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UMass Economist Says New Tariffs Could Balloon Inflation

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Features

Trade Talk

With President Trump moving quickly to make good on promises of widespread tariffs on products from U.S. trading partners, consumers and businesses are left trying to understand the ramifications.

But while the mechanisms behind tariffs can be complex, Anna Nagurney says the impact on consumers is easily explained.

“The tariff works like a tax,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s essentially paid by the importers of the particular product, but consumers will ultimately bear the cost.”

Nagurney, the Eugene M. Isenberg chair in Integrative Studies in the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, is a supply-chain expert who has spoken at length in a number of outlets about tariff policy and how it might play out.

“Tariffs on products from our major trading partners will be felt quickly — prices for our favorite fresh produce along with beef and dairy will rise, and even certain alcoholic beverages will cost more, challenging consumers already dealing with inflation,” she said. “We can also expect increases in costs for housing, cars, clothes, laptops, and smartphones.”

The other factor involves how U.S. trading partners will respond — or have already responded, she added. “Retaliatory tariffs will cause further pain for U.S. producers and consumers. Before long, workers in the underlying supply chains will lose their jobs.”

ANNA NAGURNEY

ANNA NAGURNEY

“We can’t produce all the aluminum we need for cans and cars and airplanes. We can’t grow all our fruits and vegetables we get from Mexico. Our North American allies are very important.”

One concern among economists is what’s known as the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement, or USMCA, which Trump’s administration negotiated during his first presidential term, and is up for renegotiation in 2026.

Elmore Alexander, dean emeritus of the Ricciardi School of Business at Bridgewater State University and a member of the Board of Economic Advisors at Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), recently posted an article on the AIM website, to be published in the spring issue of the Bridgewater Review, explaining the potential impacts of Trump’s promised — but currently delayed — tariffs of 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico.

“It is likely that this will create major disruptions in trade and relations among the three countries. The impact of these tariffs will be felt across the entire spectrum of U.S. manufacturing and service industries,” he explained, noting that the U.S. imports large amounts of energy — both oil and electricity — from Canada and a majority of automobiles and automobile parts from Mexico.

“Since the tariffs proposed by President Trump violate USMCA, these actions will throw the entire agreement into flux. The agreement governs many elements of North American business and economic relationships. Thus, the implications of the tariffs could reverberate well beyond just U.S. imports from Mexico and Canada.”

Nagurney agreed. “Ironically, in Trump’s first administration, he signed the USMCA agreement to supersede NAFTA,” she said, referring to the North American Free Trade Agreement. “Now he’s violating his own agreements.”

Alexander notes, however, that rhetoric and action are two different things, and the tariff threats could be a means to extract concessions from trading partners — as evidenced when Trump delayed the proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico when those countries promised to address his border concerns.

Threats and Realities

Trump has long been enamored of tariffs, and has deployed them — or the threat of them — for essentially three reasons: to increase revenue, to balance trade, and as leverage in negotiations with other nations.

In a keynote address to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in January, he issued a call for businesses to make their products in the U.S. and benefit from promised lower taxes, with the tax revenue in U.S. coffers offset by external tariffs.

“If you don’t make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then, very simply, you will have to pay a tariff — differing amounts, but a tariff — which will direct hundreds of billions of dollars, and even trillions of dollars, into our treasury to strengthen our economy and pay down debt,” the president said.

Political rivals disagree — often vehemently. After Trump announced 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports on Feb. 10, U.S. Sens. Richard Neal and Linda Sánchez issued a blistering joint statement.

“Tariffs alone will do little to stop the unfair trade practices in these industries or bring back American jobs,” they said. “Our workers and producers in steel and aluminum deserve relief that will deliver results, and we could do that by working with our allies who are also being hurt by the flood of steel and aluminum in our markets from bad actors. Unfair trade practices undercut our workers and businesses and warrant more than the president’s dithering and façades of victory. Thoughtful action builds effective strategy that will re-establish fair trade for these products, and that’s what the people deserve.”

One of the major issues with tariffs, Nagurney said, has to do with economic stability and certainty, and an environment that mixes threatened, delayed, and active tariffs isn’t doing businesses any favors.

“What businesses really care about, where they thrive, is with is certainty and confidence. They can hire the right number of people, and they know the kinds of prices they can expect to get. Now, the volatility is extremely disorienting and very, very uncomfortable for everyone who’s involved in manufacturing and trade, and retailers as well.”

As for Trump’s call to manufacture in America, “we can’t produce all the aluminum here,” Nagurney noted. “We can’t produce all the aluminum we need for cans and cars and airplanes. We can’t grow all our fruits and vegetables we get from Mexico. Our North American allies are very important.

“And it’s important not only for the health and well-being of people and the economy, but also security. When we talk about having enough aluminum and steel, that affects military planes and other products that are really important,” she added. “We can’t just go it ourselves. It’s a global marketplace.”

 

Cause and Effect

Nagurney noted that Trump’s tariffs on steel during his first administration did benefit U.S. manufacturers and increased wages and employment in the steel industry. But the landscape isn’t the same for aluminum, as the U.S. depends on foreign trading partners for much of its supply.

And, as noted earlier, tariffs are considered inflationary by most economists, and inflation has already started to tick back up in 2025.

“It’s generating so much confusion among businesses and our close allies, and people are worried about inflation,” she said. “I mean, look what happened to eggs. Yes, that’s the avian flu, but eggs are now over $8 a dozen. Stores and restaurants are charging 50 cents extra for each egg. And people care about the cost of food.

“So when you slap these tariffs on Mexican produce, people will notice that, and will be extremely fast because we’re dealing with perishable products,” she added. “And now you’re talking about semiconductors and pharmaceuticals as well. We’re living in very interesting times.”

The Evolution of Financial Fraud and How You Can Prevent It

By Contributor
Banking and Financial Services

Preparing for 2025

By Daniel Cardi

 

If there’s one thing we all learned in 2024, it’s this: scammers aren’t slowing down. From texts that pose as Amazon to fake job offers asking you to deposit checks, their deception is getting more creative — and more effective. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates Americans will lose more than $10 billion to fraud this year alone.

The good news? Protecting financial data doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart strategies and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can avoid becoming a statistic in 2025. Let’s break down what’s deceiving people, why it’s working, and what you can do about it.

 

Scammers Got Smarter in 2024

Last year, we saw some old tricks making a comeback. Counterfeit checks were still common — people receiving fake checks, depositing them, and being asked to forward the funds before the check bounces. These scams often target folks selling things online or applying for jobs.

Daniel Cardi

Daniel Cardi

“Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll tell you your account’s been compromised or there’s a suspicious charge on your card, hoping you’ll panic and act without thinking.”

But one thing really stood out: fraudulent text messages. Criminals sent fake texts pretending to be from retailers like Walmart or Amazon, claiming there were “suspicious charges” on your account. The goal? Get you to click a link, enter your banking info, and give them instant access to your money.

These scams are working for a reason. As a society, we use our phones for everything, and we trust them with a lot of information — from shopping to banking to ordering pizza. Scammers know this and are doubling down on texts and emails because they know we’ll respond quickly, often without a second thought.

 

What Scams to Expect in 2025

These tactics aren’t going anywhere. In fact, they’ll likely get more advanced. Cybercriminals are already using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing fake messages. It’s only going to get harder to tell the difference between a legitimate message and a computer-generated one.

Who’s most at risk? Unfortunately, older people are still a primary target because they’re less familiar with digital tools. But anyone who’s too quick to click or too trusting can fall victim, especially as scams get more sophisticated.

For our part, the financial industry is fighting back. Many institutions, like Community Bank, are embracing AI to catch fraudulent activity faster. These systems analyze millions of transactions in real time to flag suspicious activity. But even with all the technology in the world, the best defense is still a vigilant consumer.

 

How You Can Protect Yourself in 2025

So what can you do to stay ahead of scammers? Luckily, the best strategies are simple and don’t require a computer science degree.

Slow down. Scammers thrive on urgency. They’ll tell you your account’s been compromised or there’s a suspicious charge on your card, hoping you’ll panic and act without thinking. Pause and look closely at the message. Does it seem real? Check the link — is it actually from a legitimate source, or is it some random string of letters and numbers? When in doubt, call your financial institution’s customer-care center directly and have them research the activity.

Change your passwords. I know — it’s inconvenient. But using old, weak passwords is like leaving your front door wide open. Make a habit of updating your passwords regularly and using different ones for different accounts. If that sounds overwhelming, get a password manager to do the hard work for you.

Use multi-factor authentication. MFA is an added layer of protection for devices and accounts — a gateway guard that says “prove it’s really you.” When you log in, you’ll need to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it to keep scammers out of your accounts.

Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. If someone offers you a job out of the blue or says you’ve won money but need to send funds to claim it — run. Scammers love to bait people with promises that sound amazing but aren’t real.

Report fraud ASAP. If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t stay silent. Call your bank immediately. Not only can we help you secure your account, we might also be able to recover your money. In 2024, our team at Community Bank helped recover more than $235,000 on behalf of our customers who would have otherwise lost that money to scams.

 

The Role of AI and What’s Next

Here’s the silver lining: 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for fraud prevention. Like I mentioned earlier, financial institutions, like Community Bank, are rolling out advanced AI systems that can adapt in real time to catch new scams as they emerge. Because these tools use machine learning to analyze millions of transactions daily, they can spot patterns that humans might miss. Any new trend will be addressed instantly, with new or updated alerts to our team.

But with every advancement in fraud prevention comes new strategies from the scammers. They’re also experimenting with AI to create fake emails, texts, and even phone calls that are more convincing than ever. This is why vigilance and skepticism will always be your best tools.

We also expect more regulations in 2025 aimed at improving cybersecurity. Businesses will need to comply with stricter rules to protect sensitive data — which is great news for consumers. But at the end of the day, personal accountability remains key.

 

Don’t Rush and Stay Skeptical

The main takeaway for this year? Take your time. Whether it’s a text about a suspicious charge or an email requesting urgent action, don’t rush to respond. Scammers rely on speed and panic — take that away, and you take away their power.

Remember, if something feels off, don’t hesitate to call and ask questions. By staying informed, skeptical, and proactive, you can outsmart the scammers and protect what matters most.

In short, 2025 will bring new challenges, but with the right mindset and tools, you’ll be ready.

 

As vice president and Corporate Security officer for Community Bank, Daniel Cardi draws on more than three decades of experience in policework, gaming investigations and security analysis to stay ahead of emerging threats and prevent financial losses for customers. He specializes in risk management, fraud prevention, and physical security, overseeing security upgrades and modifications across the bank’s branch network. He also supervises a dedicated team of corporate security investigators committed to investigating allegations of fraudulent financial activity across the bank’s footprint to foster a safer banking environment for all customers.

 

What the Tax Code Says About Your Losses

By Contributor
Banking and Financial Services

Scammed in a Crypto Scheme?

By Sean Wandrei

 

Have you received a text lately from strangers who think they know you or want to be your friend? I have been receiving those for a while now. I thought I was popular, and these people wanted to be my friend. Maybe a few of them want to be, but many of these texts are from people looking to find their next target.

‘Pig butchering’ has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. That’s the term for a scam that deceives individuals into giving up money under false pretenses. The scammer fattens the victim, the ‘pig,’ by slowly guiding them into making increasingly large investments before disappearing with the victim’s money. These schemes can be presented as an opportunity to help someone out, find love, or take advantage of an incredible investment opportunity. With the boom in the cryptocurrency market, many of these schemes involve investments in crypto.

The scammer gradually builds trust with the victim over time. Once the trust is built, the scammer tells the victim about a great investment opportunity where they made a lot of money from investments, or how they need money for other reasons. The scammer may show the victim evidence of investment gains.

Sean Wandrei

Sean Wandrei

“The key difference between these two situations is the victim’s intent — if the individual engaged in the transaction with the expectations of earning income or capital gains, then the loss suffered can be treated as an investment loss rather than a personal expense.”

Eventually, the victim is guided to a website or app to invest in crypto. The app could look like a platform such as Coinbase. The platform is set up by the scammer, and eventually the victim’s crypto is transferred off the platform and gone forever. Or the crypto never existed — the money the victim sent simply went into the scammer’s account.

 

Deducting Losses from the Scam

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 165 provides the taxpayer with an opportunity to deduct losses incurred from various transactions, subject to specific rules and limitations. The deductibility of losses suffered from fraudulent schemes depends significantly on the nature of the transaction and the taxpayer’s motive at the time of the transaction. Two distinct scenarios arise in the context of pig-butchering schemes: losses incurred from transactions driven by personal motives (helping someone out or looking for love) and losses incurred from a transaction entered into for a profit (investing in crypto).

When a loss is incurred because an individual gives money to help someone out or in the pursuit of a romantic relationship, the transaction is typically characterized as a personal expense. These losses could be seen as a theft loss arising from non-business, personal transactions. Under IRC 165(c)(3), theft losses generally are not deductible due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which limited the deductibility of personal casualty and theft losses to those incurred in a federally declared disaster area.

In this context, the taxpayer’s motive was not profit-driven, but rather a personal connection or desire to help, which means this loss would be a theft loss and not deductible. The rationale is that the tax code does not provide relief for personal financial mistakes or misguided generosity when they lead to fraud.

Contrast this with the scenario where the pig-butchering scheme is one where the victim believes that they are investing in an asset such as crypto. In this case, the victim’s primary motive is to earn a profit by investing in crypto. Under IRC 165(c)(2), losses incurred from transactions entered into for profit, which are not connected to a trade or business, are deductible.

The key difference between these two situations is the victim’s intent — if the individual engaged in the transaction with the expectations of earning income or capital gains, then the loss suffered can be treated as an investment loss rather than a personal expense. The IRS treats crypto as property, so a case can be made that the victim was investing in property with a profit motive of investment income.

If the victim is going to deduct the loss under IRC 165(c)(2), he or she must adhere to substantiation requirements. Detailed records of the transaction, evidence of the profit motive, and clear documentation of the loss are necessary to support any deduction claimed on the tax return.

For example, consider a taxpayer who entered into a crypto scheme that ultimately turns out to be a pig-butchering scheme. If the taxpayer entered the transaction with a clear profit motive, expecting to realize gains from a booming cryptocurrency market, the loss from the scheme can be characterized as an investment loss. This categorization aligns with the general principle that taxpayers are allowed to deduct losses on investments when those losses result from a transaction entered into for profit.

 

Bottom Line

There is little case law on this subject, as it is relatively new. To deduct these losses, a taxpayer must maintain clear documentation of all interactions with the scammer, deposit dates, and evidence of profit motive.

Falling victim to these scams can have major financial consequences for the victim and his or her family. The monetary loss could be alleviated by deducting the loss and reducing the taxpayer’s tax liability. As mentioned above, there is limited tax precedent on this subject, so taxpayers should contact a tax professional to ensure the claim is legally sound and in full compliance with current laws.

 

Sean Wandrei, CPA, MST is a senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting at Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

An Introductory Guide for Business Owners

By Contributor
Home Improvement

Selling Your Small Business

By Sasha Wilde

 

Selling your small business is a pivotal moment in your life. It marks the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and vision. Whether you’re selling to retire, pursue a new venture, or capitalize on your business’s value, the process demands strategic thinking, preparation, and a clear understanding of the steps involved. This guide will walk you through the essentials to consider ahead of a sale.

 

Are You Ready to Sell?

Selling a business isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one, too. Before starting the process, ask yourself:

• What legacy do you want to leave behind? Think about the impact your business has had on your community, employees, and customers.

• What’s your plan after selling? Will you retire, start a new business, or focus on personal projects? (Keep in mind that most buyers will want you to sign a non-compete.)

• Is succession planning necessary? Consider whether there are people (employees, family members, or partners) within your network who might be the right fit to take over.

 

Consider Your Stakeholders

Your decision to sell directly impacts those around you, including:

• Your family. Discuss your decision with family members, especially if they’ve been involved in the business.

Sasha Wilde

Sasha Wilde

“Whether you’re selling to retire, pursue a new venture, or capitalize on your business’s value, the process demands strategic thinking, preparation, and a clear understanding of the steps involved.”

• Your employees. Transparency is key. Plan for how you’ll communicate the sale and secure their future during the transition. (The timing of this communication is important to consider as well.)

• Your customers and community. Think about how the sale might impact those who rely on your business.

 

Define Why You’re Selling

Understanding your motivations will help clarify your goals and approach. Common reasons include:

• Personal milestones, like retirement or burnout;

• Shifting focus to a new venture; and

• Capitalizing on the current value of your business.

Clearly defining your ‘why’ will also make your pitch to potential buyers more authentic and compelling.

 

Determine What Your Business Is Worth

The first and most vital step is understanding the value of your business. Buyers will ask for evidence backing your valuation. Here are some factors you should consider:

• Cash flow. Strong, predictable cash flow makes a business more appealing.

• Management structure. Is the business independent of you? The less reliant the business is on the owner, the more valuable it is.

• Revenue type. Recurring or subscription revenue is typically more stable and attractive to buyers than one-time sales (a/k/a project-based).

• Assets and liabilities. Tangible and intangible assets (intellectual property, equipment, or customer relationships) influence your valuation.

Tip: A professional appraiser or M&A (mergers and acquisitions) advisor can provide a more precise valuation based on your specific industry and market.

 

Build Your Dream Team of Advisors

Selling a business is complex. It’s important to gather a team of professionals who can guide you through the process, including:

• Legal advisors, to help you draft contracts, review sale agreements, and protect your interests.

• Accountants/tax experts, to ensure the sale is compliant with tax laws and to help reduce tax liabilities.

• M&A professionals or business brokers, specialists who can help market your business, find buyers, and negotiate the best deal for you.

 

Where to Find Buyers

There are multiple ways to promote your business to potential buyers. Some popular routes include:

• Business brokers and M&A professionals can act as intermediaries, negotiating on your behalf and helping to connect you with serious buyers. They can also bring expertise in marketing and legal compliance.

• If your business includes real estate, commercial real-estate agents can help you sell both the business and its physical location.

• Reach out to your local chamber of commerce or business associations, as they are well-connected and knowledgeable about the local community.

• List your business on reputable websites such as bizbuysell.com, bizscout.com, or businessesforsale.com. These online platforms allow you to connect with a global network of buyers. For example, businessesforsale.com offers more than 53,000 business listings worldwide, making it one of the largest marketplaces for buying and selling businesses.

 

Tips for a Successful Sale

• Be transparent and organized. Buyers want assurance that your business is healthy and well-run. This means having detailed financial records, operational documents, and contracts readily available for due diligence. Transparency builds trust and increases the chances of closing the deal.

• Highlight your business’s strengths. Create a compelling narrative about why your business is valuable. This may include a strong customer base, a clear competitive advantage or unique selling proposition, and/or opportunities for growth.

• Stay patient. Selling a business takes time. It’s normal for the process to last several months, or even longer, depending on the market and buyer interest.

 

Final Thoughts

Selling your small business is a major step that requires careful planning, communication, and execution. By aligning your emotional readiness, understanding the value of your business, and building a team of trusted advisors, you’ll be better prepared to achieve a favorable sale.

Looking to start the process? Reach out. I am happy to be a resource to get you headed in the right direction. Email me at [email protected].

Make the next chapter of your entrepreneurial story just as successful as the one you’re closing!

 

Sasha Wilde is co-owner of Sexton Roofing & Siding.

GCC Seeks New Instructors for Expanding HVAC Program

By
Home Improvement

Meeting a Growing Need

As the demand for HVAC technicians continues to grow, Greenfield Community College (GCC) is actively seeking new instructors to join its Workforce Development team and help train the next generation of skilled technicians.

GCC recently graduated its first cohort of HVAC technicians from the new entry-level HVAC technician course, and a waiting list of future trainees is already building.

At this time of year, when the heat goes out, homeowners rely on HVAC technicians as emergency responders to ensure their comfort. However, the HVAC industry is facing a critical shortage of workers. Many seasoned technicians are retiring, creating a significant gap in the workforce, even as the need for skilled technicians increases due to Massachusetts’ decarbonization targets and incentives promoting the transition to electric heat pumps and other advanced systems.

“Our HVAC program is aimed at addressing this urgent need,” said Kristin Cole, vice president of Workforce Development at GCC. “However, to continue meeting the demands of local employers and the community, we need more experienced instructors who can share their expertise with aspiring HVAC professionals.”

GCC’s entry-level HVAC technician program, funded by an Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, equips students with valuable skills, including five industry-recognized credentials: OSHA 10, NORA Bronze, Massachusetts Oil Burner, NATE Ready-to-Work, and the EPA 608 Universal certification. The curriculum, developed by HVAC Program Coordinator Sharon Cates and Instructor Joel Tognarelli, combines technical principles with hands-on training to ensure students are well-prepared for careers in the field.

Kristen Cole

Kristen Cole

“Becoming an instructor is a fantastic opportunity for HVAC professionals to make a meaningful impact on their community while also addressing the workforce gap in our industry.”

The need for HVAC instructors is complemented by the growing interest in the program. In this expanding environment, GCC is seeking individuals with HVAC experience who are passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of technicians.

“Becoming an instructor is a fantastic opportunity for HVAC professionals to make a meaningful impact on their community while also addressing the workforce gap in our industry,” Cole said. “We encourage anyone with HVAC expertise who wants to give back to consider this rewarding teaching opportunity.”

In addition to the technical training, the HVAC program emphasizes the importance of service in the community. Students learn not just how to fix systems, but also the responsibility they carry as technicians who help keep families safe and comfortable in their homes.

With a coalition of local employers and ongoing feedback on curriculum development, GCC is aligning its training programs with the needs of the HVAC industry. This collaboration aims to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.

HVAC experts interested in teaching opportunities at GCC are encouraged to email Cole at [email protected].

Partnerships Aim to Improve Maternal, Cardiometabolic Health

By
Healthcare News

Heart of the Matter

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced partnerships with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and Atrius Health Equity Foundation as part of the administration’s Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) initiative, which works to eliminate racial, economic, and regional disparities in health outcomes. The partnerships will finance initiatives in Chicopee and New Bedford.

These partnerships will fund community-level initiatives that will identify and understand community needs related to maternal health or social drivers of cardiometabolic health. Cardiometabolic disease, which refers to disease of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease, is a leading cause of death across Massachusetts. The initiative works to improve health outcomes in 30 communities that have been identified as having the greatest health disparities for maternal health and social drivers of cardiometabolic health.

“While we recognize that disparities in these health conditions occur in these regions, we strongly believe that each community may face different challenges in addressing them, and that requires solutions at the community level,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh said. “I look forward to hearing from the programs in the communities and am grateful to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and Atrius Health Equity Foundation for their support and partnership that will have a real difference in the lives of people in the communities.”

John Vieau

John Vieau

“Improving the health and well-being of Chicopee residents begins with understanding the issues and complications facing our community. The work sponsored by the BCBSMA Foundation and performed by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts will help us to determine the best way to positively affect the health of our residents.”

BCBSMA Foundation has approved $100,000 in funding for the first year of a two-year Strategic Health Equity Grant to the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. The nonprofit organization will lead a community engagement process in Chicopee to identify and understand community needs related to maternal health or the social drivers of health that impact cardiometabolic conditions and maternal perinatal morbidity. The coalition-building work will engage communities of color and other marginalized communities to inform the identification of needs, preferred solutions, and the implementation of those solutions.

“We are pleased to partner with leaders from EOHHS and DPH on a place-based community-engagement model that will help advance our shared health-equity goals,” said Audrey Shelto, president and CEO of BCBSMA Foundation. “Our grant partner is well-positioned to serve as a backbone organization for the AHEM initiative in Chicopee and to support community members as they develop solutions to the health disparities in their region.”

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau added that “improving the health and well-being of Chicopee residents begins with understanding the issues and complications facing our community. The work sponsored by the BCBSMA Foundation and performed by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts will help us to determine the best way to positively affect the health of our residents.”

In Southeastern Mass., Atrius Health Equity Foundation is committing $500,000 over two years to establish Youth Creating a Healthier New Bedford, a youth-led initiative that empowers young people in New Bedford to identify the social drivers impacting cardiometabolic health, engages them in developing a shared agenda for promoting community health and wellness, and supports them as emerging leaders.

The foundation is partnering with SouthCoast Community Foundation to convene local organizations to align efforts for broad, sustainable support for the initiative, while helping integrate other areas, such as the arts, environmental sustainability, and community development, to foster long-term transformative change in the community.

The partnerships with Atrius Health Equity Foundation and BCBSMA Foundation are the first of many partnerships AHEM seeks to create with private-sector partners to address health inequities.

Springfield Museums to Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday on March 1

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Museums will present its annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain, shine, or snow. All are invited to an all-day salute to beloved children’s author and Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel on his 121st birthday. Click here for a full schedule of activities, which are free with museum admission.

“We are overjoyed to celebrate with Dr. Seuss fans young and old on this very special day,” said Abby Garner, Family Engagement coordinator for Springfield Museums. “This is a day to explore, be inventive, and discover your own sense of Seussian innovation.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Seuss’s most iconic character, the Cat in the Hat. “There is so much joy when children meet the Cat,” said Larissa Murray, director of Education. “Having a favorite book character come to life — and give you a high five — is just magical.”

As with all family programing at Springfield Museums, family-fun days like the annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration mix fun with learning.

Visitors can also celebrate in the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum devoted to Geisel. The fully bilingual (Spanish and English) first floor features family-friendly, interactive exhibits exploring Dr. Seuss’s Springfield roots and providing opportunities to experiment with new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, and invent stories, all in line with Geisel’s revolutionary role in changing how we learn to read — by making it fun.

On the lower level, visitors can stop into the Cat’s Corner to engage in facilitated, hands-on literacy activities. And on the second floor, which was curated by Geisel’s two stepdaughters and great-nephew, visitors can see Geisel’s art studio and living room (with the furniture and art materials he used). The galleries also feature never-publicly displayed art, family photographs and letters, and the original Geisel Grove sign that used to hang in Forest Park. Guests can even find Theophrastus, the toy stuffed dog Geisel’s mother gave to him when he was a boy in Springfield.

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Welcomes Back Ariana Williams

By
Daily News

Ariana Williams

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc. (MLKFS) announced the appointment of Ariana Williams as the organization’s first-ever chief of Public Health Strategy and Innovation.

Williams’s journey with MLK Family Services began in 2018 as a part-time community health worker after earning her bachelor’s degree in public health from American International College as a member of the program’s second graduating class. Within nine months, she was promoted to become the organization’s first director of Public Health, where she spent three years leading initiatives that strengthened community health, public-health programming, and youth development. After a brief period away, she returned in February 2023 as a grants consultant, helping to expand and sustain critical programs.

In her new position, Williams steps into a historic leadership role as the organization’s first-ever chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation, where she will integrate public-health strategies into the organization’s core mission, develop new community-driven initiatives, and strengthen strategic partnerships that advance health equity.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ariana back home to MLK Family Services to fill this inaugural role of chief of Public Health Strategy and Innovation,” MLKFS President and CEO Shannon Rudder said. “This role marks a bold step forward in our commitment to advancing community health and well-being, inspired by our strategic planning process. Ariana’s passion for public health and her deep connection to our community make her an exceptional leader to integrate innovative strategies that will help us meet the evolving needs of those we serve. Together, we will continue to work toward Dr. King’s vision of creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.”

A Springfield native, Williams is also the CEO and founder of Catalyst for Equity Consulting, where she helps nonprofits strengthen their position in the public-health ecosystem by aligning with public-health funding, developing evidence-based programs, and driving systemic change. She has led community-based initiatives in problem-gambling prevention, gun-violence prevention, food insecurity and nutrition, and mental-health advocacy.

In 2019, she led a cohort of junior community health workers, whose advocacy efforts played an instrumental role in raising the tobacco-purchase age from 18 to 21 in Springfield. Their work later contributed to the movement to eliminate flavored tobacco products, a tactic used by the tobacco industry to target youth. In 2020, she co-led Springfield’s first-ever youth mental-health advisory board, Beat the Odds, creating a safe space and platform for young people to support one another, share lived experiences, and influence mental-health policies and resources.

Williams earned her master of public administration degree from Westfield State University in 2024. She is also an adjunct professor at American International College, teaching in the same public health program she graduated from. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Rise LEAP & Achieve Foundation Inc. and the board of Anti-Racism Community Organizers. She is committed to ensuring MLK Family Services continues to be a trusted leader in community health, advocacy, and empowerment.

“Stepping into this role is not just a career milestone — it is a continuation of my purpose,” she said. “MLK Family Services has played a pivotal role in my growth, both professionally and personally, and I am honored to now help shape its future. Public health is about community, and I look forward to deepening our impact, expanding critical services, and ensuring that our work remains a trusted resource for those who need it most.”

GCB, Community Action of Pioneer Valley Partner on Free Tax-preparation Services

By
Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced its continued partnership with Community Action of Pioneer Valley to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Several bank employees attended the VITA kickoff event at Greenfield Community College on Jan. 31, highlighting the bank’s commitment to financial empowerment and community support.

The VITA program provides free tax-preparation services to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. IRS-certified volunteers help eligible taxpayers claim valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and ensure they receive the full refund they deserve.

The VITA kickoff was organized by MASSCAP, the statewide association of the Commonwealth’s 23 Community Action agencies. The event was well-attended by a group of enthusiastic local community members. The positive energy was amplified by video messages of support from state representatives who recognized the program’s vital role.

Perhaps the most impactful moments of the event were the shared stories of how VITA has positively touched the lives of community neighbors. Attendees heard accounts of how the program helped individuals receive refunds that were crucial for covering essential expenses like rent and groceries. Even more heartwarming were stories of families using their refunds for meaningful extras, such as sending their children to theater camp — experiences that would have otherwise been out of reach. These personal narratives underscored the tangible difference VITA makes in the lives of local residents.

“We recognize the invaluable work that Community Action does in our community. By partnering with them on the VITA program, we can leverage our resources and expertise to amplify their impact,” said Jackie Charron, senior vice president – Strategy & Implementation at GCB. “This collaboration is a win-win for everyone involved, and we’re excited to be a part of such a vital initiative.”

The partnership between Greenfield Cooperative Bank and Community Action will help ensure that more people in the community have access to free and reliable tax-preparation services. By supporting VITA, the bank is investing in the financial well-being of its customers and the community as a whole.

Local Experts Provide Counsel for Financial Planning Without Children

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts recently offered a complimentary breakfast and conversation called “Financial and Estate Planning for Those Without Children: Creating a Meaningful, Non-traditional Legacy.” It was held at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley.

During the event, attorney Michele Feinstein, a shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., and Amy Jamrog, CEO of the Jamrog Group, offered guidance around the essence of financial and estate planning, particularly for people without children who are considering creating a lasting legacy.

“People can create impactful legacies in several ways beyond leaving assets to descendants,” Feinstein said. “There are options to provide for the people, interests and organizations that are your chosen family and community.”

Among the tips offered at the event:

• Choose a trusted executor. This could be a family member, friend, or even a professional like an attorney. It is a job, so make sure they are willing and capable of handling the responsibilities.

• Determine beneficiaries. These could be relatives, friends, institutions of interest, or charitable organizations.

• Consider a trust. This can help ensure that one’s wishes are carried out, provide protection to beneficiaries, and may simplify estate administration and minimize estate taxes.

Feinstein concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning and administration, elder law, probate litigation, health law, and corporate and business planning. Jamrog is a certified financial planner, bestselling author, speaker, coach, and the founding partner of the Jamrog Group. The event was part of the Community Foundation’s EVOLVE philanthropy series, offering opportunities to learn, engage, and network.

Tonight’s Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser to Benefit Future Business Leaders

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is hoping its annual Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser will give its budget a beneficial boost. This is the eighth year JAWM has held the event, which is scheduled for today, Feb. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield. All celebrity bartender tips from the evening will benefit JAWM.

“We have such a great group of bartenders this year from a diverse range of industries,” said Amie Miarecki, JAWM president. “It’s always gratifying to meet with those who support our work at Junior Achievement in this fun and relaxed setting.”

The event will include a full cash bar, menu options, raffle tickets, and live music from Maxxtone. Celebrity bartenders include Cassie Sarno of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office; Nate Costa of Springfield Thunderbirds; Amy and Nicki Jamrog of Jamrog Group; Jeremy Casey of SR Commercial Realty; Kristin Carlson of Peerless Precision; Jeff Goulet of Loophole Brewing; Joe Williams of bankESB; Nicole Polite of MH Group; Dawn Creighton of Liberty Bank; Danielle Langevin of Lock & Key Realty; Ashley Batlles of Beauty Batlles Lounge; Brian Canina of PeoplesBank; Daniel Moriarty of Monson Savings Bank; Mychal Connolly of Stand Out Truck; Dom Santaniello and Luke Giusto of Naples Real Estate; Jorge Morgado of Allied Flooring and Budget Cabinet Sales; Carla Cosenzi of TommyCar Auto Group; Tim Suffish of St. Germain Investment Management; and Lenny Underwood of Upscale Socks.

“In the past, funds raised from this event have helped us provide support for school-aged students with valuable lessons in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship,” Miarecki said. “We’re hoping for a great turnout for this fun celebration.”

River East School to Career to Present Skilled Trades Career-exploration Day

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Daily News

PALMER — River East School to Career will present WTrades, Your Present is Your Future, a skilled trades career-exploration day, on Wednesday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Students in grades 9-12 from school districts in the Greater Springfield and Greater Palmer areas are invited to attend.

This program aims to showcase strategic, exploratory resources and hands-on opportunities to about 200 student attendees to enrich their knowledge about prospects for future employment and how to achieve a skilled trades career.

River East is seeking skilled trade exhibitors, including those with heavy machinery, to participate in the WTrades career fair. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to speak directly with students, sharing insights about their careers and the skills required to succeed in their industries.

By attending WTrades, exhibitors will connect directly with students to inform them about job opportunities and training programs that can lead to fulfilling careers.

The skilled trades industry offers a broad range of career opportunities, from construction, mechanical, and industrial to healthcare, technical, and advanced manufacturing trades. However, many students are unaware of these possibilities or the training and/or educational paths available, such as apprenticeships, community colleges, technical institutes, vocational programs, and online training.

For more information on the event, visit rivereaststc.org/wtrades or call Amy Scribner, partnership director, at (413) 283-5051 or [email protected].

Westfield Bank Promotes Tom Donnelly, Colin Dunn, Craig Lacey

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced the promotions of Tom Donnelly, Colin Dunn, and Craig Lacey to assistant vice president, commercial loan officer. They will continue to be responsible for managing middle-market commercial loan portfolios and driving new business-development opportunities in Western Mass. and Northern Conn.

Donnelly joined Westfield Bank in 2020 as a commercial loan administrator with 10 years of experience with business development and account management. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree, followed by completing his master’s degree in management at Springfield College in 2013. He serves as a member of the Economic Development Council and St. Joseph Society. Outside of work, he volunteers by coaching youth sports.

Dunn joined Westfield Bank in 2019 as a commercial loan administrator and quickly worked his way up to commercial loan officer. He graduated from Westfield State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He also completed a credit analyst apprenticeship with the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. in 2022. Outside of work, he serves as a member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield and the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Assoc.

Lacey joined Westfield Bank in 2019 as a commercial loan administrator and was then promoted to commercial loan officer. He graduated from Bryant University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Outside of work, he serves as an ambassador for the Office of Manufacturing for Connecticut along with being a member of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware’s Round Up for Kids Fundraiser Brings in $91,687

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers with 50 locations in nine states, raised a grand total of $91,687.19 with its Round Up for Kids fundraiser.

During two periods in 2024, one in the spring and another in November and December, customers rounded up their purchase totals to the next dollar. The difference was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital nearest to each store. Baystate Children’s Hospital received $18,130.83 through the campaigns in 2024.

“We’re proud to be able to support such an important cause year after year,” Rocky’s Ace Hardware President Rocco Falcone said. “Children’s Miracle Network is transforming children’s health and giving hope to families facing unthinkable challenges.”

Local participating Rocky’s locations include the eight stores in Western Mass, with 100% of the money raised in those locations benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital.

“It’s humbling to see how generous our customers are,” Falcone said. “This money helps fund critical life-saving treatments and innovative research. We hope it also gives patients and families the assurance that their community cares.”

Since 1983, CMN hospitals have helped fill funding gaps by raising more than $9 billion. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

Area Business Leaders on How They Managed the Pandemic — and What Has Changed

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Cover Story

Five Years After COVID

Though COVID-19 had been in the news since late 2019, this week marks the fifth anniversary of what most consider the real start of the pandemic: when Massachusetts leaders shut down most businesses for what many hoped would be only a few weeks.

Everyone remembers what happened next: weeks stretched into months, the economic impacts reverberated for years, businesses adapted and pivoted, and some did not survive. But most did, and many came out stronger (or at least wiser) on the other end.

We asked the leaders of some of those businesses for their recollections about the difficult days of 2020, how they navigated the challenges, and what has changed because of the pandemic — in some cases, for good.

 

Jeff Fialky, Shareholder, Bacon Wilson

Jeff Fialky

Jeff Fialky

During the early winter of 2019, the management of Bacon Wilson had been following the news regarding what was then loosely described as a virus that was spreading around Asia and later into Western Europe. By early to mid-February 2020, it was becoming increasingly clear that we were all engaged in a global health crisis, and by March, the daily updates had reached the critical mass, resulting in en masse event cancellations and business closures.

Bacon Wilson, like many local businesses, held a number of internal meetings on how to approach the impending business closures. Ultimately, our office shut down in-person activities in mid-March 2020 and provided services remotely to the extent possible.

I recall that, at the time of the shutdown, I was running a large case load of business, real-estate, and financing transactions, nearly all of which were immediately put on hold or terminated by the party participants. I vividly recall the fears that I had those first few weeks, with stories running in the media harkening back to the 1918 Spanish flu, and the resultant financial and economic implications. I think many of us were testing out internal fears of a worst-case scenario during those initial days while we were experiencing a business climate that was unprecedented during our lifetime.

Following the first month or so, business continued remotely to the extent possible, and conference calls started to become calls on the then mostly unknown service called Zoom, which ultimately became a defining technology for the COVID era, which continues to the present. The practice of law is not known, perhaps, for technological innovation or being a leading indicator of change, but permitting face-to-face communication with clients via remote technology was a game changer for many industries, which the legal community adopted immediately.

Over the first six months or so of the COVID era, and with the introduction of masks, hand sanitizers, and other protective health measures, slowly the Bacon Wilson offices restaffed with in-person work (subject to public health orders). There are many now-humorous anecdotes of closings in our parking lot with papers exchanged through partially opened car windows, of papers slid through small holes in plexiglass separators in conference rooms, and all sorts of unique and creative ways of protecting (to the best knowledge at the time, which evolved daily) and providing comfort to understandably concerned clients.

Despite the continuing health concerns that may have been experienced, the business community and climate flourished. Of the transactions in my workload that had fallen apart during the March shutdown, nearly all had come back, and that time would signal the start to a flurry of business activity that would persist through COVID and following. The pandemic years were some of the highest-volume years our firm had ever experienced.

Initially, one can point to lower interest rates, which continued to prompt commercial and residential real-estate transactions, as well as the continued and increased interest by private-equity firms in business mergers and acquisitions. Then, following the CARES Act, and with the influx of federal funds pouring into the market by virtue of the Paycheck Protection Program, the momentum increased precipitously and continued well into 2023.

Notwithstanding the vigor of the economic climate, Bacon Wilson nonetheless experienced the same challenges as other employers with increased employment and operating expenses during the height of the COVID era. Staffing shortages were magnified by increased and accelerated retirements and transitions.

Many of those COVID-era challenges have stabilized in the past couple of years. The attrition in staffing that we had experienced during the height of the pandemic has waned substantially, and operating expenses have also steadied. The changes and leveraging of technology have remained, highlighted by in-person meetings and consultations now taking place via Zoom or Teams, technologies widely adopted and appreciated by our clients for their convenience.

While higher interest rates have had a cooling effect on the market, we are thrilled that the firm has continued to see clients continue to experience economic growth and ride the tailwinds inspired by the success of the economy during the COVID era. We have never been busier, success that we attribute to the loyalty of our clients and the dedication of our staff and attorneys.

 

Sally Rider, Founding Partner and Managing Director, Rider Productions, LLC

Sally Rider

Sally Rider

In the early days of COVID, we at Rider Productions were extremely positive and hopeful that business would be back to normal in a relatively short time. But after much research and discussions with industry experts and legal minds, we realized our company would be canceling all our 2020 (and going into 2021) conferences, events, music festivals, and a nice book of travel business around the world.

The first step was to maintain the health and safety of our employees and have ongoing, open dialogue of the days at present and the days ahead. It was then time to delve into the programs and funding support available to small to medium-sized businesses in the entertainment and travel industry. That process was inundating, ultimately manageable, and somewhat financially rewarding. Still, the entertainment industry was hit hard.

So, how to adapt in a new world? We immediately got on the outdoor pods scenario and invested in short-range FM radio transmitters. The public at large was reluctant to embrace this new initiative, but soon became so anxious to be out, be seen, and see others that it became a ‘thing’ for a while. We focused on outdoor festivals in hopes for approvals from the state and the will of the people to deliver when the time was right. Our company ended up being one of the first producers in the area to hold a large-scale event — a four-day camping and music festival. We were diligent, attendees were diligent, and all was well.

The corporate arena was much more stringent in holding in-person events. Companies saw that Zoom worked well for their employees, so, ‘hmmm, maybe we can hold events remotely as well?’ Again, this was certainly a ‘thing’ for a while, but we ultimately want to be together to celebrate our goals and successes and be part of the community that we love to live in. Now, corporate events are back to pre-pandemic numbers, and we’re seeing them increasing as well.

The travel side of our company completely stopped during COVID. We had grown a nice book of business that we worked hard to obtain, and it just stopped. We canceled all our clients’ trips. It hurt. We now know that travel is back and booming, and folks are traveling personally and certainly corporately. We now see ourselves checking and adhering to new travel guidelines, which are continually changing and must be watched.

Changing, growing, and adapting to the environment around us has always been in play with Rider Productions. COVID certainly affirmed that you must do your very best, surround yourself with the best people you can find, and take the risks.

We truly are heartfelt for the pain, suffering, and losses that were experienced by us all during COVID; it was a difficult time. I don’t believe we’ll forget it anytime soon, and people are clearly appreciative to be out and about in the world.

Kay Simpson, President and CEO, Springfield Museums

Kay Simpson

Kay Simpson

On March 13, 2020, we announced that the Springfield Museums would be closed from March 14 to April 3 to slow and stem the spread of COVID. What started out as a two-week closure stretched into months as the pandemic intensified into a global public-health emergency. It wasn’t until July 13 when the Museums cautiously opened back up to the public in alignment with then-Gov. Charlie Baker’s Phase 3 of the reopening of Massachusetts.

Prior to the reopening, staff installed plexiglass barriers in our Welcome Center, established sanitation areas in all public areas, and created directional pathways through the Museums to limit visitors being in physical contact with one another. From the onset of our closing, management and trustees were united in their commitment to keep staff employed through remote work that fostered the development of virtual programs, classes, and tours that were available on the Museums’ website.

As soon as we were able, staff came back to work in our buildings so we would be ready for visitors to return safely. Our commitment to keep staff employed during the shutdown enabled us to reopen as soon as possible, a decision that has had a profound impact on our recovery from the pandemic. Visitor studies show that institutions that laid off employees and were closed for longer periods of time have experienced a slower rebound in visitation.

The pandemic has changed the Museums in undeniable ways. Many staff now have hybrid work schedules, sanitation stations are in place throughout the facilities, and a variety of our programs can be accessed through our website. The shutdown compelled us to rethink the way we do business, experiment with new online approaches, and navigate our way into a post-pandemic world. Above all, we learned the importance of innovative thinking, deepening our relationships with our communities, and embracing change as the key to our future sustainability.

 

Jim White, President and Partner, Go Graphix

Jim White

Jim White

For 20 years, we’ve kept our heads down, grinding forward — learning, growing, and focusing only on excellence and worrying about what we can control. Then came the pandemic … and all bets were off. The fear was real, both personally and professionally. Around St. Patty’s Day of 2020, business came to a grinding halt.

The Go Graphix team? Rock stars. But keeping it together wasn’t easy. Between legitimate absences, borderline excuses, and some opportunistic sick days (or weeks!), stress levels were through the roof. All we knew was that we had to keep our team intact and safe — without a playbook. So we masked, distanced, sanitized, and even misted chlorine cleansers nightly after everyone had gone home. It was insane.

Just to keep our printers running (and our sanity intact), we churned out free “Frontline Hero” lawn signs. The hum of the machines was oddly soothing. Then, out of nowhere, Baystate Health called, asking, “can you make temporary plexi protective barriers?” Hell yeah, we could! Next came orders for social-distancing decals. That’s when we realized we were essential, and no one was shutting Go Graphix down without a fight.

We jumped on early orders for acrylic panels before the rush (good call, as our costs nearly quadrupled in no time). Supply-chain chaos made getting hardware a nightmare, but we powered through, outfitting Baystate, countless restaurants and businesses, and more than 80 colleges and universities.

The pandemic tested us, stressed us, and nearly drove us crazy. But Go Graphix has emerged stronger, savvier, and more resilient than ever.

 

Ben Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, Balise Auto Group

Ben Sullivan

Ben Sullivan

When COVID changed everything, we remained focused on three things:

• Doing the right thing for our customers. We never charged our MSRP for vehicles (which was unfortunately rampant across the country due to inventory shortages), and we reworked our operations to meet our customers where they felt most comfortable — offering home delivery and service pickup and drop off — and doing whatever it took to take care of our customers.

• Doing the right thing for the community by supporting first responders. We couldn’t give them a hug, but we could wash their car for free and offer 50% off all service work so healthcare providers could get safely to their critical jobs. It total, Balise gave away more than $1 million in services to first responders.

• Doing the right thing for our associates. We wanted to take as much uncertainty out of their lives as we could. Coming to work was voluntary, and we guaranteed their pay, covered 100% of their health insurance, and offered flexible work schedules.

Doing the right thing has always been core to how we do business. COVID just reinforced that delivering on that promise is what matters most.

 

Ray Berry, Owner, White Lion Brewing Co.

Ray Berry

Ray Berry

Two months into construction, like a light switch, everything shuttered, construction came to a halt, and uncertainty set in. To compound the situation, we knew our construction budget and operational projections were no longer reliable. We lost a full year of revenue and a lot of momentum, but our team grinded it out, and 13 months after our projected opening date, we finally opened our doors.

Our trade has changed dramatically since then. In the last two years alone, 17 Massachusetts breweries closed, several have merged, and many more are entertaining exit strategies. There is a lot of data to suggest why, but in my opinion, much of the shift accelerated with the arrival of COVID, and some breweries could not rebound.

To sustain, White Lion had to pivot from a destination brewery to a much more robust attraction incorporating more entertaining options to create a deeper experience. The days of being a conventional brewery where customers grab a pint and move on to visit the next brewery are no longer the norm — it is an exception.

Some of our changes include incorporating lunch six days a week, onboarding food-delivery services, offering live entertainment several times a month, and hosting community and business events all year long. These are important pieces for sustainability, and our team takes pride in adding these extra layers for our consumer base.

 

Lynn Gray, General Manager, Holyoke Mall

Lynn Gray

Lynn Gray

During the COVID pandemic, Holyoke Mall, like many businesses, faced unprecedented challenges. With temporary closures, health and safety restrictions, and phased reopenings, we quickly had to adapt.

Many of our tenants pivoted toward and expanded their BOPIS (buy online, pay in store) and curbside pickup options. This shifted from a nice-to-have feature to an essential option that customers still expect businesses to offer today. Restaurant takeout and delivery options became a necessity to survive, and five years later, many of our food-court tenants and restaurants that had never previously offered delivery services are still using DoorDash and GrubHub platforms today.

The increased use and shift toward online shopping during the pandemic forced retailers to offer new and exciting ways to enhance the customer experience. They are introducing more experiential components within their brick-and-mortar locations and enhanced their omnichannel presence to make products more interesting and accessible. This shift is still prevalent five years later.

As retailers consolidated storefronts, our leadership focused efforts on more experiential offerings, which we had started prior to 2020, bringing in more entertainment and lifestyle venues (Planet Fitness, Round1, Altitude Trampoline Park, etc.). Customers longed for reuniting with friends and families outside their homes after having been restricted for so long and needed outlets to reconnect and socialize.

Holyoke Mall has experienced a renewed energy as we are seeing pre-pandemic-level foot traffic. This is a major indicator we are giving the customers what they are looking for in terms of offering a diverse mix of tenants including not only core retail, but also unique dining, entertainment, and lifestyle options.

 

Nathan Yee, Director of Hospitality, Bean Restaurant Group

Nathan Yee

Nathan Yee

The early days of COVID were filled with uncertainty. They were long and exhausting, but they ultimately pushed us to learn how to do more with fewer people and resources. We re-engineered our systems and processes to mitigate the effects of rising food and labor costs.

The restaurant business has always required adaptability — this was true before COVID and remains true today. Failure wasn’t an option; we embraced every challenge as an opportunity to stay true to our values in an unprecedented time.

One lasting impact of COVID is that we now operate with smaller menus. We’ve honed in on what we do best, eliminating the extras. In hindsight, while COVID presented immense challenges, it ultimately made us better restaurant operators — both today and for the future.

 

Greg Desrosiers, Vice President and Co-owner, Hadley Printing

Greg Desrosiers

Greg Desrosiers

Looking back on COVID seems like it was yesterday. It is hard to believe it has been five years since the start of the pandemic. I guess it feels like yesterday because the hangover of COVID is quite present in our society.

With the onset of COVID, there were more orders being canceled than placed. Everything ground to a halt within days. It was a concerning period to navigate in business, and no one knew the duration or outcome. The positive part of COVID was the strong resurgence of business in 2022, as the economy returned to normal and demand was high across the board, which eventually led to supply-chain issues and inflation.

It was the year and a half period in between that became the largest challenge we have ever encountered during our time in business. Like most businesses, we were able to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and used it exactly how it was intended, to keep our staff employed and paid. We were operating on 50% of our normal work volume and supplementing the rest with equipment and building maintenance.

One of the most obvious after-effects of COVID that directly affects our daily operations today is inflation. We have seen a tremendous increase in our raw materials, a loss of suppliers that have either closed or have been acquired due to industry consolidation, and an increase in wages of our employees who are in need of more money to live on. Inflation is something I see at best slowing down but most certainly not reversing itself. We had no choice to pass along some of these costs in our prices, but we cannot pass along all of it, so we had to be innovative and find creative ways to do more with less.

To combat the rise in operating costs, we have diligently crossed-trained almost every employee to be able to assist in multiple ways, so if we are slow in one department, we can move that employee to another department that is busier.

In addition to cross-training our workforce, we have also made investments in more technologically advanced equipment. We recently invested in a second digital printing press that allows us to produce short-run orders more efficiently. This new upgrade also allows us to print envelopes digitally, where in the past, we printed envelopes via traditional offset printing. This new investment can also run a larger sheet size, allowing a wider array of economical service offerings to our clients.

Our new digital press is more automated than a traditional offset press, so it can be run with fewer touches by our employees. That allows us to produce products more efficiently and more economically through automation.

While the future continues to remain unsteady, we are readily prepared for it.

Rudy D’Agostino, Partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Rudy D’Agostino

Rudy D’Agostino

It is incredible to look back five years ago and see the shift COVID-19 caused worldwide. Almost overnight, drastic changes occurred as businesses were forced into shutdown, only emergency personnel were allowed to travel the roads, and supply resources were depleted. COVID’s challenges caused businesses to pivot, making adaptations to the ‘new norm’ almost overnight.

Businesses were affected drastically in 2020, and many organizations continue to function with several changes that they were forced to incorporate five years ago during the pandemic. For example, remote work became the norm for many companies, and today it continues, although it has been changing to a hybrid model. This remote working environment required a significant investment in computer technology and related internet security.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) was deemed an essential business during the pandemic and, thus, didn’t have to shut down, but we shifted employees to a remote hybrid schedule to limit the number of staff in office. In 2025, MBK still offers the opportunity for our team to work a hybrid schedule. The use of software such as Teams or Zoom is used for communication and assists in creating the balance of flexibility and promoting a healthier work-life dynamic.

In 2020, we had virtual monthly staff meetings and even hosted a creative facemask contest, which highlighted how the firm can maintain morale and camaraderie, even when part of the team was physically apart. Putting a positive spin on the pandemic helped individuals power through a time of uncertainty.

 

Michele Anstett, President, Director, and Owner, Visiting Angels West Springfield

Michele Anstett

Michele Anstett

There are certain historical events that are so momentous, a person will always recall where they were when the event happened. The unwelcome arrival of COVID in Western Mass. was one of those events for me. I will never forget the day when Gov. Baker issued a stay-at-home advisory and ordered all non-essential businesses to close. We were working on packing up the office, getting ready for our move to a new location. After hearing the order, I decided to close the office.

Visiting Angels is a senior home-care business, and we are an essential business. However, the admin staff could work from home. The focus of the business abruptly changed from advancement to survival. Every day, the focus was on protecting clients and caregivers. I felt that I had become a commander leading the troops to fight a battle while also protecting civilians. Many clients canceled our services because their loved ones could take on the caregiving role. We went from 70 clients to 19 clients in two weeks. I thought to myself, “I don’t know if we can survive this.” But we did.

We tackled the early challenges such as staying informed, learning how to slow the spread, obtaining essential safety supplies, setting up protocols, the daily health check-in of caregivers, assigning a risk-factors watch list, and so many more. There were endless webinars and Zoom meetings that we needed to attend. The information about COVID kept mutating just like the virus itself. The information online was a great tool for so many aspects of our business, especially for hiring and interviewing. We still use many of these methods even after five years.

The biggest challenge was obtaining personal protective equipment. We asked for donations of handmade masks. I supplied a family in Westfield with six yards of fabric. This military family of five utilized the mandated home time to serve the needs of healthcare workers. My aunt, a seamstress in Chicopee, also created masks from donated sterile surgical fabric. A fabulous woman from the Majestic Theater would sew and donate about 10 masks at a time. We also received face shields from a family in the Berkshires.

We kept our morale up by participating in local community events. People had helped us to stay safe; now it was our turn to curb elder isolation and support other essential workers. We did drive-by-parade birthday celebrations, provided nostalgic snacks at senior center drive-thru events, participated in safety awareness campaigns, and (my favorite) provided sponsorship of chair yoga in East Longmeadow with instructor Sheila Magalhaes of Heartsong Yoga, a program we continue to sponsor even now.

It’s amazing to think that it has been five years since the arrival of COVID in Western Mass. I believe the events increased resilience today when a problem arises for people and businesses. Now, I always ask myself, “how can I make this happen?” and try to think outside the box.

 

Elizabeth Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, NAI Plotkin

Elizabeth Barnes

Elizabeth Barnes

I have experienced firsthand how the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed property management. In March 2020, building operations and maintenance procedures were forced into a rapid evolution. While the immediate crisis has passed, many changes have become permanent fixtures in the industry.

The pandemic accelerated digital transformation in property management. While many firms such as ours were already rolling out online portals to our homeowners and tenants, many property managers were not as prepared. Online portals now handle everything from maintenance requests to amenity scheduling and document management. These technological solutions have proven to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, making their continued use a business imperative.

Enhanced cleaning protocols and improved HVAC systems have become standard features rather than luxury additions. Many buildings now maintain hospital-grade air-quality standards and implement sophisticated air-quality monitoring equipment.

The economic impact changed how property managers approach financial planning. Many properties now maintain enhanced emergency funds and reserves to ensure operational continuity during unexpected challenges. Insurance has become more complex due to rising construction and repair costs, prompting our property managers to seek comprehensive coverage while implementing risk-mitigation strategies.

Property managers have developed more sophisticated communication systems and stronger relationships with occupants. Digital platforms have become central to operations, enabling real-time updates on building operations and immediate response to maintenance requests. These platforms integrate announcements, document sharing, and community forums, creating stronger connections between our property managers and residents.

The industry continues to evolve, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence and automation in building management. Properties now compete to offer comprehensive health-focused amenities, while buildings are designed and operated with a focus on resilience against future crises. Space usage has become more flexible and adaptable, responding to changing occupant needs and market conditions.

The COVID pandemic has created new standards and expectations in property management. Success requires managers to remain adaptable, technologically savvy, and focused on occupant well-being while maintaining operational efficiency. Those who embrace these changes and continue to innovate will be better-positioned to meet evolving needs while maintaining their competitive advantage in a transformed market.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union Remains Focused on Growth

By
Rich Kump says UMassFive College Federal Credit Union is persevering
Banking and Financial Services Special Coverage

Setting Its Sites

Rich Kump says UMassFive College Federal Credit Union is persevering

Rich Kump says UMassFive College Federal Credit Union is persevering through challenging times for this sector.

Rich Kump says UMassFive College Federal Credit Union is in a mood to “make up for some lost time.”

Elaborating, he flashed back more than two years, to when the institution was starting to move ahead with plans to move its flagship location in Hadley to a new location just down Route 9, while also advancing efforts to make a push into Hampden County with a location in or near Springfield and a smaller satellite office within Springfield that would serve one of the city’s many banking deserts.

Returning to today, he said the credit union — which he serves as president and CEO — has made very little, if any, progress on those fronts, due to issues with all three sites that we’ll get into later.

He summed it all up with some understatement, and a needed sense of humor, saying, “what I have surmised from all this is that we’re not very good at picking branch sites.”

Now, the institution is looking at 2026 for the Hampden County locations, and a longer timeline for the new Hadley location, which he admits is less of a priority now than it was back in late 2022, due primarily to remote-work options that have alleviated space concerns that were a prime motivator for relocating the flagship branch.

“Moving the Hadley branch does not generate a whole bunch of new loans and deposits and members.It provides some great visibility, but not many growth opportunities.”

These are all still priorities, but they have been supplanted by larger concerns and dramatically changing times — for all banks and credit unions, one in which the rising interest rates of 2023 and early 2024 tightened already-thin margins, reduced profits, and pushed many credit unions to the point where they needed to merge with another institution or close.

“It’s been a troubling time, with many credit unions posting losses,” Kump said, noting that there were 41 credit-union mergers nationwide in the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, some of them generated by a need for small credit unions to expand services, but many others prompted by poor financial condition.

UMassFive has been looking to move its flagship branch in Hadley

UMassFive has been looking to move its flagship branch in Hadley (pictured) to a new location down Route 9, but other priorities are currently more important.

UMass Five, which has six branches across Western and Central Mass., including one at its namesake, UMass Amherst, is not so imperiled, but it has seen deposits tumble and overall performance slide due to these colliding factors.

“We had to increase our rates to keep the deposits we had, and, of course, that increased our cost of funds quite a bit. And while the cost of funds increased, we still have a loan portfolio, much of which was at much lower than market rates,” he said, explaining, in simple terms, the main challenge facing all institutions.

UMass Five, with roughly $570 million in deposits and around $700 million in total assets, didn’t load up its balance sheet with large numbers of low-interest borrowings, he went on, but it certainly felt the pinch.

“Our net interest margin did shrink a little — not as much as others, but overall, we saw our net income decline,” Kump said, adding that the bank grew at just 0.24% in 2024, what would normally be considered an off year, but, under these circumstances, acceptable.

Moving forward, the credit union, like many other financial institutions, must balance life in these more difficult times with the need to grow, attain more deposits, and create economies of scale, and thus become better able to handle the ongoing headwinds.

UMassFive is not in a position to be acquired, and it is not exactly looking for opportunities to acquire others, although it will certainly consider them as they emerge, said Kump, adding that, for now, the preferred method of growth is organic.

Which brings us back to those branches that have been in the planning stages. They are important parts of the credit union’s overall growth strategy, and while the institution will move forward, it is not going to rush anything.

Indeed, while he regrets losing time with these initiatives, as he said at the top, the process of selecting new branch locations — an art and science that involves everything from visibility to the volume of other traffic-generating businesses, to the number of competing banks and credit unions in the general vicinity — is necessarily slow and involved, and UMassFive will take its time and get it right.

“We’re back to square one,” he said of the Hampden County locations. “But it’s more important to do this well then do it quickly.”

For this issue and its focus on banking and financial services, we talked with Kump at length about what’s in the business plan for UMassFive, and just how the institution will make up for that lost time.

 

Points of Interest

Recapping what’s happened with those three planned branches, Kump said not much has gone right, and each story is different.

In Hadley, the property where the credit union intends to go is occupied by an auto-repair shop and a small single-family home being rented from the property owner. Long story short (we’ll do a lot of that), that tenant has not gone quietly — the matter has wound up in Housing Court in a protracted battle — and won’t be out for another six months or so.

“We’re still interested in that site … we’re putting together a new purchase agreement because we hadn’t anticipated such a lengthy delay,” Kump said. “But it’s still in our future, and we do want to move our flagship location to that more visible site on Route 9.”

Meanwhile, in Hampden County, at a location in East Longmeadow near the Springfield line, a site chosen after extensive research, a new branch has been scrapped due to issues with the sewer system. And that satellite location? After more than a year of deliberations, the owner of that property ultimately decided not to sell or lease it.

So UMassFive is now essentially where it was two and half years ago on all three projects — waiting to get started in Hadley and trying to find the right sites in Springfield, Kump noted, adding that, over that time, the landscape for credit unions and banks has changed when it comes to liquidity, profitability, and, in this specific case, priorities and growth strategies.

“As many other financial institutions are doing, we’re managing our growth,” he explained. “Your income fuels growth, and when your income is down, you can’t grow as much.”

Elaborating, he said the Hadley initiative is certainly still important, just less so in the larger scheme of things, adding that the relocation of that flagship branch is now targeted for completion in 2028 at the earliest, for a few reasons, starting with logistics.

A few years ago, the plan was to close an operations center in Hadley and move the employers there into space created by moving the headquarters branch to that aforementioned location at the Amherst/Hadley line. But with heavy use of telecommuting and hybrid schedules, the credit union has moved the last department from the operations center into the flagship site, with the branch still operating.

Meanwhile, with a focus on gaining new members and growing deposits, the credit union’s top priority now is expanding into Hampden County.

“Moving the Hadley branch does not generate a whole bunch of new loans and deposits and members,” Kump explained. “It provides some great visibility, but not many growth opportunities.”

He expects these to come in Hampden County, where the credit union has a small presence — a branch in Mercy Medical Center — with intentions to become a larger player in that region, through further use of what he called a “hub-and-spoke” operating philosophy.

Elaborating, he said this model calls for a main facility, such as the one in Hadley, with smaller, satellite facilities around it, including those at UMass Amherst, downtown Northampton, and the Veterans Administration facility in Leeds.

There were plans to create something similar in Hampden County, starting with the property at the East Longmeadow/Springfield line, as the hub. But, as we’ve seen, that site didn’t work out, a huge disappointment for the institution.

“We were very excited … we did an extensive branch study, used lots of data, socio-economic factors, traveling routes, destination points at this one location, and it came up roses for us,” he explained, adding that the roses soon wilted amid sewer-backup issues that could not be resolved, forcing the credit union to walk away from the deal four months ago.

Now, as he said, UMassFive is back to square one, and it will take its time putting a new plan together. With that, he gave some insight into the complicated nature of finding sites for branches, an undertaking many institutions are familiar with as they seek out growth opportunities in a no-growth area with many communities that could only be described as ‘overbanked.’

“There is a lot that goes into this … for bank branches, you have to be visible, you have to be in high-traffic areas, and there have to be destination points around you,” he said, adding that, to find such sites, institutions must invest time, money, and resources — and then hope things go right with the sites they choose.

But as difficult as finding good branch sites can be, securing them is critical, said Kump, adding that, in this environment, pursuing growth and achieving size are critical for all financial-services institutions.

“Eventually, you have to grow again, and we feel that will happen,” he said, adding, again, that, while the organic route is preferred, the credit union will certainly look at merger opportunities as they emerge.

“We’re not aggressively seeking mergers, but if there is a credit union that has interest in merging into us, we would definitely consider that, and that’s really who we’ve been throughout our existence,” he said, adding that the institution’s locations at Mercy and the VA facility came about through mergers.

 

Location, Location, Location

Looking ahead to the balance of 2025 and beyond, Kump said it’s difficult to project what will happen — with both the economy and financial-services institutions.

Indeed, only a few months ago, the Fed was projecting several interest rate cuts in 2025; by December, it was anticipating few, if any.

“All bets are off,” he said. “We see employment numbers coming down, inflation numbers seem to be going up, and if inflationary pressures continue to push, it wouldn’t surprise me if, in 2025, we saw some rate increases again.”

In this climate, UMassFive will continue to work to manage its growth and align its priorities to that end.

It will also endeavor to make up for some lost time and find some better luck and good fortune when it comes to picking branch sites and taking full advantage of those new locations.

It is certainly overdue.

70th Home & Garden Show Expands to Second Building at the Big E

By
Andy Crane says the home show thrives
Home Improvement Special Coverage

All Under One Roof (Actually, Two)

Andy Crane says the home show thrives

Andy Crane says the home show thrives, even in the internet age, because home-improvement business owners need to stay visible and put work into the pipeline.

Andy Crane acknowledged that many contractors and home-improvement companies are busy these days, thanks to a combination of factors, from people staying in their homes — due to higher interest rates and a shortage of inventory — to finding enough help to get jobs done.

They’re so busy that some — but certainly not all — are booking jobs several months out and even into next year, in some cases.

But even in this climate, where some contractors can’t touch new business for a few more quarters, it’s important to stay in front of consumers and continue to put business into the pipeline, said Crane, president of the Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts (HBRAWM).

And that’s why he’s not only expecting a sellout of booth space when it comes to this year’s Original Western Mass Home & Garden Show, taking place March 27-30 at the Eastern States Exposition — the 70th edition of this spring tradition — but also why the show is expanding into a second building this year, one dedicated almost exclusively to the ‘garden’ aspect of the event.

And with that move, the show is turning back the clock in some respects.

“Back in the day, we had two buildings, and a few years, we had three buildings,” Crane told BusinessWest. “This year, we’re going to have at least two and an outdoor area.”

The second building, known as the A Barn, will be geared toward yard equipment and accessories, plantings, and landscapes, with some details still to be finalized, he said, adding that this has been an element missing since COVID.

But getting back to his thoughts about contractors and why they want to be at this show, Crane said many aren’t coming to the Big E grounds looking for work — they already have enough. Instead, they want to make connections and enable consumers to at least get the process started.

“It gets the juices flowing — you might get some ideas and talk to some people,” he said. “Let’s say they can’t do it for a while … if you don’t get that process moving along, you’ll never get it done.”

Adam Quenneville, president of Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding, agreed. His company has been part of the home show for roughly 25 years, and he comes back each year to help make sure the phones keep ringing.

“I would think that people still enjoy touching and feeling products and getting a sense for what they think that person is like. You can’t get that off a laptop; you just can’t.”

This is a quieter time of the year — although roof crews can work pretty much year-round — and a good time to make connections and add projects for the rest of the year, he said.

“It’s great to get out and see potential customers, and it’s an opportunity to get leads, give estimates, and secure business. A lot of people are going there because they have a home improvement in mind, and it’s nice to be able to let them see us in person, talk to us, get information, and go from there.”

With that, Quenneville spoke for every vendor at the show, including the ones who sell beer nuts and pickles, most of whom are focused not on making sales that day, but on the ‘go from there’ part of the equation.

It’s why the show has thrived for 70 years, and why the 2025 edition is shaping up as another opportunity to build back from the tumultuous COVID years and continue to grow.

 

Through the Roof

Crane said the home show, which annually attracts between 12,000 and 15,000 visitors and, recently, about 300 to 400 vendors, will be marking 70 years in some subtle ways, with additional giveaways and other promotions.

But mostly, this show will be like the 69 that have come before it, in that it presents an opportunity for the public to gather, see what’s new (or not so new, but still important), talk with experts, maybe finalize some plans for what they want to do, and put a face and business card with a person and company they’ve seen on the internet or heard about from neighbors, friends, or relatives.

Adam Quenneville says he’s been coming back to the home show for 25 years

Adam Quenneville says he’s been coming back to the home show for 25 years because it provides valuable exposure and leads for new projects.
Staff Photo

It’s been this way since the mid-’50s — except that part about the internet, said Crane, adding that, before social media and before consumers could click on websites, contractors had to get out in front of people. The home show was created to give members of the HBRAWM an opportunity to show what they do, how they do it, and, yes, how much it will cost.

And while consumers can learn much about a product or contractor by visiting a website, and still more by following up with friends and neighbors who placed a specific contractor’s sign on their lawn, there is still much to be gained from seeing these professionals in person, Crane said.

“I would think that people still enjoy touching and feeling products and getting a sense for what they think that person is like. You can’t get that off a laptop; you just can’t. “If it’s a zero-turn mower, would you rather sit on one than look at a picture?” he asked rhetorically. “How about picnic tables and high-top tables … you might as well get the exact one you want and the exact color. As for sheds, isn’t it better to stand in the shed rather than look at a picture of one? You can visualize where your mower is going to go and where your pool equipment is going to go or the pellets for your wood stove. That’s what the show brings that computers don’t bring.”

It still does that, but it has become much more, he went on, adding that the event has become a rite of spring for many, and a social gathering for some, with friends and neighbors often gathering at the show and then going elsewhere for dinner.

“The show is still a great place to talk, shop, and get ideas about your home, your property, some of the things that people like to do in their homes,” he said, adding that, while some things have changed since Dwight Eisenhower was patrolling the White House, the best things about the home show are what hasn’t changed.

For 2025, there will be more of the same, said Crane, with the emphasis on more, especially when it comes to space for visitors to roam and take in the many exhibitors, who cross every spectrum of home and garden improvement, from who can do the work to how to pay for it.

Indeed, there will be several banking and finance institutions on hand, he noted, adding that the categories for vendors runs the alphabetical gamut, from air filtration to women’s clothing, with more than eight dozen in between, everything from awnings and canopies to foundation repair; kitchens and baths (huge items of interest) to mosquito protection; sheds and gazebos to wells and pumps.

It will all be under … well, two large roofs in 2025, said Crane, adding, again, that a second building is something the public has asked for, and something that’s needed to properly showcase vendors and products.

Fast Facts:

What: The 70th edition of the Original Western Mass Home & Garden Show
Where: Eastern States Exposition
When: March 27-30
Show Producer: Home Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts
Admission: General admission: $10; with coupon: $7; children under 12: free
For More Information: Call (413) 733-3126

As noted, the A Barn will focus on lawn and garden equipment, furniture, and accessories, everything from mowers and snow throwers to chairs, tables, firepits, and fountains — items that couldn’t be displayed as effectively in years past due to a lack of space.

 

Starting the Conversation

While the additional space provides room for more vendors and a chance to spread out, it also further activates the outdoor spaces at the Big E, said Crane, adding that there will now be traffic between the buildings — and opportunities to capture the attention of that traffic.

Over the years, those staffing the Adam Quenneville booth have succeeded in gaining the attention of visitors, said the company’s owner, adding that it has generated a steady flow of leads — and eventually customers.

“If I have to guess, I’d say we get about 100 opportunities,” he said, meaning actual estimates for potential customers. “We’ll probably give 90 people prices and secure about 50% of that — 45 to 50 jobs.”

That more than justifies the cost of the booth, he said, adding that the show has been one of the more successful methods of getting right in front of the public, telling the company’s story, and keeping the pipeline of work flowing.

Nick Riley, president of Chicopee-based N. Riley Construction, agreed. His firm specializes in home remodeling and new construction, and he’s been a regular participant at the show for the past 20 years because of the opportunities it provides to be visible, talk to people directly, and hand out business cards.

“We do really well at the home show, and that’s why we keep coming back,” he said, adding that he doesn’t take leads directly at the show, but instead instructs visitors to call and make appointments — and many of them do. “It’s about more than the eventual leads … it’s about getting in front of people, seeing them in person, and saying hello.”

Hundreds of other home and garden professionals can say the same thing, and they have — some of them for a half-century or more.

They keep coming back because the Western Mass Home & Garden Show has long been a spring tradition, a social event for some, a chance to gather ideas for most, and an opportunity, for those on the vendor list, to get down to business.

WestMass ElderCare Evolves Mission, Rebrands to Access Care Partners

By
Executive Director Roseann Martoccia
Healthcare News Special Coverage

More Than a Name Change

Executive Director Roseann Martoccia

Executive Director Roseann Martoccia

As WestMass ElderCare celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, its leaders decided a new name was in order for the next 50.

“We really wanted to look at where are we today as opposed to where we started, why are we doing what we’re doing, and what the community understands about us,” Executive Director Roseann Martoccia said of the effort that led to a new brand and strategy, under the name Access Care Partners.

“It was a process of talking internally and then talking with community partners, as well as having some focus groups, so we could better understand not only how people know about us, but what’s important to them, particularly caregivers,” she explained. “What are they looking for when they’re up at night, searching on the internet or thinking about, ‘how am I going to help mom when I have to go to work and I have to do all these other things?’ What’s important to them?”

Partnering with Davis Advertising of Worcester, WestMass ElderCare conducted one-on-one interviews, online surveys, and focus groups involving around 200 community members, as well as internal staff, to gather input on how the organization is perceived and how it can continue to meet the needs of the community.

“The agency had rebranded in the early ’90s, and ‘ElderCare’ is the term that they came to, which at the time made a lot of sense,” Martoccia said. “But if someone is 68 or 75 or … well, pick an age, do they want to be called a senior? Do they want to be called an elderly person? ‘Older adult’ seems to be what people want to be called. Also, the people in the community that we serve include children, adults, and older adults.”

The name Access Care Partners better reflects the organization’s mission of providing care and support to people of all ages and abilities, ensuring they have access to the services they need to live independently, noted Sarah Aasheim, the organization’s director of Community Programs, who broke each word down for BusinessWest.

“It’s not one-size-fits-all. Some people have chronic health conditions, other people have memory loss, other people have behavioral-health issues, or a combination of these things. So every situation is a little bit different, and we start by meeting people where they are, and then go from there.”

“We landed on Partners because one consistent bit of feedback we got from everyone we talked to was that the older adults that we serve, the people with disabilities that we serve, don’t want someone doing things for them; they’d like a partner to do something alongside. They want to have agency and choice in the decisions that impact them,” she noted.

“Access was also a common denominator because, no matter who you’re serving, whether it’s an older adult, a caregiver, or someone who’s younger, we’re trying to make things simpler for them,” she went on. “And Care is just integral to who we are. That was one carryover from our previous name.”

With about 200 full-time staff, in addition to around 40 part-time Meals on Wheels drivers, the rebranding process was an exercise in helping the entire team reflect and refocus on their roles and how they fit into the whole, Aasheim added.

Some of the individuals served by Access Care Partners

Some of the individuals served by Access Care Partners enjoy lunch at a Community Table site in Ludlow.
(Photo courtesy of Access Care Partners)

“You come into work, and you’re focused on ‘what do I have to do today? What is my role?’ But sometimes it’s good for all of us to lift up our heads and think, ‘oh, this is something else that’s happening,’ or ‘maybe this is within our scope as well, and we should have this integration and collaborative approach.’

In addition, Martoccia noted, when talking about clients, “it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some people have chronic health conditions, other people have memory loss, other people have behavioral-health issues, or a combination of these things. So every situation is a little bit different, and we start by meeting people where they are, and then go from there.”

 

Foundational Values

The services to meet those needs at Access Care Partners run the gamut from home care, adult family care, and personal care management to nutrition services, care coordination, benefits counseling, money management, behavioral health, housing services, and many more.

“Some of the things that we were founded on and started with are still with us today — services like Meals on Wheels, for example,” Martoccia said. “Our foundational values are still with us, which are to help people be independent in the community, with both the services we provide and supports that they get elsewhere — because we can’t do everything for everybody.

“And that speaks to how we interface with families and caregivers as well, because they can’t do everything, right?” she went on. “Yes, you live with someone, you do a lot for them, but you have to go out, you have to go work, you have to take care of your other business. Oftentimes, we can be a gap-filling support or peace of mind.”

The initial mission 50 years ago, which obviously continues today, is to work with older adults and caregivers, Martoccia explained, but over the years, that has expanded to working with younger people with disabilities. “It’s really the same — supporting people who want to be independent, supporting people who have some needs, and complementing the support and care they already have in their own lives.”

“Even before this recent change in the administration at the federal level and the potential impacts of that, we’ve recognized that we have to diversify our revenue sources and think about how to get a footprint in the private fundraising space.”

When clients are referred to Access Care Partners — from a hospital stay, by a rehabilitation facility, by family members, or through other means — the process to access services begins with a conversation around what they need, be it in-home care, helping with personal care, helping with household tasks and errands, or any number of other things, she noted.

“Money management is a great example of one of our programs that contributes to the mission of allowing people to stay at home,” Aasheim added. “We have a money-management director who provides supervision and support to a team of volunteers who support consumers in a couple of different ways.”

For example, “we have bill-payer clients, folks who might just need someone to visit them once or twice a month to make sure that their bills are getting paid, make sure their checks are coming in — providing the kind of support that a family member would provide,” she further explained. “That’s a game changer for a lot of people who otherwise might need a higher level of care and couldn’t stay in their own home. But with that level of support, it allows them to.”

There’s also a higher level of care called a representative payee program.

“These are folks who get a letter from their doctor basically saying that they have difficulty with capacity to manage their finances, so that authorizes the Social Security Administration to send their Social Security checks to us. We are the representative payees for those consumers, and we pay their bills directly,” Aasheim said. “When these individuals don’t have the sort of community or family support to help them with those things, it can really impair their ability to stay independent in their own home.”

Sarah Aasheim

Sarah Aasheim says each word in the organization’s new name, Access Care Partners, was chosen thoughtfully and deliberately.

The nutrition program is another example of a safety-net service that allows people to live independently.

“Sometimes it’s the only meal that our consumers who get home-delivered meals eat each day,” she noted. “So it ensures a certain level of nutrition, but at the same time, the delivery driver might be the only person that someone will see every day, too. For a caregiver, it’s immense peace of mind to know that someone’s going to lay eyes on mom or dad and make sure that they’re OK, they’re upright, they’re operating in their environment normally.

“Drivers get to know their consumers, and they notice subtle changes in their behaviors,” she added. “So that service offers, again, not just nutrition delivery, but really a safety check for those individuals to make sure that they’re OK. And if they’re not OK, that prompts a phone call back to our team here, followed by our case management.”

Sometimes, Martoccia said, the most important part of the process is the initial call from a caregiver who is overwhelmed and trying to understand their options.

“We’re not the answer for everyone, but we do connect people with other resources in the community. Maybe they have the resources to move to a different housing setting or pay for some services on their own, but they’re not sure where to start and how to get that ball rolling.

“Generally, when people come to us, they do have some chronic, ongoing conditions, but that’s not true in all cases. Sometimes it’s short-term,” she added. “But more often than not, it’s a longer term. There are many people receiving our services who would otherwise be in a nursing home.”

 

Time of Uncertainty

While clients and caregivers contribute to the cost of services, Access Care Partners also works with the Executive Office of Aging & Independence on state appropriations and MassHealth coverage, and works with third-party insurers as well.

But the new regime in Washington, D.C. — which so far has taken an aggressive approach to cost cutting and scaling back services in many areas of public life — has the organization’s leaders cautiously watching how that activity may eventually affect state funding, even though direct federal money accounts for just 10% of its revenue stream.

“Even before this recent change in the administration at the federal level and the potential impacts of that, we’ve recognized that we have to diversify our revenue sources and think about how to get a footprint in the private fundraising space. So we’ve invested here in the last couple of years in more capacity to do marketing and fundraising,” Aasheim said.

“We’re really just beginning that journey, but part of the education that we need to do in rolling out our new brand is to develop a partnership with the private philanthropic community to say, ‘we need support from the community to be able to continue to do what we’re doing.’ We don’t want to be in a situation where we’re having to take wait lists to deliver Meals on Wheels. But with the public funding crises that we may face, it may come to that.

“For people who are on a fixed income, the last few years have not been easy, and they’re not getting any easier,” Aasheim continued. “We help with health-related social needs in many ways and bring services into the home and into the community, but we’re not paying people’s food bills, their utility bills, their basics, their gasoline. This is something that, as a community, we’re all feeling, but it’s really playing out with people who are not in the workforce any longer and are living on a fixed income.”

Which is why the support services offered by Access Care Partners are so important, Martoccia said.

“Massachusetts has quite robust public and community-based systems, not only for our clientele, but across the board,” she told BusinessWest. “But as everyone is watching the federal landscape, we don’t know how that’s going to impact state appropriations in the future, and the rules. There’s a lot of integration between our state — any state — and the federal government. So as one thing shifts, we don’t know how things are going to play out. I think we’re just being cautious and watching every day to see what happens.”

From Music to Spas to Ghosts, Lenox Has It All

By
Ventfort Hall is a “restoration in progress.”
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Wendy Healey

Wendy Healey

When it comes to the subject of ghosts at Ventfort Hall, Wendy Healey is … well, decidedly “neutral.”

Roughly translated, that means that she’s never seen or otherwise encountered one. But she acknowledges that other people have experienced “something,” and she further acknowledges that ghosts are just one of the many intriguing storylines involving the cottage built by Sarah Spencer Morgan, J.P. Morgan’s sister, and her husband (and seventh cousin), George Hale Morgan, in 1893, and now home to the Gilded Age museum.

“We have what I would call friendly spirits in this house,” said Healey, the facility’s executive director, as she talked with BusinessWest in the billiard room, to which male guests would retire for cigars and brandy after one of the lavish dinners hosted by the Morgans.

The far bigger story, and the one she’d certainly prefer to talk about, is the comprehensive restoration of the landmark, now the site of a wide array of events, from weddings and teas to concerts and ghost tours. It has been ongoing for decades now, and at least another 20 years of work lies ahead, according to the most recent master plan.

“We are a restoration in progress — we are far from done,” said Healey, who assumed her role at the landmark two years ago. “We have millions and millions of dollars of work ahead of us.”

Ventfort Hall is a “restoration in progress.”

Ventfort Hall is a “restoration in progress.”

Ventfort Hall, its restorations and its ghosts, comprise one of the many storylines in Lenox, which has become a tourist destination and center of arts, culture, and healthcare, with many of the destinations located on the grounds of other Gilded Age cottages.

That list includes Tanglewood, summer home to the Boston Pops; Shakespeare & Company; the Mount, Edith Wharton’s home; and the resort spas Canyon Ranch and Miraval.

It is winter, which means most of these facilities are planning for the busier seasons to come, but some are busy year-round.

At Shakespeare & Company, an intriguing slate of shows is taking shape, said Jaclyn Stevenson, director of Marketing and Communications, noting that performances of Macbeth (with an all-female cast and a comedic touch) start in March, with most other shows taking place in the summer.

They will include a “Shakespeare Cabaret,” performances of Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew, as well as August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, with a few other performances still to be finalized.

“We have what I would call friendly spirits in this house.”

Equally busy these days is Gilbert Santana, general manager at the Miraval resort spa, which features the mansion known as Wyndhurst as its centerpiece. He the facility, which has been under the Miraval name since the fall of 2020, the height of COVID, has been improving overall visitation each year since, with that trend expected to continue in 2025.

Continually growing confidence among the guest population, which now includes virtually all age groups, is a big reason, he said, noting that there are now frequent bookings six months or more out, unusual in the spa universe. Meanwhile, new initiatives, such as so-called Family Connect weeks, where children can join their parents at the spa, have also helped.

The most recent Family Connect week came during the recent February school vacation week, said Santana, adding that it piggybacked a strong Valentine’s weekend to get this year off to a strong start.

“We wanted young people to start their well-being journey early, and it’s made an incredible impact; we’ve doubled the amount of guests this go-around than we had last year,” he said of the program, adding that Miraval is a true four-season resort spa that boasts more than 180 different kinds of programs — from meditation to a ropes course to yoga — and at all levels, beginner to expert.

A scene from The Comedy of Errors, performed in 2024 at Shakespeare & Company. (Photo courtesy of Katie McKellick)

A scene from The Comedy of Errors, performed in 2024 at Shakespeare & Company.
(Photo courtesy of Katie McKellick)

For this latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, we focus on Lenox and all that it has to offer.

 

In the Right Spirit

“This house was built for big parties.”

With that, Healey summed up the design philosophy behind the Elizabethan-style Ventfort Hall, as well as one of the enduring characteristics of the Gilded Age — large, lengthy gatherings.

Indeed, when guests came to a party at this home on Walker Street, they didn’t stay for a few hours and reach for their coats. Instead, they stayed for several days in one of the 14 guest rooms, said Healey, noting that, sadly, Sarah Morgan didn’t get to host many of these soirees: she died in 1896, only three years after Ventfort Hall was completed.

Slicing through the next 129 years in a concise yet effective manor, Healey said there was a succession of owners — and uses.

After being a private residence for a few decades, it later served as everything from a dormitory for Tanglewood students to a summer hotel known as Festival House; from a ballet camp to the home of Bible Speaks, a religious community that used the mansion for housing.

During this last chapter, the home fell into a serious state of disrepair, and was eventually slated for demolition for the construction of a nursing home.

“It was in such bad condition … no one wanted it, no one wanted to do anything with it, and it was, in the opinion of this developer, worth more flattened and to build a nursing home than to try to save it,” said Healey. “In the dining room, you could see daylight — you could see down to the basement, and you could see up through the roof.”

But in 1997, it was purchased by the Ventfort Hall Assoc., formed by Lenox residents dedicated to its restoration, which began soon thereafter.

Indeed, the building took a star turn in the movie The Cider House Rules, filmed in 1998, serving as the orphanage known as St. Cloud’s — its exterior, anyway (the interior shots were filmed at Northampton State Hospital), with its weathered condition being just what the film’s producers were looking for.

Gilbert Santana says Miraval celebrates its ability to promote wellness during all four seasons, and in many different ways.

Gilbert Santana says Miraval celebrates its ability to promote wellness during all four seasons, and in many different ways.

The movie — and there would be others to follow — provided both capital and momentum, said Healey, adding that restoration has a been a slow, very expensive undertaking over the past 28 years, with perhaps that many more still to come as the association works to ensure that the home will remain part of the fabric of Lenox for decades to come.

Phase 1A of a master plan launched in 2016 has been completed, said Healey, noting that it addressed critical building envelope and life-safety issues. Phase 1B is now underway, focusing on restoring the exterior masonry and roofing to ensure the long-term stability of the mansion.

One focal point of recent efforts has been shoring up of the east-end wall as well as the rebuilding and restoration of the mansion’s four chimneys, said Healey, noting that three have been painstakingly restored, and the fourth will be addressed this spring.

And in the years to come, many of the rooms on the upper floors, the massive basement, the carriage house, and other areas will be restored. That work, projected to cost more than $20 million, is to be funded through a combination of revenue from events, admission to the museum, and other programs, as well as donations and grants from organizations including the Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Fund, the Town of Lenox Community Preservation Committee, and others.

Lenox at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1767
Population: 5,095
Area: 21.7 square miles
County: Berkshire
Residential Tax Rate: $9.05
Commercial Tax Rate: $13.18
Median Household Income: $85,581
Median Family Income: $111,413
Type of Government: Select Board, Open Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Canyon Ranch, Miraval, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Kimball Farms
* Latest information available

While the restoration work continues, the mansion hosts a growing number of events each year, welcoming guests who wouldn’t have been on the invite lists for the Gilded Age parties, said Healey, adding that there are several weddings each year, as well as concerts, tea-and-talks, a spring fashion fundraiser called Berkshique, and more.

There are also very popular ghost tours, at least once a month, led by Robert Oakes, author of Ghosts of the Berkshires. He provides a full tour of the house, by flashlight, while also relating both its history and the tales of those who say they’ve encountered a spirit on the property. And he’s heard many, from staff members and guests alike, Healey said.

 

Frame of Mind

It’s called ‘mindful golf.’

It’s … well, let’s call it golf with the edge taken off.

“We have a golf pro who walks you through the process of how you think when you swing and your intentions behind playing golf, which many times are jaded around winning and doing better,” Santana explained. “This helps you understand the purpose of playing your sport; it’s very well-defined and built around the person playing.”

Actually, the team at Miraval could put that word ‘mindful’ in front of almost everything they do, and that’s a long list, from activities such as kayaking and cross-country skiing to the weddings it hosts to the overall spa experience, which guests enjoy on visits lasting a day or several weeks.

Summing it all up, Santana said it’s about meeting people where they are.

Miraval, which also has resorts in Arizona and Texas, is coming up on five years in the Berkshires, although Santana said it’s more like three, with the first two greatly disrupted by COVID.

He said Miraval is continually looking at ways to bring wellness to more people across a wider age group. A good example is the two annual Family Connect weeks, which the facility test-drove last year to solid reviews that translated into bigger numbers this winter.

“We’re the only Miraval that does a Family Connection week where we allow kids to join their parents and other family members and experience it at a very young age,” he told BusinessWest. “One thing we do is make sure that everything we do has an educational purpose. Everything is defined here on growing your mindset — not necessarily redefining you, but giving an understanding of something that’s more than recreational.”

Education is a huge part of the mission at Shakespeare and Company as well, said Stevenson, adding that, in addition to the performances slated each year, the institution also schedules several actor-training programs as well as initiatives for young people and professional-development workshops.

These include Shakespeare in the Courts, a program staged in conjunction with the Berkshire Juvenile Court system, whereby adolescent offenders work with Shakespeare and Company artists and participate in classes, rehearsals, and performances of scenes from the Bard’s plays. During the six-week project, participants explore Shakespeare’s text and prepare their own performance pieces as part of their term of probation.

There’s also “Riotous Youth,” one-, two-, and three-week summer theater programs that introduce students (ages 7 to 17) to Shakespeare’s language, stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods.

As for actor-training programs, they take place in the spring and summer and are geared for those with different experience levels, from the novice to mid-career professionals, said Stevenson, adding that there are also several in-person workshops and online classes and workshops focused on everything from wit to movement and dance to public speaking.

Stevenson said Shakespeare and Company enjoyed a solid 2024, actually exceeding overall projections, continuing, as other venues in this community have, to build back from the COVID years, which took a serious toll on Lenox.

“We’re still working our way back a little bit, but we’ve come a long way,” she said of the COVID recovery. “It feels more in the rear-view mirror than ever before.”

Looking Back on COVID — and Ahead

By
Opinion

Editorial

 

Most of those asked by BusinessWest to recall the early days of COVID — and what’s happened since — either can’t believe how quickly time has flown, or that it’s only been five years.

Mostly, it’s the latter.

Indeed, COVID now seems like a long, long time ago, probably because those first few years were so difficult and change-filled, many compared them to dog years.

We asked business owners and managers to look back because … well, five years is a milestone, and there is so much that has changed over that half-decade (see story on page 4).

Changes have come to small business and how it is conducted, in healthcare and the mental health of people of all ages, in education (especially higher education), and, of course, in how work is done — and where it’s done.

As business owners looked back on the seismic events of mid-March 2020, what happened in the days, weeks, and months to follow, and what’s changed (and perhaps changed forever) since then, some themes emerge.

Perhaps the most intriguing, if not the most discernable, in many cases, is a sense of pride in accomplishment, if we can call it that.

Indeed, COVID was something unprecedented. Business owners and managers had seen economic ups and downs before. They had seen times when employment was tight, and times when it wasn’t. Some had even weathered a natural disaster, like the 2011 tornado.

But this was something completely different. The state was essentially shut down. Workers went home with their computers not knowing when they’d come back (some still haven’t come back). People couldn’t go restaurants, movie theaters, museums, banquet halls, bars, breweries, malls, car dealerships, airports, sports arenas, their dentist’s office … for weeks, they couldn’t go anywhere.

In many instances, business just stopped. But then, it picked up again — only, it was different. And this is where that pride in achievement come in: the innovation, the imagination, the perseverance, the needed humor, the bonding together, even if people were in different places.

Businesses found new modes of doing things, new revenue streams, intriguing ways to pivot, and ways to keep the doors open, even if customers couldn’t come through them.

Well, most businesses, anyway. There were many casualties across several sectors, especially hospitality. The others? As we said, they found a way.

Sure, they had some help. Most small businesses received a PPP loan or some other form of assistance. But they didn’t survive on that. They survived on guts and creativity and a will to beat back a challenge unlike any other.

That’s what we’re celebrating — again, if that’s the right term — five years later.

Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce to Celebrate Shining Stars

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host its Shining Stars Gala on Friday, Feb. 28 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. As a celebration of storytelling, the 2025 event is themed “Once Upon a Time in Chicopee.” Thanks to the support of ChicopeeTV, for the first time, the awards portion of the evening will be livestreamed beginning at 7:45 p.m. on ChicopeeTV’s channels and platforms.

“This annual event has always been about more than the awards,” said Marie Laflamme, city treasurer and chair of the chamber’s Shining Stars event committee. “It’s about the people who write the next chapter for our community with their actions, their leadership, and their generosity. Every honoree the chamber has ever recognized has played a part in shaping Chicopee’s story, ensuring that the best days of our city are not just in the past, but still to come.”

This year marks 40 years since the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce recognized Ernest Laflamme Jr. as the first Citizen of the Year in 1985. This year’s recipients are Health New England as Nonprofit of the Year, the Springfield Thunderbirds as Business of the Year, Ashley Batlle as Volunteer of the Year, and AJ Crane as Citizen of the Year.

The evening’s emcees are public relations consultant and commentator Anthony Cignoli and former Chicopee Chamber President Debra Boronski. Past-recipient medallions will be presented to 2024 honorees Daryl Grabowski, Ashley Kohl, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield.

KB Accounting Welcomes Timothy Brelsford as Director of Operations

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — KB Accounting announced the appointment of Timothy Brelsford as the new director of Operations. With an extensive background in financial management and operational strategy, Brelsford is set to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and innovation in the accounting industry.

“As we continue to expand our services and enhance our operational efficiency, the addition of Tim to our leadership team is a significant milestone for KB Accounting,” said Katie Brelsford, CEO of KB Accounting. “His proven track record in operational excellence and strategic planning will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”

Brelsford brings more than 30 years of experience in the human-services and operations sectors. His expertise in streamlining processes and implementing forward-thinking solutions aligns perfectly with KB Accounting’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. In his new role, he will oversee daily operational activities, spearhead process-improvement initiatives, and collaborate with other department heads to ensure the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

“I am honored to join KB Accounting at such an exciting time in the company’s evolution,” Brelsford said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to optimize our operations and contribute to the long-term success of the organization, while upholding our commitment to integrity and excellence.”

UMass Amherst Opens Registration for 14th Annual 5K Dash & Dine

By
Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Dining Services invites the community to participate in its 14th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine on Saturday, April 26 at 11 a.m., with the goal to promote health and wellness at UMass Amherst while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center.

UMass Dining’s focus is on quality ingredients and meals, customer service, student health and wellness, customization options, and appreciation of global influences. Over the past 13 years, UMass Dining has raised more than $50,000 that has been donated to the Amherst Survival Center.

Check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe will begin at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., a free Fun Run begins for children 8 years old and under. At 11 a.m., the race begins, followed by an awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon in the Berkshire Dining Commons.

The race fee is $15 for all Five College students, $25 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $30 for the general public. Children 8 and under may participate free of charge. The race fee includes registration and lunch.

Donations can be made and participants can register by clicking here. Online registration will end April 24 at midnight. Walk-up registration will be available on race day.

“The UMass 5K Dash & Dine is an annual effort made to support the community in increasing awareness of personal wellness while addressing food security on and off campus,” said Ken Toong, associate vice chancellor, Auxiliary Enterprises at UMass Amherst. “Our goal is to create exciting initiatives that simultaneously support individuals’ personal wellness goals and help our neighbors in need. Our vision of success is built on being a true partner to the community and working together to create meaningful and lasting impact.”

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni to Host Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni invites the community to attend his annual St. Patrick’s Day Party on Friday, March 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, located at 33 Progress Ave. in Springfield. Tickets cost $25 and are available at the door.

“We’re looking forward to another great night of Irish food and music, as well as the opportunity to connect and celebrate,” Gulluni said. “This annual event is one we look forward to all year long.”

In addition to food and drink, the family-friendly event will feature live Irish music from Billy Eagan, as well as Irish step dancing by the Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance.

Picture This

By
Treehouse Foundation Runway 5K
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

Community Impact

Greenfield Savings Bank announced it invested more than $1 million in local communities in 2024 through donations, event sponsorships, and underwriting. The bank supported more than 275 nonprofits, including the Treehouse Foundation Runway 5K (pictured), Cancer Connection, Community Action Pioneer Valley, Hampshire and Franklin County YMCAs, and United Way of the Franklin Hampshire Region. In addition, the bank’s employees dedicated more than 3,650 volunteer hours for nonprofits like Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity (pictured at bottom), mobile food banks, financial-literacy workshops, community clean-ups, and youth mentorship.

Treehouse Foundation Runway 5K

Treehouse Foundation Runway 5K

 

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity

 

 

Adopt-a-Classroom

Leaders from Berkshire Bank — including Jim Hickson, Pioneer Valley regional president, and Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation — recently joined Square One staff and preschool children to announce the renewal of the foundation’s Adopt-a-Classroom sponsorship. This $5,000 gift supports Square One’s commitment to early education and care by helping to offset the costs of classroom supplies, technology, and professional development, enhancing every child’s early-learning experience.

Leaders from Berkshire Bank — including Jim Hickson, Pioneer Valley regional president, and Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation — recently joined Square One staff and preschool children to announce the renewal of the foundation’s Adopt-a-Classroom sponsorship

Leaders from Berkshire Bank — including Jim Hickson, Pioneer Valley regional president, and Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation — recently joined Square One staff and preschool children to announce the renewal of the foundation’s Adopt-a-Classroom sponsorship

 

No Shave November

This past November, the TommyCar Auto Group team rallied together alongside the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office to raise awareness for cancer research and show support for those affected by cancer. No Shave November serves as a powerful reminder of how simple acts, like growing a beard and donating, can make a big difference, and November’s efforts at TommyCar raised more than $7,843.66 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Pictured, from left: Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, and Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane.

Pictured, from left: Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, and Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane.

Agenda

By
Agenda

For more events, or to submit your upcoming events, visit BusinessWest’s event calendar online: https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar

 

94.7 WMAS Radiothon for Baystate Children’s Hospital

March 4-5: The public is invited to join in the fun at the 24th annual 94.7 WMAS Radiothon for Baystate Children’s Hospital at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on March 4 and 5, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Broadcasting live from the 94.7 WMAS studios, the Kellogg Krew will connect listeners with stories from patients, team members, and community members that are filled with hope, miracles, and the impact of Baystate Children’s Hospital. Among the many stories shared will be that of Emilia Cecchetelli, the 2025 Children’s Miracle Network ambassador for Baystate Children’s Hospital. Four-year-old Emilia was born at 26 weeks and spent 143 days in the Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fighting chronic lung disease and craniosynostis, a condition that causes problems with normal brain and skull growth. Listeners will hear how she’s doing today and how the care at Baystate Children’s Hospital played a critical role in her life. Attendees of the Radiothon will be able to have their photo taken on the red carpet, make a donation, and get a sneak peek of the Kellogg Krew broadcasting live. There are many ways to donate. Listeners can visit wmaskids.com, text WMASKIDS to 51555, or call the Lia Auto Group Phone Bank at (413) 794-1111 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 4 and 5.

 

Bingo Night Fundraiser

March 21: The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce announced its Handbag & Hand Tool Bingo Night fundraiser will take place at 6:30 p.m. at AMVETS Post 74 in Three Rivers. Doors open at 6 p.m. The chamber will produce 10 bingo rounds, each with a grand prize featuring one of seven designer handbags or one of three premium tools up for grabs. Tickets can be purchased on qhma.com. The registration fee is $40 per person and includes 10 bingo cards, a bingo dauber, snack platters, a bonus raffle ticket, and a cash bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce and its ongoing mission to assist its more than 200 member businesses succeed and grow with programs and initiatives throughout the year.

 

Second Chance Auction Gala

March 29: Second Chance Animal Services will host its 26th annual Auction Gala at the AC Marriott in Worcester. This is Second Chance’s most important fundraiser of the year, raising critical funds to help provide life-saving services to more than 56,000 pets in need. The evening will feature hundreds of silent auction items, raffles, and a small but exclusive live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences. All proceeds will support Second Chance’s mission to transform the lives of pets by providing affordable veterinary care, keeping pets with their families, and finding loving homes for animals in need. Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. Businesses and individuals can also support the event by sponsoring, which includes recognition in event materials, highlighting their commitment to supporting pets in need. Donations to the auction are another way to get involved. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate auction items, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction or email [email protected].

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 3: Bay Path University announced that award-winning journalist, author, and television personality Hoda Kotb will be the keynote speaker at the 28th Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place in Springfield. Most well-known as the former co-anchor of NBC News’ Today and co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, Kotb joined Today as a co-host of the fourth hour in 2008, alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, and recently retired from the show after 17 years, during which time she received several Emmy Awards for her work. A New York Times bestselling author, Kotb has written eight books and continues to host the popular podcast “Making Space with Hoda Kotb.” The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Amelia Rose Earhart, a pilot, author, and reporter who, inspired by her namesake, circumnavigated the globe in a single-engine aircraft. Earhart has 15 years of experience as a helicopter and breaking-news reporter in Denver and Los Angeles, has sent numerous teenage girls to flight school during her 10-year tenure as president of the Fly with Amelia Foundation, and hosts a tech podcast focused on the future of AI in business. This year’s conference will also feature breakout sessions led by business experts and coaches, including Shira Abel, a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, who taps into her experience working with companies such as Siemens, Samsung, AXA, and Allianz to speak about navigating the complexities of modern business and the impact biases and expectations have on success. In addition, the WLC will welcome Jackie Glenn, former chief diversity officer at Fortune 500 EMC Corp. and founder and CEO of Glenn Solutions, where she partners with executives to reimagine organizational practices and implement strategies such as cultural assessments, executive coaching, and advisory services to foster thriving, innovative workplaces. For further information on the conference, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales, visit baypath.edu/wlc.

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 9: Tickets are now on sale for BusinessWest’s 17th annual Difference Makers awards gala at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025, profiled in this issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, are Jennie Adamczyk, executive director of Providence Ministries; Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services; Andrea Bordenca, managing partner of Generative Leadership Consulting; Mychal Connolly, CEO of Stand Out Truck; John Delaney, director of Ride to Remember; John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; the Michael J. Dias Foundation; and Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-tickets. The 17th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

 

Link to Libraries Gala

May 8: Link to Libraries announce its biennial gala, an evening that celebrates the organization’s transformative impact in the community while raising vital funds to ensure children have access to the books and programming they deserve. This year’s gala, taking place at the Basketball Hall of Fame, will feature a Swifty-themed evening inspired by Taylor Swift’s celebrated Eras Tour. Guests will enjoy an elegant night filled with cocktails, dinner, an auction, and the opportunity to connect with others passionate about the power of reading to transform lives. All proceeds from the gala go directly to Link to Libraries, a nonprofit committed to fostering literacy by providing books and programming for children in underserved communities. Tickets cost $90 per person, or $250 for VIP tickets that include a pre-gala VIP cocktail reception. Tickets are available at www.linktolibraries.org.

 

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Marylou Fabbo

Marylou Fabbo

Skoler Abbott attorney Marylou Fabbo has been selected as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Go-To Employment Lawyers for 2025. This program recognizes top lawyers across the Commonwealth who are leaders in employment law and have a history of successful representation. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has a long tradition of recognizing accomplished lawyers in different areas of the law. For more than 60 years, Skoler Abbott has solely represented employers and management in employment and labor matters. Fabbo has been with Skoler Abbott for 30 years. In 2000, she was named a partner, and she heads the firm’s litigation team. She has successfully represented the firm’s clients in state and federal courts and agencies in all areas of employment law. She is also the firm’s immigration expert. Fabbo has also been recognized by Boston Magazine as a Super Lawyer and has been designated as one of the Top Women in Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

•••••

Christopher Walker

Christopher Walker

LaPier, Dillon & Associates, P.C. announced the recent hiring of Christopher Walker as tax supervisor. Walker has been working in public accounting since 2013 and brings extensive experience to the firm, especially in partnerships, corporations, trusts, and not-for-profit taxation. Walker is a certified public accountant licensed in Massachusetts. He received his bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting and a minor in economics at Westfield State University, and went on to achieve his master’s degree in business analytics at Bentley University. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. LaPier, Dillon & Associates, P.C. also welcomes Kara Stevens as an audit manager. She is the founding director of the master of science in accounting program at Bay Path University, where she is also still working as an educator. Prior to becoming a professor, she had worked in public accounting as an audit manager. She has extensive auditing knowledge serving clients in manufacturing, not-for-profit, and private sectors that require annual audits. Stevens is a certified public accountant licensed in Massachusetts. She received both her BBA and MBA in accounting at the University of Massachusetts, and received a doctorate with a concentration in finance at Pace University. She is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of CPAs, and the American Accounting Assoc.

•••••

Berkshire Money Management (BMM), a financial and retirement-planning firm with offices in Dalton and Great Barrington, announced two new additions to its operations team: Sarah Curtiss and Jacqueline Ferry. As front office coordinator at BMM’s Great Barrington office, Curtiss strives to create a friendly, welcoming, and helpful atmosphere for visitors and callers alike. She brings to the team 22 years of experience in multi-tasking, customer service, and office administration developed while onboarding Snowsports instructors and managing the Reservations department at Ski Butternut. She earned her bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries biology at the University of Vermont. As operations support partner, Ferry supports day-to-day operations and compliance efforts while providing key support to BMM’s chief operating officer. Before joining Berkshire Money Management, she honed her affinity for data analysis and sharp attention to detail during a seven-year tenure in program support and case management at Berkshire Health Systems. She earned master’s degrees in criminal justice and forensic psychology from Arizona State University.

•••••

Reed Whitman

Reed Whitman

Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB; bankHometown; North Shore Bank; Abington Bank, a division of North Shore Bank; and Hometown Mortgage, hired Reed Whitman as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Whitman joins Hometown Financial from Brookline Bancorp Inc., where he most recently was treasurer of the $11.5 billion holding company. Whitman brings specific expertise in community banking organizations that operate within the multi-bank holding-company structure, as well as more than two decades of experience that includes leading transformational mergers and acquisitions, balance-sheet restructuring, new business pitches, and process redesign and execution. Whitman assumed the position earlier this month, ahead of the retirement of Gilbert Ehmke, who served as Hometown Financial Group’s senior executive vice president, chief financial officer, and treasurer for nearly 10 years.

•••••

Mary Mazza

Mary Mazza

Elizabeth Norris Neu

Elizabeth Norris Neu

American International College (AIC) appointed Mary Mazza vice president for Human Resources. In this role, she will oversee all aspects of HR operations, focusing on strategies that enhance workplace culture and support employee engagement. With more than 25 years of experience in human-resources leadership, she brings a wealth of expertise to AIC. Before joining AIC, Mazza served as senior vice president for Human Resources at Farm Credit Financial Partners, where she led HR initiatives and was a member of the executive leadership team. Before that, she spent 17 years as Human Resources director for HealthSouth, now Encompass Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communications from Westfield State University. AIC also appointed Elizabeth Norris Neu vice president for Finance. With more than 15 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, Neu brings a forward-thinking approach to financial management that aligns with AIC’s mission of access and opportunity. In her new role, Neu will focus on strengthening the college’s financial position by enhancing financial controls, processes, and efficiencies. Her efforts will ensure that AIC maximizes its resources in support of students while maintaining long-term fiscal stability. Neu most recently served as chief financial officer at Project Adventure Inc., where she played a pivotal role in stabilizing the organization’s finances and achieving break-even performance. She was also part of the team that led the organization to year-end surpluses. She also held positions as director of Development and director of Finance at Project Adventure and previously worked as a middle- and high-school science and math teacher. She holds an MBA, a master’s degree in information systems, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Boston University Questrom School of Business. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brown University and holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

•••••

The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) recently introduced Robert Allingham as the new Marketing & Communications manager. With a strong background in community engagement and business development, he brings a passion for fostering connections and creating marketing strategies aimed at elevating Amherst’s downtown. Allingham has spent the past few years working closely with Amherst-area businesses, supporting their growth through strategic marketing, social media, and outreach efforts. His expertise spans hospitality, education, and nonprofit sectors, all with a focus on strengthening local businesses. With an MBA from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., he has learned to blend creative marketing with strong business strategy to drive meaningful impact. At the BID, Allingham will focus on enhancing outreach, strengthening partnerships, and promoting Amherst as a premier destination to live, work, visit, and explore. From special events to digital storytelling, he is eager to collaborate with local businesses, cultural partners, and community members to create impactful initiatives.

•••••

Wanda Mooney

Wanda Mooney

Wanda Mooney, a real-estate professional with Coldwell Banker Community REALTORS with 30 years of real-estate experience, has completed the Luxury Home Marketing training offered by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. This independent authority provides training and designation for real-estate agents specializing in the upper-end residential market. By completing this training, Mooney has also earned membership in the Institute, granting her access to exclusive resources and benefits that enhance her ability to market upscale residential listings. This membership allows her to connect with qualified buyers seeking properties. In addition to this achievement, Mooney is a Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Home Specialist, adding another level of premier marketing to showcase her clients’ properties at the highest level.

•••••

Springfield Partners for Community Action, an anti-poverty agency, announced the hiring of Ramona Matos as SNAP Outreach and Enrollment coordinator. She will provide outreach services to recruit, enroll, and assist clients in recertifying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, she will build relationships with external agencies and establish connections within the community to promote Springfield Partners’ services. Prior to joining Springfield Partners, Matos was a senior clerk for Springfield Public Schools, providing daily data entry and customer service, while assisting with any school-related issues. Prior to that, she was an outreach worker for the city’s Department of Elder Affairs, offering support and outreach services such as wellness calls and assistance with benefits. She received her associate degree in science from Holyoke Community College.

•••••

Vincent Gaffney

Vincent Gaffney

Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) announced the addition of Vincent Gaffney as vice president, senior trust officer within the bank’s Wealth Management & Trust Services division. With more than 12 years of experience in banking and trust services, Gaffney brings a deep understanding of wealth management, trust administration, and estate settlement. Prior to joining GSB, he served as vice president, trust officer at Two Rivers Bank & Trust and Hills Bank and Trust Co. He holds a juris doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law and has built a strong career helping individuals and families navigate complex financial and estate-planning needs. In his new role at GSB, Gaffney will focus on serving customers across the region, guiding clients through estate planning, investment management, and trust administration.

•••••

Kuhn Riddle Architects and Designers announced that three of its architects have achieved the prestigious designation of PHIUS certified passive house consultant, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient design. Thom Barry, Brad Hutchinson, and Ruoqi Zhong recently completed the rigorous training and certification process required by the Passive House Institute United States (PHIUS). Passive house design principles focus on dramatically reducing energy consumption while maximizing indoor comfort and air quality. These high-performance buildings will also meet the Massachusetts stretch and opt-in energy codes. By integrating passive house principles into residential, commercial, and institutional projects, Kuhn Riddle is at the forefront of designing cutting-edge, high-performance buildings that are both environmentally responsible and cost-effective in the long term.

•••••

L. Alexandra Hogan

L. Alexandra Hogan

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. (DWPM) announced that the firm has elected L. Alexandra Hogan as a new shareholder. Hogan, who was previously a partner with Sabella Hogan, P.C. in Springfield, became a firm shareholder as of Jan. 1. She brings extensive experience in representing businesses, receivers, insurance companies, and individuals across a variety of legal disciplines. With a strong background in business law, civil litigation, and commercial real estate, she has built a reputation providing strategic, results-oriented advice in complex legal matters. Hogan’s practice includes civil litigation, such as shareholder disputes, derivate claims, contract enforcement, employment claims, land disputes, commercial evictions, bankruptcy contested and adversary proceedings, federal and state receiverships, will contests, and fiduciary disputes. Her general business practice includes formation, contract negotiations, leases, licensing, financing, and real-estate transactions. Hogan earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2008 and her bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Bay Path University. She is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

•••••

1Berkshire announced its 2025 slate of newly re-elected board members and officers, as well as the addition of new board members.These individuals will each help support the work of 1Berkshire as the region’s marketing and economic-development organization. The officers include Lori Gazzillo Kiely (chair), vice president and director of Berkshire Bank Foundation; Jonathan Butler (president), president and CEO of 1Berkshire; Colleen Taylor (vice chair), partner at Bay State Hospitality Group; Peter Stasiowski (vice chair), director of Communications at Interprint Inc.; Margaret Keller (treasurer), executive director of Community Access to the Arts; and Jesse Cook-Dubin (clerk), partner at Cohen Kinne Valicenti & Cook. New board of directors members include Cook-Dubin; Ellen Kennedy, president of Berkshire Community College; Harry Monti, president of Berkshire Life Insurance Co. (Guardian); Yina Moore, founder and artistic director of Adams Theater LLC; and Gina Puc, special assistant to the president at Williams College.

•••••

Clare Higgins

Clare Higgins

Clare Higgins will retire in the summer of 2025 after nearly 14 years as executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV). Higgins assumed directorship of CAPV, the region’s federally designated anti-poverty agency, in September 2011 after serving six terms as mayor of Northampton. Higgins’s first job with a Community Action agency was as a teacher in a preschool classroom; from there, she became a staff representative for a daycare and human-services union. After that, she was the childcare teacher director for Sojourn Inc., a teen parent childcare program. There, she got her first major taste of budget management and grant and proposal writing. CAPV offers nearly 40 different programs to support individuals and families across Franklin and Hampshire counties. In 2023, the agency served more than 28,000 people in the Pioneer Valley.

•••••

Bulkley Richardson recently welcomed Bridget Harrington to the firm as a litigation associate. Harrington earned a juris doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 2023, where she was a content editor of the Journal of High Technology Law. She also earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from UMass Dartmouth with a double major in finance and accounting. Prior to joining Bulkley Richardson, she worked as a law clerk at a litigation firm outside Boston.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Holyoke Mall Releases Community Impact Report

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall released its 2024 Community Impact Report, highlighting the results of the center’s collaboration with Western Mass. nonprofit community organizations over the past year. In 2024, the Holyoke Mall hosted almost 200 nonprofit events and partnered with more than 30 local organizations that utilized the center for meeting space, fundraising, and awareness campaigns. In addition to the record number of events, the mall also welcomed an increase in visits for 2024, at 7.9 million. Guests traveled from all over New England, the Northeast, and even from Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and Arizona. The mall welcomes not-for-profit organizations looking to benefit from the center, whether for a tabling opportunity, for fundraising and awareness campaigns, or to host a large event in the common area. Event space and tabling are free for nonprofit use. Groups are asked to fill out and submit the required paperwork at www.holyokemall.com/community.

 

UMass Downtown Opens in Amherst

AMHERST — UMass Downtown, a multi-purpose retail, event, and meeting satellite space in downtown Amherst, opened on Feb. 11 at 108 North Pleasant St., in the town’s central business district. The welcome center for prospective UMass Amherst students and their families will serve as a boutique retail satellite and campus information center during regular business hours and a hub for town-gown interaction with community members. In the evenings, the space will regularly host small lectures, readings, and workshops. Micah Ariel James has been appointed director of UMass Downtown, which is managed by the Office of Community Relations and University Events in partnership with UMass Auxiliary Enterprises. A recent transplant to the Pioneer Valley, James most recently served as the inaugural Outreach and Equity coordinator for the city of North Liberty, Iowa, from 2021 to 2024.

 

Liberty Bank Announces 2024 Community Impact

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — David Glidden, president and CEO of Middletown-based Liberty Bank and president of the Liberty Bank Foundation, announced that the bank and its charitable foundation achieved another record year, with $4.8 million in corporate sponsorships and grant awards, as well as teammate volunteerism. Liberty Bank invested approximately $2.7 million in corporate sponsorships, donations, and other initiatives to more than 400 community organizations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. This includes their strong and ongoing community partnerships with the American Cancer Society, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, cultural and arts groups, business and industry organizations, and professional sports teams. The Liberty Bank Foundation awarded 141 grants totaling nearly $2.1 million, investing in programs and services that assist thousands of lower- to moderate-income children and families in the areas of education and training, affordable housing, and food security. This was Liberty’s highest dollar amount awarded in a single year. Liberty Bank teammates logged 15,928 hours in volunteerism in 2024 with 631 organizations. One hundred percent of Liberty teammates participated in some kind of community volunteer activity in 2024. The bank invested $15.5 million in the development of various affordable-housing projects and solar-energy projects, and provided capacity building to several community-development financial institutions; invested $46.8 million in lending to a variety of affordable-housing developments; took part in 313 community-outreach activities covering various aspects of financial education; and offered 90 Academy of Small Business classes for first-time entrepreneurs.

 

PeoplesBank, Cornerstone Bank Merge Holding Companies

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank and Cornerstone Bank announced they have completed the merger of their holding companies and will now operate under PeoplesBancorp, MHC. The holding company will have more than $6 billion in assets. However, PeoplesBank and Cornerstone Bank will continue to operate independently under their own names and brands, and there will be no changes from a customer perspective. Both banks are adding new branches. Cornerstone Bank added a new branch in 2024 and expects to add another in the second quarter of 2025. PeoplesBank is opening two new banking centers in January and February. With the completion of the merger, PeoplesBank Chairman and CEO Tom Senecal remains chairman and CEO, Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman has become president, and Brian Canina has become chief operating officer of PeoplesBancorp, MHC, and will remain president of PeoplesBank. Both banks’ customer account information, branch banking, and digital access remain the same.

 

Country Bank Donations Top $900,000 in 2024

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., reported more than $900,000 in donations for 2024. The bank’s philanthropic efforts supported local nonprofits across its communities, with 462 organizations receiving grants throughout the year. In addition to financial contributions, Country Bank team members dedicated 1,958 hours of volunteer service, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to giving back. Furthermore, 39 team members served on 95 nonprofit boards and committees, actively contributing their time and expertise to advance these organizations’ missions. Recognizing the importance of financial literacy, Country Bank hosted seven Credit for Life Fairs for more than 2,000 high-school seniors, educating them on credit, budgeting, and the long-term impact of financial decisions. Additional classes were conducted at various schools across the region and Christina’s House, a home for women and children who are homeless or near homelessness. As part of its annual Season of Difference campaign, Country Bank partnered with the WonderFund to support those involved with the Department of Children and Families system throughout Central and Western Mass. Through this collaboration, the bank contributed more than $20,000, reinforcing its commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. Among the organizations receiving support were Junior Achievement, EcoTarium, Main South CDC, Venture Community Services, Why Me/Sherry’s House, Boys & Girls Clubs, Behavioral Health Network, Way Finders, HomeFront Strong, United Way of Pioneer Valley and Central Massachusetts, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Juniper Outreach, Square One, Friends of the Homeless, along with 22 senior centers and 23 food pantries across the region.

 

Freedom Credit Union Gives More Than $194,000 in 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout 2024, Freedom Credit Union contributed financial support to dozens of local charitable organizations throughout the four counties of Western Mass., donating more than $194,000. Additionally, Freedom employees recorded more than 600 hours of volunteer time in 2024. The 2024 total donated includes more than $130,000 through corporate giving initiatives, more than $11,000 in member and employee donations through Freedom’s Month of Giving campaigns, and more than $53,000 through local branch and department discretionary fund donations. Supported organizations include Alzheimer’s Assoc.; Baystate Foundation – Rays of Hope; Baystate Health; Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicopee, Ludlow, and Springfield; Children’s Advocacy Centers – Franklin County and Hampden County; Clinical Support Options (Friends of the Homeless); Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Elms College; Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; Gándara Center; Gray House; Greater Springfield and Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity; Greenfield Community College; Make-A-Wish; Miracle League of Western Massachusetts; National MS Society; New North Citizens Council; Ronald McDonald House; Shriners Children’s New England; Spirit of Springfield; Springfield Jazz Fest; Springfield Museums; Springfield School Volunteers; Stanley Park of Westfield; Town of Ludlow 250th celebration; Town of West Springfield 250th celebration; Western New England University; Westover Galaxy Community Council; and YMCAs in Springfield and Greenfield.

 

Community Bank Reports Charitable Giving for 2024

DEWITT, N.Y. — Community Bank announced that its charitable giving, in conjunction with its parent company and affiliated subsidiaries, totaled more than $3.9 million in 2024. More than 2,200 nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to the communities the company serves received support through sponsorships and donations. The bank’s parent company, Community Financial System Inc., includes the companies OneGroup Insurance, Benefit Plans Administrators, and Community Bank Wealth Management. Among last year’s charitable-giving efforts, more than $200,000 was given to United Way agencies across the company’s footprint through a combination of corporate contributions and employee payroll deductions. Beyond financial support, Community Bank branches often host charitable drives and events as a way for employees, customers, and community members to participate in charitable-giving efforts. Employees across Community Financial System Inc. also volunteer their time to a variety of local nonprofits, including cultural, civic, economic-development, and social-service organizations and charities. In 2024, the organization’s team members committed more than 17,800 hours to volunteer initiatives to give back to their communities, and more than 405 team members served on not-for-profit boards and committees.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

ADAMS

Adams Pie Inc., 80 Summer St., Adams, MA 01220. Celal Fatih Gokdag, 162 Weston St., Waltham, MA 02453. Pizza delivery and takeout restaurant.

BELCHERTOWN

Belchertown Wrestling Booster Club Inc., 24 Westview Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. Kevin McNeill, same. Nonprofit organization established to raise funds and purchase property and services to be used by students and faculty of Belchertown Wrestling Booster Club.

CHICOPEE

Mr. Kraken Inc., 6 Bush Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013. Oleksii Kryvykh, same. Trucking company.

 

EASTHAMPTON

CTW Enterprises Inc., 17 East St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Volkan Polatol, 5 Nicholas Lane, Southampton, MA 01073. Real estate.

FEEDING HILLS

Purevac Air Duct Cleaning Inc., 198 North Westfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Illya Domin, 52 Taylor Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Air-duct cleaning.

GREENFIELD

Terralink Brokers Inc., 324 Main St., # 2, Greenfield, MA, 01301. Noah Smith, 25 Main St., Montague, MA 01351.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Casa Restauracion del Alfarero Inc., 34 Oak Ridge St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Freight broker.

LONGMEADOW

Ana Bella Wellness Center Corp., 66 Dwight Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Janice Yanni, same. Med spa and wellness center.

 

NORTH ADAMS

Adanali Inc., 315 Ashland St., North Adams, MA 01247. Saime Ozkan, same. Pizza restaurant.

NORTHAMPTON

Sukhmani’s Inc., 440 Rocky Hill Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Amrik Singh, same. Merchandising.

PITTSFIELD

Cap Design Group Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jason Kahan, same. Engineering design services specializing in life safety, fire protection, civil, and MEP design.

Exouza Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Teddy White, 1660 International Dr., Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102. Pharmacy benefit manager.

Pittsfield Dental Center, P.C., 188 East St., Unit 202, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Nayaki Gaddapati, 1651 Bridge St., Dracut, MA 01826. Dental practice.

Suncheck Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tuo Li, same. E-learning and e-commerce platform for residential solar and storage installation.

SHELBURNE FALLS

Mental Wellness for All Inc., 280 Colrain Shelburne Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Kathryn Suzanne Krase, 128 8th St., Brooklyn, NY 11215. Nonprofit organization providing group and private mental wellness online sessions to individuals, families, teens, and couples seeking mental-health guidance, support, and education.

SOUTH HADLEY

Sunny Acres Inc., 1 Alvord St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Madeleine Brunelle, 7 Alvord St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Franchise agreements and floor-plan financing.

SPRINGFIELD

First Cities Ministries Inc., 182 Merrimac Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Dennis King, same. Church exclusively for charitable, religious, and educational purposes.

International Central Gospel Church, 235 Chestnut St., Unit B01, Springfield, MA 01103. Mensa Otabil, same. House of God through development of model New Testament Christians and churches, committed to training and equipping God’s people.

Northeast Environmental Inc., 165 St James Ave., Apt. 2, Springfield, MA 01109. Christian Avila, same. Business of environmental remediation, demolition (both interior and exterior), and commercial and residential construction.

Ready Set Burn Inc., 118 Thompson St., Springfield, MA 01109. Robert Kelly, same. Courier service for retail establishments.

WESTFIELD

CAP Transmissions Inc., 247 Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085. Christopher Provencher, 234 Holyoke Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Automobile mechanic (transmissions), own and lease residential and commercial real estate.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Oliveira Drywall Corp., 1207 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Werley Teixeira de Oliveira, same. Home improvement and remodeling.

WILBRAHAM

Quindici Holdings Inc., 5 Old Carriage Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Jeffrey Hannon, same. Holding company.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of January and February 2025.

AMHERST

253 Farmacy
328 College St.
Christopher Gallant

Amel Energy
240 Thatcher Road
Derrick Maxwell

Iya Sushi & Noodle Kitchen
One East Pleasant St., Suite 2
Edison Yee, Nicholas Yee

Johnny’s Tavern
30 Boltwood Walk
Edison Yee, Nicholas Yee

Laughing Dog Bicycles
63 South Pleasant St.
Brian Boyajian

Lime Red Teahouse
50 Main St.
Joe Deng

Oriental Flavor
25 South Pleasant St.
Jian Wei Gao

PGP
101 East Hadley Road
Pavlos Goulas

Q.M. Zhang | MemoryWorks
305 Strong St.
Kimberly Chang

Taproot Family Child Care
77 Eames Ave.
Huey Wu

EASTHAMPTON

50 Arrow Gallery
116 Pleasant St., Suite 136
Jason Montgomery, Chelvanaya Gabriel

Connection Birth Doula Services
15 Ballard St., Apt. F
Theanna Hernandez-Tiedemann

Door Systems Easthampton
30 Lyman St.
Lars Niit

Easthampton Athletic Massage
384 Main St.
Joseph Cyr Jr.

Elite Home Care Agency
184 Northampton St.
Maureen Cote

K Hall Consulting
94 Holyoke St.
Kelsey Hall

Printed Mass
116 Pleasant St., Suite 116
Drew Romeo

Remax Construction
42 Ward Ave., Apt. 1
Maksym Dudiak

Ritual Hair & Wellness
123 Union St., Suite 101, #13
Michelle Gagnon

Smart Newsletter and Conferences
39 Ward Ave., Apt. 2
Neil Brick

Stephanie Lynn Massage
247 Northampton St.
Stephanie Ardoulos

HADLEY

Elaine Center at Hadley
20 North Maple St.
SunBridge Health LLC

Heart of Gold Home Care
245 Russell St., #12D
Heart of Gold Home Care

Nail Pro & Spa
331 Russell St.
Hong Nguyen, Huynh Do

Northwest Auto Sales II
117 Russell St.
Jim Boyle

Outline Sour Candy
103 Russell St.
Team Morrison/SAD

Pioneer Valley Hyperbaric
8 River Dr.
Bruce Goderez

Sam’s Outdoor Outfitters
227 Russell St.
Sam’s Department Stores of Massachusetts

Shaolin Kung Fu Center
37 Lawrence Plain Road
Jessica Grasmere

Spruce Hill Motors
235 Russell St.
Randall Izer

Stockbridge Farm
113 Stockbridge St.
Stockbridge Farm LLC

Ulta Beauty
351B Russell St.
Ulta Beauty Credit Services

Zgrodnik Farm
12 Knightly Road
Joe Zgrodnik
HOLYOKE

Burlington
39 Holyoke St.
Burlington Coat Factory of Texas Inc.

Children’s House
513 Beech St.
Sandip Patel

Custom Tailor Holyoke
60 Westfield Road
Mustafa Ibic

Ingleside Therapeutic Massage & Yoga
415 Ingleside St.
John McCann

Jaffe & Thurston
158 Morgan St.
Diane Thurston, Arnold Jaffe

Jenni’s Kitchen Bistro 27
223 Maple St.
Jennifer Rivera

Madley in Love Apothecary
1597R Northampton St.
Amber Mihalak

Main St. Market
433 Main St.
Carmelo Hernandez

Milan Men’s Wear
50 Holyoke St.
A&H LLC

S&R Auto Detailing
555 South Canal St.
David Sanchez

Sempervivum Gardens
581 Pleasant St., Apt. 4R
Nicole Trano

Uncle Clo’s Fish & Chips
50 Holyoke St.
Clo’s Fish & Chips Inc.

WESTFIELD

Bill’s Repair Service Inc.
530 Pochassic Road
Bill’s Repair Service Inc.

Boho Hair Studio
36 School St.
Tristin Denton

Double Eagle Home Improvement
141 Wyben Road
Peter Smidy

Edward D. Jones & Co. LP
20 Elm St., Suite A
EDJ Holding Co.

The Empire Spa
77 Mill St., #211
Emily Sanchez

Gabe’s 252
252 Elm St.
Krause LLC

Jasmeine Moonsong
598 Granville Road
Brandy Latshaw

Kirby Productions
77 Mill St., Suite 011
Alexander Liptak

Level One Services
16 School St.
Joseph Caracciolo, Zachary Blood

Main Street Hair Co.
32 Main St.
Megan Clauson

Seamless Gutters by Supreme
37 South Meadow Road
Supreme Gutters LLC

Valvoline Instant Oil Change
310 East Main St.
Metrolube Enterprises

WeHaul & Dumpster Rental
49 Little River Road
Gennadiy Lisitsin

The Whip
287 North Elm St.
Whip City Patriot Inc.

Whip City Jerky
271 Elm St.
Jeff the Butcher Company

Witts End Enterprises
23 Toledo Ave.
William Wittmer

YFC Construction
19 Forest Ave.
Yuriy Gavrilov, Matthew Gavrilov, Daniel Gavrilov

Yola’s Caring Touch Massage
10C Union Ave.
Jolanta Abramczyk

WEST SPRINGFIELD

ATC Group Services LLC
73 William Franks Dr.
Atlas Technical Consultants LLC

Bear Mountain at West Springfield
42 Prospect Ave.
Bear Mountain Healthcare LLC

Da Money Pit LLC
2011 Riverdale St.
Da Money Pit LLC

Emmanuel Appliances
150 Front St.
Emmanuel Appliances

Expert Car Rental
1800 Riverdale St.
Balise CRC Inc.

Family Beer & Wine
529 Union St.
Family Beer & Wine

Friendly Fuel
75 Union St.
Super Petro Inc.

Hair by Alyssa
33 Westfield St.
Hair by Alyssa

Lizet Land Photography and Design
1346 Elm St.
Lizet Land Photography and Design

Lucky 7 Nail & Spa
1146 Union St. Ext., Unit B
Lucky 7 Nail & Spa

Michelle’s Confections
11 Prospect St.
Michelle’s Confections

Phoenix Staffing Solutions
42 Prospect Ave.
Phoenix Staffing Solutio

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Abreu, Aaron Michael
88 Lancashire Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/31/2025
Aquino Padilla, Gloria M.
103 South St., Apt 1
Chicopee, MA 01013-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Askew, Caleb Eric
Askew, Caroline Eleanor
34 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

B&C Landscaping
Dupee, Malissa Ann
Dupee, Chad Michael
35 Anthony St.
Adams, MA 01220-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Besancon, Laurie L.
305 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/28/2025

Boyer, Susan Anne
519 East River St., Lot 103
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Castillo, Samuel David
58 Cherry St., Apt. 2
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Colon, Johnny Anthony
130 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2025

Conklin, Jr., George R.
273 Nottingham Court
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/17/2025

Dudunake, Johanna Elizabeth
4 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Fonseca Flores, Roberto
29 Davis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Golash, Susan E.
100 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/31/2025

Grimes, RoseAnn B.
140 Olander Dr. #304
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/17/2025

Grosse, Danielle L.
29 Lehigh St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/24/2025

Hedstrom, Diane M.
334 Wheelwright Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/22/2025
Hill, Margaret
316 Conway Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2025

Howie, Christie Lynn
18 Clinton St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2025

Koerner, Kerry Beth
785 Williams St., #180
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/25/2025

LaBumbard, Daniel C.
3 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Lafond, Henri David
129 Edgewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/27/2025

McDonald, Christina
31 Essex St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Mikes Home Improvement
Morrisino, Michael W.
15 Anthony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Moreira, Sandra I.
a/k/a Moreira Rosario, Sandra I.
30 Craig St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/17/2025

Musiak, Kathleen
49 Pulaski St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Norman’s Burner Service
DeGray, Norman R.
53 Lakeshore Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/21/2025

O’Grady, Caroline V.
2D Hamblin Court
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Pease, Sonja M.
29 Williams Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/29/2025

Perez, Nikita
100 Brookline Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/28/2025

Renal and Transplant Associates of New England, P.C.
100 Wason Ave., Suite 200
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2025

Rivera Martinez, Angel L.
a/k/a Rivera, Angel L.
582 Pleasant St., Apt 5-O
Holyoke, MA 01040-2352
Chapter: 01/22/2025
Date: 7

Son, Tha
Leang, Va
64 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2025

Tobin, Jr., Robert Gene
140 French King Highway
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/28/2025

Todd, Brandon W.
104 Bossidy Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025

Torna and Associates
Torna, Erik Pedro
30 Plaza Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/23/2025

Torres, Marguerita
a/k/a Torres, Margurita
84 Shamrock St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/31/2025

Walsh, Tammy S.
115 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/30/2025
Willette, Regina M.
57 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/27/2025

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

225 Main St.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Double Edge Theatre Produ
Seller: Byrnes, Thomas M., (Estate)
Date: 01/31/25

BERNARDSTON

31 Church St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Village View Apt. LLC
Seller: Van Bro Co LLC
Date: 01/22/25

DEERFIELD

23 Lee Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Tracey M. Hebert
Seller: Nicole R. Warren
Date: 01/28/25

7 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Timothy D. Kicza
Seller: Kownacki Int.
Date: 01/22/25

8 North Hillside Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Timothy D. Kicza
Seller: Kownacki Int.
Date: 01/22/25

94 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Ginger Lasalle
Seller: Alexis Rodriguez
Date: 01/29/25

242 Upper Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Alexander C. Golec
Seller: Deborah A. Sokoloski
Date: 01/24/25

ERVING

34 High St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Nicole Gaspar
Seller: Dean W. Spaulding
Date: 01/24/25

GREENFIELD

44 Allen St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Daniel Gorey
Seller: Jason P. Wallace
Date: 01/31/25

603 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Harry R. Fischer
Seller: Arthur N. Breauer
Date: 01/21/25

83 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Casey May
Seller: Jeffrey T. Reynolds
Date: 01/24/25

49 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Frederick Civian
Seller: Colleen A. Bannister
Date: 01/31/25

14 Locust St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Richard Jones
Seller: Annette M. Chamberlin
Date: 01/23/25

32 Vernon St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,400
Buyer: Amanda Shute
Seller: Donaldson Int.
Date: 01/29/25

MONTAGUE

18 Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Aline C. Gubrium
Seller: Jason Comtois
Date: 01/21/25

514 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Paul-Michael T. McKenna
Seller: Kendrick, Thommas P., (Estate)
Date: 01/29/25

NEW SALEM

27 Lovers Lane
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Shannon Carroll
Seller: Jwke Inc.
Date: 01/21/25

351 Wendell Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: George Gay
Seller: John Arsenault
Date: 01/27/25

NORTHFIELD

639 Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jefferson Wagener
Seller: Jerrold L. Wagener
Date: 01/24/25

ORANGE

81 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Franklin County Community Meals
Seller: River St. RT
Date: 01/31/25

56 Pine Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Oisin Duggan
Seller: Niles B. Doubleday
Date: 01/28/25

SHELBURNE

486 Little Mohawk Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: John L. Wheeler
Seller: Conrad Long
Date: 01/31/25

127 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: David M. Wilson
Seller: Lynn Benander
Date: 01/31/25

188 Skinner Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Rebecca Brown
Seller: Joseph A. Poirier
Date: 01/22/25

SUNDERLAND

80 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $620,000
Buyer: Roxanne Dorrie
Seller: Expedio Group LLC
Date: 01/31/25

WHATELY

121 North St.
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: Leo Chapman
Seller: Deborah M. Pearson
Date: 01/31/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

116 Barbara Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $499,900
Buyer: Joshua Houghton
Seller: Jan Misiak
Date: 01/30/25

66 Fernwood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Scott Massoia
Seller: Bonnie L. Blair
Date: 01/31/25

188 Line St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $330,900
Buyer: Zaida Nieves
Seller: Equity Trust Co.
Date: 01/24/25

239 Maynard St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Brenden Mahoney
Seller: Wendi L. Sacco
Date: 01/29/25

15 Porter Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Mahmoud J. Al Yasine
Seller: Ann M. Meade
Date: 01/31/25

239 Southwick St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Nelly Korniyenko
Seller: James B. Craig
Date: 01/31/25

3 Spring St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Brandon M. Choiniere
Seller: Patriot Living LLC
Date: 11/21/24

164-166 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Leonel Rivas
Seller: Yegor Muravskiy
Date: 01/27/25

BLANDFORD

Chester Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $255,400
Buyer: American Tower
Seller: Sbc Tower Holdings LLC
Date: 01/28/25

BRIMFIELD

92 Allen Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: David P. Brigham
Seller: Gerald R. Knouse
Date: 01/31/25

CHESTER

396 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Gary P. Perrier
Seller: Daniel T. Gorey
Date: 01/31/25

CHICOPEE

96 Blanchwood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Rosalba Sanchez
Seller: Russell R. Tougas
Date: 01/27/25

95 Forest St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Mabel Antwi-Boasiako
Seller: Bak, Bruno M., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/25

825 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Casey Banville
Seller: Brad F. Desmarais
Date: 01/31/25

160 Jacob St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Nicholas Meuse
Seller: Suzanne Valcheva
Date: 01/31/25

25 Kendall St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Maribel Santiago
Seller: Todd Hortie
Date: 01/27/25

921 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Alan Salois
Seller: Castonguay, Carole, (Estate)
Date: 01/24/25

954 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Rosie L. Urbina
Seller: Dejordy, Edward R., (Estate)
Date: 01/30/25

83 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Joaquim C. Martins
Seller: Idalina Ferreira
Date: 01/29/25

7 Munger Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Nicholas Piela
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 01/23/25

38 Nye St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Matthew Richard
Seller: Mark V. Bartosz
Date: 01/31/25

15 Savory Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Jenna Manning
Seller: Shirley A. Leca
Date: 01/22/25

40 Shaban Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Brian Wodecki
Seller: Mohammad Attique
Date: 01/27/25

920 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Wrecker LLC
Seller: Union Street Realty NT
Date: 01/31/25

52 Simonich St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jenny M. Simons
Seller: Robert L. Scribner
Date: 01/22/25

35 Whitin Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Joseph Starkoff
Seller: Andrew J. Wesolowski
Date: 01/30/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

52 Colony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Samantha Velluti-Fry
Seller: David D. Morais
Date: 01/24/25

7 Day Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: William Gosselin
Seller: Wayne M. Perry
Date: 01/23/25

300 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Britany Merrill
Seller: Kathleen T. Speight
Date: 01/27/25

9 Farmer Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Joseph Ngaruiya
Seller: Joseph Ngaruiya
Date: 01/27/25

18 Knollwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: James Bedell
Seller: 18 Knollwood Drive LLC
Date: 01/30/25

27 Knollwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: West Jam Man LLC
Seller: Edward A. McDonald
Date: 01/24/25

GRANVILLE

308 Crest Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Kent
Seller: Thomas J. MacDonald
Date: 01/31/25

HAMPDEN

256 North Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Frank W. Kochanowski
Seller: Jillen F. Holmes
Date: 01/31/25

HOLLAND

14 Blodgett Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Camille P. Jolin
Seller: Emery L. Fitts
Date: 01/22/25

28 Forest Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Tylor J. Leveillee
Seller: Vanessa Suarez
Date: 01/21/25

HOLYOKE

337 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Tanishika LLC
Seller: Executive Estates LLC
Date: 01/27/25

25 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Tracy A. Alexander
Seller: Tracy A. Caisse
Date: 01/28/25

1412 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Legacy Property Investment Group LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 01/28/25

215 Lacus Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Bryant O’Connor
Seller: Jesse B. Vanek
Date: 01/23/25

12 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Co
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 01/31/25

109 Waldo St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Shyam Mupompa
Seller: Winners O. LLC
Date: 01/24/25

LONGMEADOW

500 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Mann No Enterprises LLC
Seller: Joan Guernsey
Date: 01/24/25

57 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Peter H. Jones
Seller: Susan S. Alden
Date: 01/31/25

166 Greenacre Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: John Ramsburgh
Seller: Yong-Ju No
Date: 01/22/25

1087 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $925,000
Buyer: Courtney Birchall
Seller: Ford FT
Date: 01/22/25

5 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $362,450
Buyer: Fangyu Liu
Seller: Davidson, Carole P., (Estate)
Date: 01/28/25

LUDLOW

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 72
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Danill Gerasimchuk
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 01/31/25

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 80
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Danill Gerasimchuk
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 01/31/25

1327-1329 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Jonathan Goyer
Seller: Dennis F. McCarthy
Date: 01/31/25

21 Harding Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Perfect Properties LLC
Seller: Kmac Inc.
Date: 01/31/25

444 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Christine Vecchio
Seller: Joejoe Properties LLC
Date: 01/31/25

Willard Ave., Lot 601
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mark G. Lemelin
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 01/21/25

MONSON

30 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Hunt
Seller: Erick Vasquez
Date: 01/31/25

381 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Bruce A. Hunt
Seller: Erick Vasquez
Date: 01/31/25

PALMER

10-12 Belchertown St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jjb Builders Corp.
Seller: John M. Mowduk
Date: 01/23/25

227 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Evergrain Orchard LLC
Seller: Mario Morales
Date: 01/23/25

12-16 Commercial St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Caleb J. Demers
Seller: Roger Parker
Date: 01/27/25

2175-2177 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $342,220
Buyer: Richard K. Kirchner
Seller: Diego V. Calle
Date: 01/31/25

3205-C Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Connelly
Seller: B. & B. Realty Partners LLC
Date: 01/24/25

1501 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Miner Investments LLC
Seller: Lazy River Housing Co. LLC
Date: 01/27/25

751 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $158,536
Buyer: Servicenet Inc.
Seller: Venture Community Services Inc.
Date: 01/21/25

87 South High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Malinda Manley
Seller: William F. Petrashewicz
Date: 01/31/25

1034 School St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Joshua Heinz
Seller: Robert A. Smigiel
Date: 01/28/25

RUSSELL

42 West Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: John L. Ody
Seller: Peyton J. O’Connor
Date: 01/30/25

SPRINGFIELD

116 Amherst St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Israel Jean
Seller: Bricmore Property Investment LLC
Date: 01/23/25

128 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Wilvladison Decastro
Seller: Springfield 69 Winter Gardens LLC
Date: 01/28/25

53 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Vyacheslav Zhuk
Seller: Crossover Corp. Inc.
Date: 01/21/25

22-24 Chester St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Nilda Ortiz
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 01/24/25

15 Clarendon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Rogelio Marquez
Seller: Edward A. Kelly
Date: 01/30/25

72-74 Cleveland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Ruth Rivas
Seller: Milton Santos
Date: 01/24/25

80-82 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $353,000
Buyer: Yamaris De Leon
Seller: Northeast Capital LLC
Date: 01/27/25

199 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,590,000
Buyer: Dickinson Oakland LLC
Seller: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Date: 01/31/25

57-59 Dubois St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Alexander Adu
Seller: Andrew J. Tenczar
Date: 01/27/25

372 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Ihi Wave LLC
Seller: Cynthia A. Pereira
Date: 01/31/25

30 Fayette St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Betsy Y. Medina
Seller: Rosalba Sanchez
Date: 01/27/25

65 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kateryna Godin
Seller: Jason P. Fahey
Date: 01/27/25

191 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Luis B. Lopez
Seller: Genevieve Construction Development Group I
Date: 01/27/25

71 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Lisa Caron
Seller: Ryan Lau
Date: 01/28/25

136 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Nashary Velazquez
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 01/23/25

184 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Devin A. Scheer
Seller: Heather Murray
Date: 01/22/25

18 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $247,000
Buyer: Shameka Auston
Seller: Theodore E. Denette
Date: 01/22/25

101 Manchester Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: James P. Hickey
Seller: Esther Barker
Date: 01/28/25

36-38 Manhattan St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Eduardo Pagan
Seller: Wealth Builders I&L LLC
Date: 01/28/25

55 Mapledell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Elendida M. Perez
Seller: Tuo N. Liang
Date: 01/27/25

61 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rodelmiro L. Barillas
Seller: Althea R. Haines
Date: 01/23/25

32 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Samuel Anderson
Seller: Delise Davis
Date: 01/23/25

81 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jason Beauchamp
Seller: Ernesto Ortiz
Date: 01/30/25

23 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Siyoum Woldetatios
Seller: Jackie W. Nero
Date: 01/27/25

166 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Virgilio Santos
Seller: Jason C. Chapdelaine
Date: 01/24/25

176-182 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,590,000
Buyer: Dickinson Oakland LLC
Seller: Rbt Enterprise LLC
Date: 01/31/25

381-383 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jean D. Rejouis
Seller: Craig B. Schacher
Date: 01/31/25

97 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: 194 Holdings LLC
Seller: Mtglq Investors LP
Date: 01/31/25

11-13 Parkside St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Kinan Al Haffar
Seller: Anthony J. Morini
Date: 01/31/25

64-66 Pasadena St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $357,500
Buyer: Alexander Lopez
Seller: Witman Properties Inc.
Date: 01/31/25

239 Pasco Road
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Eduardo Hernandez
Seller: Gabriel Rivers
Date: 01/31/25

79 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Cathryn A. Cole
Seller: Arpc LLC
Date: 01/31/25

29 Pilgrim Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rachelle J. Cherival
Seller: Regina D. Kleiner
Date: 01/30/25

95-97 Pine St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,500
Buyer: Jane Vernalia
Seller: Sheng-Shiang Peng
Date: 01/23/25

522 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Melissa Escalante
Seller: Keisha Dejesus
Date: 01/31/25

9 Quebec St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Redempta Agwanda
Seller: Forbes & Forbes Enterprise Inc.
Date: 01/28/25

23 Rachael St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: David A. Barrera
Seller: Thomas W. Leary
Date: 01/24/25

24-26 Sachem St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $342,783
Buyer: Edward Garcia-Baez
Seller: Onassis Martinez
Date: 01/28/25

572 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Gogri Brothers LLC
Seller: 572 St. James Avenue LLC
Date: 01/31/25

576 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Gogri Brothers LLC
Seller: David P. Cortelli
Date: 01/31/25

119 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Meredith Rosso
Seller: Luis Alicea
Date: 01/22/25

232 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Brian Dise
Seller: Donna Farnsworth
Date: 01/24/25

408 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: John Lopes
Seller: Tower Realty Parker St. LLC
Date: 01/31/25

917 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Gelene Meronvil
Seller: Nres LLC
Date: 01/24/25

18 Sumner Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Ramon G. Morel
Seller: Christopher J. Delviscio
Date: 01/21/25

62 Temple St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Caroline Merck
Seller: Joseph Coat
Date: 01/27/25

15 Vassar St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Ignacio G. Lopez
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 01/24/25

5-7 Ventura St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: David Santos
Seller: Flipflopwws LLC
Date: 01/30/25

26-28 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Latisha Jackson
Seller: Skyspec LLC
Date: 01/31/25

29 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Leonel Rivas
Seller: Oscar A. Sola-Aguilar
Date: 01/21/25

115 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: On The Mark LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 01/24/25

4 Wilber St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Milton Santos
Seller: Viktor Savonin
Date: 01/27/25

58 Wilbraham Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Saktah Khan
Seller: Jjj17 LLC
Date: 01/24/25

 

SOUTHWICK

233 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Zachary Thomas
Seller: Wes Properties LLC
Date: 01/31/25

27 Fred Jackson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Brian Benson
Seller: Sandra S. Ciarci
Date: 01/30/25

30 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Andrew Keenan
Seller: Martha J. Rodriguez
Date: 01/22/25

WESTFIELD

19 Adams St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Benjamin Corriveau
Seller: Timothy M. Rivers
Date: 01/31/25

18 Atwater St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Gregorio A. Brito
Seller: Round 2 LLC
Date: 01/23/25

18 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Fitzgerald
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 01/27/25

60 Mill St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $355,500
Buyer: Amanda V. Troiano
Seller: Samantha Bernardi
Date: 01/24/25

16 North Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Tandem Elm St. Prop. LLC
Seller: Tierneys Train Depot LLC
Date: 01/31/25

22 Reed St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Konstantin Belyakov
Seller: Naples Home Buyer TR
Date: 01/30/25

117 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Brianna Fleury
Seller: William S. Keyes
Date: 01/22/25

944 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Ryan Towle
Seller: Timothy J. Kent
Date: 01/31/25

WILBRAHAM

480 Dipping Hole Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Douglas Berry
Seller: Irene A. Hopp
Date: 01/24/25

5 Lebel Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,500
Buyer: Navy Federal Credit Union
Seller: Richard W. Houghton
Date: 01/22/25

28 Maple St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Thomas Digiovanni
Seller: Timothy M. Normoyle
Date: 01/24/25

245 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Neesa Turowsky
Seller: G. & Leonore Daniele RET
Date: 01/22/25

16 Mountainbrook Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Martin S. Kelly
Seller: Catherine Q. Kelly
Date: 01/27/25

6 Parkwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Mark O’Neill
Seller: Neesa L. Turowsky
Date: 01/22/25

10 Rice Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $372,300
Buyer: Adina C. Maloni
Seller: Dennis S. Grimard
Date: 01/21/25

10 Russell Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Timothy Spafford
Seller: Kristin M. Wilson
Date: 01/23/25

75 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Melissa M. Schechterle
Seller: D. & Linda Rooney IRT
Date: 01/24/25

1047 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Anthony Carnevale
Seller: Judith A. Wing
Date: 01/28/25

9 Sunnyside Ter.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Hrd Holdings LLC
Seller: Carabello, Josephine, (Estate)
Date: 01/31/25

12 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Numeri Capital Investments LLC
Seller: Frydryk, Robert A., (Estate)
Date: 01/22/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

636 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: West Co. Investments LLC
Seller: Goldsborough, Bruce A., (Estate)
Date: 01/27/25

211 Bonnie Brae Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Kobbys Place LLC
Seller: Joseph Rocco
Date: 01/29/25

112 Buckingham Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Brianna Ingham
Seller: Jeremy Page
Date: 01/24/25

42 Exeter St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jennifer Marcus
Seller: Larkspur LLC
Date: 01/23/25

86 Fairview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Jenaya Hall
Seller: Brvs LLC
Date: 01/31/25

546 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Rufaida I. Idris
Seller: Manchester Enterprises LLC
Date: 01/24/25

294 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Javat Azizov
Seller: Aga Brothers LLC
Date: 01/31/25

333 Massachusetts Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Cornerstone Homebuying LLC
Seller: H2 Asset Solutions Inc.
Date: 01/28/25

333 Massachusetts Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $172,900
Buyer: H2 Asset Solutions Inc.
Seller: Wiechec, Agnes R., (Estate)
Date: 01/28/25

316 Park St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Round Two LLC
Seller: Paul Ellsworth Realty LLC
Date: 01/31/25

37 Plateau Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Psalms Properties LLC
Seller: Ellen M. Graves
Date: 01/23/25

31 Railroad St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Krishna Kharel
Seller: Tiago Moreira
Date: 01/24/25

71 Sawmill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Charles C. Katzer
Seller: Patricia A. Rogers
Date: 01/24/25

24 West School St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $762,500
Buyer: Swostik R. Magar
Seller: Yuriy Surkova
Date: 01/24/25

338 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Fede Properties LLC
Seller: Paul Del Buono
Date: 01/31/25

76 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Equity Trust Co.
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 01/29/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

3 Duxbury Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $397,000
Buyer: Katherine Abbott
Seller: James M. Hayes
Date: 01/30/25

2 Dwight Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Kuan Yan
Seller: E. A. Gillat
Date: 01/28/25

22 Iduna Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Peter A. Elsea
Seller: Zide, Michael R., (Estate)
Date: 01/23/25

108 Lessey St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Lessey Lessee LLC
Seller: Murray M. Schwartz
Date: 01/31/25

239 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Carolina Sopper
Seller: Katerina G. Seligmann
Date: 01/31/25

59 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $930,000
Buyer: U&A LLC
Seller: East Pleasant St Partners
Date: 01/31/25

20 Teaberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $799,000
Buyer: Mary E. McInnis
Seller: Karen S. Franklin
Date: 01/21/25

BELCHERTOWN

3 Blacksmith Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $379,900
Buyer: Michael Sittard
Seller: Steven C. Setaro
Date: 01/31/25

41 Dressel Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $245,905
Buyer: Americo Freitas
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 01/29/25

Jensen St., Lot 27
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: M&G Land Development LLC
Seller: Kenneth I. Hislop
Date: 01/30/25

59 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kate Dubois
Seller: Joann O’Brien FT
Date: 01/21/25

Sabin St., Lot 6
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Brad Richardson
Seller: Valthea McGee Fry RET
Date: 01/31/25

Sabin St., Lot 5
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Charles W. Feldman
Seller: Valthea McGee Fry RET
Date: 01/31/25

285 Ware Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: James H. Shaw
Seller: James H. Shaw
Date: 01/31/25

EASTHAMPTON

47 Ashley Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Scott D. Bergen
Seller: Irene Manning
Date: 01/31/25

18-20 Hampton Ter.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Easthampton Mahadev LLC
Seller: Foxy Properties LLC
Date: 01/31/25

7 Keddy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Allie R. Zashin-Jacobson
Seller: Yolande J. Korona RET
Date: 01/27/25

HADLEY

50 Moody Bridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $539,000
Buyer: Keith Rehbein
Seller: W. R. Jr. & P. E. Handrich FT
Date: 01/29/25

15 Railroad St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: G&M Enterprises Inc.
Seller: Mish Potato & Produce Pac
Date: 01/21/25

HATFIELD

Bashin Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nourse Farms Real Estate Acquisition LLC
Seller: Thomas E. Yagodzinski
Date: 11/18/24

NORTHAMPTON

149 Easthampton Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $4,190,000
Buyer: Proviso Real Estate Holdings Mass. LLC
Seller: Phillips Ent. Realty LLC
Date: 01/31/25

90 Fox Farms Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $317,200
Buyer: Sell Realty LLC
Seller: Cascade Funding Mortgage Trust HB7
Date: 01/24/25

30 Grant Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Stacey
Seller: Squires FT
Date: 01/23/25

72 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Robin Rd Properties LLC
Seller: Ernes T. Booth TR
Date: 01/24/25

125 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jane H. Nadel
Seller: Dorothy Reed
Date: 01/23/25

SOUTH HADLEY

34 Bridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $558,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Thomas Spring Builder LLC
Date: 01/31/25

415 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Raychel Tuburski
Seller: Judy A. Hemingway
Date: 01/23/25

27 North St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $530,464
Buyer: Danielle Civitillo
Seller: Priscilla Peloquin
Date: 01/24/25

52 Washington Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Andrew T. Craig
Seller: Dane Sandquist
Date: 01/23/25

SOUTHAMPTON

14 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Beth A. Huntley
Seller: Timofey Banar
Date: 01/30/25

18 Gunn Road Ext.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Judith Bishop
Seller: Robert C. McKean
Date: 01/21/25

8 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $1,070,000
Buyer: Mass. Postal Holdings LLC
Seller: Trpoco Inc.
Date: 01/29/25

12 Susan Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $494,000
Buyer: Felicia M. Colocomber
Seller: Kevin C. Netto
Date: 01/21/25

WARE

52 Anderson Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Lauzier
Seller: Luann Lauzier
Date: 01/24/25

22 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Legacy Prop Investment Group LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 01/28/25

149 East St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $705,000
Buyer: Dugas Frostee LLC
Seller: L&R LLC
Date: 01/31/25

8 Gareau Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Jodi Mariano
Seller: Margaret Haluska
Date: 01/24/25

24 Maple Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: Steven Merrill
Date: 01/29/25

116-118 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: B&B Investments LLC
Seller: Blackwell Properties LLC
Date: 01/27/25

WILLIAMSBURG

86 Briar Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $314,150
Buyer: Adin Baird
Seller: Krasofski, Stephen F., (Estate)
Date: 01/31/25

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of January and February 2025.

CHICOPEE

Wright Architectural
1380 Sheridan St.
$10,000 — Replace interior doors

EASTHAMPTON

St. John’s Episcopal Church
5 Willow Circle
$36,474 — Install roof-mounted photovoltaic array

HADLEY

E&A/I&G Campus Plaza LP
458 Russell St.
Remove and replace box sign at Peter’s Nails

Richard Niedbala, Marilyn Niedbala
103 Russell St.
Resurface two signs for new business

Sandri Development Inc.
457 Russell St.
Modify coverage to renovated room layout

LEE

Dresser Hull Co.
60 Railroad St.
$12,000 — Roofing

Madison County Properties Corp.
221 Main St.
$189,000 — Install roof-mounted photovoltaic system

Onyx Specialty Papers Inc.
40 Willow St.
$19,026 — Extend fire sprinkler system

St. Mary’s Church Society
115 Orchard St.
$20,000 — Remove two existing doors and glass at southern entrances, supply and install commercial aluminum doors with curtainwall

Town of Lee
100 Main St.
$8,000 — Install six vinyl windows

LENOX

Graysam LLC
55 Crystal St.
$15,500 — Replace ceilings in kitchens

Kohl’s Department Stores
490 Pittsfield Road
$100,000 — Interior renovation within beauty/cosmetic department of sales floor, extend floor power for new fixture layout, replace existing lay-in lighting with track/suspended linear lights, new store fixtures

Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Inc.
258 New Lenox Road
$100,000 — Remove existing decks and rebuild to same parameters

SRLZRS LLC
21 Church St.
$9,875 — Remove and replace platform on front porch with new piers

Toole Properties Inc.
461 Pittsfield Road
$155,620 — Replace finishes in common areas of hotel

NORTHAMPTON

175 Main Street LLC
175 Main St.
$13,000 — Interior renovations and repairs

Alloy LLC
5 Fulton Ave.
$348,961 — Install solar system on roof and parking canopy

Congregation B’nai Israel
253 Prospect St.
$114,500 — Roofing

The Colvest Group Ltd.
325 King St.
$61,000 — Install three antennas, to include platform on ground

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$800,886 — Convert existing radiology spaces to allow for fluoroscopy machine

Coolidge Northampton LLC
249 King St.
$3,550 — Construct two feet of wall, prep existing walls with additional sheetrock

Florence Congregational Church
130 Pine St.
$5,000 — Add wall in kitchen area

Lathrop Home
215 South St.
$166,976 — Convert kitchenette, half bath and full bath into two full baths with shower

Mananto Holdings LLP
36 King St.
$95,257 — Restroom upgrades

Mill River Music Inc.
135 King St.
$1,600 — Two wall signs

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity
140 Woodland Dr.
$24,000 — Install roof-mounted solar system

RM Blerman LLC
12 Day Ave.
$17,000 — Roofing

Smith College
131 West St.
$22,721,499 — Alterations to chiller plant

Smith College
106 Lower College Lane
$2,238,428 — HVAC upgrades to Indoor Track and Tennis Complex

Thornes Markeplace LLC
150 Main St.
$47,985 — Install three mini-splits in arcade

PITTSFIELD

City of Pittsfield
233 West Housatonic St.
$24,000 — Machine demolition of Clapp Park Warming House, including slab and foundation, and remove debris

Eco/Pittsfield LLC
500 Hubbard Ave.
$518,000 — Install new monopole within fenced compound

Hinsdale Block LLC
25 Ontario St.
$29,835 — Install roof-mounted solar array

The Evolving American Work Ethic

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Allison Ebner

 

The American work ethic has undergone significant transformations throughout history, shaped by economic shifts, cultural influences, and technological advancements. From the basic roots of early America to the rise of the gig economy in the 21st century, the way Americans perceive and engage with work has continuously evolved, and we are experiencing seismic shifts in the relationship between employees and their attitude about work.

The foundation of the American work ethic can be traced back to the early settlers, who emphasized diligence, self-reliance, and frugality. These values, rooted in religious beliefs, became central to the country’s cultural identity. As the U.S. transitioned from an economy built around agriculture to an industrial one in the 19th century, work took on new forms. Factory jobs demanded long hours and strict discipline, reinforcing the notion that hard work was the path to success and upward mobility.

The 20th century saw the rise of corporate America, bringing with it the standardization of the workday. The 9-to-5 schedule became the norm, providing structure and stability for millions of workers. Labor unions played a critical role in advocating for fair wages, reasonable hours, and improved working conditions, leading to the establishment of labor laws that continue to shape employment today. The mid-century period was marked by a belief in company loyalty, where long-term employment with a single employer was the ideal.

With the advent of computers and the internet in the late 20th century, the nature of work began to shift dramatically. Automation and globalization disrupted traditional industries, leading to the decline of manufacturing jobs and the rise of knowledge-based work. The increasing demand for productivity and connectivity blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. As a result, the conversation around work-life balance gained momentum, challenging the notion that success could be achieved only through relentless work.

A big shift was felt in the early 21st century, brought about by the gig economy and characterized by freelance and contract work. Platforms like Uber, Upwork, and Fiverr allowed workers to have more flexibility, but also introduced new challenges, such as job insecurity and lack of benefits. This shift reflected changing attitudes toward work, where autonomy and purpose became as important as stability and financial gain.

Today, the American work ethic continues to evolve in response to technological advancements, generational shifts, and cultural changes. Millennial and Gen-Z workers prioritize meaningful work, mental health, and work-life balance more than previous generations. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further reshaped workplace expectations, emphasizing flexibility and results over rigid schedules.

As artificial intelligence and automation continue to redefine job roles, the American workforce must adapt once again. Lifelong learning, adaptability, and innovation will become the cornerstones of the new work ethic, ensuring that the American spirit of hard work remains relevant in an ever-changing world.

So how should we, as employers, move forward to attract, retain and motivate our workforce? My first piece of advice for the Baby Boomer and Gen-X C-suite leaders is to let go of the notion that the work ethic of yesterday is coming back. That ship has sailed, and the faster we can embrace this perspective, the more effective we can be at creating our optimal workforce of tomorrow.

How do we create engagement with employees today, where productivity and accountability are part of the successful equation?

• Foster a positive work culture. Create a work environment with transparent and open communication, where expectations are clearly outlined and there are rewards and incentives for hitting goals.

• Provide growth and development opportunities. Employees are more engaged when they see a clear path for career advancement. Offering professional-development programs, mentorship, and upskilling opportunities ensures that workers remain motivated and committed to their roles.

• Emphasize purpose and mission alignment. Employees want to feel that their work has meaning. Organizations that connect employees to a greater purpose and align their roles with company values tend to have higher levels of engagement and productivity.

 

Allison Ebner is president of the Employers Assoc. of New England. This article first appeared on the EANE blog; eane.org

Amherst Area Chamber, MA SBDC to Host Small-business Advising Sessions

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MA SBDC), is hosting a full day of small-business advising sessions this Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new UMass Downtown store at 108 North Pleasant St., Amherst.

Attendees will meet with Rob DelMastro, regional director of the MA SBDC, to receive one-on-one advising and support tailored to their business, no matter what stage of growth the business is in: business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, access to capital, and more.

The event is free, but pre-registration is necessary. Click here to secure a time slot. Prior to the appointment, participants should click here to ensure they are also registered with the MA SBDC. When prompted, select “Amherst” as the preferred advisor.

The event’s presenting sponsor is Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank.

Common Capital Receives Two Awards from U.S. Small Business Administration

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Common Capital was recently recognized as the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage Lender of the Year for Massachusetts, and the Highest Dollar Value Lender in Massachusetts for the SBA Microloan program.

“This award underscores Common Capital’s commitment to working with entrepreneurs in our region, particularly those from underserved communities,” Executive Director Raymond Lanza-Weil said. “Over 70% of our loans go to low- or moderate-income borrowers, and nearly half are to woman- or minority-owned businesses.”

SBA Community Advantage loans provide funding for almost any business need, including startup costs, working capital, equipment purchases, and more. Loans can be up to $300,000 and are designed to support businesses operating in underserved areas, such as rural or low-income communities.

One borrower — Alysia Bryant of Carefree Cakery in Amherst — noted that “it doesn’t feel like a bank relationship, where there’s a ton of pressure. I feel very supported and that my success matters to them from a personal and financial perspective, and that’s very important.”

In the last fiscal year, ending June 30, 2024, Common Capital worked with nine borrowers to lend more than $1 million to help finance their business’s growth and success. Participants included Carefree Cakery, Rozki Rides, and Bridge2Homecare, among others.

“Our borrowers are those not served by traditional bank loans,” Lanza-Weil said. “If not for the SBA’s Community Advantage loan program, businesses may not be able to get the funding they need to grow and thrive.”

AIC’s GROW-You Scholarship Supports Future Educators, Addiction Counselors

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has established the GROW-You scholarship program to support Springfield residents pursuing careers in educational studies and drug-addiction counseling. Designed to expand access to higher education, the program provides financial assistance and resources to help students achieve their academic and career goals while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

“Springfield needs skilled professionals to address teacher shortages and the opioid crisis,” said Ebony Cuttino, coordinator of the GROW-You program. “GROW-You is more than a scholarship — it’s an investment in the city’s future, ensuring residents have the education and resources needed to thrive.”

The GROW-You program offers up to $5,000 annually for students enrolled in AIC’s online, accelerated Educational Studies degree-completion program and Drug Addiction Counseling program. The one-year Drug Addiction Counseling program prepares graduates for the Massachusetts Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) licensing exam.

“For those passionate about combating the opioid crisis, the Drug Addiction Counseling program offers an immediate pathway — no bachelor’s degree required,” Cuttino said. “Students can begin right after high school, gain critical skills, and pursue careers with local organizations leading the fight against addiction and mental-health challenges.”

To qualify for the GROW-You Scholarship, applicants must be Springfield residents with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a demonstrated commitment to completing the program. Applicants for the Educational Studies program must also have 60 credits and/or an associate degree. No prior college credits are required for the Drug Addiction Counseling program.

Beyond financial support, GROW-You scholarship recipients receive personalized academic advising, mentorship, and career-planning assistance. Students also have access to specialized workshops, wellness services, networking events, and community-engagement opportunities related to their field.

“Many of our scholars are working professionals, parents, and caregivers who are balancing multiple responsibilities while pursuing their degrees,” Cuttino said. “By removing financial barriers and offering a flexible, fully online format, we make it possible for them to advance their careers without putting their lives on hold.”

For more information or to apply for the GROW-You Scholarship, contact Ebony Cuttino at [email protected] or (413) 654-1434.

UCP of Western Massachusetts to Raffle Off Car in Collaboration with Berkshire Mazda

By
Daily News

PITTSFIELD — UCP of Western Massachusetts announced a new fundraiser brought to UCP by Berkshire Mazda in Lenox beginning on Monday, March 3. The raffle is called Driving Force, and the prize is a 2025 Mazda CX-50. The approximate value of the car is $25,000 and includes taxes and registration fees.

Tickets are being sold — at $50 for one or $90 for two — at several locations: Hillside Pizza at 77 Church St., Bernardston; UCP at 75 South Church St., Suite 201, Pittsfield; UCP at 535 Curran Highway, North Adams; UCP at 2260 Westfield St., Unit 5, West Springfield; BBE Office Interiors/413Shirts at 1595 East St., Pittsfield; Berkshire Mazda at 474 Pittsfield Road, Lenox; Olde Heritage Tavern at 12 Housatonic St., Lenox; and Starving Artist Café at 40 Main St., Lee.

This raffle will sell only 1,200 tickets. If fewer than 700 are sold, the raffle will turn into a 50/50 drawing with the net proceeds.

The drawing will be held at Berkshire Mazda on Monday, June 16 at 1 p.m. Ticket holders do not need to be present for the drawing. The winner must claim the prize within 30 days, and the car is not transferable or redeemable for cash.

UCP of Western Massachusetts is a nonprofit agency that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and provides a wide range of customized services to support people with disabilities and their families.

Time Is Running Short for 40 Under Forty Nominations

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2025. The deadline for nominations is this Thursday, Feb. 27.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online by clicking here.

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges, and the selected individuals will be profiled in the April 28 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala in June.

ABC News’ Rick Klein to Keynote Springfield Regional Chamber’s Outlook 2025

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rick Klein, vice president and Washington, D.C. bureau chief for ABC News, will keynote the Springfield Regional Chamber’s premier legislative and economic forecasting event of the year on Friday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taking place at the MassMutual Center, Outlook brings together business leaders and local, state, and federal policymakers to discuss this year’s economic outlook.

As Washington, D.C. bureau chief, Klein oversees all political coverage for ABC News, including its Sunday program, This Week with George Stephanopoulos. He provides in-depth political analysis across multiple ABC News platforms and has been instrumental in shaping coverage of major elections and policy developments. Klein has interviewed key political figures, prepped and planned national debates, and contributed to major political broadcasts across digital and television media.

Along with Klein, Outlook will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including welcome remarks from Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who served as the chamber’s keynote speaker in 2024. Additional speakers include Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate. Attendees can also look forward to a performance of the national anthem by Todd Angilly, the official anthem singer for the Boston Bruins.

Outlook will also serve as the platform for unveiling the Springfield Regional Chamber’s legislative agenda for the coming session. This agenda highlights key policy priorities aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing business competitiveness, and addressing challenges that impact the regional economy. Attendees will receive a first look at the chamber’s advocacy efforts and the initiatives designed to support a thriving business community.

“Outlook 2025 is more than just a gathering — it’s a pivotal moment for our region’s business community,” Springfield Regional Chamber President Diana Szynal said. “We are thrilled to welcome Rick Klein to Greater Springfield and provide a forum for business leaders to connect, gain valuable insights, and prepare for the year ahead. Our legislative agenda is laser-focused on strengthening business competitiveness, reducing costs, and driving long-term economic growth. We deeply appreciate Rick Klein’s expertise and the support of our sponsors, whose commitment helps fuel a thriving, prosperous future for our community.”

This year’s Outlook event is supported by platinum sponsors Baystate Health, Wellpoint, the Republican/MassLive, and WWLP-22 News and the CW of Springfield; gold sponsors Mercy Medical Center, Stand Out Truck, Verizon, MGM Springfield, Health New England, Comcast, and Eversource; silver sponsor BusinessWest; and bronze sponsors Western New England University, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, and Berkshire Bank.

Tickets for Outlook 2025 are $75 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $100 for general admission. The event is expected to sell out. The registration deadline is March 5. Reserved tables of 10 are available. Click here to register. For additional information, contact Karen Tetreault at [email protected] or (413) 755-1309.