Day: July 3, 2026

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of June 2026.

Alicea, David
56 Kenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Andino-Rivera, Jossie
81 Jardine St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Antoine, Ashley
188 Falmouth Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Atea, Ali Y.
106 Medford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/27/2026

Breslin, Stephen M.
580 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/19/2026

Briggs, Tammy Louise
42 Norris St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Brown, Jeanette Elizabeth
75 Pleasant St., E101
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/26/2026

Brunson, Chelsea J.
1193 Elm St., Apt. 3L
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/26/2026

Bunn, Carol R.
1193 Elm St., Apt. 3L
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/27/2026

Caldwell, Henry A.
221 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2026

Clarke, Antonio M.
Clarke, Crystal J.
20 Gregory Lane
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Coleman, Ronnie L.
Williams, Barbara J.
1192 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/22/2026

Connaughton, Eleanor M.
53 Partridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/26/2026

Costa, Erin A.
4 Highland Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/22/2026

Cotto, Juan C.
62 Arden St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Davies, Jeremy W.
5 Campbell Place, 1st Floor
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/18/2026

DeJesus, Andres
25 Lawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/30/2026

Dunley, Timothy James
106 Bremen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Fahmy, Nour M.
Fahmy, Nadine M.
123 Harlow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2026

Ferraro, Nicole
37 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Gonzalez, Ana M.
a/k/a Ramirez, Ana M.
44 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/27/2026

Flaherty, Anne C.
172 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/21/2026

Javaid, Ali
427 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Johnson, Barrington Antony
25 Hobson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Keith, Stephen
274 Belmont Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/30/2026

Lawlor, Robert Vincent
862 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/27/2026

Lleras Escobar, Gladys
2188 Palmer Road
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Lubin, Bryan Alan
17 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/18/2026

Maldonado, Esly E.
29 Pine St., Apt. 8
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/01/2026

Mokrzecki, Alexander C.
20 Stockbridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035-3516
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/20/2026

New England Medical Supply, LLC
Hometown Healthcare Store
Tapanes, Heriberto
70A Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2026

Ortiz Felix, Ana Marie
46 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/21/2026

Ponyta, Michael W.
20 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/29/2026

Pruner, Joseph L.
22 Linden St., A
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2026

Ratcliffe, Amanda L.
a/k/a Ellithorpe, Amanda L.
P.O. Box 699
Bondsville, MA 01009
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2026

Reyes-Santana, Rubenciana
17 Lexington St., FL 1
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Ruiz, Jose B.
341 West St, Building 10, Apt 8
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Sanchez, Emeily
253 Kent Road, Apt. A
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/28/2026

Serrano, Jonathan Anel
242 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/21/2026

St. Louis, Mark
635 Newbury St., Building 635
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/19/2026

Stefanowich, Frank
273-275 Water St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/28/2026

Thomas, Sherquita
HoSang, Sherquita
14 Emma Way
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/31/2026

Thouin, Luke Michael
5 Highland Ave., FL3
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/29/2026

Tos, Kevin
214 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/30/2026

Traub, Edmund F.
Traub, Tiana G.
a/k/a Gonzalez, Tiana Nicole
1008 Oak St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 05/27/2026

Vargas, Carmen J.
85 William St., Apt. 611
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 06/01/2026

Vasquez, Yanok Marie
25 Forbes St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/28/2026

Wilson, Diane P.
70 Belvidere Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Date: 05/19/2026

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of June 2026.

BELCHERTOWN

Northern Insulation Services Inc.
22 Sherwood Dr.
Anthony Roy Rannsaka
39 Federal St.
Ann Shelton

HADLEY

BPL Contracting LLC
34 Lawrence Plain Road
Bryan Loud

Budget Auto Repair
8 Pine Hill Road
Kevin Michelson

Embodied Chiropractic
226D Russell St.
Brenna Werme

Fee-Only Financial
277 Bay Road
David Bartula

MSM Builders
7 Shaw Lane
Michael MacDonald

Soldega Carpentry
6 Phillips Place
James Soldega

Whole Foods Market
327 Russell St.
Whole Food Market Group LLC

Winn Residential – Wooland Crossing
30 Greenleaves Dr.
Winn Management Co. LLC

HOLYOKE

Anolia
39 Keyes Road
Anastasia Ivanova

Coastal Queen
4 North Bridge St.
Valley Malt LLC

Key Food Market Place
235 South St.
Anthony Diaz

PITTSFIELD

Araucaria Capital LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Araucaria Capital LLC

BPC Insurance Services Newco A LLC
57 Wendell Ave.
BPC Insurance Services Newco A LLC

The Commons Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
The Commons Inc.

Evergreen Moneysource Mortgage Co.
82 Wendell Ave.
Evergreen Moneysource Mortgage Co.

Game Fitness LLC
1450 East St.
Game Fitness LLC

Global Montello Group Corp.
90 Tyler St.
Global Montello Group Corp.

Glowin Forever LLC
82 Wendell Ave.
Glowin Forever LLC

Healthcare Staffing Solutions Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
Healthcare Staffing Solutions Inc.

Herrick-Rose Inc.
222 South St.
Herrick-Rose Inc.

K’s Cleaning LLC
100 Elaine Dr.
K’s Cleaning LLC

New England Newspaper Inc.
75 South Church St.
New England Newspaper Inc.

O’Reilly Auto Enterprises LLC
481 Dalton Ave.
O’Reilly Auto Enterprises LLC

RBE Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
RBE Inc.

SRC Pittsfield OP LLC
140 Melbourne Road
SRC Pittsfield OP LLC

SOUTHWICK

Confetti Eggs
7 Coyote Glen
Confetti Eggs

The Crazy Bird Bakery
5 Rising Corner Road
The Crazy Bird Bakery

Ferris Cleaning
110 Feeding Hills Road
Ferris Cleaning

Firefly Fields
9 Babb Road
Firefly Fields

Granfield Tree Service
50 Hastings Road
Kerry Granfield

Harvest Lane Equine
8 Harvest Lane
Harvest Lane Equine

Moments by Faith Photography
610 College Highway, Suite 8
Moments by Faith Photography

New England Chimney Sweeps and Masons
610 College Highway, Suite 16
New England Chimney Sweeps and Masons

Vanasse Quality Painting
628 College Highway, Apt. 2
Vanasse Quality Painting

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Alison Silber Closes Firm; Coyne Wehrli Family Law and Mediation Forms

LONGMEADOW — The Law Offices of Alison Silber announced that the firm will close following Silber’s appointment to the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court. For more than a dozen years, Silber has dedicated her career to representing individuals and families throughout Western Mass. in divorce, custody, support, and other family law matters. Her appointment to the bench reflects a distinguished legal career marked by professionalism, integrity, and service to the community. As Silber transitions to her new role, attorneys Katherine Coyne and Danielle Wehrli announced the formation of Coyne Wehrli Family Law and Mediation, a new firm dedicated exclusively to family law and mediation. Coyne and Wehrli have worked alongside Silber for many years and have extensive experience representing clients in all aspects of family law litigation and dispute resolution. Together, along with associate attorney Sara Sam-Njgou, they remain dedicated to serving families throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Coyne Wehrli Family Law and Mediation will continue to assist individuals and families with divorce, custody and parenting issues, child support, alimony, modifications, contempt actions, prenuptial agreements, and mediation.

Lilla Swedish Candy to Open in Thornes in July

NORTHAMPTON — A Whately couple with several successful online businesses will, in July, expand its Lilla Swedish Candy store to a physical shop on the lower level of Thornes Marketplace. Nic Jansson and Holly Berrigan will serve as co-owners for their first brick-and-mortar store, which will carry sweets from Sweden as well as the rest of Europe. Lilla will offer a pick and mix experience in 60 to 85 bins of candy on the shelves, which will be sold by the ounce, as well as some pre-packaged candy. Jansson describes the sweets as gummy-style candy, both sweet and sour, and candy that is foamy, or chewy, with some hard candies in a wide range of fruit flavors with some chocolate, salty licorice, and other popular styles as well. Jansson and Berrigan also own a natural wine marketplace, MYSA Natural Wine, which they launched in 2019 and sell at mysa.wine, and Jansson operates a sales and marketing consulting company called HOLLAS. The business will be located on the lower level of Thornes, in the former home of Captain Candy.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Nears $225,000 Raised for Shelters

MANCHESTER, Conn. – Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced that its “Round Up for Pets” fundraiser has raised $224,574 for animal shelters and rescue organizations since the campaign launched. The annual initiative invites customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout, with 100% of proceeds donated directly to local shelters in the communities Rocky’s serves across Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The most recent fundraiser generated nearly $45,650 for local animal organizations that provide food, medical care, shelter, and adoption services for rescued and surrendered pets. Donations remain local to the communities where they are raised. Benefiting organizations have included Dakin Humane Society in Western Mass., the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, and Florida rescue organizations including Furry Friends Adoption and Dogs and Cats Forever.

T-Birds Honored with Awards at AHL Team Business Meetings

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds were honored among their peers with multiple award recognitions at the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings presented by Victory Live in Grand Rapids, Mich. Both the T-Birds’ ticket sales and corporate sales departments received awards for reaching milestone benchmarks for the 2025-26 regular season. The ticket sales department hit the threshold of 600 new full-season equivalents, the industry standard for measuring full- and partial-season ticket sales. That excellence in acquiring new ticket holders played a pivotal role in the T-Birds achieving 18 sellout crowds inside the MassMutual Center and an average capacity of 92.1%, or 6,258 fans. On the corporate arm of the business, the T-Birds were recognized for achieving a renewal rate exceeding 90% in corporate cash accounts. In addition, for a third consecutive season, Matthew McRobbie earned top-three marks in the AHL’s Eastern Conference for corporate sales revenue. 

Country Bank Named Among Best Regional Banks, Credit Unions

WARE — Country Bank announced it has been named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2026 list. Presented by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, the ranking recognizes institutions that drive local economic growth through small business support, community investment, and expanded access to everyday banking services. The annual ranking recognizes institutions that earn customer trust through strong financial performance, high satisfaction, and meaningful community engagement. Country Bank stands among the most well-capitalized banks in Massachusetts, with a 93% customer satisfaction rating and more than $1 million annually in charitable donations and sponsorships supporting local communities. This recognition follows a year of continued growth and innovation at Country Bank, as the 176-year-old organization expands access to personalized financial services through its branch network, business offices, and digital offerings.

MCLA Enrollment Grows for Second Consecutive Year

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) reported that deposits for the incoming class are up 20% over last year, marking the second consecutive year of enrollment growth. That growth is happening against a backdrop where the college-age population is declining nationally. High-school graduation numbers in Berkshire County have been falling for years. Even so, MCLA has 94 deposits from the Berkshire region this cycle, up 29% from last year. The growth reflects a deliberate shift in how MCLA approaches recruitment. Rather than casting a wide net, the college focused on reaching the right-fit students more often and more authentically, a strategy built for a generation that grew up digitally with handheld devices. Program-level demand is also driving the numbers. Nursing deposits have jumped from 13 to 30, more than doubling compared to last year. Psychology is close behind, up from 12 to 18, a 50% increase. Both programs reflect students’ growing focus on careers in health and human services. This summer, MCLA will continue to receive deposits from Hampshire College and Anna Maria College transfer students. As the college reviews and accepts those applications, enrollment is expected to climb further.

UMass Programs Recognized in U.S. News Global Rankings

AMHERST — The UMass Amherst agricultural sciences and food sciences and technology programs have again been ranked among the top 10 worldwide in the 2026-27 Best Global Universities by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were based on a methodology using data and metrics from Clarivate, which weighs factors measuring a university’s global and regional research reputation and academic research performance. The Department of Food Science — the oldest of its kind in the country, with internationally recognized faculty members who have made significant contributions to the field — again ranked first in the U.S. and fifth globally out of 250 institutions in the Food Science and Technology category. UMass Amherst’s food science program has placed among the top 10 in the global rankings since 2018 and has placed first in the U.S. at least five times. For the seventh consecutive year, UMass Amherst maintained its top ranking in the U.S. and eighth globally in the Agricultural Sciences category, which includes horticulture, food science and nutrition, dairy science, and agronomy programs at 500 institutions.

Bay Path University Recognized for Teacher Preparation

LONGMEADOW — The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Bay Path University has earned an ‘A’ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well it prepares future teachers to teach reading to elementary students. The report, “Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,” published on June 9, spotlights Bay Path for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, and avoids many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read. Bay Path was one of only six programs in Massachusetts to receive a grade of ‘A’ or higher and the only program in Western Mass. to earn that distinction. Bay Path’s program places undergraduates in local school districts, including Springfield Public Schools, Longmeadow Public Schools, West Springfield Public Schools, and the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District, where they gain hands-on experience through practicums and fieldwork in early childhood and elementary education settings.

Springfield College Awarded Grant for Early Literacy Prep Programs

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Department of Education has been awarded a $56,225 grant from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation to support its early literacy preparation programs. The funding supports a project that will partner the college’s teacher candidates with HILL for Literacy, a leading Massachusetts literacy organization that collaborates closely with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and school districts across the state. Together, the two groups will provide 10 professional learning sessions for the college’s teacher candidates focused on curriculum literacy and the effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials, with a particular focus on Core Knowledge Language Arts, a curriculum used by many of the college’s district partners. The work will be embedded directly into the required literacy coursework during the 2026-27 academic year. In the fall, Springfield College’s undergraduate students in education will participate in a sequence focused on understanding curriculum design and instructional coherence. In the spring, the sophomore cohort will continue into a second sequence focused on implementation, differentiation, and responsive instruction for diverse learners. In addition to supporting candidate learning, the grant includes funding for interdisciplinary research, student participation in a spring conference presentation, and an end-of-year symposium that will bring together campus leaders, district partners, literacy organizations, and state-level stakeholders to share findings and lessons learned.

Square One Settles Strike with Union Workers

SPRINGFIELD — Following a labor strike that began on June 2, Square One leadership announced on June 12 that an agreement had been reached, and early education staff, van drivers, and food service workers returned to work. Under the terms of the ratified contract, unionized staff received an immediate 9% increase, followed by 3% increases on July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027. The organization also negotiated a higher starting wage. “We will continue to encourage our staff to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement, financial incentives for increasing credential attainment, and flexible hours to pursue their higher education. We know this will greatly benefit them individually and will be an asset for our children as their early education and care needs continue to evolve,” Square One President and CEO Dawn DiStefano said. “As I have said throughout the negotiating process, I have the utmost respect for the work that our teachers, drivers, and food service providers do each and every day. They are beloved by our children and families and cherished by myself, my fellow leaders, board of directors, staff, and volunteers. I am pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement that benefits our team while protecting Square One’s financial stability.”

MBK Hosts Final Leg of Law Enforcement Torch Run

HOLYOKE — On June 3, Meyers Brothers Kalicka P.C. (MBK) hosted its second annual rally for the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Massachusetts, welcoming the team known as the Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members, and Special Olympic athletes as they carried the Flame of Hope to Boston for the opening ceremony. The event was held at PeoplesBank headquarters, spearheaded by Lauren Foley and Christopher Soderberg, supervisors at MBK. Together, they brought professionals from MBK and neighboring businesses together for an afternoon of cheering, learning about the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and connecting with Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers during a meet-and-greet.

ArchitectureEL, VOC Partner on New Housing Opportunity

HOLYOKE — ArchitectureEL (AEL) announced its partnership with Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) on the adaptive reuse of a former neighborhood convenience store in Holyoke, transforming the long-vacant commercial space into a new residential apartment. The project represents another step forward in addressing housing needs while revitalizing underutilized properties throughout the city. Valley Opportunity Council, a long-standing community action agency dedicated to expanding opportunities and improving quality of life throughout Greater Hampden County, has a strong history of supporting housing initiatives and neighborhood investment. The organization’s mission includes helping individuals and families achieve greater stability and independence through housing and community development programs. The project adds to ArchitectureEL’s growing portfolio of work throughout Holyoke. The firm has played a significant role in numerous public and community-focused projects across the city, including work for the city of Holyoke, the Holyoke Housing Authority, Holyoke Public Schools, and other local institutions. Recent projects have included historic renovations, building upgrades, roof replacements, HVAC improvements, and other investments that help preserve and strengthen the city’s built environment.

Armbrook Village Named Best Senior Living Community

WESTFIELD — Armbrook Village has earned the honor of U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Senior Living award in all three categories — Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care — in the publication’s fifth annual year assessment of assisted living communities. Best Senior Living ratings are based on multiple aspects of a resident’s daily life. Considered categories include dining experiences, programming, safety, and the overall value of care given to each resident. “Between movie nights, educational lectures, art classes, and book clubs, Armbrook Village is known for its engaging social programming,” the facility stated. “With various brain-healthy choices on the community’s menus and an enthusiastic dining staff, a fine dining experience is offered to all residents at each meal. Caregivers are available 24/7, ensuring a safe environment for all residents and peace of mind for families.”

Eversource Introduces New Tool for Storm Response

BOSTON — As severe weather events grow more frequent and electric systems become increasingly complex, Eversource is introducing its new Wareham Electric Training Center, a first-of-its-kind facility designed to improve storm response, enhance electric reliability, and prepare the next generation of highly skilled electric workers. Built inside a former movie theater and transformed into a 29,000-square-foot operations and training complex, the facility represents one of Eversource’s most significant investments in workforce readiness and emergency preparedness in Massachusetts. The center will serve as both the company’s premier electric training facility and a regional storm response hub where crews, equipment, and restoration resources can be strategically staged before and after major weather events impacting Southeastern Mass., the South Coast, and Cape Cod. The Wareham center will also play an important role during major weather events. By serving as a storm response staging hub, the facility allows Eversource to strategically position crews, specialized equipment, and restoration materials closer to areas expected to be impacted by severe weather, improving coordination and supporting faster restoration efforts once conditions are safe.

Be the Brand AI Recommends

By Contributor
Opinion

For 20 years, the question that kept marketers up at night was simple: where do we   rank on Google? A page-one result meant traffic, and an industry grew up around that goal. That world is quietly ending. The question is no longer where you rank, but whether the AI answering the customer’s question ever names you at all.

Ask ChatGPT for the most trusted accounting firm in your region, or Google’s AI overview which manufacturer makes a custom part, and you increasingly don’t get 10 blue links. You get one answer, delivered with the quiet authority of a friend’s recommendation. The brands named win. The brands left out don’t get a second-place ribbon; they simply don’t exist when the decision is made. Discovery has moved from a list you scroll to a response you trust.

Two terms describe the work of staying visible. Answer engine optimization (AEO) is becoming the source answer engines pull from when they respond to a question. Generative engine optimization (GEO) is shaping how tools like ChatGPT understand and cite your organization. Same truth: the audience you used to reach through ranked links is now handed a synthesized answer, and your job is to be inside it.

Much of the early conversation framed this as a threat: AI is rewriting your brand, hallucinating about your company. There’s truth there. But fear points you toward defense, and the real action is on offense. AI-powered discovery rewards brands with genuine authority, and early movers are hard to displace. Once a model learns that a firm is the reliable answer to a question, the association sticks, reinforced every time it’s asked. Early movers become the default the system returns to.

Consider a large regional nonprofit, well-established and genuinely authoritative. By every traditional measure, it was doing fine. Yet its readiness for answer engines was leaking value invisibly, not from lack of effort but lack of consistency. Across its own channels, it was named three slightly different ways and described as two different kinds of organization, and the external profiles that feed AI answers were missing or unmanaged. A human visitor forgives this and reads around it. A language model can’t. Facing three names for one organization, it has no reliable way to know they’re the same entity, and no confident basis for describing you. Inconsistency reads as uncertainty, and uncertainty keeps you out of the answer.

So where do you start? With consistency. Settle on one official name, one short description of what you do and who you serve, and one set of core facts: location, contact, founding date, area served. Then carry those identical details across every place your organization appears: website, social profiles, directories, and listings. It sounds too basic to matter. But it’s the single highest-value move most organizations can make, precisely because so few have made it.

From there, the work moves outward. Your website should say plainly, in its first lines, what you do and who it’s for, and look alive, because freshness is a trust signal. Then comes the part most organizations skip: signals from outside your own walls. Answer engines weigh what others say about you as heavily as what you say yourself: the press that covers you, the reviews customers leave, the independent sources a model has learned to trust. A single feature in a respected outlet can shape how AI describes you more durably than a year of your own blog posts. Increasingly, that includes video, since AI answers are becoming multimodal and often pull the exact moment from a YouTube explainer built to be understood: a clear title, a clean transcript, content that gets to the point.

The urgency isn’t manufactured; it’s how these systems learn. Authority in AI answers accrues slowly and then locks in. The brand that becomes the trusted answer this year is the one the models keep surfacing next year. This isn’t about gaming an algorithm. It’s the unglamorous work of becoming consistently, legibly authoritative, and doing it before the category fills up.

The window is open. The only question is whether you walk through it while it’s an advantage, or after it’s become table stakes.

John J. Garvey is president of Garvey Communication Associates Inc., a digital public relations and marketing agency.

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.

AGAWAM

Benko Inc., 248 River Road, Agawam, MA 01001. Tatyana Nakhabenko, same. Vehicle hauling company.

BELCHERTOWN

Christina Wichert Real Estate Inc., 12 Waterford Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. Maria Vintayen Wichert, same. Real estate sales.

CHICOPEE

Avyan Financial Services Inc., 110 Wheatland Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Jaimin Patel, same. Financial services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Connection Cat Cafe Inc., 112 Nottingham Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Kathyrn Candela Yvon, same. Nonprofit corporation providing animal rescue, foster care, and adoption services; promoting the humane treatment of animals; and fostering emotional wellness, social connection, and community healing through human-animal interaction and educational programs.

FLORENCE

Quantum Mental Healthcare Inc., 716 Ryan Road, Florence, MA 01062. Pamela Williams, same. Mental health, therapy, and medication management.

GREENFIELD

Los Tres Hermanos Inc., 30 River St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Mayra Escobar Quintanilla, same. Mexican and Salvadorian food delivery and eat-in restaurant.

HOLYOKE

Cana Leaderz Inc., 16 Mayer Dr., Holyoke, MA 01040. Dashaun Goodman, same. Cannabis business.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Cruz Alliance Corp., 520 Main St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Anthony Payero, same. Convenience stores and bodegas.

LEE

Samjan Corp., 155 Summer St., Lee, MA 01238. Jay Patel, same. Golf operations and restaurant.

LUDLOW

Thoxa CPE Inc., 681 West St., Ludlow, MA 01056. John Stefanidis, same. Fast casual franchise.

MONSON

Pulpit Rock Services Inc., 39 Lakeshore Dr., Monson, MA 01057. Jerrold Trehey, same. Consulting for startups and small manufacturing.

NORTHAMPTON

Dales Pony Conservancy of North America Inc., 33 Aldrich St., Northampton, MA 01060. Meg Robbins, same. Nonprofit conservancy for rare breed horses.

New England Weavers Seminar Inc., 60B Masonic St., Northampton, MA 01060. Patricia Colson-Montgomery, 4 Smith Road, Chesterfield, MA 01012. Nonprofit organization promoting interest in, and improving the quality of, handweaving and related arts and skills, principally by means of a biennial seminar.

PITTSFIELD

Adhikary Management Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Utsarga Adhikary, same. Consulting services.

Cupparoma Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Yunying Chen, same. Developing, importing, manufacturing, distributing, and selling premium single-origin teas, tea concentrates, functional tea-based beverages, and related brewing equipment and accessories.

Glamour Bridal Suite and Spa Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Natalie Adames, same. Bridal and event makeup artistry and spa services.

My3Tech Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Prakash Saripalli, same. Information technology solutions and services.

Sigenex Global Holdings Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tanvir Rasab, same. Development of technology and reagents for biochemistry processing of tissues samples.

United Independent Agents Syndicate Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Salome Basebang, same. Financial services.

SPRINGFIELD

Ali Z Three Corp., 435-441 Springfield St., Springfield, MA 01107. Ali Elzinji, 27 Bronson Ter., Springfield, MA 01108. Business of operating, managing, and investing in residential and commercial rental properties, as well as owning and operating retail stores offering consumer goods and related services.

Our 11 Inc., 20 Fort St., Springfield, MA 01103. Eladio Pacheco, same. Nonprofit organizing activities in low- and moderate-income communities that bring parents, youth, and advocates together with educators and community leaders to address and implement social-emotional learning and spiritual and educational empowerment through the use of football to create and improve self-sufficiency.

STURBRIDGE

Noah’s Ark Pet Supply Inc., 57 Main St., Suite 4, Sturbridge, MA 01566. Scott Szolusha, 53 Laurel Hill Dr., Woodstock Valley, CT 06282. Business of buying, selling, grooming, distributing, and the care of wholesale and retail pets, pet foods, pet supplies, and products, merchandise, articles, and services related to pets of any kind.

WILLIAMSBURG

Patience Financial Inc., 7 North Main St., #152, Williamsburg, MA 01096. Amos Hausman-Rogers, same. Financial services: CFO, bookkeeping, and accounting.

Agenda

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Agenda

Christmas in July at Silver Bell Farm

July 11-12: Silver Bell Farm is bringing back Christmas in July, inviting families to celebrate the magic of Christmas in the middle of summer with Santa, wagon rides, holiday treats, food trucks, and festive activities for all ages. After taking a year off, the popular event returns with two days of festive fun featuring visits and story time with Santa, Santa wagon rides, an elf scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, goat meet-and-greets, face painting, barrel train rides, bounce houses, pedal tractors, indoor and outdoor play areas, and more. With activities for all ages, families can spend the day enjoying Christmas magic in the middle of summer. Families looking to cool off can visit the North Pole Fire Station water feature, enjoy a Grinch slushie or frozen hot chocolate, or stop by the farm’s ice cream window for a sweet summer treat. Murphy’s Mobile will be serving food on Saturday, while Macken’s Sliders will be on site Sunday. Silver Bell Farm’s café and bakery will also be open throughout the weekend with fresh baked goods, cider donuts, coffee, frozen beverages, and other farm favorites. Admission to the event is free. A variety of free and paid activities will be available throughout the day. Santa wagon rides are the only activity that requires advance reservations.

Feed the Kids Charity Golf Tournament

July 13: Feed the Kids is seeking sponsors, silent auction donations, and community support for its ninth annual Feed the Kids Charity Golf Tournament at Springfield Country Club. Proceeds from the event benefit organizations fighting childhood hunger across Western Mass., including Square One, the Holyoke Weekend Backpack Program, Pioneer Valley Powerpacks, Franklin County Technical School Food Pantry, and Team No Kid Hungry. Funds raised help support programs providing meals and food assistance to children across the region, ensuring children facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals on weekends, during school breaks, and at times when school meal programs are unavailable. Since its inception, the fundraiser has raised more than $600,000. Sponsorship opportunities range from $150 tee sign sponsorships to $5,000 platinum sponsorships. Feed the Kids is also seeking donations of products, services, and gift certificates for its silent auction and raffle. Community members may also make direct financial donations to support local meal programs. For more information about sponsorships, auction donations, or contributions, visit feedthekidsgolf.com or email Kadushin at [email protected].

One Night Stand … Up Comedy Fundraiser

July 31: The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce is conducting its One Night Stand … Up Comedy Fundraiser at the Hardwick Vineyard and Winery. The event will be headlined by award-winning comedian Ray Harrington, who is known globally for his infectious and charming performances with hilariously irreverent material and marvelous improvisational riffing that embraces life with a smile. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce and its ongoing mission to assist its more than 200 member businesses and promote tourism to the area. The event will also feature a pair of Boston comedians, Kinda Lansburg and Sam Ike. Tickets cost $40 per person and are only available to purchase on the chamber’s official website, qhma.com. This is a rain or shine event with general admission seating, and attendees must be at least 18 years old.

Pig Roast to Benefit Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation

Sept. 12: Families, friends, and supporters from across the region are invited to attend the 2026 Pig Roast benefiting the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation and hydrocephalus research from noon to 5 p.m. at Outlook Farm in Westhampton. This family-friendly community event will bring people together for an afternoon of food, live entertainment, children’s activities, and fundraising efforts to support hydrocephalus awareness, advocacy, and research. Guests will enjoy a pig roast meal, choice of sides, and a non-alcoholic beverage while taking part in activities that include live music by local rock band Axis, a bounce house and activities for children, ppportunities to connect with families and supporters impacted by hydrocephalus, and a special appearance by Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer from 1 to 2 p.m. Hydrocephalus, often referred to as ‘water on the brain,’ affects thousands of children and families. Events like this pig roast help raise critical funds for research, support programs, education, and advocacy efforts while bringing together a community united by hope and determination. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-12. Children age 5 and under are free. Organizers ask that all attendees register in advance at runsignup.com/ticketevent/pigroast2026 to ensure an accurate headcount.

RVCC Golf Tournament

Sept. 18: River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), a member of ServiceNet, will hold its 11th annual golf tournament at East Mountain Country Club in Westfield. All proceeds will directly support RVCC’s youth mental health programs, including the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) and School-based Outpatient Therapy Services. Both programs are designed to meet young people where they are, sending therapists into homes and placing them inside local schools so that more families can get the support they need. For many children and teens, these programs are the difference between getting help or going without. The cost per golfer is $125 and includes golf cart rental, lunch, dinner, and prizes. There will also be a raffle and contests on the course. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start, meaning all groups will tee off simultaneously. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

58th Annual Chamber Cup

Sept. 25: The Greater Holyoke Chamber is inviting businesses, professionals, local leaders, and community partners from across Western Mass. to participate in the 58th annual Chamber Cup at Westover Golf Course. Registration is now open for the annual event, which brings together the regional business community for a day of golf, networking, visibility, and relationship building. The event is open to chamber members and non-members alike, making it a regional opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach and community presence. Businesses can participate in several ways, including registering a foursome, becoming an event sponsor, sponsoring a hole or meal, donating raffle prizes, or volunteering during the event. Each option offers a different path to visibility and engagement, whether a company wants to host clients, recognize employees, promote its brand, or support a signature community event. The day will include golf at Westover Golf Course, breakfast, lunch, raffles, and opportunities to connect with business owners, executives, public officials, nonprofit leaders, and professionals from throughout Western Mass. Companies interested in playing, sponsoring, donating raffle prizes, or volunteering can visit holyokechamber.com or contact the chamber for more information.

Picture This

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Picture This

STCC Groundbreaking

Springfield Technical Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 17 for a $55 million project to relocate the School of Health and Patient Simulation to Scibelli Hall. The project will create a new home for more than 20 healthcare degree and certificate programs, as well as the college’s nationally accredited SIMS Medical Center. Pictured, from left: STCC trustees Jeffrey Sattler and Samalid Hogan, state Sen. Adam Gomez, Maddy Landrau of the MassMutual Foundation, STCC President John Cook, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and STCC trustees Michael Knapik, Elizabeth Oleksak-Sposito, and William Davila. (Photo by Paul Bloomfield)

Fill the Food Bank

On March 31, six Hampden County chambers of commerce joined forces in the fight against food insecurity, raising $6,590 and collecting 1,881 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through their third annual Fill the Food Bank event. Pictured, from left: Diana Szynal of the Springfield Regional Chamber, Amanda Waterfield of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Melissa Breor of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Totz of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Robin Wozniak of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, and Cheyenne Burnham of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

Emerging Leader Award

Monson Savings Bank announced that Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA, Fraud, & Compliance, has been named the 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient by the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA). The MBA announced the 2026 recipients of its Women in Banking Achievement Awards at the recent annual Women and Allies in Banking Conference. Each year, the Emerging Leader Award honors one woman under age 40 who is a rising star in her institution and demonstrates the qualities of a forward-thinking, driven leader. Pictured, from left: Monson Savings Bank’s Dina Merwin, Dan Moriarty, Arbour, and Terri Fox.

Meeting Needs in Times of Grief

Rick’s Place announced it has received a $10,000 grant from the Alternatives for Youth Foundation (AYF) to support its ongoing grief support programming for children, teens, and families who are grieving the death of a significant person. This funding will help sustain free peer support groups and family-centered services, which provide opportunities for participants to connect with others who have experienced a death loss. Through support groups, special events, and community outreach, Rick’s Place offers a welcoming environment where youth and caregivers can express their thoughts and feelings, build supportive relationships, and develop tools for navigating grief.

Supporting Camp Shepard

Westfield Bank recently donated $150,000 to the YMCA of Greater Westfield. The donation will benefit the construction of a new welcome center, pavilion, and bathhouse at Camp Shepard, which, for more than 75 years, has served thousands of children, introducing them to nature while building confidence and lasting friendships. These upgrades, which will be financed by a larger capital campaign, will update the aging facility, expand capacity from 215 to 300 campers per day, and open the site year-round to the community, all while maintaining access and affordability. Pictured: Westfield Bank President James Hagan and YMCA of Greater Westfield CEO Andrea Allard (center) flanked by members of both organizations.

HCC Foundation Scholarships

The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation awarded $405,000 in scholarships to students for the 2026-27 academic year. The foundation awarded 438 scholarships to 422 incoming, current, and transferring HCC students. Some students received multiple scholarship awards. Individual awards range from $500 to $5,000. HCC celebrated this year’s recipients and donors at a scholarship reception on May 14. Pictured: HCC student Araba Murray-Adoboe celebrates her scholarship award with her family and HCC President George Timmons.

A Dual Shot of Uncertainty

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Opinion

“There’s something powerful about what happens when a company makes a real commitment to the community it serves. The impact of corporate giving isn’t always immediate or visible in one moment, but over time, it strengthens the organizations people rely on every day. It helps nonprofits stay resilient, expand their reach, and continue doing work that matters.”

That’s what Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank, wrote last month in a blog post for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, which recently partnered with the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and New England Public Media on a project called 413 Gives, with corporate sponsorship from Greenfield Savings Bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, and MHC Services.

As the article on page 4 explains, the goal was to draw more attention to the plight of nonprofits that have struggled with a broad swath of federal funding cuts over the past 18 months that affect aspects of the social safety net, from food pantries to housing assistance to healthcare and childcare services.

“Across our region, federal funding is declining at the very moment community needs are growing more complex and urgent,” said Kara Mikulich, president of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. “413 Gives is an opportunity for us to come together in a powerful expression of support for the organizations that hold our communities together.”

In saying this, Mikulich drew attention to what has become a dual stressor for nonprofits: some funding sources have dried up at the same time demand is soaring — because those federal cuts are also affecting individual benefits, which causes people to seek out services at a higher rate. That has put more pressure on philanthropic and foundation efforts to help fund the region’s many nonprofits — and are spurring awareness and fundraising campaigns, like 413 Gives, that aim to get people more involved.

“Last week, the Office of Management and Budget in Washington proposed changes to federal grant rules that would give agencies broader authority to terminate grants mid-project if they do not align with administrative priorities. The proposal would place greater weight on political review by appointees rather than encouraging independent peer review, increasing compliance and funding uncertainty for nonprofit organizations,” noted Karin George, board chair with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, in another post.

“It is unfortunate and dangerous to force nonprofits into constant ‘do more with less’ scenarios while continuing to increase the pressure,” she added. “This is why I am so grateful for philanthropy’s role in encouraging donors to provide unrestricted support through organizations like the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, with practices that reduce administrative burdens for nonprofits and make it easier for them to seek funding.”

In a challenging environment for nonprofits without any easy answers right now, their leaders — and the foundations that seek to support them — are hoping the message gets through.

Building Permits

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Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of June 2026.

CHICOPEE

Steven Levine
50 Ludlow Road
$8,499 — Roofing on building in cemetery

Paul Mailhott
291 Front St.
$6,000 — Roofing

NSPD LLC
680 Meadow St.
$3,000 — Add sprinkler heads to hallway and relocate branch line away from wall

EASTHAMPTON

Lathrop Community Inc.
100 Bassett Brook Dr.
N/A — Roofing

HADLEY

111-113 Russell Street LLC
111 Russell St.
N/A — Consolidate food prep areas, add ADA-compliant bathroom

Town of Hadley
131 Russell St.
N/A — Insulation

LEE

Animal Quackers LLC
920 Pleasant St.
$6,000 — Frame interior knee walls as office cubicles, finish floor, and possibly paint

LENOX

10 Richmond Mountain Rd YT LLC
10 Richmond Mountain Road
$29,171 — Extent fire sprinkler system to protect new addition

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$308,000 — Remove and replace 29 doors, install two sets of exterior entrance doors and two sets of interior vestibule doors

North Sandy Brook LLC
27 Housatonic St.
$6,000 — Insulation

Overlee Property Holdings LLC
65 Church St.
$4,500 — Siding

PITTSFIELD

Beacon Bank & Trust
99 North St.
$700,000 — Refinish/refresh walls, ceilings, lighting, and flooring; reconfiguration of space; modification of existing sprinkler system; new millwork and furniture

Beacon Bank & Trust
99 North St.
$123,500 — Interior office renovations on first and third floors, including finish upgrades and reconfigurations of office layouts

Berkshire Concrete Corp.
550 Cheshire Road
$85,430 — Roofing

City of Pittsfield
330 North St.
$74,405 — Kitchen cabinets and countertops

Clock Tower Partners LLC
75 South Church St.
$404,000 — Roofing

Elizabeth Freeman Center Inc.
66 Allen St.
$100,000 — Replace existing windows along south and west end of building

Kid Zone Child Care/Edu Center
699 Dalton Ave.
$183,300 — Roofing

Pitex LP
635 Merrill Road
$259,500 — Modifications for chicken fast casual restaurant, including new kitchen equipment, dining room finishes, and furniture

People on the Move

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People on the Move

Meghan Caputo

Monson Savings Bank announced the promotion of Meghan Caputo to Assistant branch manager of its East Longmeadow branch. In her new role, Caputo will support the branch manager in overseeing the daily operations of the branch, while striving to deliver exceptional customer service. Her responsibilities include assisting customers with banking needs such as IRAs and home equity lines of credit, supporting staff development, and ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance standards. Caputo earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bay Path University, where she developed strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that support her work in banking. Her educational background provides a solid foundation for navigating complex customer needs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to the overall success of branch operations. Prior to joining the bank, she spent eight years with Big Y Foods, where she held a supervisory role and was responsible for front-end operations, cash handling, scheduling, and payroll processing. She has now been with Monson Savings Bank for four years, bringing valuable experience and a strong commitment to customer service and operational excellence. An active member of the local community, Caputo enjoys participating in events such as East Longmeadow National Night Out and the Rotary Summer Concert Series. Her connection to the area and dedication to community involvement align closely with the bank’s mission of supporting the region it serves.

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Domenick Villano

Patricia Murphy

The Colvest Group announced two personnel moves: the promotion of Domenick Villano to vice president of Real Estate and the appointment of Patricia Murphy as controller. Together, they will support the company’s real estate, financial, and development efforts across the region. Villano, who previously served as Real Estate manager, has been with the Colvest Group for more than three years. In his new role, he oversees leasing operations, tenant relations, and property management efforts across the company’s portfolio. Before joining the Colvest Group, he worked as Real Estate manager for a B2B sales and e-commerce provider, overseeing a national portfolio supporting fulfillment, delivery, and office operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. He also spent seven years with a Springfield-based commercial real estate brokerage firm, working on office, industrial, retail, and land development projects. As controller, Murphy oversees the company’s accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and company filings. She is responsible for the financial oversight and reporting processes that support the organization’s operations and long-term growth. A certified public accountrant, she brings more than 33 years of accounting experience, including previous leadership roles with Duc-Pac Inc., Vesta Corp., and regional accounting firms Burgess, Robb and Grassetti, in addition to Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMass Dartmouth.

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Andrea Nuciforo Jr. has joined the law firm Bulkley Richardson as a partner. He will continue to represent healthcare, commercial real estate, and corporate clients on matters critical to their businesses. From 1997 until 2007, Nuciforo served in the Massachusetts State Senate, representing the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire district. Over the course of that 10-year period, he served as chair of the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Banks & Banking. He also served as a member of the budget-writing Senate Ways & Means Committee, in addition to other committees. While chair of Financial Services, Nuciforo developed a working knowledge of some of Massachusetts’ most heavily regulated industries, including mortgage lending, healthcare, state-chartered banks, and auto insurance. Nuciforo earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in 1986, a juris doctorate from Boston University School of Law in 1989, and an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business in 2010. He served as a law clerk to Chief Judge Frank Freedman of the U.S. District Court from 1989 to 1992.

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Bozena Dabek

Bozena Dabek, executive vice president, chief administrative officer at bankESB, has been elected to the board of directors of the Cooperative Banks Employees Retirement Assoc. (CBERA). She will contribute her extensive financial and operational expertise to help advance CBERA’s mission and ensure the continued strength and sustainability of its retirement programs. Dabek assumed her current role at bankESB in 2015 after serving as executive vice president, chief financial officer beginning in 2010. She now leads human resources, learning and development, and executive administration, bringing more than three decades of experience in finance and banking, including leadership roles at JPMorgan Chase, MassMutual Financial Group, and United Bank. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated deep expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Dabek holds an MBA in finance and international business from NYU’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. She also completed advanced professional studies at the New England School of Financial Studies.

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Jennifer McNeill

Allison Kline

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) has appointed two new members to its board of directors whose backgrounds in education, economic mobility, talent development, and community leadership closely reflect the organization’s mission of preparing young people for future success. Joining the board are Jennifer McNeill, senior program officer for Education and Economic Mobility at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; and Allison Kline, executive director of Talent Acquisition at Northwestern Mutual and CEO of Restoration Chaos. The board of directors supports JAWM’s efforts to deliver programs focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship for students across Western Mass. Board members also help strengthen partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations throughout the region.

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The board of trustees of the Academy of Music Theatre announced that Raymond Dumont has been named the facility’s new executive director. Dumont comes to Northampton from the Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine, and his tenure at the Academy of Music will begin on July 1. Born and raised in Maine, Dumont attended Boston University School of Management, majoring in finance and marketing. He has been working in professional theatre for more than 30 years as a performer, educator, director, choreographer, and producer. He has enjoyed more than 25 seasons at Maine State Music Theatre, including four years as managing director from 1999 to 2003. The Academy of Music’s soon-to-be-retired Executive Director Debra J’Anthony served the organization for 18 years, following 16 years of executive direction at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls. J’Anthony’s tenure at the historic venue ushered in extensive restorations and renovations to the building and updates to theatrical equipment; expanded programming that includes a Season Series, several community-based series, and greater youth educational offerings; and a re-establishment of the Academy of Music as an important center for live performance in the Pioneer Valley.

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Edward Alfieri

MountainOne Financial announced the appointment of Edward Alfieri as senior vice president, Operations. Alfieri joins the organization as MountainOne Financial continues to build a unified operational foundation following the merger of MountainOne Financial, MHC and Mechanics Bancorp, MHC. In this role, he will provide executive leadership for operational functions across the organization, supporting strategic initiatives, process improvements, technology integration, and long-term growth. Alfieri brings nearly three decades of banking experience to the role. Most recently, he served as senior vice president, Operations and Transformation at HarborOne Bank, where he led enterprise-wide operational and transformation initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, technology, and regulatory compliance. During his 28-year career with HarborOne, he held progressively senior leadership positions spanning branch operations, retail administration, banking administration, and enterprise operations.

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Rod Clark

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, has appointed Rod Clark district director for Massachusetts. In this volunteer leadership position, Clark will help support five Massachusetts chapters as they implement SCORE’s nationwide mission of fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring, education, and strategic partnerships. Clark brings decades of experience in sales and marketing from the medical device industry to this position. He has served in various SCORE chapter roles since 2017. His focus in this new role will remain on encouraging success for SCORE’s three key pillars: the small business community in each chapter, small business and entrepreneurial clients, and the volunteers who serve as mentors, subject matter experts, or in administrative roles. One of Clark’s most notable successes with SCORE was when his chapter, SCORE Southeastern Massachusetts, won the SCORE National Most Improved Chapter award in 2019.

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Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers announced the promotion of Mallory Nurse to senior interior designer and senior project manager, recognizing her design leadership, client service, and growing impact across the firm’s work. In her expanded role, Nurse will continue to lead interior design efforts across a diverse range of projects, shaping spaces that are both highly functional and deeply resonant with clients’ goals and brand identities. Her work has consistently elevated the firm’s design quality through a strong command of materials, detailing, and user experience, paired with the ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, manage complex schedules, and deliver projects successfully through construction. Beyond her project work, Nurse has played a central role in leading the firm’s marketing efforts, strengthening its reputation, visibility, and strategic positioning as a design-focused practice in a competitive marketplace. Her leadership has contributed to the development of proposals, award submissions, client-facing materials, and storytelling that more clearly communicate the firm’s design values and distinct approach. Kuhn Riddle also announced that Clara Danso joined the firm as a project designer in January. Born in Ghana, Danso brings her educational and professional experiences from her years there, as well as her work experience in New York City with Adjaye Associates, a major international architectural firm. She received her bachelor of architectural studies degree from Mount Holyoke College in 2017 and expects to receive her master of architecture degree from UMass Amherst in 2027. She recently completed the Architect Registration Examination, an important milestone on the path to architectural licensure. This accomplishment reflects her hard work, perseverance, and commitment to the highest standards of the architectural profession.