BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

BusinessTalk with Julie Quink, Managing Principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.: Beyond the Numbers

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2026

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running. BusinessTalk is sponsored and presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 252: February 17, 2026

George O’Brien talks with Julie Quink, Managing Principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.

Julie Quink says the accounting profession has changed quite a bit in her 35 years of practice, but one of the more positive changes has been a focus on workplace culture, mentorship, and the well-being of team members — all areas she has continued to cultivate at Burkhart Pizzanelli. Julie sat down with Contributing Writer George O’Brien for the latest installment of BusinessTalk to talk about all this and more, including how she and her team have prioritized giving back to the community in many ways, and why she’s gratified to be named one of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers for 2026. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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Penguin Plunge Rescheduled to Feb. 21

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2026

Daily News

WESTFIELD — The 21st Almost Annual Penguin Plunge has been rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 21 at Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield. Check-in and registration are from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the Plunge beginning at 1 p.m. The money raised by the Plunge goes toward providing a playful learning area for children and their families. This event is crucial in supporting the work of Amelia Park Children’s Museum.

Participants may join as individuals or as a team. Each participant pledges to raise a minimum of $75. Full-time students will receive a registration discount of $25 with valid school ID and pledge to raise at least $50. The registration fee for the Petite Plunge participants is $25.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three individuals or teams that raise the most money: $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. A costume contest is also part of the fun, and prizes will be awarded for best individual costume and best team costume.

Register in advance online at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/penguin-plunge or on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to noon. All participants will receive a free 2024 Penguin Plunge T-shirt.

Springfield College’s Sport Management Program Awarded COSMA Accreditation

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College announced that its bachelor of science in sport management program has been awarded accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), which extends until February 2033.

“The accreditation process has provided our program faculty with the opportunity to examine the curriculum and our best teaching practices,” said Heather Gilmour, associate professor of Sport Management and chair of the Department of Sport Management and Recreation. “We have long considered our students and alumni to be leaders in the sport industry, and achieving this accreditation status grants us even more opportunities to highlight all the amazing achievements.”

The purpose of COSMA accreditation is to promote and recognize excellence in sport management higher education. Upon reviewing a college’s sport management program, COSMA evaluates how well the program educates students and prepares them for a career in the sport management industry.

The Springfield College sport management program provides students with the opportunity to develop expertise in the rapidly advancing world of sport. The program leans into its history of innovation in the classroom and within the sport industry. The broad-based sport curriculum is combined with the sport lens for the administration and management of a variety of sport and athletic careers.

Currently, 90% of Springfield College sport management graduates are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Of those employed, 93% are within sport. Some 2025 graduates found careers in athletic facilities at the University of Michigan, in sales for the Orange Bowl Committee, and with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Berkshire Talking Chronicle Launches Audio Drama for Sight-impaired Audiences

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2026

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Talking Chronicle, a radio reading service provided by UCP of Western Massachusetts, has launched The 413, a serialized audio mystery drama created specifically for sight- and print-impaired audiences and broadcast on WRRS 104.3 LPFM Pittsfield.

The show follows a group of college friends working over winter break in the Berkshires who stumble into a decades-old disappearance and discover it may be happening again. When a woman vanishes from a local diner, leaving only a cryptic note reading, “I finally ordered what I wanted,” at the same booth where her grandmother disappeared 40 years earlier, the friends are pulled into a mystery that spans generations.

The first season, “The Holiday Shift,” is a three-episode arc now available through Berkshire Talking Chronicle’s broadcast platforms.

The 413 was meticulously designed using “Theater of the Mind” principles, ensuring total accessibility. Every plot point, clue, and character interaction is fully comprehensible from the audio alone. The show achieves this by building its world for the ear: characters identify themselves naturally in dialogue, entrances and exits are acknowledged by others, and no visual element is left unspoken.

“When you’re creating for an audience that can’t see, every line has to carry more weight,” said Tina Brissette, the show’s creator and producer. “It’s a discipline that actually makes the writing stronger, and it benefits all listeners, not just our target audience.”

The 413 is distinguished from traditional audio dramas by its production method and its openness about it. The show was developed using AI tools at every stage: collaborative scriptwriting with Claude (by Anthropic), synthesized voice performances and sound design through ElevenLabs, and AI-generated music and sound effects.

The production is fully transparent about this process. Each episode is followed by a behind-the-scenes conversation between host Adam Santos and Brissette, in which they discuss story decisions, the AI tools used to produce the episode, and how sight- and print-impaired listeners can access those same tools in their own lives.

“This isn’t about pushing a button and getting a finished product,” Brissette said. “It’s a collaboration between human creativity and technological tools. I make every creative decision, story direction, voice selection, scene pacing, and editing. AI gives me raw material. The craft of shaping it into something that connects is still human work.”

The project grew out of her volunteer work with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Berkshire County, where she has been leading AI literacy workshops for lifelong learners. Through that work, she connected with Berkshire Talking Chronicle (BTC) Station Manager Elizabeth Irwin, who invited her to create content for BTC’s specialized audience.

Rather than produce a straightforward technology program, Bressette proposed something more ambitious: an original mystery series that would demonstrate AI’s creative potential while delivering genuine entertainment and serving as a model for how emerging tools can expand accessibility and opportunity for creators at any experience level.

The 413 serves dual audiences: sight- and print-impaired high school and college students ages 16 to 22, and AI-curious adults age 55 and older. The show aims to build technological confidence through storytelling rather than instruction alone.

Country Bank Supports Scantic Valley YMCA with $25,000 Donation

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2026

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank announced a $25,000 donation to the Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham in support of its ongoing capital campaign aimed at expanding community offerings and completing critical facility improvements.

Country Bank has been a long-time partner of the YMCA, supporting both the Scantic Valley and Springfield branches for many years. This latest contribution reinforces the bank’s commitment to investing in organizations that strengthen families, promote wellness, and enhance quality of life across the communities it serves.

The Scantic Valley YMCA capital campaign focuses on much-needed facility upgrades and program enhancements, including roof replacement, fitness center expansion and equipment upgrades, outdoor pickleball courts, parking lot improvements, locker room renovations, enhancements to childcare spaces, and signage, ensuring the facility continues to meet the evolving needs of members of all ages.

“The YMCA has long been a cornerstone in our communities, providing a welcoming place for individuals and families to grow, stay healthy, and connect,” said Russell Fontaine, chief Retail Delivery & Customer Experience officer at Country Bank. “We’re proud to support the Scantic Valley YMCA and its mission to serve thousands of members while ensuring the facility remains strong and accessible for generations to come.”

Dexter Johnson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, added that “Country Bank’s generosity plays a vital role in helping the YMCA continue to serve our community in meaningful ways. Partnerships like this allow us to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and create lasting impact for the people who rely on the Y every day.”

Introducing the Difference Makers Class of 2026

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2026

Class of 2026 Cover Story Difference Makers

Celebrate The Class of 2026!

Difference Makers Event Gala
April 7, 2026
Log Cabin, Holyoke

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of Western Mass.
As our winners have shown, there are many ways to make a difference within our community.

Click HERE for the digital flip book, or continue scrolling to meet the Difference Makers of 2026.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Ryan Alekman and Robert DiTusa

Partners, Alekman DiTusa, LLC

Beyond Helping Clients, They Have Created a Culture of Giving Back

Rachelle Hannoush

Director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western Massachusetts

She Has a Passion for Improving the Lives of Women, Children, and Families

Jess Miller

Comedian and Founder, The Kind Squad

She Leads Thousands of People Whose Small Gifts Make a Big Difference

Darby O’Brien

Darby O’Brien Advertising

This Unconventional ‘Mad Man’ Has Always Been Ready for a Fight

Julie Quink

Managing Principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.

She’s a Role Model, Tone Setter… and Great Listener

Edward Sokolowski

Managing Partner and wealth Advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group

He Sets the Tone at a Company That Cares About Community

Margaret Tantillo

Executive Director, O’Dell Women’s Center

Her Life’s Work Centers on Helping Women Overcome Barriers to Success

Zeno Temple

Founder, Just Us Movement

He Shows Up Every Day Striving to ‘Get One Better’

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Berkshire Workplace Expert to Address Employee Disengagement Crisis at CEO Forum

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — With U.S. employee engagement at a 10-year low, nationally recognized workplace expert Linda Dulye, president of Berkshire-based Dulye & Co., will show executives how to transform spectators in their companies into active contributors at the Gulf Coast CEO Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in Sarasota, Fla.

Dulye’s interactive workshop — “The Predator Killing Your Company’s Productivity: How to Eliminate Spectators at Work” — equips leaders with practical tools from her Spectator-Free Workplace methodology to build strong connections through delegation, dialogue, and collective decision making.

“Workplace spectators are the silent productivity killer,” Dulye said. “No company, regardless of size or industry, can afford employees who simply show up but check out without contributing their knowledge, skills, and ideas. To stop the spectator syndrome, companies need to take urgent, intentional actions that build genuine ties that unify employees within and between work teams.”

Founder of Dulye & Co., a consultancy recognized for transforming workplace breakdowns into measurable performance gains, Dulye’s proven Spectator-Free Workplace strategies strengthen manager effectiveness, team collaboration, and employee accountability.

Dulye is also the founder of the Dulye Leadership Experience, a pro bono professional development organization producing fee-free learning and development resources to help multi-generational professionals connect and build career ownership.

Established in 2011, the Gulf Coast CEO Forum convenes leaders to address shared workforce and leadership challenges through education, networking, and professional exchanges.

Springfield Chamber Players to Present ‘Windscape’ at 52 Sumner on March 1

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Chamber Players will present an all-woodwind concert, “Windscape,” on Sunday, March 1 at 3 p.m. at 52 Sumner in Springfield.

Yeh-Chi Wang, principal bassoon of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will lead a quintet of wind players to perform works by Milhaud, Beethoven, and more. He will be joined by flutist Ellen Redman, hornist Robert Hoyle, clarinetist Lynn Sussman, and oboist Karen Hosmer to bring waves of the spring wind to uplift attendees’ spirits.

This concert is part of a series at 52 Sumner in which the Springfield Chamber Players will feature more musicians in their second season. Another series at the Westfield Athenaeum, as well as a partnership with the Springfield Youth Orchestras, are also planned for this season.

Elms College Announces New Partnership with the State University of Haiti

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College intends to ratify a new partnership agreement with the State University of Haiti to create a continuing education program. A signing ceremony is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Elms College.

This agreement will build upon Elms College’s other university partnerships in Haiti. In 2019, a partnership was established between the Elms College School of Nursing and the Episcopal University of Haiti School of Nursing. That partnership, now the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Haiti Nursing Continuing Education Program, brings together nurse faculty from across Haiti and uses a train-the-trainer approach, with nursing faculty from the Elms College School of Nursing training nursing faculty from across Haiti in leading-edge nursing skills that they bring to their own students. The overall goal is to improve the health of the Haitian people.

“Elms College is pleased to partner with the State University of Haiti to develop a continuing education program for teachers in Haiti,” Elms College President Harry Dumay said. “Elms College has deep experience in preparing educators through our Division of Education and our Center for Equity in Urban Education. The State University of Haiti also has great teacher training expertise through their Ecole Normale Superieure.”

At the signing event, Elms College will welcome leaders from the State University of Haiti, including Rector Dieuseul Predelus, Professor Ricot Pierre-Louis, and Professor Marie Chantal Dumay.

This partnership aligns with Elms College’s mission, rooted in the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, to pursue the common good and improve the lives of all people.

40 Under Forty Nominations Due Feb. 24

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards.

The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 to honor young professionals in in the region, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries; many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities. Nominators help BusinessWest identify young professionals in the four counties of Western Mass. who have stories that deserve to be told.

Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, Feb. 24. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Greater Holyoke Chamber Announces Annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber invites the entire community to its annual St. Patrick’s Breakfast, presented by Witman Properties, PeoplesBank, HG&E, bankESB, and Greenfield Cooperative Bank. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 18 at 7:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin. This traditional gathering offers an opportunity for residents, business leaders, community leaders, and community members to reconnect, celebrate local achievements, and honor this year’s distinguished award recipients.

The breakfast serves as a cornerstone event for the Greater Holyoke area, bringing together hundreds of individuals to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and vibrant future. Building on a year filled with meaningful community engagement — including a successful food drive, numerous new business ribbon cuttings, and a host of collaborative initiatives — the chamber is proud to continue fostering connections that strengthen the fabric of Holyoke. This year, the chamber aims to make the celebration the largest in recent memory, rallying the community to support business owners and civic leaders as awardees.

Award presentations will be complemented by a raffle featuring a variety of prizes. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to submit raffle prizes, further highlighting their commitment to the community, while attendees are invited to purchase raffle tickets in advance or at the breakfast to support the chamber’s efforts. As an added highlight, crowd favorites Last Night’s Fun will return to perform, bringing atmosphere and entertainment to the breakfast.

Businesses interested in maximizing their participation are invited to purchase tables, ensuring strong visibility for their teams and organizations. Visit holyokechamber.com to register as a guest or sponsor, and secure raffle tickets as well.

U.S. Navy Concert Band to Perform Free Show in Springfield on March 1

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. Navy Concert Band is bringing its Northeast Tour to Springfield Symphony Hall on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

The free concert, presented by Spirit of Springfield and sponsored by Yellowstone Landscape, is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. with a family-friendly concert. It features a broad selection of musical works, from American classics to contemporary pieces. Selections include works from John Philip Sousa’s “Washington Post March,” The Wizard of Oz’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Aaron Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday,” John Williams’s “Liberty Fanfare,” “America the Beautiful,” “Armed Forces on Parade,” and much more.

“Touring the nation and performing concerts means connecting with communities and telling the great stories of our sailors working around the globe to keep us safe and free,” said Capt. Robert “Seph” Coats, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Band.

The U.S. Navy Band consists of 50 musicians and vocalists, plus a production team. Almost all of the sailors in the band have undergraduate degrees in music, and most have graduate degrees. Their last Springfield concert was in 2016.

“It is an honor to host the U.S. Navy’s premier band in Springfield Symphony Hall,” Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt said. “The performers love the acoustics, historic architecture, and the enthusiastic audience.”

Tickets are available at Pride Stores, the Springfield Visitor Center at 1319 Main St., and the security desk at One Financial Plaza at 1350 Main St. in Springfield. They can also be obtained by mailing a self-addressed stamped envelope to Spirit of Springfield at 1350 Main St., Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103. Those without tickets can still attend; they will be seated 10 minutes before the start of the performance.

Free parking for the concert will be available in the I-91 South Garage courtesy of the Springfield Parking Authority.

State Seeks Feedback on Implementation of High School Graduation Requirements

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced it is inviting the public to help inform how high school graduation requirement recommendations will take shape and be put into practice before the final K-12 Statewide Graduation Council report is released in June. Students, parents and caregivers, educators, district leaders, businesses, and community members can complete a survey online by clicking here. The survey should take 10 to 12 minutes to complete.

“This is an important chance for students, families, educators, and partners across Massachusetts to share different perspectives before the Graduation Council’s final report is released later this year,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, who co-chairs the Graduation Council. “The survey allows us to listen carefully, learn from diverse voices, and give everyone an opportunity to shape our final recommendations. I encourage everyone to fill it out, and look forward to engaging with more community members.”

Gov. Maura Healey, in collaboration with the council, released a statewide graduation framework in December that sets graduation standards to prepare all students for success after graduation. The framework consists of seven elements focused on helping students build a strong academic foundation, demonstrate mastery of course content, show their creativity, and develop real-world problem solving skills. It aims to be a balanced system that values academic rigor, practical skills, and personalized planning for all students so that they are set up for success no matter what path they choose to pursue after high school.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Picture This

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

Combating Food Insecurity

Westfield Bank recently donated $10,000 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which addresses hunger in Western Mass. by distributing nutritious food, coordinating with local agencies, and advancing long-term solutions to combat food insecurity. Westfield Bank’s contribution will help provide meals, mobilize resources, and expand community outreach efforts throughout the region.

Pictured, from left: Daniel Marini of Westfield Bank, the Food Bank’s Cheyenne Burnham and Executive Director Andrew Morehouse, and Kelly Pignatare of Westfield Bank.

Commitment to Giving Back

As part of its robust support of area nonprofit organizations and civic initiatives through volunteering, board service, committee involvement, and hands-on activity, Riley Home Realty recently donated $11,960 — 100% of the proceeds from its fourth annual summer event — to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry in Chicopee.

Pictured, from left: Nick Riley and Kate Riley (second and third from left) with, from left, Mike Dugre, Aida Gaouette, Kim Caisse, and Donna Marratta from Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry.

Investing in the Community

Monson Savings Bank announced a $100,000 pledge to support the Scantic Valley YMCA’s capital campaign, helping fund major facility renovations and enhancements. Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (right) and Executive Vice President and COO Michael Rouette (left) recently presented the pledge to Dexter Johnson (center), president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. The capital campaign focuses on several key improvement projects for the Scantic Valley YMCA, including a new roof, renovated locker rooms, modernization of the workout area, and the construction of new outdoor pickleball courts.

Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (right) and Executive Vice President and COO Michael Rouette (left) recently presented the pledge to Dexter Johnson (center), president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Agenda

40 Under Forty Nominations

Through Feb. 24: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards. The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in in the region, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries; many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities. Nominators help BusinessWest identify young professionals in the four counties of Western Mass. who have stories that deserve to be told. Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, Feb. 24. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Michael’s Café Reopening

Feb. 19: JGS Lifecare, a healthcare system serving seniors and their families and an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare, announced the grand reopening of Michael’s Café, the nonprofit organization’s popular dining venue, at 2:30 p.m. Michael’s Café is named in honor of Michael Frankel, past board chair, cherished friend, dedicated leader, and longtime supporter of JGS Lifecare. Following his sudden passing in 2013, the café was designed as a centerpiece of the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation — a kosher eatery to serve residents, families, staff, and volunteers, while also welcoming members of the broader community. Donations to build the café were raised through the Project Transformation Campaign. Following its reopening, Michael’s Café will offer a refreshed menu featuring seasonal weekly specials, rotating sandwich options, and daily homemade soups. Additional offerings include convenient grab-and-go items, a full salad bar with specialty sides, snacks, and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. The grand reopening event will include light refreshments, welcoming remarks, and a lively social hour. A spring reception is also being planned to celebrate all donors who made Michael’s Café possible. Located at 770 Converse St. in Longmeadow, Michael’s Cafe will be open five days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., staffed by volunteers working with café Manager Vivian Hatwood.

Springfield Leadership Institute

Feb. 19 to April 30: The Springfield Regional Chamber recently announced that applications are open for the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute, an exclusive program designed to empower emerging and established leaders with the advanced skills and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. The program will run on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. This year’s program features a cutting-edge curriculum delivered by professors from Western New England University (WNE). Participants will develop advanced skills in strategic thinking, decision making, and change management while honing their abilities in effective communication and team building. The curriculum covers emerging issues such as AI, digital media, and business analytics in leadership, and helps leaders to develop an organizational culture and personal mindset that fosters innovation and collaboration while promoting ethical business practices. This program is designed to empower executives to lead with confidence, vision, and integrity in increasingly complex and competitive environments. Participants in the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute will also receive an invitation to enroll in a complimentary graduate course at the WNE College of Business upon completing the program, a benefit available only to institute graduates. Visit business.springfieldregionalchamber.com/eventcalendar to apply.

Celebrity Bartending Event

Feb. 26: Coming together to support the next generation, leaders from business, government, media, and the nonprofit community will gather in Springfield to benefit Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) and its work preparing young people for economic success. The gathering takes place as part of JAWM’s annual Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser starting at 5 p.m. at Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield, with all tips raised supporting Junior Achievement programs serving students across the region. Now entering its ninth year, the event has become a well-known community tradition that pairs an engaging, social atmosphere with a meaningful purpose. While participants take on a fun, unconventional role for the evening, the focus remains on advancing Junior Achievement’s mission of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education for young people throughout Western Mass. Proceeds from the event help Junior Achievement deliver hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world careers and essential personal finance skills. More information about the event, a list of celebrity bartenders, and advance tipping opportunities are available at westernmass.ja.org/events/ja-s-celebrity-bartender-event-2026.

Shining Stars Gala

Feb. 27: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2026 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire their community. This year’s honorees are Al Picard as the Ernest Laflamme Jr. Citizen of the Year, HB Real Estate as Business of the Year, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry as Nonprofit of the Year, and Heather Leclerc at Volunteer of the Year. The 41st annual Shining Stars Gala takes place from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. Tickets cost $75 per person and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

She Decides Women’s Empowerment Brunch

March 1: At a time when women are balancing rising economic pressure, caregiving responsibilities, and increasing burnout, the Becoming Initiative is bringing women together for something many say they rarely experience: a moment to pause, reconnect, and be supported. The Becoming Initiative will host the She Decides Women’s Empowerment Brunch at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke. The event is expected to serve more than 200 women from across Western Mass. and launch a year-long series of empowerment and personal development programming. She Decides was created in response to what organizers describe as a growing need for spaces that support women beyond the workplace. Many women are leading families, contributing to the workforce, and holding communities together while quietly carrying emotional, financial, and personal burdens. The brunch creates a space where women can be seen, supported, and reminded of their value. This year’s event will serve as a cornerstone fundraiser for the Becoming Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing skill-based training, personal development, and transformational experiences for individuals at all stages of life. Funds raised will directly support workshops, community gatherings, and leadership-focused initiatives throughout the year. Tickets are now available. For more information, visit www.thebecominginitiative.org/events.

Real Estate Sales Licensing Course

March 2 to April 6: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) will offer a live, in-class, 40-hour, 16-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. Tuition is $425 and includes books and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the RAPV office, 225 Park St., West Springfield. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 20. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328, ext. 5, or [email protected].

Outlook 2026

March 6: The Springfield Regional Chamber announced that Susan Collins, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will serve as the keynote speaker for Outlook 2026, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Collins contributes to the Federal Open Market Committee’s deliberations on U.S. monetary policy and brings timely insight into the economic forces affecting businesses and communities across New England and the nation. Since taking office in 2022, she has led the Boston Fed’s work in economic research, financial stability, community development, and financial innovation. A nationally respected macroeconomist, Collins previously served as dean and provost at the University of Michigan and as a professor at Georgetown University and Harvard University. She was recently recognized by thr American Economic Assoc. as one of its Distinguished Fellows for 2025. Outlook 2026 will bring together business leaders and policymakers to explore what lies ahead from local, state, and federal perspectives. Visit business.springfieldregionalchamber.com/eventcalendar to register.

First Saturdays at the Print Shop

March 7, April 4, May 2: The Print Shop Makerspace in downtown Holyoke invites families, creatives, and curious community members of all ages to explore hands-on art and design through First Saturdays at the Print Shop, a free, monthly workshop series running February through May. Held on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Print Shop Makerspace, 62 Main St., the series offers welcoming, drop-in workshops that introduce participants to the tools, technology, and creative possibilities of a working print shop and classroom space. No prior experience is required, and all materials are provided while supplies last. Each First Saturday features a different make-and-take activity designed to spark curiosity and build creative confidence. Upcoming workshops include custom sticker printing, wearable art using heat transfer vinyl, and a Print Day in May open house on May 2, part of an international celebration of printmaking and creative production. That event will feature expanded activities and demonstrations, inviting the public to circulate through the space, try multiple creative processes, and celebrate Holyoke’s long history as the Paper City while connecting to a global printmaking movement.

Women Making a Difference Award Dinner

March 9: Each year in March, the global community recognizes women for their achievements regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, economic, or political divisions. The Zonta International community also celebrates Zonta Rose Day, a time to reflect and give tribute to the women who have empowered us. In this spirit, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley announces its Women Making a Difference Award dinner at the Ludlow Country Club. The theme of this year’s International Women’s celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” calls for inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, and addressing structural barriers to justice and opportunity for women and girls. The honorees for 2026 are champions for this theme: Jacqueline Velez, lead organizer for Holyoke’s Neighbor to Neighbor and community project coordinator for Live Well Springfield, drives campaigns for criminal justice reform, climate action, and housing justice. Samantha Hamilton, director of Coalition Building and Community Engagement at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and co-founder of A Queen’s Narrative, leverages more than 22 years of experience to advance health equity, address environmental and social disparities, and empower women and girls. Marianne Winters, who has forged a career dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault, held executive leadership roles at Jane Doe Inc. and the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts prior to her nearly 15-year tenure as executive director of Safe Passage. Darlene Elias, a social worker, writer, activist, and long-time advocate in child welfare and community organizing, is a co-founder of the Writing Sisters collective and a board member of Alianza and the Straw Dog Writers Guild. The event will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and the program to folow. RSVP by March 2 at [email protected]. Attendees can pay at the door for the buffet ($35 for an individual or $30 each for a table of eight) or pay online. For more information, visit www.zontaqv.org.

Difference Makers Gala

April 7: Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025 will be announced in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 or 12 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-2026-tickets. The 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli and Westfield Bank. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The Difference Makers program was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

People on the Move

Ella Nathanael Alkiewicz

Michael Brown

Cheyenne Burnham

Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks

Catherine Reed

Mark Tajima

Isaac Weiner

The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) welcomed seven new members to its board of directors during its first meeting of 2026. Ella Nathanael Alkiewicz is founder and owner of Ella Alk Inuk LLC in Northampton. A commissioned artist, published author, and Main Street business owner, she holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salem State University, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a certificate in Native American studies from UMass Amherst, and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing (nonfiction) from Lesley University. Michael Brown is a financial planner with the Davis Financial Group in Hadley. He brings extensive board and nonprofit leadership experience, strong financial expertise, and long-standing involvement with chambers of commerce. He holds a PhD in English from Indiana University, a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from Southern Methodist University, and a financial planning certificate from Boston University. Cheyenne Burnham is Public Engagement manager for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee. With a background in food security and hands-on expertise in fundraising, event coordination, budgeting, and volunteer management, Burnham is particularly interested in economic development initiatives that strengthen community impact and resilience. She holds a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University. Jeffrey Hoess-Brooks, owner and Realtor at HB Real Estate, with offices in Northampton, Chicopee, and Wilbraham, joins the board with deep experience in marketing, finance, customer relations, tourism, and hospitality, along with vast knowledge of the regional real estate market. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, where he studied culinary arts. Catherine Reed is executive director of Operations at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, where she has overseen major operational initiatives, including clinical systems integration, urgent care expansion, and critical COVID-19 response programs. A member of the GNCC finance committee, Reed holds an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from SUNY Fredonia. Mark Tajima is owner and partner at B. Alpha Construction LLC in Chicopee. With a strong background in construction and entrepreneurial management, his expertise includes sales and marketing, strategic planning, fundraising, and product development and expansion. Tajima studied Asian studies and French literature at Connecticut College and received a master’s degree in elementary education and conflict resolution from Lesley University. Isaac Weiner is co-owner/operator of Familiars Coffee and Tea in Northampton and Florence Pie Bar. Known for his visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, Weiner enhances GNCC’s capacity to foster coalitions and gain alignment on community-centered business development, downtown activation, and economic growth. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.

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Mayhew Steel Products Inc. announced that Lucy Hawkins has been named strategic account manager. With more than a decade of experience supporting manufacturing and distribution teams across customer service, operations, and sales, Hawkins will lead growth for Mayhew’s cable ties product line and help strengthen partnerships with distributors and customers. Before joining Mayhew Tools, Hawkins served as an account executive at Oliver Inc., where she was a trusted advisor to key accounts and led design projects from concept to completion. Her background also includes a role as assistant Operations manager at GDU LLC, managing supply chain operations, procurement, and vendor sourcing. Additionally, as an inside sales technical manager for Azelis Americas, she managed a sales team, drove process improvements, and contributed to significant business growth. Her extensive experience in building strategic relationships and executing projects will be invaluable to Mayhew’s cable tie business.

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Peter Pan Bus Lines announced key leadership promotions as the company looks ahead to 2026. Lauryn Picknelly-DuBois was promoted to vice president, Finance, while Peter B. Picknelly was promoted to vice president. These promotions signify the continued legacy of the Picknelly family and mark the addition of the fourth generation of family executives to lead the company. Founded in 1933 by Peter Carmine Picknelly, Peter Pan Bus Lines began as a small transportation company rooted in service and community. From those humble beginnings, the company has grown into one of the nation’s largest family-owned and -operated inter-city bus companies, delivering safe, reliable transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For nearly a century, Peter Pan Bus Lines has remained family-owned, with each generation building upon the vision, values, and resilience established by the founder.

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The WooSox Foundation recognized Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations at Country Bank, during its recent fourth annual WooSox Foundation Honors Gala. She was honored for her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly in advancing education across Central and Western Mass. Gerulaitis leads Country Bank’s community relations and financial literacy initiatives, delivering education programs that empower children with essential money management skills. She also spearheads the bank’s partnership with the WooSox Foundation Most Valuable Teacher program, an initiative that celebrates and elevates educators who make a meaningful difference in students’ lives throughout the region.

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Jennifer Baril

Berkshire United Way (BUW) announced that Jennifer Baril has been named its new director of Development. Baril has more than 25 years of fundraising experience designing and implementing results-driven programs for community service, education, and healthcare organizations. Previous positions include director of Fund Development for Health Equity Solutions, senior director of Fundraising for the Center for Human Development, senior Major Gifts officer at Western New England University, Philanthropy officer at Baystate Health, director of Development for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and, at Smith College, assistant director of the Alumnae Fund followed by Major Gifts officer. She currently serves as board president of Holyoke’s only free after-school program, Homework House, and previously served with Volunteers in Service to America in Los Angeles. Baril earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree from UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management.

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Advantage Truck Group (ATG) has named its 2025 Pete DePina Legacy Award winners, recognizing one individual at each of its eight dealerships across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont for making an impact on their fellow employees, customers, and the company. Nick McIntire, warranty administrator, received the legacy award for ATG’s Westfield facility. The highest recognition an ATG team member can receive, this award is given annually to one team member at each of ATG’s eight locations who most embodies the values and qualities employee Napoleon “Pete” DePina was known for, including integrity and a quiet leadership grounded in humility, generosity, and selfless service to others. ATG team members were nominated by their peers for the award. Winners were presented with a monetary award that they will continue to receive as part of their profit sharing bonus each year throughout their employment with the company.

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The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage announced that Jessica LaMothe, loan partner and member of the Applied Mortgage Team, was honored with the Rising Star Award by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Assoc. at its Award Breakfast on Jan. 21. This prestigious recognition celebrates emerging leaders in the mortgage industry who demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and promise for continued success. The Rising Star Award was created to recognize exceptional up-and-coming association member professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, dedication to their profession, and a strong commitment to excellence. Lamothe began her professional journey working alongside Nicole Laurie, Applied Mortgage Team Operations lead, in the retail industry before being recruited into the mortgage business in 2016. In her current role, Lamothe works closely with the loan origination team to guide each homebuyer from preapproval to closing and beyond. She serves as a key point of communication among all parties involved, including homebuyers and homeowners, Realtors, attorneys, and insurance agents to ensure every transaction is seamless and exceeds expectations.

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The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) announced that Ken Comia, director of the Land Use and Environment Department, has been officially elected president of the American Planning Assoc. – Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA). Comia previously served as vice president for four years and brings extensive experience in regional planning, sustainability, and community engagement to this leadership role. “I am honored to serve as APA-MA president,” Comia said. “Over the past four years as vice president, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and dedication of planners across Massachusetts. I look forward to working with colleagues statewide to strengthen communities, foster equity, and advance innovative planning solutions.”

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Meghan Boone

Tony Trinchini

MP CPAs recently announced two promotions. Meghan Boone has been promoted to Audit manager with the firm. She manages audits, reviews, and compilations for small to medium-sized businesses. She also manages audits of Massachusetts charter schools (governmental entities), nonprofit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Boone, who joined the firm in 2020, holds both a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in accounting from Westfield State University. She is a certified public accountant and a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is active in the community by participating in various fundraising and networking events. Tony Trinchini has been promoted to tax manager with the firm. He provides consulting and tax solutions to a diverse group of clients, including individuals, estates, trusts, partnerships, and corporations. He specializes in working with high-net-worth clients and family offices. Trinchini, who joined the firm in 2020, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Western New England University and a master’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst. He remains involved in recruiting and mentorship efforts with his alma maters.

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The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE) announced several recent appointments to its executive committee and board of directors. President Sean Cahillane, Vice Presidents Ed Sullivan and Kevin O’Connor, Treasurer Stephanie Joyce, and Secretary Lynn McCarthy have been formally approved as the ICCWNE’s executive committee and voted in by the full board of directors. The executive committee serves as the ICCWNE’s core leadership team, helping guide major decisions, support organizational planning, and ensure smooth and effective operation. It works closely with the executive director in day-to-day operations and ensures that key decisions are made efficiently and responsibly. The ICCWNE has also elected new members to its board of directors. Hilary Sullivan and Brendan Fitzgerald recently joined the board and are committed to helping the ICCWNE grow as a center of Irish culture and community in Western New England.

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Dakin Humane Society has named Dr. Katie Spaulding medical director of its organization, according to Executive Director Meg Talbert. Recently, Spaulding worked as an infection preventionist for the Hawaii State Department of Health and served as a One Health Subcommittee member for the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Task Force. While living in Hawaii, she spent six years working with various animal welfare organizations across the islands to provide accessible veterinary care and perform surgical sterilization for the free-roaming cat population there. She also worked as a marine animal stranding volunteer veterinarian with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources, and was hired as a veterinarian for the Marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian monk seal hospital. Spaulding began practicing shelter medicine at Dakin Humane Society in 2010 as the Adoption Center Veterinarian, and is particularly interested in infectious disease prevention and control, as well as antimicrobial resistance. She also has a special interest in alternative sterilization methods to traditional spay/neuter for the management of free-roaming cat populations. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and ecology from UMass Amherst and holds a dual doctor of veterinary medicine/master of public health degree from Iowa State University/University of Iowa.

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North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the retirement of Donna Boulanger from the bank’s board of directors, effective Jan. 12. Boulanger’s retirement marks the end of an era of leadership, growth, and community impact that has defined her remarkable career. Boulanger has been a driving force in the bank’s success over the years, most notably during her role as president and CEO from 2008 to 2022, as the first woman to lead the bank since it was founded. Her leadership steered the bank through a transformative period of growth and strategic expansion. Under her guidance as president and CEO, the bank’s asset size more than doubled, significantly strengthening its financial standing and enhancing its ability to serve customers throughout the community. During her tenure, Boulanger led the acquisition of Family First Bank, a strategic move that expanded the bank’s footprint, enhanced service offerings, and strengthened its commitment to maintaining local banking relationships. Upon retirement from the bank, Boulanger served as chair of the NBSB board of directors. She also served on the boards of the Depositors Insurance Fund, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, and the Federal Reserve of Boston.

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Michael Fenton

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a regional law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced that Shareholder Michael Fenton has been named a 2025 Go To Lawyer in the field of commercial real estate by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The annual list recognizes fewer than 40 top-tier attorneys who demonstrate excellence in their practice area and are regarded as leaders by their peers. Fenton is the only lawyer from Western Mass. to be selected for this prestigious list. Fenton, who has practiced law for more than a decade, was recognized for his extensive work in commercial real estate and finance, including tax-exempt bond financing and business planning. His passion for the field began early in his career. Fenton’s legal practice is marked by a deep understanding of title work, financing, permitting, and development — skills that make him an invaluable resource for both clients and colleagues. In addition to his legal work, he has served as a member of the Springfield City Council for more than 16 years. He currently serves as an adjunct professor of Corporate Finance at Western New England University School of Law and is actively involved in civic and nonprofit organizations, including the Conservation Law Foundation’s Legal Services Food Hub.

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The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the addition of two community members, Dr. Elizabeth Eagleson and Ariana Williams, to its board of directors. Both bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in the region. Other changes to the board include the appointments of Omar Irizarry as president, Stephen Speelman as vice president, and Mary McGovern as treasurer. Shannon Wilson remains as clerk. Eagleson is a board-certified internist and assistant professor of Medicine affiliated with Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Brightwood Health Center in Springfield. She provides comprehensive adult internal medicine care and sees patients at Baystate’s Brightwood location. Williams is a visionary public health strategist, nonprofit leader, grant writer, and consultant dedicated to advancing health equity through systems-level innovation. As chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation at Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, she designs and implements bold, measurable initiatives that address systemic health disparities, integrate cross-sector partnerships, and strengthen community resilience. She is also the founder and CEO of Catalyst for Equity Consulting, where she helps nonprofits bridge the gap between the public health and nonprofit sectors, aligning with funding priorities, developing evidence-based programs, and driving systemic change.

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Local nonprofit community behavioral health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO) announced the appointment of Yaw Gyebi Jr. as the agency’s internal general counsel. Gyebi is a graduate of Connecticut College and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He has more than 20 years of experience as an attorney and executive leader across state and federal agencies. Most recently, he served as district director at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, overseeing complex investigations, litigation decisions, and large, multi-disciplinary teams. His background also includes senior leadership and general counsel roles in Massachusetts regulatory and enforcement agencies, with deep expertise in compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Company Notebook

PeoplesBank Increases Donations to $1.8 Million in 2025

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank increased its charitable contributions to more than $1.8 million over the past year, and its associates also increased volunteer hours serving area nonprofits by 15%. PeoplesBank also reported that its associates pledged an additional $40,000 of their own salaries as part of its Workplace Giving program and that it sponsored 300 community events in its market. In 2025, PeoplesBank supported nearly 500 charitable organizations, including the Care Center, the Center for Human Development, the Hampshire Regional YMCA, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Celebrate! WeHa, Connecticut Foodshare, the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and Hands on Hartford.

UMass Amherst Online Programs Rank Among Top 20 in U.S.

AMHERST — UMass Amherst’s online education programs have again been recognized as among the best in the nation, placing in the top 20 public and private colleges and universities for its undergraduate and graduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings. The university’s Isenberg School of Management online bachelor’s degree in business program ranks fourth out of 218 institutions and was the only New England university — public or private — to place in the top 10. The school’s bachelor’s program for veterans maintained its spot from last year, ranking 11th. Two of Isenberg’s online master’s programs placed in the top five out of 206 institutions in their respective categories: master’s in business and master’s in business programs for veterans. Isenberg’s online MBA program ranks 14th, up two spots from 2025, while the online MBA ranks 13th. UMass Amherst online bachelor’s degree programs moved up two spots, to 17th among 348 public and private colleges and universities, while the Elaine Marieb School of Nursing climbed one spot to 29th and is the only Massachusetts institution in the top 40. In other graduate program recognitions, the university’s master’s in education program surged up 45 spots to 64th.

Construct Launches 19th Annual Warm Up the Winter Campaign

GREAT BARRINGTON — As winter temperatures drop, Construct has launched its 19th annual Warm Up the Winter campaign to help South Berkshire residents stay safe and warm. The campaign raises funds for emergency fuel and utility assistance, as well as short-term motel stays for those without housing during extreme cold. Construct, an affordable housing nonprofit based in South Berkshire County, provides affordable housing and services to 17 towns, including transitional housing, housing navigation, and assistance with rent, fuel, and/or utilities. In response to the growing need for fuel and utility support, Construct continues to host its annual Warm Up the Winter event to raise funds for local South County neighbors. The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program helps residents pay winter heating and utility bills. This year, funds were delayed by the lengthy federal government shutdown, slowing distribution and leaving families waiting for help as cold weather arrived. Federal energy assistance funds are now available but cannot meet increasing needs. High fuel costs mean less help or longer waits for many households. Additionally, many fuel assistance programs in Berkshire County are less widely available due to tighter eligibility requirements. Households must earn no more than 60% of the area median income (AMI) to qualify. Construct fills a gap by assisting households earning up to 100% of AMI. As a result, the organization receives requests from a wide range of working residents, including educators, hospitality workers, retail and restaurant staff, and nonprofit employees. Warm Up the Winter, which launched on Jan. 15, will culminate in a March 5 benefit concert at Barrington Hall in Great Barrington. This year’s event, themed “The Family That Plays Together ROCKS!” includes musical guest Wanda Houston, along with Luke and Brian Franco, Carrie Wilson & Son, Bill Chapman Trio, Jackson Whalan and Family, Jackson DuCharme, and Gina Coleman and Diego Mong. Additional special guests will be announced. Contributions can be made at constructberkshires.org, by calling (413) 528-1985, or by check payable to Construct, 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.

Bradley Caps Terminal Expansion with Unveiling of New Concourse

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Bradley International Airport (BDL) has reached a major milestone as part of the ongoing terminal expansion that has been underway since March 2023. The final element of construction, a new concourse, is now complete, with passengers slated to begin using it in the coming weeks. The concourse is an extension of the existing Terminal A and part of an 80,000-square-foot facility directly behind the Sheraton Hotel. The new concourse includes three additional airline gates for passengers; comfortable and varied seating options with ample access to integrated power; new dining and retail options; new modern restroom facilities with privacy stalls, occupancy sensors, luggage storage, and contemporary vanities; an additional family restroom; self-sanitizing diaper changing stations; and BDL’s second nursing room for mothers. Just below the new concourse, and also part of the new 80,000-square-foot facility, is Bradley’s new inline baggage screening system, which opened in fall 2025 and houses the airport’s explosive detection machines. A mile-long conveyor belt carries the estimated 2 million checked bags the airport screens annually from the airline ticket counters directly to the new screening facility. The explosive detection machines, once located in the airport lobby, have since been removed, freeing up ticket counter space for existing and potential new airlines. Two new exit corridors were added to the east and west sides of the main terminal, adjacent to each of the two concourses, which opened in 2025. In other airport news, Breeze Airways will soon launch twice-weekly, non-stop service between Bradley and Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Louisville, Ky., and United Airlines will soon launch daily, non-stop service between Bradley and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.

MountainOne Distributes $363,200 During Second Half of 2025

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced that, during the third and fourth quarters of 2025, it distributed $363,200 in donations and sponsorships to not-for-profit organizations across the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and South Shore. MountainOne also continued its support of key cultural and educational institutions within the Berkshires, including commitments to MASS MoCA and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. These contributions align with broader, multi-year capital campaign efforts and reflect MountainOne’s long-term investment in regional vitality. These ongoing partnerships build on prior years of support and help sustain institutions that play a critical role in the identity, economy, and future of the region.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Unveils Employee Volunteer Program

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced the launch of Co-op ROOTS, a new employee volunteer program designed to reflect the bank’s deep commitment to the communities it serves. With the newly unveiled program, employees are given the opportunity to volunteer with partner organizations across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. Along with committed community service hours, the program also highlights Co-op Acts of Kindness, an outreach initiative giving GCB employees the opportunity to sponsor acts of kindness in the community, such as purchasing supplies for a local dog shelter or sending valentines to a senior community. Each year, the bank will award one employee with the COOP-teer Volunteer of the Year Award, and will provide employees with volunteer shirts displaying GCB’s “Rooted in Community” slogan.

Easthampton Skatepark Initiative Seeks Donations

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Skatepark Initiative, a group of volunteer parents and skateboarders, is seeking donations to raise the final $85,000 needed to construct a new, all-wheels skatepark in Easthampton. Since 2019, the initiative has worked closely with city officials to identify a suitable location and secure funding for a new skatepark to replace the David MacDonald Memorial Skatepark, which was dismantled in 2004. The skatepark project is an official city of Easthampton initiative in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department and Commission. In September 2024, the final location was selected at Millside Park, behind the basketball court. Since then, the project has secured major public funding, including $250,000 from the city’s Community Preservation Act and a $425,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities program. The initiative has already received financial support and commitments from Monadnock Community Investments, Canon Real Estate, Easthampton Skate Club, and Greenfield Savings Bank. Additional donations can be made online through the Easthampton Skatepark Initiative’s fiscal sponsor, Flywheel Community Arts Inc., a local nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. To learn more or to donate, visit easthamptonskatepark.com.

FirstLight Expands Partnership with Energy New England

BURLINGTON — FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, announced the expansion of the company’s landmark municipal utility power purchase agreement (PPA) with Energy New England (ENE). As part of the agreement, 21 New England municipal public power entities — including, locally, Westfield Gas & Electric — have agreed to purchase 197 gigawatt hours per year of clean, local, cost-competitive hydropower produced by two of FirstLight’s hydroelectric facilities in Massachusetts. The original PPA between FirstLight and ENE’s customer group was executed in 2020, and at the time, it represented one of the largest municipal electric department purchases of clean energy in New England history. The expanded PPA will extend through 2040 and will provide enough energy to support the year-round power demands of approximately 20,000 homes in the participating communities per year for the duration of the deal, while allowing the municipal electric departments to keep costs low for ratepayers. All ENE member municipalities already meet Massachusetts’ requirement for municipal utilities to obtain 50% of their power supply from carbon-free sources by 2030, well ahead of the mandated deadline.

Animal Aura Yoga Opens at Hampshire Mall

HADLEY — Animal Aura Yoga celebrated its opening at the Hampshire Mall in Hadley with a ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, on Feb. 4. Animal Aura Yoga offers a mix of classes, from Puppies & Yoga to Snuggle Sessions and more, providing a wellness experience that blends gentle yoga, mindful movement, and dedicated puppy snuggle time to support mental health, stress relief, and joy. The studio’s sessions also help young puppies build confidence and develop positive socialization skills in a calm environment, creating a win-win for both people and pups. The studio hosts public classes and private events, including puppy yoga, guided sessions, and puppy power breaks and snuggle therapy sessions. It also provides custom offerings for birthday parties, corporate team building events, college groups and sports teams, community groups, and other special occasions. Sessions can be tailored to focus on relaxation, connection, or simple feel-good fun, depending on the group.

AIC Expands Online EdD for Greater Personalization

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) relaunched its online doctor of education (EdD) program, expanding opportunities for personalization through leadership-focused specializations and flexible project options. Through a cohort-based learning model, students engage in collaborative, practice-driven coursework while developing advanced leadership, research, and critical thinking skills that can be applied directly to real-world contexts. The program offers multiple concentrations, enabling students to customize their degree to their interests and career goals. Specialization options include teaching and learning, educational leadership, higher education, and organizational leadership and development. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across K-12 education, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and corporate or community-based settings. In addition to selecting a concentration, online EdD students can choose between a dissertation or a culminating experience (capstone) for their final project. Designed with working professionals in mind, AIC’s online program can be completed in as little as two years through a focused curriculum delivered 100% online. A blend of asynchronous coursework and live sessions help students balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities, without the need for travel to campus. The online EdD combines applied research with reflective practice, along with faculty mentorship. Students are also paired with accountability partners, creating a collaborative community in which peers support each other through regular check-ins, goal setting, and dialogue.

Elms College Launches Master’s Program in Data Analytics & AI

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced the launch of its master’s degree in data analytics & AI, a dynamic new graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in rapidly growing fields such as data science, business analytics, and artificial intelligence. The program will begin in the fall of 2026 and will be fully online, allowing working professionals to pursue their advanced degree with flexibility and convenience. Graduates of the program will be prepared for in-demand roles, including data analyst, business analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and AI engineer, among others, positions that are critical to today’s workforce. The program is ideal for recent graduates and professionals from various academic and professional backgrounds, including computer science, data science, biotechnology, business, healthcare, and other related fields. Applications for this fall are now being accepted. Prospective students can learn more at elms.edu.

Greylock Federal Marks $1 Million in Down Payment Assistance

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union achieved the $1 million mark in down payment assistance in 2025, the impact of which totaled more than $1.2 million, benefiting 42 households in the Berkshires. Down payment assistance (DPA) is funded through partnerships with Federal Home Loan Bank’s Lift Up Grant, Equity Builder Grant, and Housing Our Workforce programs; MassHousing DPA, De Mayo Grant; and others. The funds are available to income-eligible buyers and can bolster a down payment or help cover closing costs. In 2025, 73% of Greylock mortgages were made to first-time homebuyers. Greylock leads the Berkshire County mortgage market with 23% market share, nearly double that of the next competitor. This market share dominance reinforces brand strength and the trust that credit union members and the Berkshire community have in Greylock.

Elan Charitable Giving Donates $250,000 to 25 Nonprofits

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced it has been selected as one of the nonprofit partners in the Elan Charitable Giving Program’s 2026 celebration, marking five years of community support and impact. As part of this year’s initiative, Elan Credit Card delivered $250,000 in donations to 25 nonprofit organizations across the U.S., with each contribution made on behalf of a participating credit union or community bank partner. PNCU’s selected beneficiary for 2026 is Alianza Domestic Violence Services in Holyoke, which will receive a $10,000 donation through this effort. Since its launch in 2022, the Elan Charitable Giving program has provided more than $2.5 million to more than 175 nonprofits nationwide. In addition to financial support, Elan employees have contributed more than 300 volunteer hours, reinforcing the value of community engagement alongside partner institutions.

Pioneer Valley Financial Group Partners with Rachel’s Table

LUDLOW — Pioneer Valley Financial Group (PV Financial) has partnered with Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts, donating $10,000 in support of the organization’s mission to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste throughout the region. Rachel’s Table works to address food insecurity by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, while also offering programs that educate and empower the community. Through food rescue, gleaning initiatives, gardening, and cooking education, the organization helps individuals and families build skills, resilience, and access to nutritious food. PV Financial is excited to be part of Rachel’s Table’s journey through both learning and hands-on volunteerism. The two organizations have already begun working closely together to identify meaningful ways to support the mission based on team members’ skills and interests. Early discussions have focused on the various locations Rachel’s Table serves and how PV Financial can best contribute to its ongoing efforts.

Holyoke Mall Releases Annual Community Report

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall released its 2025 Community Report, highlighting the results of the center’s collaboration with Western Mass. nonprofit community organizations over the past year. In 2025, Holyoke Mall hosted more than 150 nonprofit events and partnered with many different local organizations that utilized the center for fundraising, awareness campaigns, and other events. In December, Holyoke Mall received the Melha Shriners Commitment to the Community Service Award, recognizing its strong partnership and dedication to community engagement, helping the Shriners connect with hundreds of supporters and raise substantial funds for outreach and philanthropic initiatives. Mall is pleased to work with nonprofit organizations seeking opportunities for tabling, fundraising and awareness campaigns, or larger-scale events in the common area. The center remains committed to being a valuable resource for the Western Mass. community. Holyoke Mall event space and community rooms are free for nonprofit use. Groups are asked to fill out and submit the required paperwork to be granted access. For more information, visit www.holyokemall.com/community.

American Eagle Launches Reimagined Member Website

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the launch of its newly redesigned website. This mobile-first, member-centric platform is designed to enhance access, elevate the brand experience, and serve as a digital branch for more than 165,000 members across Connecticut and Western Mass. Located at the same legacy URL, www.americaneagle.org, the new website officially went live on Jan. 20. Designed to function as a true digital branch, the platform provides intuitive navigation, streamlined access to key services, and content tailored to members’ financial goals and life stages. Whether they are opening an account, comparing products, or accessing educational resources, members can engage with American Eagle seamlessly across devices.

Key enhancements to the new website include a responsive, mobile-first design optimized for all devices; intuitive navigation with enhanced search and quick links; clear pathways supporting account opening and product engagement; and ADA-compliant functionality to ensure inclusive access. Built on Kentico CMS, the platform provides the flexibility and scalability needed to evolve alongside member expectations, enabling teams to update content efficiently and keep the digital experience current.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

The Centered Soul Initiative Inc., 2 South Bridge Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Krystal Bariffe, 706 Nott St., Wethersfield, CT 06109. Centered soul initiative working to ensure equitable access to holistic wellness for all, especially those often overlooked in traditional care systems, including military members, healthcare workers, law enforcement professionals, and underserved communities, offering culturally affirming services such as birth and postpartum support, massage and bodywork, energy healing, and group wellness experiences.

BLANDFORD

Arts, Innovation, Research Inc., 36 North Blandford Road, Blandford, MA 01008. Benjamin Sloat, same. A Clark University program in partnership with MASS MoCA presenting a next-generation MFA visual arts learning laboratory.

CHICOPEE

OK 2 Pause Inc., 35 Savory Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Doreen Reyes, same. Provides holistic coaching, transformative education, and accessible wellness resources and services that compassionately support individuals, organizations, and communities navigating the effects of primary, secondary, and tertiary trauma.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Run DME Inc., 265 Benton Dr., Suite 106, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Alyssa Ayala, 13 Newell Pond Place, Greenfield, MA 01301. Medical supply sales and distribution.

FLORENCE

Aya Marketing Solutions Inc., 64 West Farms Road, Florence, MA 01062. Chaya Aronson, same. Digital marketing.

GREENFIELD

North County Western MA Youth Sports Ltd., 5 Sunrise Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301. William Pease Jr., same. Nonprofit organizations providing youth with opportunities to participate in organized sports activities.

HOLYOKE

Quick Trip Mini Mart Inc., 753 Dwight St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Khawaja Asghar, 46 Columba St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Grocery store.

HUNTINGTON

KSL Business Services Inc., 69 Worthington Road, Huntington, MA 01050. Karen Lucas, same. Provides business support services.

LONGMEADOW

Carabelli Dental, P.C., 52 Wilkin Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01105. Dan Thanh Linh Nguyen, same. General dentistry practice.

PITTSFIELD

Adaptive Real Estate Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Matt Calvano, same. Develops and provides software products and related services for construction businesses.

Barkat Legal, P.C., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Sana Barkat, same. Legal services.

Chabad of Williamstown, 450 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Menachem Mendel Volovik, same. Religious, charitable, and educational corporation whose primary purpose is to teach, promote, educate, and facilitate the practice of the Jewish religion and Jewish community life, according to the principles of Chabad Lubavitch.

Heterotaxy Connection Corp., 82 Wendell Ave. Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Necia Sabin, 2882 East Ruby Valley Dr., Eagle Mountain, UT 84005. Nonprofit organization committed to supporting, educating, and empowering families affected by heterotaxy syndrome.

Lost Worlds Institute Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Siddharth Chopra, same. Committed to preserving endangered languages and reviving extinct ones by combining scholarly insight with youth-led initiatives.

Motormia Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Isaac Bushnik, same. Technology services and development.

Project Drawdown Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Stephan Nicoleau, same. Scientific research and education.

Sensible Medical Innovations Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. John Dechellis, same. Medical devices.

Titan Solutions Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Stephen St. Pierre, same. Business management and consulting services.

SOUTH HADLEY

AAC Operations Inc., 4 White Brook Lane, South Hadley, MA 01075. Abdul Azeem Chaudhry, same. Management consulting.

SPRINGFIELD

Dream Auto Convenience Inc., 484 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Saleem Ali, 188 Clearwater Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Used car dealership, including sales, repair, and retail convenience store.

Henriquez Global Trading Inc., 289 Belmont Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Wanda Henriquez, same. Resale shop.

No Signal Inc., 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01115. Jonathan Abram, same. Retail sales.

Raising Royalty Mass Inc., 43 Ferris St., Springfield, MA 01151. Renee Stewart Bates, same. Charitable organization that assists and equips children and families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and purpose.

Saunders Mechanical Insulation Inc., 3 Littleton St., Springfield, MA 01104. Larinso Saunders, same. Construction, mechanical insulation, and fireproofing.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

2174 MA West Inc., 990 Piper Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Payal Ritesh Patel, same. Beauty salon.

Tashtan Transportation Inc., 37 York St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Ramiz Badirov, same. Transportation.

WILBRAHAM

New England 8 Inc., 31 Ruth Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Johnny Ahern, 121 Silver Leaf Way, Apt. 24, Marlboro, MA 01752. Unites and combines the resources of the eight Rotary districts of New England and Southern Quebec to promote and support the Rotary International clubs of said districts and their mission of community and global service.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2026.

BELCHERTOWN

The Cruise Connection
8 Lawrence Road
Richard Thibodeau

Dupuis Farm
734 George Hannum St.
Robert Dupuis

Dynamic Do’s
111 Main St.
Annamarie Deich

Eclipz Salon
3 Stadler St., Unit C4
Carolyn O’Donnell

Everett Avenue Condominiums
21 Everett Ave.
James Moran, Linda Coffey

First Steps ABA
39 Greenwich Hill
Heather Jablonski

JL Construction
44 Mercier Dr.
Jason Lafleur

Leclerc & Son Forestry & Logging
91 Rockrimmon Road
Roland Leclerc

Lifelore Therapy Services
46 Daniel Square
Anna Zamarron

Oak and Ash Farm
243 Allen St.
Lindsey Baird, Matthew Baird

Peter Christian Music Publishing
161 Federal St., #19
Pierre Bertrand, Theresa Bertrand

Solid Ground Farm
33 Poole Road
Michael Byrne

Sue Fay’s Full Service Family Salon
44 Stebbins St.
Suzette Fay

NORTHAMPTON

Bear Crossing Flower Farm
44 North Farms Road
Anne Geller

Context Capital Asset Management LLC
123 South St., #2
Melissa Frydlo

ET-MC Group
66 Massasoit St.
Edwin McConnell

GerryJacob
52 Main St., #4
Spring Furlow

Hampshire Forensic Consulting
6-8 Crafts Ave., Suite 2R
Michael Brezsnyak

Haven Body Arts
108 Main St.
Penelope Silverstein

The Houle School
251 Pleasant St., Apt. 7A
Erika Houle

Leonora Research
37 Kensington Ave.
Lenore Palladino

Northampton Athletic Club
306 King St.
Perry Messer, Judy Messer

Northampton Tire and Auto Service
182 King St.
Peter Kearing

Secure Bonds Counseling
16 Center St., Suite 426
Lauren Hollander

WESTFIELD

Above the Fold Apparel
19 Raymond Circle
Soymi Li Serrano

Ben’s Solution
13 Madison St.
Veniamin Misiruk

Collins Bookkeeping
110 Lockhouse Road
Jennifer Collins

Fabulous Finds and Collectibles
80 Plantation Circle
Lorna Mernill

Legacy Retention Group
67 Katharine St.
Datamerj Inc.

Oleg Igumnov Handy Man
16 Sheldon Ave.
Oleg Igumnov

Palmer Properties Landscaping
99 Southwick Road
Austin Palmer

Sarah’s Gluten Free Goods
230 Graville Road
Sarah Godfrey

Sears Mechanical Inc.
29 Parker Ave.
Sears Mechanical Inc.

Staples Cleaning Services
64 Whitaker Road
Juliana Morais

Techniq Support
200 Southwick Road, #27
Megan Gentile

Total Yard Snow & Tree Services
10 Columbia St., #2
Mikhail Burov

Western Mass Bolts FC
81 South Maple St.
Wesley Carter

Whip City Handyman LLC
33 Sunrise Ter.
Evan Charter

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Bergmann, Tyler J.
Cote, Staci M.
320 Bemis Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/07/2026

Booth, Jamie Marie
512 Grattan St., #3
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/13/2026

Bragg, Joshua R.
48 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/07/2026

Bruso, Peggy A.
159 West River St., Apt. 2
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2025

Bundy, Bradley Dean
1 Hunter Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/07/2026

Daly, Michelle
193 Mohegan St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/06/2026

DiCenzo, Christine
17 Baver Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2025

Eckert, Alice F.
101 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/09/2026

Flynn, Kiley (Kimberly)
a/k/a McTaggart, Kimberly
Evergreen Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/14/2026

Gentile, Patricia A.
57 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/08/2026

Gotay, Victor
10 Washington St., Apt. D
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2025

Guerro, Dakota
85 Allen St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/08/2026

Hubbard, Thomas A.
88 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/07/2026

Kielbania, Jonathan P.
Kielbania, Virginia L.
75 White St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 12/31/2025

Kolok, Kurtiss W.
12 Elmwood Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/05/2026

Martinez, Rosa M.
60 Seymour Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/08/2026

Moore, James
Moore, Dawn A.
13 North Hampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/12/2026

Morales, Ivelisse Marie
27 MIddlebrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/08/2026

Patterson, Nicole Marie
25 Eton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/02/2026

Tucker, Matthew
Barlow-Tucker, Cassandra
29 Forrest St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/06/2026

Vaughan, Mary M.
91 White Birch Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/09/2026

Wright, Dolores G.
71 High St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 12/31/2025

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

151 Williamsburg Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Danae M. Olsen
Seller: Cranson, Richard D., (Estate)
Date: 01/14/26

BERNARDSTON

59 River St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Mountain Top TR
Seller: Jenne E. Lake
Date: 01/15/26

CHARLEMONT

165 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jake L. Orrall
Seller: John Dunphy
Date: 01/13/26

CONWAY

230 South Ashfield Road
Conway, MA 01096
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Habel
Seller: Matthew D. Ciaschini
Date: 01/05/26

DEERFIELD

17 Beaver Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Sidney Chang
Seller: Dajun Pang
Date: 01/12/26

281 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,700,000
Buyer: Massachusetts Monarch LLC
Seller: Magic Wings Inc.
Date: 01/16/26

Mountain Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Rehno Lindeque
Seller: Peter A. Burakiewicz
Date: 01/09/26

GREENFIELD

24 Cypress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $245,400
Buyer: Benegan2 LLC
Seller: Connelly RT
Date: 01/12/26

306 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Ness C. Bellini
Seller: Brenda J. Lively
Date: 01/05/26

109 Montague City Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Candace Sarpey
Seller: Joel Tognarelli
Date: 01/09/26

74 Petty Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Michael Benoit
Seller: Cynthia A. Milewski
Date: 01/16/26

MONTAGUE

5 Bridge St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Craig M. Nelson
Seller: Green River Collective LLC
Date: 01/08/26

12 Ferry Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $253,656
Buyer: Rmac TR
Seller: Joseph Markol
Date: 01/13/26

189 Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Tyler D. Townsley
Seller: Collins, Bruce W., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

202 Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Gary E. Cowan
Seller: Waryasz 3rd, Charles J., (Estate)
Date: 01/14/26

NORTHFIELD

41 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Town Of Northfield
Seller: Sandri Realty Inc.
Date: 01/08/26

ORANGE

61-63 Congress St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Hidiamine J. Furtado
Seller: Wendy Wetherby
Date: 01/09/26

153 Dana Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Anahbel Upham
Seller: Zalac, Robert J., (Estate)
Date: 01/14/26

68 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Sapphire Management Corp.
Seller: West Mini Storage LLC
Date: 01/09/26

89 West Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Ross
Seller: Pioneer Valley Redevelopers LLC
Date: 01/05/26

SHUTESBURY

151 Leverett Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: David B. Opie
Seller: Mark A. Wightman
Date: 01/07/26

36 Merrill Dr.
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Matalia Petruski-Ivleva
Seller: Michael S. Macdoland
Date: 01/14/26

359 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Siobhan M. Mei
Seller: Fontes FT
Date: 01/07/26

SUNDERLAND

110 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Matthew McLaughlin
Seller: Ellen K. Brower-Gately
Date: 01/14/26

WHATELY

182 Chestnut Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Freedom Hilll RT
Seller: Wilma Brooks FT
Date: 01/15/26

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

106 Cherry St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $373,000
Buyer: Eric J. Forish
Seller: Adam Howe
Date: 01/16/26

68 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Lillian Cruz
Seller: Jessica A. Garcia
Date: 01/14/26

1168 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Katlyn Welling
Seller: Robin R. Richey
Date: 01/06/26

24 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Mustafa Calis
Seller: Recai Bayram
Date: 01/16/26

36-38 Rowley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Mehmet Dogan
Seller: Angela Poon
Date: 01/09/26

99 Valley Brook Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Anatolii Vasylyshyn
Seller: Christine J. Nowacki
Date: 01/16/26

BLANDFORD

28 Blair Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Donald F. Roberts
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 01/14/26

10 Maple Lane
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jake J. Morgan
Seller: Ryan J. Simmitt
Date: 01/16/26

BRIMFIELD

293 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Melissa Nuland
Seller: Carlos Talavera
Date: 01/13/26

19 Main St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Paul E. McCarthy
Seller: 19 Main Street Brimfield NT
Date: 01/05/26

CHICOPEE

16 Abbey St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $397,500
Buyer: Kash Reddy LLC
Seller: Bolden Riddle FT
Date: 01/13/26

41 Ames Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: 41 Ames Avenue LLC
Seller: Daviau & Robert Properties LLC
Date: 01/08/26

92 Archie St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Fidelino R. Perez
Seller: Franciscan Missionary Sisters
Date: 01/09/26

5 Campbell Place
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Brady Williams
Seller: Drew Nalewanski
Date: 01/12/26

18 Charpentier Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $294,000
Buyer: Kokoutse Sipotou
Seller: Kera Monts
Date: 01/14/26

36 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $449,999
Buyer: Jacques J. Asani
Seller: Kmak LLC
Date: 01/13/26

39 Daley St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $287,000
Buyer: Robert E. Presidentps
Seller: Mark J. Galat
Date: 01/09/26

32 Debra Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Kelly A. Salvador-Macadam
Seller: AEM Property Investment LLC
Date: 01/12/26

127 Gelinas Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: R. & R. Home Improvement
Seller: Robidoux, Ernest J., (Estate)
Date: 01/13/26

561 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $177,600
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Service LLC
Seller: Mark Rosansky
Date: 01/13/26

451 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: County Road & Grattan St. Rl
Seller: Songo Realty LLC
Date: 01/08/26

861 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Emilia M. McGrail
Seller: Prime Flips LLC
Date: 01/12/26

62 Jennings St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Prince A. Taylor
Seller: Theodore J. Beauregard
Date: 01/08/26

37 Kennedy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Drew Nalewanski
Seller: Dswc Realty LLC
Date: 01/15/26

91 Norman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Michael S. Duval
Seller: Equity Trust Co.
Date: 01/07/26

97 Robak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Brian Chamberlain
Seller: Kevin Konstant
Date: 01/16/26

61 Saint Jacques Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Halifax Capital LLC
Seller: Banister, Theresa Rose, (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

12 Stebbins St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Michael Dziedzic
Seller: Scott Family Properties LLC
Date: 01/15/26

32 Stockbridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01103
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Hunter J. Parks
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 01/05/26

111 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Jose O. Perez
Seller: Joan C. Bruso
Date: 01/13/26

EAST LONGMEADOW

201 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Steven A. Mazzariello
Seller: Robert A. Mazzariello
Date: 01/13/26

84 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $494,900
Buyer: Adrian Syrowik
Seller: Jenna M. Serra
Date: 01/16/26

32 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $8,186,329
Buyer: Vantage East Longmeadow
Seller: Ccp Properties
Date: 01/08/26

19 Fairview St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Rachel E. Sager
Seller: Sarah E. Anderson
Date: 01/14/26

15 Fernwood Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Jennifer Stehman
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 01/15/26

Hampden Road, Lot F
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: E. David Wilson TR
Seller: Keith J. Fitzgerald
Date: 01/07/26

10 Kelsey St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $281,400
Buyer: Anna Price
Seller: Daniel J. Wilson
Date: 01/14/26

14 Sanford St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Dziadzio
Seller: Kevin H. Beausoleil
Date: 01/15/26

30 Saugus Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Seamus P. McEvoy
Seller: Robert J. Roy
Date: 01/16/26

66 Smith Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Michelle Gonzalez
Seller: Kristin M. Lapointe
Date: 01/15/26

19 Westminster St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Gloria Santana
Seller: Susan E. Robertson
Date: 01/05/26

9 Windsor Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Alamgir Kabir
Seller: Belli Residence T-1991
Date: 01/06/26

HAMPDEN

12 Rose Circle
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Michael Sierra
Seller: JoeJoe Properties LLC
Date: 01/05/26

HOLLAND

7 Grove Heights Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Thomas J. McLaughlin
Seller: Michael S. Pearson
Date: 01/09/26

61 Sturbridge Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Jenna D. Johnson
Seller: Lisa Boudreau LLC
Date: 01/13/26

HOLYOKE

22 Anderson Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: David Roth
Seller: Luis Gonzalez-Quinones
Date: 01/13/26

78 Calumet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Rory L. Strauss
Seller: Anna S. Foster
Date: 01/13/26

119 Central Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $479,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Neill
Seller: William T. Raleigh
Date: 01/09/26

103 Dupuis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Todd T. Dineen
Seller: Dean C. Hudson
Date: 01/16/26

89 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Sorbo
Seller: Chi M. Wong
Date: 01/16/26

37 Laura Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Valarie Rafus
Seller: Matthew M. Bagg
Date: 01/08/26

103 Dupuis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Todd T. Dineen
Seller: Dean C. Hudson
Date: 01/16/26

89 Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Sorbo
Seller: Chi M. Wong
Date: 01/16/26

456 Maple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $1,050,000
Buyer: Maple Arms LLC
Seller: 456 Maple Holyoke Mass. LLC
Date: 01/13/26

1921 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Roman Catholic Bishop
Seller: Charles W. Aurnhammer
Date: 01/12/26

93 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Templo Pentecostal Una Voz
Seller: Templo Pentecostal
Date: 01/12/26

405 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Frank Pietrasiuk
Seller: D. S. Turner
Date: 01/15/26

13 Willow St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Ada O. Ortega
Seller: Milos, Dennis C., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

LONGMEADOW

33 Severn St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Lauren A. Nokes
Seller: John F. Benoit
Date: 01/16/26

373 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $416,000
Buyer: Ford FT
Seller: Lynwood LLC
Date: 01/09/26

LUDLOW

179 Cedar St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Zachary T. Dart
Seller: Marc-Lene Proeprties NT
Date: 01/15/26

19 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: David J. Fernandes
Seller: Carlos Teixeira
Date: 01/16/26

33 Grimard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Shelby M. Ponusky
Seller: Ushokoledi RT
Date: 01/07/26

58 Mariana Way
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Daniel Leclair
Seller: Modern Homes LLC
Date: 01/16/26

51 New Crest St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Konstant
Seller: David J. Fernandes
Date: 01/16/26

41 Orchard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Derek J. Chandonnet
Seller: Adelia M. Pedro
Date: 01/13/26

112 Paulding Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: William R. Ayers
Seller: Mary P. Dutra RET
Date: 01/06/26

34 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Antonio F. Dacruz
Seller: Varandas, Maria C., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

Turning Leaf Road, Lot 104
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Hemlock Ridge LLC
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 01/08/26

Turning Leaf Road, Lot 105
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Hemlock Ridge LLC
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 01/08/26

433 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $432,000
Buyer: Andrew Howard
Seller: 433 Ventura Street NT
Date: 01/15/26

MONSON

84 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $299,250
Buyer: Senior Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Residential Asset 2006-Emx4
Date: 01/06/26

132 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $8,500,000
Buyer: Massachusetts Electric Co.
Seller: One40 Bethany LLC
Date: 01/12/26

23 High St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Richard Ferguson
Seller: HUD
Date: 01/06/26

90 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $1,100,000
Buyer: Lord Country Club LLC
Seller: Everett L. Walker
Date: 01/06/26

MONTGOMERY

102 Carrington Road
Montgomery, MA 01050
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jeffrey L. Morse
Seller: Morse FT
Date: 01/06/26

PALMER

60 Beech St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $539,500
Buyer: Christopher Dygon
Seller: William Peckham
Date: 01/09/26

3022 Hillside Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $439,900
Buyer: Stephen Perry
Seller: Matthew Sacchi
Date: 01/13/26

3121-3123 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Tariq McDowell
Seller: Nidaa Al-Zubaidy
Date: 01/12/26

374 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Tilden, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

SPRINGFIELD

22-24 Ainsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $409,000
Buyer: Kevon R. Campbell
Seller: Ana M. Perez
Date: 01/16/26

27-29 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: 21-23 Biltmore LLC
Seller: Dan Le
Date: 01/12/26

20 Battery St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Carlos A. Lopez
Seller: James M. McGrath
Date: 01/09/26

215 Bicentennial Hwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $7,276,736
Buyer: Vantage Springfield Realty LLC
Seller: Ccp Springfield Business TR
Date: 01/07/26

43 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Shane Dearborn
Seller: Richard Ortiz
Date: 01/06/26

60 Blake St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Hong T. Nguyen
Seller: Jo E. Parker
Date: 01/12/26

1809-1821 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $1,500,000
Buyer: Jdz Realty LLC
Seller: Devony M. Lea
Date: 01/16/26

744 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Richton & Wynne LLC
Seller: Diane H. Stone
Date: 01/06/26

12 Brickett St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: Maribel C. Cartagena
Seller: R. & R. Home Improvement
Date: 01/09/26

723-725 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jia Lu
Seller: Laura Zapata
Date: 01/08/26

12-14 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Real Estate Investors Northeast LLC
Seller: Leonel Perez
Date: 01/13/26

482 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Camilo Homes LLC
Seller: Onyx Investments LLC
Date: 01/07/26

43 Colonial Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Fefabo Management LLC
Seller: Noreen Finn
Date: 01/05/26

20 Conklin St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Louise Jones
Date: 01/08/26

455 Cottage St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Manufacturers Group LLC
Seller: Edward L. Young
Date: 01/05/26

14 Daviston St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Helen T. Nguyen
Seller: Hoa M. Nguyen
Date: 01/07/26

234 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Majestic Partners LLC
Seller: Naples Home Buyers TR
Date: 01/09/26

83 Druid Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: West Jam Man LLC
Seller: Sher-Nirenstein, Ruth, (Estate)
Date: 01/15/26

16-18 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $437,000
Buyer: Paul Reynolds
Seller: CM Rental Properties LLC
Date: 01/14/26

246 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Alexis Ortiz
Seller: Sherri Marini
Date: 01/09/26

177 Flint St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Senior Homebuyers LLC
Seller: Margo Burt
Date: 01/08/26

137-139 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Tavernier Investments LLC
Seller: Seajay Group LLC
Date: 01/05/26

24 Francis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Brodie G. Fazio
Seller: Mary I. Welch
Date: 01/14/26

43 Gillette Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nina Fazio
Seller: Beaulieu, Betsy H., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

331 Grand Valley Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Justin Oski
Seller: Kenneth Deyo
Date: 01/15/26

401 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $451,000
Buyer: Ruby Dillon
Seller: Theres, Shirley A., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/26

254 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Oanh Ho
Seller: Carly R. Charbonneau
Date: 01/16/26

320 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Panther Development LLC
Seller: Michael K. Dagger
Date: 01/08/26

24-26 Jenness St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jilleen Pearson
Seller: Kimberly Rios
Date: 01/09/26

35 Juniper Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: April Arroyo
Seller: Valentina Laporte
Date: 01/08/26

41 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Samalid M. Martinez
Seller: Lori A. Lagasse
Date: 01/09/26

36 Kulig St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Meghan A. Lynch
Seller: Constance A. Carnevale
Date: 01/09/26

73 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jean C. Hernandez
Seller: Cindy L. Thomas
Date: 01/13/26

30 Lively Lane
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Joeselin S. Morales
Seller: Czassistant Presidentlick
Date: 01/16/26

1654-1660 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Zmain Street Holdings LLC
Seller: Omnipoint Technology
Date: 01/16/26

1670 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Zmain Street LLC
Seller: Omnipoint Technology
Date: 01/16/26

2942-2946 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $1,125,000
Buyer: RK On Main Street LLC
Seller: Isla Associates I LLC
Date: 01/16/26

71-73 Mayfair Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Julissa Lantigua
Seller: Julia Frias
Date: 01/13/26

195 Mildred Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Luis M. Cordero
Seller: Carol A. Bowler
Date: 01/12/26

331 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Eliezer A. Claudio-Adorno
Seller: Sandra R. Shafer
Date: 01/05/26

3 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Terence McHugh
Seller: Numeri Capital Investors LLC
Date: 01/16/26

255 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Springfield College
Seller: Joshua B. Cotto-Colon
Date: 01/05/26

68-70 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Sonia Colon
Seller: Judith A. Ford
Date: 01/14/26

10 Oakdale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Campagnari Construction LLC
Seller: David Decorie
Date: 01/12/26

97 Oklahoma St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Juan J. Duchi
Seller: Lorge, William J., (Estate)
Date: 01/16/26

28 Old Lane Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Christopher Nascembeni
Seller: Richard W. O’Leary
Date: 01/09/26

74 Oregon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Keshawn Dodds
Seller: Justin J. King
Date: 01/16/26

27 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Maria S. Gonzalez
Date: 01/07/26

97 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Vilmarys O. Nieves
Seller: 194 Holdings LLC
Date: 01/15/26

1680 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Roberto Cruz
Seller: Michael H. Sierra
Date: 01/05/26

1815 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $327,770
Buyer: Jeannette Rivera
Seller: Luis A. Rivera
Date: 01/07/26

98 Pine Grove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Sarah A. Royston
Seller: Christine Kimball
Date: 01/07/26

6 Portland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $1,125,000
Buyer: RK On Main Street LLC
Seller: Isla Associates I LLC
Date: 01/16/26

439 Riverside Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tiffany Bermudez
Seller: Zoila Rosario
Date: 01/16/26

193 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Maria Gonzalez
Seller: Lynn A. Hasty
Date: 01/07/26

1454 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Yen H. Le
Seller: Steven N. Omartian
Date: 01/09/26

54 Shady Brook Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Courtney Merkman
Seller: Woodtke FT
Date: 01/07/26

35 Spence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Wilbraham Builders Inc.
Seller: Carter, Henry L., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

758-760 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Next Level Investors LLC
Seller: North Adams Realty LLC
Date: 01/16/26

294 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Booker, Kay F., (Estate)
Date: 01/12/26

22-24 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Jane Vernalia
Seller: Vera Rybakova
Date: 01/16/26

93 Wilmont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Medgine Lindor
Seller: Lan-Oak Realty LLC
Date: 01/12/26

48 Winter St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Daniel V. Dineen
Seller: JB Auto Sales LLC
Date: 01/15/26

10 Woodcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Phaneth Son
Seller: Cig2 LLC
Date: 01/14/26

22 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Juan D. Rios
Seller: Rachele Bellantonio
Date: 01/16/26

SOUTHWICK

98 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Mary L. Hollander
Seller: Katrina Baker
Date: 01/09/26

8 North Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $244,800
Buyer: Jane Milanczuk
Seller: Jennifer D. Belden
Date: 01/09/26

Silvergrass Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 01/09/26

64 Tannery Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jaydub LLC
Seller: S. A. Mastroianni FT
Date: 01/08/26

TOLLAND

112 Brook Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Berkshire Lake Retreat LLC
Seller: Susan Chan
Date: 01/16/26

WALES

45 Hollow Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Seth A. Tebo
Seller: Valle, Lewis W., (Estate)
Date: 01/13/26

WEST SPRINGFIELD

97 Circuit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: AV Prime LLC
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 01/12/26

160 East Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Cynthia D. Miller
Seller: Cynthia D. Miller
Date: 01/09/26

42 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $8,186,329
Buyer: Vantage West Springfield Realty
Seller: Ccp Properties Business TR
Date: 01/08/26

115 Wayside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: OM Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: AAA Northeast
Date: 01/15/26

180 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Kelly N. Davis
Seller: Jessie M. Thompson
Date: 01/15/26

WESTFIELD

163 Barbara St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $402,125
Buyer: Martin C. Clark
Seller: Metcalf, Karen L., (Estate)
Date: 01/16/26

15 Bates St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Zid S. Al Nasar
Seller: Extremely Clean
Date: 01/16/26

10 Day Lily Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $758,000
Buyer: Sabrina D. Bergeron
Seller: Gwilym A. Jones
Date: 01/08/26

10 Hanover St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: Src Property Investors LLC
Seller: William M. Adamczyk
Date: 01/16/26

12 Hanover St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: Src Property Investors LLC
Seller: William M. Adamczyk
Date: 01/16/26

40 Janis Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Emanuel I. Sardinha
Seller: Seth D. Sullivan
Date: 01/06/26

16 Locust St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Paul T. Morey
Seller: Flipping Best LLC
Date: 01/14/26

21 Mather St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: David Moquin
Seller: Al Pranka
Date: 01/14/26

226 Notre Dame St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Lillian Lawson
Seller: William F. Barry
Date: 01/09/26

28 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Dominique Serrano
Seller: Thomas D. Campbell
Date: 01/16/26

265 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Max J. Miller
Seller: Michael J. Miller
Date: 01/15/26

2 Saint Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: Src Property Investors LLC
Seller: William M. Adamczyk
Date: 01/16/26

1037 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kaitlyn Casale
Seller: Theordore Burrell
Date: 01/07/26

7 Sibley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Round 2 LLC
Seller: Timothy K. Derrig
Date: 01/08/26

28 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $507,500
Buyer: Denis Mocanu
Seller: Gennadiy A. Lisitsin
Date: 01/07/26

99 Woodmont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Shannon Purdy
Seller: April M. O’Dell
Date: 01/08/26

WILBRAHAM

28 Decorie Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Robert A. Zeibig
Seller: Jeffrey L. Jones
Date: 01/15/26

17 Peak Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $2,045,000
Buyer: Danny Z. Serra
Seller: Lynne A. Kleeberg
Date: 01/06/26

1028 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Ana Perez
Seller: Morrison, Judith A., (Estate)
Date: 01/16/26

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

161 Chestnut St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: Shree Chandermouli Enterprises LLC
Seller: YG Chestnut 161 LLC
Date: 01/09/26

66 Longmeadow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Paul J. Gearan
Seller: Luke Zbylut
Date: 01/12/26

622 Main St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Krupalu LLC
Seller: Hilda Grnbaum RET
Date: 01/07/26

65 North Prospect St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $867,000
Buyer: North Prospect LLC
Seller: Howard T. Ewert
Date: 01/15/26

324 Pomeroy Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $835,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Doker
Seller: Cynthia L. McHale
Date: 01/06/26

South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tyler Lazarz
Seller: Niles A. Gold
Date: 01/15/26

57 Tanglewood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: Alexis S. Connolly
Seller: Richard B. Spurgin
Date: 01/15/26

70 University Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $10,710,250
Buyer: We Drive 70 LLC
Seller: 70 University Dr. LLC
Date: 01/15/26

BELCHERTOWN

17 Bay Path Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: Cheri A. Close
Seller: Kenneth R. Close
Date: 01/16/26

47 Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: 2 Tree Field LLC
Seller: John F. Ahern 2021 TR
Date: 01/09/26

81 Old Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $677,000
Buyer: OA Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: Tall Palms Capital LLC
Date: 01/07/26

82 Sheffield Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $579,000
Buyer: Emily Johnson
Seller: Kevin Grissom
Date: 01/13/26

28 Sycamore Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $697,400
Buyer: Mary J. Heaner Living TR
Seller: Gloria J. Martinez
Date: 01/12/26

255 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Amanda Zani
Seller: Ronald J. Etreault
Date: 01/16/26

EASTHAMPTON

16 Bayberry Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $735,000
Buyer: Duara Caplan FT
Seller: James D. Molitoris
Date: 01/06/26

59 Campbell Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: David Ferland
Seller: Marni M. Giss
Date: 01/09/26

78 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Leslie Walter
Seller: Thomas J. Benson
Date: 01/16/26

108 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Amy L. Saletnik
Seller: Karen A. Adamski
Date: 01/06/26

GRANBY

5 Country View Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $502,000
Buyer: Joseph Carlson
Seller: Muhammad O. Chaudhry
Date: 01/15/26

13 Karen Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Cory A. Shepherd
Seller: Guy C. Demers
Date: 01/14/26

23 Pinebrook Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kraig J. Burke
Seller: Powers Sr., Edward J., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

4 Porter St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $912,000
Buyer: Matthew D. Diguglielmo
Seller: Paul J. Mason
Date: 01/16/26

HADLEY

150 East St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $699,000
Buyer: Rachael B. Goren
Seller: Isman-Hollister Real Estate
Date: 01/09/26

379 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $374,900
Buyer: Dixie D. Schroeder
Seller: G&B Realty Partners LLC
Date: 01/09/26

HATFIELD

67 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Shea
Seller: Roger A. Guzowski
Date: 01/15/26

Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ian Lauder
Seller: Stephen J. Herbert
Date: 01/13/26

HUNTINGTON

105 Norwich Lake
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: McKenna Kelly
Seller: Charles F. Gant 2000 RET
Date: 01/14/26

NORTHAMPTON

51 East St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: William R. Herman
Seller: Dmytryk, Florence V., (Estate)
Date: 01/09/26

481 Kennedy Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $682,000
Buyer: Michael A. Gillette
Seller: Mary A. Moriarty
Date: 01/12/26

49 Kensington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Ellen Simon
Seller: Diana W. Larkin
Date: 01/16/26

187 Locust St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Maye LLC
Seller: Michael G. George
Date: 01/06/26

68 Masonic St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Abid Assad
Seller: Lilia R. Olpindo
Date: 01/06/26

67 Old South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $945,000
Buyer: Capital RT
Seller: Elizabeth Hynes
Date: 01/15/26

321 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Victoria Patnaude
Seller: Northeast Asset Mgmt. LLC
Date: 01/15/26

76 Vernon St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Sam Standing
Seller: William B. Buford
Date: 01/06/26

SOUTHAMPTON

100 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $614,250
Buyer: Cassie M. Gaddis
Seller: Elizabeth M. Martin
Date: 01/05/26

301 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Martin
Seller: Richard Dahdah
Date: 01/05/26

SOUTH HADLEY

27 Fulton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: 27 Fulton St. LLC
Seller: Town Of South Hadley
Date: 01/16/26

5 Karen Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Savuth Ok
Seller: Sarah D. Fisher
Date: 01/13/26

118 Willimansett St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Wayne E. Walton
Seller: Ryan M. Kobus
Date: 01/13/26

35 Yale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Kerry J. Kelley
Seller: Sherry M. Sawyer
Date: 01/14/26

SOUTHAMPTON

72 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Debra Giovannetti
Seller: 72 Glendale Road TR

17 Maple St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: 17 Maple St. Realty NT
Seller: Sara N. Munro
Date: 01/14/26

WARE

1 Anna St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Steven Killmer
Seller: Allen C. Edwards
Date: 01/06/26

105 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Matthew J. O’Brien
Seller: Gevork Anderyassian
Date: 01/13/26

7 Dugan Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $196,350
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Edwin M. Krol
Date: 01/09/26

48 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Azusa RT
Seller: Dana J. Bryant
Date: 01/06/26

46 Horseshoe Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Scot Glenson
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 01/16/26

12 Malboeuf Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $492,450
Buyer: Norma G. Roach
Seller: James E. Taylor
Date: 01/05/26

82 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Hunter M. Nicoson
Seller: Kyle J. Ragno
Date: 01/09/26

WESTHAMPTON

178 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Brian M. Chmura
Seller: Vito J. Perrone
Date: 01/05/26

WILLIAMSBURG

6 Maple St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Jennifer A. Hansell
Seller: Jennifer A. Hansell
Date: 01/15/26

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff February 13, 2026

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of January 2026.

CHICOPEE

GMS Realty LLP
33 Haynes Circle
$2,500 — Modify existing fire alarm system by installing two new horn strobes and two pull stations

Slosek Real Estate Holdings LLC
170 Springfield St.
$2,500 — Sheetrock kitchen and hang cabinets

EASTHAMPTON

Wemelco Development LLC
19 Wemelco Way
$63,000 — Insulation

LEE

Berkshire Corporate Realty LLC
480 Pleasant St.
$188,906 — Alteration of tenant space, including construction of three vestibules on first floor and installation of two makeup air units

NORTHAMPTON

King Auto Body Inc.
141 King St.
$3,670 — Illuminated wall sign for Hampshire Cardiovascular Associates

Maye LLC
187 Locust St.
$19,999 — Roofing

Maye LLC
187 Locust St.
$12,000 — Alterations, repairs, and insulation

Om Shiv Gauri Inc.
81 Maple St.
N/A — Sign on front wall

Om Shiv Gauri Inc.
81 Maple St.
N/A — Sign on side wall

Smith College
10 Elm St.
$100,000 — Repairs due to water damage

Smith College
84 Elm St.
$128,800 — Interior renovation to second and third floors of Drew Hall

Suher Properties LLC
50 Main St.
$11,500 — Install basement shorting for sidewalk area

Tigre Opportunity Fund QOB LLC
125 Main St.
$24,450 — New ADA-compliant bathroom

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$64,500 — Renovations and alterations to fourth floor

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Medical Center Inc.
165 Tor Court
$70,000 — Replace antennas and upgrade equipment at existing wireless facility

City of Pittsfield
105 Wahconah St.
$280,000 — Install temporary ice skating rink

Ditore, Wayne
526 East St.
$15,000 — Roofing

Elman Pittsfield Associates LLC
10 Conte Dr.
$8,400 — Remove 25 hose valves fed off existing wet sprinkler system

SABIC
55 Merrill Road
$92,000 — Construct new meeting room within existing factory floor

SABIC
55 Merrill Road
$35,000 — Remove and replace ceiling in building lobby

Journalist Gayle King to Keynote Bay Path’s Women’s Leadership Conference

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced that award-winning journalist Gayle King will serve as the keynote speaker at the 29th annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield on Thursday, April 2.

Throughout its history, the WLC has brought more than 52,000 attendees from the region to Springfield for a day of professional development and insightful conversation. Past conferences have featured speakers such as Jane Fonda, Maya Angelou, Robin Roberts, Hoda Kotb, and Barbara Corcoran.

“Our goal is always to provide attendees with a combination of great inspiration and practical tactics they can apply at work, in their communities, and beyond,” conference co-chair Karen Woods said. “With Gayle King, we continue our tradition of featuring extraordinary women who can speak to the drive, creativity, and confidence behind remarkable careers. So many of us remember Gayle King from her days anchoring the news at WFSB in Hartford, so welcoming her to the WLC feels like both a homecoming and a celebration of her continued influence.”

Since joining CBS News in 2011, King has interviewed world leaders, political figures, and cultural icons, ranging from Barack Obama to Billie Eilish to Elon Musk. Her work exploring social issues, politics, pop culture, history, and race has earned her three Emmy Awards, induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2018), and inclusion on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People (2019).

“We always start the day with a jolt, and this year, our morning speaker is Juliet Funt,” Woods said. “She’s dynamic and compelling, and she speaks a lot about distinguishing productivity from busyness, which is something we can all relate to.”

The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Michelle Poler, an entrepreneur and brand strategist whose motivational philosophy, Hello Fears, has inspired thousands to step outside their comfort zones and unlock their full potential. She has presented to organizations including TEDx, Google, Facebook, Wells Fargo, ESPN, P&G, and Microsoft.

Breakout sessions throughout the day are led by top business experts and coaches. Tamilla Triantoro, associate professor at Quinnipiac University, will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership, helping leaders to deploy AI responsibly. She has been featured in BBC, Forbes, and Fast Company. Melissa Majors, a business advisor and coach, will lead a session that draws on her leadership experience to address the challenges of modern work, such as burnout, disconnection, groupthink, and more.

Additional breakout speakers include Erin Stafford, who will share lessons on maintaining balance through the lens of a self-described “recovering Type A overachiever,” and Sheree Cain-Jones, who will draw on her lived experiences as a teen mother, adult college student, and TEDx coach to offer strategies for rising above perceived limitations.

Click here for more information on the conference, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Board President

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

Taylor Robbins

NORTHAMPTON — The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) board of directors announced the election of Taylor Robbins as its new board president. Robbins brings extensive business experience and team leadership, as well as a rich history with the GNCC and a deep commitment to its mission.

Robbins previously served on the chamber’s ambassador committee, nominating committee, and annual meeting committee. Both Jennifer Ewers, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments, and Doug Gilbert, vice president, commercial team leader at Florence Bank, will continue their roles as the board’s vice president and treasurer, respectively.

Robbins is vice president, business banking relationship manager at M&T Bank, where she supports business owners through business lending and deposit solutions. Previously, she was business relationship manager at UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, where she maintained a loan portfolio of more than 500 businesses in the community.

“Having organized several record-breaking ARRIVE@5 events, and being the chair of the GNCC’s annual meeting committee for the past two years, I’ve seen firsthand the strength and collaboration that define the Greater Northampton Chamber and its investors,” Robbins said. “I am honored to serve alongside a group of highly engaged and forward-thinking board members, and I look forward to giving back to the community in this new role as we build on the momentum that distinguishes the GNCC as a leading chamber.”

Vince Jackson, the chamber’s executive director, added that “we are fortunate to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic leader at such a critical time as we look to grow through innovative programming and transformative changes. Taylor has a deep familiarity with GNCC’s goals and a meaningful track record of contribution, and this new role is a natural next step in our continuing partnership.”

Columbia Climate Scientist to Explore Faith and Environmentalism at MCLA

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will welcome Alexander de Sherbinin, director and senior research scientist at Columbia Climate School’s Center for Integrated Earth System Information (CIESIN), as part of its Green Living Seminar Series on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m.

He will present “How Religion Influences Our Relationship with the Environment,” examining the complex connections between spiritual beliefs and environmental stewardship. The talk will explore how different faith traditions shape attitudes toward nature, conservation, and climate action.

A geographer whose research focuses on climate-related mobility, climate vulnerability mapping, and population-environment interactions, de Sherbinin manages the NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) and leads the UN Global Centre for Climate Mobility’s Global Knowledge Hub. His work integrates geospatial data to address critical questions about human dimensions of climate change. He holds a PhD in geo-information science and Earth observation from the University of Twente in the Netherlands and has served as an agricultural extension agent with the U.S. Peace Corps in Mauritania, West Africa.

MCLA’s Green Living Seminar Series brings environmental experts to campus throughout the academic year to engage students and community members in conversations about sustainability, climate change, and ecological responsibility.

All presentations take place Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in MCLA’s Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, Room 121, and will be recorded as podcasts available at mcla.edu/greenliving. This event is free and open to the public.

Successful MLK Day Community Food Drive Benefits Amherst Survival Center

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

AMHERST — State Rep. Mindy Domb announced that the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day community food drive resulted in 4,672 pounds of food donated to the Amherst Survival Center by residents of Amherst and neighboring towns.

Led by state Rep. Aaron Saunders and state Sen. Jake Oliveira, the town of Belchertown participated in the drive this year and collected 1,654 pounds of food. These donations joined the generosity of participants including state Sen. Jo Comerford, the town of Amherst, Wildwood Elementary School, residents of Applewood at Amherst, the Sunderland Human Rights Committee and Friends, and the Sunderland Woman’s Club.

“We are profoundly grateful to Representative Mindy Domb for her long-standing partnership and leadership in hosting this food drive in support of the Amherst Survival Center,” said Carleen Basler, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “Her unwavering commitment to our neighbors facing food insecurity honors Dr. King’s legacy of service and love in action. Because of Rep. Domb’s efforts, more members of our community will have access to nourishing food and the dignity they deserve.”

Domb extended her gratitude to all who donated and the volunteer team at the Amherst Survival Center for sorting and processing these donations.

The Amherst Survival Center serves more than 10,000 people annually and offers services such as a food pantry, daily community meals, fresh food distribution, showers, lockers, information and referrals to other community agencies, and a variety of other services. For more information on food assistance available to the residents of the 3rd Hampshire District, visit repmindydomb.com/freefood.

Monson Savings to Host Free “Homebuying 101” Event at Red Rose on March 12

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank will host a free workshop, “Homebuying 101: Your Path to Homeownership,” on Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield.

Monson Savings Bank has designed this workshop to break down the homebuying process from start to finish in an easily digestible format, focusing on the fundamentals. It was developed to be informative, friendly, and actionable, ensuring attendees leave the event feeling hopeful and supported as they take steps toward homeownership.

The event will be hosted by Monson Savings Bank homebuying experts Wil Morales, Terry Poloski, and Brett Charron, who will provide helpful advice and answers to attendees’ questions, as well as cheat sheets, tools, and a clear plan to make homeownership possible.

“What we love about this format is that it caters to everyone, from those just beginning to consider homeownership, or feeling overwhelmed by the process, to those who feel homeownership is out of reach, and even to those who simply want to learn more and feel confident during the homebuying process,” said Morales, assistant vice president and Community Lending officer. “We are here providing the resources and support to move forward, prepare for the next steps, and get community members on the path to homeownership.”

Monson Savings will provide registrants with complimentary light refreshments and free parking. To further support the homebuying success, registered attendees will be gifted a coupon offer of up to $585 off an appraisal fee, along with an opportunity to win gift card drawing prizes.

“Owning a home can bring joy, helps build equity, offers stability, and fosters a sense of community. We want to continue to do our part as a community bank to break down barriers and be a resource that can help individuals and families to enjoy and benefit from becoming homeowners,” Morales added. “We encourage anyone who may be interested to register or call us so we can help them to get ready for all homeownership has to offer.”

Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Click here to register or call (413) 267-4646 for assistance.

Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Local Food Banks

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign once again delivered a powerful show of community support, providing 1 million meals to food banks serving families across Massachusetts and Connecticut. The milestone reflects the collective generosity of customers, employees, and partners who stepped up during the critical holiday season to help address food insecurity close to home.

Through Sack Hunger, every $5 customer donation helps deliver 10 meals to neighbors in need. This impact is amplified by Big Y’s additional contributions, including designated proceeds from the Produce, Floral, and Meat departments, along with a portion of sales from Big Y’s family of private label brands. Together, these efforts help ensure food banks can meet increased demand during the winter months.

Since its launch in 2010, Sack Hunger has continued to grow in reach and impact. What began as a modest effort has evolved into a cornerstone of Big Y’s year-round commitment to fighting hunger, complemented by near-daily donations of fresh meat, produce, bakery items, and other essential groceries.

“Reaching one million meals is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Michael D’Amour, president and CEO of Big Y. “We are grateful for our customers and employees who consistently and generously support this annual campaign. Sack Hunger reflects the heart of who we are as a company and our belief that access to nutritious food should never be out of reach.”

The funds raised through Sack Hunger directly support four regional food banks: Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, and Connecticut Foodshare, which together serve nearly 1,500 local agencies working on the front lines of hunger relief.

Easthampton Learning Foundation Awards $34,000 in Grants for 2025-26

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2026

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Learning Foundation (ELF) has awarded more than $34,000 in grants for the 2025-26 school year, supporting teacher- and community driven-projects that bring creativity and hands-on learning while expanding students’ access to extracurricular and enrichment opportunities they might not otherwise experience.

This year’s funding supports a wide range of K-12 programs, including after-school drama and puppetry clubs that foster belonging and creative expression, jazz instruction and guest artist residencies, and hands-on STEAM learning through robotics, math festivals, and environmental science in partnership with local organizations such as Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Several grants support experiential learning beyond the classroom. Middle school students will attend a live performance of Hamlet at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, while others will participate in an oceanography field trip to Mystic Aquarium. Additional programs focus on social-emotional learning through poetry and storytelling; skill-building experiences for students facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges; and a pilot project designed to strengthen special education service delivery through improved progress monitoring and family engagement.

“What we see every year is how thoughtful and resourceful Easthampton educators and our community are, and this year was no different,” said Gen Brough, president of the Easthampton Learning Foundation. “These grants translate good ideas into real opportunities for students, whether that’s learning through the arts, getting hands-on with science and math, or creating spaces where students feel challenged, seen, supported, and inspired.”

Together, ELF’s 2025-26 grants will reach thousands of students across Easthampton schools, supporting learning that is meaningful, creative, and rooted in the needs of the community.

“The excitement among the teachers and students participating in programs supported by ELF grants is palpable, and the impact is immeasurable,” Easthampton Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Balch said. “ELF is a powerful partner in our work, and we are deeply grateful for their continued support. ELF’s investment in our schools brings learning to life. This partnership truly makes a difference for our students.”

Tickets on Sale Now for 2026 Difference Makers Gala

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10-12 are available. They can be purchased by clicking here.

The Difference Makers class of 2026 will be introduced in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest. This year’s honorees are:

• Ryan Alekman and Robert DiTusa, partners, Alekman DiTusa, LLC;

• Rachelle Hannoush, director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western Massachusetts;

• Jess Miller, comedian and founder, The Kind Squad;

• Darby O’Brien, owner, Darby O’Brien Advertising;

• Julie Quink, managing principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.;

• Edward Sokolowski, managing partner and wealth advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group;

• Margaret Tantillo, executive director, O’Dell Women’s Center; and

• Zeno Temple, founder, Just Us Movement.

BusinessWest launched the Difference Makers program in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of Western Massachusetts. The 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkart Pizzanelli, P.C., TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Bay Path Names Humberto Ariza Director of Augmented Intelligence Operations

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

Humberto Ariza

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the appointment of Humberto Ariza as its inaugural director of Augmented Intelligence Operations, a new leadership role designed to guide the university’s strategic integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, learning, and operations.

Ariza brings more than a decade of experience in higher education as a scholar, academic leader, and strategist working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, online learning, student success, and institutional effectiveness. Prior to joining Bay Path, he served at D’Youville University, where he led initiatives focused on innovation in digital learning and AI-enhanced education.

He holds a doctorate in education and is a published author and researcher on AI and online learning. His work includes a book on AI-powered tutoring, AI Tutors in Action: Chatbots Transforming Modern Education. Most recently, he co-authored Transforming Education Through Faculty Development and AI-Driven Course Design, which explores how institutions can thoughtfully integrate AI into curriculum design and faculty development. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in AI and hyperautomation through EUNEIZ Universidad and EBIS Business Techschool in Spain.

In addition to his academic work, Ariza was a co-founder and now serves as senior advisor to a multinational AI-powered educational technology company that supports higher education institutions in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, regions facing some of the highest barriers to access in higher education.

A nationally and internationally invited speaker, he has presented on AI, online learning, and higher education innovation across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Africa. He regularly engages faculty, academic leaders, and policymakers in conversations about the responsible, mission-aligned use of AI in education. His leadership and scholarship have been recognized with the Future Leaders Scholarship Award from the Assoc. of American Colleges and Universities.

He is also a host of “3os: Online by Design,” a globally followed podcast focused on online education and artificial intelligence, available on Spotify and reaching listeners in more than 40 countries.

At Bay Path, Ariza will provide leadership for the university’s AI initiatives at all levels. Last fall, Bay Path launched an Augmented Reality Lab that meets regularly and brings together representatives from across academic and administrative units. This collaborative effort is designed to foster innovation and ensure thoughtful, mission-driven implementation of AI technologies.

“Our approach is grounded in discipline and practice,” Ariza said. “We are focused on using AI in a humanistic way to make our students and university community better stewards in the greater community. More important, we want our students to be proficient and confident in using AI so they are well-prepared for their careers and professional roles.”

Community Invited to GCC Celebration of Community on March 5

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Community College (GCC) Foundation invites community partners, supporters, alumni, and friends to “Building Bridges & Belonging: GCC’s Celebration of Community,” an annual fundraising dinner honoring connection, education, and shared values.

The event will take place Wednesday, March 5 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the GCC Cohn Family Dining Commons. Tickets cost $50 per person. Registration is required by Feb. 23.

The evening will feature a catered dinner, a cash bar and the presentation of awards recognizing outstanding GCC alumni and community partners. Attendees will also hear from current GCC students about how the college has influenced their educational journeys and lives.

Proceeds from the event will support the GCC Impact Fund, which helps ensure students have the resources they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

“It is a delight to bring together so many remarkable people from the GCC community each year,” said Alexis Page, executive director of the GCC Foundation. “The evening always leaves attendees with a glow from the shared commitment to improving lives through education.”

This year’s Community Catalyst Award, which is presented to an individual who demonstrates exemplary community service and leadership, will be presented to Wendy Sibbison. Inspired by a Greenfield Recorder column by GCC student Michael Hannigan about food insecurity, Sibbison inspired Franklin Community Co-op member-owners to donate more than $10,000 to support GCC’s Food Pantry.

This year’s Community Champion Award will be presented to the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center, which provides free employment and training services to people throughout the region. Each year, MassHire collaborates with GCC to host a free, public career and job fair on campus, where students can network and connect with potential employers.

In celebration of the achievements of GCC graduates, GCC will also honor alumni. Thomas Crossman (’11) will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing his professional accomplishments and contributions since graduating from GCC. The Young Alumni in Action Award will be presented to Christian LaPlante (’19), recently named Franklin County’s first downtown district coordinator. LaPlante serves in this newly created role as part of a Rural Downtown Revitalization Pilot Project to strengthen the economic and cultural vitality of downtown Northfield, Turners Falls, and Shelburne Falls.

For more information about the event or to register, visit gccfor.me/bridges.

Springfield Museums to Auction Remaining Low-number Dr. Seuss License Plates

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums announced a second online auction of low-number Massachusetts license plates featuring Dr. Seuss’s iconic Cat in the Hat. The auction will run from Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m. through Sunday, March 8 at 5 p.m.

The Springfield Museums is home to the world’s only museum dedicated to the Springfield native and beloved children’s author (born Theodor Seuss Geisel), with proceeds from the plates supporting the its mission to promote literacy and learning. With just 26 remaining, this might be the final opportunity for Massachusetts residents to own a coveted low-number Dr. Seuss plate.

“We’re delighted to offer a select group of low-number Dr. Seuss plates for a second charitable auction,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “Each plate celebrates the unique history of our hometown hero Theodor Seuss Geisel, and every bid helps us continue our work promoting literacy, creativity, and lifelong learning through our museums and programs.”

The catalog of plates can be viewed online now at drseussplates.givesmart.com. Highlights include single-digit plates such as DR 2 and DR 5, as well as DR 50, a nod to the publisher’s challenge that inspired Green Eggs and Ham, written using only 50 unique words. Additional double-digit plates — potentially meaningful for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special dates — will also be offered.

The auction will take place at drseussplates.givesmart.com, where interested buyers are encouraged to register in advance to receive updates. Bidders can participate in real time from desktop, mobile, and tablet devices. Registration is also available by texting DrSeussPlates to 76278.

For questions, contact the Springfield Museums Development Office at (413) 314-6458 or [email protected].

Greenfield Community College Announces Early Retirement Incentive Program

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced plans to offer an early retirement incentive program to eligible employees represented by AFSME and MCCC, as well as non-union employees, as an initial cost-saving measure in response to a projected budget shortfall.

Like many community colleges across Massachusetts and the nation, GCC is navigating an increasingly challenging financial environment shaped by rising operational costs and broader economic pressures affecting public higher education.

The early retirement incentive program is intended to reduce personnel costs while minimizing disruption to students and college operations. Participation in the program is voluntary, and the college will assess its financial impact in determining what additional cost-saving measures are necessary.

“This step allows us to address our budget challenges in a responsible and measured way,” President Michelle Schutt said. “Our goal is to protect the core academic mission of the college while being thoughtful and transparent about the financial realities facing higher education today.”

The college will evaluate the results of the early retirement incentive program along with other actions. Any additional cost-saving approaches, if needed, will be informed by the outcomes of this effort and guided by GCC’s commitment to student success, access, and educational quality. GCC will continue to work collaboratively with employee unions and campus stakeholders as the process moves forward and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

MCLA Partners with Habitat for Humanity on Free Tax Preparation Services

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to qualified residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program starting Feb. 11.

Through the IRS’s VITA program, MCLA students assist taxpayers by providing free tax preparation services. To qualify, individuals and families must earn $69,000 or less. The program also serves those with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, and individuals over age 65 with retirement or pension income.

Students work under the supervision of MCLA Accounting Professor Tara Barboza, a certified public accountant (CPA). According to Barboza, participating students undergo rigorous IRS training to become IRS-certified over their winter break, followed by in-person training throughout January and the first week of February.

“Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that provides students with valuable, hands-on tax, business, and office experience,” Barboza said. “They earn college credit, and accounting students can use this credit toward the requirements for the CPA exam, all while volunteering in our community. In addition, students build a sense of belonging, confidence, and soft skills that will serve them throughout their college and professional careers.”

Interested individuals should call Habitat for Humanity at (413) 442-3181 to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. MCLA students are seeing clients Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. in MCLA’s Murdock Hall Business Suite, Room 102, located at 375 Church St. in North Adams. The program will continue through April 15.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Customers Raise $113,930 Through Round Up for Kids

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A few cents at the register turned into a powerful show of community support as Rocky’s Ace Hardware customers once again stepped up for children’s health. This year’s Round Up for Kids campaign raised $113,930 across Rocky’s locations, directing critical funding to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals serving the communities where customers live and shop.

The fundraiser ran during two high-traffic periods, one in the spring and another during the late fall and holiday season, giving customers multiple opportunities to round their purchase totals up to the nearest dollar. Those small contributions added up quickly, with Baystate Children’s Hospital receiving more than $23,925 from participating Rocky’s stores in Western Mass.

“Round Up for Kids shows what happens when local communities come together around something bigger than a single transaction,” said Rocco Falcone, president of Rocky’s Ace Hardware. “Our customers understand that these hospitals are there for families on their hardest days, and they’re proud to support care that can change a child’s future.”

Eight Rocky’s locations in Western Mass. took part in the campaign. One hundred percent of the funds raised at those locations were directed to Baystate Children’s Hospital to support pediatric care, medical innovation. and family-centered services.

“This campaign continues to grow because people believe in it,” Falcone said. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep building on this momentum and finding new ways to support the hospitals that do so much for our communities.”

Monson Savings Bank Announces $25,000 in Community Giving Initiative Donations

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2026

Daily News

MONSON — The people have voted, and the results are in. In late 2025, Monson Savings Bank asked local community members to cast votes for their local nonprofit of choice. The bank is now announcing the 2026 Monson Savings Bank Community Giving Initiative recipients.

This was the 16th year Monson Savings Bank ran its Community Giving Initiative poll. The public’s excitement to cast their vote has grown throughout the years. This year, more than 5,200 votes were received — a record-breaking response from the community.

Monson Savings Bank’s Community Giving Initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration, uniting community members to collectively decide which local organizations receive support. By inviting public votes, the bank ensures that its charitable contributions reflect the community’s values and priorities, fostering a shared commitment to enhancing the well-being of the neighborhoods it serves.

“The community’s enthusiasm for our annual Community Giving Initiative is always so moving,” said Michael Rouette, the bank’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “As a bank operated right here in Western Massachusetts, Monson Savings Bank wants to support the area’s local residents, businesses, and nonprofits. Our Community Giving Initiative offers a unique opportunity for our community members to have their voice heard and decide the nonprofits they would like us to support.”

Now that the votes have been counted, Monson Savings Bank is planning to donate $25,000 among this year’s top 11 vote recipients. Traditionally, 10 recipients are selected, but due to a tie, 11 organizations will be honored this year.

The recipients include I Found Light Against All Odds, Springfield; Magic for Maddie, Southampton; Friends of Hampden Seniors, Hampden; South End Community Center, Springfield; Springfield Ballers, Springfield; YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Springfield; Monson Free Library, Monson; Springfield Jewish Community Center, Springfield; CLUBOH, Springfield; Aida’s Food Truck, Palmer; and Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, Holyoke.

“These nonprofits bring important resources to our communities. It is obvious why they were chosen by our community members to receive our support,” said Dan Moriarty, the bank’s president and CEO. “On behalf of Monson Savings Bank, I congratulate the top 11 recipients of the 2026 Community Giving Initiative, and I thank you for doing your part to help our community thrive.”

Bacon Wilson Welcomes Teresa Dupere as Title and Real Estate Counsel

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2026

Daily News

Teresa Dupere

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Teresa Dupere has joined the firm as Title and Real Estate counsel, effective early November 2025. Dupere brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate law and title matters.

Dupere earned her juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law, completed the paralegal studies program at Elms College, and received her bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences with a minor in biology from UMass Amherst. She has extensive knowledge of residential and commercial real estate title examination and related matters, and will be enhancing the firm’s real estate practice with her expertise.

Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Dupere worked as a real estate attorney at a local general practice law firm, focusing on comprehensive title searches, reviewing legal documents to confirm the accuracy of title information, preparing title reports and maintaining chain-of-title records, and resolving title defects to ensure clear title prior to closing.

She will work primarily out of Bacon Wilson’s Springfield office, supporting both the firm’s residential and commercial real estate departments.

“Teresa brings a deep understanding of title and real estate matters,” Managing Shareholder Jeff Fialky said. “We are pleased to welcome her to Bacon Wilson, and we know her knowledge and attention to detail will be a strong asset to our clients and our real estate team.”

Alekman DiTusa Developing Leaders of Tomorrow Through Support of Square One

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2026

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In keeping with its long-term commitment to the children and families served by Square One, the principals of Alekman DiTusa, LLC have once again stepped up in support of the agency’s work. Attorneys Ryan Alekman and Rob DiTusa recently gifted $25,000 to the “Back to Square One” capital campaign.

In November, Square One cut the ribbon a new, state-of-the-art early learning center in Springfield’s South End neighborhood, marking the end of phase 1 of the agency’s $19 million campaign. Phase 2 of the project involves the renovation of the adjacent building located at 947 Main St., which was generously donated by the Balise family. Anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2026, the building will become home to a family resource center, providing workforce development programming, family support services, and emergency supplies, including diapers, food, and clothing.

“Our firm is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has been the foundation of our success,” Alekman said. “Supporting organizations like Square One is our way of ensuring the growth and well-being of Springfield’s future.”

Added DiTusa, “we hope our support for Square One inspires other small businesses to join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in our community.”

Alekman DiTusa has been supporting Square One’s annual operational campaigns since 2017. The capital gift comes in addition to the firm’s annual $5,000 classroom sponsorship and $5,000 Derby Party sponsorship.

“We take great pride in the passion we have for positioning our community’s children, youth, and families for long-term success,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Engagement for Square One. “But none of our success would be possible without the support of our community’s businesses. Having a partner as consistently generous as Alekman DiTusa has made a world of difference in our work. We are so grateful for their steadfast belief in our mission and their overwhelming kindness.”

The Back to Square One capital campaign will continue with the goal of raising an additional $3 million.

Smith College Named a Top Fulbright Producer

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2026

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Smith College has once again been named among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients, continuing a long-standing record of preparing graduates for global engagement and impact.

Smith is one of only five baccalaureate institutions that can claim being a Top Producer of Fulbright Students every year since the designation began in the 2009-10 academic year. The 2025-26 recognition marks Smith’s 17th consecutive year on the list. This year, the college ranks 12th among top Fulbright-producing institutions nationwide.

The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative, supporting study, research, and teaching abroad. For the third consecutive year, 10 Smith students and recent alums have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards. Smith recipients will teach, conduct research, and pursue advanced study in Taiwan, Sweden, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Japan, and Italy.

Smith’s sustained success as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution reflects the college’s interdisciplinary approach to learning, where faculty mentorship and student scholarship combine to address complex global challenges.

“Being awarded a Fulbright is an extraordinary honor and a transformative opportunity for our students to deepen cross-cultural understanding and expand their academic and professional horizons,” said Andrew Dausch, director of the fellowships and postgraduate scholarships program in the Lazarus Center for Career Development. “Smith’s continued success in the Fulbright Program reflects both the strength of our students and the global scope of a Smith education.”

The Lazarus Center for Career Development supports all undergraduate students and alumni pursuing experiential learning opportunities, including Fulbright awards and other prestigious fellowships. Since 2001, more than 300 Smith students and graduates have been named Fulbright scholars.

Episode 252: February 17, 2026

George O’Brien talks with Julie Quink, Managing Principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.

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