BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

Originally scheduled for last week and postponed due to inclement weather, BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty celebration is now slated to take place over two days, Oct. 13 and 14 at the Upper Vista at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke.

The hybrid event will still take place at four ‘mini-events’ over two days, allowing 10 honorees to celebrate in person at each event. For those who can’t join us in person, BusinessWest has created a livestream option so friends and family can cheer on the class of 2020 from the safety and comfort of their home. A two-night ‘virtual access pass’ allows participants to see all 40 of this year’s honorees accept their awards on Oct. 13 and 14. To purchase your pass, visit: https://businesswest.com/blog/40-under-forty-two-night-celebration-postponed-to-oct-13-14/

The 40 Under Forty program for 2020 is sponsored by PeoplesBank and Health New England (presenting sponsors); Comcast Business, Isenberg School of Management, and Mercedes-Benz of Springfield (sponsors); the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (partner); and WWLP 22 News/CW Springfield (exclusive media sponsor).

Reading Success by 4th Grade Launches New Story Walks Project

SPRINGFIELD — Reading Success by 4th Grade (RS4G), Springfield’s community-wide early literacy initiative, is launching a new literacy project in Springfield, Springfield Story Walks, and will kick it off with a socially-distanced event at the site of its first installation on Oct. 13 at 12:30 p.m. at Gardening the Community, 200 Walnut St., Springfield.

The event will feature a ribbon cutting and brief program, with remarks from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Chrissy Howard, Reading Success by 4th Grade manager; Ibrahim Ali, director of Agriculture and Youth Programs at Gardening the Community; Jesse Lederman, RS4G Leadership Advisory Group member and Springfield City Councilor; Zee Johnson, owner of Olive Tree Books-n-Voices in Springfield; and Molly Fogarty, Springfield City Library director.

There will also be a read-a-loud by Tyeshia Weir and Melissa Blissett, Family Literacy Advocate leaders.

The Gardening the Community Story Walk, located at the organization’s Community Farm Store, will feature local author Grace Lin’s The Ugly Vegetables.

The Springfield Story Walks project will feature original full-color pages from children’s books installed in outdoor community settings, where families can walk along a path and read together. Families are encouraged to view the Story Walk, which will be up at 200 Walnut St. through the fall. The StoryWalk concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered services mark owned by Ferguson. Reading Success by 4th Grade will be opening more across the city in the coming weeks, and again in the springtime.

Earlier this summer, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced that Springfield was recognized as one of just 21 communities nationwide to be recognized with national Pacesetter Honors for supporting early school success in 2019, with exemplary work in Big Tent Collaboration and Messaging and Communications. Springfield was also named a Pacesetter Bright Spot for School Readiness.

Girls Inc. of the Valley Launches Initiative to Educate the Future of Women Voters

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley has launched its new initiative, She Votes, with a recorded video from Senator Elizabeth Warren to educate and support our future of women voters. The goal is to make sure every girl sees herself as a voter, knows the process, and is ready when it’s her turn. They’ve launched this campaign with two primary goals:

The Girls Inc. team are experts on girls and their development, both locally and nationally. Girls Inc. of the Valley is part of a 150-year-old organization that always puts girls first, inspiring them as they grow into strong, smart, and bold women. The privilege of voting is our most powerful agent of change. Only 14 states in the United States allow 16 and 17 year-olds to pre-register to vote, and Massachusetts is one of them. Girls Inc. of the Valley aims to pre-register as many 16- and 17-year-old girls as possible in this community-wide volunteer effort and to launch a peer fundraising campaign, to support the She Votes curriculum.

She Votes and Girls Inc. has received commitments from a variety of sponsors including MassMutual, Peerless Precision, Lotus & Compass Inc., and Chikmedia.

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s video can be found on the Girls Inc. of the Valley Website and Facebook page:

“Girls Inc. teaches us that today’s girls are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Senator Warren. “I want every girl in Massachusetts and across the country to know they can get out there and make their voices heard. Once you turn 16, you can pre-register to vote here in Massachusetts. You don’t have to wait until you’re 18 to be ready for the next election.”

The campaign launched October 1, on UNICEF’s International Day of the Girl, and will last through October 24. Girls Inc. of the Valley hosted a Facebook Live event to premier the launch video from Senator Elizabeth Warren and will be showing video spotlights from a variety of other influential women in politics throughout the campaign. Their goal is to highlight the importance of voting and having women in elected office with these videos. The She Votes campaign will take place right here in the Valley; simultaneously national and international media activities will take place all across the globe.

Dress for Success to Offer By-Appointment Tag Sale

Dress for Success Western Massachusetts will host another of its popular clothing tag sales at the Eastfield Mall to raise funds and awareness of its mission, but this time with a focus on public safety.

Individuals or small groups will be welcomed into the tag sale, to be held Oct. 19 through Oct. 24, by appointment only and for an hour at a time. Shoppers interested in booking a one-hour appointment to browse and shop should contact Boutique Manager Diane Jacobs at [email protected] or 413-732-8179. Four people will be scheduled each hour, so small groups are welcome. Masks will be required in order to shop at the tag sale.

As always, the new and gently used merchandise includes items from name-brand retailers and fashion houses such as Anne Klein, Evan Picone, Ellen Tracy and many more. Customers can fill a shopping bag for only $25.

The event will be held in the Eastfield Mall at 1655 Boston Road, Springfield, where Dress for Success maintains a boutique. The tag sale event itself will be held next door to Hannoush Jewelers. Hundreds of women have refreshed their wardrobes at past tag sales, while at the same time supporting Dress for Success’ mission to empower women to achieve economic independence. Be sure to tell your friends and mark your calendar—this is one event you don’t want to miss.

All proceeds will benefit Dress for Success Western Massachusetts. Volunteers are needed for the event. If you are interested, please contact [email protected].

For more information about Dress for Success Western Mass., contact Executive Director Margaret Tantillo at (413) 732-8179.

BusinessTalk with Pam Victor

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, 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.

Episode 34: Oct. 12, 2020

George O’Brien talks with Pam Victor, founder of Happier Valley Comedy

George O’Brien talks with Pam Victor, founder of Happier Valley Comedy, about her unique business, which focuses on improvisation and resilience training to help with professional development, how she’s had to pivot during the pandemic …. and also about how to stay positive, as difficult as that is, during these difficult times for all those in business. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

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STCC Will Remain Online This Spring with Mix of Low-density Labs

By BusinessWest Staff October 8, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will continue to offer online classes in the spring semester with a combination of on-campus, low-density labs for its health and STEM programs.

In an e-mail to the campus community, STCC President John Cook said operations in the spring semester will mirror the plan made for the fall in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cook and his administration consulted with faculty in making the decision. Classes in the School of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies will be fully online.

“We look forward to one day being back on campus full-time, but we need to safeguard our students, faculty, and staff,” Cook said. “The pandemic has created an unpredictable environment that prompted extensive and thoughtful discussions. After much consideration, we felt a mix of online classes and low-density labs for our technical and health programs, using strict social-distancing protocols, would be the best approach for the spring.”

STCC faculty members are currently working with their deans in the Online Development Program to prepare classes for spring delivery, said Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly.

“I’m impressed with the transition from on-ground to online classes this fall,” she noted. “I applaud our faculty who showed tenacity as they went through training this past summer to develop their fall classes. They are continuing this fall in developing spring online courses, showing a true dedication and commitment to serving our students during a difficult period.”

As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that utilize labs and specialized equipment and offer rewarding in-person experiences between faculty and students, de Berly said.

“We have no intention to convert to an online-only institution,” she added. “STCC prides itself on providing a hands-on educational experience that ranges from CNC labs for manufacturing programs to our patient-simulation center used by students in health programs.”

Florence Bank Announces Promotion of Shelley Moreau

By BusinessWest Staff October 8, 2020

FLORENCE — Florence Bank promoted Shelley Moreau to the position of vice president, mortgage compliance specialist in the Residential Lending department at the main office in Florence.

Moreau has been an employee of Florence Bank for 37 years. Prior to her recent promotion, she served as the assistant vice president, mortgage compliance specialist. She is a graduate of the American Bankers’ Assoc. Compliance School for Lending.

During her tenure at the bank, she has been the recipient of the President’s Award, which is awarded to employees who demonstrate superior levels of performance, customer service, and overall contribution to the bank. Moreau serves her community as treasurer and board member of the Hilltown Community Development Corp. in Chesterfield.

“We are thrilled to announce Shelley’s well-deserved promotion,” said Kevin Day, president and CEO of Florence Bank. “She is a dedicated and valued employee who consistently delivers great results. She has been an asset to the bank for many years, and I look forward to watching her progress even further in the years to come.”

The Children’s Study Home Announces New Executive Director

By BusinessWest Staff October 8, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — The Children’s Study Home (CSH) announced the appointment of William Dávila as its new executive director. He was selected after an extensive search by the board of directors and a national executive search firm, Egmont Associates.

Dávila brings 25 years of experience in nonprofit management and social services as a practitioner, manager, and senior-level administrator and executive, including his tenure as deputy executive director of CSH from 2006 to 2011. He has extensive experience managing and overseeing residential programs, special-education private schools, foster care, outpatient clinics, and various case-management programs serving children and families. He also has experience working in CARF-accredited programs and was previously a Council on Accreditation (COA) volunteer reviewer, from which CSH recently received full accreditation.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Dávila decided to return to the Children’s Study Home, where he previously served as deputy executive director, to now lead our agency,” said Gordon Quinn, president of the organization’s board of directors. “His extensive management experience, along with unique knowledge of our agency and passion for our mission, sets the stage for continued and greater success.”

In addition to his professional experience, Dávila has remained actively involved in the community over the years. He currently serves on the boards of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, New England Public Media, and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming & Health. He obtained his bachelor’s degree at UMass Amherst, his master’s degree in social work at Boston College, and his doctorate of education at the University of Hartford. He is also a licensed social worker in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“I am excited and proud to be coming back to lead an organization with so much history and such a storied legacy serving those in our community who are most vulnerable,” Dávila said. “And I’m eager get to work with such a talented and dedicated group of staff and board members.”

40 Under Forty Two-night Celebration

40 Under 40 Cover Story

2020 40 Under Forty Virtual-Hybrid Celebration
Tues., Oct. 13 & Wed., Oct. 14, 2020

2020 strikes again.

Due to high wind warnings in the region for tonight and tomorrow, Oct. 7 and 8, BusinessWest’s highly anticipated, two-day 40 Under Forty celebration has been postponed to next week: Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 13 and 14, at the Upper Vista of the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. People who have already signed up can use their existing username and login.

After consulting with meterologists and Log Cabin staff, the move was made out of an abundance of caution and concerns for the safety of attendees.

The hybrid event will still take place at four ‘mini-events’ over two days, allowing 10 honorees to celebrate in person at each event. For those who can’t join us in person, we’ve created a livestream option so friends and family can cheer on the class of 2020 from the safety and comfort of their home. A two-night ‘virtual access pass’ allows participants to see all 40 of this year’s honorees accept their awards on Oct. 13 and 14.

Click Here to Log-in to Event

Purchase virtual event tickets below:

Amid new restrictions imposed by the governor on large gatherings and with a strong desire to keep everyone safe, it was decided that the most prudent course was to instead celebrate our honorees’ accomplishments with a hybrid platform.

The hybrid event will be spread out over two days on Tues., Oct. 13 and Wed., Oct. 14. Each “mini-event” will allow 10 honorees to celebrate in person at the Upper Vista of the Log Cabin. For those who can’t join us in person, we’ve created a livestream option so friends and family can cheer on the Class of 2020 from the safety and comfort of their home. The new two-night ‘Virtual Access Pass’ allows you to see all 40 of this year’s honorees accept their awards on Tuesda, Oct. 13 and Wednesday, Oct. 14!

Please refer to the below list to see when your 40 Under Forty honoree will be accepting their award. Paid virtual guest may view any of the live-streamed sessions:

2020 Sponsors Videos

2020 Presenting Sponsors

2020 Sponsors

2020 Partner

2020 Exclusive Media Sponsor

Richard Swift Named President and CEO of Health New England

SPRINGFIELD — Richard Swift, who has served as Health New England’s (HNE) interim chief financial officer since April, has been appointed president and CEO, effective immediately.

Swift is an experienced chief executive officer and chief financial officer for provider- owned health plans, and a senior healthcare executive with over 30 years of leadership with integrated delivery systems, health plans, and provider groups throughout the country.

He has served as president of Medwise Partners, a health-insurance consulting company he founded in 1996. In that capacity, he has served in numerous interim executive roles for regional health plans throughout the U.S. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University and an MBA in healthcare administration from the University of Miami in Florida.

As president and CEO, Swift will be responsible for the successful operation of HNE; driving growth across the organization, including the development and execution of strategic plans; successful introduction of new programs and services; membership growth; operational, financial, and service excellence; and continued improvements in clinical quality with a focus on lowering the cost of care in Western Mass.

HCC to Continue Remote Instruction Through Spring

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College will continue to offer the majority of its classes remotely through the 2021 spring semester, HCC President Christina Royal announced in a message to students, faculty, and staff.

“So much has happened over the course of the last several months,” Royal said. “Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how our world will change from one day to the next. It is difficult to predict what life will look like for HCC months from now. However, we are preparing and planning as best we can for every possible scenario.”

In her message, Royal said that, “out of an abundance of caution,” HCC will continue to operate primarily remotely for the spring 2021 semester, with the vast majority of courses offered in a remote or hybrid environment.

“We anticipate that no more than 10% of courses offered this spring will be held on campus,” she added. “In every case, plans for offering face-to-face courses will be reviewed by the college’s Return to Campus Task Force to ensure that health and safety protocols are in place.”

Royal noted that it was important to make this decision now because registration begins Monday, Nov. 2 for HCC’s two-week January term and the spring 2021 semester. Registration and course materials must be prepared in advance of that date, so students have time to make informed decisions about their classes.

HCC’s January term, called Wintersession, begins Monday, Jan. 4. The spring 2021 semester begins Monday, Jan. 25. HCC will also be offering flexible spring start dates on Feb. 16 and March 29.

“This is a challenging time,” Royal said, “but our community is meeting it with resilience, creativity, and determination. I appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we navigate this time together. Supporting and inspiring our students remains our top priority today and always.”

Like most colleges, HCC started remote instruction in mid-March after the COVID-19 pandemic forced campus closures. This fall, all HCC classes are being offered in one of three formats: online, blended remote, and blended face-to-face.

Online courses follow a traditional, asynchronous online model with coursework deadlines established by instructors. Blended remote courses have asynchronous online components combined with real-time scheduled class meetings via videoconference platforms such as Zoom.

Blended face-to-face combines blended remote with some in-person instruction on campus. For the most part, this format is limited to health science programs that require clinical labs, such as nursing, radiologic technology, veterinary technician, and medical assistant.

Bruce Dixon Named CEO of Tech Foundry

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, a nonprofit with a mission to support the region’s growing need for a qualified technology workforce and elevate underrepresented groups into sustainable careers in information technology, has named Bruce Dixon its new CEO. Dixon will work alongside an 11-member board, lead a five-member staff, and drive strategic business partnerships and curriculum development to propel the already-thriving organization forward.

Founded in 2014, Tech Foundry has offered internships, networking opportunities, and instruction to traditionally low-income, underserved populations, preparing graduates for the entry-level IT workforce in the Pioneer Valley. These programs are offered free of charge to participants through generous donations from area businesses and members of the local community.

Dixon previously served as CEO of the Connecticut Pre-Engineering Program, a social venture that inspires and prepares underrepresented students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’s this background that generated interest among Tech Foundry board members, but it’s his well-rounded background and personal philosophy that solidified his candidacy.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Bruce Dixon to our team,” said Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus IT and co-founder of Tech Foundry. “Not only does he possess an impressive résumé, he understands and subscribes to the mission and vision of our organization.”

Dixon is an award-winning innovator, social entrepreneur, adventurer, storyteller, and self-proclaimed “human-performance geek.” His insatiable curiosity and zest for life has led him to trek around the globe and to engage in an eclectic array of vocations including professional football, financial-services management, leadership development, organizational behavior, coaching, and nonprofit innovation.

He has held a variety of leadership roles with the Hartford Financial Services Group and the Chubb group of insurance companies; was honored with numerous awards, including the Connecticut Science Center Award for Achievement in STEM Innovation and Education and Wesleyan University’s Social Entrepreneurship Award; and was invited as an honored guest to the 2014 inaugural White House Maker Faire.

Bradley Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler Readers as Eighth-best U.S. Airport

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Condé Nast Traveler released the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, with Bradley International Airport recognized as the eighth-best airport in the U.S.

“The results of this year’s survey, conducted at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, are a testament to the lasting power of a meaningful travel experience,” said Jesse Ashlock, U.S. editor of Condé Nast Traveler. “The winners represent the best of the best for our audience and offer plenty of trip-planning inspiration for all the adventures we can’t wait to have next.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry. Bradley International Airport was recognized as a top-10 airport for the fourth consecutive year.

“This award is a tremendous honor during a challenging year for the travel industry, and we are proud to once again be recognized among our nation’s best airports,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “We thank the travel community for their continued vote of confidence in Bradley International Airport and for underscoring the value of traveling through a smaller airport. Now more than ever, Bradley Airport stands out by always offering a clean, safe, and convenient travel experience.”

Westfield State Launches New Public Healthcare Administration Programs

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University’s College of Graduate and Continuing Education (CGCE) launched a new graduate degree concentration and certificate program that focuses on public healthcare administration. The master of public administration (MPA) in public healthcare administration concentration and the public healthcare administration certificate were approved recently by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

“Public healthcare is a priority, now more than ever, and we are excited about Westfield State’s new MPA in public healthcare administration concentration and certificate program because their curriculum provides an opportunity to better support our public healthcare system with high-quality, skilled workers,” said CGCE interim Dean Stefanie Sanchez. “The degree concentration — or the standalone certificate — addresses an ongoing need for healthcare leaders and administrators in several different capacities. With a focus on management and leadership, both options provide a clear path for advancement in the workforce.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for healthcare managers is strong and projected to grow 32% through 2029 — much faster than the average for all occupations. As the large Baby Boomer population ages, and more people remain active later in life, an increase in the demand for healthcare services is expected.

Graduates of the degree and certificate programs will be prepared to take on public healthcare challenges as government and nonprofit leaders, where they will lead the charge to create healthier communities. Students in both interdisciplinary programs benefit from an inclusive, supportive environment in which faculty are committed to their success and where they build relationships with their classmates that will continue long after they graduate. They will learn from full-time faculty and practitioners whose expertise is in nursing, biology, communications, healthcare economics, and policy.

MPA Program Director Charles DiStefano explained that, for many years, public-service leaders in Western Mass. have developed leadership and management skills in public management, nonprofit management, and criminal justice administration through Westfield State’s MPA program. Now, future leaders seeking to make their mark in public healthcare administration can benefit from the same specialized opportunity. Additionally, he added, successful public healthcare administrators are leaders within their agencies who effectively gain and foster political allies, nurture relationships within their communities, and build public trust.

“We have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic amazing examples of strong, effective leaders at the federal, state, and local levels, and we have felt the effects of failures by public healthcare officials,” DiStefano said. “By offering this concentration and certificate now, we demonstrate Westfield State’s commitment to nurturing leaders in the public healthcare community who will not succumb to fear or pressure from special interests, and who instead act in our collective best interest to keep us safe and healthy.”

BusinessTalk with Angela Lussier

Business Talk Podcast

Episode 33: Oct. 7, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Angela Lussier, CEO and Founder of Speaker Sisterhood

Thom Fox interviews Angela Lussier, CEO and Founder of Speaker Sisterhood. Speaker Sisterhood is a growth-stage start-up providing a community to women who want to discover, awaken, and create their voice through the art of public speaking. Angela discusses the pandemic’s impact on her business-model, how she is capitalizing on opportunities brought about by COVID-19, and offers tips about participating in successful on-line communications.

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Employer Confidence Remains Flat in September

BOSTON — Business confidence in Massachusetts was essentially flat during September as employers remained pessimistic about an economy that continues to struggle under the weight of the seven-month-old COVID-19 pandemic.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose three-tenths of a point to 46.6 last month, up from a low of 38.4 in April but still 12.3 points lower than a year ago. The reading remains below the 50-point level that signals optimism.

Opinions about the state of the national economy strengthened, while confidence in the Massachusetts economy declined. Employers feel more bullish about the future than about present conditions.

The stable confidence reading came during a month in which the Massachusetts unemployment rate fell from a highest-in-the-nation 16.2% to 11.3%. It was also a month that saw the number of newly reported COVID-19 cases in the Commonwealth begin to accelerate.

“Employer comments suggest a both uncertainty about the presidential election and frustration about the persistent disruption of the COVID pandemic,” said Raymond Torto, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and chair of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors (BEA). “Confidence among employers varies widely, depending upon the degree to which the economic downturn is affecting particular industries.”

One participant in the confidence survey commented that “conditions are quite uneven — dire for many, marginally satisfactory for some, and extremely strong for a few.”

The constituent indicators that make up the Business Confidence Index were mixed during September. Employers’ confidence in their own companies fell slightly to 48.7, 9.5 points lower than in September 2019.

The Massachusetts Index assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth lost 2.0 points to 44.1, while the U.S. Index measuring conditions nationally rose 4.2 points to 42.6. The state confidence reading has dropped 4.7 points during the past two months and now sits 19.2 points below its reading of September 2019.

The gap between attitudes toward Massachusetts and the nation shrank from 12 points in July — the largest in a decade — to 1.5 points last month. Massachusetts lost 403,200 jobs between August 2019 and August 2020.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, lost a point to 43.9. The Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose 1.5 points to 49.2, just shy of optimistic territory. The Employment Index increased slightly — 0.7 points to 48.6 — while the Sales Index, a leading indicator, rose 0.2 points to 45.0.

Large companies (49.7) were more optimistic than small companies (47.4) or medium-sized companies (43.9). Non-manufacturers (48.8) were more bullish than manufacturing companies (46.8).

“The confidence index continues to show a clear disparity by industry and by company size in the consequences of the economic downturn,” said Paul Bolger, president of Massachusetts Capital Resource Co. “At the same time, it is a positive sign that the Future Index is higher than the Current Index. That means employers looking beyond the current uncertainty anticipate improvement six months down the road.”

AIM President and CEO John Regan, also a BEA member, said the continued economic uncertainty facing employers underscores the importance of decisions by the Massachusetts Legislature to maintain a competitive business climate. He cited a recent vote to table two bills that would have presumed that employees who contract COVID-19 did so while on the job and could thus seek workers’ compensation benefits.

“The decision by the Legislature was good news for employers already facing huge potential increases in unemployment-insurance taxes,” Regan said. “Expanded workers’ compensation eligibility is inconsistent with the public-health science because workers could just as well contract COVID-19 from family, friends, or a trip to the beach as from the workplace.”

Professional Women’s Chamber to Present Woman of the Year Award to Beth Cardillo

SPRINGFIELD — The Professional Women’s Chamber invites the community to join in celebrating the 2020 Woman of the Year: Beth Cardillo, executive director of Armbrook Village. This event, usually held in-person, will be presented virtually this year on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. by Rise Event Production and Chikmedia, two local, women-owned businesses.

The award is presented annually to a woman in Western Mass. who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community. Attendees can tune in live on the Professional Women’s Chamber Facebook page. The event is free.

“I am flattered and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Cardillo said. “What sets me apart from all the other fabulous women that work to improve the quality of life for others — I would say absolutely nothing.”

Born in New York City, Cardillo moved to Massachusetts with her family as a teenager. As her parents were activists, her first march was at the United Nations against nuclear-bomb testing when she was 3 years old — and she hasn’t stopped marching yet. Her father was a newspaper journalist and editor and had a public-relations business. She’s always learned to be a change maker in the world for equity and peace, to keep questioning authority, taking risks, trusting her intuitions, embracing change, and asking questions. She’s proud of being a part of the generation that stopped the Vietnam War, and she still expresses her activism to this day while married with three kids and two grandchildren. Kayaking, traveling, friends, and family are her passions when she’s not doing any of the above.

“I feel like I should be sharing this award with everyone. So congratulations to you as well for doing all the hard work each and every one of you do daily,” Cardillo said. “I have always asked questions, acted curious, stood up for my beliefs, had a vision, found my voice, been a bit of a rebel, been accessible, thought big, and, of course, followed the motto since the ’60s: think globally, act locally. Education does not end with a diploma; it’s a lifelong process, as well as a purpose. Lastly, have fun every day!”

The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC) works to empower career-oriented women through participation in leadership, education, and networking opportunities, striving to strengthen the positive impact of women in the business community and on the economy. All individuals in the community are invited to attend this event.

“We are truly excited to honor Beth as our 2020 Professional Women’s Chamber Woman of the Year” chamber President Gillian Amaral said. “Her tenacity and leadership truly embody what the PWC stands for.”

UMass to Provide Asymptomatic COVID-19 Tests for Amherst First Responders, Inspectors

AMHERST — UMass Amherst and the town of Amherst announced that the university will provide asymptomatic COVID-19 testing for the town’s first responders and inspectors as part of their joint efforts to deter spread of the novel coronavirus.

Approximately 100 firefighters, police, and inspectors will be tested once per week in the university’s Public Health Promotion Center at the Mullins Center. The town will reimburse the university for the costs associated with the testing.

“UMass has a long tradition of supporting and partnering with the town’s front-line responders and is deeply appreciative for the invaluable role they play in enhancing the public safety of our campus community,” Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy said. “Currently, our resources and capacity are limited, but we are pleased to be able to make this commitment for the well-being of the entire community.”

Added Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman, “we appreciate that the university will provide a needed service to the town as we work to keep our employees safe and healthy. Our entire community relies on our expertly trained first-responder teams, and we welcome the opportunity to keep them, and ultimately our town, safe. The university has done a tremendous job in setting up such a professionally run testing regimen, and we deeply appreciate the campus’ willingness to accommodate our request.”

The university’s asymptomatic-testing program is one of the largest in the state. UMass Amherst has conducted more than 70,000 COVID-19 tests since Aug. 6, including approximately 48,000 tests of the off-campus student population living in the Amherst area.

Big Y Supports Breast-cancer Awareness, Research

SPRINGFIELD — In order to continue to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer, all Big Y supermarkets will donate proceeds from various departments throughout the store to 32 local breast-cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Since 2007, the chain has raised more than $2 million for this cause. The program, “Partners of Hope,” reflects the partnership, commitment, and support of breast-cancer awareness and research.

During the entire month of October, Big Y will donate a portion of the proceeds from both floral and produce purchases, including Sunshine Bouquets. Additionally, Big Y will donate five cents for each purchase of Big Y brands, including Full Circle Organics, Culinary Tours, Cravin’ Flavor, Food Club, That’s Smart, Wide Awake Coffee, Sweet P’s Bake Shop, Top Care Health, Tippy Toes, Pure Harmony, and Paw’s Happy Life purchased the week of Oct. 8-14 (some exclusions may apply). Big Y Butcher Shops will donate 10 cents from every pound of All Natural Angus Beef and Big Y Smart Chicken sold during the entire month of October, and Big Y Pharmacy & Wellness Center will also donate $5 for every flu shot given. New this year, customers can also donate directly to Partners of Hope via bigy.com/community/breastcancerawareness.

Big Y’s dietitian team, Carrie Taylor and Andrea Luttrell, will devote a portion of their fall newsletter to cancer prevention.

“During these challenging and stressful times, it has never been more important to take care of one’s health,” Big Y CEO Charles D’Amour said. “Thousands of women and many men are impacted each year by breast cancer. With a renewed focus on health and wellness and the importance of breast-cancer awareness and early detection, we hope that this initiative can not only help save lives, but someday lead to better treatments and ultimately a cure.”

Northern Tree Service Transitions to Employee Stock-ownership Plan

PALMER — Northern Tree Service Inc. announced it has transitioned the ownership of its business lines over to an employee stock-ownership plan, or ESOP.

The Lazear Capital Partners team worked with the management of Northern Tree Service to design a custom solution that included employee benefits, financial flexibility, and maximum tax advantages.

Founded in 1932 by Walter Cambo, the company was first established to service state and municipal tree work in Eastern Mass. Under the leadership of Paul Cambo, Northern Tree Service grew to provide land-clearing services for the ever-expanding energy grid in the Northeast. Furthering Northern’s expansion, now under the leadership of Paul’s son, Philip, Northern Tree Service has continued its growth to become one of the most diversified tree-care companies in the industry, servicing all New England and surrounding states.

“With the history of our employees’ dedication to the company comes personal responsibility for me to develop a succession plan that will help ensure its continued success, further strengthen its legacy, and reward all employees dedicated to the future of Northern Tree,” CEO Philip Cambo said. “While there were many succession plans available to Northern Tree, only one was the perfect fit to address my responsibility to the company. I’m proud to say that Northern is now 100% employee-owned through this newly formed ESOP.”

Added President Timothy LaMotte, “the ESOP was the choice we made to maintain the business’s current direction while simultaneously rewarding the 250-plus employees that have been so critical to the business’ success. We have a very specialized and highly skilled group of professionals focused on safety and integrity, and we are excited to see that continue.”

With the new ESOP in place, both Cambo and LaMotte will continue their current roles for the foreseeable future and gradually hand over the business’ operational control to the next generation of leaders.

Employee ownership through an ESOP is a retirement plan that allows employees to have an ownership stake in the firm through a qualified trust. Over time, employees earn an equity stake in the company’s shares through no cost to them. In practice, ESOPs encourage companies to stay rooted in a single place and generally keep employee turnover low because they reward tenure with more significant financial stakes.

Aegis Energy, EDF Group Announces Growth, Welcomes Michael Bartoszek

HOLYOKE — Aegis Energy, EDF Group, a leading provider of co-generation technology, hired experienced energy-sector professional Michael Bartoszek to the role of business development manager. Bartoszek’s hire comes during an extended period of growth; Aegis recently added 12 team members and has plans to add four more.

Although new to Aegis, Michael is no stranger to the company or its affiliates, having previously held the position of regional manager for the Eastern U.S. for Citelum North America, a unit of the EDF Group. With his knowledge of EDF offerings and more than two decades of industry experience, he is well-equipped to suggest energy solutions in his current role of business development manager.

“Michael brings invaluable energy experience to Aegis, so we expect he will make an immediate impact on new business development by educating and marketing our products and services to prospective customers,” Aegis President Lee Vardakas said.

The four available positions include business development specialist (entry-level), new business development manager, generator technician, and field services technician.

“We’ve been fortunate to experience growth, even during the pandemic,” Vardakas added. “That speaks volumes to the stability of our industry and company.”

To learn more about Aegis and the current open positions, visit aegischp.com/careers.

Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Steps Down

HOLYOKE — Bennett Walsh, the embattled superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, issued a letter announcing he will step down amid efforts to fire him and a week after he was criminally charged for his role in the deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the facility, the Boston Globe reported. Investigators have said that Walsh’s decision to consolidate units in the facility back in March led to “horrific circumstances” that allowed the virus to easily spread.

In his letter, Walsh, who has been on leave since March, called his work for the veterans’ home “a tremendous honor,” adding that “I very much appreciated the opportunity to serve my fellow veterans, and I strived every day to do my best for them and their families. Recent events, however, make it impossible for me to continue to serve.”

Kevin Jourdain, who chairs the facility’s board of trustees, also released a statement acknowledging Walsh’s letter of resignation.

“The board of trustees looks forward to a thoughtful and robust search process to fill this critical leadership position,” he added. “The board of trustees will seek a candidate who is highly qualified and able to lead the facility to its full potential to provide our veterans with the outstanding care they so richly deserve.”

Springfield Initiative Receives National Funding for Workforce-development Strategy

SPRINGFIELD — Since 2016, the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC), through its Springfield WORKS initiative, has brought together employers, educators, community leaders, the city, and residents to address how to meet the economic needs of both Springfield residents and local businesses. As a result of this collaboration, it became clear that there was a need to increase employer engagement to hire locally and invest in upskilling for worker advancement.

To that end, a partnership developed between the EDC and Baystate Medical Center (BMC), the largest employer in the region, to bring such strategies to fruition in Springfield. The BMC/EDC team was awarded $125,000 from the Ascend at the Aspen Institute’s Family Prosperity Innovation Community for a project that seeks to engage more employers in identifying and addressing institutional practices and policies that will support their growth and development of low-wage, entry-level employees and better access to career pathways, and simultaneously provide ready access to employment for residents from surrounding limited-opportunity neighborhoods.

The funding will support Baystate Health’s ‘anchor institution mission’ to support and revitalize low-income communities though inclusive local hiring through deliberate action and meaningful collaboration with community workforce-development and training organizations affiliated with Springfield WORKS. ‘Anchor institutions’ have traditionally been nonprofit, place-based entities, such as universities and hospitals, that are able to leverage their resources for the benefit of the local community in hiring, investment, purchasing, and more.

What is unique about what is happening in Springfield is that a traditional anchor, Baystate Medical Center, is joining with the EDC’s Springfield WORKS and Parent Villages, a community-based parent organization, to establish a network of organizations that move children and their parents toward educational success and economic security. Springfield’s Family Prosperity Innovation Community initiative is an innovative, two-generation approach focusing on employees, their families, and children together with a gender- and racial-equity lens.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we knew we needed innovative economic-development models to meet the needs of employers and job seekers in our region. That is even more true today,” said Rick Sullivan, thre EDC’s president and CEO. “This anchor strategy is an effort to more strategically and effectively harness the power of local institutions to become the social and economic engines of our communities.”

Springfield’s Family Prosperity Innovation Community initiative will engage all employers in committing to develop and set measurable goals around local hiring, internal workforce advancement and pathways to living-wage jobs, and diversity and inclusion.

“Baystate’s participation in the Aspen Institute’s Ascend Family Prosperity Innovation Community is a strategic investment that promotes economic dignity for low- and moderate-income workers and equitably strengthens their families,” said Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health at Baystate Health. “Simply put, economic dignity means changing how we support workers to have a financially stable family life that brings with it fair access to opportunities and makes it easy for their children to live healthy lives.”

BusinessTalk with Sandra Doran

Business Talk Podcast

Episode 32: Oct. 5, 2020

George Interviews Sandra Doran, President of Bay Path University

In this episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Sandra Doran, president of Bay Path University. In a wide-ranging interview, the two discuss everything from COVID and its impact on campus life, to the many challenges already facing higher education before the pandemic, to the many ways in which COVID may ultimately change the higher education ‘experience.’

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Race Street in Holyoke to Become Pedestrian-friendly Outdoor Space Starting Oct. 3

HOLYOKE — Race Street in Holyoke, located along the canal, will be transformed into a pedestrian-friendly walk for the fall season, named “Canal Walk Roll & Stroll,” and will formally launch on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. The project is an initiative of the City of Holyoke and supported by the Solomon Foundation, and is a collaborative civic project managed by OneHolyoke Community Development Corp.

The goal of the project is to make the Race Street canal walk the biking, walking, and leaf-peeping destination in downtown Holyoke, so neighborhood residents can enjoy an enhanced healthy outdoor location through the fall.

The transformation of Race Street includes temporarily adding specially designed barriers and markers to expand the walkable and bikeable zones on the street while still allowing space for parking. By temporarily narrowing the road to single-car use, Race Street will be a safer, relaxed site for food trucks and other vendors. Transportation planning was provided by Kittelson & Associates.

The Canal Walk Roll & Stroll will be installed on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon, and will remain through the fall. Walking, bicycling, and literacy events on site will be announced. Community groups, food trucks, and other vendors are invited to use this public space and are encouraged to contact the project manager for inquiries and assistance.

In support of the Canal Walk Roll & Stroll, Holyoke’s Bike & Pedestrian Committee will offer an air and oil station for bicyclists who visit Race Street at the kickoff at 2 p.m. on Oct. 3. Gift pouches will be given to the first 25 participants. A community walk will also be hosted from the same location on Saturday, Oct. 24, with more details to follow.

In addition, beginning Monday, Oct. 5, the Holyoke Chicopee Head Start Family & Community Program will install a ‘story walk’ on the Race Street canal walk, between Dwight and Cabot streets, featuring Graeme Base’s Animalia. A story walk is a different way to read a children’s book, where pages of the story are posted outside and families read as they walk. The story walk will be left up during the month of October.

Forest Park Zoo to Host Second Virtual Trivia Night on Oct. 21

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park will host its second Virtual Trivia Night on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

The event will take place on Zoom. The game will consist of four Halloween-inspired categories, each containing 15 multiple-choice questions. Players can either use a smartphone or a second browser to submit answers during the game.

“There are increased costs associated with animal care in the winter,” said Gabry Tyson, Development associate at the Zoo in Forest Park. “We received great feedback from the trivia night we hosted in July, so we thought we would bring it back for a night in October to hopefully help cover a portion of those costs.”

To play, the zoo is recommending a $25 donation per player, but the event is pay-what-you-can. Donations can be made at www.forestparkzoo.org/events-1/trivia-night.

Pre-registration is required. E-mail Tyson at [email protected] to register a team. Players can opt to play as an individual or on a team of up to six people. Registration is capped at 50 teams. The zoo will award prizes to the top teams.

Greenfield Savings Bank Announces Promotions

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) announced the recent promotions of Logan Anderson, Jessica Duffy, Michelle Ozdarski, Mary Pomeroy, and Jocelyn Walsh.

Anderson been promoted to Customer Service Call Center representative. In her new position, she will work in the GSB Call Center, assisting customers with a wide range of account services, tracking voice mails, and returning phone calls. In addition, she will also work as one of the video tellers for the bank’s network of Teller Connect ATMs, which are ATM machines that provide teller service via a live video feed at select GSB locations in Franklin and Hampshire counties. Logan first joined Greenfield Savings Bank as a teller in September 2018. She is a 2017 graduate of Pioneer Valley Regional School. She has been an active volunteer at community events, including the Great Falls Festival in Turners Falls, the Relay for Life in Greenfield, and the Franklin County Fair.

Duffy has been promoted to assistant office manager of the GSB South Deerfield Office. In addition to supervising the daily activities of the office and staff, she will also concentrate on business development and assist customers with a full range of banking services. Duffy first joined Greenfield Savings Bank in January 2017 as a teller and was previously promoted to the position of super banker. She has an associate degree in accounting from Greenfield Community College and is currently working on a degree at the Center for Financial Training.

Ozdarski has been promoted to senior Bank Secrecy Act/anti-money laundering investigator and fraud analyst, responsible for monitoring, reviewing, researching, and analyzing transactions for potential money laundering or other illegal activity, such as terrorism financing and tax evasion. She is responsible for assisting customers with identity theft and other fraud-related issues. Ozdarski joined GSB in 1999 as a teller and the next year became the teller trainer. In 2008 she became the senior Operations specialist and recently held the title of BSA/ID theft manager. She earned an associate degree from Greenfield Community College in 1998.

Pomeroy has been promoted to office manager of the Greenfield and the Shelburne Falls offices. As the office manager, she oversees the operations of both offices and staff development. In addition, she also works with customers on all aspects of their banking and lending needs, including mortgage origination. She first joined GSB in March 2019 as the assistant office manager of the main office in Greenfield. She most recently was the office manager of the Shelburne Falls office. Pomeroy has earned diplomas in consumer lending, general financial services, and advanced financial services, as well as certificates in introduction to financial services and credit analysis and consumer lending from the Center for Financial Training. She is currently enrolled in Cambridge College, working toward an associate degree in business administration.

Walsh has been appointed assistant office manager of the GSB Shelburne Falls office. In her new position, she will oversee day-to-day office operations and assist customers with a full range of account and banking services. She first joined Greenfield Savings Bank in December 2015, starting as a teller in Shelburne Falls Office and later was promoted to a super banker at the Hadley Office. In 2019, she was promoted to assistant manager of the Hadley Office. Walsh has been a volunteer at a wide range of community events, including the WGBY Hadley Asparagus Festival, Shelburne Falls Moonlight Magic, and the Great Falls Festival.

United Way of Pioneer Valley Distributes PPE to Area Nonprofits, Municipalities

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its COVID-19 response efforts, United Way of Pioneer Valley has distributed a round of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other COVID-19-related items to multiple area nonprofits and municipalities.

Recipients of PPE to date include the Agawam Department of Public Health, Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee, Chicopee Food Force, Granville Fire Department, Granville Police Department, Granville Public Library, Link to Libraries, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Ludlow Senior Center, Ministry en Motion, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, One Holyoke CDC, Quarry Hill Community School in Monson, Southwick Senior Center, Tolland Fire Department, and Westfield Senior Center.

Distributions include various sizes of hand-sanitizer bottles, hand-sanitizing stations, disposable masks, gloves, face masks, face shields, cleaning wipes, and countertop sneeze guards. Donations also included hula hoops and pool noodles to help young children learn about social distancing.

“Keeping our municipal governments and community essential services such as food pantries safely open for business is our top priority, and we thank our community’s generous contributors for our ability to help keep essential workers in Hampden County, Granby, and South Hadley safe,” said Paul Mina, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley.

Bradley International Airport Launches COVID-19 Testing Site

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced a partnership with Connecticut-based lab Genesys Diagnostics in the opening of a COVID-19 testing site in the baggage-claim area of Bradley International Airport. This testing site is one of the first in the nation to be located directly in an airport terminal.

“The health of our economy and the health of our state go hand in hand. The team at the Connecticut Airport Authority understands this very well,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “They are taking every precaution possible to keep their staff, airline workers, and travelers safe, and this new testing capability will go a long way to helping make sure that COVID-19 screening is available for all who come into the state through Bradley International Airport.”

The launch of the Bradley testing site is made possible by recent changes to the state travel order. Previously, passengers traveling to Connecticut from states affected by the state travel order were allowed to avoid a 14-day quarantine only if they were traveling for specific purposes and if they received a negative COVID-19 test in the 72 hours prior to arriving in Connecticut. As a result of recent changes, any passenger arriving in Connecticut from an impacted state is exempt from the 14-day quarantine period if the traveler receives a negative COVID-19 test in the 72 hours prior to arriving in Connecticut or after arriving in Connecticut. A testing site located directly at Bradley Airport enhances safety for passengers and offers convenience for both business and leisure travelers arriving in Connecticut who wish to shorten their quarantine period.

“The new COVID-19 testing site at Bradley Airport is yet another step that we are taking to make Bradley International Airport the most convenient airport for regional travelers, and we thank Governor Lamont and the Department of Public Health for their partnership on this initiative,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “Rather than endure the anxiety of larger crowds and inconvenience at New York or Boston airports, travelers can feel increasingly comfortable with the short lines, strong safety measures, and the on-site availability of quick testing for Bradley passengers and employees.”

The testing site is located in the baggage-claim area at Bradley, between vestibule doors 4 and 5 and across from bag belts 5 and 6. Testing will be available seven days per week between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m., or as needed per airline scheduling. Testing is available only to passengers traveling through Bradley on the day of their testing and airport employees. Passengers must show a copy of their physical or mobile boarding pass demonstrating they are departing from or arriving at the airport on the day of testing.

Genesys Diagnostics is providing COVID-19 testing via minimally invasive anterior nasal swab. Results will be available within 24 hours of testing. To minimize wait time and crowding near the site, passengers are strongly encouraged to pre-register before arriving at the testing site. Pre-registration is available on the Genesys website at www.gdilabs.com.

Passengers are encouraged to check their health insurance, as many insurers will cover all costs associated with COVID-19 testing. If a passenger does not have health insurance, or if the test is not covered by the passenger’s insurer, tests are still available for $125 each.

In order to avoid or shorten the 14-day quarantine, passengers need to provide written proof of the negative test result to the Department of Health Commissioner via e-mail at [email protected] or by fax to (860) 326-0529.

Leadership Pioneer Valley Now Accepting Applications for LEAP Class of 2021

SPRINGFIELD — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) is now accepting applications for enrollment in its LEAP class of 2021. This year’s class will be a little different under COVID-19 protocols. LPV has condensed the curriculum to six months and will mainly operate remotely.

LEAP, LPV’s regional leadership-development program, engages the Pioneer Valley’s most promising emerging leaders through learning and exploration. Participants are trained in applied leadership skills by experts. They also explore critical community issues by connecting with local leaders and visiting businesses and towns across the region. This year’s program runs from January through June.

In its nine years running, more than 300 individuals representing more than 100 companies, organizations, and municipalities have participated. The program has filled a critical need for a leadership program that builds a network of emerging leaders to address the challenges and opportunities of the region. Fifty-three percent of alumni have a new leadership role at work, 64% have joined a new board of directors, and 99% made new meaningful connections.

“This year will be a little different,” said Lora Wondolowski, executive director of LPV. “We are using best practices from other programs around the country to adapt our curriculum to meet our current challenges.”

LPV is seeking applicants from all over the Pioneer Valley, including Hampden County, Hampshire County, and Franklin County, in different sectors. The program is designed for those in nonprofits, businesses, and government who are eager to increase their leadership skills and take action to better the region.

Applicants are considered in a competitive application process that prioritizes diversity by employment sector, geography, race, gender, and sexual orientation. Emerging leaders, mid-career professionals with leadership potential, and those looking to better the Pioneer Valley should consider applying. The deadline for class of 2021 applications is Nov. 20. Applications and further information can be found at www.leadershippv.org.

Florence Bank Gives $10,000 to Amherst Survival Center

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently donated $10,000 to the Amherst Survival Center, which connects residents of Hampshire and Franklin counties to food, clothing, healthcare, wellness, and community, primarily through volunteer efforts.

Since mid-March, the Amherst Survival Center has focused its resources on food and nutrition programs, ensuring its ability to provide hot meals to go, daily access to fresh produce and bread, and full grocery shops from its food pantry in as safe a manner as possible.

This summer, the center established a strategic plan to address the steady rise of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their plan entails doubling the food provided by the food pantry while also expanding grocery offerings to roughly two weeks each month. Additionally, the center will expand its staff in order to implement evening and weekend hours and integrate deliveries into the schedule with a goal of delivering food to 1,000 to 1,500 area residents per month.

“We had a very busy summer season,” said Lev Ben-Ezra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “We’ve continued to see more and more people for lunch, and had many new households sign up for the Food Pantry, both to pick up on site and for our rapidly growing delivery program. With the help of our amazing volunteers and support staff, we spent the summer passing out produce, cooking up to 250 lunches per day, and in August alone, we delivered groceries to nearly 1,000 people.”

These efforts have been fueled by generous donations, Ben-Ezra added. “With support from organizations like Florence Bank, we’ll be able to expand our evening and weekend hours to facilitate access for those returning to work. By year end, we expect to serve 6,000 residents, a 50% increase from fiscal year 2019.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day added that “we’re thrilled to support the Amherst Survival Center as they continue their important work and service the increased amount of food-insecure people in need. They’ve done an outstanding job throughout the pandemic and, during the summer alone, distributed more than 200,000 meals to community members. We’re proud to stand beside them and support their integral efforts to make sure we all have the food we need.”

Country Bank Donates to Local Schools

WARE — Country Bank announced donations to local schools that participate in the bank’s Savings Makes Sense school banking program. Each school received a $250 Visa gift card to assist with back-to-school supplies and other items, including personal protective equipment.

“During these challenging and uncertain times, our communities need us now more than ever,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank. “We know how difficult it is for the schools to obtain all the supplies they need when budgets become tight. We hope this donation is a reminder that we are all in this together.”

Country Bank is offering new educational resources for all students in grades K-12 through online financial-literacy lessons found on its website at www.countrybank.com/student-banking. Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to use this resource to continue conversations around saving and budgeting.

State to Transition to Second Step of Phase 3 of Reopening on Oct. 5

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced that, effective Monday, Oct. 5, lower-risk communities (based on COVID-19 case numbers) will be permitted to move into the second step of phase 3 of the Commonwealth’s economic reopening plan. All other communities will remain in the first step of phase 3. Gov. Charlie Baker also issued a revised gatherings order. Industry-specific guidance and protocols for a range of phase 1, 2, and 3 businesses will also be updated.

Among the Oct. 5 changes for lower-risk communities only:

• Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity, with a maximum of 250 people;

• Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50%, with a maximum of 250 people;

• For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks, and laser tag will also be permitted to open, and capacity will increase to 50%;

• Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores; and

• Gyms, museums, libraries, and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%.

The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.

Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in first-step communities and a limit of 100 people in lower-risk, second-step communities.

Country Bank Recognized by Boston Business Journal for Charitable Giving

WARE — The Boston Business Journal has once again named Country Bank an honoree in its annual 2020 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors.

The publication annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. During this year’s virtual celebration held on Sept. 10, 107 companies — a record number — qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities and social-service nonprofits last year. This year’s honorees include companies from healthcare, technology, financial and professional services, retail, professional sports, and more.

Country Bank, which ranked 60th, employs 209 staff members within Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. In 2019, staff members actively promoted the bank’s mission of giving back to the communities they serve by volunteering more than 1,100 hours of community service.

“During a year filled with unprecedented events and change, it’s incredible to think that the Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Charitable Contributors list is the largest we have ever compiled. These companies give back at least $100,000 to the local community, and now we are in a time when giving back and helping one another is more important than ever,” Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones said. “These philanthropic companies prioritize the welfare of our communities, and we are excited to be able to honor them.”

Paul Scully, president and CEO at Country Bank, added that “we are honored to be recognized by the Boston Business Journal for our charitable giving. Country Bank’s mission is to help make a difference in the lives of others, and now more than ever, we are committed to this mission as we continue through such a historic time in our history.”

AIC Receives High Marks for Teaching and Education Degrees

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) is ranked 17th among the top 50 colleges and universities for teaching and education degrees, as ranked by learn.org for academic year 2020-21.

Established in 2003, learn.org provides free resources for students and working professionals to research potential schools and degrees by providing information on career opportunities and institutions of higher education that help individuals reach their goals, including school connections, scholarships, and online college planning for quality and affordable education.

Citing AIC, learn.org highlights the college’s master’s programs, including its master of education in early childhood education and a master of education in middle or secondary education. The organization additionally notes that AIC offers a doctoral program with multiple tracks, the doctor of education in teaching and learning, and called attention to students’ ability to take part in a practicum or field-based research to ensure preparedness for future careers. The organization also credits the School of Education with employing “top-notch staff and faculty members, many of whom hold terminal degrees in their field.”

“AIC has, for over 130 years, invested in the value of access to education and understands the relevancy of giving back to community,” said Sheila Stamm, dean of AIC’s School of Education (SOE). “Our model in the SOE embraces the agency of teachers, leaders, and counselors as scholar practitioners supporting the currency of needs supporting all learners in PK-12. This focus is embodied in our mission, our values, and promise to the citizens of Massachusetts to provide capable, caring, and committed professionals deeply invested in the collective success of communities served.”

STCC Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has scheduled virtual events open to students and the public.

On Thursday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m., Rosalia Rivera of the “AboutCONSENT” podcast will speak in a Zoom webinar titled “Telling Our Stories to Create Change.” Rivera is an internationally recognized consent educator who will offer insight into the connections between childhood sexual abuse and young-adult dating violence. Her talk also will address how students can play a role in supporting safe and healthy relationships in the ‘new normal’ of the COVID-19 college experience.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m., Rivera will give a talk titled “Breaking Barriers, Breaking the Silence / Rompiendo Barreras, Rompiendo el Silencio, a Café Con Leche Conversation.” This event is part of STCC’s recognition of Latinx Heritage Month.

Rivera has turned past traumatic experiences into a powerful voice and platform for healing and social change. Based on her personal story, Rivera will discuss breaking the silence around childhood sexual abuse and interpersonal violence, and dig into the roots of gender stereotypes that impact healthy sexuality, family culture, and healthy relationships within the Latinx community.

Both events are co-sponsored by #STCCWeCan (formerly the Be Empowered Project), the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Hispanic Assoc. of Higher Education, and Title IX. E-mail [email protected] with questions. To register for the Zoom events or for more information, visit stcc.edu/resources/stccwecan.

BusinessTalk with Waleska Lugo-DeJesus

Business Talk Podcast

Episode 31: Sept. 30, 2020

Thom Fox interviews Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, CEO of Inclusive Strategies

Thom Fox interviews Waleska Lugo-DeJesus. Waleska Lugo-DeJesus is the CEO of Inclusive Strategies, LLC and during COVID-19 she has been putting her 18-years of diversity consulting to good use as many companies tackle workplace inequities. Waleska shares why diversity and inclusion is growing in importance, and how organizations are evolving to include more voices in the conversation on equality.

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Bacon Wilson Announces Michael Locke as New Associate

By BusinessWest Staff September 29, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson announced that attorney Michael Locke has joined the firm as an associate and a member of the real-estate team, focusing on matters of land use, planning, and zoning.

Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Locke served as a clerk in both the Massachusetts Superior Court and the Massachusetts Court of Appeals. He earned his juris doctor magna cum laude from New England Law School in 2018, and his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from UMass Amherst in 2015. He will be practicing primarily from Bacon Wilson’s Amherst location, working with real-estate and business clients throughout the Commonwealth.

Elms College Names Three New Board of Trustees Members

By BusinessWest Staff September 29, 2020