LONGMEADOW — In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Bay Path University’s On the Move Forum will present Harvard University’s Barbara Nobles Crawford to speak on the United Nations Women’s Day theme “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change.”

This event, happening on Thursday, March 8, will unite people and organizations who are committed to advancing women, inspiring girls, and innovating for change, as well as implementing effective networking and resource sharing for future success. Attendees are invited to have lunch, learn, and lead.

“There will be dialogue, networking, resource sharing, and relationship building,” said event founder Janine Fondon, assistant professor of Undergraduate Communications at Bay Path. “We hope to advance women and girls, and in particular women and girls of color, by connecting the dots and helping women find tangible ways to reach their goals, build new skills, and take advantage of existing resources — all to break barriers and remove obstacles to success.”

The On the Move Forum, now in its third year and brought to fruition through a united effort by a team of community members and Bay Path staff, faculty, and students, explores the timeline of women’s history and the women’s rights movement, sparking a community conversation about gaps in that history, including the contributions of underrepresented groups of women from Western Mass.

The forum will use history, literature, and philosophy to engage the audience in exploring the status of women regarding race, ethnicity, culture, age, sexual orientation, and set pathways for advancement and the progress. Topics to be covered include discovering how the women’s rights movement and the civil rights movement interface; deepening understanding of past and current social, political, and economic issues as they pertain to women; and setting new paths for advancement in the future.

The On the Move Forum will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m at the Blake Center at Bay Path University. This free event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. For more information and to register for this event, visit onthemoveforum.eventbrite.com.

NORTHAMPTON — Hampshire Power is once again supporting Monte’s Cancer Connection Campout by facilitating donations to the Cancer Connection for every new contract signed with the local electricity supplier.

“Monte’s Cancer Connection Campout exemplifies how a community can come together to do good,” said Todd Ford, executive director of the Hampshire Council of Governments (HCG), which manages Hampshire Power. “Hampshire Power is proud to be a part of that community and help power the values of our customers.”

Hosted by 93.9 the River, Monte’s Campout is taking place on the grounds of the HCG-owned Old Courthouse in Northampton today and tomorrow, Feb. 27 and 28, to raise money to support the Cancer Connection.

“HCG generously allows us to use their lawn for the event. The campout wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the use of this location,” said Monte Belmonte. “And for them to give more through Hampshire Power is exceedingly generous. Also, they let us drink and set things on fire.”

Cancer Connection is a local nonprofit that relies solely on independent donations to provide free services to those diagnosed with cancer, their family members, and caregivers. Donations go directly to facilitating the free programs and services Cancer Connection provides to the community.

“Cancer Connection welcomes Hampshire Power’s customers’ commitment to the community,” said Beverly Herbert, executive director of Cancer Connection. “Donations ensure that everyone in our community has access to the strength and hope that our free services offer them along their cancer journey.”

With every signed energy contract, Hampshire Power offers customers a rebate of up to $75. During the months of February and March, new customers can have their rebates donated to Cancer Connection to enhance fundraising efforts around Monte’s Campout.

SPRINGFIELD — Two professors at Western New England University have been awarded $30,000 in seed funding by the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) Acorn Innovation Fund. 

Dr. Vedang Chauhan and Dr. Jingzhou “Frank” Zhao were among 13 grant recipients statewide, including researchers from Boston University Medical Center, Northeastern University, Tufts University, and UMass. The funding is designed to assist researchers in testing the viability of their technologies and potentially bringing the research to market.

The Acorn Awards are funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and overseen by MTTC, enabling public and private research universities and medical centers in Massachusetts to lead the nation in translating basic research to the market, creating jobs and spurring economic development.

This year’s recipients, selected from a field of 53 applicants, were chosen based on a project’s technical merit, commercial viability, project plan, and strength of team, according to Vinit Nijhawan, interim executive director of MTTC.

“The strength of the selected projects demonstrates that Massachusetts leads the nation in translating basic research to the market,” he said. 

Chauhan, an assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, said he is researching “design and control system optimization testing of an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) system for small engine applications.” Continuously variable transmission technology is widely used in modern vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and performance. However, small engines currently cannot meet power requirements to utilize the technology. Chauhan’s goal is to build, implement, and test an E-CVT system for small engines, evaluating endurance, reliability, and performance.

Zhao, an assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, leads the College of Engineering’s Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Processing Lab. The grant funding, he said, will support a project covering “production of silica-coated metal nanoparticles using electrospraying,” a technology that holds the potential to achieve much lower manufacturing costs and much higher throughput than existing methods. Acorn funding will support the research activities of Zhao’s team to obtain proof-of-concept evidence.

MTTC accelerates research commercialization at Massachusetts public and private research institutions. The center enables the state’s universities and medical centers to translate basic research to the market by connecting science and technology to a pool of business talent and capital. MTTC was founded in 2003 by the Massachusetts Legislature.

BERLIN, Conn. — Comcast recently announced the appointment of Evan Broslovsky as vice president of Customer Experience for the company’s Western New England region, which is headquartered in Berlin, Conn. and includes more than 300 communities in Connecticut, Western Mass., Western New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.

In this newly created regional role, Broslovsky will be responsible for regional implementation of the company’s multi-year strategy to transform the customer experience. He will partner with all functions of the business to ensure customers have the best possible engagement with the company during each interaction; whether it’s digitally, over the phone, in one of its retail stores, or during a technician appointment at their home or office.

Prior to joining Comcast, Broslovsky spent nine years as vice president of Contact Center Operations at Priceline.com, where he oversaw more than 800 customer-care agents in six locations across the country. 

He also has an extensive history in the cable industry that spans 17 years. His first role was that of a care agent, and he quickly grew in the ranks to supervisor, assistant manager, and finally to manager of care operations overseeing a team of six supervisors and 120 care agents at Cablevision and its predecessor companies. Broslovsky then joined Time Warner Cable as director of business operations, with responsibility for call centers that supported 1.4 million customers.

“I’m excited to welcome Evan as our region’s first vice president of Customer Experience,” said Michael Parker, regional senior vice president of the Western New England region. “We’re committed to respecting our customers’ time, simplifying their experience, and making it right if we fall short. I’m confident Evan’s leadership, background, and proven results will help us achieve these goals.”

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) is running a new series of mediation training courses this spring, including a free, two-hour introduction class on Thursday, March 7. 

The free “Introduction to Mediation Training” class meets March 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and will cover basic conflict-resolution approaches and communication strategies, plus an overview of mediator training and development and discussion of possible next steps. 

A five-week Basic Mediation Training course runs on Tuesdays from March 19 through April 16, from 4 to 9 p.m. each night, focusing on core communication and conflict resolution skills that mediators use. 

A third option builds on the five-week Basic course. Participants can choose a three-week extention for a total of eight weeks. The Basic Mediation Training Including Formal Mediation Role Plays meets on Tuesdays from 4 to 9 p.m. until May 7. The extended program incorporates additional instruction and practice sessions integrating those new skills into a formal mediation process, with a certificate confirming participants have met Massachusetts court requirements for basic mediation training. 

“Mediation skills are a necessity in everyday interactions and a must for professionals in environments with conflict challenges,” said Ken White, HCC’s dean of Community Services. “Educators, human-resource managers, workplace supervisors, therapists, counselors, and law-enforcement personnel are just some of the professions where effective dispute-resolution strategies are required. HCC’s mediation programs are appropriate for all levels of professionals as well as anyone looking to improve their conflict-resolution skills.” 

All the classes meet in HCC’s Kittredge Center for Busines and Workforce Development and will be led by Debbie Lynangale, a mediator from the Mediation & Training Collaborative in Greenfield.  For more information or to register, call HCC Community Services at (413) 552-2123 or visit hcc.edu/bce.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Storrowton Village Museum will celebrate all things maple on Maple Harvest Day, Sunday, March 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual free event highlights the history and tradition of maple sugaring in New England.

The historic Gilbert Farmhouse will turn into a sugarhouse for the day. Visitors can learn how the ‘liquid gold’ is made, from tree tapping to sap boiling, and watch 19th-century open-hearth cooking demonstrations of maple recipes.

A selection of gifts, including the Village’s own Maple Harvest Sampler Cookbook, will be sold in a maple-themed pop-up shop. Docent-led tours and 19th-century craft demonstrations will also be available in the Gilbert Farmhouse. New this year will be a maple cotton candy station.

The West Springfield Lions Club will flip pancakes, served with pure New England maple syrup, in the Village’s red Greenwich Barn from 10 a.m. to noon. Pick up a plate for $5 per person, with a side choice of sausages, coffee, and juice. All proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be donated to Storrowton’s educational programs.

For more information about Storrowton Village Museum’s Maple Harvest Day, visit storrowtonvillage.com or call (413) 205-5051.

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced three promotions: Emily White to senior audit associate, Brian Benson, CPA, to senior audit associate, and John Veit to director of Marketing and Recruiting.

White has been with the firm since 2016. In her new position, she plays a leading role in the Accounting and Audit department, serving commercial, pension, and not-for-profit clients. She also prepares individual, partnership, and corporate tax returns and reviews for commercial and healthcare entities.

She attended Elms College, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and marketing and a master’s degree in accounting. She is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Benson’s overall experience in nonprofit and HUD engagements were instrumental in his promotion. As a senior audit associate, he is in charge of completing and monitoring staff on audit and review engagements of low-income housing and not-for-profit organizations.

He holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business management from Elms College, where he will graduate in September with an MBA with a concentration in financial planning. He then plans to sit for the certified financial planner exam, which will help him better serve clients in a variety of situations. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and often volunteers with Junior Achievement and Ronald McDonald House.

In his former position as senior Marketing and Recruiting associate, Veit had been managing the day-to-day operations of marketing and recruiting for some time. The firm decided it was time for him to take the reins in all matters related to marketing, recruiting, and recruiting consulting for clients.

He earned his BBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst with a focus in marketing, and he is a member of the Assoc. for Accounting Marketing. He also serves his community as a reserve police officer and as team captain for the Jimmy Fund Rally Against Cancer. John is a recent BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree.

“Each of these promotions are well-earned and represent a creative and contemporary approach to supporting the talent that will carry the firm forward,” MBK Partner James Barrett said. “Emily, Brian, and John are all-in. Beyond their individual strengths and skill sets, they share a positive attitude, strong leadership qualities, and a determination to get things done.”

HOLYOKE — The Martin J. Clayton Insurance Agency recently welcomed Michael Regan as principal of the agency and vice president of Sales. He comes to the agency with more than 13 years of experience in the insurance business.

“Mike is an outstanding addition to the team and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the agency.  His commitment to the highest standards of customer care and business ethics makes him an ideal fit for Clayton Insurance Agency,” said President Daniel Sullivan.

Regan was recently awarded the Henry Fifield Volunteer of the Year Award for outstanding community service. He is very active in the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

WESTFIELD — The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce will present its annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast on Friday, March 15 at Westfield State University in Scanlon Hall, located at 577 Western Ave., Westfield. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and the event begins at 7:45 a.m.

The platinum event sponsor is Westfield State University, the silver sponsor is KeyBank, the small business sponsor is Puffer Printing, and Flowers by Webster is providing corsages for the guests. A 50/50 raffle will support the chamber’s scholarship fund for local high-school students.

The breakfast will feature retired Justice John Greaney. The chief greeter is Chuck Kelly of Flowers by Webster. The chamber will also recognize this year’s Sons of Erin Colleen, Hannah Jury, and her court:  Fionnuala Matthews, Maura Wurster, Shaunessey Lambert, and Kaitlin Sicard. In addition, the chamber will recognize the Sons of Erin Irishwoman of the Year, Terri Broderick Hathaway; the Irishman of the Year, Jim Rood Sr.; and Parade Marshall Bo Sullivan.

Messages will be delivered by Mayor Brian Sullivan, state Sen. Don Humason Jr., and state Rep. John Velis. Country music and Irish singer Dee Reilly will be performing.

For tickets, sponsorships, and marketing opportunities, visit www.westfieldbiz.org or call Virginia at (413) 568-1618.

NORTHAMPTON — Clinical & Support Options (CSO) recently partnered with Webber & Grinnell Insurance in Northampton and Joe’s Garage in Haydenville to coordinate a Buy a Bike drive to benefit the CSO All-Stars afterschool program located in Florence.

A dozen bikes and helmets were purchased, thanks to underwriting by many sponsors, including Webber & Grinnell Insurance, Philadelphia Companies Insurance, Goggins Real Estate, Lashway Lumber, Lockwood Trucking, Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, and author Kathleen Pellegrino.

CSO All Stars is a therapeutic afterschool program to support youth in learning life skills and developing new areas through creative interactions focused on building strength and skills with community- and center-based activities. Sites are located in Florence, Greenfield, and Athol. The program is headquartered at 34 North Maple Street in Florence. This particular drive was designed to encourage physical activity and exercise for the All-Star participants and allow them access to use the community resources available in Florence.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition announced that Cliff Hedges has joined ESE and will serve as the organization’s director of Public Safety.

Hedges has an extensive, 31-year background in federal and local law enforcement, having retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2012 after 26 years as a special agent and a supervisory special agent, spending 21 of those years in the FBI’s Springfield office. He also served as a patrolman and subsequently a detective on the Crimes Against Persons Unit with the Dallas Police Department.

“I am very pleased to welcome Cliff Hedges to the important role of director of Public Safety,” said Gene Cassidy, president and CEO of ESE. “Cliff brings his career of experiences at the highest levels in U.S. law enforcement to Eastern States Exposition. This will enhance our capacity to manage the Big E and the myriad events that take place on the grounds.”

Hedges, a native of Louisville, Ky., comes to the Exposition from his most recent position as regional director of Compliance and Privacy at Regional Care Capella HealthCare in Brentwood, Tenn. He was a healthcare compliance, privacy, and risk specialist focusing on state and federal regulatory guidance, rules, and regulations.

A graduate of the University of Louisville, he earned a bachelor’s degree in justice administration. He also holds a master’s degree in communications and information management from Bay Path University, where he was an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice.

Hedges received the Presidential Integrity Achievement Award for Investigations for his work on the public corruption initiative in Springfield. He has also received multiple awards from the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for investigative techniques and a Special Team Award from the New England Narcotics Assoc. In 2002, he was named the Cliff Zundel Citizen of the Year for the town of Longmeadow for his involvement in girls’ youth sports.

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced the appointment of Gulasar (Guli) Niyazova as a mortgage consultant representing the West Springfield, Westfield, and Russian-speaking communities.

In her new position, Niyazova will guide home buyers through the process of obtaining the right mortgage quickly and efficiently. As a mortgage professional, she said her goal is to not only provide a smooth process, but also to help select the mortgage that is most beneficial to each customer.

“Guli brings a wealth of professional experience to her new position as a mortgage consultant for PeoplesBank,” said James Sherbo, senior vice president of Consumer Lending. “She values customer service as her top priority, and, because of her experience and Russian-language fluency, she is a valuable addition to the PeoplesBank lending team.”

PITTSFIELD — On Feb. 15, 1Berkshire launched the implementation phase of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, a strategic economic-development imperative. With more than 300 registered attendees packing the Colonial Theatre in downtown Pittsfield, 1Berkshire members, regional leaders, and elected officials from across the county shared this project, already two years in the making.

The event was the culmination of more than 100 interviews, thousands of hours of work, and more than 20 months of planning and design. 1Berkshire President and CEO Jonathan Butler kicked off the primary outline during the launch by recognizing that $1 billion in regional investments have been made in the Berkshires in just the last three years, noting that investment in the Berkshire is “a good bet.”

Beginning the implementation phase of the Blueprint 2.0 entails a number of action steps, focused on five key industrial clusters, as well as other economic-landscape components and cross-cutting issues. Collectively, this work aims to unite all geographic corners of the county for a common goal of economic development and sustained growth.

John Bissell, 1Berkshire’s board chair, noted that this represents an opportunity to move from a narrative of “scarcity” to a narrative of “potential,” and charged the attendees with the goal of moving beyond historic fiefdoms and into a practice of collective action.

Meanwhile, Tyler Fairbank, Berkshire Blueprint committee chair, noted that the region’s economy is diverse and dynamic and, as a result, requires a variety of different approaches to further development. He added that, instead of a single “silver-bullet” solution, a “silver birdshot” of many different solutions will be needed, helping audience members visualize the numerous actions, large and small, needed to move the needle on the region’s economy.

PALMER — Michael’s Party Rentals recently received a national accolade at the 2019 American Rental Assoc. (ARA) annual convention and trade show in Anaheim, Calif. The ARA is the international trade association for equipment-rental businesses and manufacturers and suppliers of rental equipment, with members in every U.S. state, every Canadian province, and more than 30 countries worldwide.

Michael’s Party Rentals was acknowledged with a Presidents Image Award from ARA. It was a co-recipient along with True Value Rental of Rollinsford, N.H., representing Region One, which covers all of New England and New York. The honor is given to a business facility or store celebrating its commitment to improving the rental-industry image through a remodeling, rebuilding, or renovation project. The award was in response to Michael’s Party Rentals’ new showroom, which opened in July 2016.

“We are extremely humbled by this honor,” said owner Michael Linton. “When we moved to Palmer and opened up our new showroom and expansive warehouse, the reaction from clients and colleagues was tremendous. To add this honor from our peers, especially on a national level, is extraordinary.”

WESTFIELD — The latest entry in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League unveiled its name and logo on Wednesday night at an event held at the Shortstop Bar and Grill in Westfield.

The Westfield Starfires will begin play in the summer of 2019 at Bullens Field in Westfield.

The team name pays homage to the city of Westfield’s deep connection with the Air National Guard stationed at Barnes Airport.

The name is derived from the Lockheed F-94 Starfire, a first-generation jet aircraft of the U.S. Air Force. The F-94 was the first operational USAF fighter equipped with an afterburner and was the first jet-powered all-weather fighter to enter combat during the Korean War in January 1953.

The Westfield Starfires were founded by local entrepreneurs Christopher Thompson and Donald Moorhouse, and are now part of the FCBL’s seven-team circuit. 

Since 2011, the Futures League has experienced a meteoric rise to become one of the top summer collegiate leagues in the country.

Season-ticket packages and merchandise for the new franchise are available now through westfieldstarfires.com.

LONGMEADOW — The American Council on Education (ACE) announced that Carol Leary, president of Bay Path University and author of Achieving the Dream: A How-to Guide for Adult Women Seeking a College Degree, will receive the 2019 Donna Shavlik Award.

The award will be presented ACE2019, ACE’s 101st annual meeting in Philadelphia, during the Women’s Leadership Dinner on Saturday, March 9.  

ACE President Ted Mitchell noted that “2018 was a critical year for women in higher education. Carol Leary not only met its challenges head-on with her leadership of Bay Path, but she also widened opportunity for her students and prospective learners.” 

In 1994, Leary became president of Bay Path, a private institution offering all-women undergraduate degree programs (on campus and online) and co-educational graduate-degree programs. Under her leadership, Bay Path became a university, established more than 30 graduate and post-graduate degrees, and launched the American Women’s College, the first all-women, all-online baccalaureate program in the nation. She also established the Carol A. Leary Endowed Scholarship Fund for First Generation College Students.

Although neither graduated high school, Leary’s parents instilled in her the importance of education and a love of learning. With their support and encouragement, she attended Boston University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and later earned a Ph.D. at American University in Washington, D.C. This upbringing contributed to her advocacy for women, particularly those for whom circumstance and environment might hinder success.

ACE established the Donna Shavlik Award to honor the long and outstanding service of Donna Shavlik, former director of ACE’s Office of Women in Higher Education. Presented annually, the award honors an individual who demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing women in higher education through leadership and career development, campus climate, and mentoring.

FLORENCE — Ten years ago, a first-time mother struggled with the care of her newborn and later helped another mother having difficulty. Her efforts marked the grass-roots founding of It Takes a Village in Cummington.

Today, a handful of part-time staff members and a committed team of volunteers for the nonprofit provide support — ranging from help with laundry and dishes to an extra set of hands at a doctor’s visit — for families in the hilltowns with infants in their first year.

The organization served 1,500 families last year and distributed more than $100,000 in diapers and other baby supplies. It also offers parenting and wellness classes and runs a distribution center, where parents can find free maternity wear, diapers, clothing, and strollers, regardless of income, age, or adoption status.

As a sponsor of It Takes a Village, Florence Bank has offered funds that will be used for a resource kit that all families will receive on a first visit. And, come mid-March, for the first time, the bank will also offer a grant to the organization through the annual Florence Bank Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program.

Lisa Goding, co-executive director, is grateful for the assist, which will be put to use to recruit additional volunteers to help eliminate a waiting list for services. “We want to do some outreach for the home-visit program,” she said. “We want to eliminate the wait so more families can experience that extra set of hands.”

In 2018, more than 10,000 votes were cast through the Customers’ Choice program. As a result, 55 nonprofit leaders like Goding will accept a check on Tuesday, March 5 at the annual event at the Garden House at Look Park from 5 to 7 p.m.

During the event, Florence Bank president and CEO John Heaps Jr. will hand out 55 checks, topping the $1.1 million mark in terms of grants made to community nonprofits over almost two decades. 

“We are a committed community partner, and we love this annual event, which offers us the chance to invest in organizations that benefit our employees, customers, neighbors, families, and friends,” Heaps said.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program is an annual offering founded in 2002, through which Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. Ten organizations that received between 40 and 49 votes were also invited to attend the event this year to be in a drawing for one additional $500 award.

The following organizations received more than 50 customer votes and will receive an award at the event: Dakin Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Friends of Forbes Library, Friends of Lilly Library, Cancer Connection, Northampton Survival Center, Amherst Survival Center, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, New Hingham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, Northampton High School Parent Teacher Organization, Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, Easthampton Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization, BARC Inc., Belchertown K-9, Friends of Hilltown Cooperative Charter School, Granby Senior Center, Grow Food Northampton, Safe Passage, Belchertown Firefighters Assoc., Friends of Clapp Library, Jackson Street School Parent Teacher Organization, Northampton Senior Center, R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, Williamsburg Firefighter Assoc., Leeds Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Northampton Community Music Center, Easthampton Dollars for Scholars, Friends of Northampton Legion, Tapestry Health Systems, Children First Enterprises Inc., Whole Children, Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, Riverside Industries Inc., Kestrel Land Trust, Friends of Amherst Senior Center, Smith Vocational High School Parent Teacher Organization, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Easthampton Community Center, Belchertown Public Schools, Historic Northampton, It Takes a Village, Northampton Neighbors, Pelham Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, John F. Kennedy Middle School, Hospice of the Fisher Home, Cub Scout Pack 705, Emily Williston Library, Granby Free Public Library, Amherst Regional Public Schools, and Manna Soup Kitchen.

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Chicopee Cultural Council, MassDevelopment, and the City of Chicopee, will host the Lights on Art and Culture event on Friday, Feb. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. An additional date has been added on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon to show appreciation to those who live, work, and play in the downtown area.

To draw more attention to the event, three buildings — Lyman Mills, Old City Library, and SilverBrick Mills — will all be lit up in blue to attract everyone in the area, passing by, or driving on Route 391 to participate. In addition to the open doors and enjoying the art and music on display, the public will be able to go inside SilverBrick Mills to take a tour and see the changes happening.

A dedicated PVTA shuttle for both days of this event will be available in the Market Square parking lot to allow event participants to connect back and forth to the mills and downtown Chicopee.

On Friday evening, organizers will feature many local businesses on both Center and Exchange streets, which will be open to showcase their services and wares, but also feature creative demonstrations, local artists’ displays, live music, and snacks and hot beverages. All participating businesses will offer a free guide to other participating businesses and their artists.

On Saturday morning, the businesses will open again to welcome visitors to stroll downtown and take advantage not only of the regular business services, but also meet Booker, the Chicopee Library’s Bookmobile, get a quick check-up with the Elms College Nursing caRe vaN, donate an non-perishable food item to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, and visit with many others that will be parked in the Westfield Bank Training Center lot. The first 100 visitors to the Old City Library will enjoy a free pancake breakfast offered by First Congregational Church of Chicopee.

GREENFIELD — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) will offer monthly training and workshops programming focused on leadership and board development for nonprofits in the Pioneer Valley through its Leaders OnBoard program.

On Tuesday, March 12, Leaders OnBoard will be providing a Board Basics training at Springfield Technical Community College from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The three-hour-long training, led by Beth Spong from Rainmaker Consulting, will cover what it means to sit on a board, roles and responsibilities, and how to be effective as a board member. The training is free to attend, and dinner is provided.

“The Pioneer Valley relies on nonprofit organizations to keep our communities healthy and thriving,” said Lora Wondolowski, executive director of LPV. “Board Basics is a comprehensive, accessible training that works to provide people with the fundamentals they need to support nonprofit organizations they care about with confidence.”

The Leaders OnBoard program will provide more than 20 training sessions and events in 2019 focused on nonprofit board development and board matching for nonprofits recruiting new board members and people who are looking for a way to get involved in their community. 

There is a 12-month membership available for Leaders OnBoard with a membership fee based on the organization’s budget. Membership includes free attendance in all program workshops and training sessions, including Peer2Peer Conversations and Board Matching Opportunities. For full benefits and fees, visit leadershippv.org.

SPRINGFIELD — State Sen. Eric Lesser introduced a bill Friday that will reinvest the incentive funds returned to the state from General Electric into the state’s vocational schools, following the company’s announcement Thursday that it will be reducing its footprint in Boston.

General Electric said Thursday that it plans to sell the property of its planned headquarters in Boston and reimburse the state for $87 million in incentives the company received to move its headquarters to the city. Instead of building a new office tower, the company will move its new headquarters into two brick buildings on the same site that are currently being renovated.

The company also expects to hire only 250 workers at its reduced headquarters, down from the 800 it had originally promised in order to receive the incentives to move to Boston.

Lesser’s bill, which has yet to be given a docket number, is titled “An Act to invest more in middle class jobs and less in the relocation of out-of-state corporations.”

The bill directs any grants of more than $20 million that have been issued to municipalities or other public agencies to incentivize corporations to relocate to Massachusetts — but have since been rescinded — toward vocational schools and school districts that include one or more vocational schools.

The grants will be used to fund the design, construction and renovation of vocational-technical education programs, as well as equipment purchases and installation that will enable the schools to expand capacity and reduce student waitlists.

“Let’s do what it actually takes to create middle class jobs,” Lesser said. “We have long waiting lists at our vocational schools across the Commonwealth to train young people in high-need fields like advanced manufacturing, 3-D printing and building trades. We have thousands of available positions in high-paying fields in every corner of our state that are going unfilled because of the backlog at our career and technical training centers. Instead of giving massive tax breaks and incentives to corporations, which will likely park those payments on Wall Street, let’s invest that money in our local workforce and support the families and businesses that are already here and are looking for work.”

The Boston property that would have been GE’s new 12-story office tower on Boston’s waterfront is partly owned by MassDevelopment, the quasi-public development agency which had purchased the two brick buildings there, and invested in construction and financing to prepare the property.

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield and the Springfield Regional Chamber will co-host “The New Wave,” on March 19, at 4 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will feature an overview of the new wave of economic development, including updates on projects in progress, and an introduction to upcoming initiatives in Springfield.

A reception with light fare and a cash bar at 5 p.m., following the presentation.

The presentation will be led by the city’s chief development officer, Kevin Kennedy.

“We hope this gives an opportunity for the business community to engage with both the city and the chamber on the immense activity in Springfield,” said Kennedy. “Now is the time to invest in Springfield and become part of this positive wave of development.”

The Springfield Regional Chamber is serving as sponsor and co-host of the event. The chamber’s core mission has remained constant in its history — to promote, support and enhance the economic health of the business community and the region.

Admission to the event is complimentary, but reservations are required. Reservations may be made at springfieldregionalchamber.com or by emailing [email protected].

SAN DIEGO — The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) recently recognized GreatHorse, the golf and lifestyle club in Hampden, as Regional Golf Course of the Year for the Northeast Region.

“NGCOA is pleased to announce GreatHorse among our many worthy winners of the association’s annual awards,” said Jay Karen, NGCOA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Each year, the NGCOA recognizes the most outstanding members of the past year, and the individuals and organizations that have helped preserve the tradition of the game while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the golf business.”

The award recognizes those courses that epitomize exceptional course quality and management excellence, make important contributions to their communities and the game, and serve as models of operations to their peers. The award was presented at Golf Business Conference 2019’s Celebration & Awards Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

“We’re honored to receive such a prestigious award from the NGCOA,” said Guy Antonacci, Owner of GreatHorse. “This national recognition is a testament to how far we have come in the four short years since we opened our doors, and we are excited to continue our growth in the years ahead.”

AMHERST — A UMass Amherst economic impact study released today estimates that the two-day Great New England Air Show (GNEAS) held at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee in July 2018 generated $4.3 million in direct and induced local spending.

The findings confirm increased per-group spending and their impacts on the local economy even though attendance was significantly down; 2018 attendance was estimated to be around 63,475, down from the 375,500 estimated in 2015.

The study was undertaken to understand the economic impact and to benchmark the findings of the 2008 and 2015 air shows for the Galaxy Community Council, a charitable corporation of veterans, local business people and other citizens who work to support the Westover base.

The project was completed by the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. 

The overall economic significance including respondents’ expenditures both within and outside the region of the air show for 2018 was estimated to be $4.02 million. However, when local attendees were removed, the direct economic expenditures from non-locals was estimated to be $2.67 million and the direct and induced sales multiplier impact overall was estimated to be $4.3 million. This compares to an economic significance in 2015 that was $11.6 million and the local direct economic impact (including the sales multiplier) of $14.9 million. In 2008, economic significance was $8.2 million and the direct economic impact of $12.3 million. 

The 2018 measures included 10 major spending categories with the overall average group expenditure of $193.33 or $62.16 per individual with an average group size of 3.11 individuals. These measures are up considerably from 2015, although the sample for 2018 was much smaller (281 groups in 2018 compared to 522 groups interviewed in 2015). In 2015, the overall group expenditures were $104.56 or $30.05 per person and up from $98 per group or $26 per person in 2008. Locals’ expenditures per group (average group size of 3.36) in 2018 were estimated to be $112.38 per group or $33.45 per person while non-locals’ expenditures (average group size 3.01) were estimated to be $226.34 per group or $75.20 per person. Locals’ expenditures per group in 2015 (average group size of 3.32) were estimated to be $74.19 per group or $22.35 per person while non-locals’ expenditures (average group size 3.52) were estimated to be $118.77 per group or $33.71 per person. 

The distribution of attendees between locals and non-locals remained about the same from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, locals were estimated to account for 30.2% of all attendees and non-locals 69.8%, and compared to the distribution in 2015 where locals were estimated to account for 29.9% of attendees and non-locals totaled 70.1% of attendees.

Overall satisfaction with the event has improved since the 2008 event, although down slightly from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, the overall satisfaction was 80.1% of the attendees indicated they were either satisfied or very satisfied and compared to GNEAS 2015 survey at 84%. Of the attendees polled, 81.1% indicated a high level of certainty to return to an air show in two years, down slightly from 86% of attendees in 2015. Improvements in traffic management and comments of the wide array of static group displays were noted as important features for the attendees. Security clearance, lack of variety in aerial jets, lack of modern jets and aerial performances, and vendor pricing continue to be an on-going concern and challenges for the event.

This year’s study also examined in more detail why those who expressed interest in the event, but did not attend. The survey captured 578 groups of the non-attendees who completed detailed information about why they did not attend. Of these individual responding groups, the average distance one-way from Westover was 111.69 miles and 81.1% of these groups were non-locals. Seventy-one percent were married and the average age was 51. These individuals were also profiled to understand how they may have been a “missed economic impact opportunity” for the promoters of the event to consider in the future.

A team of faculty members and graduate students conducted the study using data collected through an online survey sent to a random sample of registered event attendees. The sample consisted of approximately 1,928 responses of which 281 responding groups were assigned to the economic impact assessment study. In addition, 628 responding groups (32.6 percent) did not attend the show for various reasons and their reasons and profiles were also documented.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management Department is an accredited program housed in the Isenberg School of Management with an enrollment of approximately 541 undergraduates and 12 graduate doctoral students. Students in the graduate program may complete a Ph.D. in Management in the ISOM School with a hospitality concentration

HARTFORD — United Bank, headquartered in Hartford, today announced that Greenwich Associates, the leading global provider of data, analytics and insights to the financial services industry, honored United with its 2018 Greenwich Excellence Awards for Middle Market Banking and Small Business Banking.

Specifically, United Bank earned the 2018 Greenwich Excellence Awards for “Overall Satisfaction” in Middle Market Banking and “Overall Satisfaction” and “Branch Satisfaction” in Small Business Banking. Greenwich Associates, after evaluating more than 600 banks, determined that United Bank was among a select number of banks performing at a differentiated level relative to its peers.

To qualify for consideration for these prestigious national awards, each winning bank had to have a minimum of 50 clients that responded to the survey.

In addition, the Small Business Banking accolade was based on more than14,400 interviews with businesses with sales of $1 million to $10 million across the country. For Middle Market Banking, the ranking was derived from more than 14,400 interviews with businesses with sales of $10 million to $500 million across the country.

“Customer service, competitive products and services and our relationship bankers are cornerstones of our bank’s success. So anytime we earn a designation of this importance, it’s a true testament to our hard-working employees and our laser-focus on taking care of our customers’ personal and business banking needs,” said William H.W. Crawford IV, CEO and president of United Bank. 

In the wake of momentous, and almost simultaneous, decisions by Amazon and GE to essentially back out of huge deals they had struck with New York and Boston, respectively, there came waves of commentary hinting that the era of huge corporate location, or re-location, subsidies might finally be coming to an end because evidence was mounting that they’re just not working.

Analysis

Alas, this is probably, if not almost certainly, wishful thinking. Instead of ushering in an end to this habit of cities, states, and regions handing out billions to billionaires on the promise that they will bring tens of thousands of jobs, the events in Boston, and especially New York, only demonstrate why they won’t be ending anytime soon.

Indeed, while many are praising New Yorkers for standing up to Amazon and saying ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to these corporate handouts ($3 billion in this case), many, many more are lamenting a lost opportunity, criticizing the critics for letting a very big fish work its way off the line. And for the record, New York didn’t really stand up to Amazon. Instead, the corporate giant simply decided it didn’t want to take the heat and the criticism and would much rather go where it was not just welcome, but entirely and unabashedly welcome.

And why not? Seemingly within minutes after it was announced that Amazon would not be building in Queens, elected officials in New Jersey, who finished out of the running in the huge sweepstakes to land Amazon’s second headquarters, said, in essence, ‘our offer is still on the table; take another look at us.’ Please. Please!

No, New York’s loss wasn’t in any way a victory for anyone. It didn’t change the equation, and New York is out roughly 25,000 jobs. Amazon just changed the rules slightly but importantly by saying, ‘give us a huge re-location subsidy and don’t criticize us in any way about taking it.’

And the reality is that it’s on seemingly very safe ground as it says that.

Why? Because as we’ve said many times, jobs are now — and will continue to be for decades to come — the most precious commodity on the planet, and cities and states will do whatever it takes to land them.

Even cities like New York and Boston, which shouldn’t have to compete for them. Indeed, in a perfect world, giant corporations should be paying huge subsidies to come to those cities, which have the skilled workers and the vitality and quality of life to attract more of them. They should be paying subsidies to help those cities battle homelessness, feed the poor, and help the have nots join the haves.

But this isn’t a perfect world. When Seattle’s City Council passed a tax on large employers to fund an initiative to combat homelessness, Amazon threatened to stop major expansion plans, putting 7,000 jobs at risk. Not surprisingly, the tax was rescinded.

Not surprisingly, because City Councils don’t hold the real power in such matters; major corporations like Amazon do.

In the wake of the company’s decision to scuttle its plans for Queens, many are calling what happened a victory for New York and other cities like it. Call us skeptical, but we’re not sure what, if anything, was won unless cities and states are willing to stop playing this game. And we just don’t see that happening.

AGAWAM — The Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) will stage its Annual Leadership Conference on April 4 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place with a focus on measuring success as you motivate and inspire your team to improve performance.

“Great leadership is genuine. It’s developed through perseverance and learning from experience, all while boosting those around you to new heights.”, says Meredith Wise, President of the Employers Association of the NorthEast.  “In a time which we know that employees won’t stay with weak leaders, it’s more critical than ever to make sure that managers and supervisors know how to lead.”

The program will feature Jim McPartlin, vice president of Leadership Development for Forbes Travel Guide. McPartlin’s keynote will challenge attendees to bring integrity to their leadership responsibilities, even when times get tough.

He has held several leadership positions in the hospitality industry with companies such as W Hotels Worldwide, Walt Disney Company and Lowes Hotels & Resorts. McPartlin has more than 20 years of experience as a certified teacher in the Enneagram, which is a powerful gateway to self-awareness and understanding of others.

A second keynote will be presented by Tim Hebert, a perennial entrepreneur, innovator, author, speaker, and adventurer. Hebert will ignite the leadership spark in attendees in a keynote focused on the choices of leadership and techniques to help live your life by design, not by default.

Between keynote presentations the Leadership Conference attendees will have access to dozens of breakout session topics ranging from performance management, to diversity and inclusion, to perfecting “C-Suite speak,” and more.

The cost for the program is $360 per person with discounts for three or more. Register at www.EANE.org/leadership-2019 or via phone at (877) 662-6444. The program will offer 5.75 credits by the HR Certification Institute and SHRM. Sponsoring the program are the HR Certification Institute and Constellation.                                .

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University’s Center for International Sport Business (CISB) will host a talk by former Madison Square Garden Company executive Bob Lynn on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Sleith Hall, Wood Auditorium. Lynn will speak on sport and corporate finance as part of the Center’s “For the Love of the Games” speaker series. The event is free and open to the public. 

Lynn has a long and distinguished career managing the financial affairs of iconic brands, including Andersen Consulting, PepsiCo, Merrill Lynch, and International Paper. At Western New England, he will address his work as senior vice president and treasurer of The Madison Square Garden Company, the parent of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Liberty, and the famed arena the teams call home. 

Established in 2007, the CISB is a forum for the study of the business of sport with an international focus. In addition to bringing to campus more than 40 influential personalities from sport and business, the Center organizes a summer Seminar Abroad Program that has led six student trips to three Olympic Games and three FIFA World Cups.

This event, part of the “For the Love of the Games” speaker series, is hosted by the Center for International Sport Business and sponsored by the Western New England University Alumni Association. For more information, contact CISB Director, Curt Hamakawa at (413) 782-1786 or [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — Join historian and author Dan Bullen for his presentation, “Captain Daniel Shays & America’s First Nonviolent Protest” at the Springfield Armory Museum on March 9 at 2 p.m.

The program will take place in the museum theater. Admission is free. Reservations are required due to limited seating.

On Jan. 25, 1787, Daniel Shays marched 1,200 farmers and veterans to Springfield to seize the federal arsenal’s stockpiles of weapons, to keep them from falling into the hands of the Governor’s army, which was coming to impose martial law in the Connecticut River Valley.  

For five months, Shays and the farmers of Massachusetts had peacefully protested the state’s economic policies, which explicitly favored the merchant elites, but the governor and other leaders saw the people’s opposition as a threat to the state’s authority. Bullen writes that he found this story deeply engaging “not just as a local history, but as an ongoing story of Americans banding together to protect the liberties they’d won in the Revolution.”

On March 9 Bullen will tell the story of the economic, social, and political factors that brought thousands of men in arms to Springfield in 1787, and ultimately led to reforms in Massachusetts and then to the drafting of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The Springfield Armory National Historic Site it is the location of the nation’s first armory (1794 – 1968) and was established by George Washington. The site includes historic grounds, buildings, and the world’s largest historic American military firearms collection. For further information call (413) 734-8551, or visit  www.nps.gov/spar.