Dean’s Beans Named Rural Business of the Year
ORANGE — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee as the Rural Business of the Year for Massachusetts, recognizing the company’s long-standing commitment to ethical sourcing, employee ownership, and rural economic development. Headquartered in Orange, Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee is a worker-owned coffee roaster serving customers nationwide. Since its founding in 1993, the company has maintained continuous operations in the rural community, supporting local jobs and sustaining manufacturing capacity in a region with limited large-scale employers. Dean’s Beans is known for its commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical sourcing. The company exclusively sources certified organic, fair-trade, and shade-grown coffees from smallholder farmer cooperatives, building long-term partnerships that support rural farming communities while meeting growing consumer demand for responsibly produced products. Its coffee is distributed through wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer channels, reaching independent cafés, food co-ops, workplaces, and households across the U.S. In 2021, Dean’s Beans transitioned to 100% worker ownership, becoming a cooperative owned and operated by its employees. The company plays an active role in the Orange community by providing year-round employment, supporting local organizations through donations, and encouraging employee volunteerism. Its continued presence demonstrates how a small business can remain competitive while keeping ownership, jobs, and community engagement rooted locally.
UMass Amherst Opens Hub for Public Health, Health Sciences
AMHERST — UMass Amherst recently celebrated the opening of its new $43 million School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) Hub, which unites the school’s six departments under one roof for the first time. University, state, and local leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting for the 26,800-square-foot building that features a multi-story commons with exposed wood construction and a sweeping staircase, creating a gathering space for study and schoolwide events. The project, which broke ground at North Pleasant Street and Eastman Lane in May 2024, anchors a new plaza that opens toward the campus core and connects directly to the 1958 Totman Gymnasium, which houses the SPHHS Department of Kinesiology. UMass Amherst alumni were involved in virtually every aspect of the project, from design and general contracting to landscape architecture and mechanical engineering. The hub incorporates a biophilic design approach, using wood finishes and extensive natural light to enhance learning environments. Nearly all interior spaces — about 92% — offer views of the surrounding landscape or sky. Outside, a landscaped bioretention system was engineered to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality. The building was designed to support contemporary approaches to team-based learning. Other features include flexible classrooms, hotel office space for faculty, offices for all student advising and career planning staff, the dean’s office, conferencing facilities, and open areas for collaboration. Designed by Boston-based Leers Weinzapfel Associates, the hub is built to the LEED Gold certification standard.
Country Bank Cuts Ribbon at New Springfield Banking Center
SPRINGFIELD — Country Bank recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Springfield banking center at 1500 Tower Square, expanding its footprint and deepening its commitment to one of the region’s most dynamic communities. Marked by a celebration with city leaders, regional partners, and members of the Springfield business community, the event, hosted by White Lion Brewing Co., reflected the bank’s focus on local partnerships and community connection. Since opening its doors, the Springfield team has been dedicated to delivering accessible, relationship‑driven banking while supporting the city’s diverse population, including tailored outreach and services for the Latino community and local businesses looking for a trusted banking partner, said Mary McGovern, president and CEO of Country Bank. The new location is designed to be welcoming, convenient, and rooted in the needs of the people it serves, she added.
Monson Savings Bank Celebrates Local Nonprofits
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently welcomed local nonprofit partners to its recent Community Giving Initiative reception at the bank’s loan and operations center. The celebratory evening brought together nonprofit leaders, community members, and bank leadership to honor the nonprofit organizations selected through the bank’s Community Giving Initiative, a charitable program shaped entirely by community participation. Earlier this year, local community members were invited to cast votes for their nonprofit organizations of choice, ensuring that the bank’s charitable contributions directly reflect the values and priorities of the communities it serves. The 2026 Community Giving Initiative recipients include I Found Light Against All Odds, Magic for Maddie, Friends of Hampden Seniors, South End Community Center and Springfield Ballers, YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Monson Free Library, Springfield Jewish Community Center, CLUBOH, Aida’s Food Truck, and the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts.
Dulye Leadership Experience Closes After 18 Years
PITTSFIELD — After 18 impact-driven years, the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) took its final bow on May 8. Launched in the depths of the 2008 economic crisis through an innovative partnership with Syracuse University, the DLE evolved into an independent, fee-free catalyst for learning, connection, and career advancement that inspired thousands across the Berkshires and beyond. Throughout its run, it operated as a pro bono initiative, made possible by the sustained investment of founder Linda Dulye and her Pittsfield-based company, Dulye & Co. This transition does not affect the operations of Dulye & Co.’s consulting business from its downtown Pittsfield office. Propelled by Dulye’s philanthropic commitment to giving back so others can move forward, the DLE delivered pioneering, professional development programs at no cost. Nationally acclaimed speakers and cutting-edge topics distinguished the DLE’s dynamic mix of immersive retreats, workshops, webinars, coaching sessions, newsletters, podcasts, community service, and conversations. Over the years, delivery platforms expanded from exclusively in-person to fully remote during the pandemic, and ultimately to a flexible mix of hybrid, virtual, online, and in-person experiences.
Amelia Park Children’s Museum Announces Farm in the Woods
WESTFIELD — Diane Chambers, executive director of Amelia Park Children’s Museum, announced plans for an outdoor playscape called Farm in the Woods, scheduled to open this summer. In 2025, the museum was awarded a grant through the Beveridge Family Foundation for concept, construction, and fabrication of the outdoor play space. The funding allowed the museum to hire Panoptic Design/Build, a museum exhibit designer and fabricator based in West Springfield, to create designs. Panoptic designer Terra Fletcher explained that “the Farm in the Woods is intended to bring out the best parts of growing up on a farm in New England: curious observation, secret hideaways, exciting adventures, and always something new to discover. It examines the place of farms in the broader ecosystem, exploring themes of biodiversity and connectedness with playful interactives. We look forward to visitors coming here for the classic outdoor fun of sand, slides, and garden beds, and returning again and again with their friends and families to keep building curiosity and resilience.”
Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament Raises $160,000
NORTHAMPTON — Organizers of the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament announced that its 17th annual event raised $160,000 in support of brain cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Founded in memory of Tom Cosenzi, who lost a courageous battle with glioblastoma, the tournament has become a cornerstone community event, honoring his legacy while funding groundbreaking research. To date, the tournament has raised more than $1.9 million in support of Dr. Patrick Wen and his team at Dana-Farber. The success of the 17th annual tournament was made possible through the support of sponsors, partners, and participants, including presenting sponsor Teph Seal and platinum sponsor General Contracting Solutions. Building on last year’s success, the 18th annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, Sept. 21 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. General Contracting Solutions will serve as the 2026 presenting sponsor. Other sponsorship opportunities are now open. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event are encouraged to get involved early to maximize their visibility and impact. To learn more about the tournament, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, visit tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com.
Baystate Academy Charter Public School Recognized
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Academy Charter Public School announced it has been recognized as a 2025-26 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the fourth consecutive year. It is among a select group of high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for its commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in career-connected learning. Through its PLTW biomedical science program, Baystate Academy is helping students develop transferable skills needed to succeed in an evolving future. This program provides students with real-world experiences to support its mission of training and exposing students to the health science industry. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that creates transformative learning experiences and empowers students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills for future careers.
Local Farmer Awards Issue More Than $270,000 in Grants
AGAWAM — The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation (HGCF), and its Local Farmer Award partners announced the 2026 recipients, granting more than $270,000 to 128 farmers across Western Mass. With this year’s awards, the program’s total investment in local agriculture surpasses $2 million — marking a major milestone in its 12-year commitment to strengthening the regional food system. The 2026 winners represent a diverse mix of farms of varying sizes across the four counties of Western Mass. Funds of up to $2,500 will help support projects such as fencing, cattle chutes, headlocks, calf housing, and feeding systems; greenhouses, hoophouses, energy curtains, and irrigation inside structures; cold storage, wash stations, and processing equipment; and no-till preparation, cover cropping, composting, and pest management. This program is made possible through community funding from the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Big Y, the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. Additional support is provided by PeoplesBank; Ann and Steve Davis; the Elizabeth & Charles D’Amour Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; Audrey and Chick Taylor; Andrew Associates; DeNucci, Crosby, & Associates – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Eastern States Exposition; Farm Credit East; Hood; Three County Fair; bankESB; Baystate Health; Franklin First Federal Credit Union; and Country Bank.
Summerlin Floors Marks Fifth Year of Donating to GCC
AMHERST — Summerlin Floors, a woman-owned flooring business based in Amherst, has made a $2,500 to Greenfield Community College (GCC) for the fifth year in a row. This annual gift reflects the company’s continued dedication to supporting student success at GCC in honor of the owners’ beloved daughter, Erin Summerlin. Ann Bronner, owner of Summerlin Floors and a GCC alumna, is deeply committed to giving back and supporting the next generation of students. Guided by her belief in the transformative power of education and the strength of community, she strives to ensure students have the tools needed to succeed both academically and personally. Through the company’s charitable initiative, Summerlin Supports, Summerlin Floors makes ongoing contributions to causes that matter most to the company’s leaders. This year’s gift, made on April 26 in honor of Erin’s birthday, is a heartfelt tribute celebrating her life and lasting legacy.
MCLA Pathways Campaign Surpasses $30 Million Goal
NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) officially certified that Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA has raised $32.7 million, surpassing its original $25 million goal by nearly $8 million. With continued momentum and three months left of the campaign, surpassing the fundraising goal early reflects the sustained confidence of alumni, friends, and supporters in the college’s mission and future. Funds raised through Pathways, the Campaign for MCLA have supported scholarships, athletic facility enhancements, travel opportunities for students, and professional development for faculty members. The campaign’s success has helped the MCLA endowment reach the highest level in the college’s history, and MCLA’s reserve fund has doubled over the past five years to $27 million, reflecting a sustained commitment to long-term financial health.
AIC Raises $228,090 During AIC Gives ‘26
SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) raised $228,090 during AIC Gives ‘26, the college’s annual Giving Day campaign held April 7-9. The campaign brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends in support of scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and campus initiatives. A total of 856 donors contributed during the campaign, reflecting broad support from across the AIC community. Strong participation and enthusiasm prompted the college to extend the campaign beyond its original 48-hour timeframe, allowing even more donors to take part. Contributions came from 28 states, one territory, and 13 countries, reflecting the broad reach and global support of the AIC community. This year’s campaign demonstrated the collective commitment of the AIC community to expanding access, creating opportunity, and enhancing the student experience. Gifts of all sizes will provide immediate support for current and future students, helping to strengthen programs and resources across the college.
Early Learning Agencies Launch New Collaboration
SPRINGFIELD — The region’s leading providers of preschool programming came together recently to formally launch Foundations for Success Springfield. State and local leaders from Springfield Public Schools, HCS Head Start, the YMCA of Greater Springfield, and Square One gathered on the steps of Springfield City Hall to share news of the collaboration. Foundations for Success Springfield is designed to connect parents, caregivers, and community programs with personalized guidance to ensure every child has the foundation to build a strong, bright future. The initiative will bring together educators, the community, and families to nurture growth and development, and improve quality of life for children in the Greater Springfield area. It is designed to support families in navigating early childhood systems, including developmental support and educational placement, which is known to be an overwhelming experience for families of young children.
Hillcrest Educational Centers Honored with Award from AIM
PITTSFIELD — Hillcrest Educational Centers, a private, not-for-profit agency that provides individualized and comprehensive clinical, psychological, and special education services for children, adolescents, and families in Berkshire County and the Northeast, is the winner of the 2026 John Gould Education and Workforce Development Award from Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). The organization was honored in front of 500 Massachusetts business leaders at the AIM annual meeting on May 7. The students served by Hillcrest in non-residential and residential programs have complex psychiatric, behavioral, and/or developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders, and a variety of high-risk behaviors. Its mission is to address the significant needs of students during a critical time in their lives, providing them with essential skills that will enable them to achieve enduring, positive change. Hillcrest was started in 1985 as an organization that provided residential programs. While the agency still provides these residential services, Hillcrest today also offers non-residential day programs and services for emotionally or behaviorally disturbed students at its Hillcrest Academy, as well as general family dentistry at Hillcrest Dental Care.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank Introduces New Mortgage Program
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced the launch of Co-op Cares, a new mortgage program designed specifically for employees of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Built with the needs of mission-driven professionals in mind, Co-op Cares offers meaningful benefits to help make homeownership more accessible for those who dedicate their careers to giving back. The Co-op Cares program offers a variety of benefits, including reduced annual percentage rates and choosing between a fixed-rate mortgage with predictable monthly payments or an adjustable-rate mortgage that offers potential interest rate savings initially but may fluctuate over time.
Tech Foundry Awarded Laptops by Connected and Online Program
SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, a regional leader in IT workforce development and training, recently received a donation of 30 laptops to its Tech Hub programs through the Connected and Online Program, overseen by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The Connected and Online Program is designed to increase access to education, workforce development, and healthcare services with a particular focus on Gateway Cities and rural communities. The donated laptops will be used for Tech Hub’s digital literacy community workshops hosted throughout Western Mass. MBI is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, it uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access, as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.
