Agenda

Women of Impact Nominations

Through Sept. 2: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for the seventh annual Women of Impact awards. In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. Women of Impact was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level. Since its inception, the women honored through this program have been successful, inspiring, and most importantly, impactful. Consider nominating someone for this prestigious award. Nominations for the class of 2024 are due by Monday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m., and the honorees will be announced in the Oct. 14 issue of BusinessWest. Nominations should be written with one underlying mission: to explain why the individual in question is, indeed, a woman of impact. Visit businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nominations for additional information and a nomination form. The 2024 Women of Impact presenting sponsors are Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

 

Super 60 Nominations

Through Sept. 13: The Springfield Regional Chamber announced that nominations are open through Sept. 13 for its annual Super 60 event. This year, Super 60 will continue to honor businesses and nonprofit organizations within Hampden and Hampshire counties that have demonstrated significant achievements and impactful contributions. Winners will be honored at the Super 60 2024 Awards Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 8 at the MassMutual Center. Super 60 seeks to recognize and celebrate businesses that have achieved unprecedented success throughout their tenure and made significant contributions to the region, as well as nonprofit organizations that have displayed selfless dedication to serving the community through exceptional programming and support. This year, the chamber will feature Tania Barber, CEO of Caring Health Center, as its keynote speaker. Barber, honored as the 2023 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year at the chamber’s 2023 annual meeting, has advocated for eliminating health disparities and achieving health equity for the diverse, multi-ethnic communities in Western Mass. The Super 60 2024 categories are Revenue Award, recognizing companies for total revenue in the last fiscal year; Growth Award, recognizing companies for revenue growth over a consecutive three-year period; Start-Up Award, recognizing companies that have been in business for five years or less; Non-Profit Award, recognizing nonprofit organizations based on the percentage of their total spending dedicated to programs; and Give Back Award, recognizing companies that give back to the community, emphasizing the impact of their charitable work and employee engagement in their efforts. For full eligibility guidelines and to submit a nomination, visit springfieldregionalchamber.com/super60.

 

Willpower Foundation Annual Golf Tournament

Sept. 3: The Willpower Foundation announced its annual golf tournament, set to take place at Orchards Golf Club in South Hadley. The tournament is open to all golf enthusiasts, with a registration fee of $125 per person. Participants will enjoy a round of golf, lunch, and opportunities to win prizes. Proceeds from the event will support the Willpower Foundation’s mission to provide financial support to children and families affected by disabilities. In addition to golfers, the Willpower Foundation is actively seeking sponsors to help offset the costs of the tournament. Sponsorship opportunities range from hole sponsorships to event sponsorships, each offering benefits and recognition. Sponsors will have the chance to showcase their commitment to the community and support a worthy cause. For more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willpowerfoundation.org or email Hayley Procon at [email protected].

 

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley 30th Annual Golf Tournament

Sept. 7: Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host its 30th annual golf tournament starting at 8:30 a.m. at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown. Whether a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun day out, everyone is welcome. For $120, participants will enjoy a round of golf, a box lunch, and the chance to win prizes. Proceeds will directly fund scholarships and grants that empower women and girls to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Zonta is working to end child marriage, domestic violence, and human trafficking, while also supporting climate justice, education equality, and women in decision-making positions. Sign up at zontaqv.org/golf or call Mary Knight at (413) 323-4806. The organization also welcomes sponsorships from local businesses.

 

Seminar on Terminating Employees

Sept. 11: Elaine Reall, an attorney with the Royal Law Firm, will lead an exploration of the good, the bad, and the ugly surrounding employee terminations. The seminar, which will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at 33 Elliot St., Springfield, will explore effective strategies to lessen an organization’s exposure to time-consuming administrative agency complaints or legal actions. The first piece of advice: breathe deeply and mentally step away from a ‘personalized’ view of the situation. The cost of the seminar is $30 per person. Payments should be mailed, and checks made payable, to the Royal Law Firm, 33 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105. Registration is required, and seating will be limited. Email Heather Child at [email protected] to register or with any questions about the seminar.

 

Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Grand Opening

Sept. 12: Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI) has officially relocated its office location to the heart of downtown Pittsfield at 431 North St., former home of Jan Perry Realty. DPI invites its members and the public to a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and an opportunity to meet DPI staff and board members. The ribbon cutting will be immediately followed by an open house until 5 p.m. DPI is managing the Framework co-working space at 437 North St., offering rentals of semi-private offices, a classroom, and a boardroom to DPI members and the public. Those attending the open house are invited to tour these spaces. Semi-private offices are available for day or monthly rentals. A boardroom rental and multi-use classroom space rental with flexible configurations are available for day rentals with access to a lounge where renters can bring in catering from downtown restaurants.

 

Real-estate Sales Licensing Course

Sept. 16 to Oct. 17: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. Tuition is $425 and includes the book and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected].

 

Amherst BID Block Party

Sept. 19: The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID) announced its 11th annual block party will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on North Pleasant Street in downtown Amherst. This community event promises an evening of fun, entertainment, and celebration of all things Amherst. The annual block party draws thousands of residents and visitors. This year’s event will feature a lineup of live music and performances, showcasing local talent. Attendees can look forward to aerialists, acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a variety of street performers that will delight audiences of all ages.

 

Party for a Purpose

Sept. 19: With the goal of making sure Square One’s children have a new, state-of-the-art, outdoor learning and playspace, Friends on a Mission will host its annual Party for a Purpose to raise funds for the playground project at Square One’s Tommie Johnson Child & Family Center in Springfield. Now in its second year, Friends on a Mission started with a trio of friends — Bob Perry, Walter Tomala, and the late Jenn Schimmel — who set out to spend time together while giving back to the community. Their inaugural event held last fall raised more than $38,000 for Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. With early sponsorship support from PeoplesBank and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., this year’s Party for a Purpose, featuring cocktails, food, and festivities, will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Interested sponsors should contact Perry at (413) 530-3787. For tickets, visit www.startatsquareone.org.

 

Cruise for Critters

Sept. 21: The engines are revving for the much-anticipated Cruise for Critters at Westview Farms Creamery. Now in its 12th year, this car show, presented by Al Widlan, owner of Service Connection, is set to once again make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets in need at Second Chance Animal Services. Widlan has championed this event for over a decade, rallying car enthusiasts and compassionate hearts alike to come together for a worthy cause. This year’s Cruise for Critters promises an array of fall-themed activities for attendees of all ages. A vendor fair will offer unique items of all kinds, and the Halloween Barktacular kids’ games will be back, thanks to dedicated Second Chance volunteers. The festivities are set to kick off at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m., featuring food, ice cream, and an assortment of fall attractions that Westview Farms Creamery is known for, from pumpkin picking to navigating through a corn maze. The event will also include live music by the Barberic Band, a raffle, and more. The event is sponsored in part by Ted and Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas and by Joe Campisi, a longtime friend of Second Chance. Organizers extend an invitation to local businesses and vendors to support of pets in need. Information on sponsorship opportunities, item donations, and becoming a vendor can be found at secondchanceanimals.org/events/cruise. The event will welcome spectators free of charge. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in the show by contributing a $20 entry fee per vehicle, with every dollar earmarked for the betterment of pets’ lives. A rain date has been set for Saturday, Sept. 28.