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SPRINGFIELD — Follow My Steps Foundation announced Young Women Suited for Growth, an inspiring college and career exploration event designed to equip young women with the confidence, resources, and connections needed to shape their future success.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bay Path University, and will bring together students, community leaders, and professionals committed to advancing opportunities for young women.

Young Women Suited for Growth provides participants with firsthand exposure to college life, meaningful mentorship opportunities, and interactive sessions focused on leadership development, career exploration, and personal empowerment. Attendees will hear from current college students and guest speakers representing diverse professional backgrounds who will share real-world insights and guidance.

“Our mission is to ensure young women see themselves as future leaders, scholars, and professionals,” said Jayne Astacio Melendez, director of Programming at Follow My Steps Foundation. “This event creates access, inspiration, and tangible tools that help them confidently pursue higher education and career pathways.”

Event highlights include college life exploration experiences, leadership and empowerment sessions, networking with students and community leaders, career pathway discussions, and scholarship and mentorship opportunities.

The Follow My Steps Foundation is also launching a fundraising initiative to provide scholarships that remove financial barriers and allow participating young women to continue their educational journeys.

Registration is limited. Participants may register at www.followmysteps.org.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Western Mass Construction and Trades Career Day returns to the Franklin County Fairgrounds, 89 Wisdom Way, Greenfield, on Thursday, April 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual event will bring more than 700 students from across Western Mass. together for hands-on demonstrations and activities designed to introduce them to careers in construction, trades, and manufacturing.

Presented by MassHire Franklin Hampshire in partnership with Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board, and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, the event highlights the growing need for skilled workers in the region. Across the country, employers report critical shortages in key growth industries, making workforce development a top priority. Western Mass Construction and Trades Career Day gives students an early look at rewarding career paths in industries that are hiring now.

Businesses in construction, skilled trades, and manufacturing are invited to join the event and build their future workforce pipeline. Exhibiting is free. Tables, chairs, and indoor/outdoor space with electrical and demonstration space is provided. Employers also have the opportunity to connect with students for internships, apprenticeships, and even direct hire.

“Western Mass Construction Day allows students to explore industries that are actively seeking workers,” said Amie Miarecki, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. “We encourage local businesses to participate, showcase career opportunities, and help address the skilled labor shortage in our region.”

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host a free community presentation, “Know Your Rights,” on Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m. at the Church Street Center Social Hall in North Adams. The event will also be available to attend virtually via Zoom.

The presentation will be led by Jessica David, staff attorney at Central West Justice Center, and is designed to provide community members with practical, accessible information about immigration law and their legal rights.

Topics covered will include a general overview of the U.S. immigration process, current immigration enforcement policies and practices, and guidance on how both immigrants and bystanders can navigate interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Attendees will learn about their rights in a range of situations, including what questions they are legally required to answer, when ICE may enter a home, what to do if detained, and how bystanders can respond lawfully to immigration enforcement activity in Massachusetts. Information on where to access immigration legal services in the Berkshires will also be provided. All information presented is general legal information and does not constitute legal advice.

This event is free and open to the public. To join virtually, click here (meeting ID: 897 4335 8569; passcode: 877351).

Daily News

SPRINGFIELDBusinessWest is accepting nominations for its 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award. Nominations are due by Thursday, April 9. They can be submitted by clicking here.

The Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in BusinessWest, and the winner will be announced at the 40 Under Forty awards gala, presented by PeoplesBank, on Thursday, June 11 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to identify and celebrate rising stars across our region who are excelling in business and involved in the community. Launched in 2015, the Alumni Achievement Award was created to honor the 40 Under Forty honorees who have most impressively continued and built upon their track records of accomplishment. Nominators help BusinessWest find the best of the best.

For more information, visit businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward or contact Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or [email protected].

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union reported a strong balance sheet, robust capital position, and impressive earnings for 2025 during its 91st annual meeting held on March 24.

Total assets equaled nearly $1.7 billion at year end. Net income finished at $17.8 million for 2025, including the one-time benefit of $6.8 million of net proceeds from the Employee Retention Credit program, which was created by the federal government under the CARES Act to offset some of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on organizations across the country.

“Our regulatory capital ratio increased from 12.21% to 12.91%, well above the level considered well-capitalized by our regulators. This leaves us in a very healthy capital position,” Executive Vice President Michael Stoddard said.

Stoddard reported loan growth of $25 million, or 1.9%, during 2025. This growth was reflected across nearly every major loan category, as total loan balances exceed $1.3 billion. On the funding side, deposit balances increased $49 million, or 3.6%. At the end of 2025, Greylock deposit balances equaled $1.4 billion.

“As we look ahead into 2026, our capital, liquidity, and loan quality are at very strong levels. Our balance sheet is well-positioned to manage various potential interest rate environments and economic scenarios,” he added. “Our board of directors and our experienced management team are committed to meeting our members’ financial needs while keeping the credit union in great shape for the long term.”

President and CEO John Bissell highlighted Greylock’s longstanding commitment to community, describing the symbiotic relationship between members and the credit union as an economic ecosystem.

“Greylock thrives because we understand that our collective success is deeply rooted in the shared soil of our regional economy and our community,” he said.

“Credit unions give member deposits an opportunity to grow. We turn those deposits into small business loans and mortgages. We provide auto loans, including $4 million last year for our members with credit challenges who would otherwise be subjected to high-cost, subprime lending for their transportation needs,” Bissell went on. “When members pay back their auto loans, their home loans, their small business loans, Greylock then invests that money into member benefits: personal and digital services, fraud protection, and financial education.”

Also at the annual meeting, three incumbent directors were re-elected to Greylock’s board: Jerry Burke, Sheila LaBarbera, and Ty Allan Jackson.

Immediately following the annual meeting, Greylock’s board of directors met to elect the officers. Peter Lopez was reelected chairperson, Kelly Krok was reelected vice chairperson, Krystle Blake was reelected secretary/financial officer, and JamieEllen Moncecchi was reelected assistant secretary.

“As always, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and talented board of directors,” Bissell said. “We appreciate their willingness to serve. Under their stewardship, Greylock will continue to grow and thrive.”

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SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) announced the successful participation of Victoria Accorsi, community financial coach, mobility mentor, and AFC candidate, as a speaker at Economic Mobility Pathways’ (Empath) 2026 Disrupting Poverty Conference, held March 23-26 at Boston University.

Accorsi served as a panelist in the session titled “Climbing Without Falling: New Ideas to Fix the Benefits Cliff,” which explored how sudden losses in food, housing, childcare, or health benefits can leave working families worse off after small wage increases. The session highlighted innovative approaches to benefit phaseouts, income transitions, and system redesign to ensure that work truly pays.

Accorsi shared insights from her coaching work on the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot, a three‑year initiative led by Springfield WORKS in partnership with United Way of Pioneer Valley and other community-based organizations across Massachusetts. The pilot supports up to 100 residents who receive public assistance by helping them pursue higher‑paying careers while mitigating the financial risks associated with benefits cliffs.

Through the pilot, families receive supplemental cash assistance when rising wages trigger benefit losses, one-on-one financial and career coaching through partners such as UWPV, and access to employer partners offering training and living‑wage opportunities. As a United Way community financial coach, Accorsi works directly with participants to navigate budgeting, wage changes, benefits reductions, and long-term goal setting, providing crucial on‑the‑ground perspective to the statewide innovation effort.

“Being able to bring the real experiences of the families I coach to a statewide stage is incredibly meaningful,” Accorsi said. “The benefits cliff isn’t an abstract policy problem — it’s a very real barrier that holds hardworking people back every day. Through the Bridge to Prosperity pilot, we’re showing that, with the right support, people can move forward without fear of losing the ground they’ve already gained.”

Megan Moynihan, United Way of Pioneer Valley’s president and CEO, added that “Victoria’s participation at the Disrupting Poverty Conference is a testament to the powerful, on-the-ground work happening right here in Western Mass. United Way is proud to be part of an effort that doesn’t just talk about economic mobility — it actively removes the barriers that stand in the way.”

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GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Recreation Department will host an indoor mini-golf fundraiser to support this year’s community fireworks celebration. On Friday and Saturday, April 3-4, the municipal offices at 20 Sanderson St. will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind mini-golf course, featuring creative holes with fun challenges sponsored by local businesses.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the annual Greenfield Fireworks, helping ensure a safe, spectacular, and memorable show for the entire community.

“This event is a fun and unique way to bring people together while supporting a tradition that means so much to our community,” said Christy Moore, Greenfield Recreation Department director. “Every putt helps us get closer to lighting up the sky.”

On April 3, the event begins at 5:30 p.m., with last entry at 8:45 p.m. On April 4, the fun begins at 10 a.m., with last entry at 3:45 p.m. The cost is $5 per person per round, payable at the door; children ages 3 and under play for free. A food truck will be on site.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses looking to support the event. For more information, visit www.greenfieldrecreation.com or contact the Greenfield Recreation Department at (413) 772-1553 or [email protected].