HOLYOKE — The Boston Business Journal has announced the region’s Top Corporate Charitable Contributors, and, for the 11th year in a row, PeoplesBank is among the companies included.

The region’s top charitable companies, which include, in many instances, the companies’ corporate foundations, will be honored at the Boston Business Journal’s 13th annual Corporate Citizenship Awards on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 6 at Fenway Park in Boston.

“Our mutual charter and organizational values support everything we do, and that is why we are succeeding as a community bank,” said Matthew Bannister, first vice president, Marketing & Innovation at PeoplesBank. “We have a unique ability to help the communities we serve through the considerable volunteer efforts of our associates and the millions of dollars in donations to charitable and civic causes we have made over recent years.”

The Boston Business Journal’s Top Corporate Charitable Contributors list is composed of companies that gave at least $100,000 to Massachusetts-based charities in 2017.

CHARLEMONT — Zoar Outdoor recently trained five new guides to lead its canopy-tour experience in a 40-hour process that covered topics from safety to assessing the guest’s state of mind.

All five guide candidates aced written exams and technical drills on June 15, the last day of the training. Hired for the remainder of the season, which ends in November, were Brian Schempf, Matt Drazek, Haley Rode, Abby Schlinger, and Tynan Hewes. All of the trainees had previous experience riding a zipline, and they all also had outdoor experience ranging from hiking to mountain climbing.

Rode, a recent high-school graduate from Mohawk Trail Regional High School, will head to the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams in the fall. She was inspired to train for a Zoar job because three older siblings have worked at Zoar; she and her older brother, Sam, will get to work together.

Schlinger, will attend Skidmore College in the fall. As she trained, she said, “I’m trying to be more conscious about learning the procedures — paying attention to those small details that might be overlooked as a guest.”

All the trainees said that, while training, they felt the sense of responsibility that would come with being a guide.

“I’m focusing on learning how to be a good guide,” said Hewes. “I want to learn how to communicate with guests and ensure they have an awesome trip.”

Zoar currently has 43 guides for its zipline canopy tour, which was the first zip tour in southern New England and one of the first in the country; it is intricate and set entirely in the treetops, with 11 ziplines, two sky bridges, and three rappels.

“I love being a part of the new guides’ experience,” said trainer Ruben Perkins, who lives on site as the assistant lodging manager. “I love to see them work.”

Conversely, Rachel Maestri Hailey, Zoar’s canopy-tour manager, said she enjoys watching the guides lead their first training.

“Zoar is about empowering staff to take on more responsibility and empowering them in their careers and lives,” she said. “It’s satisfying to watch them grow.”

SPRINGFIELD — It’s time to recognize the region’s top-performing companies. The Springfield Regional Chamber has issued a call for nominations to its annual Super 60 program.

To be eligible, companies must be independent and privately owned, have revenues of at least $1 million in the last fiscal year, be based in Hampden or Hampshire county or be a member of the Springfield Regional Chamber, and have been in business for at least three full years. Companies will be honored for percentage of revenue growth over a full three-year period or total revenues for the latest fiscal year. Honorees will be feted at the Super 60 Celebration on Friday, Oct. 26.

Companies may be nominated by financial institutions, accountants, or attorneys, or be self-nominated. Nominees must provide net operating revenues for the last three full fiscal years, verified and signed by an independent auditor. All financial information must be reported using generally accepted accounting principles, and will be held and considered confidential and will not be released without prior approval.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Aug. 17. To download the nomination form, click here.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College announced appointments to three positions: dean of Library, dean of Academic Initiatives, and assistant vice president/chief Information officer.

Erica Eynouf was named dean of Library, effective May 4. She joined the college in September 2012 as a reference library, and had served as interim dean of library services since August 2017.

The library is one of several departments that will move to the Ira H. Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons in Building 19, now under construction. The building, expected to open in the fall, will become the center of campus life.

“It’s an exciting time because we’re moving into a new building,” Eynouf said. “We have the opportunity to completely transform not only the physical delivery of our services but how we organize the library, how we deliver electronic content. This is a great opportunity to transform ourselves into something else, something more relevant to what the students need in terms of online engagement.”

Eynouf holds a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College in Boston. She received her bachelor’s degree in critical social theory from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley.

“Erica Eynouf is committed to developing a user-friendly library,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Geraldine de Berly. “Her support of open educational resources attests to finding ways to make college more affordable for students. Her vision of how the library will be configured in the new space supports the student-centered learning framework which is at the heart of how Building 19 will operate.”

Matthew Gravel was named dean of Academic Initiatives, effective June 1. He was most recently dean of Enrollment Management. He joined STCC in August 2001 as the director of Academic Advising, became registrar in March 2005, and was promoted to dean of Curriculum in January 2012.

Gravel’ s new title better reflects his responsibilities as the college undertakes a variety of academic activities in the 2018-19 academic year, according to de Berly. “In my short tenure at STCC, I have already found Matt Gravel’s expertise extremely helpful. His collaborative approach and the relationships he has built will greatly ease the work that we will be doing as we strengthen current offerings and develop new programs.”

Among his job responsibilities, Gravel will plan and manage academic initiatives and program review efforts.

“I’m excited to work alongside Dr. de Berly and my colleagues in Academic Affairs to take a fresh look at our academic offerings through a careful process of program review,” Gravel said. “This position affords me the opportunity to be at the table when decisions about programming are made, and to that table I will bring a student-centered point of view. This is also a very exciting time to be in public higher education in the Commonwealth, and I look forward to representing STCC in statewide efforts to help ensure the success of our students.”

Gravel earned a master’s degree in education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s degree in English from UMass Dartmouth.

Inder Singh was named assistant vice president/chief Information officer, effective May 7. He had served as interim AVP/CIO since January.

Singh brings a wide range of IT experience to STCC. He served as CIO at Union County College in New Jersey and worked in IT leadership positions for 28 years at the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

“I like problem solving and working in a community-college environment, which is personally satisfying,” Singh said. “I look forward to putting my experience to work at STCC.”

STCC President John Cook said Singh has a comprehensive understanding of hardware, software, and networks and is well-versed in several computer programming languages.

“Since he joined us in January, Inder has proven to be calm, curious, and helpful,” Cook said. “He’s an engaged collaborator who brings technical expertise and management skills. I am confident Inder will offer direction and solutions to meet our future IT goals.”

Singh holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., and earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Delhi University, India.

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest magazine is currently accepting nominations for a new recognition program to honor a specific segment of the local population: women who are making an impact in and on this region. Nominees who score the highest in the eyes and minds of a panel of three independent judges will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Sheraton Springfield.

“We decided to create a special program recognizing women because, after careful consideration, we decided that this region needed one and that BusinessWest was the right organization to do it,” Kate Campiti, associate publisher and sales manager for BusinessWest, explained. “While women have certainly made great strides over the past several decades, and many women have made great achievements and broken through that proverbial glass ceiling, doing so remains a stern challenge for many.”

‘Women of Impact’ was chosen as the name for the program because, while nominees can be from the world of business, they can also be from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, healthcare, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of all these — any inspirational women on any level.

Nominations are due by Aug. 3. For guidlelines to consider when nominating, visit www.businesswest.com/women-of-impact. Nominations may be submitted at businesswest.com/women-of-impact-nomination-information-criteria.

Country Bank is a supporting sponsor of the event, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call Bevin Peters, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Assoc., in conjunction with the Hampden County Legal Clinic and the Springfield City Library, will offer a free public question-and-answer forum on Thursday, July 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This forum will be held at the Mason Square Branch Library, 765 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01109.

The topic of this event will be divorce and family law. A panel of lawyers will be available to answer questions about divorce and family-law topics including child support and custody, adoptions, and guardianships. The attorneys will answer general questions from the public during the information session, and speak about some of the most common scenarios litigants face. Questions will be fielded one at a time in this forum designed for the general public, and opportunities will be available to speak to an attorney in private.

This is a free event, and interested parties can pre-register so staff can budget time accordingly. Contact Caitlin Kelley at the Mason Square Branch Library at (413) 263-6853 or [email protected]. For more information, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org.

WESTFIELD — The Environmental Business Council of New England (EBCNE) recognized the new, $18 million Worcester Ice Center with the James D.P. Farrell Award for Brownfields Project of the Year during its annual meeting and celebration on June 27. The event, which took place at the Copley Square Marriott in Boston, highlighted the multi-million-dollar remediation and redevelopment of the abandoned GKN Sinter Metals Manufacturing Complex into a 38,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art recreational facility on Harding Street in Worcester.

Tighe & Bond oversaw the project’s environmental remediation prior to site redevelopment. Completed last year, the Worcester Ice Center features twin ice rinks, shops, restaurants, and a variety of recreational venues. In addition, it provides a destination boost to the Worcester’s Canal District and the city’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

The James D.P. Farrell Award for Brownfields Project of the Year recognizes brownfields projects in which an EBCNE member organization has had significant involvement and that serves as an example of excellence. Each year, the EBCNE recognizes companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding environmental and energy accomplishments in the promotion of a sustainable, clean environment through the EBEE Awards. These awards were established by the organization to encourage companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and environmental professionals to serve as models for others to emulate and, in doing so, further the mission and objectives of the EBCNE.

LUDLOW — HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts recently named Kathy Casagrande as director of Case Management and Mary-Anne Schelb as Business Development director. These leadership-team members will support initiatives to uphold high-quality patient care at the 53-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital located at 222 State St., Ludlow.

Casagrande has been a social worker and case manager in a hospital setting for more than 30 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Western New England College in 1985 and began her career at HealthSouth Western Massachusetts in March 1996 in the capacity of discharge planner. She was promoted to case manager in 1997. Her patient-first approach and team focus have resulted in a high level of patient and family satisfaction.

Schelb serves as director of Marketing Operations at HealthSouth Western Massachusetts. She began her career with an accounting certification from St. John’s School of Business and found herself drawn to a more health- and wellness-based path as a holistic health practitioner holding master/teacher certifications from the International Center for Reiki Training. In addition, she is a certified cranial sacral therapist in Profound Neutral from the Neurovascular Institute. An active member of the community, she is a Rotarian as well as a member of numerous associations, including BNI Referral Partners in West Springfield, West of the River Chamber of Commerce, Alzheimer’s Assoc. walk committee, Tri County Partnership for the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Western Mass Eldercare Professionals Assoc., Retirement Marketing Directors Assoc., Western Mass Elder Care conference steering committee, as well as the East of the River Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

BOSTON — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. reported 2018 second-quarter net income of $34 million, which was a 73% increase over 2017 second-quarter net income of $20 million. This primarily reflected the benefit of Berkshire’s Greater Boston expansion through acquisition and business development, resulting in higher market share, increased efficiency, and record profitability.

“We achieved record quarterly return on assets, with income increasing by 35% over the prior quarter,” said CEO Michael Daly. “Commercial loans grew strongly, and our new Boston corporate headquarters teams are receiving good response to our expanded presence in Greater Boston. Our revenue growth and disciplined expense management produced record quarterly earnings per share, positive operating leverage, and improved returns on equity.”

Meanwhile, Daly added, “the integration of acquired operations was completed within plan in the second quarter, and several company-wide initiatives have been accelerated to support the expansion of our deposit product set and delivery channels. Our annual Xtraordinary Day of Service in June tackled 74 community projects across our markets, totaling nearly 7,000 volunteer hours and 92% of our workforce. Our foundation announced the appointment of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officer to expand our multiple community-engagement activities and implement an all-encompassing CSR strategy.”

FARMINGTON, Conn. — First Connecticut Bancorp Inc. (FCB), the holding company for Farmington Bank, reported a 35% increase in net income of $6.7 million, or $0.42 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to net income of $5.0 million, or $0.32 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Net income on a core earnings basis was $7.4 million, or $0.46 diluted core earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to $5.0 million, or $0.31 diluted core earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Core earnings exclude non-recurring items.

On June 19, 2018, First Connecticut Bancorp Inc. announced its entry into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with People’s United Financial Inc., pursuant to which FCB will merge with and into People’s United.

“I am pleased to report solid core second-quarter earnings for the company,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of First Connecticut Bancorp. “As indicated, earnings were impacted by certain one-time charges related to our acquisition by Peoples United Financial Inc. The board of directors and senior management have always focused on shareholder value, and we believe this acquisition maximized shareholder value at a time when, we believe, the operating paradigm is changing for smaller community banks. I would also like to thank our dedicated employees who executed our strategy, which maximized our results for shareholders.”

AGAWAM — As part of the previously announced organizational change to position the company for future growth, OMG Inc. promoted Kevin Bramlett and Adam Cincotta into new business-unit leadership positions for the Roofing Products Division.

Each will oversee all facets of their respective business unit, including strategic sales and marketing activities, planning, forecasting, and manufacturing, as well as business-unit profit and loss.

Bramlett was named director of the metal accessories business unit, which is predominantly OMG EdgeSystems, the company’s line of fascia, coping, and water-control products. OMG EdgeSystems is based in Arden, N.C.

Bramlett has been with the company since July 2012, most recently as the manufacturing manager for the OMG edge business. Before joining OMG, he was a mechanical engineer with Thermo-Fisher Scientific. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Cincotta was named director of the adhesives/solar business unit, which includes OlyBond Adhesives, the industry’s popular line of insulation and fleece membrane adhesive, as well as its OMG PowerGrip line of solar anchors.

Cincotta joined OMG Roofing Products as a product manager in 2014, and was promoted to group product manager in 2017. Before joining OMG, he was with Lenox Tools/Newell Rubbermaid, where he worked as a senior product manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in applied economics and management from Cornell University and an MBA from UMass.

Bramlett and Cincotta will join Web Shaffer as the three business unit leaders for OMG Roofing Products. Shaffer is vice president of the fastener business unit, which includes roofing fasteners, drains, as well as the RhinoBond and AccuTrac Systems. The three business-unit leaders report to Hubert McGovern, president and CEO, as the company continues to search for a general manager for the OMG Roofing Products Division.

SPRINGFIELD — Alta Stark has been named director of Communications for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. She is responsible for developing, writing, and producing various printed and electronic publications, providing printed materials and signs, publicity for events, advertising, and technical support. She will also work to cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media, as well as Catholic media, and produce content for the Sisters of St. Joseph social-media sites.

Stark is a communications professional with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, and the news media. Most recently, she taught graduate-level online courses in public relations for Western New England University. Previously, she served as the director of Marketing & Public Relations for JGS Lifecare in Longmeadow, successfully rebranding the 106-year organization and helping launch the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation. Stark has also served as senior Communications specialist for Baystate Health and Communications director for the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (now the Springfield Regional Chamber) and the Western Mass. Economic Development Council. She also spent nearly a decade producing award-winning broadcast news in several markets in the Northeast, including WWLP 22News.

Stark holds a master’s degree in television, radio, and film with a concentration in broadcast news from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and graduated cum laude from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts with a bachelor’s degree in advertising design. She has served for nearly a decade on the American Advertising Federation’s national board of directors and the Council of Governors as governor for the New England district. She is also an active volunteer for St. Mary’s Parish in Longmeadow.

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley’s affinity group, the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), announced the three agencies it will be celebrating at its Summer Sizzler on Thursday, July 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Carriage House, Barney Estate, Forest Park. Tickets cost $10. To reserve a spot, call Shalana Ali at (413) 737-2691.

The Women’s Leadership Council focuses on girls’ and women’s issues in the community. WLC raises funds each year to award to agencies at this summer event. This year’s awardees are CHD – Terri Thomas Girls Program, YWCA of Western Massachusetts – Young Parent Services Program, and Care Center in Holyoke – Care Center College, academic programs for teen mothers and low-income women.

“Each of these programs provide essential services to equip low- and moderate-income girls and women to lead successful and rewarding lives, which is so important to the Women’s Leadership Council,” said Kathy Dube, interim CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley.

HARTFORD, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

The company reported net income of $15.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $15.8 million, or $0.31 per diluted share. The company reported net income of $16.2 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2017.

“In the second quarter of 2018, United Financial Bancorp, Inc.’s earnings results reflected solid linked quarter net interest margin expansion and net interest income growth. Our company continues to grow loans, deposits, particularly checking accounts, and tangible book value while maintaining strong asset quality, capital, and liquidity,” said William Crawford IV, CEO and president of the company and the bank. “I want to thank our United Bank employees for their steadfast support of our customers and communities.”

Assets totaled $7.21 billion at June 30, 2018 and increased $139.9 million, or 2.0%, from $7.07 billion at March 31, 2018. At June 30, 2018, total loans were $5.48 billion, representing an increase of $93.2 million, or 1.7%, from the linked quarter. Changes to loan balances during the second quarter of 2018 were highlighted by an $85.1 million, or 4.6%, increase in investor non-owner occupied commercial real-estate loans, a $22.0 million, or 7.1%, increase in other consumer loans, a $16.8 million, or 1.4%, increase in residential real-estate loans, and a $6.4 million, or 1.1%, increase in home-equity loans. Loans held for sale increased $22.1 million, or 34.8%, from the linked quarter, as the company observed an increase in saleable residential loan volumes during the second quarter of 2018. Total cash and cash equivalents increased $39.9 million, or 57.7%, from the linked quarter.

Deposits totaled $5.39 billion at June 30, 2018 and increased by $110.9 million, or 2.1%, from $5.28 billion at March 31, 2018. Increases in deposit balances during the second quarter of 2018 were highlighted by a $202 million, or 14.5%, increase in money market account balances, a $21.2 million, or 2.6%, increase in NOW checking account balances, and a $17.4 million, or 2.3%, increase in demand deposit account balances. Offsetting these increases were a $116.2 million, or 6.5%, decrease in certificate-of-deposit balances and a $13.5 million, or 2.6%, decrease in savings deposits.

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know a champion for the next generation of female leaders? The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts announced its new awards program honoring five professionals in Western Mass.

The ToGetHerThere Awards gives area businesses and organizations the opportunity to honor a difference maker from within their ranks who has shown exceptional achievement in their profession, is an inspiration to their co-workers and young women, and has made contributions to their community. The nominated person must demonstrate role-model behavior in their professional career and represent the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

The nomination deadline is Friday, Sept. 1. The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts will honor the winners at the ToGetHerThere Awards Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 2, at MGM Springfield.

Nomination forms and requirements can be found at www.gscwm.org/en/events/special-events/TGHTA.html, or by contacting Melanie Bonsu, (413) 584-2602, ext. 3623, or [email protected]. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of business, community, and civic leaders who will then select the honorees.

SPRINGFIELD — Work Opportunity Center Inc. announced it is a recipient of a $5,000 grant donation from the Westfield Bank Foundation. The money will be put toward the purchase of a vehicle for the Community Based Day Services (CBDS) program.

The CBDS program of supports enables individuals with developmental disabilities to enrich their life and enjoy a full range of community activities by providing opportunities for developing, enhancing, and maintaining competency in personal, social, and community activities.

The program has been set up with five core fundamentals: education, social and recreational, health and wellness, life skills, and employment and volunteerism. Options that are given to individuals who participate in CBDS include career exploration, community-integration experiences to support fuller participation in community life, skills development and training, volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits, health and fitness classes, socialization experiences, and support to enhance interpersonal skills, as well as the pursuit of personal interests and hobbies. The program currently serves 84 individuals.

TURNERS FALLS — The United Arc 2018 Annual Gala & Auction will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15 at Hadley Farms Meeting House in Hadley.

The event offers collections of packages from local businesses and individuals that support the United Arc’s mission. The Priceless Collection showcases the works of local artists, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through being featured at past auctions, some of these artists are increasingly finding opportunities to share their artistic talents.

Leading up to the event throughout the summer, select packages are up for bid online in a web-based catalog. Hosted at www.theunitedarc.org/auction, this catalog also provides previews of raffle prizes and packages for the silent and live auctions available at the gala. The online auction will run Monday, Sept. 3.

Tickets are on sale now. Additional package donations and sponsorships are welcome. To become a sponsor or donate an auction package, contact Development Coordinator Saera Hanlon at (413) 774-5558, ext. 1058, or [email protected].

All proceeds go to support the United Arc’s programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides services to individuals and their families in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester counties.

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBancorp, MHC, the parent company of PeoplesBank, both of Holyoke, and First Suffield Financial Inc., the parent company of the First National Bank of Suffield, both of Suffield, Conn., jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement for PeoplesBancorp to acquire First Suffield Financial and PeoplesBank to acquire the First National Bank of Suffield. The parties anticipate the transaction will close in the fourth quarter of 2018 or the first quarter of 2019.

Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of First Suffield Financial Inc. will receive $12,001.85 in cash per share, representing a total transaction value of approximately $60 million. The merger consideration represents approximately 202% of the First National Bank of Suffield’s tangible book value at March 31, 2018. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of state and federal regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of First Suffield Financial Inc.

“We see this as a tremendous opportunity,” said Tom Senecal, president, CEO, and chairman of the board of PeoplesBank. “The strategic fit between the organizations is compelling, and the compatibility of our award-winning corporate cultures should make for a seamless transition for our associates and our customers. The addition of an existing, successful branch network in Northern Connecticut to our strong presence in the Pioneer Valley will allow us to offer our products and services to a wider audience, while deepening our commitment to the region as a whole.”

Added Joseph Greco, president and CEO of the First National Bank of Suffield, “since our organization in 1864, the First National Bank of Suffield has successfully served our customers and the local communities. We recognize banking is a rapidly changing industry, and to ensure our customers’ needs are fulfilled, while not losing our commitment to the communities we serve, we are merging with PeoplesBank and know that it is an organization which shares our commitment to service and community banking.”

In 2017, PeoplesBank donated almost $1 million to area nonprofits. Its employees devoted more than 15,000 hours to volunteer work over the past two years, and 48 of the bank’s officers serve on the boards of directors and committees of 115 nonprofit organizations in the area. Upon completion of the transaction, PeoplesBank will expand its community-development efforts in Suffield and the surrounding Connecticut communities.

The combined organization will have approximately $2.8 billion in assets and $1.9 billion in deposits. Upon completion of the transaction, one current member of the board of directors of First Suffield Financial will be appointed to serve as a member of the board of trustees of PeoplesBancorp and the board of directors of PeoplesBank. Following completion of the merger, the current branches of the First National Bank of Suffield will remain open and will conduct business under the trade name First Suffield Bank, a Division of PeoplesBank.

SPRINGFIELD — With 600 juggling enthusiasts from all over the world coming to Springfield July 17-22 for the 71st International Jugglers’ Assoc. (IJA) Annual Festival, expect to see plenty of exciting sights on the city streets. Meanwhile, the area’s hoteliers, restaurateurs, and retailers are expecting to see excitement in their cash registers. That’s because the six-day convention is projected to have an economic impact of $1,015,545, according to the Western Mass Sports Commission, a division of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“We are absolutely delighted to host an international event like the IJA for 2018,” said Mary Kay Wydra, president of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB). “The organizers are expecting 600 attendees, and two of our largest downtown hotels have 1,100 room-nights booked as a result. This represents a strong economic shot in the arm for these properties. And we anticipate upbeat business at area eateries and shops as well. It’s a fun, terrific event to have coming into Western Mass.”

The IJA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting jugglers, and is run by an all-volunteer staff. Its membership roster includes professional and hobbyist jugglers from five continents. As part of its multi-day festival, several public events will be held. The Welcome To The Juggle Show, slated for today, July 17, at 8 p.m. at Symphony Hall, features talent and humor from American and international performers. The Cascade of Stars (Saturday, July 21, at 8 p.m. at Symphony Hall) is a highlight of the IJA festival. This performance showcases top-notch juggling and circus talent from around the world.

“The Cascade of Stars is the final theater show of the festival, and I want to mention that it will be a fabulous night of family entertainment,” Wydra said. General-admission tickets are available through the Symphony Hall box office at (413) 788-7033. Massachusetts residents receive 20% off tickets to all shows.

Other opportunities to view world-class jugglers in action include:

• International Youth Juggling Championship & Showcase on Wednesday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Hall. This prestigious stage competition is open to competitors under 18 years old.

• The Renegade Show on Wednesday and Thursday, July 18-19, starting at 11 p.m. at Theodores’ on Worthington Street in Springfield. Admission is free.

•International Team and Individual Juggling Championships on Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Hall. This prestigious international competition features top-level entertainment and offers medals and prize money for juggling performances.

• Appearances at the Downtown Farmer’s Market at TowerSquare Park in Springfield on Friday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Numbers Championships on Friday, July 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. This is a competition to see who can successfully juggle, individually and in teams, the greatest numbers of balls, clubs, rings, and bounced balls.

• Joggling. On Saturday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to noon, jugglers will jog around the Springfield College track while juggling.

MassMutual Center’s Exhibition Hall will be open 24 hours a day during the festival for practice.

GREENFIELD — The duMONT Co. and Hassay Savage Co. announced the promotion of Cynthia Cote to president of both companies. Cote joined duMONT with new ownership in 2016 as the company’s chief financial officer.

Both duMONT and Hassay Savage companies are leaders in linear industrial broaching technology. In 2018, the companies will break ground on a new manufacturing facility to prepare for additional growth through research and development as well as acquisition.

In addition to her accomplishments in manufacturing, Cote and her husband own and run a construction company and a real-estate management company in Shelburne Falls.

NORTHAMPTON — Glendale Ridge Vineyard will host Sunset & Vines, an annual fundraising event for the Northampton Survival Center, on Saturday July, 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 155 Glendale Road in Southampton.

This family-friendly benefit features music by both the Johnny Memphis Band and the Gaslight Tinkers. Food trucks include the Bistro Bus, 850 Artisan Pizza, and Bart’s Ice Cream.

Tickets cost $15 in advance at sunsetandvines2018.brownpapertickets.com, and $20 at the door. All admission costs go directly toward purchasing food for clients who visit the pantry. Children age 12 and under are free. Enjoy a mini-Tanglewood experience by bringing a blanket or chairs and a picnic if you choose. The rain date is Sunday, July 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Established in 1979, the Northampton Survival Center is dedicated to improving quality of life for low-income individuals and families throughout Hampshire County by providing a stable and reliable source of free, nutritious food all year long. With pantries in Northampton and Goshen, the center is open every weekday, and each day distributes more than 3,000 pounds of food to between 90 and 100 of its neighbors in need. The center serves about 4,200 clients over the course of the year, a third of whom are children.

SPRINGFIELD — The Human Service Forum will hold its first annual Human Services Job Fair on Wednesday, August 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield.

This event is free and open to the public. Job seekers of all experience levels are invited to attend, and many bilingual positions are available. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with more than 25 local nonprofit organizations currently looking to fill a wide range of openings.

Employers are involved in a variety of fields including behavioral health, elder care, developmental disabilities, children and families, education, housing and homelessness, addiction recovery, and more. Nonprofit employers are recruiting in many departments, including administrative, direct care, management, human resources, maintenance and operations, finance, and information technology. Visit www.humanserviceforum/jobs for a list of open positions at nonprofit organizations in Western Mass.

EASTHAMPTON — Legacy Counsellors, P.C. is a local law firm that specializes in estate planning, elder law, and business-succession planning for individuals and families throughout the country from offices in Easthampton and Bloomfield, Conn.

In June, Legacy welcomed Chelsea Reilly as a member of the support staff. She has previous experience in wealth management, and has also worked as a graphic designer and an English professor.

Reilly’s hire continues a pattern of growth at the 24-year-old firm. Attorneys Christopher Roy and Jennifer Levesque joined the practice in 2015 and 2016, respectively. They focus their practices in the areas of estate planning, elder law, tax planning, estate administration, and Medicaid planning. Both are frequent speakers at in-house seminars as well as seminars hosted by National Business Institute and various financial institutions located in and around the Pioneer Valley and Hartford County.

Since 2016, Emily Sorbi has provided Legacy’s attorneys and clients support in the areas of document management, marketing, and funding. Thomas Topper, hired in 2017, contributes support in the areas of trust tax return preparation and review, LLC transaction analysis, and internal process improvement.

Those work with veteran support staff Christine Biegner and Russell Rososky, and all are led by founder and President Kevin Quinn, who is also the founder of Wealth Strategies Institute, LLC, which provides continuing education to CPAs, CFPs, attorneys, development officers, and insurance professionals throughout the country.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — KeyBank recently announced the addition of new retail leaders in markets across Connecticut and Massachusetts. Locally, Brandon Ojakian joined KeyBank with the title of vice president and area retail leader in the Northern Conn. and Western Mass. markets.

Ojakian has 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. He joins KeyBank from Santander Bank, where he served as a district executive leading branch teams in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Prior to Santander, he led several retail regions for Citizens Bank.

In his role with KeyBank, he provides leadership to branch teams serving customers in the Windsor, South Windsor, East Windsor, and Enfield branches in Connecticut, and the West Springfield, East Longmeadow, Feeding Hills, Holyoke, Ludlow, Riverdale, Southwick, and Westfield branches in Massachusetts. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Albertus Magnus College.

NORTHAMPTON — In late July, Thornes Marketplace will refurbish and expand an historic window assemblage, installing six new stained-glass window panels designed by a local artist on the Chestnut Staircase behind Share coffee shop.

Heather McLean, owner of Dragonfly Stained Glass Studio in Easthampton, was commissioned to design the panels, which are part of an elaborate, two-and-a-half-story window grouping.

Each new arts-and-crafts-style panel created by McLean is identical, measuring four feet high by two feet wide. They combine bold orange squares with deep blue edging and long, vertical, pale-yellow highlights, and all six windows together will fill a space that is roughly eight feet high by six feet wide.

Above McLean’s stained-glass windows, three tiers of windows original to the building — one overarching transom window and two tiers of oblong windows — will be cleaned, painted, and reinstalled to further refresh the entire collection.

McLean’s panels replace three original stained-glass windows that could not be restored; they will be cleaned, refurbished, and hung in the building at a later date as an art sculpture, said Jon McGee, Thornes facilities manager.

Over the past 10 years, Thornes has taken on a series of major renovations to improve and enhance the eclectic shopping center, including the recreation by a Vermont artist of stained-glass window panels along the Grand Staircase a few years ago.

“We really liked the way it looked. We felt like we were adding to the historic authenticity of the building,” said McGee, noting that, when Thornes leaders got ready to refresh the Chestnut Staircase assembly, they preferred to work with a local artist.

Familiar with McLean and her work, Marketing Manager Jody Doele referred McLean to McGee and Richard Madowitz, Thornes owner and property manager.

Installation of all new window panels is expected to occur in late July and will not disrupt business. Shops will be open and accessible during normal business hours; visitors are encouraged to use the main staircase.

SPRINGFIELD — Google continued its Grow with Google tour in Springfield last week by announcing a sponsorship for FutureWorks Career Center totalling $100,000. The sponsorship will help FutureWorks deepen its available resources to prepare active job seekers with the digital skills necessary to obtain jobs and succeed in the workforce.

FutureWorks will deploy Google’s Applied Digital Skills Curriculum its diverse group of youth and adult job seekers over the course of a year. Some of its staff will also be trained on Google for Jobs and teach active job seekers how to use the online platform to streamline their job search.

“I am very pleased that Google has brought its exciting Grow with Google initiative to the city of Springfield. This digital training program will benefit many small businesses, job seekers, and students in Western and Central Massachusetts,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Neal.​

Launched in October 2017, Grow with Google is the tech company’s new initiative to help create economic opportunities for Americans. The project is an extension of Google’s long-standing commitment to making information and technology accessible to everyone, and focuses on providing digital skills and learning opportunities to communities across the U.S.

SPRINGFIELD — This week, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GHSFH) will celebrate the end of its 30th anniversary, in partnership with the Home Builder’s Blitz program, by building a house to honor the visionary leadership of GSHFH’s past 30 years, including York Mayo, Bob Perry, Bruce and Ruth Pierce, George Burtch, Pastor Led Baxter, First Church in Ludlow, Ellen Freyman, Bill Mazeine, Neil Swinton, Walt Tomala, Jennifer Schimmel, Jason Tsitso, Karen Carlson, and Steve Gelling.

The house, located at 963 Sumner Ave. in Springfield, will be constructed in one week — specifically, exterior complete with interior drywall finished. This build is made possible with the help of habitat partner families, local construction companies, and hundreds of volunteers from the local community, as well as Guatemala. Funding was made possible, in part, through the Beveridge Family Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, the Perry family, the Mayo family, the Lyons family, TNT General Contracting, and many more partners (for a full listing, visit www.habitatspringfield.org).

The Legacy Build Week activities at 963 Sumner Ave. kicked off on July 14 with the wall raising. The build will continue throughout the week from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 21 at 4 p.m., a celebration will take place, kicking off the 31st year with a proclamation from City Councilor Kateri Walsh, along with the blessing of three Springfield homes and their families, including 37 Bristol St., 1512 Dwight St., and 963 Sumner Ave. An ice-cream social and a tour of 963 Sumner Ave. will conclude the ceremony.