SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is looking for nominees for its fifth Continued Excellence Award, and will accept nominations through Friday, May 3. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 20.

Four years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored.

The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. The judges chose two winners in 2017: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014). Last year, Samalid Hogan, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013), took home the honor.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-18 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Health New England.

The nomination form is available by clicking here. For your convenience, a list of the past 12 40 Under Forty classes may be found here. For more information call Bevin Peters, Marketing and Events Director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

WARE — Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced the appointment of Maura McCaffrey, former CEO of Health New England, and Keith Blanchette, partner at Stolberg, Ebbeling and Blanchette, LLP, to its board of trustees at its recent annual meeting held at the AC Marriott in Worcester.

The bank also appointed five new corporators, including Nancy Crimmin, president of Becker College; Cherylann Gengel, co-founder of Be Like Brit; Michael Myers, president of the Worcester Railers; Peter Dawson, partner at Mirick O’Connell; and Mark Donahue, partner at Fletcher Tilton.

At the meeting, Country Bank reported its 2018 earnings resulted in record-breaking profits. Net income was reported at $12,853,000, with total assets increasing to $1,624,000,000. Deposit balances increased to $1,083,182,000, and total loans increased from the prior year to $1,240,421,000. Capital was reported at 14.06%, maintaining the bank’s position as one of the higher-capitalized banks in the Commonwealth.

“While each of our markets offer a unique value proposition, we are making strategic decisions to focus our efforts on the areas that will provide us with the most growth opportunities,” Scully said. “In 2018, Worcester business leaders provided Country Bank the opportunity to participate in the financing of several notable projects in the city, to include the $59,500,000 recapitalization of 100 Front Street, known as Mercantile Center, and the $16 million financing of Harding Green in Kelly Square.”

As part of its ongoing Worcester expansion, the bank partnered with the Worcester Red Sox as one of the team’s 21 founding partners in anticipation of its move to Worcester in 2021. The meeting’s keynote address included a video of the site of Polar Park narrated by Worcester Red Sox President Charles Steinberg, along with remarks regarding the team’s decision to relocate to Worcester and Country Bank’s partnership by Rob Crain, senior vice president of Marketing and Sales for the Worcester Red Sox, and Jack Verducci, the team’s vice president of Corporate Partnerships.   

In his remarks, Scully noted that the bank’s founding principles and core values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity continue to serve as the foundation for its success and community involvement 169 years since its founding in 1850.

“Back then, the founding fathers of Country Bank envisioned the role of the community bank to assist hard-working residents in providing for their families, growing their businesses, achieving their financial dreams, and enriching the local community,” said Scully, noting that those principles resulted in the bank providing more than $1 million in charitable donations and community support in 2018.

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. will hold a Labor and Employment Law Conference on Tuesday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Springfield.

“The conference will deliver an in-depth review of some of the most challenging employment-law issues organizations, human-resources personnel, and management have faced over the past year, and will provide cutting-edge insights needed for surviving challenges on the horizon,” said Partner Marylou Fabbo. “We conduct this annual conference to help local businesses stay abreast of laws and regulations relating to labor issues. Topics we’ll address include the new Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave law and regulations and — especially in light of the ‘me too’ movement — why employers get sued for harassment.”

Breakout sessions will include “Paid Family and Medical Leave: Change Is Coming” “Wage and Hour Mistakes,” “Harassment, Discrimination, and Why Employers Get Sued,” “Labor and Employment Law Update,” “How to Handle Requests for Reasonable Accommodations,” and “How to Conduct an Internal Investigation.” Speakers and panel-discussion participants will include Skoler Abbott attorneys and other leaders in human resources and employment law.

A continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and luncheon are included with the conference, as well as time for networking and questions following the presentations. See the full agenda and register online at skoler-abbott.com/training-programs or call (413) 737-4753.

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) will hold an open house for its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center on Saturday, April 27. The open house will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature a tour of the center. Walk-ins are welcome.

Students completing certificate and degree programs at the college can begin a career with little to no debt. Companies in the area partner with ACC for paid internships and provide scholarships for many students.

Registration for summer and fall courses is now open. Visit www.asnuntuck.edu for information on how to register.

HADLEY — On Monday, April 22, Paragus IT will hold a technology recycling drive to promote sustainability on Earth Day and to benefit Dakin Humane Society.

Paragus will take old, unwanted computers, laptops, printers, and other equipment and prepare them for reuse or make sure they’re properly disposed of. In exchange, they will collect $5 per piece of equipment — all of which will benefit Dakin Humane Society. 

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses and individuals to recycle their old technology while supporting a good cause,” said Paragus CEO Delcie Bean. “Earth Day is a time when we all come together to do our part to protect our planet and its creatures.”

Those looking to recycle equipment can drop it at Paragus IT in Hadley or Dave’s Soda and Pet Food City in Agawam between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Lexington Group can also arrange for pickup from local businesses, with a minimum of five pieces of equipment and a minimum $50 donation. Interested businesses can contact Jillian Morgan at [email protected] or (413) 587-2666, ext. 199 to reserve a spot.

AMHERST — Gov. Charlie Baker will be the featured speaker at the undergraduate commencement at UMass Amherst on Friday, May 10 at 4:30 p.m. at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

The governor will address an anticipated crowd of about 20,000 family members, friends, and other guests as approximately 5,500 undergraduates receive their bachelor’s degrees at the Commonwealth’s flagship campus.

“We are honored that Governor Baker will deliver this year’s commencement address,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “As a results-driven leader, he combines a concentration on thoughtful data analysis with an emphasis on building relationships that strengthen our Commonwealth. His support for UMass Amherst has provided our students the opportunity to flourish as they play an invaluable role in the state’s innovation economy.

“It’s no coincidence that, under the governor’s leadership, Massachusetts has achieved record employment, the highest percentage of citizens with healthcare, and an outstanding education system,” he went on. “At the flagship campus, we are proud of playing a role in providing high-quality, affordable education for our citizens.”

Before being elected governor in 2014, Baker served as a cabinet secretary under former Govs. William Weld and Paul Cellucci. Baker helped lead efforts to reform and modernize state government, turn a billion-dollar deficit into a surplus, create a half-million jobs, and enact key education reforms.

Baker also was the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, turning the company around from the verge of bankruptcy and making it the nation’s highest-ranked healthcare provider for member satisfaction and clinical effectiveness for six consecutive years.

SPRINGFIELD — NAI Plotkin, a third-generation commercial real-estate firm based in Springfield, announced the promotion of Daniel Moore to vice president and leader of the company’s Brokerage division.

President and CEO Evan Plotkin praised Moore, a 12-year veteran of the firm, for his contributions to the company, his extensive experience in both brokerage and construction management, and his ability to both understand and exceed client expectations. “These are exciting times for NAI Plotkin,” he noted, “and Dan is exactly the right person to guide our brokerage division as it propels forward.”

Moore succeeds Bill Low as NAI Plotkin’s broker of record, as Low pursues other interests.

CHICOPEE —  On Wednesday, April 24, HRMA of Western New England will present a program on Massachusetts’ new paid family leave legislation at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee.

This will be an informative and interactive discussion presented in a panel format. Panelists will review the overall parameters of the law, timelines for employer contributions and leave requests, best-practice tips for communicating this new legislation to employees, and more.

Joining the panel will be William Alpine, the new director of the state Paid and Family Leave Department, as well as several employers with locations in Rhode Island and New York, where similar legislation is already in place. They include Joanne Gloster, senior HR consultant at DMS; Kim Counter, director of HR at J. Polep; and Abigail O’Connell, senior counsel at Sunlife.

“It’s critical that we understand the current regulations in Massachusetts but also explore outcomes from other states that have already put this legislation in place,” said Myra Quick, president of HRMA of Western New England. “This is a very high-impact issue for all Massachusetts employers.”

The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with registration and a buffet dinner, followed by the presentation from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. The program has been approved for both HRCI and SHRM credits. For more information, visit www.hrmawne.org.

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, April 29, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on May 30. Tuition is $400 and includes the book and materials.

The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more.

Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield.

For an application, contact Joanne Leblond at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected], or visit www.rapv.com.

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber (SRC) 2019 Outlook has released its legislative agenda outlining the priorities of its more than 500 members for the legislative session and the major issues it will focus on to strengthen business competitiveness, lower business costs and stimulate growth in the greater Springfield region.

“Every other year, we survey our more than 500 members to gather feedback about the issues that are impacting their business, their success, their growth strategies,” said SRC President Nancy F. Creed. “We then determine our legislative priorities based on what matters most to them and this forms our advocacy roadmap for the coming year.”

Creed noted that more than 6,000 pieces of legislation haven been filed since the start of the legislative session in January, and the SRC has identified more than 600 bills that align with the SRC’s priorities and that could impact the regional business community. Through its Legislative Steering Committee representing industry or all types, sizes and geographies, the SRC researches, monitors and advocates as appropriate on each piece of legislation as it moves through the process.

The SRC’s 2019-2020 legislative agenda touches upon key issues in the areas of health care, workplace issues, workforce development and education, tax policy, and energy.

Creed said the cost of health care and access to it is the number one priority of the business community. “This is a critical issue for our businesses and so we will continue to serve as a watchdog and a voice for the region,” she stated. In support of this focus, Creed serves as a steering committee member of the Employer Health Coalition, an employer-led effort to use its collective influence to uncover solutions that drive real change in the health care delivery system and reduce cost.

Creed said the SRC will also focus its efforts on the ending of the temporary increase to the Employer Medical Assistance Contribution (EMAC). To address the rising costs of MassHealth, the Legislature imposed a temporary assessment on businesses to cover these costs. Creed said the assessment was passed as a temporary measure and the legislation dictates it to sunset at the end of 2019. “The Legislature enacted this increase which has unfairly penalized our business community,” she said. “The law promised it would sunset the increase at the end of 2019 and we expect our elected officials to hold to that promise.”

Creed added that the SRC will also work to ensure mandated benefits be evidence-based and that their values exceeds their cost and advocating for equity in hospital reimbursements. “It makes no sense that our area hospitals get reimbursed less than hospitals in the eastern part of the state for the very same service,” she said.

Creed was part of the group that negotiated the legislative compromise which came to be known as the “grand bargain” which enacted, among other things, a new Paid Family and Medical Leave program. She said the SRC will remain actively involved in its implementation. “This remains high on our radar,” said Creed.” With the law enacted, our overarching objective now is to ensure that we get this done right — that the regulations have clarity, the program is implemented with the least disruption to employers, and that both employers and employees understand their responsibilities. We cannot afford to get this wrong.”

In addition, the SRC will encourage reforms to the independent- contractor laws. “Our economy has changed and we should look to reforms to ensure we are keeping up with our changing economy, to encourage entrepreneurialism and incent business growth rather than hindering job creation,” she added. Advocating for a return to prior statutory language for treble damages and opposing changes to wage ‘theft’ laws are also part of the Chamber’s advocacy work.

Workforce development remains a priority for the SRC and its members. Creed said that finding qualified workers is at a critical juncture to the growth of the region. She said that supporting innovation which not only expands educational opportunities but links it to labor market demand will be key to helping businesses with this need. As well, she said the SRC will advocate for modernizing the state funding formula but coupling it with reforms. “We do not support writing a blank check,” she emphasized.

Creed noted that the SRC will continue its focus on the state budget and how revenues are prioritized and spent, including: supporting the rebuilding of the Stabilization Fund, or “Rainy Day” Fund and encouraging it only in dire circumstances; supporting adequate funding for programs to meet the unique needs of the region’s Gateway Cities; advocating for adequate funding for local aid; supporting the maintaining of the state’s high bond rating; ensuring the revenues collected from cannabis taxation are appropriately spent; and opposing any increase in the income tax on business.

Rounding out the SRC’s legislative agenda is energy, and to that end, the SRC will advocate for a comprehensive energy strategy which includes a balanced energy portfolio, development of alternative renewable energy sources, expansion of the supply of natural gas and conservation and energy efficiency measures. “We have the highest energy prices in the country coupled with a shortage of reliable energy, moratoriums right here in our own backyard halting out economic growth, and a costly dependence on coal and oil,” she said. “Renewables alone are not going to solve this problem.”

Creed stated that the legislative process can feel slow moving but it is purposeful. “Our process if meant to be thoughtful and deliberate so that all voices can be heard and considered and the best outcome can be determined,” she said. “And I am pleased that our area’s delegation works within that framework as well.”

HARTFORD — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended March 31. The company reported net income of $12.7 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, compared to net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2018 (linked quarter) of $12.2 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. The company reported net income of $15.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018.

“Despite the challenging operating environment, the United Financial Bancorp, Inc. team is focused on expanding and winning new client relationships, maintaining strong asset quality and ample capital, and providing superior customer service,” said William H.W. Crawford, IV, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and the Bank. “Having a talented and dedicated team of employees to serve the needs of our customers and communities continues to be a strong value proposition of the company and will protect and enhance franchise value.”

Assets totaled $7.34 billion at March 31, 2019, decreasing $16.9 million from $7.36 billion at Dec. 31, 2018. At March 31, 2019, total available for sale securities were $848.5 million, representing a decrease of $124.8 million, or 12.8%, from the linked quarter. The overall decrease was primarily due to sales of lower-yielding collateralized mortgage obligations and municipal securities at a gain during the quarter, and a portion of the proceeds were utilized to pay off maturing Federal Home Loan Bank advances. At March 31, 2019, total loans were $5.73 billion, representing an increase of $75.1 million, or 1.3%, from the linked quarter. Changes to loan balances during the first quarter of 2019 were highlighted by a $33.4 million, or 3.8%, increase in commercial business loans, a $21.1 million, or 1.1%, increase in investor non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, a $15.6 million, or 3.8%, increase in other consumer loans, a $9.1 million, or 0.7%, increase in residential real estate loans and a $7.2 million, or 8.2%, increase in commercial construction loans.

Slightly offsetting the increased loan balances above were a $7.0 million, or 34.0%, decrease in residential construction loans and a $4.0 million, or 0.9%, decrease in owner-occupied commercial real estate loans from the linked quarter. Loans held for sale also decreased $62.6 million, or 79.5%, from the linked quarter. Total cash and cash equivalents increased $57.2 million, or 58.4%, from the linked quarter as a result of the aforementioned sale of investment securities.

Deposits totaled $5.66 billion at March 31, 2019 and decreased by $6.3 million, or 0.1%, from $5.67 billion at December 31, 2018. Decreases in deposit balances during the first quarter of 2019 were primarily due to a $97.4 million, or 5.6%, decrease in money market account balances and a $21.8 million, or 2.7%, decrease in non-interest-bearing checking deposits, largely due to seasonal outflows that are typical of commercial DDA accounts in the first quarter. Offsetting these decreases was a $61.0 million, or 7.1%, increase in NOW checking account balances and a $51.8 million, or 2.9%, increase in certificates of deposit balances.

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM), now celebrating its centennial anniversary, will host the JA Inspire Career Exploration Fair on Tuesday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield.

“We’re excited to offer this event for the first time in our region, as it’s been very successful in other parts of the country,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of JAWM. “We will host more than 500 students from seventh through 11th grades, who will have the opportunity to explore diverse career options at interactive booths featuring colleges, universities, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, companies, local law enforcement, and public-safety organizations from throughout Western Massachusetts.”

The JA Inspire program provides students with the opportunity to learn about careers from industry representatives in time to begin planning for high-school coursework and better prepare themselves for life after graduation. The program consists of four in-class lessons, plus the career exploration fair, all designed to engage students and help them explore education and career pathways, showcase careers in Western Mass. with a focus on high-wage and high-demand industries, and connect students with industry representatives who can share career advice and offer interactive exhibits during the career fair.

“LENOX/Stanley Black and Decker is honored to participate in the JA Inspire program,” said Erica Pellegrino, the company’s senior manager, Human Resources. “We look for opportunities to partner with our local communities to develop and educate future leaders in manufacturing. We continue to be impressed with the level of commitment that Junior Achievement brings through programs like JA Inspire.”

Added Connolly, “in addition to benefitting students, the JA Inspire program benefits our communities and businesses. It allows businesses, higher education, and apprenticeship programs the opportunity to participate in building Western Massachusetts’ future workforce, which strengthens the entire region.”

Alicia Pare of Florence Bank, a JA of Western Mass. board member, noted that “we signed on quickly with JA Inspire to be part of their career fair because I’ve seen first-hand how the interactive, hands-on experience motivates students to speak with local business professionals and inspires and develops career aspirations. Florence Bank is excited to be part of a program that aids in the strong development of young people that will go on to contribute to our local economy in the future.”

Exhibitor space is still available at no charge. Exhibitors will present interactive and engaging career stations, while providing volunteer mentors to staff the career stations throughout the event. To reserve a career station, contact Connolly at (413) 747-7670 or [email protected]. To learn more about the event, visit jawm.org/events or call (413) 747-7670.

SPRINGFIELD — As part of Big Y Foods Inc.’s recent announcement to phase out of single-use plastic bags at their checkouts, its Big Y Express Gas and Convenience locations will be the first division in the 80-store company to eliminate these bags as of April 22.

Currently, Big Y Express in Lee is the only gas and convenience location without these bags as part of that town’s ordinance. Now, the other eight locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut will join in this pursuit just in time for Earth Day.

Single-use plastic bags create an inordinate amount of waste. According to the EPA, more than 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States each year. If not disposed properly, this plastic can end up in waterways and forests where it can harm fish, marine animals, birds and other wildlife.

Big Y has been complying with single use plastic bag bans in fice of its local communities in Massachusetts (Amherst, Great Barrington, Lee, Northampton and South Hadley) since 2014. The company also issued a pledge in January to eliminate all single-use plastic bags at its checkouts in 2020. The elimination of these bags at its Express locations is the first phase of the implementation for this pledge.

Currently, there are several more towns with bans pending such as Longmeadow and West Springfield, Mass. and Mansfield, CT. In addition, the legislatures of both Massachusetts and Connecticut are discussing statewide bans on single use plastic bags. Customers within communities without single use plastic bags are delighted with the bans, supportive of environmentally responsible business practices and have been strong supporters of using reusable bags as an alternative to plastic or paper bags for their groceries. Paper is not the answer to this waste problem as the paper production process is harmful to the environment causing increased greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.

Richard D. Bossie, Big Y’s senior vice president of operations and customer experience acknowledged this team for their enthusiasm. “Congratulations to our Express division for taking the lead in eliminating single use plastic bags in their stores. Their commitment to our overall initiative will be a great example for the remainder of our stores to follow.”

LONGMEADOW — School may almost be out for the summer, but not for Bay Path University. Two sessions are scheduled for the upcoming summer season to offer women from area high schools and colleges, currently enrolled Bay Path students, and community members of any age the opportunity to pursue their educational goals throughout the summer.

Summer sessions are scheduled to run from May 28 to June 28, and from July 1 to August 2, with more than 30 courses being offered either on site or online. Tuition is $400 per credit, and must be paid in full before the start of the respective session.

For more information, including details on available courses and how to enroll, visit baypath.edu/summersessions.

ENFIELD, Conn. — Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) invites the public to join the Asnuntuck community in observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The college will hold events throughout the week of April 22-25.

On Monday, April 22, the college will host a No More Campaign from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the college’s Tower Lobby. Visit nomore.org to learn more about the organization’s mission to end domestic violence and sexual assault. The college invites the community to come to campus that day and take the pledge.

The Ted Talk “How We Talk About Sexual Assault Online” will run on a loop every 14 minutes in the Strom Conference Room from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23.

On Wednesday, April 24, students, staff, and faculty will participate in Denim Day. This day will promote that “there is no excuse and never an invitation to rape.” The ACC community will be encouraged to wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence.

The week of awareness will conclude on Thursday, April 25 with a benefit concert. “Our Voices: An Evening Celebrating Women’s Resiliency with the Nields” will be held in Asnuntuck’s new Conference Center. Sisters Nerissa and Katryna Nields perform contemporary music that has been described as equal parts Beatles, Cranberries, and Joni Mitchell. Faith Ward and Kath Pepe will open for the duo. Tickets are free for Asnuntuck students who show their student ID, and $10 for the public. Proceeds will benefit YWCA Sexual Assault Crisis Services. For tickets, visit asnuntuck.edu/donate.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action will present a night of celebrating those in action within the community. The Community Action Awards will take place on Thursday, June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Springfield Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. It will be a night of speakers, awards, handing out scholarships to Community Scholarship winners, and a silent auction for guests to participate in. Ticket purchase is available at communityactionevent.eventbrite.com.

Springfield Partners for Community Action is the federally designated community action agency of Springfield whose mission is to provide resources that assist those in need to obtain economic stability and ultimately create a better way of life. For more information on the event, contact Natalia Arocho at (413) 263-6500, ext. 6516, or [email protected].

HATFIELD — As the days start to grow longer once again, many sports fans set their sights on baseball season, mapping out how to get to the most anticipated matchups and crossing stadiums off their bucket lists. That’s where Sports Travel and Tours enters the picture.

The Hatfield-based company regularly offers baseball trips from June to August, including several travel packages that take guests to witness the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y.

“Sports Travel and Tours takes the hassle out of travel,” President Jay Smith said. “All hotel accommodations, transportation, and scheduling are taken care of, leaving the guest to focus on having a good time and making memories that last a lifetime.”

Smith founded Sports Travel and Tours in 1996. Its mission is to offer trip options to sports fans so they can attend games and other events across the U.S. and Canada. Smith and his staff have successfully worked with tens of thousands of travelers while fulfilling dreams and bucket lists worldwide.

Sports Travel and Tours has been the official travel company of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum since 2007. It also offers trips for baseball fans that take them to all 30 major-league stadiums as well as many minor-league stadiums. The company also has its own Stadium Hall of Fame to honor travelers who make it to all 30 parks. There is an induction ceremony for them at Cooperstown every four years; the next one will be in 2021.

Baseball isn’t the only sport fans can take in through the company’s travel packages. Sports Travel and Tours offers themed excursions for fans of basketball, football, golf, hockey, horse racing, rodeo, and soccer.

While many of the company’s travel packages feature destinations within the U.S., Sports Travel and Tours has also branched out to offer international travel packages, including a March trip to Japan that features tickets to baseball games and sumo wrestling matches, and a football-themed trip to Dublin, Ireland in August 2020.

For more information, visit sportstravelandtours.com or call (800) 662-4424.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College will host a lecture focused on “Effective Health Care Practices for Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-nonconforming Patients,” which will be presented by Dr. Christopher Wolf-Gould on Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. in the Cleveland E. and Phyllis B. Dodge Room (C-F), Flynn Campus Union. This event is free and open to the public.

In his lecture, Wolf-Gould will explore the barriers that transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals often face in healthcare systems, and improvements that need to be made to help reduce such barriers. He will cover topics such as medical training, public policy, and insurance coverage.

A family physician in Oneonta, N.Y., Wolf-Gould is a regional expert clinician in transgender healthcare and an ally of the LGBTQ movement. He is a member of the World Professional Assoc. for Transgender Health and has worked with PFLAG and other human-rights organizations.

Springfield College sponsors for this event include the All-College Gender & Sexuality Alliance; the Student Gender & Sexuality Alliance; the Office of Inclusion and Community Engagement; the Office of Spiritual Life; the School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies; the departments of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Rehabilitation and Disability Studies; the Health Center; and the Counseling Center.

For more information, e-mail Laurel Davis-Delano at [email protected]. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, contact Lisa Holm at [email protected] or (413) 748-3050. Springfield College is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment.

HOLYOKE — Massachusetts is the first U.S. state to implement a statewide social equity program in the cannabis industry and has done so by creating opportunities for those disproportionately impacted by the drug war to have priority access in the industry and broader social-equity program. As the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) gears up in 2019 with targeted technical assistance for economic empowerment and social-equity applicants, opportunity exists to encourage private-sector collaboration and cooperation among big and small businesses in the emerging Massachusetts cannabis industry. 

Veterans Alternative Healing Inc. (VAH), Cannabis Community Care and Research Network (C3RN), and Joint Venture & Co. are hosting an event on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke on the topic of “Cannabis Equity: Big Business and Small Business Working Together.” To register for this free event, visit www.cannacenterofexcellence.org/veteran.

As the CCC continues to actively bolster the state’s social-equity program, a complimentary and collaborative effort from the private sector can help ensure that those disproportionately impacted by the drug war have meaningful inclusion in the cannabis industry.

As of April 4, the CCC has received 3,062 total applications, but only 347 (13%) from companies identified as ‘disadvantaged business enterprise’ (DBE). To date, 87% of applicants did not identify as a DBE, 0.3% were disability-owned, 0.9% veteran-owned, 1.4% LGBTQ-owned, 2.3% minority-owned, and 2.9% women-owned, and 4.9% identified as two or more DBE types. The lack of diversity is clear, and as the CCC baseline study reports, capital is the largest barrier to entry for minority businesses. In addition to other efforts the CCC is taking to address identified barriers, it is also actively looking for qualified training vendors for the social-equity program expected to launch this year.

Keynote speakers for the event include Cannabis Control Commissioner Steve Hoffman, BASK CEO Chapman Dickerson, and MRCC Community Director Joe Gilmore. Two panel discussions will be held at the event. The first will focus on inclusion and diversity in entrepreneurship and employment, and ideas for constructive collaboration across the industry. Speakers include Hoffman, Stephen Mandile, Karima Rizk, Shamika Rucker, and Horace Small. The second panel will focus on policy, business, and education models in Western Mass. for inclusion and diversity, with speakers Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Mark Zatryka from INSA, and Jeff Hayden from Holyoke Community College. 

Study data from the VAH, C3RN, and UMass Dartmouth’s ongoing Veterans Health and Medical Cannabis Research Study will be released at the event as well.

Veterans interested in participating in the study will complete an anonymous online survey and see how their results compared to other participating veterans’ answers. All study participants will receive access to cannabis-related discounts, attend monthly support groups managed by VAH, and can elect to participate in additional clinical cannabis studies. The study team has partnered with the Massachusetts chapter of Disabled American Veterans, Revolutionary Clinics, AmeriCann, BASK, the Botanist, the Healing Rose, INSA, and Central Ave Compassionate Care. Study media sponsors include NECANN, SENSI magazine, and Weedmaps. For participating in the study, veterans will receive discounts from the following cannabis and wellness companies in Massachusetts: Revolutionary Clinics, AmeriCann, BASK, the Botanist, the Healing Rose, INSA, and Central Ave Compassionate Care. Veterans can take the survey  at www.cannacenterofexcellence.org/veteran.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College recently welcomed Patrick Carpenter as its director of Institutional Advancement. In his new role, Carpenter will serve as the principal gifts officer for the HCC Foundation, facilitate donor cultivation and engagement, and supervise the office of Alumni Relations. 

Before his hiring at HCC, he held advancement positions at Westfield State University as major gifts officer, Boston College School of Law as associate director of University Advancement, and Elms College, his alma mater, as director of Annual Giving.

“We are really excited to have Patrick on board,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation, the college’s nonprofit fundraising organization. “He brings a level of expertise in advancement that will bring our fundraising operation to the next level and, we believe and said in the posting for the job, to nationally recognized heights.” 

Carpenter has worked in higher education since earning his bachelor’s degree in English from Elms College in 2002, starting his professional career at the College of Saint Rose as coordinator of Residence Life before returning to Elms in 2007 as director of Residence Life and eventually moving into the office of Institutional Advancement there.

He has also been a member of the adjunct teaching faculty at Elms since 2011 and served on the Elms College board of trustees and as president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. In 2014, he received Bay Path University’s Recent Alumni Award, which is presented to a graduate who possesses great leadership potential.

“When you look at what is happening in higher education, particularly with increasing costs, community colleges are really providing an opportunity and a service that is vital to students looking to create a future for themselves and their families,” he said. “HCC, based on everything I have known about this place and have learned since I got here, does a tremendous job caring for the community.” 

Carpenter holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from Bay Path University and is working on his doctor of education degree in higher education administration from Northeastern University.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc. will host its fourth annual “Protecting Your Assets” event on Thursday, April 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Springfield Partners, 721 State St. The event is in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month, celebrated every April. Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public. Call (413) 263-6500 or e-mail [email protected] to reserve a seat.

This year’s presentation will feature Milagros Johnson, director of the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Information. She will discuss current scams and frauds, how to avoid them, and what to do if you have been scammed or defrauded. Jacob Doser of Key Bank will discuss how to re-establish credit, perhaps after being scammed or defrauded. Additionally, he will talk about rebuilding credit through the Second Chance Banking program.

“This is the prime season that scams and frauds tend to occur,” said Paul Bailey, executive director at Springfield Partners. “Folks are starting to think about home improvements and vacation. Another tricky time is tax season. In our partnership with the IRS, we get regular alerts notifying us of potential frauds. I urge the public to attend this important event, if not to protect yourself, then maybe a loved one.”

SPRINGFIELD — All children deserve a comfortable, restful night’s sleep — a freedom that one regional credit union will help secure for them.

Freedom Credit Union will again partner with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless on “A Bed for Every Child.” Last year, Freedom contributed $9,000 to the efforts of the Pioneer Valley chapter of the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. (CCUA), enough to procure 36 beds for area children in need. This year, the institution hopes to raise $10,000, enough for 40 beds.

“Thanks to the characteristic compassion and generosity of our employees, members, and leaders, Freedom actually exceeded our goal by 20% in 2018,” said Freedom President and CEO Glenn Welch. “Those who represent our institution have always demonstrated a firm commitment to community, and I’m confident this initiative will continue to be a shining example of that.”

Every $250 makes a ‘bed buddy,’ which provides one child with a complete bed set: frame, mattress, pillow, linens, and blankets. Like last year, FCU has already pledged a donation of four bed buddies ($1,000 value). Welch has agreed to match this donation once again and has challenged board and staff members to do what they can to help FCU reach its $10,000 goal. The goal for the Pioneer Valley Chapter of CCUA is $25,000, or 100 beds. 

Each FCU branch currently has a collection box on site for anyone who would like to contribute to “A Bed for Every Child” and help Freedom reach its goal. In addition, Freedom will host an employee dress-down day for the cause in April. Each employee who donates will receive a raffle ticket for entry into a prize drawing.

In 2011, the Massachusetts Coalition learned that many public-school students were not getting enough sleep because they did not have their own beds. In response, the coalition launched “A Bed for Every Child,” with a mission to help facilitate the healthy sleep children need to learn and succeed.