SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. recently opened its seventh Big Y Express gas and convenience store at 471 Cooley St. in Springfield. The other six Massachusetts stores can be found in Lee, Pittsfield, Hadley, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, and South Hadley.

The new Springfield location boasts eight gas pumps and free air machines for tire inflation. Inside the store, selections include donuts, pastries, and store-baked muffins; Green Mountain Coffees; fresh fruit; gourmet sandwiches and salads; milk and numerous other cold beverages; as well as bread, candy, snacks, tobacco products, lottery, and ice.

The store director of this location is Yanira Febus. There are currently seven employees, and Big Y is looking to hire one or two more. The site formerly operated as Ultra Gasoline, and all Ultra employees were encouraged to apply for a position with Big Y. The store will be open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week, 365 days a year.

LENOX — Renaissance Investment Group, LLC, an independent, SEC-registered investment-advisory firm, announced the appointment of Chris Silipigno to the role of chief operating officer. He will be responsible for providing operational leadership within the firm, as well as coordinating strategic business-development efforts across the region.

“We are very excited to have Chris join the firm,” said Trevor Forbes, president and chief investment officer. “Chris’ extensive senior leadership experience and financial expertise will serve our clients well at Renaissance. His presence provides increased depth, thereby enabling us to deliver even greater levels of service to our clients. Chris will draw upon his professional experience to enhance our offerings to the non-for-profit community and our business partners. He will provide Renaissance with long-term continuity at a senior level.”

Silipigno comes to Renaissance with nearly 20 years of senior leadership positions in both operational and business-development functions for nonprofit and for-profit enterprises. His experience spans all facets of the mortgage banking industry, nonprofit development, organizational effectiveness and leadership, performance management, and revenue growth areas.

Most recently, he brought his business acumen to City Mission of Schenectady, N.Y., an inner-city nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless, abused, and impoverished to become sustainable. During his tenure, the organization grew exponentially, receiving regional and national acclaim for its accomplishments. Previous to this role, he held multiple positions at the vice-president level within the banking and finance industry. His accomplishments include building and managing divisions responsible for originating more than $750 million in annual loan volume.

Chris earned a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, from SUNY at Albany and a master’s degree from George Mason University, and he holds his FINRA Series 65 registration.

SPRINGFIELD — The second installment of the BusinessWest lecture series Future Tense, titled “What Got You Here Might Not Get You There: Mistakes Business Owners Make Before and After Retirement,” will take place on Thursday, May 17 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Tech Foundry, 1391 Main St., ninth floor, Springfield.

The lecture, open exclusively to CEOs and business owners, will be delivered by Amy Jamrog, wealth management advisor with the Jamrog Group. The cost is a $25 donation to Tech Foundry. Event sponsors include Paragus IT, the Jamrog Group, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Do you feel like you’re doing a good job running your company, but wonder if you should be doing more? Are you as prepared as you could be for the eventual sale of the business? Are you willing to delay some tax gratification now for a more efficient retirement later? Are you focused on accumulation, but forgetting about the equally important decumulation strategy when it comes to your wealth? How do you take care of yourself, impact your community, and provide legacy for the family — and is it possible to do it all? Hear about proactive strategies to align your team of advisors and get you best equipped for your future.

Metered street parking is available near the venue, and there are several parking-garage options nearby as well. To register, visit businesswest.com/lecture-series.

EASTHAMPTON — The Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley Inc. (WBOA) will recognize Anita Eliason and Jennifer Roberge as co-recipients of the organization’s 2018 Business Woman of the Year award, given annually to a member who has contributed to WBOA in a significant way, is a role model, and inspires other women to be successful.

Eliason and Roberge are the owners of Zesta Style, providing personal styling, style coaching, alterations, and color consulting to help women “unlock confidence with style.” Both women have been WBOA members since 2012.

“We are so thrilled to honor Anita and Jen this year,” said WBOA President Gretchen Duhaime. “Their contributions to WBOA have been monumental. And their business partnership shows that, together, we can do so much more than when we try to go it alone.”

Eliason and Roberge will be honored at WBOA’s Women of the Year Celebration, which will be held Friday, June 8 at the Boylston Rooms in Easthampton. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are available at wboa.org.

WBOA will also recognize Maxine Bernstein as its Outstanding New Member. Bernstein is a financial professional and host of the Safe Money Radio show. Community recognition awards will be given to Amy Woolf of Amy Woolf Color Consulting (Woman of Influence), Julia Mines of Julia Mines Coaching (Special Mentor), Jackie Griswold of Heartfelt Gifts (Spirit Award), and Susan Allen of Susan Allen Financial (Quiet Achiever).

SPRINGFIELD — Nominations for BusinessWest’s fourth annual Continued Excellence Award will be accepted through the end of today, May 14. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 21.

Three 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. Last year, the judges chose two winners: 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).

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-17 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Northwestern Mutual.

The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past 11 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

WESTFIELD — At its annual stockholder’s meeting in April, Tighe & Bond announced that Robert Belitz will succeed David Pinsky as president and CEO when Pinsky retires from that position at the close of 2018. Belitz, the firm’s current chief financial officer, will assume the role of president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Belitz will be Tighe & Bond’s ninth leader in its 107-year history. Pinsky has served as president and CEO since 2006 and has been with the firm for 30 years.

“It’s been a privilege leading such a storied firm,” said Pinsky. “I am looking forward to working with Bob throughout the balance of this year. Since joining Tighe & Bond, Bob has demonstrated a commitment to our firm’s culture and core values, and has been a central figure in our growth and success. I am confident that he will be a wonderful leader for our great organization.”

During Pinsky’s tenure as CEO, Tighe & Bond has substantially increased its revenue and more than doubled its staff size, growing from 160 to 340 employees. Tighe & Bond also has expanded its breadth of engineering and environmental services, as well as opened four new office locations throughout the Northeast.

“Our goal is to bring out the best in our people, create a culture of leadership, and establish a work atmosphere where everyone is empowered to make a difference,” said Pinsky. “I am proud of the work our team has done to attract, retain, and develop exceptional professionals within our employee-owned company.”

Belitz, who has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, joined Tighe & Bond four years ago as the firm’s chief financial officer. In this role, he has directed the firm’s financial operations and priorities, as well as contributed to growth strategies consistent with the Tighe & Bond’s continued expansion in the marketplace.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be chosen as Tighe & Bond’s next president and CEO at this auspicious tim,” he said. “Dave’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in guiding Tighe & Bond to where it is today — with record growth, a strong culture, robust and broad employee ownership, and superb staff all supporting our strategic vision. My focus will be on helping Tighe & Bond develop and execute strategies for our continued growth and prosperity throughout the Northeast, as well as bolstering our clients’ successes.”

WARE — The opioid crisis has affected individuals and families throughout area communities. Due to the overwhelming response to the first Narcan training offered by Monson Savings Bank, and in an effort to help educate employees, customers, and community members about administering this potentially lifesaving treatment, the bank is offering another Narcan training.

Nekr Jenkins, project coordinator for the Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance, will conduct this free training on Tuesday, May 15 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the bank’s Ware branch, at 136 West St. He will also discuss how Narcan kits can be obtained and be available to answer questions.

“This is a social issue that we really feel is striking all of society, and it’s important for us to try and do something about it,” said Monson Savings Bank President Steven Lowell.

E-mail [email protected] to register or for more information.

NORTHAMPTON — In your job, are you responsible for conducting investigations into employee conflicts? Allegations of harassment? Employee theft? If so, Royal, P.C.’s seminar on workplace investigations is for you. The event is slated for Friday, June 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at 270 Pleasant St., Northampton.

Recent state and federal court decisions underscore the importance of conducting thorough investigations. Attendees will learn about such topics as selecting an investigator, conducting an effective interview, dealing with confidentiality issues, preventing harassment, and taking interim actions. Human-resource professionals, CFOs, CEOs, and anyone in a management position who is responsible for handling investigations may be interested in attending.

The cost to attend is $30. E-mail Heather Loges at [email protected] for more information and to register.

SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Blue Sox announced that Hadley native Fred Ciaglo has taken over the reins as team owner and president from the departing Clark Eckhoff.

Ciaglo has been a long-time part of the Valley Blue Sox, hosting players for the past seven years and as a bench coach for the last four years. He has been involved with baseball in the Valley since he was able to throw a ball, playing at Hopkins Academy in Hadley and then at Springfield College, helping pitch the Pride to the 1986 Northeast-10 championship when the school competed in Division II athletics.

Ciaglo was a staple of the Tri-County Baseball League for more than 20 years, twice winning the league’s Wes Carr Trophy for best pitcher. He has taught and coached at Hopkins Academy since graduating from Springfield, coaching boys and girls basketball as well as baseball over that time; in addition, he spent a decade as Hadley Youth Baseball’s coaching coordinator and on the board of directors for the Cal Ripken level.

“We wish the best to Clark and his family,” said Ciaglo. “During their tenure, the Valley Blue Sox won their first championship in franchise history, hosted a successful All-Star weekend at Mackenzie Stadium, and were very supportive of the growth of both the franchise and the game locally.”

Vice President and General Manager Hunter Golden will stay on with the team and remain in his role. Also returning this season will be Manager John Raiola, who will return for his fourth season as head coach, as well as pitching coach Jim Woods. Joining the coaching staff, former Blue Sox player Hezekiah Randolph will serve as hitting coach for the team.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve under Clark,” said Golden. “I’m very excited to see the baton passed to Fred and look forward to seeing things elevated to the next level. He’s a true baseball man through and through, and I’ve got every confidence in his ability as the next steward of this franchise.”

Added Ciaglo, “everything that people have come to know and love about the team — from the people to the day to day — will remain the same. We’re looking forward to adding more to the fan experience in the coming years, continuing to develop Mackenzie Stadium, and keep the ball moving forward. We’ve made progress every year that I’ve been involved with the franchise, and I’m looking forward to continuing that growth and giving fans something new to look for every season.”

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is looking for nominees for its fourth Continued Excellence Award, and will accept nominations through Monday, May 14. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 21.

Three 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. Last year, the judges chose two winners: 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).

“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 2007-17 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Northwestern Mutual.

The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past 11 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

SPRINGFIELD — Arrha Credit Union recently awarded five $1,000 scholarships to area students based on scholastic merit and civic achievement.

To be eligible for the Anthony J. Serafino Scholarship, recipients must demonstrate scholastic achievement, be a high-school senior, be a member of Arrha or a student whose parent is a member, be active in extracurricular activities and community endeavors, and intend to attend a two-year or four-year degree-granting college or university.

The 2018 recipients are A’Shaela Chaires from Williston Northampton School, Kimberly McLeod from Longmeadow High School, Patricia Moriarty from Phillips Exeter Academy, Owen Serafino from West Springfield High School, and Tamra Zippin from Minnechaug Regional High School. In addition to the scholarships, each student was given $100 to open an account with a debit card to jump-start their financial future on a positive note.

“We wish each of our recipients the best of luck with their educational endeavors,” said Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union.

FLORENCE — Florence Bank promoted Erin McHugh to the position of vice president/operations manager.

McHugh joined Florence Bank in November 2010. Formerly, she served as the payments operations manager. An accredited Automated Clearing House professional, she studied at the University of Connecticut, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She volunteers as a basic tax preparer for Community Action Pioneer Valley’s income-tax assistance program. She attends the New England School for Financial Studies.

McHugh is a past recipient of the President’s Club Award, given out annually to select Florence Bank employees who consistently exemplify the highest standards of performance and customer service within Florence Bank.

“We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Erin McHugh,” said Florence Bank President and CEO John Heaps Jr. “Throughout her tenure at the bank, she has proven herself to be a motivated self-starter. Her performance, dependability, and expert knowledge have made her an integral asset.”

SPRINGFIELD — The Family Advocacy Center at Baystate Children’s Hospital will holds its annual homicide victims remembrance event, “Standing Together – Never Forgotten,” on Thursday, May 10. The event was rescheduled from its original date of April 26.

The free event, sponsored by the Family Advocacy Center in conjunction with its Homicide Bereavement program, will be held outdoors on the lawn at the Springfield Museums. The evening will begin with a gathering at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. Families and friends of the deceased, as well as the general public, are invited to attend and stand together in peace to honor those who have lost their lives to violence through homicide and vehicular homicide.

Those attending will hear from victims’ family members who participate in the Homicide Bereavement Program, and Molly Kitchen, who is a trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness instructor. Participants will also be entertained by the soothing sounds of the Putnam High School Choir.

The remembrance program will include a reading of names to honor loved ones who have lost their lives to homicide and vehicular homicide, and a display where family members are able to share a written memory about their lost loved one. Those wishing to have the name of their deceased loved one read at the event will have an opportunity at 5:30 p.m. before the program begins to provide officials with his or her name.

The event will be held rain or shine with only severe weather causing its cancellation. If in doubt, call (413) 794-9816 for an update.

The Homicide Bereavement Program offers free therapeutic services and a variety of other wellness activities for adults and children impacted by homicide and vehicular homicide. It is supported by the Massachusetts Office for Victims Assistance through a Victims of Crime Act of 1984 grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Program, U.S. Department of Justice.

LUDLOW — LUSO Federal Credit Union announced the promotion of Stephanie Rodrigues to senior branch supervisor and Anna Dias Vital to lead VIP banker.

In her new position, Rodrigues will be responsible for overseeing the teller line, member service representatives, and new account openings in the credit union’s Wilbraham branch, as well as meeting branch goals, holding staff meetings, and mentoring personnel. Rodrigues joined LUSO as a member service representative in 2013 and most recently served as head of consumer lending for both the Ludlow and Wilbraham branches.

“Stephanie started working for LUSO while still in high school, and has grown as both an individual and in her position here at the credit union,” said Jennifer Calheno, president and CEO of LUSO Federal Credit Union. “She has already proven herself as an asset to our organization, and we look forward to helping her grow and develop further with us.”

Vital has nearly two decades of experience in finance. She worked in the controller’s office of Western New England University before joining LUSO in 2016. In her new role as lead VIP banker, she will oversee the teller line at the credit union’s Ludlow branch and will be responsible for cross sales, managing member satisfaction, and day-to-day operations.

“Anna has been an invaluable member of our member-services team and will be a huge asset to the credit union as we continue to grow and develop relationships in the communities we serve,” said Calheno. “Anna is a well-recognized and trusted member of our community. We are confident that both she and Stephanie will continue to be great representatives for LUSO.”