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Tighe & Bond Named Engineering Excellence Awards Finalist

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond Inc. has been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) as a 2020 Engineering Excellence Award Finalist (Gold Award). Tighe & Bond, in conjunction with a team of subconsultants and property owner ENGIE North America, transformed the site of the Mt. Tom coal-fired power plant into the state’s largest community solar and energy storage facility. 

 

In 2014, the Mt. Tom coal-fired power plant in Holyoke stopped operations, and ENGIE North America began the task of decommissioning and closing the power plant site. This undertaking involved demolition of the coal-fired plant and remediation of many areas of the property. A portion of the site was also used for renewable energy generation/energy storage to benefit the region and the City of Holyoke. 

 

Having provided a range of engineering and environmental services for the 200-acre property of Mt. Tom since 1969, Tighe & Bond played a pivotal role in the transformation of the property. The project team aided with the decommissioning design of the property and worked to obtain a complex array of environmental and land use permits for the entire project for future industrial/commercial redevelopment. 

 

The Tighe & Bond environmental team developed the remedial design for the power plant and the associated coal ash management on the property. The largest component of the property restoration included risk-based evaluations and various capping strategies to address coal ash that has been deposited over much of the property. The coal ash management strategy was possible due to collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The successful coal ash closure approach resulted in preserving and protecting nearby waterways including the Connecticut River and Kennedy Brook, over 50 acres of vegetated forest, and associated rare and endangered species habitat. 

 

For the solar project, the project team provided permit-level design and engineering support as well as construction period design for the energy storage system. This project developed a 5.7-megawatt (MW) AC solar project that is the largest community solar project in Massachusetts, and a 3 MW/6 MWh AC battery storage project that is the largest utility-scale energy storage installation in the Commonwealth. This energy storage system provides the City of Holyoke an even greater benefit by storing the energy to be used during peak times to satisfy demand while offsetting utility cost increases for customers and reducing the burden on the electrical distribution system. 

 

The project’s early success in an evolving energy market and industry in Massachusetts supports future energy storage projects and bolsters the Commonwealth’s goals to become a leader in the renewable energy and energy storage industries. Tighe & Bond and the rest of the project team will be honored at the next Engineering Excellence Awards gala in 2021.

UMass Amherst Graduate Students Receive Financial Support to Weather COVID-19 Challenges

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Daily News

AMHERST — The economic and research hardships stemming from the global COVID-19 pandemic have strained campuses around the country, including UMass Amherst. Especially hard hit are graduate students in the sciences, as their research opportunities and funding trajectories have been greatly reduced by COVID-19 public health restrictions. 

 

In response, the university’s College of Natural Sciences (CNS) created the Graduate Student Fellowship Fund this fall to provide additional funding to graduate students who need to extend their work for another year, and to make available innovations in data collection for those who are unable to conduct in-person experiments.

 

The largest gift to the fund so far has come from alumni and long-time supporters Richard (’55) and Barbara (’55) Mahoney, who contributed $100,000 in early December 2020. The contribution has sparked additional donations from donors who recognize the value of graduate student research in the college and want to support those students. 

 

“Our graduate students are central to our research and our industry partnerships,” said Dean Tricia Serio. “We are grateful to the Mahoney family for their ongoing support of our students. All of our donors know that graduate students make science happen and contribute to our collective wellbeing through their work.”

 

Graduate students are at the core of the research enterprise on campus, putting in thousands of hours to run experiments, collect data and analyze findings. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many graduate students have lost the opportunities they previously had to spend much-needed time in labs or out in the field. There are more than 1,000 graduate students working toward degrees across CNS.

 

CNS graduate students have played major roles in ground-breaking research including capturing the first image of a black-hole for the first time in history, creating an app to help farmers more efficiently grow crops, and finding new species of animals.

 

“Graduate students are the lifeblood of a leading research university like UMass Amherst,” said Richard Mahoney. “COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of all of our students, but the graduate students have taken a double hit. They not only lose out in classroom research but also in their field work, which is disrupted because of travel restrictions. This disruption has frequently meant a loss of grant dollars that support their work. We can help students individually protect themselves against the virus, but collectively through the CNS Graduate School Fellowship Fund we can begin to fight back.

 

“Barbara and I are privileged to be able to help in this important support campaign in getting our graduate students through this crisis until we return to some semblance of normalcy,” he went on.

 

The challenges faced by CNS graduate students reflect national trends. A recent study by the Network for Research and Evaluation in Education reports that 35.5% of STEM doctoral students delayed their graduation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 67% reporting delays of more than four months. To learn more about how CNS graduate students have been affected and to offer your support, please visit cns.umass.edu/giving.

 

Nursing Schools Almanac Names AIC among Best Schools for Nursing in Mass., N.E.

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Nursing Schools Almanac has released its 2020 rankings of the best nursing schools in the United States. In collecting data on more than 3,000 institutions nationwide only 20% made the list of the best nursing schools in each geographic region.

 

The nursing program at American International College (AIC) was named in both the New England and Massachusetts categories placing 45th in the region and 21st in in the state.

 

Each school was evaluated on three dimensions: The institution’s academic prestige and perceived value; the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered; and student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination. Nursing Schools Almanac combined the assessments into an overall score and ranked the schools accordingly.

In its consideration of AIC, Nursing Schools Almanac stated, “American International College opened in 1885 as a school for international immigrants. The institution became coed in 1892, making it one of the first colleges in the region to educate women. AIC offers BSN and RN-to-BSN courses for undergraduate students. Graduates of the traditional BSN program have passed the NCLEX exam at an 87% rate over the past decade. The college introduced its MSN program in 2005, which offers a hybrid of classroom and online modules. In fact, two-thirds of the content is available online, providing much-needed flexibility for working nurses.”

 

“While the demand for healthcare professionals grows each year, at no time has that need been more critical than now,” said Dean of Health Sciences Karen Rousseau, RN, PhD. “The School of Health Sciences at American International College provides access to educational opportunities that develop a diverse network of skilled individuals who provide comprehensive nursing care in a variety of settings and who are able to demonstrate leadership in evidence-based practice to promote continuous improvement in the quality and safety of healthcare.”

 

Agenda

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Agenda

Women’s Leadership Training Program

Starting Jan. 6: Building on the success of its popular Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series, Holyoke Community College (HCC) is launching an eight-week training program for women who want to develop and enhance their leadership skills.

For convenience, the program, “Women Leaning Into Leadership 2021: Empowering Your Voice,” is being offered over Zoom in two separate, eight-week sessions. One meets on Wednesdays, Jan. 6 through Feb. 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., while the other meets on Thursdays, Jan. 7 through Feb. 25, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The interactive workshops will be facilitated by Annie Shibata, owner of Growth Mindset Leadership and Communication Coaching. Enrollment is limited by design. In addition to weekly 90-minute group seminars, each participant can schedule a private, 30-minute session of personalized coaching with the instructor. During the program sessions, participants will learn to evaluate their communication skills and apply new communication techniques, practice the power of mindfulness, distinguish forms of influence and persuasion to create powerful messages, assess their leadership strengths, and create short- and long-term plans for career development. To register for the Wednesday program, visit hcc.edu/women-2021-1. To register for the Thursday program, visit hcc.edu/women-2021-2.

 

Asnuntuck Super Saturday

Jan. 9: Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) will hold a virtual Super Saturday event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., aimed at helping new and continuing students who have questions about how to apply, would like to speak to an advisor, or have questions regarding financial aid and registering. The college’s spring semester begins on Friday, Jan. 22. New and continuing students are invited to attend the event. Participants will also be able to virtually meet with Asnuntuck’s Manufacturing department, as well as speak with staff from ACC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Office to learn about our non-credit certificate options. Anyone who is interested in attending the online event, but has not yet applied, should complete the application ahead of time to maximize their time during the event. Participants may pre-register at asnuntuck.edu/virtualsupersaturday if there is a specific department they plan to meet with. If seeking to meet with an advisor during the event, it is strongly encouraged to pre-register ahead of time at asnuntuck.edu/student-resources/casa to request an appointment.

 

Virtual Event Series on Vaccination

Jan. 13, 20, 27: The Springfield Regional Chamber will host three virtual events dedicated to helping business leaders understand the COVID-19 vaccine. “What to Expect with the COVID-19 Vaccine” is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, will lead a conversation about what businesses can expect, how and when the vaccine may be distributed, and more. “Navigating the Legal Complexities of the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Workplace” will follow on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 9 to 10 a.m. Employment attorney Meghan Sullivan of Sullivan Hayes & Quinn will offer insights about the HR complexities of the vaccine and the issues surrounding deployment to the business community. “Effectively Communicating the COVID-19 Vaccine” will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. Justine Griffin from Rasky Partners will discuss developing cross-cultural communications strategies, messaging, and more to gain buy-in on the importance of the vaccine for employees, business, and the entire community. To learn more or register, visit springfieldregionalchamber.com. Chamber members receive exclusive discounts.

 

Healthcare Heroes

Jan. 14: BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s Healthcare Heroes with a free virtual event. This year’s heroes include Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health; Christopher Savino, Emeline Bean, and Lydia Brisson, clinical liaisons for Berkshire Healthcare Systems; Friends of the Homeless; the Nutrition Department at Greater Springfield Senior Services Inc.; the staff at Holyoke Medical Center; the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst; Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare; Maggie Eboso, Infection Control and Prevention coordinator at Mercy Medical Center; Jennifer Graham, home health aide at O’Connell Care at Home; and Helen Gobeil, staffing supervisor at Visiting Angels West Springfield. The Healthcare Heroes program is sponsored by Elms College (presenting sponsor), Baystate Health and Health New England (presenting sponsor), and partner sponsors Bulkley Richardson, Comcast Business, and Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center. A link to access this free event will be available at businesswest.com and healthcarenews.com, or you can RSVP by calling (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

 

Women of Impact

Jan. 28: BusinessWest will celebrate this year’s Women of Impact with a virtual event. This year’s honorees include Tania Barber, president and CEO of Caring Health Center; Carol Campbell, president of Chicopee Industrial Contractors; Helen Caulton-Harris, Health and Human Services commissioner for the city of Springfield; Pattie Hallberg, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts; Andrea Harrington, Berkshire County district attorney; Toni Hendrix, director of Human Services at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing; Christina Royal, president of Holyoke Community College; and Sue Stubbs, president and CEO of ServiceNet. The event is sponsored by Country Bank, Health New England, and TommyCar Auto Group (presenting sponsors), Comcast Business (supporting sponsor), and WWLP 22 News/CW Springfield (media sponsor). More details about the event will be announced soon.

 

‘Establishing Resilience: Building Happiness’

Feb. 6: Past year got you down? Need a brighter outlook for 2021? Holyoke Community College has a class for you. HCC is partnering with Pam Victor, president and founder of Happier Valley Comedy, to offer a Zoom workshop titled “Establishing Resilience: Building Happiness” from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Victor, a comedian and improv facilitator who prefers the title ‘head of happiness,’ will lead participants on an experiential exploration of happiness and resilience building to enhance their joy and ease at work and home. She will share stress-relieving exercises and techniques to help people bring more well-being, laughter, gratitude, and play into their daily lives. The cost of the class is $99. To register, visit hcc.edu/happiness.

 

Square One Names New President & CEO 

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On the heels of the recent retirement of Joan Kagan, Square One has named Dawn Forbes DiStefano its new president and chief executive officer.

The announcement follows an extensive national search lead by the agency’s board of directors, staff and members of the community.

Following a 25-year career with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, DiStefano joined the Square One team in January 2016 to lead the agency’s grant research, grant writing, and program-compliance efforts. She was quickly promoted to chief finance and grants officer, where she added oversight of the agency’s financial team to her list of responsibilities. In 2019, she was promoted to executive vice president where she took on oversight of the agency’s early-education and care programs and family-support services, and management of operations, including transportation, food service, and IT.

“We received nearly 60 applications and interviewed impressive candidates from across the country for this position,” says Peter Testori, board chair. “Not surprisingly, Dawn rose to the top of the list. Her breadth and depth of experience in the non-profit sector, her outstanding reputation throughout the Commonwealth, and her extensive knowledge of Square One’s programs, services, and staff make her the ideal person to continue to build on the success of Joan Kagan’s leadership.”

“Just as we pride ourselves on developing the leaders of tomorrow through our own programs and services, I am privileged to have experienced the leadership of Joan Kagan. “It is an honor for me to continue to navigate the path that Joan and those before her have paved.”

Kagan, who led the agency for 17 years, announced her retirement plans last summer. She continues to serve as an advisor to the leadership team during the transition.

“There is no one better suited for this role than Dawn,” says Kagan. “Square One has an amazing history of responding to the changing needs of our community through our programs, services and partnerships. I have every confidence that Dawn’s great determination, passion for serving children and families, and the tremendous respect that she has earned will allow her to continue that legacy.”

DiStefano serves on the boards of directors for the Massachusetts Council on Gaming Health, Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Springfield Regional Chamber, Baystate Community Benefits Advisory Committee, and Businesses to End Human Trafficking. She also serves as a Commissioner on the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management from Westfield State University.

Arrha Credit Union Appoints Acting CFO Lucas Manzi to Permanent Position

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, announced that acting Chief Financial Officer Lucas Manzi has been appointed to a permanent position in that role. Before being promoted to acting CFO, Manzi was the Accounting Department and Finance manager at Arrha Credit Union.

“Lucas is a valuable contributor and rising star at Arrha,” Ostrowski said. “The board of directors, senior team, and staff are thrilled to have Lucas officially assume the CFO position.”

Added Manzi, “I am excited to assume the CFO role on a permanent basis. I look forward to working with Mike and the team as we continue to grow and bring innovative ideas and products that matter and make a positive difference to our members and communities.”

Manzi is a recipient of the 2019 Credit Union Difference Maker’s Award presented by the Cooperative Credit Union Assoc. at the 2019 Credit Union Marketplace Experience, Ostrowski noted. The show highlighted new technology and offered breakout sessions in many topics, including cybersecurity, latest trends in digital banking, and ways to enhance member experience.

One highlight was a salute to employees that have great attitudes, positively impact others, and make a difference at their credit union, in the community, and beyond. Manzi received one of the Difference Maker’s Awards “for his great attitude, positive team efforts, and innovative practices that he does within our credit union and efforts involved in the community,” Ostrowski said.

Manzi is also a member of the Arrha asset-liability committee. He has a BBA in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

State Awards $67.4 Million in Additional Grants to 1,366 Businesses Impacted by Pandemic

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced $67.4 million in awards to 1,366 additional small businesses in a second round of grants through the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. (MGCC). Additionally, the new Sector-Specific Small Business Relief Grant Program, also administered by MGCC, is now accepting applications from businesses from sectors most impacted by COIVD-19. Both grant programs are part of a new, $668 million relief package.

The businesses being notified of their successful grant application include many that are owned by minorities (50%) and women (48%). Restaurants and bars, beauty and personal services, healthcare, and retail are among the top sectors receiving relief in this second round of awards. The first round of grants announced late last month totaled nearly $49 million in support of 1,158 Massachusetts small businesses.

MGCC is continuing to review existing applications and will make awards over the coming weeks to companies that meet demographic and industry preferences. Businesses that have already applied to MGCC’s Small Business Grant Program do not need to reapply to the new program.

In addition to providing grants to businesses within the existing pool of applications for the Small Business Grant Program, applications are now being accepted for a new Sector-Specific Small Business Relief Grant Program that targets industries experiencing the most significant economic hardship and a loss of revenue. Industries given preference in this new program include restaurants, bars, caterers, and food trucks; indoor recreation and entertainment establishments; gyms and fitness centers; event-support companies (photographers, videographers, etc.); personal services (nail salons, barber shops, independent pharmacies, etc.); and independent retailers.

This new business-relief program will offer grants up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for payroll and employee-benefit costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations.

The online application portal for the new program will close on Friday, Jan. 15. Awards are expected to be announced in February. Program details, application instructions, eligibility and documentation requirements, and more are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.

Anonymous Donor Funds Gift Cards to Thank Cooley Dickinson Employees

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — An anonymous donor allowed Cooley Dickinson to reward every employee this holiday season with a $50 gift card that they can use at a selection of local businesses.

This is not just a gift to Cooley Dickinson employees who have worked hard this year, but a much-needed boost to struggling local businesses, thanks to a partnership with the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce.

“We appreciate Cooley Dickinson for partnering with area chambers and keeping their employee-appreciation gift-card program completely local,” said Vince Jackson, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. “Cooley’s extra dose of ‘local care’ has immediately put more local gift cards in purses and wallets and will generate increased sales for our participating gift-card merchants. It’s a win-win for our economy and community.”

Healthcare Heroes To Be Honored At Free Virtual Event On Jan. 14

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s Healthcare Heroes with a free virtual event on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.

This year’s heroes include Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health; Christopher Savino, Emeline Bean, and Lydia Brisson, clinical liaisons for Berkshire Healthcare Systems; Friends of the Homeless; the Nutrition Department at Greater Springfield Senior Services Inc.; the staff at Holyoke Medical Center; the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst; Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare; Maggie Eboso, Infection Control and Prevention coordinator at Mercy Medical Center; Jennifer Graham, home health aide at O’Connell Care at Home; and Helen Gobeil, staffing supervisor at Visiting Angels West Springfield.

The Healthcare Heroes program is sponsored by Elms College (presenting sponsor), Baystate Health and Health New England (presenting sponsor), and partner sponsors Bulkley Richardson, Comcast Business, and Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center.

A link to access this free event will be available at businesswest.com and healthcarenews.com, or you can RSVP by calling (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

BusinessTalk with Amy Royal

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Episode 46: Jan. 4, 2021

George O’Brien talks with Amy Royal, a principal with The Royal Law Firm and an employment law specialist

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Amy Royal, a principal with The Royal Law Firm and an employment law specialist. The two discuss the pandemic, vaccines, what employers can mandate, and what they can’t. They also discuss changes in employment law and new measures that take effect in 2021, and what employers should know as they turn the calendar. They also dive into in the matter of employee handbooks and how and why these important documents need to be on point and completely up to date. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local.

 

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SBA Extends COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application Deadline

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Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 pandemic disaster declaration has been extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The deadline extension comes as a result of the recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress and enacted by President Trump on Dec. 27.

To date, the SBA has approved $197 billion in low-interest loans, providing working capital funds to small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses during this challenging time.

“Following the president’s declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has approved over 3.6 million loans through our Economic Injury Disaster Loan program nationwide,” Administrator Jovita Carranza said. “The EIDL program has assisted millions of small businesses, including nonprofit organizations, sole proprietors, and independent contractors from a wide array of industries and business sectors, to survive this very difficult economic environment.”

EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefit Program Launches in Massachusetts

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) announced that workers eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) may begin filing certain benefit requests on Jan. 1 in accordance with legislation enacted in 2018.

PFML provides temporary income replacement to eligible workers. Starting Jan. 1, workers can apply for leave for welcoming a new child into their family, for their own serious health condition, and for certain military considerations. Starting July 1, workers can apply for leave to care for an ill or ailing relative.

The program, which is offered separately from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act and any employer-offered leave, provides up to 20 weeks of paid leave per benefit year to manage a serious personal health condition, up to 12 weeks to care for a family member or to bond with a child, and up to 26 weeks to care for a family member who is a member of the armed service.

For details on how to apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave, visit paidleave.mass.gov.

The Royal Law Firm Welcomes Back Rosemary Nevins

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Royal Law Firm announced the return from retirement of attorney Rosemary Nevins.

Nevins’ legal career in management-side labor and employment law has spanned more than 30 years. She has handled nearly two dozen trials to verdict, represented clients during several arbitrations, and conducted numerous seminars and training sessions for supervisory personnel and human-resources managers dealing with myriad subjects germane to the employment relationship.

In 2013, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly recognized Nevins as a Top Woman of Law. She has authored numerous articles on employment-related topics and previously served as associate editor of the Massachusetts Employment Law Newsletter.

State Releases Roadmap to Achieve Net-zero Emissions by 2050

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Daily News

BOSTON — Building on its commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions in the Commonwealth by 2050, the Baker-Polito administration released two reports — the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap Report and an interim 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan — that detail policies and strategies to equitably and cost-effectively reduce emissions and combat climate change. To maximize the Commonwealth’s ability to meet its 2050 target, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides set an interim 2030 statewide emissions limit of 45% below 1990 levels.

“The people of Massachusetts are experiencing record droughts, increased risk of wildfire, severe weather, and flooding in our coastal communities. The costly impacts of climate change are on display in the Commonwealth, making it critical that we take action,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “I was proud to commit the Commonwealth to achieving net-zero emissions, and the reports released today move the Commonwealth toward that goal equitably and affordably.”

The first-in-the-nation 2050 roadmap outlines eight potential pathways to net-zero emissions, including an analysis of potential energy resources, projected energy demand, and the energy supply necessary to meet the demand in all sectors of the economy while meeting the 2050 emissions limit established by the Commonwealth in April 2020. The roadmap includes a summary report and six technical appendices, each detailing analysis and conclusions for specific sectors: energy supply, transportation, buildings, land use, non-energy, and economic and health impacts.

Based on its analysis of a range of potential pathways, the roadmap finds that the most cost-effective, low-risk pathways to net zero share core elements, including a balanced clean-energy portfolio anchored by a significant offshore-wind resource, more interstate transmission, widespread electrification of transportation and building heat, and reducing costs by taking action at the point of replacement for energy infrastructure.

The roadmap also finds that achieving net-zero emissions will deliver significant benefits to residents across the Commonwealth, including a precipitous drop in air pollution, particularly in environmental-justice communities currently overburdened with poor air quality; savings in health costs of up to $100 million per year by 2030; and the creation of thousands of local jobs.

“We know that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require hard work and collaboration across all sectors of the economy in the Commonwealth,” Theoharides said. “The 2050 roadmap establishes a blueprint that will help us achieve our climate goals in a way that is cost-effective and delivers significant benefits to residents across the Commonwealth, especially those in our most vulnerable communities. The steps the Commonwealth takes in the next decade will help to advance the decarbonization of our buildings, transportation, and electricity sectors, and be central to meeting our 2030 emissions limit.”

Hazen Paper’s 2020 Holographic Calendar Wins International Award for Excellence

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The International Hologram Manufacturers Assoc. (IHMA) recently named Hazen Paper’s 2020 holographic calendar Best Applied Decorative/Packaging Product at the Excellence in Holography Awards 2020.

Featuring a fire-breathing dragon with three-dimensional scales, the oversized calendar utilized an array of innovative holographic techniques to create a decorative design the IHMA called “outstanding.” These holographic designs included Hazen-Lens behind the months of the year, gray-motion for the sky background, color-motion for the dragon, and two-channel color-motion lenses and fire-motion lenses to animate the flames.

The calendar was originated entirely within Hazen’s state-of-the-art holographic lab and manufactured in Hazen’s Holyoke facility on Hazen Envirofoil, an environmentally friendly product. Made with renewable energy, transfer-metallized Envirofoil is made with less than 1% of the aluminum of traditional foil laminate, a recycled film carrier that is reused again and again, and is repulpable as paper after de-inking. It was offset-printed using UV-cure inks with customized opaque white by AM Lithography of Chicopee.

The award was presented by the IHMA at this year’s virtual Holography Conference, reflecting a “significant step forward” in the ongoing development of highly innovative holography solutions for commercial packaging and decorative finishes and applications. According to the IHMA, the Excellence in Holography awards “recognize outstanding achievement, marking success for those at the forefront of the sector who have developed innovative or commercially viable hologram products or techniques during the past 12 months.”

Springfield Regional Chamber to Host Virtual Event Series on COVID-19 Vaccination

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will host three virtual events on Wednesdays in January, each dedicated to helping business leaders across Western Mass. navigate the challenges, complexities and hope that the COVID-19 vaccine now offers.

“What to Expect with the COVID-19 Vaccine” is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, will lead a conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine, what businesses can expect, how and when it may be distributed, and more. During this virtual event, sponsored by Health New England, attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by one of the region’s leading public-health experts.

“Navigating the Legal Complexities of the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Workplace” will follow on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 9 to 10 a.m. Employment attorney Meghan Sullivan of Sullivan Hayes & Quinn will offer insights around navigating the HR complexities of the COVID-19 vaccine and the issues surrounding deployment to the business community. Held with the support of the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, this event is designed to help small businesses understand their rights and responsibilities when rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine and beyond.

Finally, “Effectively Communicating the COVID-19 Vaccine” will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. Justine Griffin from Rasky Partners will deliver an informative program on developing cross-cultural communications strategies, messaging, and more to gain buy-in on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, business, and the entire community. The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast is sponsoring this event.

“The COVID-19 vaccine offers the hope of normality and recovery for businesses and our entire region,” said Nancy Creed, Springfield Regional Chamber president. “As we wait for widespread availability, now is the time to prepare, plan, and learn new practices and legal guidelines. Our January event series is designed to help the business community do just that.”

To learn more or register, visit springfieldregionalchamber.com. Chamber members receive exclusive discounts.

MassDevelopment Announces $390,000 in Commonwealth Places Funding

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Daily News

BOSTON — MassDevelopment recently announced the availability of $390,000 in funding for a new round of the Commonwealth Places program, a statewide initiative that leverages public support for placemaking projects in Massachusetts. Funding is being made available specifically to assist local economic-recovery efforts as community partners prepare public spaces and commercial districts to serve residents and visitors.

Eligible projects will comply with the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts plan, and may include outdoor seating spaces, sidewalk retail venues, partitions to support social distancing, and more.

“Our administration is committed to supporting local economic-recovery efforts as communities adjust and respond to the impacts of COVID-19,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “It’s more important than ever to find new and creative ways to drive foot traffic to our Main Streets and commercial districts, keeping safety and distancing in mind.”

Added MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss, “earlier this year, MassDevelopment pivoted our annual Commonwealth Places crowdfunding program to more quickly assist nonprofits and other community groups looking to reimagine and reopen public spaces for safe dining, shopping, and recreation during the pandemic. We are pleased to double down with another, larger round of available funding to continue to support place-based recovery efforts across Massachusetts.”

Nonprofits and other community groups can apply to MassDevelopment for seed grants of between $250 to $7,500 to fund inclusive community engagement, visioning, and local capacity building that will support future placemaking efforts, or implementation grants of up to $50,000 to execute a placemaking project. For implementation grants, up to $10,000 per project may be awarded as an unmatched grant; awards greater than $10,000 must be matched with crowdfunding donations.

Expressions of interest will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2021, and are available at massdevelopment.com/commonwealthplaces. MassDevelopment will host an informational webinar about the program on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Register at massdevelopment.com/cp-webinar​.

HCC-MRC Program Trains Disabled Individuals for Cybersecurity Jobs

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Not long ago, Aidan Burke was working in a local supermarket, making pizza for minimum wage. It was not a job he believed held much promise for him. But life has changed a lot since then for the 29-year-old.

In February, Burke started a free, intensive cybersecurity training program for people with disabilities offered by Holyoke Community College (HCC) and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC). Ten months later, he is now poised to begin a career as a cybersecurity analyst.

“I liked working at Big Y, and I could pay my bills, but there was nothing I could really do with that,” he said. “Now I’m looking at positions that have salaries and benefits. That’s a big change for me. It’s fantastic. This class has just opened so many doors. It’s life-altering, or at least has the potential to be.”

Already, Burke has started an internship with NetWerks Strategic Services, an Agawam-based technology company. In recent weeks, he has interviewed for full-time positions with benefits at the Massachusetts Educational Collaborative and the Department of Youth Services. He is also a candidate for a summer internship with MassMutual.

“The opportunities are just so much bigger and better than what I had before,” he said. “I was kind of floundering a bit in terms of direction in my life, and now I have an opportunity to move up in the world.”

Burke and his 14 classmates completed the Cisco Academy Cybersecurity Training program on Dec. 10. They graduated Dec. 18, having passed their exams as Cisco certified network associates and Cisco certified cyber-operations associates.

“Mass Rehab has been very happy with the success of the students academically,” said Kermit Dunkelberg, HCC’s assistant vice president of Adult Basic Education and Workforce Development. “Ultimately, the goal is to get them placed in jobs, and we’re very optimistic because these students are very well-prepared.”

The HCC-MRC cybersecurity training program was the first of its kind in the state. Based on the success of the pilot, MRC initiated a second progam in September in collaboration with Roxbury Community College and has begun recruiting for a second class at HCC that will begin in February.

“Together we are re-envisioning employment and people’s lives,” MRC Commissioner Toni Wolf said. “In the wake of COVID-19, our perspective on what is possible for remote work is expanding on a daily basis, particularly how resilient and adaptive people with disabilities are and the transformative thinking on the future of work. These Cisco certifications are nationally recognized and highly sought-after workplace credentials that will give these students the needed leverage to enter a high-paying industry.”

Cybersecurity analysts are network watchdogs, monitoring network activity, tracking alerts, guarding against cyberattacks, and looking out for abnormal network behavior. They fix security problems, restore compromised systems, pinpoint conflicts, and collect evidence of criminal activity in the event of an intentional breach or legal proceeding.

“Cybercrime is up 600% due to the pandemic,” HCC President Christina Royal said. “There are a lot of bad actors looking to exploit network vulnerabilities, with costs estimated at $6 trillion in 2021. Cybersecurity is an important area that companies are needing and investing in.”

Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley Honors Realtor of the Year, Affiliate of the Year

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) announced its annual award winners at the association’s virtual Holiday Celebration meeting on Dec. 9. The Realtor of the Year for 2020 is Kelly Page of Trademark Real Estate. The Affiliate of the Year is Michele Welch of Embrace Home Loans.

The Realtor of the Year award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on a Realtor member. It is given to a member based on association activity, community activity outside the association, and business activity.

A Realtor since 1997, Page is the broker/owner of Trademark Real Estate and has served on the RAPV board of directors since 2014. She has also served on the grievance, professional development, professional standards, communications, member engagement, and strategic planning committees. Page has given back to the community by attending in-person and virtual events and assisting with the Shriners Hospitals for Children blanket drive and training in new-member orientations, and also took time to achieve the C2EX and earn her CRB designation.

The Affiliate of the Year award is the highest form of recognition the association can bestow on an affiliate member. It is given based on affiliate membership activities related to the association, community service in activities outside the association, and business activity.

The senior loan officer at Embrace Home Loans, Welch has been a member of RAPV since 2016 and has served on the community service, affiliate-Realtor, and government affairs committees. She has demonstrated a tremendous amount of support to the association and in community outreach and volunteered in RAPV’s community-service efforts through fundraising, shelter support, supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children blanket project, and being heavily involved with Revitalize CDC.

Florence Bank Donates Nearly $100,000 in 2020 to Ease Food Insecurity

By
Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank donated nearly $100,000 in 2020 to support a new food-distribution collaborative and nine other longtime nonprofits with a mission to feed people who are battling food insecurity in the Pioneer Valley.

The gifts have been made since March to organizations in all corners of the region, including the hilltowns, to help ease the economic strain brought on by COVID-19.

“We are so grateful. Without the support of donors, we would not have been able to continue our mission,” said Ruben Reyes, executive director of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee, one of the recipients of bank funds. “COVID has affected us very hard. All of our fundraisers were canceled, and we were very worried about how to fund our programs.”

Compounding the problem, COVID-19 has also affected Lorraine’s clientele. Reyes said he is seeing an additional 200 to 300 families each month, and provides a month’s supply of groceries and dinners five nights a week to a total of 600 to 700 families. “We’re seeing a lot more families who typically would not need pantry services. They are coming to our doors for the very first time.”

In the spring, Florence Bank donated $50,000 to the Community Food Distribution Project created jointly by the Northampton Survival Center and Grow Food Northampton to help fund emergency food distribution in the early months of the pandemic.

The new collaborative makes food staples available through on-site distributions at nearly a dozen local sites. Northampton Survival Center and Grow Food Northampton established the organization in partnership with Community Action Pioneer Valley, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the city of Northampton, and Northampton Public Schools. Grow Food Northampton and the Northampton Survival Center each received $25,000 from the bank.

Since May, Florence Bank has also made the following gifts to these local nonprofits: Easthampton Community Center, $7,500; Easthampton Congregational Church, $2,500; Open Pantry Community Services Inc. of Springfield, $1,000; Chesterfield Community Cupboard, $5,000; Amherst Survival Center, $10,000; the Gray House Market of Springfield, $5,000; the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, as part of Monte’s March, $1,000; Springfield Rescue Mission, $10,000; and Lorraine’s, which received $1,000.

Florence Bank also nominated Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen to receive a $5,000 award from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. Charitable Foundation, which the nonprofit has accepted.

“Florence Bank cares about its community, and in these unprecedented times, there’s nothing more important than helping our neighbors,” President Kevin Day said. “The pandemic has heightened food insecurity and has prompted many people who never before needed assistance to reach out for help.

“Florence Bank was founded on the idea of neighbors helping neighbors,” he added. “What better way to display that principle than to contribute to the organizations that are meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors?”

Healthcare Heroes to Be Honored at Free Virtual Event on Jan. 14

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and the Healthcare News will celebrate this year’s Healthcare Heroes with a free virtual event on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.

This year’s heroes include Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health; Christopher Savino, Emeline Bean, and Lydia Brisson, clinical liaisons for Berkshire Healthcare Systems; Friends of the Homeless; the Nutrition Department at Greater Springfield Senior Services Inc.; the staff at Holyoke Medical Center; the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst; Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare; Maggie Eboso, Infection Control and Prevention coordinator at Mercy Medical Center; Jennifer Graham, home health aide at O’Connell Care at Home; and Helen Gobeil, staffing supervisor at Visiting Angels West Springfield.

The Healthcare Heroes program is sponsored by Elms College (presenting sponsor), Baystate Health and Health New England (presenting sponsor), and partner sponsors Bulkley Richardson, Comcast Business, and Trinity Health Of New England/Mercy Medical Center.

A link to access this free event will be available at businesswest.com and healthcarenews.com, or you can RSVP by calling (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Seats Remain Open for Wintersession Classes at Holyoke Community College

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Seats remain open for January 2021 classes at Holyoke Community College. HCC’s two-week Wintersession term runs from Monday, Jan. 4 to Friday, Jan. 15. Students can earn from one to four credits by taking a single Wintersession course that lasts between five and 10 days.

HCC is offering 24 courses during Wintersession 2021 in 18 different academic areas of study: Anthropology, Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, General Studies, Geography, Law, Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Nutrition, Social Science, Sociology, and Sustainability. Because of ongoing concerns related to COVID-19, the majority of Wintersession classes at HCC are being offered remotely.

“Wintersession at HCC is a great way to earn course credits in a short amount of time — a whole semester’s worth in just 10 days,” said Mark Hudgik, director of Admissions. “With our remote and fully online options, students can use HCC’s January classes to get ahead, get back on track, or lighten their load for spring, and they can continue to do it from the comfort and safety of their homes.”

For schedules and full course descriptions or to enroll in Wintersession 2021, visit www.hcc.edu/wintersession.

Registration is also open for spring-semester classes at HCC. The spring 2021 semester begins on Monday, Jan. 25, with two additional, flexible spring start dates on Feb. 16 and March 29. To register for spring classes, visit hcc.edu/admission.

BusinessTalk with Bob Nakosteen

By
Business Talk Podcast

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Episode 45: Dec. 28, 2020

George O’Brien talks with Bob Nakosteen, a professor of Economics at the UMass Isenberg School of Management

On the next installment of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Bob Nakosteen, a professor of Economics at the UMass Isenberg School of Management. The two discuss the economy, the outlook for 2021, and the factors that will determine the shape of the recovery that most are predicting. The two also discuss the matter of pent-up demand for products and services as a result of the pandemic, how real this demand will be, and how it will determine to what extent businesses can bounce back from a most difficult year. It’s must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk.

 

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Holyoke Community College Class Promises Happier New Year

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Past year got you down? Need a brighter outlook for 2021? Holyoke Community College has a class for you.

HCC is partnering with Pam Victor, president and founder of Happier Valley Comedy, to offer a Zoom workshop titled “Establishing Resilience: Building Happiness” on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Victor, a comedian and improv facilitator who prefers the title ‘head of happiness,’ will lead participants on an experiential exploration of happiness and resilience building to enhance their joy and ease at work and home. She will share stress-relieving exercises and techniques to help people bring more well-being, laughter, gratitude, and play into their daily lives.

“Finding more joy in 2021 is a priority for me,” said Michele Cabral, HCC’s executive director of Business, Corporate and Professional Development. “As a participant in Pam’s 30-day ‘Happiness Experiment,’ I can tell you without doubt that this class is for everyone. In this single session, participants will get an introduction into the full program while Pam shares many useful tips and resources to help people get an uplifting start to the new year.”

The cost of the class is $99. To register, visit hcc.edu/happiness.

Grants Will Provide 100,000 Meals for People Across Western Mass.

By
Daily News

HATFIELD — Wheeler & Taylor Insurance of Great Barrington and Canary Blomstrom Insurance Agency of Agawam are providing major support to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Two rounds of funding, one now and a second round in the spring, will pay for about 100,000 meals. The Food Bank provides food to 165 food pantries, shelters, and meal sites in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.

“We’re so grateful to Wheeler & Taylor and Canary Blomstrom for their social investment in the Food Bank’s mission to feed our neighbors in need at this critical moment,” Executive Director Andrew Morehouse said. “With this support, overall, we’ll be able to provide 100,000 meals to households struggling to make ends meet and put healthy food on the table.”

Added Wheeler & Taylor Insurance president J. Scott Rote, “thanks to the Food Bank, thousands of people in the region are able to get enough to eat every day. In this time of unprecedented need, our communities need unprecedented support, and we’re glad to do our part.”

Wheeler & Taylor and Canary Blomstrom are members of GoodWorks Financial Group, a network of common-ownership insurance, real-estate, and financial firms.

“It couldn’t be a worse year, a more heartbreaking year, for many folks,” said Sandy Brodeur, president of Canary Blomstrom. “I’m glad to know the grants will support food programs in our local area as well as regionally.”

With the pandemic, demand for food has grown exponentially. The Food Bank is serving 109,500 people a month in 2020, up 16% from 2019. The organization distributed 11.1 million pounds of food from March through October, a 30% increase. It estimates that about one in six residents in the region, including 40,000 children, or one in four, are food-insecure.

BNI Chapter Donates to Asnuntuck Community College Foundation

By
Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — The Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) Foundation received a $250 donation from local business group BNI (Business Network International) Western New England (Enfield) On-the-Border. BNI is a business networking and referral organization.

“Our chapter wants to invest in the future of our community and give back to those businesses and institutions who foster that growth,” said Gail Kulas, owner of Somers-based business Leading to Unlock, and the growth coordinator for BNI’s local On-the-Border chapter. “Asnuntuck exemplifies this. In December, we gave back to our community through three donations — the Enfield Food Shelf, the Network Against Domestic Abuse, and now the Asnuntuck Foundation. All three entities fulfill community needs in different ways.”

Michelle Coach Asnuntuck’s interim CEO, noted that “ACC is very appreciative of the generous donation from BNI. The students of ACC have had wonderful opportunities to attend BNI meetings to witness the inner workings of our local businesses. BNI is now helping us support the education of students financially.”

Added Keith Madore, the foundation’s executive director, “the ACC Foundation is pleased to have the support from our local BNI chapter. Through their generosity, we will be able to assist more students facing barriers to complete their education. Every contribution makes an impact.”

State Announces $668 Million Small-business Relief Package

By
COVID-19 Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration launched a $668 million program on Wednesday to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program relies in part on the pending federal COVID-19 relief bill recently passed by the U.S. Congress. Regardless of the developments at the federal level, the Baker-Polito administration will start releasing millions in new funding to restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses throughout the Commonwealth as soon as next week.

Earlier this week, the administration announced nearly $49 million in grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp. (MGCC) COVID-19 Small Business Program to support more than 1,158 small businesses. More than 10,000 applicants had sought relief in this grant round.

Additional grants will be made available to eligible small businesses through MGCC. The Small Business Grant Program was established in the fall and currently has a pool of eligible applicants awaiting funding. This additional funding will allow the administration to award more of those pending applicants. Eligible businesses that already applied to the program, but were not funded due to limited funds available, will be prioritized for funding first and do not need to reapply.

The funds will also be used to stand up an additional grant program at MGCC. This program will target the industries most hard-hit during the pandemic. Eligible industries for the new program include restaurants, bars, and caterers; indoor recreation and entertainment establishments; gyms and fitness centers; event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.); personal services; and retail.

The new business relief program would offer grants up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for employee wage and benefit costs, space-related costs, and debt-service obligations.

The online application portal for the new program will open on Thursday, Dec. 31, and will close on Friday, Jan. 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February. More details on how to apply, as well as eligibility requirements, are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.

Aegis Energy, EDF Group President Named 2020 Energy and Environmental Leader

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Lee Vardakas, president of Aegis Energy, EDF Group, a leading provider of co-generation technology, has been named a 2020 Energy and Environmental Leader.

For the past eight years, this award has celebrated substantial and measurable environmental impacts and the trailblazers who achieved them. Only 100 people per year are chosen to receive this honor.

“I am proud to have even been considered for this award,” Vardakas said. “This is a true testament that what we are doing makes a difference.”

Vardakas was appointed president in 2013 and has been instrumental in Aegis Energy’s success as a leader in co-generation in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. With more than three decades of experience in the combined-heat-and-power industry, he is well-qualified to create and guide the vision for the growing company and is a sought-after resource for policymakers and regulators in the distributed-energy industry.

“I am excited to be among a list of amazing leaders in the environmental and energy profession,” he said. “At Aegis Energy, we strive to provide innovative solutions to manage the energy performance of buildings while working to reduce their carbon footprint. We continue to work with our clients to provide sustainable energy solutions, leaving the world a better place.”

Arrha Credit Union Announces COVID-19 Bonus Pay and Extra Day Off

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, announced the organization has paid its staff a hazard-pay bonus for all their efforts during COVID-19.

“They are essential workers and continue to be vulnerable throughout this pandemic,” Ostrowski said. “Because of their dedication, resourcefulness, positive attitudes, amazing teamwork, exceptional member service, and commitment, we and the board of directors are honored to provide a hazard-pay bonus.

Arrha is also closing its branches on Saturday, Dec. 26 so employees can recharge and relax with their loved ones, he added. “They are being extra cautious and staying safe for their Arrha family and for our members. We are very grateful for their courageous efforts and proud of our staff.”

Bay Path University Community Donates to Christina’s House at Virtual Holiday Gathering

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University’s annual holiday party and employee-recognition event has been a long-standing tradition for faculty and staff. The pandemic prevented the normal gathering, but technology came to the rescue and provided a platform to connect remotely.

Highlights of the event include naming a charity to be the recipient of Bay Path’s generosity, as well as employee recognition for years of service at the university.

For 2020, the designated charity is Christina’s House, a Springfield-based nonprofit and Christ-centered ministry that provides transitional housing to meet the needs of mothers and their children who are homeless or near-homeless. More important, Christina’s House provides emotional, spiritual, physical, and education support as families transition from homelessness to permanent, stable living environments.

“Christina’s House is honored to have been chosen by Bay Path University as their charity of choice to give back to this holiday season,” said Shannon Mumblo, executive director of Christina’s House. “Our missions are so much aligned, empowering others to be leaders and realize their dreams through education. It is only through the support and generosity of our community that our mission continues to thrive during these unprecedented times. We are grateful to each and every person who has made a donation this holiday season; you are helping to change lives for generations to come. God bless you, and thank you.”

To donate to Christina’s House, visit www.christinashouse.org or mail a gift to Christina’s House, 38 Madison Ave., Springfield, MA 01105.

TommyCar Auto Group, Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office Raise Funds for Dana-Farber

By
Daily News

HADLEY — TommyCar Auto Group, a local company that operates five car dealerships and a body shop in Hampshire County, joined forces with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Patrick Cahillane for their ‘No Shave November’ campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

This year, the Sheriff’s Office raised $2,500, which was matched by TommyCar. In addition, customers of TommyCar were able to donate their TommyCar rewards points (which can be earned through vehicle servicing and spent toward a new car), adding another $2,235 for a grand total of $7,235. This is almost $2,000 more than was raised last year, which was also donated to Dana-Farber.

“We are grateful to have had this opportunity to partner with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office again and to raise even more money than last year for such a deserving cause,” said Carla Cosenzi, who co-owns TommyCar Auto Group with her brother, Tom. “The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provided outstanding care to our father. This campaign is part of our ongoing commitment to honor his memory. We really hope this donation can go to help more people like our father.”

No Shave November is devoted to increasing cancer awareness while raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education, as well as those fighting the battle. It’s a month-long effort in which participants forgo shaving and grooming to evoke conversations about cancer awareness.

Throughout the month of November, deputies and staff at the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department had the opportunity to opt out of the dress code and grow out their facial hair with a donation of $20 to TommyCar Auto Group’s Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament. Over the past 12 years, the annual tournament has raised more than $1 million to support brain-tumor research at Dana-Farber.

The Center for Neuro-Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, under the leadership of Director Dr. Patrick Wen, has achieved cancer breakthroughs in the disease’s biology, drug design, and patient care. Wen and his research team now seek to broaden the understanding of cancers’ molecular pathology and bolster research with a robust clinical-trial program to identify drugs that can target these diseases directly.

“My brother and I have seen first-hand what these families have to go through,” Cosenzi said. “That is why this organization is so close to our hearts, and we are grateful they were there for us when we needed them. We are so thankful for the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office for helping us raise funds to one day find a cure.”

Difference Makers Nomination Deadline Approaches

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region?

BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 13th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2021 will be accepted through the end of the business day (5 p.m.) on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities — and the ongoing pandemic has no doubt shed a spotlight on other ways to make a difference.

So, let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by clicking here to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in an upcoming issue of BusinessWest.

State Announces Further Gathering Restrictions to Slow Spread of COVID-19

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced further restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, including new capacity and gathering limits. These measures will go into effect on Saturday, Dec. 26 and will remain in effect until noon on Jan. 10, 2021.

Effective Dec. 26, most industries in Massachusetts will be subject to a 25% capacity limit, including:

Restaurants (based on permitted seating capacity); close-contact personal services; theaters and performance venues; casinos; office spaces; places of worship; retail businesses; driving and flight schools; golf facilities (for indoor spaces); libraries; lodging (for common areas); arcades and indoor recreation businesses; fitness centers and health clubs; and museums, cultural facilities, and guided tours.

Workers and staff will not count toward the occupancy count for restaurants, places of worship, close-contact personal services, and retail businesses. All other rules and restrictions in existing sector-specific regulations will remain in effect.

Effective Dec. 26, limits on gatherings will also be updated. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people, while outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people. The gathering limits apply to private homes, event venues, and public spaces.

Finally, the Department of Public Health released updated guidance to hospitals around non-essential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve healthcare personnel resources, effective Dec. 26, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all non-essential inpatient, elective, invasive procedures in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity. Hospitals should make every effort to preserve their inpatient capacity by canceling non-essential electives and redeploying staff. Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their healthcare provider.

Big Y Announces Additional Bonus Pay for Employees

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y announced it will pay additional holiday bonuses to its front-line and distribution-center associates, including full-time, part-time, and casual employees. This holiday bonus is part of the company’s ongoing recognition and appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices of employees, which was instituted last March. Thank-you bonuses are expected to continue during the first part of 2021.

“We continue to be grateful to all of our employees for their valiant efforts throughout this pandemic,” said Charles D’Amour, president and CEO. “They have all taken their role as essential workers both nobly and carefully in order to continue to provide for and support our friends and neighbors in our communities. I am so very proud of their resilience and dedication to serving our customers during this past year. This bonus pay is just one way that we show our appreciation to our team of 12,000 who work so hard and tirelessly every day.”

Springfield Museums Distributing 495 Literacy Activity Kits to Children

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to funding from MEFA and the U.Fund College Investing Plan, Springfield Museums are distributing 495 literacy activity kits to children throughout Springfield and beyond. Ten programs — including the Gray House, Home City Families, Raising a Reader, and Head Start — will benefit.

The literacy activity kits contain a consumable activity, a reusable building toy, colored pencils, a Dr. Seuss clipboard, and an early-reader book: Dr. Seuss’s ABC. Family Engagement Coordinator Jenny Powers, who worked together with her team to assemble the kits, noted that “we wanted to offer activities that help build reading and science literacy which a child could engage on their own. We are hopeful the kits will help provide caregivers with time to prepare other activities or take a short break.”

With new COVID-19 protocols in mind, Powers’ team provided an activity kit that a child can use on their own, in their own space. “Since each child has the same materials, they can talk about what they are doing with each other, without needing to share.”

Springfield Museums are committed to helping children and their caregivers explore literacy in its many forms — literary, science, historical, art — while also having fun.

“We come from a city that brought us Milton Bradley and Dr. Seuss, who both believed in the power of learning while playing,” said Larissa Murray, director of Education. “Entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, writers, thinkers throughout our history have explored myriad ways to become literate — able to communicate fluently in a variety of disciplines — and we are excited to help continue that exploration.”

The museums have tripled their hands-on learning spaces over the past few years. The Art Discovery Center, the Cat’s Corner, and Spark!Lab are all spaces for people to engage in hands-on learning to gain skills and build competency in a variety of subjects. Since the onset of the pandemic, the museums also worked to share activity kits so that those unable to visit in person could still have access to learning.

Bradley International Airport Earns COVID-19 Health Accreditation

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Daily News

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Bradley International Airport has received the Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) World. The organization’s Airport Health Accreditation program evaluates new health and safety measures and procedures introduced at airports worldwide in response to COVID-19.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, we have taken significant measures to keep our passengers and the entire Bradley International Airport community safe,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the CAA. “This global accreditation underscores our ongoing commitment to everyone’s well-being and is a key endorsement of the safety protocols we have implemented airport-wide in conjunction with our business partners. Whether our passengers are traveling this holiday season or in the new year, we want them to know that we are doing everything we can to create a safe travel experience for them.”

During the comprehensive accreditation process, ACI assesses the airport’s response and safety measures in the context of the entire passenger journey, including terminal access, check-in areas, security screening, boarding gates, lounges, retail, food and beverages, gate equipment such as boarding bridges, escalators and elevators, border-control areas and facilities, the baggage-claim area and the arrivals exit.

Among other things, ACI recognizes Bradley for cleaning and disinfection, physical distancing (where feasible and practical), staff protection, physical layout modifications, passenger communications, and passenger facility enhancements.

In addition to these safety measures, Bradley International Airport has also prioritized other initiatives to enhance the passenger journey, including contactless parking check-in/check-out availability (pre-registration required); renovated restrooms with touchless faucets, hand dryers, and light signals to indicate stall availability as well as added privacy and surfaces that promote more effective cleaning; terminal-wide air-purification technology, which will be in place in early 2021; and expanded mobile ordering in partnership with our restaurants, also to be introduced in 2021.

Country Bank Welcomes Victoria Graffam to Corporate Risk Division

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Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced that Victoria Graffam has joined its Corporate Risk division. Graffam held various BSA and loss-prevention roles before joining Berkshire Bank in 2017 as the BSA/AML EDD manager. While at Berkshire Bank, her focus was to develop and maintain a program to identify and mitigate risk for higher-risk customers. She is also a member of the Assoc. for Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialists.

“I am passionate about inclusion and the value in having different perspectives as it pertains to combating various forms of fraud,” Graffam said. “I believe that, when we work together sharing our experiences and knowledge, we all contribute to making well-rounded decisions.”

Miriam Siegel, senior vice president of Human Resources, added that “we are excited to welcome Victoria to Country Bank. She brings over 30 years of professional experience, with 20 years in community banking, and is a perfect cultural fit for our team. Her can-do attitude, commitment to customer service, and collaborative management approach aligns perfectly with our iSTEP corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity. We are proud that Victoria has chosen Country Bank to be her employer of choice.”

OneHolyoke CDC Receives Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grant

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — OneHolyoke Community Development Corp. received a Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grant to provide education to Holyoke residents in order to prevent and reduce the continuing spread and rise of COVID-19.

Communities of color in Massachusetts are among the hardest-hit by COVID-19 in terms of infection, illness, and death. The goal of COVID-19 Community Grants is to reduce COVID-19 infections, morbidity, and mortality among black, Latinx, and other people of color in the hardest-hit cities in the Commonwealth. The grant has been awarded to OneHolyoke CDC to engage the Holyoke community by developing and delivering effective messages, and further support to the hard-hit community with education, training, and outreach to effectively meet Holyoke’s specific needs.

The public information campaign will be concentrated on predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods to address the disproportionate spread of the virus among communities of color.

Educational topics will cover physical distancing, mask wearing, hygiene, and other harm-reduction behaviors and activities, and will be shared widely in both English and Spanish through OneHolyoke CDC’s social-media accounts. Posts will also feature members of the Holyoke community.

The organization will also engage media to widely disseminate information, with information tables available at community outlets in the Latinx-majority neighborhoods of Holyoke. A designated page on OneHolyoke CDC’s website, oneholyoke.org, will provide a collection of resources, blogs, and videos for the community.

Juan Flores, a Latino Holyoke resident, will coordinate social-media and related placements and engagements to educate the community about COVID-19 education and safety. Flores recently earned an associate degree in computer support from Holyoke Community College.

Holyoke is consistently listed as high-risk for COVID-19, according to the state’s COVID-19 map, updated weekly. Furthermore, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinos are hospitalized from COVID-19 at four times the rate of white Americans.

John Pucci, Jennifer Levi Join Advisory Search Committee for U.S. Attorney

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — John Pucci, a partner at Bulkley Richardson, and Jennifer Levi, professor of Law at Western New England University School of Law, were named members of a bipartisan advisory committee to review and provide recommendations on U.S. attorney candidates for the District of Massachusetts. The announcement was made on Dec. 18 by U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey.

The advisory committee will solicit, interview, and comment on applications for the position of U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts, the state’s top federal law-enforcement officer. The committee is comprised of members of the Massachusetts legal community, including prominent academics and litigators, and is chaired by former U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Gertner.

Levi noted that “the strength of our justice system depends on the inclusion and participation of people from every community and walk of life. It’s an honor to serve on this committee and get the chance to work to build a strong, diverse pool of candidates for such an important position.”

Other members of the committee include Elissa Flynn-Poppey, former deputy legal counsel to Gov. Mitt Romney and executive director of the judicial nominating commission for the Office of the Governor of Massachusetts; Angela Onwuachi-Willig, dean of Boston University School of Law; Walter Prince, partner at Prince Lobel and former president of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Assoc; and Georgia Katsoulomitis, executive director of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute.

“The advisory committee plays an important role ensuring that a highly qualified, fair-minded, and justice-seeking candidate is appointed as U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts,” Warren and Markey said in a joint statement. “We look forward to receiving the committee’s recommendations.”

Revitalize CDC Helps Bridge Healthcare, Housing Through COVID-19 Emergency-response Program

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize Community Development Corporation (CDC) and the BeHealthy Partnership accountable-care organization (ACO) made up of Health New England, Baystate Health Centers, and Caring Health Center, have been doing innovative work to understand patients’ social and medical needs throughout Western Mass. These needs are addressed under MassHealth’s Flexible Services Program.

Since early November, the partnership, as part of COVID-19 and nutrition emergency response, has supported patients at risk of contracting COVID-19 by providing them with essential supplies and access to nutritious food at home. The program specifically serves vulnerable members of the community who may face food insecurity and homelessness to allow them to remain safe and healthy in self-isolation.

Patients enrolled in the program are insured through the BeHealthy Partnership and are identified as high-risk for contracting COVID-19 or have already contracted the virus with a risk factor of nutritional imbalance. The program will run through the end of the year and is making contactless deliveries that also include COVID-19 prevention supplies, including disinfectants, microfiber cleaning cloths, face masks, cleaning gloves, dish detergent, food-storage containers, hand soap, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, hand sanitizers, and food from local pantries.

In addition, over Thanksgiving, Wildwood Elementary School in Amherst, CCRC Manufacturing in Springfield, and an individual donor donated turkeys with all the fixings. Revitalize CDC is also collaborating with Stone Soul to deliver turkeys, hams, and chickens to families over the December holidays.

“The BeHealthy Partnership ACO jumped at the opportunity to utilize the Flexible Services funding provided to them by MassHealth to help our community in need during this pandemic,” said Preeti Nakrani, Medicaid and BeHealthy Program manager at Health New England. “The prevalence of food insecurity has risen to unseen levels in recent months, and the COVID-19 food-delivery program that the ACO has launched in partnership with Revitalize CDC aims to promote social distancing while simultaneously addressing the food crisis. Our high-risk community members will no longer need to leave their homes and risk exposure in order to buy groceries. In a very short amount of time, we have seen significant demand for this service.”

Libby Lord, Revitalize CDC COVID-19 Program Assistant, noted that “the people I’m delivering to are cooperative and appreciative despite the hard times they’re having. They inspire me, and they’ve made me feel the holiday spirit — which I really haven’t felt for quite a while.”