BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

Deerfield Strives to Be More Than a Tourist Town

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

While Deerfield boasts drawing cards like Mount Sugarloaf (seen here), Yankee Candle, and others, officials there say this community is much more than a tourist town.

Wendy Foxmyn acknowleged that, when pressed to describe Deerfield with a word or two, most responders would say ‘tourist town,’ or something to that effect.

And, sounding somewhat like the Seinfeld characters in that infamous episode, she said there’s nothing particularly wrong with that.

But she quickly, and repeatedly, stressed that this community that is home to Yankee Candle’s flagship store — one of the most visited attractions in New England — as well as Mount Sugarloaf, Historic Deerfield, and the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservancy and Garden wants to diversify and broaden its commercial portfolio.

“We consider ourselves be more than a tourist town — much more,” said Foxmyn, who has served several area communities in the town administrator role, including Deerfield for the past two years. She noted that the town’s location, roughly halfway between Northampton and Greenfield, could make it ideal as a home from which a business or nonprofit could effectively serve both Hampshire and Franklin counties, something many are trying to do at a time of consolidation.

“We’re becoming more of a hub — a central Hampshire-Franklin hub,” she explained. “I’ve been getting calls from service agencies and others who serve both counties who would like to find a central place because they’ve lost funding or anticipate losing funding.”

Meanwhile, Deerfield, population 5,400 or so, wants to take far more advantage of that bevy of tourist attractions than it has historically, said Foxmyn, noting that, far too often, cars and buses filled with those buying candles and admiring butterflies get back in their vehicles and simply return home.

“We want them to look left and look right,” said Foxmyn, referring specifically to Routes 5 and 10, just two of the major thoroughfares the town is blessed with, with Routes 91 and 116 being the others. “We want them to stay and take in more of Deerfield.”

For this to become reality, the town must give visitors more reasons to look left and right, she acknowledged, adding that, while there is a new restaurant, Gianni Fig’s Ristorante, and a new Cumberland Farms in South Deerfield, more development is desired and needed to both broaden the tax base and lengthen the average stay of those coming to Deerfield for an afternoon.

“We’d like to develop more businesses that would be attractive to the people who come here,” she explained. “Maybe places for them to eat after they’ve gone to Historic Deerfield or they’ve hiked up Mount Sugarloaf or gone to Yankee Candle.”

But town leaders know that to attract new businesses — in hospitality and other sectors as well — they need to make their downtown area more inviting and pedestrian-friendly, and they are eyeing a host of improvements in the Elm Street corridor, the main commercial area in South Deerfield.

Planned improvements include work on sidewalks, lights, and perhaps storefront improvements, and the town is exploring avenues for funding such work.

Selectman Trevor McDaniel, a traveling salesman (windows) by trade, told BusinessWest that his work takes him to communities across the region, many of which have made significant investments in their downtowns, and with recognizable results when it comes to those public expenditures spurring private investments and new business ventures.

He believes the same can happen in Deerfield.

“I travel all over Western Mass. … you go to Pittsfield, the streets look great, Great Barrington, everything’s redone, Lenox is really nice,” he said. “A lot of communities have done extensive work to their downtowns — they’ve put in new brick, some granite, planters, new lighting and light poles, and new cement sidewalks, and it looks fantastic. And then businesses freshen up the front of their building.”

For this, the latest installment in its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest looks at how a community known for its butterflies, candles, and arrowheads will look to expand that profile and create new ways for people to describe it.

View to the Future

While Deerfield, as noted, is well-known as the home of Yankee Candle, which has both its manufacturing facilities and flagship store within the town and is therefore a very large employer, it has historically been dominated by small businesses.

And they come across a host of sectors — tourism, obviously, but also agriculture, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and nonprofits.

The goal moving forward, as Foxmyn mentioned, is to simply broaden the portfolio. And the town has many assets to work with as it goes about that task, everything from that attractive location and presence on major highways to a uniform tax rate (several neighboring communities have a higher tax rate for businesses).

The assignment, simply, is to take full advantage of those assets and create still more of them.

Deerfield at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1677
Population: 5,400
Area: 33.4 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential and commercial Tax Rate: $16.57 (Deerfield), $18.24 (South Deerfield)
Median Household Income: $74,853
Median Family Income: $83,859
Type of Government: Open Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Yankee Candle Co., Pelican Products Inc.
* Latest information available

The town’s location, as well as easy access to highways and ample farmland with space for greenhouses, could make it a potential landing spot for marijuana cultivation and/or retail ventures, for example, said Foxmyn, adding that the town, which has placed zoning restrictions on such businesses, has already fielded some inquiries and will carefully consider any that come its way.

“They are knocking on our doors — the industry is swarming us,” she told BusinessWest. “And they’re approaching people locally to get them involved, whether they’re farmers or people who have buildings that might become a retail site.”

Meanwhile, there have been some momentum-building endeavors over the past several months, with several projects in various stages of development.

A machining company, Dumont, will be relocating into the former Oxford Pickle complex, acquired by the town several years ago, joining New England Natural Bakers and a granola-making outfit on that parcel.

On the retail side, both Foxmyn and McDaniel mentioned Gianni Figs, located on the site of the former Sienna restaurant, which gives the community an intriguing dining attraction after the closing of Chandler’s restaurant on the Yankee Candle campus.

The Cumberland Farms is another important addition; plans are advancing for a small market to replace Savage’s, a small market that operated for decades; a bakery/café is going in the old Savage’s site; and an international market is being opened, among other retail developments.

Meanwhile, on the residential side, a large condominium project is now underway. Called the Condominiums at Sugarloaf because it will be built at the base of the mountain, it will have 70 units, presenting more options for those mulling Deerfield as an attractive place to live, including those working at the nearby Five Colleges.

On the municipal side, plans are emerging for a new senior center, said Foxmyn and McDaniel, noting a replacement is needed for an aging, largely inadequate facility. A church that closed several years ago has been donated to the town, and it may become the focus of efforts to create a new senior center.

But perhaps the most significant development involves plans for comprehensive improvements to improve South Deerfield Center, an initiative that has been long discussed, again with that goal of attracting both more tourism- and hospitality-related ventures and service businesses that would serve both the town and the larger region — and keeping tourists in town for a longer stay, spreading the wealth, if you will.

“With all that traffic that comes to Yankee Candle, and now they’ll be filling up at Cumberland Farms — they’ll pull out onto Elm Street and look left or right,” said McDaniel, imaging a scenario from down the road, literally as well as figuratively. “We want them to take that look and say, ‘what’s downtown? Let’s go take a look.’”

There are other items on what could be called a ‘wish list,’ said McDaniel, including much-needed improvements to the town’s sewer system, built in the ’70s and currently serving only a small percentage of the population, but finding the funding for such an endeavor will be a real challenge.

“We’re in the midst of trying to figure out what’s needed, how much it’s going to cost, and who’s going to pay for it,” he explained. “That’s a big topic we’ve been studying for the past 16 months or so; it’s hard to figure out what to do. There’s not a big base of users, and there’s huge expense involved.”

Scents and Sensibility

The more immediate goal is to undertake those improvements to Elm Street and, hopefully see those public investments inspire private investments in the form of new businesses and additional residential projects.

As Foxmyn noted, Deerfield has the location — and the potential — to become an important hub serving two neighboring but very different counties.

This community is already much more than a tourist town, she explained, but it wants to make that abundantly clear to everyone who might come for a visit.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Developments Worth Watching

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

There’s a new pastime in the City of Homes these days — watching the South End of the city become transformed before our eyes as the $950 million MGM Springfield takes shape.

It’s hard to take your eyes off it, really, and the scene changes almost every week and certainly every month. Those working in the office towers with windows facing south — especially those in the upper floors — have it better than the rest of us, obviously, but even the views from ground level are captivating.

As intriguing as this development is to watch, there’s another one to keep your eye on, at least figuratively, because it’s happening roughly 100 miles away in the city of Everett.

This would be Wynn Development’s $2.5 billion casino also starting to take shape. The story there, though, is whether that ‘Wynn’ name will actually appear on the tinted glass hotel tower (odds are it certainly won’t), and if not, what name will.

In case you missed it, Steve Wynn is the now former CEO of Wynn Resorts. He stepped down amid sexual harassment allegations and sold all his stock in the company. That development is bad enough for the company, but it seems that there may be other shoes still to drop — including speculation that such claims of harassment were dismissed or ignored by leaders at the company.

A state investigation is pending, and there is already speculation that Wynn Resorts may not wait for that probe to play itself out before attempting to sell the Everett casino to another player within the industry.

And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what the most logical candidate would be — MGM Resorts. In fact, the Boston Globe reported recently that MGM has approached Wynn officials about buying not only the Everett casino but the entire company.

Like we said, this is a development worth watching, and for many reasons.

The most obvious is that state law does not allow a casino company to own two licenses in the Commonwealth. So that might put MGM in a position where it may be deciding between a Springfield casino and a Boston casino.

Logic dictates that the one in Boston, further from the Connecticut casinos and closer to larger population centers, would be the more lucrative option for the casino giant.

Mayor Domenic Sarno told the Boston Globe that he is confident that the city has “protections” in its agreement with MGM, but that he didn’t want to speculate on what the company might do.

Let’s hope these protections are real and substantial, because while what’s being built in Springfield’s South End is impressive it’s the name behind it that is far more so.

Yes, another casino operator could acquire the Springfield property and operate it in an effective profitable fashion. But the city would likely lose something real and substantial if there was another name over the door to the property.

All of this is speculation, of course, but ever since Steve Wynn got caught up in the #MeToo movement, there has been no shortage of that in the Bay State. And there will be more of it in the weeks and months to come.

Like we said, this development, like the construction in the South End, bears watching.

Tightening Access to Criminal Records

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Opinion

By Brad McDougall

The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a criminal-justice reform bill that narrows the ability of employers to research the criminal records of job applicants, but also provides legal protection from negligent-hiring claims to companies that are unable to view a sealed criminal record.

The state Senate and House of Representatives both passed the measure with overwhelming majorities. Gov. Charlie Baker must now decide to sign or veto it.

Inclusion of the negligent-hiring provision grew out of discussions brokered by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) last summer between sponsors of the bill and employers who rely upon criminal background checks through the state Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI) system. The provision protects employers that conduct background checks and end up hiring individuals with criminal records that are sealed, expunged, or no longer available to employers.

Among its key elements, the reform bill:

• Accelerates the ability of offenders to seal records from 10 years to seven years for felonies and from five years to three years for misdemeanors;

• Raises the threshold that defines felony larceny from $250 to $1200, thus classifying more cases as misdemeanors that can be quickly sealed or expunged;

• Assures that cases dismissed before arraignment do not appear on criminal records;

• Assures that youthful-offender cases tried in juvenile court are treated as juvenile instead of adult CORI;

• Allows expungement of non-serious cases up to age 21 (both juveniles and young adults); and

• Prevents employers from inquiring about sealed or expunged cases.

Organizations that serve vulnerable populations, such as school systems or nursing homes, would continue to have broader access to criminal records.

Brad McDougall is vice president of Government Affairs for Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

Finding People Jobs Is Only Part of Nicole Griffin’s Calling

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Sections Women in Businesss

Teachable Moments

Nicole Griffin says her company’s new name, ManeHire, is meant to evoke the lion-like qualities of strength, courage, and resilience.

A job seeker came to see Nicole Griffin recently after making a careless mistake — one he didn’t even recognize at the time.

The mistake was leaving a temporary position at a large, well-known firm two weeks before his contract was up because he didn’t like the environment and the job wasn’t quite what he thought it would be.

“I said, ‘you kind of ruined all the work you did there for several months by leaving before your assignment ended,’” said Griffin, president of the employment firm she launched in 2013 as Griffin Staffing Network. “That was a teachable moment. I said, ‘you have to make the most of your opportunities. Now you’ve closed your door for a reference. Plus, while you’re there, you’re supposed to network.’”

He quickly realized he’d burned a bridge he was two weeks away from crossing, and he regretted the decision. But he learned from it, and was planning on interviewing for a similar position the day after Griffin sat down with BusinessWest to talk about her company’s client-focused model, its growth over the past five years, and a recent rebranding with a new name, ManeHire.

“It’s nice to have a company in your name — it’s easy for people to recognize who you are when they walk through the door — but I want to let my employees who work internally shine,” she said. “I don’t want the whole focus of the company to be about me, so I’m taking me out of the name and highlighting all the talent we have.”

With physical offices in East Longmeadow, Springfield, and Windsor, Conn. — and a reach well beyond the region — Griffin wanted a new name that evoked lion imagery, for a reason. “I like the lion — it represents strength and courage and resilience, and those are some of the key components you need when you’re looking for employment.”

Griffin put all three attributes to work when building her career. While working at MassMutual as a financial underwriter — providing analysis, sales, and marketing for the company’s products — she became a certified interviewer and started a small nonprofit on the side, called the ABCs of Interviewing. There, she consulted with other nonprofits, companies, and individuals, helping them with interviewing skills.

While volunteering at a MassMutual Community Responsibility event at Western New England University, helping high-school students through a Junior Achievement employment-awareness program, she was struck by some teenagers’ total lack of understanding of how to act and even dress in a job-interview situation, and that soon became a passion for helping people position themselves for employment — a passion she exercised when she left MassMutual to open Griffin Staffing Network.

As the CEO of an agency for temporary, permanent, direct-hire, temp-to-hire, and executive-level positions — placing people in administrative, medical, financial, professional-services, hospitality, insurance, and information-technology jobs — she strives to understand the big picture in the regional employment landscape, while recognizing it’s made up of many small pieces.

“It’s still the same soft skills — showing up to work, the little stuff. Some people don’t realize the value in those things,” she said, again evoking the individual who walked away from his contract, and other, equally cavalier decisions people make.

“Some people don’t realize the weight that has — decisions made in the moment that have a lasting impact,” she said, such as taking time off with no warning on multiple occasions. “There’s a process. You don’t just call out an hour before you’re due to work. You have to be very mindful of the decisions you make.”

Through her work helping client employers find talent, she’s also helping job seekers not only access those jobs, but learn the skills necessary to keep them. In so doing, she knows she’s helping to change lives.

“We impact the family unit,” she said. “Of course, when you offer someone a position, it has an immediate impact on them, but it also impacts the whole family. It’s generational.”

Course Correction

An MP in the Army National Guard in her early 20s, Griffin originally thought her future was in correctional or police work, and she was offered a third-shift job at Hampden County Jail in Ludlow, where her father worked as a correctional officer.

But she wasn’t crazy about the work, as it turned out, or the hours. A friend at MassMutual offered to put in a good word for her there, but warned that’s all she could do — the rest was up to Griffin.

She admitted she wasn’t qualified, but made enough of an impression to get a job offer.

“I learned the value of having someone else speak for you, and how impactful that is,” she told BusinessWest. “And that’s what I want to do for other people. I want to help them find opportunities that may not be reachable by themselves.”

And that’s what she does — but securing an interview is a far cry from nailing down a good job. “You have to do the work. And if you do get a position, you have to maintain it.”

To help people do that, Griffin originally conducted free weekly workshops for applicants to hone their skills on the interview process, proper dress for an interview, business etiquette, and other soft skills. Today, instead of classes and workshops, that training is built into the application process for each job seeker who walks in the door.

“In the interview, we talk about your skill set, but also how we can mentor you. I tell my staff, ‘stop for a moment and really dig into why they left their last place of employment. What is the teachable moment in there for them?’”

Some applicants have walked out of those meetings in tears, shocked at what they didn’t know. “Some are just thankful — ‘no one’s ever told me that; no one’s ever corrected my résumé to tell me about the mistakes are making and why I’m going to all these places and not being selected.’”

Sometimes those tears are necessary, she went on. “I think honesty is key. You have to be honest with people and speak their language.”

Still, while the soft-skills gaps Griffin encounters aren’t surprising, they can be troublesome. Moreso are applicants she encounters who lack even the basics of financial literacy — who don’t know how a checking account works, or wonder why that account shows just a tiny balance after a direct deposit on payday, only to be told by the bank that the account had been $500 in the red. She recalled one woman who brought in her mother so these concepts could be explained to both of them.

“Financial literacy is passed down from generation to generation. It’s real for people. Things we take for granted, they honestly do not know,” she said. “We can make an impact by finding gainful employment for you, but if you’re not understanding how that money works…”

She trailed off, knowing there’s no good conclusion for that sentence — except to keep doing the work she’s doing, helping people gain the skills, knowledge, and wisdom they need to secure and keep good jobs.

“At the end of the day, we want you to be gainfully employed, whether through Griffin Staffing or another employer. We mean that, because it impacts the community.”

Better Days

That community is living through a historically solid economy right now, Griffin said, with Springfield the beneficiary of a string of good news, from MGM Springfield’s opening later this year to CRRC ramping up production of rail cars; from MassMutual and Big Y bringing new jobs to the City of Homes to a wave of entrepreneurial energy in the form of scores of successful startups — hers included.

“It’s a really exciting time for both employers and employees,” she said. “It’s one of those times when the opportunities are there; you have to seize the moment. I’m excited to say I’m from the city of Springfield.”

For those still in the job market, however, it can still be a challenge to find well-paying, satisfying work. A relationship-focused business model, one that digs deep to make the best matches, is appreciated by employer clients who have stuck with Griffin from when she first opened.

“We’re very client- and applicant-focused. Relationships are huge for me,” she said. “Someone may have the hard skills and soft skills, but do they fit into the culture of the company? We look at an applicant as a whole instead of just as a skill set.”

That’s a lesson she learned from MassMutual, when she was hired not necessarily for her raw skills — what they saw on her résumé — but what she brought to the table as a whole person. And it worked out; she was promoted four times.

In seeking to understand the whole person in today’s applicants, she’s come to recognize that young people value flexibility in a work situation as much as — or more than — the salary, which is useful for employers (at nonprofits, for instance) who can’t pay as much as they’d like. In short, today’s young job seekers will often sacrifice in the pay department to gain work-life balance. They also want a clear picture of where they’ll be in a few years, and how they will fit into a company culture, add value, and grow.

When the unemployment rate is low, she added, employers obviously find it more difficult to secure workers with the skill sets they need. “So what we’re doing is going after passive candidates — someone who’s currently employed but may be open to new opportunities.”

Over the years, Griffin has leveraged the skills of her staff to provide recruiting opportunities and career guidance to current and graduating students at area colleges and universities, was recognized with the Community Builder Award from the Urban League for helping meet employment needs in Springfield, and was named to the BusinessWest 40 Under Forty class of 2014 — and then won the magazine’s Continuing Excellence Award last year.

She also serves on the boards of YWCA of Western Massachusetts and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, and partners each year with the New England Farm Workers Council to hire a summer job applicant. “It’s very important that we give back to the community because we live here too, and our children are growing up here.”

That’s why she sees her work as making the community a better place to live, one job at a time. She’s especially gratified at the success stories that advance far beyond entry level, like a marketing intern who advanced to an executive role in an insurance company, and someone who went from working in a local warehouse to managing it.

“That’s so cool. That’s what empowers me, to see people grow in their positions. That’s so exciting,” Griffin said. “I love what I do. I don’t feel like I work. I get to get up and do what I love every single day. And I want people to wake up feeling the same way I do.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Agenda Departments

‘Protecting Your Assets’ Panel

April 18: Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc. will host “Protecting Your Assets Part III” starting at 6 p.m. at Springfield Central Library, 220 State St. The event is in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month and is free and open to the public. Call (413) 263-6500 to reserve a seat. This year’s panelists include Julius Lewis of the Metrocom Group and the Lewis and Marrow Financial Hour, which airs Wednesdays on STCC radio; and attorney Sara Miller, who specializes in elder law and estate planning. New this year is attorney Martin O’Connor, an authority on tax issues and who helps low-income, non-English-speaking taxpayers understand their rights and responsibilities as taxpayers.

Caritas Gala

April 21: Plans are underway for Mercy Medical Center’s second annual Caritas Gala at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The gala, with its Motown-inspired theme “Reach Out,” will raise funds to support Mercy Behavioral Health Care and the Mercy Emergency Department’s Opioid Community Outreach for education, intervention, and treatment. The Caritas Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, live entertainment from the band Motor City Magic, and a silent auction. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m., following by a live auction and dancing until midnight with music from the band Radiance. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Caritas Gala, visit www.mercycares.com/caritas-gala.

Mayors’ Economic Forum

April 26: “Mayors Meet Millennials” is the title of the 2018 New England Knowledge Corridor Mayors’ Economic Forum at Goodwin College in East Hartford, Conn. The program begins with coffee and conversation from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., followed by the conference program from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Participating mayors include Domenic Sarno (Springfield), Richard Kos (Chicopee), Marcia Leclerc (East Hartford), Erin Stewart (New Britain), and Luke Bronin (Hartford). Registration options and more information will be available soon.

BFAIR Annual Meeting

April 27: Berkshire Family & Individual Resources Inc. (BFAIR) will host its annual meeting at Berkshire Hills Country Club, 500 Benedict Road, Pittsfield. The breakfast, set to begin at 7:30 a.m., will include the presentation of several awards for employee recognition, as well as the recognition of the community partner of the year, Richard Alcombright, former mayor of North Adams, longtime advocate for people with disabilities, and currently serving as vice president, Local Business & Customer Relations manager at MountainOne. Additionally, the chairman of the board will offer remarks on the organization’s continued expansion throughout the Berkshires and into Hampden and Hampshire counties. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Chris May, an advocate and photographer with Down syndrome. This event is sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union. The cost is $10 per person. To attend the annual meeting, RSVP by Friday, April 20 to Carol Fox at (413) 664-9382, ext. 40, or [email protected], or online at www.bfair.org.

Document Shred Day

April 28: Kelley & Malmborg Investment Consulting Group announced it will host a document shred day event on Saturday, April 28 at 9 a.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St. The event, co-hosted by Valley Green Shredding, is open to the public, with all proceeds going to the Northampton Senior Center. Shredding will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis until the truck is full or 11 a.m., whichever comes first. A maximum of three boxes per car will be accepted, with a $5 minimum donation. No household items, electronics, metal clips, or rubberbands will be accepted.

Financial-industry Forum

May 3: Training and Workforce Options (TWO), a partnership between Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), will host an employer-engagement forum focused on the financial-services industry from 8 to 10 a.m. at STCC’s Scibelli Hall, Rooms 701 and 702. The forum will provide financial professionals with information on workforce-development training opportunities and related services offered by experienced trainers from HCC and STCC. TWO representatives also will discuss how regional businesses can secure Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Grants to enhance training efforts for their workers. The forum is geared toward financial professionals and their businesses, with the goal of gathering input about workforce-development needs. The event is free, and refreshments will be provided. The deadline to register is April 27. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search ‘STCC.’

Community Shredding Day

May 11: The Hampden County Bar Assoc. is partnering with Pro-Shred Security and Century Investment Co. to hold a community shredding day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Century Shopping Center, 219 Memorial Ave., West Springfield (to the right of Bob’s Discount Furniture). Shredding protects private information, and recycling helps the environment. This event is free and open to the public (four-box limit), with a donation of a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry.

Excel Skill Training

May 14-18: Tech Foundry will offer a four-day Excel skill training the week of May 14-18 (every day but May 16) from 9 a.m. to noon at 1391 Main St., ninth floor, Springfield. Because its first Excel class offered to area companies and their employees was such a success, Tech Foundry is eager to meet the Excel needs of more area employers and their employees. The class will cover advanced formulas; tables and formatting; conditional formatting; advanced charting; pivot tables and pivot reporting; VBA and macros; using Excel productively; data tables, simulations, and Solver; Excel integration; and optimizing Excel. The cost per student is $750. To register, e-mail [email protected]. Employers with fewer than 100 employees are eligible for a 50% tuition reimbursement from Commonwealth Corp.

NAMI Walkathon

May 20: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts will be holding its 18th annual walkathon, “A Journey of Hope and Recovery,” at Stanley Park’s Beveridge Pavilion Annex in Westfield from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The walk is suitable for all ages and will directly benefit the continuing efforts of NAMI – Western Mass. to help improve the lives of individuals living with mental illness and their families. Among the festivities will be guest speakers, entertainment, refreshments, and raffles. For further information, call (413) 786-9139 or visit www.namiwm.org/events for entry and sponsorship forms. Volunteers are needed.

‘Thrive After 55’ Wellness Fair

June 15: State Sen. Eric Lesser and Health New England announced that they will host the second annual “Thrive After 55” Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Springfield College’s Blake Athletic Complex, located at 263 Alden St., Springfield. The fair is free and open to the public. With more than 40 local organizations ranging from health and fitness to nutrition to elder law, the event will connect residents of the First Hampden & Hampshire District with information and resources to help them thrive. The free program includes a boxed lunch, educational seminars, hundreds of raffle prizes, and access to information and experts to talk to. To RSVP, call (413) 526-6501 or visit www.senatorlesser.com/thrive.

40 Under Forty Gala

June 21: BusinessWest’s 12th annual 40 Under Forty Gala is a celebration of 40 young business and civic leaders in Western Mass. The lavish cocktail party, to be held starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, will feature butlered hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and entertainment — and, of course, the presentation of the class of 2018, which will be unveiled in the April 30 issue of BusinessWest. The 40 Under Forty sponsors include PeoplesBank (presenting sponsor), Northwestern Mutual (presenting sponsor), Isenberg School of Management, the MP Group, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, Health New England, Development Associates, Renew.Calm, and YPS of Greater Springfield (partner). Tickets will go on sale soon at $75 per person (tables of 10 available), and the event always sells out quickly. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected]. Also at the gala, the fourth Continued Excellence Award honoree will be announced. Nominations will be received at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award until May 14. Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-17 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Northwestern Mutual.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Michael Elbery v. Frazier Auto Service Inc.
Allegation: Multiple incidents of damage to truck: $1,600
Filed: 2/8/18

Dianna Eaglen v. Cedar Auto Sales, LLC
Allegation: Breach of warranty, misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment: $10,000
Filed: 3/8/18

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT
Michael Bessey v. Wal-Mart Stores East, LP and Alan Siok d/b/a Siok & Son Excavation
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $3,846
Filed: 3/9/18

Tayvion Harris by his mother and next friend, Christy Cussion, and Chrissy Cussion individually v. John Doe and R.C. Jackson Transportation Co., LLC
Allegation: Negligence; while being transported from daycare, plaintiff came out of his booster seat and fell out passenger door of moving vehicle, causing injury: $2,590.24
Filed: 3/14/18

Hop River Concrete Inc. v. CFI Design Management Inc. and 295 Burnett Road, LLC
Allegation: Money owed for services provided: $21,102.06
Filed: 3/16/18

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Gigi’s Pizzeria, LLC and Jacob A. Decesare
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $4,338.32
Filed: 3/16/18

Jessica Aitken v. 342 Inc., Thomas P. Murphy, and Daniel v. Dineen
Allegation: Failure to pay wages owed, failure to pay minimum wage, and unlawful withholding of tips: $25,000
Filed: 3/19/18

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Donna McAdam v. Pyramid Management Group, LLC
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $43,517.94
Filed: 3/5/18

Christopher Richard v. G4S Secure Integration, LLC; Adesta, LLC; and John Doe as agent/manager
Allegation: Failure to pay prevailing wages, failure to pay overtime wages, fraud and misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment: $100,000
Filed: 3/6/18

Shamar Goldsberry and Patricia Goldsberry v. Northern Heights, LP
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $59,358.61
Filed: 3/8/18

Rebecca Garcia v. Neighborhood Homes, LP
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $8,803.15
Filed: 3/8/18

Donna Bourget v. Tri-State CDL Training Center Inc.
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $52,418
Filed: 3/8/18

Elizabeth Pezzote-McMahon v. Stop and Shop
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing injury: $5,350.07
Filed: 3/9/18

Richard Thompson and Donna Thompson v. Sturdy Home Improvement Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract, negligent infliction of emotional distress: $125,000
Filed: 3/13/18

HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT COURT
Broadcast Music Inc. v. Cutting Edge Broadcasting Inc. d/b/a WEIB-FM
Allegation: Money owed for services provided: $7,682.66
Filed: 3/9/18

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Kimberly Cobb and Brian Cobb v. Valley Stump Grinding, LLC
Allegation: Negligence, slip and fall causing injury: $592,935.83
Filed: 3/21/18

Lisa Jacobs v. Sunrise Senior Living Services Inc., Sunrise Senior Living Management Inc., Felipe Miestre, Larry Steinhauser, Sarah Laidlaw, Tiffany Gullette, and Ginger Arsenault
Allegation: Defamation: $10,000,000
Filed: 3/23/18

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Arbella Insurance Group a/s/o Benito Rocca v. Hydro-Pro Irrigation Inc.
Allegation: Defendant caused water damage to plaintiff’s property by negligently servicing sprinkler system: $11,487.46
Filed: 3/12/18

Springfield College, Special Olympics to Host Volleyball Tournament

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Department of Sport Management and Recreation, in collaboration with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts, will host a volleyball tournament at Blake Arena and the Field House inside the Wellness and Recreation Complex on Sunday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper will help welcome the participants during the opening ceremony.

The event is in its seventh year, with a new class of graduate students in the sport management program handling the operations in conjunction with Jon Scully, the sports manager for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

More than 30 teams and 400 participants from throughout New England will take part in this tournament, marking the seventh consecutive year the Department of Sport Management and Recreation will partner with the Special Olympics of Massachusetts to host this event on campus.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, and other health-related programming to 12,168 children and adults with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics Athletes, and the community.

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to fully participate in this event, call the Department of Sport Management and Recreation at (413) 748-3693 to discuss your accessibility needs. Springfield College is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.

Pathlight Taps Andrew Caires as New CFO

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pathlight, a provider of services for residential and community services for people with intellectual disabilities, has named Andrew Caires its chief financial officer and vice president of Administration, effective April 9.

“I am thrilled that Andy has joined the organization” Executive Director Ruth Banta said. “His financial skills, human-services experience, and compassion will help Pathlight continue to advance its mission.”

Caires has significant experience in human services. He was the financial director for Hawthorn Services for 15 years. When Hawthorne merged with the Center for Human Development, he became CHD’s director of Fiscal Services. Most recently, he was the controller for the Williston Northampton School.

“I am happy to join an innovative and energized organization with a distinguished history of having a positive impact on the intellectual-disability community,” he said.

Caires has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting from Western New England University and an MBA from UMass Amherst. He has maintained his certified public accountant (CPA) designation.

Pathlight has been providing programs and services to people with developmental disabilities since 1952. Its programs include residential homes, supports for independent living, family-based living, recreation, enrichment, employment supports, family resources, autism supports, and more.

Berkshire Bank Honored for Corporate Social Responsibility

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that it received the 2017 Communitas Award for Leadership in Community Service & Corporate Social Responsibility. The Communitas Awards, administered by the Assoc. of Marketing and Communication Professionals, recognize businesses that give of themselves and their resources to their communities.

Nominees were evaluated on the extent and effectiveness of their efforts, with winners selected for specific programs involving volunteerism, philanthropy, and sustainable business practices. Some businesses, such as Berkshire Bank, were also recognized with Leadership awards because of their excellence in multiple programs.

The award recognized Berkshire Bank’s comprehensive corporate social-responsibility activities, including volunteer, philanthropy, and sustainability efforts, as well as responsiveness to community needs through products, services, and engagement activities. Annually, Berkshire Bank and the Berkshire Bank Foundation provide more than $2 million in financial contributions as well as scholarships to high-school seniors. In addition to financial support, the XTEAM, the bank’s employee volunteer program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours.

Pioneer Valley Credit Union Awards $4,000 in Scholarships

By BusinessWest Staff April 17, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pioneer Valley Credit Union announced the recipients of its 2018 college scholarship program. Each year, PVCU selects four students to receive a $1,000 scholarship to help with college expenses; over the years, it has awarded $70,000 in all. The 2018 recipients were honored at the credit union’s 95th annual meeting on April 2. The scholarships are named in honor of board of directors members who have dedicated their time and service to Pioneer Valley Credit Union and to the credit-union movement.

The 2018 recipients are a group of young adults who have proven themselves in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in various activities and clubs. Miya Walto of Smith Academy received the Maurice O’Shea Scholarship, John Fiester of Monson High School received the Richard Borden Memorial Scholarship, Janiya Dixon of Longmeadow High School received the Ignatius Collura Scholarship, and Fiona Cioch of Westfield High School received the Ted Klekotka Memorial Scholarship.

“These amazing young adults are the future, and we are excited to invest in their education,” said Anabela Grenier, Pioneer Valley Credit Union president and CEO. “On behalf of the Pioneer Valley Credit Union board of directors and staff, I would like to congratulate all of our 2018 college scholarship recipients and wish them continued success.”

WSU Sigma Tau Delta Students Attend Annual Convention

By BusinessWest Staff April 16, 2018

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Eight Westfield State University students traveled to the annual Sigma Tau Delta Convention, held recently in Cincinnati.

Accompanied by English Professors Glen Brewster, Ph.D., and Elizabeth Strr Ph.D., were Jamie Boucher of East Bridgewater, Elizabeth LBruna of Enfield, Ashley Linnehan of Merrimac, Christine Luongo of Marshfield, Katie Morris of Avon, Elizabeth Potter of Warren, Morgan Stabile of Westfield, and Lilly Whalen of Plymouth.

Sigma Tau Delta is the English Honor Society that strives to recognize excellence in all areas of English language and literature studies, encourage further achievement in these areas, provide cultural stimulation on college campuses, and foster all aspects of the disciplines of English, including literature, language, and writing.

Every spring, Sigma Tau Delta holds its annual international convention, an event that allows members and sponsors from all over to share experiences and expertise, be recognized for their achievements, and participate in the official proceedings of the Society. The convention also provides opportunities to discover new ideas in English and English-related disciplines, while engaging with speakers, presenters, and texts.

Everyone that submits to present entered in a contest for best paper of their respective categories. Potter was awarded first place for Creative Non-Fiction and in this year’s elections, and Linnehan was elected as associate student representative for the Eastern Region.

WSU’s chapter of STD has been helping students attend this annual convention for over 15 years. Students who attend the convention are members of the honor society, which requires them to have taken at least two classes in English beyond their first-year writing courses. In those classes, students must have at least a 3.0 and should be in the top 35 percent of their class.

$5 Million in Climate-vulnerability-preparedness Funding Available

By BusinessWest Staff April 16, 2018

Daily News

REVERE – Continuing its commitment to working with communities and local partners to prevent and prepare for climate change, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced $5 million in supplemental funding for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program.

The grant and designation program, which was created last year as part of Gov. Baker’s Executive Order 569, provides communities with funding, technical support, climate change data and planning tools to identify hazards, develop strategies to improve resilience, and implement priority actions to adapt to climate change.

Baker recently filed legislation that would put the MVP Program into law, as well as authorize more than $1.4 billion in capital allocations for investments in safeguarding residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change, protecting environmental resources, and investing in communities.

To further assist communities in planning for climate change impacts, the Baker-Polito Administration has also launched a new website, resilient MA Climate Clearinghouse,which will provide communities access to the best science and data on expected climate change impacts, information on planning and actions communities can deploy to build resiliency and avoid loss, and links to important grant programs and technical assistance.

The site, which was built with data developed through a partnership between EEA, the Northeast Climate Center at UMass-Amherst and the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, provides access to statewide climate change projections showing how temperature, precipitation and sea level rise will change through the end of the century, which any user can overlay with other data of interest, including information on emergency facilities, infrastructure and natural resources.

“The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program and our new Climate Clearinghouse website are a vital part of our administration’s efforts to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard residents, municipalities and businesses from the impacts of climate change,” said Gov. Baker. “These resources will ensure all Massachusetts communities have access to the best data and planning tools to make scientifically-sound and cost-effective decisions as they work to prepare for the challenges ahead.”

Through the MVP Program, municipalities work through a community-based workshop process to identify key climate-related hazards, vulnerabilities and strengths, develop adaptation actions, and prioritize next steps. Results of the workshops and planning efforts are then used to inform existing local plans, grant applications, budgets, and policies. Upon successful completion of the program, municipalities are designated as a “Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program Community,” and are eligible for follow-up grant funding and other opportunities. There are currently 74 MVP communities across the state, representing over 20% of the state’s municipalities.

“The changing climate will have significant impacts from the hills of the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands, so we encourage all communities in every corner of the state to apply for the MVP program,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Climate Clearinghouse website will also provide an incrediblyimportant tool to help our state and local officials understand how the climate is projected to change over the next century and what risks different part of the state will be dealing with, and allow us to better work with cities and towns, local agencies, organizations, and institutions across the state to plan and adapt for the future.”

Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper to be Honored at Women’s Fund Event

By BusinessWest Staff April 16, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) will host its annual Women Lead Change: A Celebration of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) Class of 2018 on June 4 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

The event features a keynote address by Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper. The Women’s Fund will present Kasper with the ‘She Changes the World’ award, honoring her exceptional contributions for leading not only her local department, but also leading on a national level with regard to transparent data, hiring practices, and other local initiatives that have shaped community policing for the better.

More than 300 guests are expected at the annual celebration of graduates of the Women’s Fund LIPPI program, the only leadership program of its kind in the Commonwealth. The event recognizes the accomplishments of the 31 graduates of the LIPPI Class of 2018, who have participated in 11 educational sessions over nine months designed to address the shortage of women stepping into public leadership. LIPPI gives women tools and confidence to become more involved civic leaders and to impact policy on the local, state, and national levels. Proceeds for this annual event empower the Women’s Fund’s mission.

“We’re thrilled to host our distinguished awardee and celebrate 31 highly-qualified women into the growing ranks of LIPPI alumnae across the Commonwealth,” said Donna Haghighat, WFWM CEO. “We’re excited to spotlight Chief Kasper as a leader who is breaking barriers and who serves as a great role model for other women and girls. Chief Kasper credits her own participation in the LIPPI program for giving her the confidence to raise her hand and step into her leadership role.”

LIPPI graduates range in age from 18 to over 60 and represent a wide spectrum of backgrounds and ethnic groups. They originate from cities and towns across Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to the Boston area. LIPPI alumnae form a strong cohort of women who support one other when they run for office, meet with policy makers, form coalitions, and lead get-out-the-vote efforts.

Kasper was born and raised in Western Mass. She attended Mohawk Trail Regional High School, Greenfield Community College, and Westfield State University. At Westfield she earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and a second master’s degree in Public Administration.

She began her career with the Northampton Police Department in 1998 as a patrol officer. She was part of the Bike Patrol Unit, was a Field Training Officer, a detective, a sergeant, a lieutenant, the detective lieutenant, the captain of Operations, and was appointed as chief in June 2015.

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts Files New Rates with DPU

By BusinessWest Staff April 16, 2018

Daily News

WESTBOROUGH — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, a subsidiary of NiSource Inc., last week filed a petition with the Mass. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to increase annual revenues by $24.1 million, representing a 3.9% increase in current operating revenues.

If approved by the DPU, the change would impact the annual gas bill for a typical residential heating customer by an average of $4.95 per month, or 3.6%. The revised rates take effect March 1, 2019. In the first year after the rates take effect, the $9.1 million refund due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reduce the customer bill impact to an average of $2.80 per month, or 2%.

The request addresses increases in operating and maintenance costs incurred to comply with increasingly stringent federal and state regulatory mandates and capital costs incurred to upgrade gas infrastructure since the last time Columbia Gas changed its rates in 2016. The DPU decision is expected by Feb. 28, 2019, with rates taking effect March 1, 2019.

The Columbia Gas request is reduced by the impact of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which became effective on Jan. 1, 2018. The request includes a proposal for a refund to customers of $9.1 million, beginning on the effective date of the revised rates, related to the benefit of the tax cut as of Jan. 1, 2018. This $9.1 million refund will partially offset the $24.1 million increase in the first year the revised rates are in effect.

The Columbia Gas request for additional revenues conforms to the standard process through which a regulated utility seeks upgrades to its operating platform for the long-term benefit of customers, the company said in a prepared statement announcing the request. The Columbia Gas modernization efforts focus on eliminating the greatest areas of risk on its distribution system, including continuing efforts to build an organization to oversee the replacement of aging infrastructure. These efforts are designed to optimize the efficient distribution of gas and enhance quality assurance.

Replacing leak-prone infrastructure is a leading priority. However, it will take a number of years to eliminate the aging pipe from the gas distribution system, the company said. In view of this, the regulatory landscape is moving to a period of more stringent regulation, operations and maintenance activities, and active enforcement to assure the integrity of the distribution system through continuous improvement activities. “Our core business is to build and maintain the infrastructure necessary to deliver natural gas in a safe, reliable and cost-efficient manner to our 321,000 customers in the 65 cities and towns we serve,” said Steve Bryant, President and Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. “Columbia Gas has responded diligently to directives from the Mass. Department of Public Utilities Pipeline Engineering and Safety Division and lessons learned from historical operations. We have made organizational and work practice changes to meet this important public safety challenge and our continuous improvement efforts have involved every aspect of the Company’s operations.

“These changes involve more work, and therefore, more labor and labor-related costs, including ongoing comprehensive employee training,” he went on. “A new state-of-the-art training facility built in Shrewsbury ensures that our workforce is obtaining the skills and capabilities necessary to achieve full compliance with pipeline safety regulations while executing best practices. To accommodate the resources needed to carry out the increasing volumes of construction activity, we are positioning a new Construction facility in Wrentham to house construction resources, designed with features that optimize operating safety for employees and outside service contractors.”

The filing marks the beginning of the public process of rate setting for a utility, as required by the DPU. Evidentiary hearings on the filing will be held within the next several months.

Patrick Carnevale Named Director of Governor’s Western Mass. Office

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker announced Patrick Carnevale as director of the Governor’s Western Mass. Office in Springfield. Carnevale brings almost 20 years of experience in public service and will be the administration’s primary liaison between Western Mass. constituents and communities.

“Our Springfield office serves as an important connector to support our constituents, local leaders, and municipalities in Western Massachusetts,” Baker said. “With almost two decades of public service and his role in overseeing emergency management for Western Massachusetts, Patrick is uniquely qualified to lead the office, and we are proud to welcome him to our team.”

Added Carnevale, “the communities and people of Western Massachusetts have much to offer the Commonwealth, and I am pleased to contribute to furthering the administration’s important work in the region.”

With 18 years of public service in the Commonwealth, Carnevale has spent much of his career in emergency-preparedness response and recovery. He most recently served as regional manager for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), where he was responsible for emergency management in Central and Western Mass. Since 2002, he has held multiple roles in the State Emergency Operations Center, responding to natural disasters, developing and implementing municipal preparedness plans, allocating state and federal funding and grants, and improving emergency management in 161 communities.

Carnevale graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams and received his MBA from Western New England University. He also attended the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative and the National Preparedness Leadership in Homeland Security at Harvard University. He holds 14 certificates relating to emergency-preparedness disaster management from the Emergency Management Institute, the National Hurricane Center, and MEMA.

L&A Fine Men’s Shop to Host Ribbon Cutting on April 19

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — L&A Fine Men’s Shop, located at 159 State St., Springfield, will host a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Audrin Desardouin and Lillian Ortiz, husband-and-wife co-owners, opened the store in December and have been investing in inventory and undergoing training to become an official minority-owned business.

Desardouin came to the U.S. from Haiti when he was 21 years old. A U.S. citizen, he has lived in New England for the past 30-plus years. Ortiz, who was born in Connecticut, is Puerto Rican. She works at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester as vice president of Enrollment and Student Engagement and Community Connections.

Desardouin owned a men’s clothing store in Norwich, Conn. for 15 years. He is excited to be a business owner in Springfield now, working with men to improve their style. “I saw an open space in Springfield, and with MGM opening in the fall, I thought it would be a great opportunity,” he said. “It was my dream to own my own store again.”

Added Ortiz, “we are absolutely excited to be part of the downtown revitalization. We see a lot of opportunity.” She explained she lived in Springfield for about six years when she was younger and had always wanted to come back to be a part of the community.

On the corner of State and Maple streets, the building is owned by Brian Gibbons, contractor and owner of Brican Inc., an engineering and consulting firm. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call (413) 306-5604.

Homework House to Present Third Annual Adult Spelling Bee Today

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Homework House will present its third annual Adult Spelling Bee today, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. at Gateway City Arts, 92 Race St., Holyoke. The community event supports the work of Homework House, whose mission is to provide individualized tutoring and mentoring to Holyoke children who need help reaching their grade-level requirements in math and reading.

Emceed by state Rep. Aaron Vega, the spelling bee will feature 34 teams representing many sectors of the greater Holyoke community, including the PeoplesBee’ers from PeoplesBank and the Knowledgeably Buzzed of the Holyoke School Committee. Celebrity judges, including Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Holyoke City Councilor Nelson Roman, and Homework House parent Natasha Rivera, will be tasked with making sure that the teams are spelling their words correctly. This year’s event is underwritten with the support of PeoplesBank.

Teams are encouraged to come up with creative names and dress up in costumes, and the winning team will receive a trophy. Tickets can be purchased online for $25 at www.homeworkhousebee.com or for $30 at the door.

Family Business Center Announces Two Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

AMHERST — On Friday, April 20, the Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley will offer a workshop led by Paul Silva, co-founder of Valley Venture Mentors and founder of Launch 413 and Lean Innovation Institute. The topic is “How to Get Back That Startup Feeling That Is So Easily Lost, Once You’re Up and Running, and Managing More Than Leading.” Participants will emerge from this session with an urgency to get back to their roots. Attendance will be limited to 20 to ensure intimacy and interactivity.

Next, 11 Valley entrepreneurs will present “Short Stories That Show How Passion Is at the Heart of Why They Do Business” during the Tuesday, April 24 dinner forum of the Family Business Center. Using a method called Pecha Kucha, each speaker will have six minutes and 40 seconds to show 20 images, for 20 seconds each, to tell their tale. The center invites business owners to attend the dinner forum, and to consider joining for their ongoing education by experts and peers.

For more education about either event or the center itself, contact Ira Bryck at (413) 835-0810 or [email protected].

Continued Excellence Award Nominations Due May 14

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

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

Three years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. Last year, the judges chose two winners: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014).

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

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

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

Elms College Streamlines Application Process for Mount Ida Students

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Elms College is offering a simplified and speedy application process to students affected by the imminent closure of Mount Ida College who wish to continue their education without delay.

Elms guarantees admission for current Mount Ida College students who are in good academic standing, and will notify first-year applicants of their admission decision within one week of receiving an application.

The streamlined online application is free. For current and newly admitted Mount Ida students, Elms College will waive the essay and letters of recommendation requirements. Students who have completed the common application this year need simply to add Elms College to their list of schools and provide a few additional details to complete the process. Due to the college’s rolling admission policy, newly accepted students still have time to enroll for the fall semester, apply for financial aid and scholarships, and secure suitable housing.

Many majors at Elms mirror those of Mount Ida, including graphic design, biology with a pre-medical concentration, sport management, accounting, and criminal justice. Like Mount Ida’s students, many Elms attendees are also athletes, taking advantage of the same Division III sports, including basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and softball.

The online application and additional information for Mount Ida students can be found at elms.edu/aspecialwelcome. First-year and transfer students and their families can direct questions to Xiomara DeLobato, associate director of Admission, at [email protected] or (413) 265-2206.

Free SAT Prep Workshop to Be Offered at Bay Path University

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University will host a free SAT prep workshop on Wednesday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Longmeadow campus at 588 Longmeadow St. Spaces fill quickly, so those interested are encouraged to RSVP by visiting www.baypath.edu/visit or contacting the university at (800) 782-7284, ext. 1331, (413) 565-1331, or [email protected].

During the workshop, attendees will get tips from an expert on how to increase SAT scores. Lunch will be provided, and after the workshop concludes, an optional walking tour of the university campus will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m.

CHI Insurance Agency Opens Office in Downtown Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff April 12, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — CHI Insurance Agency Inc. announced the opening of an additional office location in downtown Springfield. The office, located at 1684 Main St., is the former Joseph Chernaik Insurance Agency. The Springfield location is the fourth CHI office, with other locations in Holyoke, Westfield, and South Hadley.

Auto insurance will continue to be offered, and additional insurance products have been added and are available out of 1684 Main St. In addition to new staff and updated systems, customers now have the opportunity to purchase coverages for home, business, life, and specialty lines.

All locations are bilingual and offer complete insurance products. CHI services clients throughout the Pioneer Valley with all of their insurance needs, and represents most major insurance carriers.

Log Cabin to Host Wedding for Couple Impacted by Hurricane Irma

By BusinessWest Staff April 11, 2018

Daily News

HOLYOKE — High-school sweethearts Joseph Alvarado and Sandra Colon spent more than a year planning their dream destination wedding in Puerto Rico. What they didn’t plan on was Hurricane Irma. The storm struck the day after the couple arrived on the island to begin their final preparations.

The couple and their two children were unharmed, but the wedding venue was destroyed. Everything, including the vendors, had already been paid for. They knew it was money they would never get back.

When they returned to Springfield, a friend nominated them for the Lia Auto Group and Western Mass News “Surprise Squad,” a local effort that helps deserving individuals and groups. When Peter Rosskothen, owner of the Log Cabin and Delaney House, heard the story, he offered to host the wedding at the Log Cabin free of charge.

“I was very moved by the story,” Rosskothen said. “After everything they’ve been through, helping Joseph and Sandra have their dream wedding is something everybody here feels very good about. We’re very excited to be a part of it.”

Alvarado and Colon are thrilled to be having their big day at the Log Cabin on Saturday, April 14. Meanwhile, their Puerto Rico dream will be fulfilled on their honeymoon. In addition to enjoying the beauty of the island as a married couple, they plan to devote time toward rebuilding efforts. In lieu of gifts, they are asking their guests to donate to the Puerto Rico relief fund.

Christopher Omasta Launches Yellow Ribbon Trucking Inc.

By BusinessWest Staff April 11, 2018

Daily News

HADLEY — Christopher Omasta, vice president of Omasta Landscaping Inc., recently started Yellow Ribbon Trucking Inc. of Hadley.

After an injury, following a deployment to Qatar 2012 in 2013, forced a service-related retirement from the Army National Guard, Omasta worked as second in command to his father, Greg Omasta, in his company, Omasta Landscaping. Seeing a need in the local trucking industry, Chris, with the help of Greenfield Savings Bank, was able to purchase his first truck in 2017. Since then, he acquired another truck, which predominantly works large construction sites and highway paving jobs.

Chris, a Hadley native and graduate of UMass Amherst, has long been committed to his community and has worked with organizations like Valley CDC developing business strategies and target sales and analytics, and is involved with the Northampton Chamber of Commerce. As a veteran, he has also been involved with the Amherst VFW and has provided his time and services to helping support local veterans and veteran-related issues in the Valley. He is also a board member for Alpha Tau Gamma, a fraternity in which members are enrolled at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture.

As a service-disabled veteran, Chris went through a nearly 10-month process to get his company, Yellow Ribbon Trucking Inc., certified as an SDVOSB, or service-disabled-veteran-owned small business. This classification allows him to bid and work on jobs other organizations may not be allowed to, helping him to further broaden his businesses reach throughout New England and beyond.

Pathlight Awards $5,000 Scholarship to Staff Member Erika Gleason

By BusinessWest Staff April 11, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pathlight, a provider of residential and community services for people with intellectual disabilities and autism, named behavior specialist Erika Gleason as the first recipient of its Donald Fletcher Scholarship.

The $5,000 scholarship, which will be awarded yearly, is meant to assist an employee in obtaining an undergraduate degree. A committee of Pathlight board members and staff made the selection after receiving applications from employees. The scholarship is named after Pathlight’s former Executive Director Donald Fletcher, who was committed to helping staff pursue their education. This scholarship is in addition to Pathlight’s current tuition-reimbursement program.

“We are so proud to be able to support our employees in their education,” said Pathlight Executive Director Ruth Banta, who announced the award on April 3 at a company gathering. “We know that the key to a better life for people with disabilities is a well-supported staff, and this scholarship is one way we can show that support.”

Gleason started at Pathlight in 2013 as a direct support professional, supporting people with intellectual disabilities and intensive behavioral needs. Although she had not dealt with people with behavioral issues before, Gleason said it was easy to “see past the negative.”

With her positive attitude and dedication, Gleason quickly moved up the Pathlight career ladder, becoming a behavioral specialist this year. In her new role, she is responsible for checking in with all of Pathlight’s residential homes, as well as conducting safety-training sessions that teach people how to support individuals with special needs.

Gleason said the essence of her role as a behavioral specialist is “all about ensuring that the people we serve are living a quality life, and are given the chance to be active members in their communities.”

She is currently working toward an associate’s degree in psychology at Holyoke Community College. Her goal is to transfer to Westfield State University, where she hopes to earn her bachelor’s degree.

Berkshire Theatre Group Feted by Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition

By BusinessWest Staff April 11, 2018

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) was honored as Employer of the Year for “providing valuable employment opportunities for the members of Berkshire Pathways” at the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition’s annual Employment Celebration at the State House in Boston on April 3. Joanne Rosier, a BTG ticket-office associate, was also honored as a Clubhouse member and Berkshire Theatre Group employee.

In addition, BTG received a congratulatory citation in recognition of its award from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, offered by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. Berkshire Theatre Group also received a congratulatory citation from the Massachusetts Senate in recognition of “providing employment to members of Berkshire Pathways through work with Human Resources Unlimited and the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition,” offered by state Sen. Adam Hinds.

Continued Excellence Award Nominations Due May 14

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2018

Daily News

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

Three years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. Last year, the judges chose two winners: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014).

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

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

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

Mercy Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Luis Andres Moral

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dr. Luis Andres Moral has joined the staff of New England Pathology Associates and Mercy Medical Center.

Board-certified in anatomic pathology and neuropathology, Moral received his medical degree from the University of Guayaquil in Ecuador and completed his residency in anatomic pathology at the University of Kansas in Kansas City. He completed a fellowship in surgical pathology from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and a fellowship in neuropathology from the University of Kansas.

Moral’s clinical interests include surgical pathology, neuropathology, cytopathology, and autopsy pathology.

Florence Bank Names Dean Brown to Its President’s Club for 2018

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2018

Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced recently that Dean Brown was named to the President’s Club for 2018. The honor recognizes superior performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank.

Brown, a card operations specialist in the Operations Department in the main branch in Florence, began work at Florence Bank in 2008.

“For 10 years, Dean has been a reliable asset to our organization,” said John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank. “His energy is boundless, and his ability to encourage others is admirable.”

Smith Brothers Insurance Acquires Bailey Agencies Insurance

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2018

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Smith Brothers Insurance, LLC has purchased the assets of Bailey Agencies Insurance of Groton, Conn. Owned and operated by the Scott family since 1980, Bailey has been a long-term fixture on the Connecticut shoreline.

Bailey Agencies Insurance has moved to the Smith Brothers office in Niantic, Conn., at 377 Main St. With headquarters in Glastonbury, Conn., Smith Brothers has offices throughout Connecticut as well as Massachusetts — including a branch in Easthampton — and New Jersey.

“Smith Brothers will help us perpetuate a long-standing agency, deliver broader market scope and access, and add to the basket of deliverables we offer our clients,” said John Scott IV, former Bailey Agencies Insurance principal. He will continue his role as commercial-lines producer and, along with two other insurance professionals, will work from Smith Brothers’ Niantic office.

“The southeast section of Connecticut is a core geographical segment of Smith Brothers,” said Jared Carillo, Smith Brothers’ director of Foundation Accounts. “Our long-term strategic focus is to grow along the shoreline to help protect families and business; we understand the unique requirements of a coastal environment. Bailey Agencies Insurance is an excellent match for our team, and we can provide their clients with a broader range of products and services.”

Finck & Perras Adds Two Account Managers for Personal Lines

By BusinessWest Staff April 10, 2018

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Genevieve Brough, president of Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., recently announced the firm has hired two new employees. Alexandra Fach and Meghan Morton will serve as personal-lines account managers. Fach will work in the firm’s Easthampton office, and Morton at the Florence location.

Fach holds a bachelor’s degree in communication technology and visual communication and a master’s degree from Lesley University in Cambridge. She has worked in the industry since 2013 and also holds state insurance licensure.

Morton is a certified insurance service representative and a certified insurance counselor. She holds state insurance licensure and has worked in the industry for six years.

Sunshine Village Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2018

Daily News

CHICOPEE — In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, Gina Kos, executive director of Sunshine Village, announced the organization is partnering with community organizations on several special events focused on inclusivity, acceptance, and celebrating unique abilities. As a local provider of day programs and employment services, the organization regularly seeks partnerships to promote goodwill and give back to the community by volunteering and offering educational opportunities.

On April 2, Sunshine Village programs visited the offices of Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos, and Chicopee Treasurer Marie Laflamme, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, along with the Chicopee Fire Department, Chicopee Police Department, and Springfield Fire Department, to deliver handmade crafts, treats, and artwork celebrating Autism Awareness Month. Visits are also planned for fire and police departments in other towns served by the organization to raise awareness and to thank first responders for their dedication to the community.

Representatives from Sunshine Village will also be at several fairs during the month, and will also partner with Chicopee Public Library for interactive events. For more information and registration, visit www.chicopeepubliclibrary.org.

Pioneer Valley Credit Union Donates $25,000 to Elder-care Unit

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Under its initiative to empower the elderly, Pioneer Valley Credit Union (PVCU), a not-for-profit financial institution, announced it donated $25,000 to the new Acute Care for Elders (ACE) Unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Seniors are the fastest-growing group in the U.S. population, and their health is declining. The elderly are three times likely to be hospitalized from chronic diseases. Many hospitals across the country haven’t prepared to treat the number of growing elderly patients nearing end of life. With that in mind, Baystate Medical Center created an acute-care unit specifically for treating the growing number of elderly patients. Since 2014, the program has cared for more than 500 senior patients.

“A good portion of PVCU members are elderly, and we’re proud to provide programs which empower them to be financially stable in their senior years,” said Anabela Grenier, Pioneer Valley Credit Union president and CEO.

Greater Chicopee Chamber Offers Opportunity to Run the Runway

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2018

Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will present 5K Run the Runway in collaboration with the Galaxy Community Council and Westover Metropolitan Airport on Saturday, June 16.

The event will allow a limited number of pre-screened registrants exclusive access through the airport, where they will run a professionally timed 5K down the runway and back under the tails of Westover Air Reserve Base’s signature C-5 Galaxy aircraft. Pre-registrants will also have the option to walk a shorter route down part of the runway.

The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Westover Metropolitan Airport, 255 Padgette St., Chicopee. Participants and spectators are welcome to visit sponsor booths and engage in family-friendly activities outside the airport leading up the run. However, walk-up registrations will not be available.

The $25 registration includes an opportunity to run this one-of-a-kind course, timing courtesy of Accu-Spec, a commemorative T-shirt, a runner’s gift, and a buffet lunch at Munich Haus restaurant. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place male and female runners. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce’s mission to advance the economic and civic well-being of the community and the Galaxy Community Council’s work to support the men, women, and mission of Westover Air Reserve Base, as well as to co-produce the Great New England Air and Space Show.

Fuss & O’Neill to Celebrate Opening of Downtown Springfield Office

By BusinessWest Staff April 9, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill, which has locations throughout New England, will hold an open house at its new downtown Springfield office, 1550 Main St., on Thursday, April 12 at 4 p.m. Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and MassDevelopment Senior Vice President Richard Henderson are expected to be in attendance.

The company’s move from its West Springfield office to downtown Springfield officially happened in January.

“We are thrilled to be here in Springfield,” says Eric Bernardin, vice president at Fuss & O’Neill. “As an engineering firm, our job is to help create an environment that promotes and provides the groundwork for economic opportunity, civic involvement, and arts and entertainment. We are excited to be part of helping Springfield grow, and we look forward to the future.”

The office space is owned by MassDevelopment, the public finance and economic-development authority of Massachussetts. It is home to other public entities of similar nature and size, including the Springfield School Department, Baystate Health, and the General Services Administration.

Flipped Learning Global Initiative Names Thomas Mennella to Faculty

By BusinessWest Staff April 6, 2018

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Thomas Mennella, associate professor of Biology and director, Master of Science in Applied Laboratory Science & Operations for Bay Path University, has been named to the Flipped Learning Global Initiative (FLGI) International Faculty as a founding member.

“Flipped learning is incredibly powerful when leveraged to its fullest potential,” Mennella said. “FLGI and the International Faculty of which I’m part see our role as providing the best training, coaching, and support for flipped-learning instructors as we possibly can so that every student, everywhere, globally, can receive the best education possible.”

The FLGI is a worldwide coalition of educators, researchers, technologists, professional-development providers and education leaders. Its International Faculty is comprised of 30 practitioners in flipped learning from around the world, and the faculty can provide training and support in five languages.

“Thomas Mennella is a leader among leaders on the FLGI International Faculty. His thought leadership is already shaping the direction of several programs, and we look forward to bringing to fruition the projects undertaken in collaboration with Tom,” said Jon Bergmann, chief academic officer, Flipped Learning Global Initiative.

FLGI Research Fellow Robert Talbert, associate professor of Mathematics, Grand Valley State University, has defined flipped learning as “a pedagogical approach in which first contact with new concepts moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space in the form of structured activity, and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter.”

At Bay Path University, Mennella first implemented flipped learning five years ago in his Genetics courses as an opportunity to review and practice critical concepts with students.

Through the International Faculty, FLGI will be able to deliver a consistent standard of training and ongoing support to schools and school systems anywhere in the world. Mennella and the 29 other founding faculty members were selected from a pool of more than 550 candidates.

Hampden County Bar Assoc. to Offer Community Shredding Day

By BusinessWest Staff April 6, 2018

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Assoc. is partnering with Pro-Shred Security and Century Investment Co. to hold a community shredding day on Friday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Century Shopping Center, 219 Memorial Ave., West Springfield (to the right of Bob’s Discount Furniture).

Shredding protects private information, and recycling helps the environment. This event is free and open to the public (four-box limit), with a donation of a non-perishable food item for a local food pantry.

Continued Excellence Award Nominations Due May 14

By BusinessWest Staff April 6, 2018

Daily News

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

Three years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. Last year, the judges chose two winners: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014).

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

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

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

Grand Opening of HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute Set for April 12

By BusinessWest Staff April 6, 2018

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will be the first featured speaker at a grand-opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute on Thursday, April 12. The Holyoke Community College event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the institute at 164 Race St. on the corner of Appleton Street.

Other special guests and speakers will include Massachusetts Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, HCC President Christina Royal, HCC board of trustees Chair Bob Gilbert, MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis, and HCC Foundation board of directors Chair Paul Boudreau.

Also, Michael Serrano, 20, of Springfield, will talk about his experience as a student in HCC’s Culinary Arts program. Serrano will receive his certificate in culinary arts in June and continue working toward his associate degree in Food Service Management next fall.

Guests will have the opportunity to tour the kitchens and classrooms in the 20,000-square-foot facility and sample culinary creations prepared by HCC Culinary Arts students. Following remarks, Royal will lead the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony just before noon.

The $6.43 million facility has been open for classes and special events since the beginning of the spring 2018 semester. Funding for the project came from a mix of state, federal, local, college, and private sources.

“Now that we’ve become acquainted with this extraordinary new space, we are thrilled to welcome the greater community, alumni, and friends for an event where top-notch training, employer partnerships, and passionate students and faculty are on full display,” said Amanda Sbriscia, HCC vice president of Institutional Advancement. “We are grateful that many of our key partners, as well as state and local officials, will join us to mark this occasion. The HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to meeting the needs of students and our region.”

While the event is free and open to the general public, an RSVP is requested to ensure there will be enough food. Respond online at hcc.edu/cai, by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at (413) 552-2182.

Training and Workforce Options to Host Financial Industry Forum

By BusinessWest Staff April 6, 2018

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Training and Workforce Options (TWO), a partnership between Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), will host an employer-engagement forum focused on the financial-services industry on Thursday, May 3 from 8 to 10 a.m. at STCC’s Scibelli Hall, Rooms 701 and 702.

The forum will provide financial professionals with information on workforce-development training opportunities and related services offered by experienced trainers from HCC and STCC. TWO representatives also will discuss how regional businesses can secure Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Grants to enhance training efforts for their workers.

The forum is geared toward financial professionals and their businesses, with the goal of gathering input about workforce-development needs. The information shared will allow the TWO team to custom-design affordable programs that fit industry needs and make measurable differences to companies’ bottom line.

The event is free, and refreshments will be provided. The deadline to register is April 27. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search ‘STCC.’

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