BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

State Lawmakers Pass Sports-betting and Mental-health Bills, Among Other Measures

By BusinessWest Staff August 1, 2022

Daily News

BOSTON — In a legislative session that stretched well into the early hours of Monday morning, state lawmakers approved a raft of bills, including the legalization of sports gambling in Massachusetts and action to bolster mental healthcare.

According to the Boston Globe, the gaming legislation allows betting on professional and collegiate sports, but excludes betting on colleges in Massachusetts, unless they are competing in national tournaments. It also bans the use of credit cards to place bets.

If signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, Massachusetts will join 30 states and Washington, D.C., in allowing for sports gambling, according to the American Gaming Assoc.

The sweeping mental-health bill mandates insurance coverage for an annual mental-health wellness exam and ensures compliance with the state’s mental-health parity laws, among other measures, the Globe noted.

However, Massachusetts lawmakers failed to strike a deal on a massive economic-development package, including $1 billion in tax relief, amid concerns over what the state can afford.

Among other action, lawmakers approved language that would retool the state’s firearm laws in the wake of a Supreme Court decision expanding gun rights across the country; approved an $11.3 billion infrastructure and transportation borrowing bill, including $275 million in funding to extend east-west passenger rail service; and approved a compromise package of reforms to the state’s marijuana industry that cracks down on steep local fees and steers a significant portion of the state excise tax on recreational cannabis sales into a fund for disenfranchised cannabis entrepreneurs, the Globe reported.

Pace of State Economic Growth Remains Weak in Second Quarter

By BusinessWest Staff August 1, 2022

Daily News

AMHERST — In the second quarter of 2022, Massachusetts real gross domestic product decreased at a 0.2% annualized rate, according to MassBenchmarks, while U.S. GDP decreased at a 0.9% rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). In the first quarter of this year, according to the BEA, Massachusetts GDP grew at an annual rate of 0.2% while U.S. GDP declined at an annual rate of 1.6%.

“Economic growth in both the U.S. and Massachusetts slowed very significantly in the first half of this year despite a strong labor market with good employment gains, a low unemployment rate, and a surplus of job openings,” noted Alan Clayton-Matthews, senior contributing editor and professor emeritus of Economics and Public Policy at Northeastern University, who compiles and analyzes the current and leading indices for MassBenchmarks.

According to Clayton-Matthews, the apparent paradox described above can be explained by several conditions that are shared by both the nation and the state that have resulted in lower productivity per worker. First, job growth has been concentrated in relatively lower-paid sectors, such as leisure and hospitality, that tend to employ lower-skilled workers. Second, as a response to the scarcity of labor in high-demand fields, employers have been ‘labor hoarding’ or holding on to workers despite slowdowns in demand and lower utilization of employees. As a third factor, COVID-19 has increased absences from work, whether for illness or care of a sick family member.

Inflation is also playing a role. Per-worker wages and salaries are not keeping up with inflation, and on average are falling in real terms. Total personal incomes, though rising, are just barely keeping up with inflation. This limits real consumer spending, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of all economic activity. Finally, rising interest rates are slowing the economy, reducing the demand for residential construction, and lowering asset prices, with predictable indirect effects on consumer and business confidence, which can be expected to dampen current and future spending.

The outlook for the rest of the year is for slow growth, but the level of uncertainty remains high. MassBenchmarks estimates the annualized rate of real GDP growth for Massachusetts will be 1.0% in the third quarter and 2.0% in the fourth quarter. The mean forecast from the July Wall Street Journal survey of economists for the U.S. is 1.5%in the third quarter and 1.1% in the fourth quarter. Measures of consumer confidence and business confidence — for example, from the Conference Board for the U.S. and from the Associated Industries of Massachusetts for Massachusetts businesses — are falling, and various surveys of economists put the probability of a U.S. recession in the next 12 months at roughly 50%.

Eastern States Exposition Foundation to Host Second Sip & Slide FUNd-raiser

By BusinessWest Staff August 1, 2022

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — In support of the Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) youth agriculture programs, the ESE Foundation Sip & Slide FUNd-raiser will take place on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Giant Slide. Attendees can ride down the slide and enjoy craft beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music, raffles, and more.

Partners Restaurant and Catering will provide a range of appetizers such as pulled-pork, veggie, and grilled-chicken sliders; potato-skin bites; assorted kabobs; and more. Live music will be provided by Ric & Amy Acoustic. Guests will receive welcome bags stuffed with three event drink tickets, Big E swag, a cream- puff voucher to be used during the Big E (Sept. 16 through Oct. 2), and other surprises.

Presented by PeoplesBank, Sip & Slide tickets are available for purchase at thebige.com/sipandslide. Tickets cost $50 per person if purchased in advance and $60 at the door. You must be 21 or over to attend this event.

Bing Productions Presents MOSSO Brass Quintet on Aug. 20 at Camp Star Angelina

By BusinessWest Staff August 1, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bing Productions will present the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MOSSO) Brass Quintet in a free concert on Saturday, Aug. 20 (rain date: Sunday, Aug. 21) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Camp STAR Angelina, 300 Trafton Road, in Springfield’s Forest Park.

The MOSSO Brass Quintet features Gerald Serfass and John Charles Thomas on trumpet, Lauren Winter on horn, Scott Cranston on trombone, and Stephen Perry on tuba. According to Perry, the family-friendly program, which will be announced from the stage, will include classics by Bach, Brahms, and Copland; pops and jazz by Ellington, Strayhorn, and Lennon/McCartney, and marches by John Philip Sousa.

The Amphitheater at Camp STAR Angelina is outdoors, and people should either bring blankets and cushions or lawn chairs. Tickets are free, but advance reservations are requested by clicking here.

BusinessTalk with Jennifer McGrath, communications manager at Six Flags New England in Agawam

By BusinessWest Staff August 1, 2022

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.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 123: August 1, 2022

George Interviews Jennifer McGrath, communications manager at Six Flags New England

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Jennifer McGrath, communications manager at Six Flags New England in Agawam. The two discuss everything from the pandemic and its impact on the popular attraction to a surge in tourism this summer to the latest additions at the popular amusement park. It’s all must listening, so join us for BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Sponsored by:

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Trader Joe’s Employees in Hadley Approve Chain’s First Labor Union

By BusinessWest Staff July 29, 2022

Daily News

HADLEY — Employees at Trader Joe’s in Hadley have become the chain’s first store to approve a labor union. The union vote passed 45-31.

“This victory is historic, but not a surprise. Since the moment we announced our campaign, a majority of the crew have enthusiastically supported our union, and despite the company’s best efforts to bust us, our majority has never wavered,” Trader Joe’s United said in a statement.

“We are incredibly proud of the work we have done together to win this union election, but winning is just the beginning,” the union continued. “We now begin the difficult work of sitting down at the negotiating table as equals with our employer and securing a contract that will benefit and protect us, the crew, instead of the company’s bottom line.

“Our contract will not just benefit us,” Trader Joe’s United added. “We believe that our union, by improving our store and every store across the country, will strengthen Trader Joe’s as a whole and help the company return to its core values, the first of which is integrity.”

Christina’s House Promotes Carolyn Martinez to Assistant Executive Director

By BusinessWest Staff July 29, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Carolyn Martinez has been promoted to assistant executive director of Christina’s House, a nonprofit that provides transitional housing and social services for homeless or near-homeless mothers and children.

Martinez has served as program manager and brings firsthand experience to Christina’s House as a program graduate. Before joining the team, she worked in community healthcare settings for several years and has completed certificate programs in child behavioral health and community health. She will work alongside founder Linda Mumblo to expand the mission and assist the Christina’s House family to reach their fullest potential.

Christina’s House also announced it is seeking candidates for the new community development and administrative assistant roles.

Executive Director Shannon Mumblo intends to transition from her role. “Shannon has led the organization passionately and has been deeply committed to our mission and impactful work,” Christina’s House noted in a statement. “We are grateful for her many contributions to Christina’s House and the community. Shannon has been engaged in succession planning with the board and Carolyn Martinez. We wish her the best and thank her for her tireless and dedicated service to Christina’s House.”

In its 10th year, Christina’s House operates two homes in Springfield. It continues its mission to educate, embrace, and encourage families in the program to develop the life skills needed to become self-sufficient as they transition from homelessness to stable environments. Through the program, women and their children participate in programs that include financial counseling, job-skills development, parenting, conflict resolution, and building healthy eating and exercise habits.

Eastern States Exposition Announces Rocky’s Ace Hardware as Presale Ticket Partner

By BusinessWest Staff July 29, 2022

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition (ESE), home of the Big E, announced a new partnership, naming Rocky’s Ace Hardware an official presale partner of the Big E. Through this partnership, Rocky’s and ESE have joined together to utilize a locally owned platform in selling tickets to the 2022 Big E.

ESE and Rocky’s have developed a ticketing initiative that will allow fairgoers to purchase 2022 advance discount tickets, advance pay-one-price Midway Magic passes, value passes, and Big E Arena concert tickets through the Rocky’s mobile circular digital app and at www.rockys.com.

This partnership offers a multitude of impactful opportunities across Rocky’s 47 locations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rocky’s Ace Hardware,” ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “Two outstanding local, Western Massachusetts organizations, joining forces to offer tremendous value to their mutual consumers, is a goal we strive to reach. This year we made that happen; now you can conveniently save time and money at Rocky’s and the Big E.”

MCLA to Host Virtual Information Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs

By BusinessWest Staff July 29, 2022

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Community members interested in pursuing MCLA’s master of business administration (MBA) degree or completing a bachelor’s degree are encouraged to join the MCLA Division of Graduate & Continuing Education (DGCE) for a virtual information session on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 5 p.m.

MCLA’s degree-completion programs are designed for adult learners seeking accelerated, non-traditional pathways to completing bachelor’s degrees. Each program uses a cohort-style learning format, in which students begin their courses of study in groups with their peers and proceed through the program together.

Academic programs available through the degree-completion program include a bachelor of science in business administration or a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies. Students in the interdisciplinary program may focus on children, families, and society; leadership and business; health and human services; or with assistance from an advisor to create an individualized plan of study.

The program offers evening classes at MCLA Pittsfield and online one night per week to accommodate students meeting the demands of work, family, and their studies. Community members interested in pursuing a graduate degree or finishing their bachelor’s degree with evening classes at MCLA’s location in Pittsfield are encouraged to attend. Questions related to academics, the application process, education timelines, and more will be addressed.

Visit mcla.edu/infosession for more information and to register. Learn more about MCLA DGCE’s programming and how to apply at www.mcla.edu.

Tech Foundry Among Three Recipients of State Tech Talent Diversity Grants

By BusinessWest Staff July 28, 2022

Daily News

BOSTON — Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy announced three new grants from the Commonwealth’s Tech Talent Diversity Initiative, an effort aimed at boosting diversity hiring and training opportunities for diverse candidates. The three grants, totaling $494,947, were awarded to Tech Foundry in Springfield, Hack.Diversity in Boston, and Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology in Boston.

“The Tech Talent Diversity grants are one way our administration is working to improve equity in a key, growing sector, by supporting organizations that are opening doors for new candidates to find employment or to get the training they need to enter a career,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “We look forward to seeing the progress these organizations will make in the future.”

Tech Foundry was founded in 2014 by Pioneer Valley tech employers and other workforce, business, education, and economic-development stakeholders to address the regional skills gap in information technology and drive regional economic growth. The organization offers training programs aimed at filling entry-level IT roles and provides training that is tailored to the needs of partner employers, including a work-experience component where students are placed in a position at a local employer.

Tech Foundry’s $72,547 grant award will be used to assist employer partners’ ability to host students, primarily in the Pioneer Valley, for hands-on training, by creating a new platform called Tech Foundry Ventures to host two new programs, including the development of a virtual IT technician-training environment, working with employer partners to create a tool where students will face similar scenarios to those seen on the job, allowing them to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom without the stakes of serving real-world clients; and the launch of a service-learning initiative where students will work with community organizations that cannot afford to utilize commercial services, providing similar IT services to those provided by employer partners. The expanded tools will allow Tech Foundry to train as many as 150 additional students per year, three times its existing number.

“Tech Foundry provides agile, real-time opportunities for our student members to practice the new technology skills they’re developing through training,” said Tricia Canavan, CEO of Tech Foundry. “The Tech Talent Diversity Initiative funding is allowing us to expand the opportunities for refining their students’ tech competencies through a two-pronged approach. The virtual ‘sandbox’ allows Tech Foundry to create scenarios in real-time which reflect our employer partners’ unique help-desk needs, enabling relevant skills practice. The service-learning project will provide Tech Foundry participants another opportunity to sharpen their tech skills while also supporting the community. The Commonwealth’s investment in these programs will provide measurable, positive impact to our student members as well as the region.”

UMass Amherst to Host Hiring Event in Springfield Today

By BusinessWest Staff July 28, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — UMass Amherst will host on-the-spot hiring interviews today, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tower Square, located at 1500 Main St. in downtown Springfield.

Representatives from the university will be on hand to provide details about more than 100 full-time, benefited positions available in a number of areas across campus, including catering, conference services, dining, facilities, grounds, maintenance, landscaping, and skilled trades.

Among the advantages of working at UMass Amherst are flexible schedules, competitive wages, career-advancement opportunities, educational course reimbursement, full medical benefits, and a state pension.

Two-hour parking validations for the Tower Square parking garage will be available for the event. Those interested in applying and interviewing for these opportunities are asked to bring non-expired, government-issued photo IDs. Examples include a state-issued driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID card.

For those unable to attend Thursday’s event in Springfield, additional on-the-spot interview events will be held at the Blue Wall in the UMass Amherst Campus Center on Aug. 2, 10, and 18.

Click here for more information about the hiring event at Tower Square and those to be held on campus in August, as well as the open positions the university seeks to fill.

CATA Names Kelly Galvin Program Director, Promotes Jeff Gagnon and Kara Smith

By BusinessWest Staff July 28, 2022

Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — Community Access to the Arts (CATA) announced the appointment of Kelly Galvin as program director. She joins current CATA staff members Jeff Gagnon and Kara Smith, who have been promoted to the program director position, to create a new, three-person arts leadership team at the nonprofit, reporting to Executive Director Margaret Keller.

CATA strategically restructured staff roles to develop a shared program leadership model, following the retirement of long-time staff member Dawn Lane, coupled with vigorous growth in CATA’s arts programs serving people with disabilities. The three-person arts leadership team will work closely with Keller to seize opportunities and provide inclusive arts programs for people with disabilities across the Berkshires and Columbia County.

Galvin joins CATA as an accomplished director, producer, and teaching artist. She has been a company member with Shakespeare & Company since 2008 and served as the artistic associate at WAM Theatre. As a director and producer, she has led acclaimed productions at Shakespeare & Company, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, the Theater at Woodshill, and Gloucester Stage, and assisted at regional theatres including the Guthrie and Asolo Repertory Theatre. She is the founder of the rig, an organization in Western Massachusetts working to create connections through the arts and to redistribute cultural resources to a larger portion of the community.

CATA’s new trio of program directors will work collaboratively to expand opportunities for local artists with disabilities and to nurture and build partnerships with community-based organizations, with each director leading specific projects and initiatives. Galvin will oversee performing-arts programs for artists with disabilities and will direct performances showcasing the talents of CATA artists, including CATA’s annual gala performance. Smith will oversee programs and partnerships connected with CATA’s studios in Great Barrington and lead visual art events, including exhibits at local galleries, museums, and community spaces. Gagnon will oversee CATA’s programs and partnerships for students with special needs in local schools, which have more than tripled over the last five years.

“This new shared-leadership model will allow CATA to build on dramatic recent growth and provide more programs for artists with disabilities,” Keller said. “Kelly has extensive experience as a director, teacher, producer, and artistic administrator. She is an innovative theater maker and stage director, and she has a deep commitment to relationship building, collaboration, equity, and inclusion in her work as a community-focused artist-educator. We feel very lucky to have her taking on this new and important role at CATA. With this trio leadership model, we see exciting potential for new program levels and art forms, new performances of all scopes and sizes, and cross-disciplinary explorations in workshops and public events.”

Added Galvin, “I’m overjoyed to be part of the CATA team and to support their remarkable arts programming. The work here exemplifies the profound impact that arts can have in a community. Being both an audience and faculty member at CATA has been artistically and personally transformative and has fueled my passion for cultivating art that’s based in equity. I’m honored to join this leadership team and have the opportunity to contribute to this work, and I’m especially excited to collaborate with the faculty, community partners, and vibrant artists that call CATA home.”

North Brookfield Savings Bank’s Back to School Supply Drive Returns

By BusinessWest Staff July 28, 2022

Daily News

NORTH BROOKFIELD — North Brookfield Savings Bank believes that each and every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to start the school year feeling confident, excited, and ready to learn. That is why the bank is kicking off the fifth year of its popular Back to School Supply Drive.

Throughout the month of August, North Brookfield Savings Bank will be collecting school supplies and monetary donations at all branch locations in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, Palmer, and Three Rivers. All donations collected will be delivered to local public schools to be distributed to school children who may not have the needed supplies to start their year.

The bank kicked off the fundraiser by purchasing more than $500 in supplies. Branch employees, equipped with brightly patterned backpacks, lunchboxes, pencil cases, notebooks, and various other fun supplies, are getting creative with their back-to-school-themed tables, in hopes it will encourage those visiting the branch to donate as well.

Some suggested school-supply donation items that can be dropped at any North Brookfield Savings Bank branch location are new backpacks (unisex), lunchboxes, spiral notebooks, pocket folders, 12-inch standard rulers, #2 pencils, pencil sharpeners, pencil cases, colored pencils, washable markers, erasers, glue sticks, scissors, and tissues.

“North Brookfield Savings Bank is incredibly proud to once again host the Back to School Supply Drive. We want all children to begin the school year with the essential supplies they need, in turn giving them the confidence and enthusiasm that allows them to continue to learn successfully,” said Andrea Healy, first senior vice president and director of Human Resources. “It was so amazing to witness the generosity displayed during our first Back to School Supply Drive. Customers, community members, and our employees were so giving and really showed how much they care for the children of our schools. We look forward to seeing that same generosity this year.”

Westfield Bank Promotes Matthew Valliere to Branch Manager

By BusinessWest Staff July 27, 2022

Daily News

WESTFIELD — James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced that Matthew Valliere has been appointed branch manager and retail banking officer at the bank’s 26 Arnold St. branch in Westfield. Valliere will be responsible for overseeing customer service; retail and business product sales, including mortgage originations; as well as business development and community outreach. Other responsibilities include managing general operations and employee development within the branch.

Valliere graduated from Springfield Technical Community College in 2007 with an associate degree. In 2014, he completed the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. He spent time as a retirement services representative and assistant branch manager with other financial institutions before joining Westfield Bank in 2020 as an assistant branch manager at the 47 Palomba Dr. location in Enfield.

“Matt has developed strong customer, partner, and employee relationships throughout his career,” said Kelly Pignatare, vice president and regional manager. “He has a passion for serving our customers and will be an excellent addition to the Arnold Street team with his energy, leadership, customer service, and sales skills.”

FIRST Friday Block Party to Activate Eagle Street in North Adams

By BusinessWest Staff July 27, 2022

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — The community is invited to the Aug. 5 FIRST Friday Block Party on Eagle Street, a monthly downtown event in North Adams that includes live music, street games, activities for all ages, a gathering with Mayor Jennifer Macksey, and gallery exhibition openings from 4 to 9 p.m.

The Aug. 5 event will be the first of many Eagle Street business collaborations, with the intention of providing positive, uplifting experiences free for all city residents, and providing opportunities for local businesses to thrive. Eagle Street will be closed to car traffic on the FIRST Friday evenings of Aug. 5, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7.

One organizer, Anna Farrington, who owns and operates Installation Space Gallery at 49 Eagle St., noted that “we closed Eagle Street to car traffic during First Friday last October for the Eagle Street Night Market, and it went beautifully. We had a lot of participation from local businesses, artists, and residents. I’m thrilled to work with the city again to close Eagle Street for FIRST Fridays this season to bring more fun activities to the street.”

Activities and entertainment include live music in the Eagle Street pocket park sponsored by Eagle Street Music; a photo booth curated by local photographer Tiffany Fleishman Weissbrodt of Polka Dot Portraits; street games and activities donated by a number of local organizers and institutions, including MASS MoCA and MCLA’s Intramural Department; and Desperados Mexican restaurant, which will offer a beer and wine bar.

Andrew Fitch, another FIRST Friday organizer and owner of Eagle & Main, the buildings at the corner of Eagle and Main streets, added that “I see so much opportunity in downtown North Adams for collaboration and development. I have a vision for a bright and bustling city downtown we can all be proud of and participate in. First Friday street closures are a great step towards realizing that vision. It’s an honor to work on this initiative with Anna.”

The FIRST Friday Block Party project is supported by the city of North Adams and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce. FIRST Friday also welcomes the opening of new businesses to the neighborhood, including Hearts Pace Tea and Healing Arts Lounge and Future Labs Gallery.

O’Connor & Drew, P.C. Hires Chris Nadeau as Tax Manager

By BusinessWest Staff July 27, 2022

Daily News

BRAINTREE — Chris Nadeau joined O’Connor & Drew, P.C. last month as a tax manager. He brings with him more than 15 years of experience in public and private accounting and is regularly retained to provide business valuation, advisory, and taxation services to closely held businesses, professional service firms, and medical practices. He also has extensive experience in succession planning, corporate and partnership taxation, and individual taxation.

Nadeau previously spent seven years at a regional accounting firm as a manager-director and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Westfield State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the National Assoc. of Certified Valuation Analysts, and the Institute of Management Accountants.

“We are very pleased to have Chris join our tax practice. His experience, industry knowledge, and strong work ethic are really going to help our talented team continue to thrive,” said Lauren Carnes, tax principal. “We are excited to have him aboard.”

Added Mark Dow, managing principal, “as we continue to grow, we have always maintained our overall firm objective: client service first. That is because we are keenly aware that, for our employees to put our clients first, we must put our employees first. It is evident that Chris has our mantra in mind as he begins his journey with the firm.”

Nominations Sought for Healthcare Heroes Class of 2022

By BusinessWest Staff July 27, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In the spring of 2017, BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Healthcare News, created a new and exciting recognition program called Healthcare Heroes.

It was launched with the theory that there are heroes working all across this region’s wide, deep, and all-important healthcare sector, and that there was no shortage of fascinating stories to tell and individuals and groups to honor. That theory has certainly been validated.

But there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of heroes whose stories we still need to tell, especially in these times, when the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many types of heroes to the forefront. And that’s where you come in.

Nominations for the class of 2022 are due July 30, and we encourage you to get involved and help recognize someone you consider to be a hero in the community we call Western Mass. in one (or more) of these seven categories:

• Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider;
• Health/Wellness Administrator/Administration;
• Emerging Leader;
• Community Health;
• Innovation in Health/Wellness;
• Collaboration in Health/Wellness; and
• Lifetime Achievement.

Nominations can be submitted by clicking here. For more information, call Melissa Hallock, Marketing and Events Director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

PeoplesBank Named Top Charitable Contributor by Boston Business Journal

By BusinessWest Staff July 26, 2022

Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank’s record-setting charitable contributions in 2021 earned recognition from the Boston Business Journal, as the bank secured a spot on the region’s Top Corporate Charitable Contributors list for the 15th year in a row.

In 2021, while focusing on food insecurity, housing, and literacy, PeoplesBank announced record donations reaching $1,315,000, with a total of close to $11 million donated since 2011. The bank has doubled its donations in the last five years.

“It is a big part of who we are as an organization, our employees, and how they volunteer in the community,” said Tom Senecal, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. “I see 2022 as a tremendous opportunity for us to give back and be committed to the communities that we serve.”

PeoplesBank’s associates donate 10,000 volunteer hours per year, and 74 of them have served on 54 nonprofit boards.

The region’s top charitable companies will be honored at the Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship Awards on the Sept. 8 at Revere Hotel in Boston.

MP CPAs Announces Six Promotions

By BusinessWest Staff July 26, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MP CPAs recently announced the promotions of six team members.

Sharon Blazejowski was promoted to senior audit manager. She manages audits, reviews, and compilations for small to medium-sized businesses. She specializes in and is a key leader for Massachusetts charter school and non-profit organization engagements, including yellow book and single audits. Blazejowski joined the firm in 1996 and has more than 30 years of experience in public accounting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from American International College. She is a certified public accountant and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

Phil Giguere was promoted to senior tax manager. He provides consulting and tax solutions to a diverse group of clients including individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and trusts.  He also has experience working with international affiliates on foreign tax issues. He specializes in working with high-net-worth clients and with private-equity firms and their owners. Giguere joined the firm in 2006 and has more than 16 years of experience in business and individual taxation.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from Western New England University.  He is a certified public accountant and a member of AICPA and MSCPA. He sits on the golf committee for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and the finance committee of Wellspring Cooperative, and volunteers his time with the Cory J Garwacki Foundation.

Eun Mi Kwon was promoted to senior tax manager. She provides tax compliance and planning services to a diverse group of clients in the U.S. and abroad, specializing in estate and trust taxation. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal and business taxation. Kwon holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea and an MBA with a concentration in accounting from the University of Massachusetts. She is a certified public accountant and certified financial planner, and a member of the AICPA. Active in the community, she serves on the finance committee for the Amherst Survival Center.

Jeff Laboe was promoted to tax manager. He provides consulting and tax solutions to a diverse group of clients, including individuals, trusts, partnerships, and corporations. He specializes in working with private-equity firms and their owners, as well as high-net-worth clients and their families. Laboe joined the firm in 2010 and has more than 12 years of experience in personal and business taxation and holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Iowa State University. He became an enrolled agent in the spring of 2021.

Tim LaFalam was promoted to tax manager. He provides planning and tax solutions to a diverse group of clients, including individuals, estates, trusts, corporations, and partnerships. He has built solid and trusting relationships with countless clients. LaFalam joined the firm as an intern and started full-time in 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western New England University, and he leads the firm’s efforts in continuing a mentoring and recruiting relationship with the university. He has taken the lead in many fundraising and community-service activities that the firm participates in, including coordinating the firm’s United Way annual pledge, South Park Inn program, and Children’s Study Home Secret Santa.

Joe Oliveira was promoted to senior tax manager. He provides quality tax services to high-net-worth clients. His experience includes successful representation before the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities, planning for life events, and estate planning. Oliveira holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut. He is a certified public accountant in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is a member of the AICPA and the Connecticut Society of CPAs. He is the treasurer of the Suffield, Conn. chapter of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut and an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Suffield.

Sam Skura Named President of Baystate Medical Center, SVP at Baystate Health

By BusinessWest Staff July 26, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Sam Skura, MPH, MBA, a healthcare professional with more than 25 years of clinical leadership experience, has been named president of Baystate Medical Center and senior vice president of Hospital Operations for Baystate Health. His appointment becomes effective Sept. 12.

In his new role, Skura will join the senior leadership team and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet, reporting directly to Marion McGowan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Baystate Health.

Skura has an extensive background in hospital leadership and most recently served as chief operating officer reporting to the president at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. In previous roles, he served as senior vice president of Ambulatory and Clinical Services and chief administrative officer at BIDMC.

Prior to BIDMC, Skura was vice president of Clinical Operations at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, reporting to the chief operating officer. He served on the leadership team of a combined group practice of more than 500 physicians and a 335-bed inpatient hospital. He also held administrative roles at Cambridge Health Alliance, where he provided oversight to senior leadership for 16 community health centers and practice sites and a three-campus Emergency Department. He was administrative director for Steward Health Care (formerly Caritas Christi Health Care System) in Boston, where he provided management for the largest emergency-medicine group in Massachusetts, trending more than 240,000 annual visits. Skura also held managerial roles at Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Partners Healthcare in Boston and Fallon Healthcare System in Worcester.

Skura earned an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, a master’s degree in public health from Boston University, and a bachelor of arts and economics degree from Brandeis University.

HCC’s Gateway to College Program Earns National Award

By BusinessWest Staff July 26, 2022

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Gateway to College at Holyoke Community College (HCC), an alternative high-school program for dropouts and students at risk for dropping out, has been recognized with a national award for its outstanding graduation rate.

The award for Graduation Achievement was presented to HCC Gateway staff in June at Achieving the Dream’s K-12 Partnerships Institute in Portland, Ore. Achieving the Dream oversees the national Gateway to College network.

The award recognizes participating Achieving the Dream institutions that exceed the graduation benchmark of 50% established by the Gateway to College national network. HCC’s three-year (2019-21) graduation rate was 88%. The network average was 68%.

“Despite the obvious struggles of the past two years, you and your colleagues across the Gateway network have persistently done everything you can for your students,” Stephanie Davolos, director of K-12 Partnerships for Achieving the Dream, wrote in a congratulatory message to Vivian Ostrowski, HCC’s Gateway to College director. “HCC’s graduation rate, at 88%, is well beyond your long-strived-for 80% goal. I am thrilled. You and your team are leading the way for our network and our field. Our network’s continued improvement is due to exemplary programs like yours, and your outcomes will have an impact well beyond your community. We know these student outcomes are the product of the culture of relentless kindness, constant reflection, program improvement, and a tremendous amount of hard work and care.”

Gateway to College is an alternative high-school program that offers dropouts and struggling teenagers a chance to earn their high-school diplomas through dual enrollment by taking college classes. Gateway students also collect transferable college credits they can apply toward a college certificate or degree. HCC has hosted a Gateway program since 2008. Most of HCC’s Gateway students come from Holyoke and Springfield.

Graduation Achievement is one of the principal benchmarks used to evaluate the success of Gateway programs, Ostrowski said. “Given that students come to us so disengaged from school, an 88% graduation rate is a ridiculously amazing number.”

Since 2008, nearly 500 students have earned their high-school diplomas through HCC’s Gateway to College program, which has received the national award for Graduation Achievement multiple times in past years, along with Gateway’s national Program Excellence Award in 2016 and 2017.

“Your work is changing lives, and we are proud to learn from you and hold your program up as an example for educators across the country,” Davolos said.

AHL Names Springfield Thunderbirds Team of the Year with President’s Award

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The American Hockey League (AHL) announced the Springfield Thunderbirds as the winner of the President’s Award for the 2021-22 season during the Board of Governors’ annual meeting in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Bestowed upon the team that demonstrates overall excellence both on and off the ice, the Thunderbirds captured Team of the Year honors following a historic season that set team records across a wide range of business categories, including average attendance (5,375), season tickets sold, overall ticket revenue, and corporate sales revenue. The T-Birds achieved these milestones while winning the AHL’s Eastern Conference Championship. This marked the franchise’s first-ever playoff appearance and Springfield’s first trip to the Calder Cup Finals since 1991.

“On behalf of the entire Thunderbirds ownership group, we are honored to receive the AHL’s prestigious President’s Award for Team of the Year,” Thunderbirds Managing Partner Paul Picknelly said. “In a short six years, we went from the precipice of losing professional hockey in Springfield to Eastern Conference champions and three sellout crowds in the Calder Cup finals. None of this would have been possible without team President Nate Costa, the entire T-Birds staff, our partners at the St. Louis Blues, and, of course, the best fans in all of hockey. This award belongs to all of them.”

In addition to the President’s Award, the Thunderbirds were previously recognized at the AHL Team Business Awards for reaching 600 new full-season equivalents (FSEs) during the 2021-22 season. One FSE equates to one full season ticket sold. The club was also lauded for achieving a greater than 83% renewal rate in corporate sponsorships.

During their run to the Calder Cup Finals, the Thunderbirds’ MassMutual Center attendance numbers soared to new heights, with an average of 6,134 fans on hand for the team’s 11 home playoff games. Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as well as all three of the club’s home games during the Calder Cup Finals, featured sellout crowds of 6,793. In the process, the Thunderbirds smashed their club record for single-game ticket revenue multiple times and created a high-energy, in-game presentation that turned the Thunderdome into one of the toughest buildings for opposing teams during the postseason.

“I could not be more proud of our amazing staff for their tireless efforts throughout this historic year,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “From day one, we all believed this organization was capable of establishing itself as one of the model franchises in the American Hockey League, and this recognition serves as the ultimate validation.”

The Thunderbirds’ success could be seen in their digital footprint as well. Over a 365-day period, the T-Birds’ social-media platforms saw more than 5 million users reached, more than 4 million new page visits, and more than 20,000 new followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In the month of June alone, as the club marched into the Calder Cup Finals, the team saw more than 2 million visitors across its social outlets. Its #WeAre413 marketing campaign was also recognized as the Marketing Campaign of the Year last month by the AHL.

Despite a year that still featured some COVID-19 restrictions, the Thunderbirds’ community presence was felt throughout the region, with team mascot Boomer making more than 125 visits during the season to a wide variety of community and charitable events. Perhaps no one program was more prevalent than the team’s Stick to Reading initiative, which featured a franchise-record 24 participating schools.

The awards did not stop with the Team of the Year for the Thunderbirds, as General Manager Kevin McDonald was named the recipient of the Thomas Ebright Memorial Award for outstanding career contributions in the AHL over his three decades in professional hockey. McDonald joined the St. Louis Blues organization in 2001 and has overseen the Blues’ AHL affiliates for the last 17 seasons.

Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Creeps Down in June

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2022

Daily News

BOSTON — The state’s total June unemployment rate dropped by two-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7% over the month, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 3,400 jobs in June, following the previous month’s revised gain of 400 jobs. The largest over-the-month private-sector job gains were in construction, professional and business services, and information. Employment now stands at 3,664,200. Since the employment trough in April 2020, Massachusetts has gained 613,200 jobs.

From June 2021 to June 2022, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 164,700 jobs. The largest over-the-year gains occurred in leisure and hospitality; professional, scientific, and business services; and education and health services.

The June unemployment rate of 3.7% was 0.1 percentage point above the national rate reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The labor force decreased by an estimated 2,300 from 3,775,600 in May, as 4,400 more residents were employed, and 6,700 fewer residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 2.3%.

The state’s labor-force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — remained steady at 66.0%. Compared to June 2021, the labor-force participation rate was up 0.3%.

Jane Ralph Elected to Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Board of Directors

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2022

Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — Jane Ralph, executive director of Construct Inc., has been elected to the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) board of directors, succeeding Liana Toscanini of the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires as regional representative. The transition will take place in September.

The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network is a statewide organization dedicated to uniting and strengthening the entire nonprofit sector through advocacy, public awareness, and capacity building. MNN represents over 600 members and recently visited the Berkshires to provide policy and program updates.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jane to MNN’s board of directors,” MNN CEO Jim Klocke said. “Jane’s insights and experience will help MNN serve nonprofits in the Berkshires and across Massachusetts.”

Ralph joins the board as Toscanini concludes a six-year stretch, the term limit for MNN board members. “We’re extremely grateful to Liana for her service on MNN’s board,” Klocke said. “Liana is a great champion for nonprofits and the work they do each day.”

Nominations Sought for Healthcare Heroes Class of 2022

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In the spring of 2017, BusinessWest and its sister publication, the Healthcare News, created a new and exciting recognition program called Healthcare Heroes.

It was launched with the theory that there are heroes working all across this region’s wide, deep, and all-important healthcare sector, and that there was no shortage of fascinating stories to tell and individuals and groups to honor. That theory has certainly been validated.

But there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of heroes whose stories we still need to tell, especially in these times, when the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many types of heroes to the forefront. And that’s where you come in.

Nominations for the class of 2022 are due July 30, and we encourage you to get involved and help recognize someone you consider to be a hero in the community we call Western Mass. in one (or more) of these seven categories:

• Patient/Resident/Client Care Provider;
• Health/Wellness Administrator/Administration;
• Emerging Leader;
• Community Health;
• Innovation in Health/Wellness;
• Collaboration in Health/Wellness; and
• Lifetime Achievement.

Nominations can be submitted by clicking here. For more information, call Melissa Hallock, Marketing and Events Director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

BusinessTalk with Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition

By BusinessWest Staff July 25, 2022

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.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 122: July 25, 2022

George Interviews Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien has a lively discussion with Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition. The two talk about everything from what’s on tap for this year’s Big E, to what’s happening within the ‘fair’ industry, to the Big E’s impact on the local economy and its business community. It’s all must listening, so join us for BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Sponsored by:

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UMass Amherst Establishes Partnership with Ukraine’s Kyiv School of Economics

By BusinessWest Staff July 22, 2022

Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has signed a series of memoranda of agreement with the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) to assist students and scholars affected by Russia’s war with Ukraine.

UMass Amherst’s new multi-level partnership with KSE will establish several modalities for Ukrainian students and scholars to be part of the UMass academic community. An academic exchange program for students will enable undergraduate and graduate students from Ukraine to study at UMass for a semester or academic year with nearly all costs waived.

In conjunction with the academic exchange program for students, a non-resident, virtual Scholar in Residence program will be created for scholars affiliated with KSE. Selected Ukrainian scholars will collaborate with centers, departments, and faculty at UMass Amherst on relevant research topics virtually and will receive a stipend through the KSE Foundation.

The agreements were finalized between March and July 2022 by KSE President Tymofiy Mylovanov and Rector Tymofii Brik and John McCarthy, now emeritus provost and senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs for UMass Amherst.

Anna Nagurney, professor and the Eugene M. Isenberg Chair in Integrative Studies in the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, played a central role in driving these collaborative efforts. As a longstanding member of the International Academic Board at KSE, and now also co-chair of the board of directors at KSE, Nagurney was instrumental in nurturing the relationship between the two institutions. Most recently, Nagurney has been a leading expert in providing insights on Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

Nagurney is thrilled about the opportunity for Ukrainian scholars to continue their research during this challenging time and hopes that this program will provide them with additional moral and professional support. “We expect good interaction with research centers, institutes, and departments,” she said. “I foresee fantastic research outcomes coming out of this program.”

These agreements resulted from UMass Amherst faculty’s call for more support for Ukrainian scholars and students. In a letter addressed to Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy and McCarthy on March 29, a group of UMass faculty, led by members of the Russian, Eurasian, and Polish Studies program, provided a detailed list of requests for action and urged senior leadership to act in support of students and scholars displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Founded in 1996 by the Economics Education and Research Consortium and the Eurasia Foundation as a master’s program in economics, KSE is now a leading world academic institution. It currently offers degrees in programs such as economics, business analytics, mathematical economics, and public policy.

The UMass Amherst International Programs Office will be spearheading and overseeing these program initiatives through its units of Education Abroad and International Student and Scholar.

“It has been absolutely inspiring to work with our Ukrainian colleagues who are committed to maintaining the continuity of the academic experience in the face of terrible odds. As both Tymofiy Mylvanov and Tymofii Brik have shared in public fora, a strong, independent academic sector is crucial to Ukraine’s political and intellectual survival,” said Kalpen Trivedi, UMass Amherst’s vice provost for Global Affairs and director of the International Programs Office.

Senior administrative leaders at UMass Amherst are fully supportive of these programs to aid Ukrainian scholars and students. Nagurney is especially appreciative of the joint efforts by the administration, faculty, and senior staff leaders in ensuring that UMass offers many means of support for students and scholars. “What [KSE] have been doing in wartime has been absolutely awe-inspiring — still hosting top speakers virtually and even in person,” she said.

McCarthy added that “I enthusiastically support these efforts to assist our Ukrainian colleagues and their students in continuing their research, study, and teaching despite the war in their country.”

Florence Bank Hires Kyle Toelken to Lead Belchertown Branch

By BusinessWest Staff July 22, 2022

Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank hired Kyle Toelken to serve as assistant vice president and branch manager of the Belchertown branch.

Toelken was hired in May and has 12 years of banking experience. Committed to community involvement, he has volunteered with Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, helping present lesson plans to school-aged children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Franklin Pierce University.

“I am very excited to join Florence Bank and the Belchertown branch team,” Toelken said. “I look forward to working with the community and ensuring customers have a great experience.”

President Kevin Day added that “we are excited to welcome Kyle to the Florence Bank team. He has a great deal of experience, and we are pleased that he will be helping to lead our Belchertown branch.”

Fourth Generation Takes the Wheel at Peter Pan

By BusinessWest Staff July 22, 2022

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines’ Peter and Melissa Picknelly announced that their son, Peter Picknelly IV, has been promoted to director of Safety & Security.

While in high school and college, Peter IV has worked in both Operations and Customer Service. He recently graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University with a degree in business management. He joins his sister, Lauryn Picknelly-DuBois, who was recently named controller for Peter Pan Bus Lines.

HCC STEM Scholarship Deadline Is Aug. 1

By BusinessWest Staff July 22, 2022

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Students enrolled full-time in chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, physics, or other STEM fields at Holyoke Community College (HCC) have until Monday, Aug. 1 to apply for a National Science Foundation scholarship of up to $10,000 per year.

Through HCC, the National Science Foundation Scholarship offers, on average, $6,500 per year to qualified full-time students and prorated amounts for part-time students. New and current HCC students are encouraged to apply.

Students chosen for the NSF scholarship become members of HCC’s STEM Scholars 2.0 Program, also known as SCoRE (STEM Cohorts for Research & Engagement).

STEM Scholars are expected to maintain enrollment in a STEM program, be in good academic standing, complete an associate degree at HCC, and/or transfer to an accredited STEM degree program at a four-year institution. The scholarships are renewable every year students continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Beside the financial awards, STEM Scholars become part of a learning community that fosters a sense of belonging and academic success, and includes mentoring, research, and honors experiences; community service; and internships. The application and eligibility guidelines can be viewed at hcc.edu/stem-scholarship.

STEM disciplines include biological sciences, physical sciences, math, computer and information services, geosciences, and engineering.

Housatonic Heritage Walks Announced

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2022

Daily News

BERKSHIRE COUNTY — The Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area announced the 20th annual autumn Housatonic Heritage Walks on five weekends: Sept. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25; and Oct. 1-2. More than 80 free, guided walks will be offered throughout Berkshire County, Mass., and Litchfield County, Conn.

The public is invited to participate in these family-friendly, informative walks, offered in partnership with our region’s historic, cultural, and outdoor recreational organizations. The Heritage Walks are an ideal opportunity to experience and learn about this region’s rich and varied local heritage.

Historians, naturalists, and environmentalists will lead participants on explorations through historic estate gardens and town districts, behind-the-scenes cultural-site tours, nature walks, trail hikes, and tours of many of the industrial-site ruins that were once thriving local industries. There will be Native American and African-American history walks, a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River and a bike tour on scenic country roads.

Detailed Heritage Walks brochures will be available at libraries, post offices, restaurants, and grocery stores in the region. The schedule is also available online by clicking here. To request a brochure by mail, email [email protected].

2022 Heritage Walk participants will be subject to federal and state guidelines for safe conduct during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Car Show and Next Step Registration Event Set for Aug. 13 at Asnuntuck

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2022

Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College’s (ACC) Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center will host a car show on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day will also include a college-wide Next Step Saturday registration event beginning at 9 a.m. Tours of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center will also be held.

The car show, located in the college’s back parking lot, near the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center building, will include music by Cruisin’ with Bruce Marshall. All owners are welcome to bring their cars free of charge, with no pre-registration, and there is no charge to the public to come and view the cars. The car show has a rain date of Aug. 20, with the open house and registration day taking place rain or shine on the 13th.

Next Step Saturday helps new and continuing students apply and register for the fall semester. Advising assistance will be offered, and staff will be on campus to assist with questions regarding financial aid and registration.

Participants will also be able to learn about the college’s more than 50 academic programs, in addition to Asnuntuck’s Advanced Manufacturing program.

If you are interested in attending Asnuntuck but have not yet applied, complete the application (asnuntuck.edu/admissions/how-to-enroll) ahead of time to maximize your time during the visit.

If you would like to meet with an academic advisor during the event, an appointment is encouraged (but not required). Follow the steps for new or continuing students at asnuntuck.edu/advising and email the advising office for an appointment at [email protected].

To learn more, visit asnuntuck.edu/nextstepsaturday. The college’s fall semester begins on Monday, Aug. 29. Students do not need to wait until Aug. 13 to enroll. Registration is now open for the fall semester, and students are encouraged to apply before the event.

Florence Hearing Welcomes Two New Team Members to Practice

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2022

Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Hearing Health Care (FHHC) recently hired two new team members: Susan Pepin-Phillips, practice manager; and Dr. Cassandra Falvey, audiologist. They join Dr. Jennifer Sowards, audiologist and founder; Dr. Anna Niemi, audiologist; and Robin Verteramo, receptionist.

Pepin-Phillips forged a career in marketing at two local community banks before moving into practice management at a local dental practice five years ago. She will be responsible for running the business side of the practice, but with her marketing eye, she’ll also be focused on making sure the brand is represented well in the running of the business.

Falvey came to Florence Hearing from Baystate Health in Palmer. She has always been drawn to the field of communication sciences and disorders, earning a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in communication sciences and disorders from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y. in 2015. She then returned home to Western Mass. and earned her doctorate in audiology at UMass Amherst in 2019. Falvey completed her fourth-year externship at Baystate Wing Hospital and Medical Centers, where she continued to work and serve patients until joining the team at Florence Hearing Health Care. She holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Assoc.

“We are pleased to add two folks to our team who are fully on board with our mission,” Sowards said. “Our team works closely together to make sure we can support our mission while providing a great place to work, including flexible work schedules. We’re excited to introduce our new audiologist and practice manager to the community.”

Massachusetts Residents Advised to Protect Public Benefits from Scams

By BusinessWest Staff July 21, 2022

Daily News

BOSTON — The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has issued additional warnings to residents of skimming scams that have impacted some DTA clients. The agency and its investigations team became aware of banks and retailers who appear to have had their ATMs and card-processing terminals compromised. These scams are aimed at obtaining credit, debit, and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card information and personal identification numbers (PINs). Skimming is the use of an electronic device to steal card information from a card reader and create a fake card, known as cloning, to steal money or benefits.

As a precaution, DTA strongly recommends that clients change the PIN on their EBT cards at this time and before each scheduled benefit issuance date. Clients do not need to receive a new card to safely access their benefits. The department has taken several pre-emptive steps to help protect clients’ benefits, including sending out multiple targeted text messages and creating a notice to inform clients and encourage them to re-PIN their card. The agency also created a webpage (click here) on skimming and how to protect benefits.

Clients who receive TAFDC or EAEDC cash benefits can have their benefits sent to a checking or savings account through direct deposit. Direct deposit is a safe and reliable method to receive benefits and protect against fraud. Residents can contact their case manager if they have a bank account and want to set up direct deposit.

There have also been reports of a phishing scam where individuals are receiving scam text messages that their pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits have been blocked. The message directs individuals to call a number where they are asked to provide their P-EBT card number. This message is not from DTA.

People should never provide their personal information or EBT/P-EBT card number over the phone to unidentified callers. If any DTA client believes they may have fallen victim to a skimming or phishing scam, they are encouraged to report it to DTA’s fraud hotline at (800) 372-8399.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2022

Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

Sharing the Wealth

Berkshire Bank recently presented a total of $205,000 in funding last month to Springfield nonprofit organizations, including $75,000 to the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, $25,000 to Revitalize CDC, $5,000 to Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence, and $100,000 to Common Capital, a subsidiary of Way Finders (pictured).

From left: Jason Niles, My Banker team lead at Berkshire Bank; Nitin Mhatre, CEO of Berkshire Bank; Raymond Lanza-Weil, president of Common Capital; Callie Niezgoda, vice president of Lending at Common Capital; Keith Fairey, CEO of Way Finders; and Ellen Stenfield and Rosemary Morin of Berkshire Bank.
Photo courtesy of Berkshire Bank.

Community Support

Florence Bank announced that it recently donated $50,000 to the Easthampton Community Center through its Florence Savings Easthampton Branch Charitable Foundation Inc.

Pictured, from left: Robin Bialecki, executive director of the Easthampton Community Center; Nancy LaBombard, Florence Savings Easthampton Branch Charitable Foundation board member; Anita Sedlak, vice president and branch manager of Florence Bank’s Easthampton office and a foundation board member; and Virginia Smith, also a board member.

Preserving a Moment in Time

As part of an ongoing commemoration of Monson Bank’s 150th anniversary, employees joined together to bury a time capsule that will be excavated and opened in 25 years at the bank’s 175th anniversary in 2047. Some of the items included were photos, business cards, brochures, a piggy bank, letters, deposit slips, 150th-anniversary articles, and, of course, Monson Savings branded masks and hand sanitizer.

Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank (pictured), led the crew to the time capsule burial location for a brief ceremony.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2022

Agenda

Healthcare Heroes Nominations

Through July 30: In the spring of 2017, the Healthcare News and its sister publication, BusinessWest, created a new and exciting recognition program called Healthcare Heroes. It was launched with the theory that there are heroes working all across this region’s wide, deep, and all-important healthcare sector, and that there was no shortage of fascinating stories to tell and individuals and groups to honor. That theory has certainly been validated. Nominations for the class of 2022 are due July 30, and we encourage you to get involved and help recognize someone you consider to be a hero in Western Mass. in one (or more) of seven categories. For details on each category and information on how to nominate someone, visit businesswest.com/healthcare-heroes/nominations.

Hoophall Hangouts

All Summer: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the return of Hoophall Hangouts, which will replace “60 Days of Summer,” the museum’s annual summer program featuring family-oriented fun. Running through Aug. 31, the Hall of Fame will host various appearances from basketball players, personalities, and Hall of Famers. On Aug. 12, Bob Hurley Sr. (Hall of Fame class of 2010) will accompany his son, Dan Hurley, head coach of UConn’s men’s basketball team, for a special father/son appearance. Throughout the summer, museumgoers will also have the opportunity to hear from class of 2022 inductees Tim Hardaway, Bob Huggins, and George Karl, as well as Hall of Famers Grant Hill from the class of 2018 and Jay Wright from the class of 2021. Head coach Frank Martin from UMass will also be making an appearance. Hoophall Hangouts appearances are free of charge to museum guests; however, some appearances will have select VIP opportunities. Hoophall Hangouts will be scheduled throughout the summer and will occur at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.hoophall.com/hoophallhangouts or follow @hoophall on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

MOSSO Celebrates John Williams

July 21: MOSSO, the Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will celebrate the film music of John Williams at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield Symphony Hall. Under the direction of Maestro Kevin Rhodes, MOSSO will perform excerpts from Williams’ scores to ET, Schindler’s List, Superman, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and more. Some popular classics, including Rossini’s “Overture to The Barber of Seville,” Massenet’s “Meditation from Thaïs,” and Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” will open the program. Rhodes was music director and conductor of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for 20 seasons before the pandemic. He returned to Springfield to conduct his musicians last October in front of a packed house at Symphony Hall, featuring many musical highlights from his tenure as their music director. Tickets for the concert, a MOSSO benefit, are priced at $60, $45, $25, and $10, and are on sale at springfieldsymphonymusicians.com. MOSSO sponsors include BusinessWest and the Healthcare News, the Republican/MassLive, WWLP-22News and the CW Springfield, the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place, New England Public Media, and the Bolduc Schuster Foundation. MOSSO is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which is not a subsidiary of nor affiliated with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Inc.

Friday Night Summer Concerts

July 22 to Aug. 12: The Amherst Business Improvement District announced the lineup for the second annual Friday Night Summer Concert Series on the South Common. The series is sponsored by Encharter Insurance. On July 22, the BID presents local artists Dawn Lepere and Jeff Starns opening for blues singer-songwriter Eric Lee. On July 29, UMass will return to the Common for the second year of Jazz in July in downtown Amherst, an event featuring UMass staff, students, and a couple of ‘ringers.’ On Aug. 5, Grammy-winning children’s performer Mister G will take the stage before the Soul Magnets appear. Wrapping up the series on Aug. 12 will be the classic country act the Rosie Porter Trio, followed by the pop-rock Maxxtones. These events will be free for all, starting at 6 p.m. These evenings will also host local brewery White Lion Brewing, local cider maker Artifact, and wine from Black Birch Vineyard for over-21 guests. CremeBru.LA will be joining the fun, and there will be a charcuterie station as well.

New Year’s Eve Party (Take 2!)

Aug. 5: The pandemic may have canceled its planned New Year’s Eve celebration last year, but local comedians are having the last laugh. Happier Valley Comedy is throwing a New Year’s Eve Party (Take 2!) and annual fundraiser where people are invited to come ring in the improvised New Year. Tickets include entry to the party, two tickets to the raffle, finger food, and something fizzy to toast. The festivities take place at Happier Valley Comedy’s Next Door Lounge in Hadley, where partygoers can choose from a curated selection of mostly local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Ginger Love Cafe Food Truck will be on site, and raffle prizes include goodies from Bueno Y Sano, Animal Alliance Dog Training School, Ecstatic Rabbit Tarot, the Ekus Group, Home Depot, Trader Joe’s, and more. To purchase tickets to the event and raffle, visit www.happiervalley.com.

Brew at the Zoo

Aug. 6: After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Zoo in Forest Park is bringing back its popular Brew at the Zoo, presented by PDC Inc., from 1 to 5 p.m. The 21+ event features beer samples from local craft breweries, a home-brew competition, food trucks, live music, games, a raffle, and animal interactions. Attendees can choose from four ticket types: VIP, VIP Designated Driver, General Admission, and Designated Driver. Attendees with a VIP ticket will enjoy an extra hour of sampling beginning at noon, the opportunity to participate in up-close animal encounters, and grain to feed the animals. All attendees must be age 21 or over. The current list of breweries attending the event include Loophole Brewing, One Way Brewing, Vanished Valley Brewing Co., Broad Brook Brewing Co., Connecticut Valley Brewing Co., Berkshire Brewing Co., Rustic Brewing Co., Iron Duke Brewing, Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co., Brew Practitioners, and New City Brewery, in addition to nine home brewers. The zoo will be closed to the public on Aug. 6. Advanced tickets are required to attend this event, and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and on sale at www.forestparkzoo.org/brew.

Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival

Aug. 12-13: The Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival will be staged over two days this year with a broad mix of music; arts activities; talks on arts, culture, and social justice; and local pop-up crafts, food, and beverages. The internationally heralded festival features national stars and local talent playing jazz, blues, funk, Latin, and African music. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. This year’s full musical lineup can be found at springfieldjazzfest.com. The festival will also offer a sneak peek (or an unveiling, depending on its progress) of the iconic Worthington Street mural project celebrating Springfield history. The mural is being painstakingly restored by Springfield artist John Simpson, who has studied old photographs of the building’s wall in an effort to accurately recreate as much of the original mural as possible. Musical performances on Aug. 12 feature soul and R&B legend Shor’ty Billups, valley legends FAT with Peter Newland and special guest Scott Murawski from Max Creek, Valley blues/rock icon Mitch Chakour and friends, popular Valley blues rockers the Buddy McEarns Band, and soulful blues belter Janet Ryan and her band. The festivities on Aug. 13 commence at 12:30 p.m. with a parade led by New Orleans ensemble the New Breed Brass Band starting from the Wood Museum of Springfield History, where attendees will have free access to the “Horn Man: The Life and Musical Legacy of Charles Neville” exhibit. The parade will end at the stage for the kickoff performance of the Saturday shows. In addition to the musical performances, the multi-faceted festival will feature various arts activities and presentations and workshops. Puerto Rican jazz trombonist William Cepeda will lead a workshop about traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music on Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. at the Hispanic American Library. Cuban jazz vocalist Dayme Arocena, will lead a workshop about traditional Afro-Cuban music on Aug. 13. Attendees can also participate in a mural paint party (a separate mural project from the one on Friday) and a presentation by Puerto Rican mural artist Betsy Casanas, and conversations connecting arts with food and climate justice.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2022

People on the Move

Kevin Day

Florence Bank announced that president and CEO Kevin Day will retire on Nov. 25, and a focused search is underway for a new leader. Day took over as president in January 2020 and became CEO in May of the same year. When Day took the helm at age 64, he promised that nothing would change at the bank. Little did he know he’d be called upon to usher Florence Bank through some of the most tumultuous times in history, including a pandemic and the resulting financial strife. Day led the bank in ensuring that countless homeowners and businesses were able to defer their payments during the pandemic and in helping business customers connect to grants and other available funding. These measures helped customers navigate the financial turmoil and gave them much-needed time to adjust to new financial situations. The bank also expanded over these past two years, opening a branch in Chicopee, creating a work-from-home program for employees, and granting hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofit organizations in the Valley. Day joined Florence Bank in 2008 as chief financial officer, responsible for finance, facilities, and risk management. His responsibilities expanded to include compliance in 2013, residential lending in 2014, and retail banking in 2016. He was also promoted to executive vice president in 2016.

•••••

Aieshya Jackson

Karon Forde

The board of directors of Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services has elected Aieshya Jackson as president, and the organization announced that Karon Forde has been appointed director of Youth Programs. Jackson is a business manager for the Springfield Library Department and has more than 15 years of financial-services experience. She is a graduate of Bay Path University, where she earned a master’s degree in healthcare management. She also attended the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. Forde had served as the Community Center director for the Police Athletic League in Brooklyn, N.Y. She has more than seven years of experience working directly with youth as well as serving as an administrator of after-school programs. She earned a bachelor’s degree in values, ethics, and social action from Allegheny College.

•••••

The Dowd Agencies announced the promotion of Jack Dowd from account executive to vice president of Personal Lines. Dowd has been with the agency since 2016 and represents the fifth generation to join the family business. He graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and received his MBA from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business. A licensed property and casualty insurance producer, he achieved his certified insurance counselor (CIC) designation in 2019. In addition, he has participated in the 18-month Agents Sons & Daughters Training Program for underwriting at Quincy Mutual Insurance. In his community, he serves on committees for the Brightside Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is also a member of the board of directors for Boys Scouts of America, Western Massachusetts Council, where he serves as the risk management chair.

•••••

Lisa Wray-Schechterle

Holyoke Medical Center announced the appointment of Lisa Wray-Schechterle as the hospital’s director of Community Benefits. Wray-Schechterle joins the hospital from Pyramid Management Group, where she served as the marketing director of the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside for more than 20 years. She holds both a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. She serves as a marketing committee member for Girls Inc. of the Valley, a board member of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, and an advisory board member for the Holyoke Community College School of Business. Holyoke Medical Center Community Benefits provides programs and services to improve health in communities and helps to increase access to healthcare. Wray-Schechterle succeeds Kathy Anderson as director of the department following Anderson’s retirement.

•••••

William Burke III

The Springfield College board of trustees recently announced the outcome of its 2022-23 board election results during its annual spring meeting. William Burke III was re-elected as chair of the board of trustees. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola College and an MBA from Loyola College Sellenger School of Management. Other trustees elected to the board include Mark Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia in Alpharetta, Ga.; Pia Flanagan, chief of staff to the CEO at MassMutual in Springfield; Peter Pappas, a wealth management associate at Morgan Stanley in Springfield; Suzanne Robotti, founder and president of MedShadow Foundation in New York, N.Y.; Terry Powe, principal of Elias Brookings School in Springfield; Anthony Sarage, a podiatrist and partner at Western Massachusetts Podiatry Associates in East Longmeadow; Denise Alleyne, retired vice president for Student Services at Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill; Douglass Coupe, retired vice president of State Street Global Investor Services of Boston; Samantha Hourihan, student trustee and a physical therapy major; Gizzelle Abanador, student trustee-elect and a biology major; and David Henke, student trustee-elect and a secondary education major.

•••••

Tiffany Appleton has been named president of the board of directors at Dakin Humane Society in Springfield. Appleton joined the board in 2017 and served as its secretary from 2020 to 2022. She is currently the associate director of Employer Relations at UMass Amherst, a position she has held for the past two years. Prior to that, she was a director of the Accounting and Finance Division at Johnson & Hill Staffing Services in West Springfield from 2016 to 2020. Appleton earned both a master’s degree in science education and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at UMass Lowell. She previously served as a board member at the Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley from 2018 to 2020.

•••••

Adam Hogan

Adam Hogan has joined Bulkley Richardson as the firm’s controller. In this management role, Hogan will execute all financial and tax-related activities for the firm, including development of the annual operating budget; partnership reporting; successful collaboration with his team for billing, payables, and receivables; and working closely with firm leadership to contribute to the growth and overall success of the firm. Previously, Hogan held the positions of CFO, controller, and staff accountant at several area businesses. He holds both a master’s degree in accounting and financial planning and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Elms College.

•••••

Elizabeth Hillis

The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) welcomed Elizabeth Hillis, Business Development associate at WWLP-22 News, to its board of directors. “I’m excited to share my skills with the board and learn new things about the area,” Hillis said. “I’m thrilled to be able to help with the amazing events our organization has to offer. Being a Springfield YPS member is a great way to develop your network, meet other professionals, and become more involved in your community. I can’t wait to get started.”

•••••

Evan Collins joined Lee Bank as a mortgage originator and will be working out of the Pittsfield branch. Collins was previously employed as a sales associate at Piretti Real Estate and Stone House Properties. He has been involved in real-estate sales in Berkshire County for seven years and said he is looking forward to exploring a different side of the local real-estate market in his new position.

•••••

BK Investments Hotel Group announced the promotion of Karen Warren to regional director of Operations. Warren will be responsible for the management of the hotel portfolio. She will have responsibilities for a range of brands, including Residence Inn Chicopee, Hampton Inn Chicopee, Tru by Hilton Chicopee, and Holiday Inn Express in Brattleboro, Vt. Vickie Maryou has been promoted to general manager of Residence Inn Chicopee to succeed Warren.

•••••

Gisenia Stewart

ServiceNet’s diversity coordinator, Gisenia Stewart, will join a group of experts, leaders, and community members to spearhead the Baby Bonds Task Force, a group charged by the state treasurer, Office of Economic Empowerment, and Economic Empowerment Trust Fund to provide recommendations for creating a Baby Bonds initiative in Massachusetts. Baby Bonds is an initiative that provides government-supported trust funds for children. When account holders reach adulthood, they can access their fund and spend it on assets that can grow over time or generate wealth (e.g., higher education, buying a home, starting a business, etc.). Studies show that Baby Bonds can help close the racial wealth gap. The Task Force’s diverse, cross-sector group includes people who have expertise and lived experience in racial wealth equity, community engagement, child welfare, and asset-growth initiatives. The Task Force will be chaired by former Massachusetts State Treasurer Shannon O’Brien.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2022

Company Notebook

Bay Path Gets High Marks for Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been ranked as one of the top online cybersecurity master’s degree programs by Fortune magazine. Fortune, which covers global business topics, ranked Bay Path 11th in the nation for its online master’s program in cybersecurity. Rankings were determined by a program’s selectivity score, which measures the undergraduate GPAs and years of work experience of its students, along with the program’s acceptance rate. In addition, Fortune evaluated retention and graduation rates, as well as the size of each graduating class. In addition to its cybersecurity graduate program for men and women, Bay Path offers a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity to undergraduate women. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow by 33% over the next decade, more than four times faster than the average for all occupations. In 2020, the median annual salary for cybersecurity analysts in the U.S. was approximately $104,000.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Expands with New Location

EAST LONGMEADOW — Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a global residential real-estate brokerage franchise network, announced its further expansion in the state of Massachusetts with the addition of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals. This addition marks the brand’s continued growth in the region with its 48th franchisee, led by President Robert Molta, who has been an industry leader in the market for more than 30 years. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals is a full-service real-estate brokerage serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn. By joining the network, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals agents gain access to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ active referral and relocation networks and its FOREVER Cloud technology suite, a powerful source for lead generation, marketing support, social media, video production and distribution, and more. The brand also provides an exclusive Luxury Collection marketing program for premier listings. Its Prestige magazine showcases network members’ premium listings with a strong lineup of feature stories covering topics that appeal to high-end real-estate clients.

Tighe & Bond Earns Two Awards for Coonamessett River Restoration

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, Inter-Fluve, the town of Falmouth, and project partners have been recognized with two awards for the Coonamessett River Restoration and John Parker Road Bridge project. The project team received the Bronze Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts and the Nicholas Humber Outstanding Collaboration Award from the Environmental Business Council of New England. The awards recognize the successful transformation of 56 acres of abandoned cranberry bogs, which established a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem supporting wildlife, increasing coastal resiliency, and providing educational opportunities. Numerous barriers to fish passage were removed, and 5,560 feet of the river were reestablished to closely match the historic natural flow of the river. Project partners spanning local, state, and federal organizations collaborated with the technical engineering and construction teams to successfully complete this project. The restoration serves as an example for other Cape Cod communities transforming former cranberry bogs across the region into thriving wildlife habitats and educational and recreational opportunities.

MassDevelopment Puts 1550 Main St. on Market

SPRINGFIELD — Colliers Capital Markets announced that it has been retained by MassDevelopment to sell 1550 Main St., the 128,900-square-foot office building in Springfield’s downtown corridor. Colliers Executive Vice President Jeanne Pinado will lead marketing efforts of 1550 Main, with Vice President Rob Schlesinger providing additional support, and the firm will issue a call for offers in mid-July. The five-story office building is 97% leased and underwent a complete $9 million renovation in 2010. Capital improvements included creating a high-quality building entrance with an open atrium with 70-foot ceilings, as well as building an outdoor plaza and improving landscaping, elevators, restrooms, and more. Formerly a federal courthouse, 1550 Main St. is home to tenants such as the administrative offices for Springfield Public Schools, the U.S. General Services Administration, and Baystate Health. The building has a 103-space below-grade garage and connects via a pedestrian skywalk to the 28-story Tower Square. MassDevelopment purchased 1550 Main from the federal government in 2009 and revitalized the campus to position it as a Class A office building with an expansive public plaza as part of an economic-development initiative.

BankESB Commits $30,000 to Girls Inc. of the Valley

EASTHAMPTON — Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced that the bank has pledged $30,000 over three years to Girls Inc. of the Valley. The money will be used to help support the organization’s “Her Future, Our Future” campaign, a $5 million fundraising effort designed to help the organization better meet the needs of girls from under-resourced communities in Hampden County and beyond. Through this campaign, Girls Inc. seeks to triple the number of elementary and teen girls served, reaching more than 1,000 girls annually. Efforts include renovating a state-of-the-art headquarters and program center in Holyoke; expanding geographic reach in public schools in Springfield, Chicopee, and beyond; and supporting the innovative Eureka! STEM program that prepares girls for college and career. The donation was made as part of the bank’s charitable giving program, the Giving Tree, which reflects the roots the bank has in its communities, its commitment to making a real difference in the neighborhoods it serves, and the belief that everyone’s quality of life is enhanced by working together to solve communities’ biggest problems.

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $70,700 in Second Grant Round

LEE — Lee Bank Foundation has awarded $70,700 to 13 Berkshire-area organizations in its second round of 2022 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $12,500 to support local programming. Included in the awards are a series of Arts Access Grants for arts and culture organizations to expand access to programming for underserved audiences. Organizations receiving funding from Lee Bank Foundation include Berkshire Black Economic Council, Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Berkshire Bounty, Community Health Programs, Construct, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Flying Cloud Institute, Goodwill of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont, Link to Libraries, and South Community Food Pantry. Additionally, Arts Access Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to Berkshire Theatre Group, BODYSONNET, and Norman Rockwell Museum. The deadline for the next round of 2022 foundation funding is Sept. 1. The application and more information can be found at www.leebank.com/community-impact/donations-sponsorships.html. To be considered for grant awards, an applicant must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps.

T-Birds Earn Award for #WeAre413 Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds were recognized for their business excellence in a variety of departments at last month’s AHL team business meetings. For their season-long #WeAre413 campaign, the Thunderbirds organization took home the league award for Marketing Campaign of the Year. The Thunderbirds returned to the ice in 2021 after opting out of the 2020-21 shortened season. This campaign’s messaging goal was to speak to the pride felt by every resident of the Greater Western Mass. region, as well as the longstanding hockey history of the city. The club also received the award following the 2018-19 season for its #RiseUp campaign. In addition to Marketing Campaign of the Year, the Thunderbirds achieved a pair of milestones in both ticket sales and corporate sales. As part of the award recognition at the team business meetings, AHL member clubs that hit benchmarks pertaining to tickets sold and corporate sponsorship revenue were honored.

Six Flags New England Fulfills Bet Against Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

AGAWAM — Six Flags New England and its sister park Six Flags Discovery Kingdom located in San Francisco set a friendly wager for the recent NBA Finals series. While both parks are proud of their local Celtics and Warriors going head to head, the Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship game series. Six Flags New England begrudgingly fulfilled its wager against its sister park, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom this past weekend, renaming its iconic New England SkyScreamer to the Golden State SkyScreamer. “We tip our hats to our friends and colleagues at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the recent win of their beloved Warriors,” said Park President, Pete Carmichael. “We New Englanders are all too familiar with being crowned champions (17 titles) and welcome a rematch between the two coasts very soon.”

Monson Savings Donates $2,250 to Shriners Hospitals for Children

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently presented a $2,250 donation to Shiners Hospitals for Children – Springfield as a part of the 2022 Monson Savings Bank Community Giving Initiative, in which the public casts votes to support their favorite local charitable organizations. “Monson Savings Bank is extremely proud to donate to the Springfield Shriners Hospital for Children,” President and CEO Dan Moriarty said. “We know that our donation will support the patient care, medical research, and education that directly benefits children living in local communities. It is essential to have a nearby hospital that parents and guardians can turn to when their child needs specialty care.”

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2022

Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AMHERST

The World Dialectical Behavior Therapy Association Inc., 26 South Middle St., Amherst, MA, 01002. Shelly McCain, 115 Ava Road, Toronto, ON M6C, 1W2 Canada. Non-profit organization organized for the advancement of education and science in the field of dialectical behavior therapy.

BELCHERTOWN

Raingutter Specialists Inc., 421 West St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Stephen Rehbein, same. Installation and repair of rain gutters.

Sailors of Old Ironsides Association Inc., 70 South Liberty St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Jeff Lawn, 805 Degree Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Non-profit organization.

CHICOPEE

Pridextended Inc., 659 Prospect St., Apt. C4, Chicopee, MA 01020. Mercedes Loving-Manley, 238 Shadybrook Lane Springfield, MA 01118. Non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to black transgender individuals.

Sweet Babu’s Inc., 821 East Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Chelsea A. Beaudry, same. Sale of baked goods.

GREAT BARRINGTON

DHB 7 & 23 Inc., 892 Sheffield Egremont Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Daniel J Bell, same. Motor vehicle service, sales, repair & consulting.

HADLEY

Aclarity Inc., 220 Russell Street, Suite 200, Hadley, MA 01035. Julie Bliss Mullen, same. Development of water-purification systems.

HAYDENVILLE

Sam Chaplin Psychotherapy Inc., 4 Mountain St., Haydenville, MA 01039. Samantha Chaplin, same. Psychotherapy services.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Lumsden Convenience and Beauty Inc., 49 Pinevale St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Garrett George Lumsden, 107 Oak St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Sales of convenience products and beauty products.

LONGMEADOW

Bruuer Inc., 24 Knollwood Circle, Longmeadow, MA, 01106. Rick Theberge, same. Film production supervisor and payroll supervisor.

LUDLOW

Tony Nails Inc., 263 East St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Anh Tran, 14 Scarsdale Road, Springfield, MA 01129. Nail salon.

NORTH ADAMS

CJ Tremblay Electric Inc., 57 Harris St., North Adams, MA, 01247. Christopher Tremblay, same. Electrician.

PITTSFIELD

Milbornn Corp., 471 West St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. George Bornn, same. Landscaping and property management.

National Association for The Acceptance Of Gay People Inc., 90 West Union St., Suite 101, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Thomas Andrew Keeler Jr., 178 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10023. Non-profit organization designed to act as a social justice organization, bringing awareness to the lgbtqia+ community around the world.

Oakland Business Bootcamp Cooperative Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Rani Langer-Croager, 2323 Broadway Oakland, CA 94612. Provides business consultation, educational and advising services to entrepreneurs.

Shepard Painting Inc., 48 Thomson Place, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Paul Shepard, 44 Andover St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Painting contractor.

Stem Hub For Industry/Innovation Networking And Exchange Inc, 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Donmonique Leronda Chambliss, 7828 Day Creek Blvd., Apt 136 Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. Provide mentoring and networking relationships for underrepresented students in higher education that enable them to overcome barriers in STEM careers in industry and develop mentee mentor networks that improves employee retention.

SOUTH HADLEY

2086 South Hadley Corporation, 2086 Memorial Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. Rajeshkumar K. Patel, 6 Danforth Farm Road Wilbraham, MA 01095. Package store.

SPRINGFIELD

KC Sign and Graphics Corp., 196 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108. Thi M. Tai, same. Signage and graphics products and services.

Kibbe House Restoration Inc., 1030 Worthington St., McKnight Historic District, Springfield, MA 01109. Elisha Colgram, 1105 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01109. To preserve and restore the historic George Kibbe House in Springfield, Mass.

Mo & Drew’s Billiards Inc., 391 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01118. Maureen Snook, same. Own and operate a pool hall.

Reflections Ink Corp., 35 Willow St., Suite 110, Springfield, MA 01103. I Am Tasha Jones, same. Social services writer.

Reparadores De Portillos, 147 Santa Barbara St., Springfield, MA 01104. Merilyn Bermudez, same. Nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for spiritual (religious) purposes.

Roblero Construction Inc., 86 Ranney St. Apt 2, Springfield, MA 01108. Leodan Roblero Lopez, same. Carpentry and siding business.

Rubio S Construction Corp., 138 Davinston St., Springfield, MA 01108. Agustin Rubio Suarez, same. Home-improvement services.

Western Mass Youth Basketball Organization Inc., 1570 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Randolph H Lester III, same. Nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Western Massachusetts Black Nurses’ Association Inc., Ms, Khadijah Tuitt, 273 Naismith Road, Springfield, MA 01104. Khadijah Tuitt Ms., P.O. Box 90246 Springfield, MA 01139-0246. Professional association organized to teach and educate black consumers for optimum quality of care; act as a change agent in restructuring existing institutions to meet the needs of our community and serve as the local nursing body to influence legislation and policies that affect blacks.

Worthy Living Inc., 32 Gladstone St., Springfield, MA 01109. Alasia Burton-Estrada, same. Charitable youth group designed to undertake projects to benefit needy and the community to encourage leadership, character, compassion, and good citizenship.

WEST HATFIELD

R & R Farm Inc., 183 Linseed Road, West Hatfield, MA 01088. Richard Parasiliti, Jr., same. Tree services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Kenetic Transport Inc., 47 Wilder Ter., West Springfield, MA 01089. Sergey Yakimov, same. Long distance transportation services.

MDH Trading Inc., 89 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Zamel N Al Haron, same. Trading company.

Vardayinikrupa Inc., 3 Central St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Minalben K Vyas, 284 Sand Springs Road Williamstown, MA 01267. Convenience and grocery store.

WESTFIELD

Advanced Farba Inc., 16 Harold Ave. B, Westfield, MA 01085. Siarhei Shyshla, same. Interior and exterior painter.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff July 20, 2022

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the months of June and July 2022. (Filings are limited due to closures or reduced staffing hours at municipal offices due to COVID-19 restrictions).

AMHERST

R. Jackson/Expanded Metals
23 Flintlock Lane
Robert Jackson

BELCHERTOWN

Ben’s Brickstore
442A State St.
Erik Homstead

C.B. White Law
45 North Main St.
Carrie White

Family Produce
Adjacent to 31 Federal St.
Gidget Jolly, Gylan Gamache

Help Is on the Way
85 Jackson St.
Justin Ritter

Krispy’s
146 State St.
Voyiatzis Anna

Northern Insulation Services LLC
22 Sherwood Dr.
Anthony Roy

P & L Machine
382 South Washington St.
Paul Barrows

Plated MA
117 Clark St.
Nathan Cartel

Shannon Pasture Forest Products
404 Allen Road
Henry Martin

Summers Services
39 Summit St.
John Summers

GRANBY

The Pampurred Puss
149 East St.
Karen Belanger

NORTHAMPTON

Ann Vaughn, DC
25 Main St., #337
Ann Vaughn

Art Star: Women’s Creative Arts Lounge
219 Main St.
Marie Westburg

Quality Cars
345 Damon Road
Ronald Gardner

Sugar Maple Trailside Inn
62 Chestnut St.
Craig Penna

PALMER

Cutting Corner Inc.
1022 Central St.
Carol Henriques

Wayne’s Truck Service
21 Wilbraham Road
Wayne Chapin

SOUTH HADLEY

Halloran Woodworking
144 North Main St.
David Halloran

The Paper Kitchen
138 College St., Unit 4
Adrian Anderson

Rovelli Construction
43B North Main St.
Rovelli Construction

SOUTHAMPTON

Flo Digital Marketing
172 College Highway
Brian Gagnon

SPRINGFIELD

Angel Shine Bright LLC
84 Entrybrook Dr.
Angel Aviles

Bermudez Transport
18 Pomona St.
Angel Bermudez

Bibiloni Auto Detailing
104 Leyfred Ter.
Luis Bibiloni

Bibiloni’s
104 Leyfred Ter.
Carolyn Perez

Crispy Wings and More
17 Rutland St.
Nilsa Hernandez

Cultivating Better Mind
48 Driftwood Road
Dallas Clark

Fred’s Northeast Mountain
459 Breckwood Blvd.
Algeni Enterprises

Industrial Roofing Co.
24 Burlington St.
Salvatore Circosta

JD Distribution
82 Marble St.
Jose Rivera

Main Street Mobil
3111 Main St.
Zahoor Haq

Nibo Transport
62 Margaret St., #1L
Jose Rosado

Peking House
844 Liberty St.
Yidi Dong

Springfield Stretching
191 Chestnut St.
Deon Smith

Spruce Hill Veterinary Clinic
4 Plumtree Road
Veterinary Innovative

Winchester Liquors
800 State St.
Chirag Patel

WEST SPRINGFIELD

966 Union Street Construction
966 Union St.
Andrew Baker

Blinks by Jojo
2260 Westfield St.
Julianna Driscol

Bourque Real Estate
1233 Westfield St.
Wilfrid Bourque

Comfort Inn and Suites
106 Capital Dr.
Shailesh Patel

Conca Sport and Fitness
170 Elm St.
Stephen Conca

European Wax Center
935 Riverdale St.
Michael Umbro

The Flying Locksmiths
425 Union St.
Michael Faubert

Law Office of Mary A. Samberg
93 Van Deene Ave.
Mary Samberg

Natalia’s Alterations
20 LaBelle St.
Nataliya Filistovich

Obeda Upholstery
847 Piper Road
Obeda Alkabaz

Over the Moon
208 Norman St.
Pauline Delton

Quality Inn
1150 Riverdale St.
Janak Dhabuwala

Total Fitness Equipment LLC
1267 Riverdale St.
Jon Valles

Westside Bar & Grille
95 Elm St.
Tyler Saremi

Episode 123: August 1, 2022

George Interviews Jennifer McGrath, communications manager at Six Flags New England

Also Available On

Episode 122: July 25, 2022

George Interviews Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition

Also Available On

Sharing the Wealth

Community Support

Preserving a Moment in Time

Healthcare Heroes Nominations

Hoophall Hangouts

MOSSO Celebrates John Williams

Friday Night Summer Concerts

New Year’s Eve Party (Take 2!)

Brew at the Zoo

Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival

Bay Path Gets High Marks for Online Master’s in Cybersecurity

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Expands with New Location

Tighe & Bond Earns Two Awards for Coonamessett River Restoration

MassDevelopment Puts 1550 Main St. on Market

BankESB Commits $30,000 to Girls Inc. of the Valley

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $70,700 in Second Grant Round

T-Birds Earn Award for #WeAre413 Campaign

Six Flags New England Fulfills Bet Against Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Monson Savings Donates $2,250 to Shriners Hospitals for Children

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