Daily News Archives - Page 2 of 260

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest will present its 16th annual Difference Makers Gala at the Log Cabin in Holyoke tonight, April 10. The event is sold out.

Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2024 Difference Makers — profiled in the Feb. 19 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — are:

• Matt Bannister, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank;

• Delcie Bean, CEO, Paragus Strategic I.T.;

• Linda Dunlavy, executive director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments;

• Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin, co-founders, Feed the Kids;

• Scott Keiter, CEO, Keiter;

• the staff of Rock 102;

• Shannon Rudder, president and CEO, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services; and

• Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players.

Partner sponsors for the 2024 Difference Makers include Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Keiter, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, the Royal Law Firm, and TommyCar Auto Group. Supporting sponsors include the Springfield Thunderbirds and Westfield Bank.

Big Y Appoints Colin D’Amour to Senior Director of Asset Protection

Colin D’Amour

SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Colin D’Amour as senior director of asset protection.

In that role, he will lead the asset protection team, develop and execute future strategies, deploy new technologies, build relationships with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies, and foster both education and growth within the department. He reports to Nicole D’Amour Schneider, senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience.

D’Amour began working as a service clerk at Big Y Supermarkets in 1998 at age 14. From there, he held several positions, including produce clerk, warehouse selector, and construction/remodel store projects coordinator. In 2007, he accepted a commission with the U.S. Marine Corps as second lieutenant, serving with distinction and ultimately earning the rank of captain. In 2010, he was deployed to Helmand, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2014, D’Amour left active duty in the Marines and returned to Big Y by entering into its store director training program. Since then, his career has included several roles, including store director, corporate center store sales director, senior manager of procurement, and, most recently, senior director of the Big Y Express division. He was also a project manager for the expansion of the Fresh and Local Distribution Center and is a member of Big Y’s real estate and store design committees.

In addition, he oversees multiple programs and initiatives with Topco, an $18 billion cooperative that provides aggregation, innovation, and management solutions to its leading food-industry members across the country.

A graduate of Boston College, D’Amour holds personal decorations from his military service, including both the Navy and Marine Corps commendation and achievement medals. He is the grandson of Big Y co-founder Gerald D’Amour and son of Executive Chairman Charles D’Amour.

Greater Springfield Habitat to Host Free Financial Seminar for Community

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, April 16, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a free financial seminar for the community.

Sue Zielenski of Bank of America will present the topic “Keep It Safe” at Bank of America Financial Center, 1724 Boston Road, Springfield. The class will start at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up. Click here to register.

“With how prevalent financial and identity theft scams are today, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against them,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator.

GSHFH hosts free financial-literacy seminars monthly. At the April 16 presentation, Zielenski will provide information on how people can protect their finances and identities from thieves. To keep up to date about future seminars, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, the organization has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

‘Build a Better Relationship with Your Boss’ Workshop Slated for April 12

PITTSFIELD — What should you do when you don’t get along with your boss? Answers await at the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) Culture Chat program, “Build a Better Relationship with Your Boss,” scheduled for Friday, April 12 at noon. This one-hour, virtual event is free to attend with advance registration.

Attendees will gain five fundamentals and actionable advice from leadership coaches Jeff Schreier and Janet Forest that will help them adopt new thoughts and actions that can make a boss work for the employee, navigate difficulties by being more aware of challenges that a boss may be facing, and use workplace goals to change their perspective on the relationship and move forward. The program will be followed by small group discussions.

Click here to reserve a virtual seat. There is no fee to attend, thanks to the sustained sponsorship of the Dulye & Co. consulting firm.

Schreier began his professional career as a CPA, focusing on auditing and tax preparation. In 2014, he stepped down from his role as CFO into positions that allowed him the time to complete the iPEC coaching program and become a certified professional life coach. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Pace University.

Forest is a certified career and life coach specializing in career transition. Her search for a purposeful career has taken her through several industries, including media, real estate, theater, nonprofits, and librarianship. She holds a certification in life coaching from iPEC Coaching and is accredited by the International Coaching Federation as a Professional Certified Coach. In addition to her coaching practice, she serves as director of the Dalton Free Public Library in Dalton. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication studies from Concordia University in Montreal.

Ray DiPasquale Left Lasting Legacy at STCC

Ray DiPasquale

SPRINGFIELD — Ray DiPasquale, president of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, who passed away on April 4, served in several leadership positions from 1979 to 1998 at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

While he rose to become president of three community colleges, he spent the bulk of his 50-year career in higher education at STCC. He also spent decades serving the city of Springfield, working as a city councilor and a School Board member, as well as running for mayor in 1991.

STCC President John Cook expressed his sincere condolences to DiPasquale’s friends and family, and to the students, faculty, and staff of Massasoit Community College.

“STCC would not be the same today were it not for Ray DiPasquale,” Cook said. “It was a full-circle moment meeting Ray in person when he assumed the presidency at Massasoit. I knew he played a role in developing key services at STCC, and his leadership across three states and multiple institutions was a tribute to his talents.”

DiPasquale began his career in higher education at Middlesex Community College in 1974. In 1979, he joined STCC as director of Admissions. He would rise through the ranks, helping to develop or re-envision departments and services at STCC, until leaving the college in 1998.

In 1982, DiPasquale was named assistant to the president. His next and longest-held position at STCC was dean of Admissions/Public Relations. Between 1983 and 1992, he was responsible for the operation of the Admissions Office, Public Relations, Media Communications, College Publications, the Transfer Office, and the Placement Office.

In 1992, DiPasquale was named vice president of Enrollment Management/Student Affairs. Among his various responsibilities, he served as a member of the president’s executive cabinet. He provided leadership, administration, and direction for enrollment management and marketing strategies for the entire college, and helped secure federal and state funding to support the newly founded Student Success Center.

DiPasquale created STCC’s Enrollment Management Division. He drew together functions from various areas of the college into a cohesive team that increased applications 21% over a seven-year period. He also served as a consultant for other Massachusetts colleges in developing the enrollment-management concept.

In 1998, DiPasquale left STCC for a position as vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at SUNY Brockport in Brockport, N.Y. He held the position until 2006.

He began serving his first term as president of the Community College of Rhode Island in 2006, following his selection by the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education.

Four years later, he was named commissioner of Higher Education for the Rhode Island Board of Education, a position he held until 2013. He was also president of Clinton Community College in New York. He began his presidency at Massasoit Community College in August 2021.

According to an announcement on Massasoit Community College’s website, DiPasquale was committed to serving the communities he called home and worked to advance the lives of others through education. In addition to his professional pursuits, he volunteered his time to numerous nonprofits and community organizations.

HCC to Showcase Fine, Performing Arts During Arts in Action Event on April 10

HOLYOKE — Fine and performing arts will take center stage on Wednesday, April 10 as Holyoke Community College (HCC) hosts its first-ever Arts in Action event, showcasing the talents of students and faculty from its Visual Art, Music, and Theater departments.

HCC will welcome more than 100 students from area high schools that day to visit the annual HCC student art show in the college art gallery, listen to live musical performances, observe demonstrations in the ceramics studio, and attend a full performance of HCC’s spring theater production of The Great Gatsby in Leslie Phillips Theater.

So far, participating high schools include Easthampton, Holyoke, West Springfield, and Libertas Academy Charter School in Springfield.

“This is going to be a wonderful event because it brings all of us in fine and performing arts together,” said Felice Caivano, chair of the HCC Visual Art department. “We’re excited to have 100-plus high-school art students, possibly prospective students, coming, and for the community to see what we’re doing in each of our departments.”

Most of Arts in Action takes place in the college’s Fine and Performing Arts building. HCC music students will perform in the lobby outside the theater on the second floor. On the third floor, in art studio 325, Visual Art Professor Margie Rothermich will be sitting at the throwing wheel demonstrating pottery making.

The event coincides with the opening of the annual Student Art Exhibition in the Taber Art Gallery inside the HCC Library on the second floor of the adjacent Donahue Building. The show runs through May 1.

Following the ceramics demonstrations and tours of the gallery, students will enter the theater to watch an 11 a.m. dress rehearsal of The Great Gatsby, which starts its three-day run the following night, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. The play, a stage adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, features a live jazz band on stage led by Music Professor Bob Ferrier, a jazz guitarist who is also the musical director for the show.

“Bob Ferrier is a genius,” said Theater Professor Pat Sandoval, director of the play. “We want people to see the great work being done at HCC. We’ve got great departments here with incredibly talented and committed individuals. Just come and see what we do.”

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Joshua Burgos

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Joshua Burgos as its new Business Development and Cash Management officer. In this role, he will oversee the multitude of cash transactions for the institution’s commercial customers as well as manage business deposits, real estate, and non-real-estate loans.

Burgos joins the bank after working most recently at Canyon Ranch as a senior accountant. He has 10 years of experience working in financial services, having served in positions at MassMutual and Greylock Federal Credit Union.

Burgos has an associate degree in business administration from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Capella University, and will be completing his MBA from UMass Amherst this fall.

Valley Eye Radio Seeks Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD — After the sudden passing of Director Barbara Loh in February, Valley Eye Radio (VER), the area’s only news-reading service for the blind and print-impaired, is seeking a passionate and committed executive to follow in Loh’s footsteps and guide the 40-year-old organization into the future.

VER keeps those with vision loss or reading impairment informed and connected to their communities by radio broadcasting local news and information that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them. The nonprofit strives to fight loneliness, keep listeners informed, and create community among its listeners and nearly 100 volunteer readers.

“We were all shocked and saddened to hear about Barbara’s passing,” said Brian Westerlind, president of the board of directors. “Her leadership took us to new heights in many ways. Her perseverance in identifying new sources of funding put VER on steady financial footing, and her infectious, positive attitude made VER a place where people want to donate their time and resources to keep visually impaired folks connected to the world around them.

“In Barbara’s honor, we must keep the organization moving forward and serving our community,” Westerlind added. “We’re looking for the right person to fill the big shoes she has left behind.”

Valley Eye Radio is seeking an established nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and fiscal and program manager who can engage stakeholders of all kinds. Successful candidates will be able to implement programs to meet the strategic goals and objectives of VER and, ideally, should have a connection to the blind and/or reading-impaired communities. The VER station is located in Springfield.

To learn more, visit the job listing on Indeed or email Westerlind at [email protected].

Greater Springfield Habitat to Host One-day Build Event on April 13

WEST SPRINGFIELD — In honor of March’s Women’s History Month and Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host Spring into Action on Saturday, April 13. The event was rescheduled from March 23 due to poor weather.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., several teams of five to eight people will venture to GSHFH’s parking lot at 268 Cold Spring Ave., West Springfield, to build one of eight pieces of outdoor furniture or yard accessories. Their finished products will be auctioned off at a later date. Participants had to register before March 29.

“This event should be a lot of fun while also helping volunteers to become more comfortable working with power tools,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director. “It will hopefully give them the confidence to join us out on a build suite.”

Participants will receive snacks and goody bags, and may win prizes. Following the build, a wrap party will be held at Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co. at 110 Bosworth St., West Springfield.

GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, Greater Springfield Habitat has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

Tickets Now on Sale for Yidstock

AMHERST — Tickets are now on sale for Yidstock: the Festival of New Yiddish Music, happening July 11-14 at the Yiddish Book Center. Now in its 12th year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the Yiddish Book Center’s stage. Highlights this year will include the Klezmatics, Frank London, Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Daniel Kahn, and many more.

Concert passes are available and include admission to all concerts and the two dance workshops. Individual tickets are also available for purchase for those who can only attend for part of the weekend.

This year, livestream concert passes will allow friends from afar to experience Yidstock from the comfort of their homes. These passes only include access to the seven concerts; they do not include access to talks, workshops, or the film screening.

Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock for more information and to purchase tickets.

HCS Head Start Celebrates Week of the Young Child

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is once again participating in the Week of the Young Child, the purpose of which is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and families and to recognize the early-childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Originally created in 1971 by the National Assoc. for the Education of Young Children in an effort to recognize that the early-childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life, this week continues as an annual event celebrating early learning.

HCS Head Start prepares preschool children not only for kindergarten, but for life. According to the Brookings Institute (2016), children who attend Head Start have a higher likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification. Since Head Start’s inception in 1965, the organization has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

“All the data reinforces how a child’s earliest years are fundamental in shaping their learning and development, yet never before have the needs of young children and their families in our community been more pressing,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start.

In addition to early-education services, as a multi-service agency, HCS Head Start provides comprehensive programs, services, and support for children and their families, with programs including cooking, money management, parenting classes, a healthy relationships program, and more.

HCS Head Start has planned a fun-filled week of happenings celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Children enrolled in HCS Head Start will enjoy Week of the Young Child with hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.

The festivities also include storytime guest readers. While some guest readers are still pending, confirmed guests include HCS Head Start board members, members of the organization’s health advisory board, and two area mayors: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno today, April 8, at 9 a.m. at Carew Street Head Start Center, 65 Carew St., Springfield; and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Grove Early Learning Center, 216 Broadway St., Chicopee.

In addition, Head Start families are invited to Ride the Wellness Wave, a free health and safety resource fair hosted by HCS Head Start’s health team on Tuesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carew Street Head Start Center at 65 Carew St., Springfield. Local community organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources to families in an effort to continue to promote the importance of overall health and wellness for young children and their families.

AIC Professor Co-leads Statewide Developmental Screening Effort

SPRINGFIELD — Families with young children throughout Massachusetts are encouraged to participate in community events providing early screening for developmental delays and disabilities. Massachusetts will hold its second annual Developmental Monitoring and Screening Week at more than 40 sites across the Commonwealth, including several in Western Mass.

Students enrolled in the occupational therapy master’s program at American International College (AIC) will dedicate their expertise at one of these events on Wednesday, April 10 from 4 to 6:30 pm at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office in Mason Square, Springfield. During the event, the students will engage with families who are interested in learning more about their child’s development. Additionally, the students will provide complimentary books and fidget toys.

Additional locations hosting events in Western Mass. include the Central Berkshire Coordinated Family and Community Engagement in Dalton today, April 8; the Northampton Public School Early Childhood Center today and Tuesday, April 8-9; the West Springfield Community and Family Engagement, the ROCA Young Mothers Program in Springfield, and the Springfield North WIC on Wednesday, April 10; and the CFCE Gill Montague Regional School District in Turners Falls on Wednesday, April 17. All events are free of charge.

AIC Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Kate Barlow co-leads Developmental Monitoring and Screening Week. Since 2019, Barlow has served as the state’s Act Early ambassador for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Massachusetts Act Early aims to educate parents and professionals about healthy childhood development, early indicators of autism and other developmental disorders, the importance of routine developmental monitoring and screening, and early intervention when concerns arise.

To identify children with delays, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental screenings be held during pediatric wellness visits for infants and toddlers to identify children with delays. However, Barlow said, “more than half of the children who need early-intervention services are not receiving them, which is why developmental monitoring and screening in the community are so important. Early-intervention services are free to families in Massachusetts; however, children need to be identified first as having a delay to receive services.”

During the inaugural statewide Development Monitoring and Screening week held in April 2023, more than 500 children statewide either received a developmental screen or completed a developmental monitoring checklist. Those children who were identified as having a delay were referred for follow-up to their pediatrician and/or Family TIES of Massachusetts.

TMGC LLC Acquires Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club

TURNERS FALLS — On April 3, Kyle and Kelly Snow, as well as Kyle’s father, Edward Snow Jr., acting as TMGC LLC, purchased the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club in Turners Falls.

The Snow family, who own and operate Northfield Golf Course and Snow & Sons Landscaping in Greenfield, purchased the 55-acre property from the Thomas family with assets acquired from the Thomas Memorial Golf & Country Club board of directors. The acquisition also includes two private residences, an event space, a clubhouse, and a maintenance building.

While membership rates will stay level with the 2023 season, the Snows plan to make immediate improvements to the grounds and clubhouse, including a facelift of the common areas and restrooms. These updates are part of a comprehensive three- to five-year improvement plan the Snow family developed to ensure that Thomas Memorial Golf remains a leading local course and offers a unique Franklin County experience for golfers at all levels of play.

Kyle Snow, who also owns Sugarloaf Gardens in Sunderland, said the decision to acquire Thomas Memorial Golf Club was driven by the course’s rich history and strong relationship within the community.

“When we learned that the course was possibly up for sale, we thoroughly investigated the opportunity and engaged in discussions with both the Thomas family and the course’s board of directors,” he said. “It was evident that this acquisition was a perfect fit. We are committed to carrying on the name and preserving the course’s great features and valued history while simultaneously introducing new changes that will enhance the overall golfing experience.”

The Snow family plans to create a synergy between Northfield Golf Club and Thomas Memorial Golf that will benefit both courses, he added. “We look forward to building upon the existing strengths of the club and further establishing it as a great overall experience for its members and visitors.”

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR Opens in Hartford on April 6

HARTFORD, Conn. — Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is coming to Hartford for the first time ever, starting Saturday, April 6. A colourful homage to Cirque du Soleil legacy, BAZZAR will continue its performances until May 5 at Under the Big Top on Market Street.

The show features acrobatic disciplines such as teeterboard, acrobike, contortion, duo rollerskates, duo trapeze, aerial rope, hair suspension, fire manipulation, slackline, and music performed live on stage.

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR is intended to be an eclectic lab of creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical, one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines, builds, and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. The high-energy excitement, collision of sounds and colors, and meeting place of diverse characters one might find at a traditional bazaar inspired the name of the show.

BAZZAR is the 43rd Cirque du Soleil production in 39 years. Since its creation in 2018, the show has entertained audiences in India, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina.

For the first time in Cirque du Soleil history, performers display strength and technical feats in an act of mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport in which a gymnast performs aerial yoga postures and wrestling grips in concert with a vertical stationary or hanging wooden pole, cane, or hanging rope.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar.

M.L. Schmitt Inc. Owners Featured in Faces of Construction

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Coppez and Jean Pierre Crevier took different paths to ownership of Springfield-based electrical contractor M.L. Schmitt Inc. But both have found the field to be challenging in the best ways.

“A career as an electrician is perfect for people who are detail-oriented, active, and prefer a job that is always changing,” Coppez said. “Becoming an electrician also offers so many leadership opportunities.”

Click here to read about the work of Coppez and Crevier to grow a firm that has completed jobs for scores of major clients — from MGM Springfield to the Basketball Hall of Fame to UMass Amherst — as well as smaller ones, across Massachusetts and Northern Conn. The profile is part of Faces of Construction, the first installment of BusinessWest’s new Faces of Business series, which will continue throughout 2024 with Faces of Education, Faces of Finance, and Faces of Healthcare.

“I am very proud of the diverse range of project types that we perform,” Crevier said, “and I am very cognizant of the impact and meaningfulness that the work we do has on the communities we work in.”

Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Nomination Deadline Is April 12

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) is now welcoming nominations for its 18 Under 18 class of 2024, presented by Teddy Bear Pools and Spas. This event provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding young people throughout Western Mass. who exemplify innovative spirit, leadership, and community involvement.

“This is the third year we are holding this event, and after the high caliber of nominees we received during first two years, we’re even more excited to review this year’s candidates,” said Amie Miarecki, JAWM president. “As we have seen, there are many students who are making meaningful impacts in their local communities across our service area. We encourage teachers, youth-group leaders, mentors, parents, or other community members to submit nominations.”

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 12. The judges will then select finalists to interview via Zoom. The final 18 will be notified of their selection in late April.

Recipients will be honored at an event at Tower Square in Springfield on Thursday, May 16. They will also be featured in various local media outlets and benefit from a meaningful new network of community leaders and peers. They may also receive additional opportunities through event partners.

Nominations are open to students age 18 or younger who attend school in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, or Berkshire county; Tantasqua and Quaboag regional school districts; or the state of Vermont. Involvement in JAWM programs is not required; however, it is considered favorably during the evaluation process. A letter of reference and an academic submission to support the nomination are required.

The judging criteria is divided into three categories: innovative spirit, leadership, and community involvement. For more information about the criteria and the event, or to request a nomination form, email [email protected].

CitySpace Invites Artists to Apply for Free Venue Access to Rehearse, Perform

EASTHAMPTON — CitySpace announced the launch of its 2024 Pay It Forward program, aimed at supporting artists and organizations across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. This initiative provides free access to CitySpace’s Blue Room, a performance and incubator space situated in Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall.

Interested applicants can submit their proposals at cityspaceeasthampton.org/pif through May 6.

Pay It Forward offers artists short-term residencies and access to the venue for public performances and rehearsals between July and December 2024. Selected artists will receive a stipend of up to $1,000, along with proceeds from ticket sales generated by their public performances. Moreover, recipients will benefit from workshops, peer-learning cohorts, and personalized coaching sessions aimed at enhancing their artistic practice and fostering new skills, connections, and innovative ideas.

Open to performers of all disciplines, Pay It Forward seeks to empower the vibrant artistic community within Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. While open to all artists and creative organizations in the three counties, Pay It Forward focuses on supporting under-resourced artists and encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) artists, LGBTQ+ artists, artists living with disabilities, and organizations that serve such artists.

Having piloted the Pay It Forward program alongside the unveiling of the Blue Room, CitySpace has witnessed the transformative impact of the program firsthand. Kim Chin-Gibbons, a 2022 pilot program recipient with her progressive rock band Sunset Mission, and recently appointed CitySpace artist advisory committee member, noted that “this program allowed us the time to really develop everything, not just to our liking but the necessary whole of what we are trying to do. We got to have rehearsals all day long, run tech, and shoot a music video. It was wonderful.”

Officially launching the program in 2023, Pay It Forward offered more than 1,250 complimentary hours last year to artists for theater performances, concerts, rehearsals, and more. Queer Community Theatre founders and 2023 Pay It Forward recipients Emily Fuller and Erin F. attested to its significance to their sold-out production of Bar Dykes, stating, “without the Pay It Forward program, we absolutely would not have been able to make this production the success that it was.”

Pay It Forward 2024 is made possible by the funding from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ Valley Creates, Greenfield Saving Bank, Peak Performance Roofing, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Delap Real Estate, Finck and Perras, and Tandem Bagel.

Sara Rodrigues, Bridget Bunce Wins Monson Savings Bank President’s Award

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced its second annual President’s Award recipients. This year’s award has been presented to Sara Rodrigues, assistant vice president and Commercial Loan Operations officer, Bridget Bunce, Bank Secrecy Act analyst.

The President’s Award is an opportunity to acknowledge those who consistently represent the bank’s mission and values through their commitment to customer service, the community, teamwork, and excellence. A candidate for the President’s Award displays a positive approach and willingness to help, shows respect for themselves and others, and demonstrates honesty and integrity, all while delivering service with warmth, friendliness, and individual pride to customers and colleagues.

Rodrigues joined the Monson Savings Bank family in February 2013. She consistently represents the bank at many local events and has volunteered for numerous organizations, such as Revitalize CDC, the United Way of Pioneer Valley, and I Found Light Against All Odds.

Bunce started with Monson Savings in October 2021 as a Deposit Operations administrator and was promoted to her current position in August 2023. She is always eager to lend a hand and has helped at several bank-sponsored events in 2022 and 2023.

“I am thrilled to announce that Sara and Bridget have been selected as recipients of the prestigious 2024 President’s Award. While it was difficult to choose just two recipients with a team full of all-stars, Sara and Bridget clearly demonstrate the qualities set forth as the President’s Award standards,” said Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank president and CEO. “We all are incredibly proud of both of them and wish to congratulate them on their accomplishments as community leaders and role models.”

Michael Rouette, the bank’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, added that “the Monson Savings President’s Award is exciting because it recognizes the exceptional work of our team members, it displays the Monson Savings Bank team culture, and it showcases two prime examples of what our standards of excellence are amongst our team. I would like to extend a sincere congratulations to Sara and Bridget for being the second-ever Monson Savings President’s Award recipients. It is truly an honor that they should be extremely proud of.”

Laplante Construction Owner Featured in Faces of Construction

EAST LONGMEADOW — Over more than two decades at the helm of the business his father started 60 years ago, Bill Laplante has earned the trust of more than 700 clients through exceptional project management, planning, communication, and service, building not only luxury homes — including a replica of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Somers, Conn. — but spearheading condominium and new home developments and planning entire neighborhoods, in addition to developing commercial real estate, from Jiffy Lube locations to professional offices, banks, and restaurants.

Click here to read about Laplante, his many passions, and the growth of his East Longmeadow-based firm, Laplante Construction, in Faces of Construction, the first installment of BusinessWest’s new Faces of Business series, which will continue throughout 2024 with Faces of Education, Faces of Finance, and Faces of Healthcare.

“I really enjoy working with people and helping them create their dream home,” Laplante said. “In many cases, it’s the largest investment they’ll make, and it’s a very emotional purchase.”

Student Art Exhibit Opens This Weekend in the Mill District

PELHAM — Pelham Elementary School and the Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery invite the public to celebrate an installation called “Pieces of Us,” which is a mosaic by more than 120 students at Pelham Elementary School, ages 5-12. Open houses will take place this weekend on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This front-window exhibit at the art gallery was organized by Emily Stewart, art teacher at Pelham Elementary. “It is inspired by classroom dialogues around identity and the many characteristics that shape our school community,” she said. “Each student had full control over their creative expression, within Pelham’s choice-based art studio. The selections they made in subject, media, style, and design invite us to embrace the beauty of their collective diversity and the mosaic of their varied experiences.”

Gallery Coordinator Shannon Youtsey Borrell added that “the Local Art Gallery proudly exhibits the works of over 30 local artists at any given time. With the young artists from Pelham Elementary joining us in the front-window gallery, for the next month we are exhibiting over 150 local artists.”

The “Pieces of Us” exhibit will continue through April 27.

“As a Pelham resident, I am excited to see and meet part of my community who are coming out to celebrate the young creative minds of Pelham Elementary School,” General Store Manager Molly Crookes said.

Lewis Goff, former language-arts teacher of Northfield Mount Hermon and Pioneer Valley Preforming Arts, now a staff member at the Mill District General Store, added that “I am blown away by this whole project. This exhibit is a must-see.”

Northampton Jazz Festival Welcomes Two Board Members

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Jazz Festival has welcomed two new board members who bring broad skills and deep experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, community organizing, and music from world cultures. They are Ricard Torres-Mateluna, who joined last month, and Jillian Duclos, who joined the board in September 2023.

“I am thrilled to add these two dynamic and energetic individuals to the Northampton Jazz Festival board of directors. In a very short time, they have both contributed much to the organization,” said Ruth Griggs, president of the board. “Their ideas are fresh, realistic, and are helping us expand the depth and scope of our offerings this September, like adding children’s programming, more jazz events in September, and bringing musicians of world cultures to the stage.”

Jillian Duclos

After earning a bachelor’s degree in politics at Mount Holyoke College as a Francis Perkins Scholar in 2017, Duclos became a grass-roots organizer, a driver of workforce development, and then a business owner. Now, as executive director of the Downtown Northampton Assoc., she facilitates collaboration with city leaders, downtown organizations, and community members to drive economic development for downtown Northampton and provide a much-needed safety net to local and small businesses who anchor the community. On the Northampton Jazz Festival board, Duclos looks forward to using her experience to explore the best ways all can work together to make Northampton thrive.

Ricard Torres-Mateluna

Torres-Mateluna is a brand and marketing strategist who thinks with a global perspective and seeks solutions at the local level. Over his more than 20 years in the field, he has successfully worked toward uplifting educational entities and nonprofit organizations, having worked in advertising agencies and startups — large and small, at home and abroad — run by people from all backgrounds. His current role is vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Springfield-based human services agency Viability Inc.

Torres-Mateluna has been a jazz lover since childhood and is also a member of the editorial board and U.S. correspondent for Papeles de Jazz magazine in his native Chile. He holds a double bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Universidad ARCIS, Chile, and a master’s degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, he understands intimately the challenges ‘first’ groups face and uses that empathy and perspective to create solutions that effectively incorporate everyone. “The only way a brand, a campaign, or a strategy can be successful is by truly connecting with people,” he said.

UMass Dining to Host Dash ‘n’ Dine 5K to Support Amherst Survival Center

AMHERST — UMass Dining will host its 13th annual Dash ‘n’ Dine 5K race on Saturday, April 20 to support the Amherst Survival Center.

The Dash ‘n’ Dine 5K is a campus tradition that exemplifies UMass Dining’s mission to create community through food. Over the past 12 years, UMass Dining has been able to raise over $60,000 for the Amherst Survival Center.

The day begins at 9 a.m. with check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe, followed at 10 a.m. by a free fun run for children age 8 and younger. The race begins at 11 a.m., followed by an award ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon in the Berkshire Dining Commons.

This annual event is for people of all ages and abilities. The race fee is $10 for all Five College undergraduate and graduate students, $20 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $25 for the general public. Children age 8 and under are free. The race fee includes registration and a complimentary meal at the university’s award-winning dining facilities in the Hampshire and Berkshire Dining Commons.

To register or make a donation, visit runumass.com. Walk-up registration is available on race day. Event sponsors include WWLP-TV and Rock 102.

Associated Builders Owners Featured in Faces of Construction

SOUTH HADLEY — Michael Ciolek Jr., Paul Ciolek, and Tom Ciolek say they entered the family business “by default,” but since then, they’ve grown Associated Builders with purpose, commitment, and a single-minded focus on clients’ needs, as they’ve designed and built hundreds of facilities in the commercial, industrial, automotive, institutional, and agricultural sectors, among others, with projects ranging from new buildings to office renovations and tenant fit-ups.

Click here to read about the Ciolek brothers, the growth of their South Hadley-based firm, and how they manage the challenges of the construction sector in Faces of Construction, the first installment of BusinessWest’s new Faces of Business series, which will continue throughout 2024 with Faces of Education, Faces of Finance, and Faces of Healthcare.

“Our work is more than just ‘finishing the job,’” the owners of Associated Builders stress. “Our ultimate goal with every project is to design and construct a building that increases our clients’ productivity and profitability.”

United Way to Distribute $189,292 in Emergency Food and Shelter Funds

SPRINGFIELD — The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded program designed to supplement the ongoing work of local social-service organizations to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness or hunger.

United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) serves as the administrator for Hampden County for all EFSP funds. With the help of a local board comprised of local community leaders, UWPV determines how funding is allocated through a competitive grant-application process.

EFSP funding for phase 41 recently became available, resulting in the distribution of $189,292 to be disbursed on a reimbursement basis to local nonprofit organizations.

“We are truly honored to support allocation of these funds to the community during a time when these services are more important than ever,” said Megan Moynihan, president and CEO of UWPV. “We are especially grateful to our local board partners at Catholic Charities, the Red Cross, etc., who help us make this happen.”

EFSP funds must be used to supplement food and shelter services and may not be used as seed money for new programs. The key responsibility of participating organizations is to provide assistance within the intent of their programs.

Any agencies with ongoing programming in Hampden County that supports emergency food, shelter, utilities, and rent or mortgage assistance are welcome to apply. Agencies must be nonprofit, have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination, have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and, if they are a voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply.

To apply, organizations must attend one of two informational sessions: Thursday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the TD Bank Building conference room, 1441 Main St, Springfield; or Wednesday, April 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St, Holyoke. Email [email protected] to RSVP.

Freedom Credit Union Hires Lee Craig as Chief Financial Officer

By BusinessWest Staff April 2, 2024

Lee Craig

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union recently hired Lee Craig as its senior vice president and chief financial officer. Bringing three decades of leadership experience in credit-union operations and compliance, Craig will lend his expertise to planning, directing, and controlling Freedom’s overall financial plans and policies, accounting practices, and relationships with lending institutions and the financial community.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lee as our new CFO,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “His incredible wealth of knowledge encompasses not only every facet of our industry, but the communities in which our members live and work. We couldn’t ask for a better fit for this fundamental role within our organization.”

Craig comes to Freedom after 23 years as CFO at MassMutual Federal Credit Union, where he was responsible for the operation’s overall financial condition, information-technology oversight, compliance management, and strategic planning. He also previously served as principal examiner at the National Credit Union Administration.

A member of the Credit Union National Assoc. CFO Council and Compliance Council and a past member of Fiserv’s user advisory board, Craig served on the town of Westhampton’s Finance Committee for several years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Westfield State University.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Reinaldo Román

By BusinessWest Staff April 2, 2024

Reinaldo Román

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Reinaldo Román as vice president, branch officer. In this role, Román will manage the institution’s branch operations at its main office located at 70 South St., Pittsfield. Additionally, he will assist the organization with its further development of Spanish-focused materials.

Román joins the bank after a successful 23-year tenure at Greylock Federal Credit Union. He has extensive experience in branch operations and management, business development, retail lending, and customer relations. He received his business administration in banking degree from Berkshire Community College.

“Pittsfield Cooperative Bank is thrilled to welcome Reinaldo to our team,” CEO J. Jay Anderson said. “He is an exceptional individual and brings years of branch operations and business-development experience in the financial-services industry.”

Dakin Humane Society Announces 2024 Humane Award Nominations

By BusinessWest Staff April 2, 2024

SPRINGFIELD — Dakin Humane Society will be accepting nominations from the public for its Dakin Humane Awards until June 30. Nominees should be people or organizations that go out of their way to care for animals in need, people who volunteer to help animals, or people and/or animals who have provided significant public service or shown courage in a crisis.

Finalists in each of the award categories will be picked from among the nominees and notified of their selection in August. The awards will be presented at an event to be held at Dakin on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The six awards to be bestowed are:

• Youth Award, which honors a hero, age 16 or younger, whose extraordinary care and compassion makes a difference in the life of an animal and makes the world a kinder and gentler place;

• Champion Award, which honors an individual in the public or nonprofit sector who has faithfully served and made life better for tens of thousands of animals and people in Western Mass;

• Richard and Nathalie Woodbury Philanthropy Award, which pays homage to an individual who displays a remarkable sense of stewardship in sharing time, talent, and financial resources to improve the lives of animals and the people who love them;

• Distinguished Animal Award, which recognizes an exceptional animal (and handler, when applicable) whose extraordinary devotion to people has proven transformative or lifesaving in challenging or exceptional circumstances;

• Corporate Leadership Award, which is presented to a business or its corporate foundation, of any size, that demonstrates outstanding commitment to improve the lives of animals through employee giving, volunteerism, or partnership; and

• Frances M. Wells Award, which given to an individual recognized for notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals.

“The Humane Awards recognize individuals within our community that are making a difference for animals,” said Stacey Price, director of Development and Marketing at Dakin. “The people nominated demonstrate exemplary service and compassion and are an inspiration for others. Their efforts raise awareness about animal welfare issues and service. Together, we celebrate and acknowledge their acts of compassion toward animals that help create a culture of empathy and advocacy in our community.”

Nominations are being accepted online only at www.dakinhumane.org/humane-awards. Mail-in nominations will not be accepted. Nominees should be residents of Central or Western Mass. or Northern Conn.

After June 30, nominations will be reviewed by Dakin Humane Society’s directors and staff, and finalists will be selected. After that, a panel of independent judges will select the winners by voting in each category. The decisions will be based solely on the content of the nomination forms. Nominators are asked to provide thoughtful, concise, and specific examples of their nominees’ efforts on behalf of animals.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Elects New Executive Director

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced that its executive committee has concluded its search for the chamber’s new executive director and selected Jacob Robinson, who brings more than 15 years of experience in building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and promoting business-driven leadership for sustainable impact.

In his most recent role as the West Roxbury Main Streets program director, Robinson concentrated on local economic development, offering technical assistance to small businesses, facilitating pandemic recovery efforts, leading community events, and championing inclusive commercial planning efforts. His commitment has extended to serving on municipal planning committees and nonprofit boards and contributing to Belchertown’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Growth Plan.

His past work includes building regional and national networks of business leaders working together to develop and share best practices in energy management and strategy. He is also a skilled researcher and educator on the topics of corporate environmental, social, and governance leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental management from Indiana University and lives in Belchertown.

“I am honored to step into the role of executive director at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and eager to contribute to the community in this new capacity aimed at maintaining our region as a vibrant place to live, work, and build prosperous businesses,” Robinson said. “By leveraging the strengths of the Amherst area’s diverse business mix, I’m excited to lead the chamber’s mission and collaborative efforts to address immediate small-business needs, while enhancing a thriving and sustainable local economy that truly works for everyone. I’m looking forward to working closely with the chamber’s board leadership, our members, and the broader community to ensure we all flourish here in this incredible part of Western Massachusetts.”

Heidi Flanders, chamber board president, added that “the mission of the executive committee was to find a candidate that could continue the incredible work the chamber has been providing to the business community, while seeking a candidate who was rooted in the Amherst area. The board is excited about Jacob’s proven track record in working with business communities and governments and happy that he resides within our Amherst area. We feel his commitment to Belchertown will carry over to all the towns we serve to foster our continued growth. We look forward to seeing what new innovative, collaborative, sustainable, and inclusive ideas he will bring to our area.”

Country Bank Appoints Thomas Dufault as Senior Vice President, Retail Lending

Thomas Dufault

WARE — Country Bank announced the appointment of Thomas Dufault as senior vice president of the Retail Lending department. With 35 years in the mortgage industry and an entrepreneurial and construction background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role.

Dufault has gained extensive experience in construction standards, business acumen, and process improvements throughout his career. His diverse background, including as a former business owner, makes him an ideal candidate to lead Country Bank’s Retail Lending team.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dufault is also committed to community service. He has served on the board of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts for 10 years, the past four years as the board president. He supports various charitable initiatives, including the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the American Cancer Society, Heifer Project International, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc. He has also served on various committees and boards in the town of Rutland, where he lived for 26 years.

“I am excited to join Country Bank and contribute to its continued success in helping customers obtain their dreams of homeownership,” Dufault said. “I will focus on offering innovative products to help meet our customers’ needs with a simple application and approval process while offering a superior customer experience. I am eager to make a difference for the retail lending team and for our customers.”

Miriam Siegel, first senior vice president and chief Culture & Development officer, added that “we are incredibly pleased to welcome Tom to our leadership team. His extensive background in Retail Lending brings an exciting level of strategic insight and direction to the Country Bank brand of Community Banking. His commitment to strategic and empathetic leadership, community support, and entrepreneurial spirit align with our iSTEP Corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity. We are proud that Tom has chosen Country Bank as his employer of choice.”

Falcon Landing in Westfield to Take Flight on Heels of Local Permitting Approval

WESTFIELD — In a location that once thrived as part of a computer manufacturing facility for Digital Equipment Corp., a joint-venture development team of Winstanley Enterprises LLC and NorthPoint Development is moving forward with approved plans to build a general warehouse and distribution facility. The recently obtained state and local approvals for the sought-after location come as the warehouse and distribution sector continues to thrive.

Falcon Landing is an approved 524,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art general distribution facility that will be constructed for one or two tenants adjacent to Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport on Falcon Drive in Westfield. The 126-acre parcel will include 362 parking spaces to accommodate two employee shifts and 322 tractor-trailer spaces. The site boasts easy accessibility and is located about two and a half miles from Mass Pike exit 41.

Last August, the joint-venture development team focused its multi-disciplinary group of planners, engineers, and architects on developing a scaled-down distribution facility at this location. After they listened to neighborhood concerns, the site plan incorporated a meticulously designed robust stormwater-management plan and preservation of mature trees for buffering, and also eliminated any connections to North Road. The project received state approval in October and local approval in February.

“Our project team worked very hard to put forward a sensible plan that is rooted in community input, prioritizes protection of sensitive resources, and delivers economic-development benefits to Westfield,” said Adam Winstanley, principal of Winstanley Enterprises. “We are excited to move the project forward.”

Marketing efforts have ramped up to secure a suitable tenant; however, the warehouse will be built on spec if a tenant is not secured prior to construction. With the needed approvals in hand, the team will continue to coordinate closely on finalizing both building-design elements and traffic-mitigation improvements.

“Falcon Landing is an ideal location for companies looking to grow their business at a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that offers easy accessibility from the Mass Pike,” said Andrew Villari, Development manager for NorthPoint Development. “We are proud to be a part of this project and excited about the future in Westfield.”

The project team supporting NorthPoint Development and Winstanley Enterprises includes Epsilon Associates, VHB, Good Earth Advisors, and Watkins Strategies.

Five College Jazz Festival Returns on April 5-6

AMHERST — The 2024 Five College Jazz Festival, the first since 2019, will feature performances from big bands, small combos, vocal ensembles, and improvising orchestras on Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, at UMass Amherst. These groups will feature the interpretive and improvisational skills of Five College students under the direction of the jazz faculty of the Five College campuses.

“The festival is a celebration of the many creative ways we approach the jazz continuum at our campuses,” said David Sanford, Music professor at Mount Holyoke College. “Attending the Five College Jazz Festival offers music lovers on our campuses and in our communities a great opportunity to hear what our students are doing.”

Hosted this year by the UMass Jazz and African American Music Studies program from the department of Music and Dance, the bands will be performing at Bezanson Recital Hall and Tillis Performance Hall, both located in UMass’s Fine Arts Center. The Five College Jazz Festival is free and open to the public.

Performances are scheduled for April 5, 6:30-10 p.m., at Bezanson; and April 6, 8:55 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Bezanson and 2-2:30 p.m. at Tillis. Participating bands include Mount Holyoke Big Band, Mount Holyoke Vocal Jazz Ensemble, UMass Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Smith College Jazz Ensemble, UMass Jazz Lab Ensemble, UMass Graduate Quartet, Amherst College Combo Pinnacles, UMass Chapel Jazz Ensemble, UMass Chamber Jazz Ensembles, and UMass Jazz Ensemble I.

Pioneer Valley Conference for Women Set for May 9

SPRINGFIELD — The third annual Pioneer Valley Conference for Women will be held Thursday, May 9 at Marriott Springfield Downtown from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conference will be held in person and virtually. This year’s theme is “Unleashed.”

Christina Royal will serve as emcee for the conference. The former president of Holyoke Community College, Royal is now president and CEO of Infinite Unlearning LLC, a woman-, BIPOC-, and queer-owned executive coaching and consultancy service supporting mid- to senior leaders and their organizations. Her goal is to educate leaders on a new paradigm of the future of work and help them shed their limiting beliefs and lead from a place of potential.

Keynote speakers are Meghan Rothschild, president and owner of the marketing and public-relations firm Chikmedia, and Jessika Rozki, founder of Rozki Rides, a transportation service focusing on children and seniors.

Rothschild is an award-winning business owner, public speaker, and social influencer. As a speaker, she is known for engaging audiences on topics such as social media, marketing strategy, public relations, women in business, melanoma survivorship, and living with endometriosis.

A regular contributor to The Rhode Show and WWLP’s Mass Appeal, Rothschild is the host of iHeart Radio’s Pioneer Valley Communities, where she shares professional tips from social branding to lifestyle marketing and public-relations strategies. She is also a professor of Social Media, Personal Branding, and PR Campaigns at Springfield College and Southern New Hampshire University.

Rozki’s career in transportation began 15 years ago as a school-bus driver in Chicopee. In 2019, with the resolve to balance her professional aspirations and family life, she launched Rozki Rides. Based in Greater Springfield, the company started as a professional transportation service catering primarily to families.

Rozki Rides differentiated itself by focusing on children and seniors, segments often overlooked by traditional transportation services. In its first year, the company served more than 100 families, a number that continued to grow as the company expanded its services to include daycares and summer camps.

The conference will also feature 10 different panels that women can choose to attend in the morning and afternoon. The 30 panelists are all local women. Dianne Fuller Doherty will be presented with the Goddess Award, recognizing her many years of volunteer work on behalf of women. A comedy kickoff reception the night before the conference will feature comedian Jess Miller.

Click here for more information or to purchase tickets. Event sponsors include M&T Bank, Westfield Bank, Liberty Bank, Country Bank, and USI.

bankESB Hires Lauren Tabin as Assistant Vice President, Branch Officer

Lauren Tabin

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently hired Lauren Tabin as assistant vice president, branch officer of its King Street, Northampton office.

Tabin has nearly 30 years of banking experience. Prior to joining bankESB, she was assistant vice president, branch officer at PeoplesBank, and previously held various other positions there, including banking center manager, branch officer, trainer, and teller. She brings an extensive background in management and leadership experience to her new role, where she will manage the Northampton office team while remaining engaged in the community.

Tabin currently serves on the board of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, and previously served on the board of Black Horse Trust, the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and Providence Ministries. She is a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2011.

Elms College Appoints New Members to Board of Trustees

Jack Dill

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced that three prominent leaders in the region have joined the college’s board of trustees.

John (Jack) Dill is the president and principal of Colebrook Realty Services and has been negotiating real-estate transactions on behalf of his clients — buyers, sellers, property owners, and tenants — for more than three decades. He holds the counselors of real estate designation, along with other professional designations and licenses in the fields of real estate, finance, and construction, and is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Ashley Vanesse

Dill has been an active supporter of more than 20 local nonprofits, including Elms College, and is currently vice chairman of the Fallon Community Health Plan board of directors and a member of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp. He earned his bachelor of arts degree cum laude from Williams College.

Ashley Vanesse is the president of the Elms College Alumni Assoc. and has been a member of the association since graduating from the Elms in 2011. She is currently office manager for Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home and also held various positions in the Elms College Admission Office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Elms College and her master’s degree in psychology and school counseling from Westfield State University.

Lisa Wills

Lisa Wills is a partner at Whittlesey, one of the largest regional CPA and IT consulting firms in New England. She has worked primarily with nonprofits over her 25-year career and is an expert in complex audits. She is a licensed certified public accountant with the state of Connecticut and an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). In addition, she is a recognized industry leader and frequent speaker on topics such as FASB changes and female leadership. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from Elms College in 1988.

American International College Earns 2024-25 Military Friendly School Designation

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has earned the 2024-2025 Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School designations.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,800 schools participated in the 2024-25 survey, with 537 earning special awards for going above the standard.

The 2024-25 Military Friendly Schools list will be published in the May and October issues of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found online at www.militaryfriendly.com.

“Receiving the 2024-25 Military Friendly School Designation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting our military-affiliated students in their academic pursuits and beyond,” said Michael Dodge, AIC’s executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for military-connected students as they pursue their educational goals at American International College.”

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher-education and military-recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer), and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process,” said Kayla Lopez, national director of Military Partnerships at Military Friendly. “Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunities for the military community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.”

Bay Path Cybersecurity Program Ranked in Top Five by Forbes

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced that its master of science (MS) in cybersecurity program has been recognized as one of the top five such programs in the nation by Forbes in its Best Online Master’s in Cybersecurity rankings for 2024.

Forbes’ ranking of Bay Path’s MS in cybersecurity online program reflects the university’s dedication to providing students with a comprehensive, cutting-edge education that prepares them to address the complex challenges of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. With a curriculum designed by industry experts and taught by experienced faculty members, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in this critical field.

Bay Path is also a partner in the federally funded, $1.5 million Union Station cyber range project in Springfield. This state-of-the-art cyber range will mirror IT environments and allow students to gain experience through live-fire attacks, blue-team-red-team events, training modules, labs, assessments, and more. In addition, Bay Path is a member of MassCyber’s training and education working group, giving students access to internships and real-world opportunities, the latest research, professional networks, and insight into best practices.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from Forbes for our MS in cybersecurity program — the only program in New England to earn this accolade,” said Thomas Loper, associate provost and dean of the School of Management and Technology. “This ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as our ongoing commitment to deliver innovative and high-quality education that prepares graduates to make a positive impact in their careers and communities.”

HCC to Inaugurate George Timmons as Fifth President on April 19

George Timmons

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will mark a new chapter on Friday, April 19 with the inauguration of George Timmons as its fifth president.

The investiture ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater on the second floor of the HCC Fine & Performing Arts building.

Timmons started working at HCC in July. He is the fifth president in the 78-year history of the college and the first African-American man to serve in that position.

The ceremony will start in the theater lobby of HCC’s Fine & Performing Arts building with a procession of faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, including presidents from many other Massachusetts community colleges and four-year colleges and universities in the region.

Also attending and offering brief remarks during the ceremony will be state Sen. John Velis; state Rep. Patricia Duffy; Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia; Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts secretary of Education; Robert Awkward, assistant commissioner of Academic Effectiveness at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education; Carlee Drummer, president of Columbia-Greene Community College; Quintin Bullock, president of the Community College of Allegheny County; and Briana Beaver-Timmons, Timmons’ eldest daughter (accompanied by her two younger siblings).

Barney Garcia, the student representative on the HCC board of trustees, will offer remarks. The event will also feature performances by several HCC students: Ally Carnes will sing the national anthem, William Rodriguez-Otero will give a spoken-word performance, and Chestina Thrower will give a musical performance.

Vanessa Smith, interim chair of the HCC board of trustees, will present the presidential medallion to Timmons, who will then give an address.

A community reception will immediately follow the inauguration ceremony in the HCC Campus Center. Those interested in attending should visit hcc.edu/inauguration24 and follow the link to RSVP.

Before coming to HCC, Timmons served as the provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, N.Y. He holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in higher education from Old Dominion University, and a bachelor’s degree in financial management from Norfolk State University. At HCC, he succeeded President Christina Royal, who retired in July 2023.

Tech Foundry Announces New Hires, Promotions

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, announced the hiring of four new staff members as well as promotions of existing staff to support the organization’s growing operations.

Phillip Borras, Tech Foundry’s Career Readiness and Recruitment coordinator, was recently promoted to Coaching manager. A professional speaker, comedian, and life coach, he now leads a team of three coaches who mentor student members throughout the organization’s IT support training program and after graduation. This work complements Tech Foundry’s professional-development training, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking, and other professional-development skills.

Jessica Cogoli has been promoted to instructor. A Tech Foundry alum, she has been working closely with the organization since she graduated, as a volunteer, assistant instructor, and technical lead for the IT support training program. She recently graduated from Holyoke Community College with an associate degree in computer science and is now working toward her bachelor’s degree at Southern New Hampshire University.

Eric Maldonado, a 20-year veteran of the human-services field, joins the Tech Foundry team as a coach. His previous work focused on youth and homeless adults, including experience as a career coach with MassHire in Springfield. He is also an entrepreneur and has been running two successful businesses for the past five years.

William Medina, a former instructor at Tech Foundry, returned to the organization as the new Tech Hub director at the end of February. He is a technology enthusiast who helped build the organization during its early years. In his new role, he is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Tech Hub, a Holyoke-based center which provides digital-literacy classes, technical support, and device distribution throughout Western Mass. As director, he manages daily operations, curriculum development, community relations, the digital fellows program, and professional development.

Hilda Santa, a recent graduate of Tech Foundry, joins the team as the new administrative assistant and coach. She is a retired 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air National Guard and brings more than 15 years of administrative experience to the organization. In her role as a part-time coach, she will mentor the next generation of student-members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health studies from UMass Amherst.

Pattie Carulli-Hauser brings her passion for coaching and mentoring to the Tech Foundry team as one of the organization’s new coaches. In her role, she will provide ongoing mentoring and support for Tech Foundry’s student members. She has spent most of her career in research and development leadership roles in the consumer-goods industry.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and resourceful team of professionals working at Tech Foundry,” CEO Tricia Canavan said. “We are grateful to our funders, donors, and partners in the community, whose support allows us to grow our programs, which in turn benefit more individuals, families, and businesses in Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

Balise Auto Donates $40,000 to Square One

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Auto recently presented a check for $40,000 to Square One. The funding combines Balise’s generosity with matching gifts from Balise’s corporate partners at Lexus and Toyota.

“Square One has such a positive impact on local children and families” said Alex Balise, director of Marketing for Balise Auto. “We are so grateful to Toyota and Lexus for matching our donations and enabling Square One to have an even greater impact in our community.”

Square One currently provides early learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-age children each day, as well as family support services to 1,500 families each year, as they work to overcome the significant challenges in their lives.

“Just as the auto industry is constantly evolving, so is Square One’s work with children and families,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “For decades, Balise has been by our side helping us respond to the growing needs of our community. We are humbled by and grateful for their longstanding, generous support for Square One.”

Cybersecurity Center at Union Station Named for Congressman Neal

By BusinessWest Staff March 27, 2024