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Month: August 2025

Country Bank Recognizes Jodie Gerulaitis with President’s Platinum Award

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Daily News
Jodie Gerulaitis

Jodie Gerulaitis

WARE — Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank, announced that Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations, has received the President’s Platinum Award — the bank’s highest internal recognition, presented through its Above and Beyond program.

The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the core values of the bank: integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity. It also honors significant contributions to both the bank and the communities it serves. With more than 30 years of service, Gerulaitis has played a vital role in the bank’s community engagement efforts, consistently demonstrating professionalism, passion, and a clear sense of purpose.

“Jodie is an energetic leader whose unwavering commitment to our mission is truly inspiring,” McGovern said. “She exemplifies the best qualities of our community bank — being genuine, service-oriented, and dedicated to making a difference.”

Colleagues across the Bank recognize Gerulaitis for her collaborative spirit and dependability. She actively mentors peers, supports community giving initiatives, and ensures that both internal team members and community partners are informed, engaged, and appreciated.

Meanwhile, her impact spans far beyond her official role. She actively represents Country Bank at community events and leads financial literacy efforts through various programs and committees. She serves on multiple nonprofit and educational boards, including the United Way Woman’s Initiative, Junior Achievement, Juniper Outreach, and the Ecotarium. In 2024, she was honored as a Community Champion by the Worcester Red Sox for her outstanding work in the nonprofit sector.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the President’s Platinum Award,” she said. “To be recognized for doing work that I truly love, supporting our communities and helping others succeed, is incredibly meaningful. After more than 30 years at Country Bank, I’m still inspired every day by the people I work with and the mission we serve. I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by a team and leadership who lead with heart and purpose. It’s an honor to be part of something bigger than myself and to know that the work we do truly makes a difference.”

Gerulaitis is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies, the American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Bank Marketing School, and the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She also holds an executive certificate in management and leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Wharton leadership certificate.

Braman Termite & Pest Elimination Acquires Fusion Pest Management

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced its acquisition of Springfield-based Fusion Pest Management, effective Aug. 1. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Braman’s ongoing growth strategy.

Fusion Pest Management, also a family-owned company with a strong residential expertise, brings a loyal customer base and deep local roots to the Braman portfolio. With this acquisition, Braman expands its residential footprint by an estimated 10% in key suburban and rural markets where Fusion had established a presence.

“This partnership is about more than just growth; it’s about alignment,” said Jerry Lazarus, president of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. “Fusion’s personalized, high-quality service mirrors our own core values. Together, we’re expanding what we can offer customers while upholding the pride, honesty, and quality they’ve always trusted.”

Fusion customers can expect their service to continue seamlessly, with no immediate changes to pricing or agreements. During a brief transition period, clients may see both brand names in communications, but all services and correspondence will ultimately be unified under the Braman brand.

“Joining forces with Braman was a natural fit,” said Chris Morin, owner and operator of Fusion Pest Management. “Our companies share a commitment to personalized service, integrity, and doing right by our customers. I’m confident our clients will continue to receive the exceptional care they’ve come to expect, now with even more resources behind them.”

The acquisition also supports Braman’s long-term operational goals by improving service efficiency and expanding technician coverage. Fusion customers can expect to benefit from Braman’s broader range of services, including commercial pest control and wildlife solutions.

“This is a win for everyone involved, including our team, our customers, and the communities we serve,” Lazarus added. “We’re excited to move forward as one company with shared values, greater resources, and a deeper commitment to excellence.”

Maria Luker Named Among MassHousing’s Top Loan Originators

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Daily News

Maria Luker

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Mortgage, a division of bankESB, announced that Maria Luker has been named one of MassHousing’s top loan originators for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Luker earned recognition as a Platinum Level originator — one of only two in Massachusetts.

MassHousing, Massachusetts’ affordable housing agency, named Luker the top loan originator in Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk counties, and one of the top originators in the state. This recognition highlights her commitment to expanding access to homeownership, particularly among low- and moderate-income families.

“We are thrilled to recognize Maria as a Platinum Lender,” said Mounzer Aylouche, vice president of Homeownership Programs at MassHousing. “Her efforts and commitment to affordable housing helped us have a record-breaking year, with 3,768 loans funded in FY25.”

With nearly 30 years of lending experience, Luker has leveraged her deep knowledge and passion to simplify the borrowing process and support clients through every step of their homebuying journey.

“Maria has an unbelievable talent for identifying the best programs available and helping borrowers navigate a complex mortgage landscape,” said Ryan Kirwin, executive vice president of Residential Lending at Hometown Mortgage. “This recognition is a direct reflection of her dedication and positive impact on families across our region.”

Market Mentors Welcomes Jay Brennan as Business Development Manager

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Daily News

Jay Brennan

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors LLC, a fully integrated marketing, advertising, and public relations agency with offices in Massachusetts and Florida, appointed Jay Brennan as Business Development manager, supporting the agency’s continued growth in South Florida and beyond.

Based in the agency’s West Palm Beach, Fla. office, Brennan is responsible for driving new business, building strategic relationships, and helping align the agency’s capabilities with client goals. He also plays a key role in developing business plans.

“Jay brings a sharp understanding of digital advertising and a passion for helping clients succeed,” said Michelle Abdow, president and CEO of Market Mentors. “His energy and insight make him an incredible asset as we continue to expand our presence in Florida.”

Brennan is a resident of Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. Prior to joining Market Mentors, he was an account executive at Digital Media Solutions, where he led a successful sales team and consistently exceeded revenue goals, combining strong sales instincts with a creative, client-first mindset.

BusinessTalk with Lindsay LaBonte, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer, HMA Mortgage

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 239: August 4, 2025

Joe Bednar Interviews Lindsay LaBonte, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer, HMA Mortgage

With almost 20 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry, Lindsay LaBonte (a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2018) has become one of the Western Mass. region’s most prolific loan originators. But it’s about more than numbers, she says, emphasizing elements of her job like relationship building and financial education for clients who are often navigating the homebuying process for the first time — at a particularly challenging time for buyers, for many reasons. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, LaBonte, branch manager and senior loan officer with HMA Mortgage, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the many aspects of her job, how she and her team prioritize community involvement in myriad ways — from philanthropy and volunteerism to a new program called Local Love Days — and why it’s still so gratifying to help people achieve the dream of homeownership. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations for Annual A+ Awards

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Daily News

AMHERST — Nominations for the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 A+ Awards are now open. Each year, the chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in education, business, and civic engagement across the area the chamber serves (Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland) and the Pioneer Valley as a whole.

“The A+ Awards are a powerful platform for sharing the inspiring stories of leaders, businesses, and organizations who shape our community through innovation, creativity, and impactful solutions,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “Through professionally produced videos and our annual awards dinner, attended by hundreds of community and business leaders, we celebrate and amplify these stories, highlighting their essential role in making our region thrive. If someone in your network has made a difference this year, now’s the time to nominate them and ensure their story is told.”

Nominations are welcome in six award categories:

• The Legacy Award recognizes remarkable individuals and businesses for their exceptional contributions to the Amherst area throughout their career, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

• The Leader in Innovation Award spotlights visionary entrepreneurs who revolutionize the way we live, work, and learn in the Amherst area through their creative solutions and forward-thinking mindset.

• The Leader in Sustainability Award honors businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to building a sustainable future for the Amherst area, preserving its vitality for generations to come.

• The Young Professional Award applauds the impressive achievements of young professionals who have made a significant impact and brought positive change to the Amherst area.

• The Community Service Award recognizes businesses, nonprofits, and individuals whose outstanding work and outreach have greatly enriched the lives of the Amherst area community.

• The Chamber MVP is an individual who truly embodies the mission of the Amherst Area Chamber as a champion for business and community development, serving as a convener, connector, and catalyst.

Nominations can be submitted online through the chamber’s nomination form at amherstarea.com/awards. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. Chamber membership is not necessary to nominate or be nominated for an A+ Award. There is no limit to the number of nominations a person can submit. Everyone who submits a nomination will be entered into a raffle to win one free ticket to the A+ Awards Dinner held on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the UMass Student Union Ballroom, presented by PeoplesBank.

Anyone interested in learning more about the event or joining as a sponsor can visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or email Robinson at [email protected] for more details and sponsorship information.

MicroTek Inc. Unveils Future-focused Brand Identity, Website

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — MicroTek Inc., a leader in innovative technology solutions, announced the launch of its refreshed brand identity and new website. This milestone marks a significant step in the company’s evolution, aligning its digital presence with its forward-thinking mission and ever-expanding capabilities.

MicroTek has introduced a revitalized brand identity, including a new logo, updated color palette, and refined messaging that better reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-centric solutions.

“We’re incredibly excited about this launch,” said Phil D’Entremont, CEO of MicroTek. “The warm colors of our new logo embody the spirit of MicroTek’s team-first mission. This rebrand is more than just a visual update — it’s a reflection of our culture, our values, and our vision for the future.”

The rebranding initiative is part of MicroTek’s broader strategy to enhance its digital footprint, improve client engagement, and support its growing portfolio of services across industries.

“I was honored to be a part of the launch of MicroTek’s new marketing initiative,” said Denise Dukette, president of the MicroTek board of directors. “For over four decades, MicroTek has been providing top-quality manufactured products from a skilled workforce that includes individuals with disabilities. Our clients receive the highest-quality products at market pricing while working with us to make the world a better place. We are excited to share our new logo and website that tells our entire story.”

Alongside the refreshed branding, MicroTek recently launched a new corporate website that features streamlined navigation and enhanced functionality, offering visitors a more intuitive and engaging experience.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Offering Discounted Big E Tickets

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, announced the return of its Big E ticket presale. Now through Sept. 10, customers can purchase one-day tickets to the Big E at discounted prices at select Rocky’s locations: $16 for adults and $10 for children. Beginning Sept. 11, tickets will still be available at participating stores, but at regular pricing.

“The Big E is a New England tradition, and we’re proud to be a part of the excitement year after year,” said Rocco Falcone, president of Rocky’s Ace Hardware. “From sponsoring the fan-favorite Big Slide to making it easier for families to get their tickets in advance, we love helping our community make the most of this incredible event.”

Participating locations include Agawam, East Longmeadow, Holden, Ludlow, Northborough, Palmer, South Hadley, Springfield, Westfield, and Worcester, as well as Stamford and Vernon, Conn.

Family Camp Day Returns to Storrowton Village Museum on Aug. 4

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Storrowton Village Museum will host its second Family Camp Day on Monday, Aug. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more than 30 years, Storrowton Village has hosted the Early American Summer Days youth camp for children ages 6-12. To kick off the 2025 summer program, Storrowton Village invites the whole family to come enjoy an afternoon at summer camp.

Families can jump back into the 19th century and participate in a variety of immersive activities. The schedule for Family Camp Day is as follows, with activities for all camp participants together as well as in small groups.

• 11:30 a.m.: Arrive and visit the Eastern States Exposition History Museum.

• 11:50 a.m.: The Music, Theater & Dance (MTD) Group’s performance of “Toys & Games.”

• 12:30 p.m.: Picnic on the Village Green (bring your own lunch), with dessert provided by Storrowton Tavern.

• 1-2:30 p.m.: Play games on the green and tour the museum for hands-on activities, including quill pen writing, beeswax candle making, and more.

“This Summer’s Family Day show is called ‘Toys and Games,’” said George Garber, executive director of the MTD Group. “It will feature the MTD Group, a cast of junior and senior high school performing arts students. The theme is inspired by the fun toys and games we’ve all enjoyed.”

The troupe performs throughout the Pioneer Valley, including occurrences at the Village’s Meetinghouse, as well as the Westfield Theater Group, a division of the Westfield Women’s Club. They were also featured at West Springfield’s 250th Anniversary Gala. Their recent productions of Six the musical and Mean Girls in concert garnered positive reviews.

Registration is $6 per person and can be purchased in-person on the day of the event or via storrowtonvillage.com. Family Camp Day is held rain or shine and will be canceled only in the event of severe weather.

Pilot Program Expands Access to AI Opportunities in Classrooms

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Educators gather at the professional development kickoff at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative campus in Westborough.
Education

Leading the Way

Educators gather at the professional development kickoff at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative campus in Westborough.

Educators gather at the professional development kickoff at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative campus in Westborough.

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently partnered with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to launch Future Ready: AI in the Classroom. Through a $135,000 investment, this professional development pilot will support teachers in 45 classrooms, estimating to reach more than 1,600 students, and is designed to provide high school educators with the tools, knowledge, network to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms.

This experience is jointly funded through the administration’s STEM Advisory Council and the Massachusetts AI Hub and will be administered by PLTW. Organizers say this pilot marks an important step in expanding access to AI learning opportunities for students and educators across the state.

“Massachusetts has long been a global leader in both technological innovation and education,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “With this pilot, we are building on that success, providing our teachers with the skills and tools so they can support the next generation and ensure Massachusetts remains a global leader in applied AI.”

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that “our administration knows AI is a transformative technology that is already reshaping how we live and learn. Through this pilot, we’re giving educators the foundation they need to navigate this new era with confidence, fueling workforce readiness and expanding opportunity for students.”

This year-long, 50-hour professional development experience kicked off at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative campus in Westborough, where participants engaged in curriculum design workshops, peer collaboration sessions, and targeted mini-trainings. This first experience aimed to create a professional learning community that fosters innovation and shared best practices. The program introduced educators to the fundamentals of AI, explored ethical and responsible classroom applications, and facilitated ongoing collaboration with industry experts and peers throughout the academic year.

“As a former teacher, I know how important professional development is, especially in an ever-changing world. This pilot helps turn possibility into practice,” Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler said. “By investing in our educators and grounding their work in ethical, real-world AI applications, we’re making sure our students are not just consumers of technology, but future leaders in it.”

Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba added that “Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to lead in the responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence. This pilot reflects our forward-looking approach, aligned with the vision of the Massachusetts AI Hub. By investing in educators today, we ensure our students are prepared to shape the innovations of tomorrow. Supporting this kind of early, hands-on learning helps build the talent pipeline that will drive our future economy.”

Technology Services and Security Secretary Jason Snyder related how, as a young student interested in computer science, having passionate and experienced teachers as mentors was transformational. “This pilot helps ensure that our next generation of students in Massachusetts learn the fundamentals of data and AI literacy, and that our educators are empowered to lead with confidence and instill emerging technology proactively, in classrooms all over the state.”

“Through this pilot, we’re giving educators the foundation they need to navigate this new era with confidence, fueling workforce readiness and expanding opportunity for students.”

The pilot is a cornerstone of the Massachusetts AI Hub’s mission to position the state as a global leader in applied and ethical AI. Future Ready: AI in the Classroom is the first in a series of educator-focused initiatives aligned with the Hub’s education and workforce development strategy, ensuring that students across Massachusetts are not only prepared for the future of innovation, but are actively shaping it. The pilot program also advances the goals of the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council by strengthening STEM education and supporting educators with a network of STEM resources.

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to expand access to information and unlock new learning opportunities for students across Massachusetts,” Massachusetts AI Hub Executive Director Sabrina Mansur said. “With this pilot program, our state will be able to empower teachers to incorporate the benefits of AI in student education. Ultimately, our goal is to create a strong pipeline of talent who understand how to use AI to build a stronger economy.”

David Dimmett, president and CEO of PLTW, noted that “we believe in empowering students to become the innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow. This partnership with Massachusetts represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we need to prepare educators and students for an AI-driven future. By providing teachers with hands-on, project-based AI learning experiences, we’re ensuring that students don’t just understand artificial intelligence — they learn to harness it as a tool for creativity and innovation. This pilot will serve as a model for how we can scale AI literacy across the U.S.”

The launch of the pilot reflects a broader, coordinated effort across Massachusetts state government to harness AI’s potential in a way that is forward-thinking, inclusive, and impactful. It follows the work of the Massachusetts AI Strategic Task Force, established by Healey in 2024 to chart a path for AI adoption, talent development, and economic growth. The task force’s recommendations directly informed the creation of the AI Hub and highlighted the need for strong partnerships between government, industry, and academia. The administration also invested $100 million through the Mass Leads Act to support AI innovation at scale and strengthen Massachusetts’ global leadership in AI.

In K-12 education specifically, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is also leading efforts to support educators as access to AI increases. Through a partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education and the Assoc. for Supervision and Curriculum Development, DESE convened a K-12 AI task force focused on developing recommendations to support school communities in their use of AI. This task force produced a multi-year AI roadmap focused on AI literacy, student data privacy, and educator preparation.