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-6961
www.freedom.coop
Glenn Welch, President and CEO
Freedom Credit Union is a credit union that offers banking and loan services to businesses and individuals. It also offers insurance plans for individuals and an investment-services division. The institution celebrated its centennial in 2022 and regularly involves customers and the community in philanthropic outreach.

L&C Prescriptions Inc.
155 Brookdale Dr., Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 781-2996
www.medibubble.com
Dr. Kara James, President
L&C Prescription, the parent company for Louis & Clark Pharmacy, provides medication solutions to individuals, healthcare providers, and assisted-living, independent-living, and memory-care communities, and offers online prescription refills, MediBubble pre-packaged pills, blister packs to manage daily medications, vial synchronization, consultations with registered pharmacists, and a delivery service.

The Dowd Agencies LLC
14 Bobala Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-7444
www.dowd.com
John Dowd Jr., President
Founded in 1898, the Dowd Agencies is the oldest insurance agency under continuous family ownership, and one of the most long-standing, experienced insurance agencies in Massachusetts. Its staff includes fully licensed and certified insurance and financial services agents and brokers in Holyoke, Hadley, Southampton, Indian Orchard, and Ludlow.

Paragus Strategic IT
112 Russell St., Hadley
(413) 587-2666
www.paragusit.com
Delcie Bean, President
Paragus has grown dramatically as an outsourced IT solution, providing business computer service, consulting, information-technology support, and other services to businesses of all sizes from its headquarters in Hadley and a second location in Worcester. The company is 100% employee-owned.

Knight Machine Tool Co.
11 Industrial Dr., South Hadley
(413) 532-2507
www.knightmachine.net
Gary O’Brien, Owner
Knight Machine & Tool Co. is a metalworking and welding company that offers blacksmithing, metal roofing, and other services from its 11,000-square-foot facility. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and registered with International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Baystate Blasting Inc.
36 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-4440
www.baystateblasting.com
Dinis Baltazar, President and CEO
Baystate Blasting offers services in ledge and rock removal, rock blasting, and rock crushing. It performs large and small construction-site preparation, road and highway work, line drilling and trench work, quarry shots, and residential work such as foundations and in-ground pools. It is federally licensed as both a dealer and user of explosive materials.

Springfield Hockey LLC
1 Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 02110
(413) 746-4100
www.springfieldthunderbirds.com
Nathan Costa, President
Springfield Hockey LLC, better known as the Springfield Thunderbirds, is the local affiliate of the St. Louis Blues and and the American Hockey League’s 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. Playing its home games at the MassMutual Center since its inception in 2016, the team gives back to the community in multiple ways, like the Thunderbirds Foundation, Stick to Reading school programs, Hometown Salute, Frontline Fridays, and more.

Pioneer Valley Financial Group Inc.
535 East St., Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 589-1500
www.pvfinancial.com
Edward Sokolowski, Kelly Haber, and Karen Nogueira, Partners
Pioneer Valley Financial Group is a financial-planning service, offering services in retirement planning, business planning, asset growth, college funding, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management. It serves retirees, professionals, service members, young adults, and small and medium-sized businesses.

GROWTH

Roberts Energy
237 Albany St., Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 736-9611
www.robertsnrg.com
Frank Roberts, President
Roberts Energy is a supplier of motor fuels, heating fuels, and lubricants to commercial end-users, wholesale customers, and branded retailers. The company specializes in helping customers manage their fuel costs through risk-management products, inventory management, and innovative equipment and technology solutions.

Keiter Corp.
35 Main St., Florence, MA 01062
(413) 586-8600
www.keiter.com
Scott Keiter, President
Keiter Corp. is a construction-services company working with clients on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects of all sizes. The firm is divided into four divisions: Keiter Builders (commercial and institutional construction), Keiter Homes (residential construction), Hatfield Construction (excavation, site work, and structural concrete), and Keiter Properties (real estate and rental).

Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 536-1900
www.marcotteford.com
Bryan Marcotte, President
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department, including a mobile service operation that comes to customers for basic maintenance and recall servicing. Marcotte has achieved Ford’s President’s Award multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

Baltazar Contractors Massachusetts
83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-6160
www.baltazarcontractors.com
Paulo Baltazar, President
Baltazar Contractors is a heavy civil construction company with services in utility construction, roadway construction, site work and development, culvert and bridge construction, earth support and shoring, and trenchless technology. The company has remained family-owned over three decades in business.

Tighe & Bond Inc.
53 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-1600
www.tighebond.com
Robert Belitz, President and CEO
Tighe & Bond offers engineering, design, planning, and environmental-consulting services, with focuses in building, transportation, water and wastewater engineering, coastal and waterfront solutions, environmental consulting, GIS and asset management, landscape architecture and urban design, civil engineering, and site planning.

Springfield Hockey LLC
1 Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 02110
(413) 746-4100
www.springfieldthunderbirds.com
Nathan Costa, President
Springfield Hockey LLC, better known as the Springfield Thunderbirds, is the local affiliate of the St. Louis Blues and and the American Hockey League’s 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. Playing its home games at the MassMutual Center since its inception in 2016, the team gives back to the community in multiple ways, like the Thunderbirds Foundation, Stick to Reading school programs, Hometown Salute, Frontline Fridays, and more.

L&C Prescriptions Inc.
155 Brookdale Dr., Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 781-2996
www.medibubble.com
Dr. Kara James, President
L&C Prescriptions, the parent company for Louis & Clark Pharmacy, provides medication solutions to individuals, healthcare providers, and assisted-living, independent-living, and memory-care communities, and offers online prescription refills, MediBubble pre-packaged pills, blister packs to manage daily medications, vial synchronization, consultations with registered pharmacists, and a delivery service.

Paragus Strategic IT
112 Russell St., Hadley
(413) 587-2666
www.paragusit.com
Delcie Bean, President
Paragus has grown dramatically as an outsourced IT solution, providing business computer service, consulting, information-technology support, and other services to businesses of all sizes from its headquarters in Hadley and a second location in Worcester. The company is 100% employee-owned.

Court Square Group Inc.
1350 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 746-0054
www.courtsquaregroup.com
Keith Parent, CEO
Court Square Group is a leading managed-service technology company with a focus exclusively on life science. Its business-focused approach has supported many life-science startups as well as some of the largest life-science companies. The team’s expertise provides technical, compliance, and audit-readiness support.

Giggle Gardens Inc.
627 State St., Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 439-0391
www.gigglegardens.com
Roxanne Turowsky, Owner
Giggle Gardens Learning Center is committed to quality care and the education of young children. Its team provides a safe, structured, environment for children to learn, socialize, and have fun. Early-learning programs are offered year-round for ages 3 weeks to 5 years, and school-age programs are offered year-round to ages 5-12.

Bart Truck Equipment LLC
358 River St., West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 737-2766
www.barttruckllc.com
James DiClementi, President
Bart Truck Equipment is a heavy-duty parts and trucking service company, offering different bodies (dump, platform, utility/service), snow plows and other winter removal equipment, truck-mounted generators, hook lifts and roll-offs, and more. It also custom-builds and fabricates parts for clients. It serves contractors, landscapers, fleets, municipalities, utility companies, and homeowners.

Campora Construction
43 Owens Way, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 610-1660
www.camporacc.com
Mario Campora, President
Campora Construction specializes in full-scale building construction and sidewalk, patio, and driveway installation for residential, commercial, and governmental projects. Services include custom home design and construction, complete home rebuilds from fire damage, home additions and sunroom installation, concrete demolition and infills, and commercial office fit-outs.

Connections Real Estate Corp.
85 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA 01095
(800) 755-7595
www.remax.com/real-estate-offices/remax-connections-wilbraham-ma/100428112
Peter Ruffini and Dawn Ruffini, Brokers/Owners
RE/MAX Connections is a full-service real-estate brokerage servicing Massachusetts and Connecticut, with referral partners worldwide. Its services encompass buying, selling, and renting properties.

Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting
78 Sylvan St., West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 351-3554
www.maaco.com/locations/ma/west-springfield-11269
Joe Houghton, Owner
Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting is America’s number-one body shop. Its locally owned and operated facility specializes in repairing routine dents, dings, and structural damages. In addition, Maaco offers premium painting solutions to rejuvenate a vehicle’s appearance. It also offers fleet and industrial services.

Pioneer Valley Financial Group Inc.
535 East St., Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 589-1500
www.pvfinancial.com
Edward Sokolowski, Kelly Haber, and Karen Nogueira, Partners
Pioneer Valley Financial Group is a financial-planning service, offering services in retirement planning, business planning, asset growth, college funding, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management. It serves retirees, professionals, service members, young adults, and small and medium-sized businesses.

START-UP

DDS Acoustical Specialties LLC
54 Mainline Dr., Unit C, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 248-8118
www.ddsacoustical.com
Dave Gilbert, Senior Managing Partner
Established in 2019, DDS Acoustical Specialties brings more than 45 years of combined experience in designing, managing, and installing acoustical products nationwide. DDS strives to solve noise problems across any business sector and industry, and customers receive engineered, turnkey solutions, customized for their specific area or issue.

Exotic Scentsations
50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 783-1640
www.exoticscentsations.com
Abigail Pena Hunt, Owner
A first-generation, Black-owned small business, Exotic Scentsations produces and sells high-end aromatherapy products at affordable prices, both at its store at the Holyoke Mall and online. True to its name, Exotic Scentsations aspires to offer uncommon scents, and a range of products that can offer everyone a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

MorningBird Media
1350 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 271-7288
www.morningbird.media
Robyn Miller, Founder
MorningBird Media was founded in 2018 with the vision of helping to bring existing businesses into the digital age. While this remains a focus, MorningBird has evolved with the marketing landscape to encompass all methods of reaching potential customers. Clients who work with MorningBird get a personalized strategy that fits their business’ needs.

Rewarding Insurance Agency LLC
284 Maple St., Suite 1, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 359-2771
www.rewardingagency.com
Lidia Rodríguez and Miguel Rivera, CEOs
Since 2016, Rewarding Insurance Agency has been serving customers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, with services including life insurance, health insurance, retirement solutions, property and casualty insurance, tax-preparation services, and notary services. In 2024, the agency was named Business of the Year by the Greater Holyoke Chamber, and its CEOs were named Business People of the Year.

Hoppy Mustard
www.hoppymustard.com
Justin Peritore, Founder
Born from the culinary dreams of its founder, Hoppy Sauce is a testament to the fusion of innovation and flavor. Trained in advanced culinary arts, Peritore embarked on a quest to redefine condiments, uniting the robust essence of beer with the smoky allure of barbecue. Months of taste tests, meticulous crafting, and a commitment to inclusivity resulted in his bold, spicy, sweet, and tangy masterpiece.

L’amour Restaurant
111 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 301-5333
www.lamourspringfield.com
Asif Khan and Sunny Rana, Owners
L’amour aims to create a dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Mediterranean, while providing exceptional hospitality and service. It is dedicated to serving authentic dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic spices. In addition to the restaurant, L’amour offers a spacious and versatile banquet hall for all occasions.

GIVE BACK

Allied Flooring, Paint & Design/Budget
Cabinet Sales
350 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001
(413) 224-8260
www.alliedflooringandpaint.com
Mario Tedeschi, Partner and President
As a leading destination for flooring, paint, carpet and floor cleaning, interior design, and window treatments, Allied has an extensive track record working alongside homeowners to help turn houses into homes. Launched in 1987, the company now boasts three locations in Agawam, East Longmeadow, and Leominster, and purchased Budget Cabinet Sales in Agawam in 2022.

Bulkley Richardson
1500 Main St., Suite 2700, Springfield, MA 01115
(413) 272-6200
www.bulkley.com
Elizabeth Quick, Executive Director
Bulkley Richardson, with locations in Springfield and Hadley, has provided high-quality legal services to local and national clients for a century. Launched in 1924, the firm now boasts 23 practice areas (14 of them ranked by Best Lawyers in 2024) and 15 attorneys honored in peer-recognition programs in 2024. Active in the community, the firm supported 42 local organizations in 2023.

Keiter Corp.
35 Main St., Florence, MA 01062
(413) 586-8600
www.keiter.com
Scott Keiter, President
Keiter Corp. is a construction-services company working with clients on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects of all sizes. The firm is divided into four divisions: Keiter Builders (commercial and institutional construction), Keiter Homes (residential construction), Hatfield Construction (excavation, site work, and structural concrete), and Keiter Properties (real estate and rental).

Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 536-1900
www.marcotteford.com
Bryan Marcotte, President
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department, including a mobile service operation that comes to customers for basic maintenance and recall servicing. Marcotte has achieved Ford’s President’s Award multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

MGM Springfield
One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 273-5000
www.mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com
Chris Kelley, President and COO
MGM Springfield recently celebrated five years of operation in downtown Springfield, offering a host of slot machines and table games, numerous restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment at Symphony Hall, Roar! Comedy Club, ARIA Ballroom, the MassMutual Center, and an outdoor plaza.

Monarch Fore Charities
One Monarch Place, 25th Floor, Springfield, MA 01144
(413) 746-4100
www.monarch-place.com
Paul Picknelly, President
Monarch Fore Charities is the philanthropic and charity-supporting arm of Monarch Enterprises, a leading commercial real-estate developer and hotel operator.

Pioneer Valley Financial Group Inc.
535 East St., Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 589-1500
www.pvfinancial.com
Charles Meyers, Edward Sokolowski, and Joseph Leonczyk, Founding Partners
Pioneer Valley Financial Group is a financial-planning service, offering services in retirement planning, business planning, asset growth, college funding, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management. It serves retirees, professionals, service members, young adults, and small and medium-sized businesses.

Springfield Hockey LLC
1 Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 02110
(413) 746-4100
www.springfieldthunderbirds.com
Nathan Costa, President
Springfield Hockey LLC, better known as the Springfield Thunderbirds, is the local affiliate of the St. Louis Blues and and the American Hockey League’s 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. Playing its home games at the MassMutual Center since its inception in 2016, the team gives back to the community in multiple ways, like the Thunderbirds Foundation, Stick to Reading school programs, Hometown Salute, Frontline Fridays, and more.

The Horace Smith Fund
16 Union Ave., Suite 2K, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 739-4222
www.horacesmithfund.org
Josephine Sarnilli, Executive Director
For more than a century, the Horace Smith Fund has helped Hampden County students finance their dreams of higher education. Award opportunities are available to residents of Hampden County who have graduated from eligible local secondary or private schools. This year, the fund awarded a total of $316,000 to local students in scholarships and fellowships.

NON-PROFIT

Way Finders
1780 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 233-1500
www.wayfinders.org
Keith Fairey, President and CEO
Way Finders is an organization dedicated to bringing home stability to people across Western Mass. since 1972. It builds and manages affordable housing in urban, rural, and suburban settings; helps families access emergency assistance and housing subsidies; helps people become first-time homebuyers; supports families experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse; and fosters housing stability through financial education and employment services.

Valley Opportunity Council Inc.
35 Mount Carmel Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 552-1554
www.valleyopp.com
Stephen Huntley, Executive Director
The Valley Opportunity Council is the largest and most diverse community-action agency in the region. It offers a network of support and collaborative services that include energy assistance, nutrition, early education and childcare, adult education, senior services, housing, money management, and transporation.

Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc.
721 State St., Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 263-6500
www.springfieldpartnersinc.com
Paul Bailey, Executive Director
Springfield Partners for Community Action’s mission is to utilize and provide resources that assist people in need to obtain economic stability, ultimately creating a better way of life. It does so through home and energy services, income-tax assistance services, money-management services, transportation services, veterans’ services, and youth and family services.

Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts
1600 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 733-0084
www.feedwma.org
Jodi Falk, Executive Director
The mission of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts is to alleviate hunger and reduce the waste of food resources in Western Mass. The organization takes a holistic and collaborative approach toward food security by supporting an inter-generational volunteer effort to feed and nourish local communities.

The Horace Smith Fund
16 Union Ave., Suite 2K, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 739-4222
www.horacesmithfund.org
Josephine Sarnilli, Executive Director
For more than a century, the Horace Smith Fund has helped Hampden County students finance their dreams of higher education. Award opportunities are available to residents of Hampden County who have graduated from eligible local secondary or private schools. This year, the fund awarded a total of $316,000 to local students in scholarships and fellowships.

WestMass ElderCare Inc.
4 Valley Mill Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-9020
www.wmeldercare.org
Roseann Martoccia, Executive Director
This agency’s mission is to preserve the dignity, independence, and quality of life of elders and disabled persons desiring to remain within their own community. It offers services for elders, their families and caregivers, and people with disabilities. Programs and services include supportive housing, home care, options counseling, adult family care, nutrition programs, elder mental health, family caregiver support, and health-insurance counseling.

MassHire Holyoke Career Center
850 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-4900
www.masshireholyoke.org
David Gadaire, President and CEO
Since 1996, the MassHire Holyoke Career Center has been serving the workforce and economic-development needs of individual job seekers, business partners, and community and faith-based organizations throughout Hampden County and beyond. It aims to develop a strong workforce system by enhancing the competitive strength of companies, improving the skills of employees and job seekers, and expanding career opportunities through economic development.

Springfield Rescue Mission
10 Mill St., Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 732-0808
www.springfieldrescuemission.org
Kevin Ramsdell, Executive Director and CEO
The Springfield Rescue Mission is a leader in meeting the needs of the poor and homeless in Greater Springfield. As an emergency shelter, mobile feeding program, rehabilitation and transformation center, and transitional living facility, it provides food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, Christian counseling, literacy training, and advocacy, free of charge.

Second Chance Animal Services
Community Veterinary Hospital
67 Mulberry St., Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 739-2343
www.secondchanceanimalservices.org
Sheryl Blancato, CEO
Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that operates community veterinary hospitals in Springfield, North Brookfield, Southbridge, and Worcester; subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities. Every year, Second Chance helps tens of thousands of pets through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community and educational outreach programs, training, and a pet-food pantry.

MassHire Springfield Career Center
95 Liberty St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 858-2800
www.masshirespringfield.org
Kevin Lynn, Executive Director
Since 1996, MassHire Springfield has assisted people in building their skill sets through workshops and career training options to meet the needs of businesses, while offering companies a variety of recruitment options ranging from large job expos to on-site programs for individual companies. The organization’s goal is to match the needs of people looking for work to those of its business partners.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Inc.
25 Carew St., Chicopee, MA 01020
(413) 247-9738
www.foodbankwma.org
Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director
The Food Bank works to end hunger in Western Mass. by providing nutritious food, strengthening the region’s food-assistance network, and developing solutions to the causes of hunger. The Food Bank receives food from a number of different sources, including state and federal government, local farms, food businesses, and community organizations, and distributes it to member food pantries, shelters, and meal sites, as well as directly to families.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield Inc.
28 West Silver St., Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-2301
www.bgcwestfield.org
Bo Sullivan, CEO
The Boys & Girls Club aims to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Its programs for ages 2 to 18 are designed to support youth in achieving three priority outcomes: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

Clinical & Support Options
8 Atwood Dr., Suite 301, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 773-1314
www.csoinc.org
Karin Jeffers, President and CEO
CSO’s mission is to provide responsive and effective interventions and services to support individual adults, children, and families in their quest for stability, growth, and a positive quality of life. Services include crisis and emergency services; outpatient mental health; family-support programs; community-based programs; and shelter, housing, and homelessness efforts.

Gándara Mental Health Center Inc.
933 East Columbus Ave., Springfield, MA
(413) 732-2120
www.gandaracenter.org
Lois Nesci, CEO
Founded in 1977 to advocate and provide for equal services in the Hispanic community, Gándara Center delivers quality bilingual behavioral-health, substance-use, and preventive services for a diverse clientele of nearly 15,000 children, adults, and families each year in 100 locations across Massachusetts.

Work Opportunity Center Inc.
94 North Elm St., Suite 104, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 786-8830
www.wocinc.org
Mary Akers, Executive Director
Established in 1969, Work Opportunity Center is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Westfield, with various sites throughout Western Mass. WOC provides training, employment opportunities, and community-based day services to individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities.

What’s Changing in Ludlow … and What Isn’t

By
Karen Randall
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Marc Strange

Marc Strange considers it “disappointing” that the majority of the town wasn’t ready for a charter change.

When Marc Strange came to Ludlow as town administrator in the spring of 2022, he saw an opportunity to take a leadership position in a bustling community and use his experience and skills — he was formerly director of Planning and Development for Agawam and selectman in Longmeadow — to effect change in this community.

One big proposed change is not happening, but there’s still plenty on his plate.

“When I applied for the job, the number-one priority was the change of government,” he said of a push to change the town’s charter and system of government — now a board of selectmen and representative town meeting — to one many felt was more befitting a community of roughly 21,000 residents, either a town manager and town council, a mayor and city council, or perhaps a hybrid model.

“That’s been a focus of mine, although I wasn’t involved in the creation of the charter,” he told BusinessWest of the effort by a charter-review committee that eventually settled on a town council/town manager model, which included the hiring of the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management to guide the process and a series of public forums. “I took it upon myself to make sure we were pushing toward on that, putting in the request to fund a consultant and just keep that ball moving.”

But the ball stopped rolling at a town meeting earlier this month, when the charter and the government change was voted down, 41-29.

“That just means that we’re going to continue status quo, the way we’ve been operating,” Strange said. “It’s disappointing because the charter committee put together a good charter, but the town just wasn’t ready for the change. The town manager would have replaced the board of selectmen, and then a town council would have replaced town meeting as a legislative body. You’re just able to get things done quicker.

“All the surrounding towns have grown, and that has contributed to our growth. And the town of Ludlow has grown tremendously since we started.”

“We have about 21,000 people, and a $84 million budget. We’re really a small city. It certainly has a town feel to it, but in terms of the form of the government, the structure of the government, I personally think it would have been more efficient to make the change. But the town meeting didn’t see it that way.”

For many town-meeting participants, Strange said, it came down to a question of representation.

“There are a little more than 100 members, technically, but there there were 70 at this town meeting. You’re going from that many people and that many voices down to a seven-member town council. I think the overriding sentiment was, the more voices you have, the more democratic a process.”

Still, he added, “Easthampton is a city, Palmer is a city, Southbridge is a city. These are smaller towns, smaller than us, that have city forms of government.”

Strange had other goals when he was hired in 2022, including efforts to make the government more efficient, which has included balancing out staffing and combining the treasurer’s and collector’s offices, and development efforts downtown.

Karen Randall

Karen Randall says location is her business’s number-one asset.

“I grew up in the economic-development world, in municipal government, and that’s one of the reasons why I was so excited to join Ludlow,” he said. “There’s so much potential here.”

 

Location, Location, Location

Karen Randall has certainly seen plenty of change in Ludlow, most of it positive. In 1962, her father built the first store at Randall’s Farm, and in 1997, the building underwent a significant expansion, including a greenhouse and big produce department.

The business also added “a postage stamp of a kitchen,” she added, which would turn out to be entirely inadequate as the bakery, deli, and prepared-food operations took off as people’s lifestyles changed.

“Center Street, where the pike exit is, is pretty built out and super busy. There are a lot of businesses there. But the downtown area, I feel like we need to really focus on that, because residents’ quality of life will rise if we can create a more exciting downtown area.”

“The kind of customers we have are mostly local customers. They’re on their way home or on their way to work, and it’s very convenient for them to have home-cooked food — not cooked in their home, but cooked in our home. We prepare everything from scratch, for the most part. And that department just went way beyond our expectations. It’s almost 40% of everything we do now, which we never saw coming. The garden center is still a big part, and produce is still a huge part, but prepared food was a surprise.”

Guests also come for the homemade hard ice cream, as well as family activities that peak in the fall with pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, and seasonal games. Randall said the farm draws regulars from a roughly 20-mile range, from communities like Longmeadow, Westfield, and Enfield, Conn. “Sometimes people make a weekend trip just for their groceries. We have a lot of specialty grocery; we do a lot of gluten-free and allergy-friendly food. We have a big following for that.”

The Ludlow Mills project

The Ludlow Mills project, with its mix of housing, businesses, and the restored, iconic clocktower, continues to progress each year.

But after talking about what Randall’s Farm offers, she was quick to explain what Ludlow itself offers — notably its location off Mass Pike exit 54 and near a number of growing residential communities. It also benefits from its own growth, with new residential developments in recent years (more on that later).

“We’re in a great location. Location, I would say, is our number-one asset,” Randall told BusinessWest. “Having the turnpike less than a mile away, people in the surrounding towns who are using the turnpike drive by us very often. Belchertown has grown, all the surrounding towns have grown, and that has contributed to our growth. And the town of Ludlow has grown tremendously since we started.

“It’s a great community to have a business in, with great people. The town gives us excellent young employees; we have a lot of people that start in high school, and hopefully they stay while they go to college and come back and work holidays or weekends or summers,” she went on. “Some of our young employees stay with us for six years or so until they graduate from college, and then we hate to lose them. They become nurses and engineers and go on to their careers, and they leave a big hole for us because they were excellent employees.”

Ludlow at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 21,002
Area: 28.2 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $18.09
Commercial Tax Rate: $18.09
Median Household Income: $53,244
Median Family Income: $67,797
Type of Government: Board of Selectmen, Representative Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Hampden County House of Correction; Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital; Massachusetts Air National Guard; Kleeberg Sheet Metal Inc.
*Latest information available

All that said, “the business is doing well,” Randall noted. “We continue to grow and change with the trends and what customers want and what other stores like us are doing. We try to stay in tune with what’s happening so we can deliver the best to our customers.”

 

Downtown Developments

The town has been focusing on its downtown area in recent years as well, not just at Ludlow Mills, but in the East Street corridor, where it has planned extensive infrastructure improvements to make the street more safe, pedestrian-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing, as well as expanding its District Improvement Financing (DIF) area, which had previously covered just the footprint of the mills, to East Street.

“Our East Street corridor is sort of our Main Street, and there are a lot of small businesses there that have a loyal following and are very popular,” Strange said. “So we created a DIF last year so, with any developments made in that district, instead of that additional tax revenue going into the general fund, we can keep it in the district for infrastructure improvements.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to improve the look and the feel, but also the infrastructure of East Street. We’re also going to be repaving the roads around down State Street, which is where the mills are, then around to East Street,” he added. “Center Street, where the pike exit is, is pretty built out and super busy. There are a lot of businesses there. But the downtown area, I feel like we need to really focus on that, because residents’ quality of life will rise if we can create a more exciting downtown area.”

One of the most recent business openings on East Street is BarBurrito, a new restaurant venture from Bill Collins, owner of Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow. “We were thrilled to see BarBurrito come in,” Strange said. “Bill Collins has established businesses that are popular, so to have him come invest his money into East Street, I was really excited to see that.

“There are a lot of small businesses on East Street that have a loyal following, but we do have some storefronts that tend to turn over,” Strange added. “So we’re really hoping to, again, raise the excitement level of the downtown area, beautify it, and have more businesses like BarBurrito come in and build out those storefronts.”

As for Ludlow Mills, that remains an ongoing process, one that began two decades ago and ramped up when Westmass Area Development Corp. acquired the property 13 years ago. The 95 residential units at Mill 8 should be complete next month, complimenting the 75 units in Mill 10 and a series of commercial developments across the complex’s footprint. Meanwhile, the clock tower in Mill 8 completed its renovation this year.

“Every single year there’s something. There’s always cranes and activity down there. It’s exciting, and I think it gets people excited about the future,” Strange said, noting that the new residential units are for age 55 and up, and there is a great need for that kind of housing locally.

“I can see a vibrant downtown in Ludlow,” he added. “We have a lot of beautiful residential areas, particularly in the mountains and certainly closer to downtown as well. The clocktower so iconic. I remember, before I started here, coming over the bridge to go to Randall’s and looking to the right and seeing the clock tower. It just made you feel like you had arrived someplace. Now we have corporate resources that are putting money into the area.

“I’m really excited about what the downtown could be,” Strange went on. “I feel like, if we can complete the downtown and update it, revitalize it, and make it exciting, it’s really going to make a difference for Ludlow. That’s my focus.”

Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker

By
Women of Impact 2024

Nephrologist, Artist, and Filmmaker

In More Than One Way, She Draws on History to Help People Heal

Staff photo

Staff photo

 

“When a patient walks into my room, they expect to have a seat and for me to talk with them about their history, about their journey. I take that information, and I use it to help them heal. I need to look at history. And sometimes patients come in and tell you horror stories, but I can’t discard it because I need it all to help that patient to live.”

Dr. Shirley Jackson Whitaker, a nephrologist by trade — that’s a kidney specialist — shares those thoughts toward the beginning of Ashes to Ashes, a documentary she produced in 2019. And they are apt when juxtaposed against the story she goes on to tell.

The film is actually two intertwined stories, both incredibly powerful. One is related by Winfred Rembert, an avid Star Wars fan and master leatherwork artist.

Clear-eyed but haunted, he relates a life-changing experience in 1967, when he drew the ire of law enforcement in Cuthbert, Ga. because of his work advocating for civil rights. They tossed him in a car trunk, and he emerged to see a noose hanging from a tree. They stripped him, hung him upside down, stabbed him, and made it clear they intended to castrate him, hang him, then burn his body. When one of the men suggested they stop, they moved on, and Rembert, bleeding and deeply traumatized, lived.

“In this country, no one really, genuinely talks about the people who were lynched.”

The other story in Ashes to Ashes concerns the 4,000 people lynched in the U.S. during the Jim Crow era, which, as Rembert painfully reminds us, didn’t end all that long ago. In 2017, Whitaker, a friend of Rembert’s who also grew up in Georgia, organized a funeral in Springfield to honor the many lynching victims who were never buried. As Whitaker explains in the film:

“Sometimes they would lynch people, then put them in the water with weights, so the family would never see them again. Sometimes they would take the bodies and cut them up and sell the pieces. Sometimes they would take the body after they lynched it and burn it up, so the families would not have anything. A lot of these people never got a funeral. It was often too dangerous for the families to retrieve those bodies. And sometimes, there were no bodies to retrieve. It’s not just black history — this is American history.”

At the funeral ceremony, participants read names of many of these unburied individuals, and members of a local theater group read monologues drawn from Whitaker’s historical research. The account of a father forced to choose to die along with his young son or watch the boy drown is especially wrenching.

Ashes to Ashes gained acclaim on the festival circuit and was a finalist for Academy Award consideration.

Ashes to Ashes gained acclaim on the festival circuit and was a finalist for Academy Award consideration.

“In this country, no one really, genuinely talks about the people who were lynched,” Whitaker says in the film. Which is why she produced it — to give those people a voice, get people talking about some too-recent history, and, by grappling with that reality, just maybe start the process of healing.

“I decided to have a funeral for the over 4,000 African-Americans who were lynched in the United States to close that chapter and move forward. America has to do the same thing to help heal this country. You’ll get some pushback from people: ‘why do you want to stir that up?’ But it hasn’t been stirred enough. People were saying, ‘ah, that’s so depressing.’ I say, well, if you think this depressing, try hanging from a tree.”

She then asks, “what can I do? I can’t bring them back, but I can give them a prayer.” For doing so much more, Whitaker is an uncommonly powerful Woman of Impact.

 

Pain and Promise

As she spoke with BusinessWest in her Amherst home about her multi-faceted life and career, virtually every wall in every room was covered with her paintings — some traditional in medium, some incorporating mixed media, including fabrics and, in a few cases, unprocessed cotton.

“Cotton has this fluffy appearance to it, but just take your hand and squeeze right there,” she said. “Just squeeze. You feel the seeds? Once Eli Whitney got the seeds out, they had more uses for cotton.”

And the slaves who picked it, as the cotton gin essentially rejuvenated the plantation slavery industry.

“The thing is, when you go to pick this, you’ve got to be careful because this is like knives,” she continued, pointing out the sharp wall surrounding the fluffy cotton. “You learn early how to avoid that.”

Rembert, who passed away in 2021, knew that well; he grew up picking cotton on a plantation, and he understood the dark history of the crop in the South.

Whitaker’s path was somewhat different; the seventh child of Eddie and Charlie Mae Jackson from Waycross, Ga., she attended Clark Atlanta University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree with honors and then earning a public health degree at Yale University School of Medicine and undergoing advanced medical training in internal medicine and nephrology at Emory University School of Medicine, where she was the only Black woman in her class.

After some years on the West Coast, she moved to the Pioneer Valley when her husband was hired at UMass Amherst as a professor of Mathematics. For a decade, she worked at Springfield Southwest Community Health Center, where, in addition to bettering and saving lives, she designed a children’s coloring book advising against drugs, created a community-health newsletter, and produced an imaginative ‘puppet opera’ for young people titled “Monsters Among Us.” In 2006, she went into private practice.

But nephrology wasn’t her only interest; to address her concerns about the academic standing of African-American children in Amherst schools, she established the Academic Initiative for Maximum Success, which resulted in a dramatic increase of Black students in AP math programs.

“In addition to caring for her patients’ health, Shirley brings joy and hope. Her contributions to her community through educational programs have provided many with opportunities that would not have been afforded without her initiatives.”

Whitaker has also continued to paint, authored two children’s books, and produced her award-winning documentary. These days, she continues to practice medicine two days a week at the Northampton VA Medical Center.

“When I look back and I think of all these things, and the ripple effect of it all, I’m pleased with that,” she told BusinessWest, adding that her honest, often hard assessments of patients made a long-term difference. “People to this day come up to me and say, ‘I remember what you said, and it changed my life. I changed my diet; I lost 40 pounds.’”

 

Stories Worth Sharing

Taylor Rees, director of Ashes to Ashes, will certainly never forget her. “Dr. Shirley is a neighbor of mine who lived on the same street as my family in Massachusetts when I was growing up,” he wrote. “In 2015, she asked for help documenting her memorial, and throughout the year, we worked together to also visit with and listen to the personal and lived experiences of Winfred, her friend. The film evolved over time into an homage to both Shirley and Winfred and their work using art to address racial injustices in America.”

Whitaker has also made a powerful impression on Anika Lopes, who nominated her as a Woman of Impact a year after Lopes, president of the Ancestral Bridges Foundation, earned the same honor from BusinessWest.

“Dr. Whitaker is a woman of impact with every step she takes, a tireless giver, sharing all she has with others,” Lopes wrote. “As a medical doctor, Shirley has and continues to dedicate herself to the wellness of others; she goes far beyond expectation and keeps going. In addition to caring for her patients’ health, Shirley brings joy and hope. Her contributions to her community through educational programs have provided many with opportunities that would not have been afforded without her initiatives.”

Lopes added that Whitaker believes we all have a collective responsibility to create a better future, “and she sure is walking her talk.”

She’s doing so at a time when too many people don’t truly comprehend the horrors of slavery or the more recent legacy of Jim Crow, or are actively trying to erase that history. But she’s also hopeful about the future, currently working on a screenplay called Blanket, noting that “a blanket of hate can never cover the resilience, remembrance, and hope.”

As for Rembert, he spent more than 50 years struggling with sleep issues, stemming partly from the trauma he experienced in 1967, as he describes in Ashes to Ashes.

“Even today, now, it’s dragging me down. I can’t rest. I can’t rest. I lie in my bed, and I can’t rest. I’m running for my life every night. Somebody’s after me, and I don’t know what to do.”

And later in the film:

“I don’t think I can be healed. I think I’ll go to the grave with what I got, holding me down and holding me back. Even though those things were done to me years ago, they’re still holding me back. Can I send the message? Can I change this? I can’t change this world. I know I’m not a big enough man to do that, but I can put a dent in it. But you just keep going, and going, and going, and going.”

Whitaker has kept going as well, maybe not changing the world, but impacting her corner of it in profound ways as a doctor, educator, artist, and filmmaker. And she empathizes with the pain of friends like Rembert and thousands of people she never knew, but wanted to memorialize through a unique funeral service and a story that will live on as people continue to watch it.

“I talked to him like two days before he died,” she said of Rembert, “and he said, ‘I just want to know what it’s like to go to sleep.’”

“We’re looking back in history so this patient can live,” Whitaker said during that 2017 memorial service in Springfield, referring not to a nephrology patient, but to a nation with deep, unhealed wounds. “We’re looking back in history so this patient can thrive. We’re looking back in history so this patient can become very strong. But this patient could only live and get stronger if we’re willing to look back. So tonight, we start.”