Home Archive by category Company Notebook

Company Notebook

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Franklin First Membership Approves Greylock Merger

GREENFIELD — Franklin First Federal Credit Union, based in Greenfield, has received member approval for its proposed merger with Greylock Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Pittsfield. The membership vote, which was subject to the approval of the National Credit Union Administration, occurred at Franklin First’s annual meeting held on April 15. Franklin First membership approval completes the requirements for the merger to move forward. With membership and regulatory approval now in place, the merger is expected to close on June 1, with a systems conversion scheduled for early 2027. On Sept. 19, 2025, Franklin First’s board of directors agreed to merge with Greylock, with Greylock serving as the surviving credit union. Franklin First will merge into Greylock’s charter and will continue to operate under the Franklin First brand as a division of Greylock for a period of time after the merger is completed. Greylock will assume Franklin First’s $88 million in assets, giving the continuing credit union approximately $1.7 billion in combined assets. Franklin First has approximately 7,400 members and will continue to operate its branch and two remote ATMs in Greenfield. Franklin First’s members will enjoy full use of Greylock branches and ATMs, as well as access to Greylock’s extensive business banking services. Michelle Dwyer, president and CEO of Franklin First, will continue to manage the Franklin County market. Franklin First employees will continue to have roles with the continuing credit union and will operate from the current office in Greenfield. Greylock currently serves 106,000 members and has full-service branches in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, Lee, Adams, North Adams, Williamstown, Lanesborough, and Lenox, as well as Greenport/Hudson, N.Y.

 

Basketball Hall of Fame Supports Springfield Rotary Grant Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has donated $8,500 to the Springfield Rotary Club to support local nonprofit organizations through the club’s Community Grants Program. The funds were raised during the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield’s annual Service Above Self Luncheon and were presented at a recent Rotary meeting by Frank Colaccino and Chelsea LaCoille. The donation will help fund grants awarded during the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Luncheon & Community Awards on April 30. At the event, the Rotary Club of Springfield also recognized Carla Alves as its 2026 Paul Harris Fellow, one of the Rotary’s highest honors, awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service and community impact. Alves, vice president and business banking loan officer at Country Bank, as well as treasurer of the Springfield Rotary Club, was honored for her dedication to supporting local businesses, strengthening community partnerships, and embodying the Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”

 

Hometown Financial Group Wins Top Workplaces Award

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB’s parent company, Hometown Financial Group, announced it has earned the 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award for the fourth time in five years. The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about workplace experience.

 

Eversource Named Among Most Trustworthy Companies

BOSTON — As recognition of its commitment to corporate citizenship, social responsibility, and a customer-first focus throughout its operations, Eversource Energy has been named by Newsweek and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for 2026. This prestigious national award celebrates U.S. companies that demonstrate leadership in ethical business practices and have built strong trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders through consistently reliable performance and transparency, creating positive benefits and social impact in the communities they serve. Eversource was one of 700 companies named by Newsweek and Statista Inc. to the list, which encompasses a wide range of corporations in industries including automotive, banking, healthcare, retail, travel, and technology. The rankings were determined through an extensive independent survey of more than 25,000 U.S. residents, resulting in more than 100,000 evaluations that reflected their perspectives considering customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust, along with a social listening analysis.

 

Spectrum Launches Virtual ALS Service in Chicopee Store

CHICOPEE — Spectrum is bringing its virtual American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation service to Chicopee. The service connects deaf customers and Spectrum store specialists through a live ASL interpreter, enabling real-time communication in store. Available in select locations across the country, the service is expanding to reach more than 90 Spectrum stores by the end of the year. In Chicopee, the virtual ASL interpretation service is now available at the 591 Memorial Dr. store. For many deaf customers, a simple store visit can mean relying on handwritten notes or typing messages back and forth. At participating Spectrum stores, customers can scan a QR code using their personal device to connect instantly with a live ASL interpreter, enabling a natural, real-time conversation about Spectrum products, services, billing questions, or account updates. Spectrum first launched a successful pilot of the virtual ASL interpreting service in Rochester, N.Y. in 2024 and expanded to Austin, Texas; Los Angeles; and New York City in 2025. In 2026, Spectrum is bringing virtual ASL interpretation to 34 additional towns and cities across Spectrum’s service area, focused on communities with strong deaf populations.

 

Applied Mortgage Opens New Space in Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON — The Applied Mortgage team of HMA Mortgage opened the doors to its new space, designed to better serve and support the community, this month, with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 30 at 15 College Highway, Unit A, Southampton. The Applied Mortgage team of HMA Mortgage has relocated to a new, first-floor space that offers improved accessibility, greater visibility, and a more open, welcoming environment. The new location supports a hybrid approach to mortgage services by enhancing virtual capabilities while maintaining a strong in-person experience. The updated layout also allows the team to host educational workshops, community events, and industry gatherings, further strengthening its role as a local resource and connector.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

CitySpace Receives $3.5 Million in Congressional Funding

EASTHAMPTON — CitySpace announced it has been granted a $3.5 million congressionally directed spending award to support the restoration of Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall, marking a major milestone in the long-term effort to transform the landmark into a fully accessible, multi-level center for arts, culture, and community life. The funding will advance the next phase of work to restore the building’s second floor as a 350-seat performing arts venue, dramatically expanding public access and cultural opportunity in the heart of downtown Easthampton. The federal funding was secured through the leadership and advocacy of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, with particular recognition of U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, whose offices worked closely with CitySpace and local partners to advance the project. Located at the heart of Easthampton’s Main Street Historic District, Old Town Hall is one of the city’s most prominent civic buildings. Owned by the city and stewarded by CitySpace through a 40-plus-year lease, the building is being restored and activated as a center for the arts through a public-private partnership that has kept the space in active use while undergoing phased improvements. Celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, CitySpace has brought new energy to the first floor of Old Town Hall, transforming the historic space into a vibrant hub for exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, and community gatherings. Since its founding, CitySpace has led the thoughtful reuse and restoration of the building, providing affordable and accessible space for artists, nonprofits, and small businesses. Since 2014, CitySpace has led a series of restoration efforts to stabilize and improve Old Town Hall, including the current project to add an elevator serving all four floors, dramatically expanding accessibility in the 157-year-old building. The granted federal funding will advance the restoration of the second floor, creating a 350-seat performing arts venue in the space that once served as the building’s historic meeting hall.

 

The Drake Announces Gift to Endow Director Position

AMHERST — The Drake, a live performance and music venue in downtown Amherst, announced a transformative $250,000 donation that will allow the organization to hire and endow a new director position, marking a significant milestone after four successful artistic and financial years. The search for the director will begin immediately. The gift was made by Amherst residents who have supported the Drake’s capital campaign and annual giving efforts since its founding. Their passion for the arts and commitment to the economic vitality of downtown Amherst inspired this investment to ensure the Drake’s sustainability for decades to come. Founded by the nonprofit Downtown Amherst Foundation, the Drake was created to foster economic viability, sustainability, and vibrancy in downtown Amherst through arts and culture. Since opening, the venue has hosted thousands of artists from across the globe and from the local community, establishing itself as a cornerstone for live performance in the region. The Drake has built enduring collaborations with Amherst College’s Music Department and faculty, the UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center and Music Department, and performing arts programs at Amherst regional public schools. Together, these partnerships have created unique performance series and educational opportunities that enrich both students and the broader community. The newly endowed director position will work alongside the Drake’s small staff to expand donor engagement, strengthen development efforts, and oversee the financial stewardship of the growing nonprofit organization. Until now, the Drake’s board of directors has managed finances and development entirely on a volunteer basis.

 

Country Bank Marks 175 Years by Giving More Than $1 Million

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., marked its 175th anniversary in 2025, a milestone year that served as both a celebration of history and a reaffirmation of the bank’s long-standing commitment to the communities it has served since 1850, a legacy built over 175 years and grounded in relationships, trust, and service. Throughout its anniversary year, Country Bank contributed more than $1 million in community donations and sponsorship to nonprofit organizations, supporting essential programs and services across Central and Western Mass. This investment reflects Country Bank’s belief that community banking is about consistently showing up for the people and organizations that strengthen the region. Giving during the bank’s 175th year focused on key areas including food insecurity, housing stability, education, youth development, health and human services, and financial literacy, causes that have long aligned with Country Bank’s mission and values. In addition to financial support, Country Bank employees demonstrated a deep personal commitment to service. During the year, team members contributed 1,826 volunteer hours across 846 community initiatives, with 171 employees actively participating. This collective effort reinforces the bank’s belief that meaningful impact extends beyond financial contributions to include time, talent, and hands-on involvement.

 

Volvo Cars West Springfield to Construct New Facility

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Volvo Cars West Springfield, part of the Fathers & Sons family of dealerships, announced plans to demolish its current building and construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art Volvo facility. As the only Volvo retailer serving the entire Pioneer Valley, Fathers & Sons continues to invest in providing a premium ownership experience for the region. Beginning March 2, operations have temporarily relocated during construction. Volvo service operations will move to Fathers & Sons Volkswagen, 434 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The Volvo sales department — offering both new and certified pre-owned vehicles — will operate just east of the former facility, located at 931 Memorial Ave. The new facility, expected to be completed in the fourt quarter of 2026, will feature seven new service bays, advanced diagnostic and service equipment, and a modern environment reflective of Volvo Cars’ Scandinavian design aesthetic.

 

Transformation Fitness WMA Opens in Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG — Transformation Fitness WMA, a new, locally owned fitness business offering personal training, recently launched services in Williamsburg. The business provides inclusive, personalized fitness coaching designed for individuals seeking a supportive alternative to traditional gyms. Founded by J Oien, a NASM-certified personal trainer and registered nurse, Transformation Fitness WMA delivers evidence-based fitness programming tailored to each client’s goals, abilities, and lived experience. Services are available to residents throughout Western Mass., with options for in-person and virtual training. Oien is committed to safe, affirming coaching for all bodies — especially for transgender and gender-diverse clients seeking an inclusive training environment. Transformation Fitness WMA offers one-on-one personal training in-person in Haydenville; small group fitness classes in Williamsburg and remotely from anywhere in the U.S.: virtual personal training (synchronous or asynchronous) from anywhere in the U.S.; and individualized programming with weekly coaching check-ins. Training sessions are held in private studio spaces.

 

Crooked Stick Pops Awarded $40,000 Grant

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton-based Crooked Stick Pops, a woman-owned business founded in 2016, has been awarded a grant for $40,521.82 by MassDevelopment’s Biz-M-Power Grant Program. The grant supports an expansion of the company’s commercial kitchen to some three times its current size through capital investments in equipment. Increased production will help the company expand its wholesale reach from the Hudson Valley to Metro West Boston and Cape Cod. The company will focus on developing existing markets in Southern New England and increasing its presence from Boston to the Albany Capital Region. The new kitchen space will hold a second, larger walk-in freezer, the equipment investment made possible by the MassDevelopment grant. The new kitchen space will also allow for more efficient venting of popsicle machines and the large freezers, which generate a great deal of heat — doubly ironic for a company that makes frozen treats and does most of its work during the already hot and humid summer months. The business remains based in the Keystone Building of Easthampton, but now on a ground floor location that allows for more efficient loading of vehicles headed to farmers’ markets, music festivals, civic gatherings, weddings and parties, and all the other events Crooked Stick Pops is known for. It will also help Marty’s Local, wholesale distributor since 2023, load its trucks without dealing with freight elevators and competing for loading dock space.

 

6 Brick’s Supports Square One

SPRINGFIELD — 6 Brick’s Cannabis Dispensary recently concluded its “Shop for a Cause” initiative, raising nearly $7,500 to support Square One’s programs and services. During the month of January, $1 from every 6 Brick’s-branded product sold was designated as a donation to Square One. “What makes this especially meaningful is that it wasn’t just a corporate contribution — it was a collective effort with our customers,” Shubrick added. “Our community chose to participate. Many of them expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support a trusted local organization while shopping with us. That level of engagement reinforces that Square One’s mission resonates beyond its direct service population.”

 

Springfield College Program Awarded Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College announced that its bachelor of science in sport management program has been awarded accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), which extends until February 2033. The purpose of COSMA accreditation is to promote and recognize excellence in sport management higher education. Upon reviewing a college’s sport management program, COSMA evaluates how well the program educates students and prepares them for a career in the sport management industry. The Springfield College sport management program provides students with the opportunity to develop expertise in the rapidly advancing world of sport. The program leans into its history of innovation in the classroom and within the sport industry. The broad-based sport curriculum is combined with the sport lens for the administration and management of a variety of sport and athletic careers. Currently, 90% of Springfield College sport management graduates are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Of those employed, 93% are within sport.

 

Steeple City Social Celebrates First Year

NORTH ADAMS — From farmers market beginnings, Steeple City Social, a North Adams bakery, bar, and community space, celebrated its one-year anniversary with Birthday Week festivities from Feb. 25 to March 1. Meghan Daly, a self-taught baker and chef, is the brains behind the cuisine. She grew up in Bennington and ran Daly Pies, a pie bakery in Brooklyn. After moving to North Adams in 2020, she became a farmers market manager and now serves on the board of directors of the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and the Farmers Market Committee. Andrew Fitch, public official and first-time entrepreneur, works front of house and focuses on community engagement through events and collaborations. He grew up in the Boston area and moved to North Adams in 2021. He serves on the North Adams City Council and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and is running for state representative for the 1st Berkshire District. In the past year, Fitch and Daly, the co-owners of Steeple City Social, have served up coffee, pastries, pies, sandwiches, and brunch items during the day and appetizers, pot pies, and cocktails in the evening. They have paired their culinary work with myriad free events open to the entire community.

 

International Language Institute Launches New English Program

NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) has launched a newly approved, part-time English program, expanding its educational offerings while strengthening its role in the regional economy and community. The program offers flexible morning classes designed for international visitors and residents who want to improve their English while balancing professional and personal commitments. Founded in 1984, ILI attracts students from around the world, contributing to the local economy through housing, dining, transportation, and retail spending. The school also partners with local employers to provide workplace language training. As a nonprofit organization, ILI uses tuition revenue to support its free English program for immigrants and refugees, which serves hundreds of residents annually and helps strengthen the regional workforce.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

River Valley Co-op Supports Northampton Survival Center

NORTHAMPTON — On Dec. 2, River Valley Co-op announced a contribution of more than $20,000 to support the Northampton Survival Center. This contribution was made through the co-op’s November Change for Change round-up donations at the checkouts in both the Northampton and Easthampton store locations. This is the most recent and largest of the co-op’s last four monthly Change for Change contributions to local food security focused nonprofits, which totaled more than $62,000. These contributions included $13,745 for the Easthampton Community Center, $14,064 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $13,915 for Manna Community Kitchen, as well as the November contribution of $20,309 for the Northampton Survival Center. Each time a customer shops at River Valley Co-op, they are given the opportunity to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the extra cents going into the Change for Change donation fund. That fund is allocated each month to a local nonprofit organization nominated and chosen by co-op member votes.

 

Window World of Western Mass. Earns National Recognition

BELCHERTOWN — Qualified Remodeler, a leading publication serving remodelers and home improvement companies in the U.S., recently ranked Window World of Western Massachusetts 92nd among the 200 largest home improvement companies in the country — a list known as the HIP 200. This places Window World of Western Massachusetts first in Western Mass. The store was chosen as a 2025 HIP 200 company by the Qualified Remodeler editorial staff for meeting a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards, and community service. For more than two decades, Window World of Western Massachusetts has been serving the community with a wide range of home improvement products, including energy-efficient windows, doors, and siding and roofing. The company is committed to customer satisfaction with a focus on clear communication and meticulous craftsmanship on every project, big or small.

 

Colebrook Brokers Sale of Bank Branch to UMassFive

EAST LONGMEADOW — Colebrook Realty Services announced the sale of 465 North Main St. in East Longmeadow to UMassFive College Federal Credit Union for $2 million. The property most recently housed a TD Bank branch. Located at the corner of North Main Street and Harkness Avenue, the building is approximately 2,800 square feet on more than 0.6 acres of land. B. John Dill, president and CEO of Colebrook Realty Services, represented the seller, 465 North Main Street LLC. Nancy Nesbitt of AccuBranch represented UMassFive College Credit Union. Originally developed as a branch of the former Springfield Institution for Savings (SIS) in 1970 by the Martone and Preston families, the site served as a banking facility for several successor banks to SIS, most recently TD Bank. Two generations of the Martone and Preston families served as stewards of this prominent location.

 

Westfield State Receives Davis Educational Foundation Grant

WESTFIELD — The Davis Education Foundation has awarded Westfield State University a two-year grant of $449,980 to support the ongoing project “From Innovation to Impact: Scaling General Education Reform to Advance Westfield’s Integrative Student Experience.” The grant will empower Westfield State to continue strengthening its general education curriculum by ensuring that learning outcomes, practice standards, and high-impact practices are fully integrated into redesigned courses. The funding will also permit Westfield State to formalize and expand its peer mentor program, an initiative that improves student leadership skills, engagement, confidence, and success. The support of the Davis Educational Foundation will advance Westfield State’s strategic plan and strengthen its mission to foster the economic, social, and cultural vitality of the region by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and character to lead with purpose and civic responsibility.

 

Glenmeadow Named Among Best Continuing Care Communities

LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow has been named one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026 by Newsweek, ranking in the top 10 in Massachusetts. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on Nov. 19 and can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website. America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026 have been selected through a comprehensive methodology of assessing quality resident care. The evaluation awards the leading 330 facilities in the U.S. based on four key pillars: reputation, visitor satisfaction, accreditation, and Google reviews. The analysis is based on an independent survey that included thousands of residents and acquaintances of residents living in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The award serves to reinforce that Glenmeadow is dedicated to offering high-quality care and services to older adults, including a range of living options such as independent living, assisted living, respite care, and at-home care services. Glenmeadow offers a wide range of amenities and community opportunities, including newly renovated spaces designed for connection and well-being and the annual Age of Excellence Awards, honoring older adults who inspire vitality. Glenmeadow leaders believe aging is not a retreat, but a rise, and the community’s holistic approach aims to ensure that residents feel valued, supported, and empowered to live their lives to the fullest.

 

The Good Dog Spot Partners with Leaps & Bones

CHICOPEE — The Good Dog Spot announced a new partnership with Leaps & Bones, a pet company known for providing high-quality treats, toys, and pet essentials. Through this collaboration, Leaps & Bones will now manage the retail section inside the Good Dog Spot in both the Chicopee and Northampton locations, offering a curated selection of treats, toys, and pet products to clients and their furry friends. Leaps & Bones focuses on products that are safe, nutritious, and fun. Whether it’s natural treats, new toys, or everyday essentials, the company is committed to keeping tails wagging and owners smiling. This partnership enhances The Good Dog Spot’s mission to provide exceptional pet care while adding a new shopping experience for pet owners throughout Western Mass. While dogs enjoy daycare grooming or boarding services, owners can now browse a premium selection of Leaps & Bones toys, treats, and supplies in one place.

 

Foundation for TJO Animals Raises More Than $57,000

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO) are celebrating a record-breaking Giving Tuesday, marked by exceptional community support, a highly successful adoption event, and an outpouring of generosity that far exceeded expectations. To kick off the campaign, the foundation hosted a two-day adoption event in which all adoption fees were waived thanks to a $2,000 sponsorship from longtime supporters Ted and Barbara Hebert. Over the course of just 48 hours, 18 animals were adopted into new, loving homes. The foundation initially set a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $20,000, with every dollar matched by supporters Jan and Bernadette Piepul. As donations surged, the goal was increased to $25,000 — and the Piepuls matched that as well. By the morning after Giving Tuesday, total donations had climbed to more than $57,000, making this one of the foundation’s most successful campaigns to date. A significant portion of the funds came from Monarch Fore Charities, whose contribution exceeded $10,000 and helped propel the campaign to new heights.

 

Weed Man Makes Donation to Food Bank of Western Mass.

SPRINGFIELD — The team at Weed Man in Springfield announced that its Grassroots Giving campaign was a success, and they have collected 286 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. That works out to nearly 238 meals for local families across Springfield. In last year’s inaugural campaign, the Weed Man fleet combined to collect more than 78,000 pounds of food from its customers in the U.S. and Canada. This year, the fleet far exceeded its goal of collecting more than 100,000 pounds of food from across North America, with a grand total of 108,000 pounds.

 

CET Receives $375,000 Grant to Expand Clean Energy Workforce

NORTHAMPTON — CET announced receipt of a $375,000 investment to grow Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce. The funding, a grant from E4TheFuture, will support a workforce development program that provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and career pathways for individuals entering the building energy efficiency and decarbonization sector. The program will pursue the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program for Energy Auditors, positioning participants for nationally recognized credentials and broader career mobility. The year-long, full-time paid positions will combine classroom learning with hands-on field experience, equipping participants with the technical expertise, industry certifications, and real-world skills needed to launch long-term careers. Graduates will be offered full-time positions at CET, advancing its mission to deliver just and resilient climate solutions. Over the next three years, CET will recruit approximately 10 participants, with a focus on candidates from underrepresented and environmental justice communities. Program graduates will help homes and businesses reduce energy use, lower costs, and improve health, safety, and resilience while contributing to the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals.

 

6 Brick’s, Green Meadows Partner with Patton Alliance for Veterans

SPRINGFIELD — Cannabis dispensaries 6 Brick’s and Green Meadows, along with the Shubrick and Patton families, continued their collaborative partnership throughout the month of November in support of the Patton Alliance for Veterans, an organization dedicated to advancing veteran-focused initiatives nationwide. The partnership brought together two independent, family-owned Massachusetts cannabis companies to raise awareness and financial support for veterans facing physical and mental health challenges. Throughout the month of November, 6 Brick’s partnered with Green Meadows to donate $1 for every Green Meadows, At Ease, or 6 Brick’s product sold, with the campaign culminating in a total contribution of $6,550 to the Patton Alliance for Veterans. 100% of these funds will go to charitable efforts. In addition, 6 Brick’s honored veterans with a 10% discount throughout the entire month, reinforcing the campaign’s commitment to accessibility, recognition, and gratitude. Green Meadows’ affiliated nonprofit initiatives support organizations including Stop Soldier Suicide and the Black Veterans Project, further amplifying the impact of this partnership.

 

Berkshire United Way Awards $51,630 for Food Assistance

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire United Way (BUW) has awarded $51,630 to 15 local organizations to strengthen food distribution efforts in response to rising food insecurity and recent disruptions in federal assistance programs such as SNAP. Following a thorough application and review process, BUW provided funding to Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Community College Foundation, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Grown, the Christian Center, Community Health Programs (CHP), First United Methodist Church, Friends of the Pittsfield Senior Center, Great Barrington Farmers Market, the People’s Pantry, Pittsfield Community Food Pantry, seeing rainbows, Sonrisas, Village Food Box, and Westside Legends. The funding combines local donations with support from the United Response Fund, which enabled all 13 United Ways in Massachusetts to expand and stabilize food access through increased pantry capacity, direct financial relief, and culturally appropriate food options.

 

Thunderbirds Break Record by Collecting 8,048 Stuffed Animals

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds established a new franchise record on Dec. 6 by collecting 8,048 stuffed animals during the 10th annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas inside the MassMutual Center. All donated bears will be distributed to underprivileged youth throughout Springfield and Western Mass. ahead of the holiday season. The avalanche of teddy bears was set in motion by Jakub Stancl’s first goal of the night, part of a three-goal performance that ignited the sellout crowd of 6,793 fans inside the Thunderdome and sent thousands of stuffed animals flying onto the ice in one of the most anticipated traditions of the season. The celebration continued off the ice this week as Thunderbirds players, mascot Boomer, and team staff delivered bears directly to more than 15 local youth-focused nonprofits, including CHD, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, the Boys & Girls Club Family Center, the Springfield YMCA, Square One, the Chicopee Boys & Girls Club, and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, ensuring smiles reach children and families across the region ahead of the holidays. First introduced during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural season in 2016, the Teddy Bear Toss has now provided more than 40,000 stuffed animals to local charities, remaining one of the organization’s signature community initiatives and one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Greater Springfield area.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MassMutual, Barings Announce Investment by MS&AD

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual and its global asset management subsidiary Barings announced that MassMutual has entered into an agreement in which MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc. (MS&AD) will acquire an 18% equity stake in Barings through its subsidiary Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. (MSI), a leading Japanese insurance company. As a result of this transaction, MassMutual will gain a strategic partner that shares its deep commitment to Barings’ growth and long-term success while also receiving approximately $1.44 billion in cash proceeds. MassMutual will remain Barings’ majority owner with an 82% stake and controlling governance rights, and Barings will also continue to manage the majority of MassMutual’s general investment account and remain core to the company’s asset management strategy. Barings will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary of MassMutual with no changes to its day-to-day operations, investment committees, processes, or strategy. As part of the strategic partnership, MS&AD will provide growth capital to support Barings in achieving its long-term growth strategy. In addition, Barings will expand its existing relationship with MS&AD through the management of assets within MS&AD’s general investment account, helping to strengthen and diversify MS&AD’s investment portfolio and giving it greater access to Barings’ global public and private markets capabilities. A member of MS&AD’s leadership team will also join Barings’ board of managers. The transaction is expected to close after customary closing conditions and approvals have been finalized. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as MassMutual’s financial advisor on the transaction, and its legal counsel was Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

 

Cain Hibbard Merges with Bulkley Richardson

SPRINGFIELD — Cain Hibbard & Myers P.C. and Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP announced their merger, effective Dec. 1, creating a strategic alignment of two law firms in Western Mass. Together, the firms have increased capabilities to deliver premium legal services across practice areas, positioning them to better serve clients. As the largest full-service law firm in the region, this merger amplifies its impact across Western Mass. and beyond, expanding the firm’s collective geographic footprint to Springfield, Pittsfield, Hadley, and Great Barrington. Clients of both firms include businesses with operations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the U.S., and abroad.

 

MountainOne Insurance Named Among Top Insurance Employers

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency has again been named a Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business America. This marks the sixth time MountainOne Insurance has earned the national recognition and the fifth consecutive year of receiving the honor. Each year, the publication identifies top insurance employers through a confidential employee survey that assesses key areas such as workplace culture, professional development, benefits, DEI practices, and overall employee experience. Organizations awarded this distinction are recognized for prioritizing employee well-being, adapting programs based on staff feedback, and fostering strong career growth pathways. MountainOne Insurance has remained a standout in the industry for its intentional approach to talent development and supportive workplace culture. Over the past several months, the agency has promoted six team members across departments and introduced a new leadership-level role to acknowledge employees who demonstrate exceptional expertise, leadership, and client service.

 

Feel Good Haus Opens in Great Barrington

GREAT BARRINGTON — Feel Good Haus, a modern apothecary that aims to help people feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally, opened at 38 Railroad St. in Great Barrington on Dec. 4. The belief behind Feel Good Haus is rooted in the restorative power of small, intentional rituals that can help everyone feel good — a discovery the founder made while working full-time, parenting two children, and caring for both parents with stage 4 cancer simultaneously. Whether it’s an uplifting botanical shower, a quiet cup of herbal tea, or a soft eye pillow that aids sleep, the brand’s mission is to help find balance by curating the highest-quality, natural self-care products for body, mind, and soul while contributing to the Berkshires community as a wellness destination. The retail store features makers based in Berkshire County and Western Mass., as well as a variety of small-batch artisans from across the U.S. Future offerings include connection opportunities with local artisans and open discussions around topics such as aromatherapy, grief, menopause, and the benefits of self-care. Because acts of generosity contribute to feeling good, Feel Good Haus will partner with community organizations through its Gift to Give donation program, kicking off in February 2026 with Berkshire Pride.

 

Generator Supercenter of Western Mass Opens Doors

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Generator Supercenter of Western Mass recently celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 1285 Riverdale St. in West Springfield with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together local leaders, community members, and company representatives to mark this milestone. Among the guests were West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, Generator Supercenter founder and CEO Matthew Metcalfe, and several other key members of the Generator Supercenter franchise team, all of whom joined in celebrating the company’s expansion into Western Mass. Generator Supercenter of Western Mass is dedicated to providing comfort and peace of mind to homeowners through reliable power solutions, specializing in home standby generators. Its team offers comprehensive services including sales, installation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair, ensuring customers are fully supported from start to finish.

 

Momentum Group Opens New Branch in Longmeadow

LONGMEADOW — The Momentum Group with AnnieMac Home Mortgage announced the opening of its newest branch located in the historic Brewer-Young Mansion at 734 Longmeadow St. in Longmeadow. The team is led by Branch Manager Angela Tourville, who brings expertise from both loan processing and originating, giving her a deep understanding of the home loan process from start to finish. She is joined by Sales Manager Mike Tourville, who is focused on building strong community partnerships and driving growth; Prav Mathur, a seasoned professional with more than 30 years of lending experience and strong community ties; and April Towers, whose dedication and compassion for guiding families through the homebuying process make her a valued part of the team.

 

Country Bank Donates $160,000 to Support Local Seniors

WARE — In response to the increasing needs of local families and seniors affected by the recent government shutdown, Country Bank announced donations of $160,000 to support food insecurity programs across Central and Western Mass. As the bank kicks off its annual “Season of Difference” campaign, it is donating an additional $25,000 to both the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Worcester County Food Bank. Earlier this year, each of these food banks received $100,000 as part of a $1 million pledge. Additionally, another $55,000 is being donated to local food pantries and $55,000 to senior centers throughout the region. The “Season of Difference” campaign highlights Country Bank’s long-standing dedication to strengthening local communities through financial support, volunteer efforts, and compassionate leadership. Each year, the bank donates more than $800,000 to nonprofits that focus on food insecurity, education, housing, and community well-being.

 

PeoplesBank Increases Funding to Address Food Insecurity

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced it will immediately increase funding to regional food banks, survival centers, and food pantries to address the growing issue of food scarcity, donating an additional $100,000 to organizations the bank has already supported this year. The bank’s executive leadership team, as well as associates throughout the bank, believed that a response to SNAP benefit disruptions and the pressures they are causing on food banks, pantries, and families warranted additional financial assistance. PeoplesBank has already begun to distribute grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to the following organizations: the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Connecticut Foodshare, the Care Center of Holyoke, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Rachel’s Table, Amherst Survival Center, Northampton Survival Center, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Providence Ministries – Margaret’s Table, Salvation Army of Holyoke, Family Outreach of Amherst, Gifts of Love, Midwest Food Bank – New England Division, Hands on Hartford, Hartford Interval House, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and Friend to Friend Food Pantry. Over the past year, PeoplesBank has made donations totaling $1.8 million in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and $5 million over the last three years. The bank’s associates and board members contributed matching gifts of $55,750 in addition to the 8,500 volunteer hours they contributed to the community.

 

Forbes Again Names Big Y Among Best-In-State Employers

SPRINGFIELD — For the seventh year in a row, Big Y has been recognized as a Forbes Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Honorees have been identified through a survey from a vast sample of more than 160,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S. More than 2 million employer evaluations were considered. Employers have neither the knowledge of which employees are polled nor the ability to influence the results in any way. Employees are also asked to give their opinions on a series of statements surrounding work-related topics such as compensation, working conditions, potential for development, and overall company image. Big Y places a strong emphasis on elevating the employee experience by prioritizing flexibility, meaningful recognition, work/life balance, and cultivating a culture rooted in care and inclusion, the company stated.

 

STCC Receives Six Awards for Marketing, Communications

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) earned six prestigious Medallion Awards from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 1 at the organization’s annual conference held in Pittsburgh in November. STCC was one of the most awarded colleges on the entire Eastern Seaboard and received more honors than any other Massachusetts community college. The Medallion Awards recognize outstanding achievement in design and communications at community and technical colleges across the Northeast, Eastern Canada, and the U.K. This year, STCC stood out for creative excellence across a wide range of categories, reflecting the strength and innovation of its Marketing & Communications team. STCC received the following awards: Gold Award – E-Newsletter; Gold Award – Interior Signage/Displays; Silver Award – E-Card; Bronze Award – Excellence in Writing, Short Form; Bronze Award – Outdoor Signage/Display; and Bronze Award – Audio Content.

 

HCC College Magazine Honored at Regional Conference

HOLYOKE — The Connection, the official magazine of Holyoke Community College (HCC), received a first-place gold Medallion Award at the fall 2025 District 1 conference of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations. The spring 2025 edition of the Connection took the top spot in the category of large-scale magazine, for publications of more than 16 pages. In addition to its usual campus news, alumni briefs, and class notes, the spring 2025 issue includes a cover story about the opening of HCC’s Marieb Adult Learner Success Center and Parent Learning Center (“A Family Affair”); a profile of late alum JoAnne Wrobel, who launched a free food cart for students that grew into the Thrive Center and Food Pantry, which now feeds hundreds of HCC students every year (“A Silent Hero”); and a feature story about HCC alum Brandon Towle of Westfield, who founded the first sleepaway camp in New England for stuttering youth (“Freedom to Speak”). “Freedom to Speak,” written by the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Chris Yurko, received a second-place silver Medallion Award in the category of long-form writing (stories of more than 800 words). The magazine is designed by John Devanski, owner of Guy With Glasses Design in Ware. The Connection is a 36-page magazine published two times a year by the HCC office of Marketing and Communications and distributed free to alumni, students, and friends of the college.

 

Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership Wins Award

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP) was named the 2025 recipient of the Teacher Powered Schools Partnership Award, presented last month at the annual Teacher Powered Schools Conference in Ypsilanti, Mich. The national award honors partnerships between schools, districts, and teachers’ unions that exemplify the power of collaboration and shared leadership to empower educators, students, and families. Since its founding in 2015, SEZP has forged a groundbreaking partnership with the Springfield Education Assoc. (SEA) that reimagines what is possible when educators are trusted to lead. Through a series of teacher contracts — with the latest ratified by 93% of union members this past June — teachers have gained expanded decision-making power in critical areas such as working conditions, curriculum, and school design, while also receiving higher compensation than their district peers for the additional time dedicated to teacher collaboration and leadership. Central to this success are SEZP’s teacher leadership teams, school-based groups that ensure teachers have a formal, consistent voice in decisions that shape instruction, culture, and operations. Together, SEZP and the SEA have created a model of shared leadership that continues to attract national attention for its ability to combine teacher empowerment with improved outcomes for students.

 

Thunderbirds, Wellpoint Brick Back First Line Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, Wellpoint, and community partners are teaming up to connect local students and public safety officials through the return of the First Line Program. The initiative, sponsored by Wellpoint and revived from the 2017-18 season, pairs Springfield Public Schools students with Springfield and Hampden County public safety officials for an unforgettable night of hockey, mentorship, and community pride. Seven students and teachers from Kiley Prep Middle School attended the program kickoff at the Nov. 7 Thunderbirds game, where each student was paired with a Springfield police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. The event celebrated community connection, with participants enjoying food, conversation, and hometown pride as they watched the Thunderbirds face the Bridgeport Islanders. The First Line Program will continue throughout the Thunderbirds’ 2025-26 season, with students and educators from schools across Springfield joining in future games.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Partners with Brown & Brown

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced a new partnership with Brown & Brown, one of the nation’s leading insurance brokerages. Together, the two organizations will offer customers and community members throughout the Berkshires access to a wide range of insurance products backed by local service. Unlike national call centers or impersonal online platforms, this partnership brings together two organizations with deep ties to Berkshire County. Brown & Brown’s regional team of insurance professionals live and work in the community, offering local personal attention and providing responsive support. Through this partnership, customers can access comprehensive insurance coverage — including auto, home, umbrella, life, recreational vehicles, commercial property, liability, and organizational employee benefits — delivered with the same personal touch and community commitment that define both organizations.

 

Berkshire Money Management Expands to Williamstown

WILLIAMSTOWN — Berkshire Money Management (BMM), a fixture in the Central and Southern Berkshires, will open a new office at 136 Water St. in Williamstown later this year to better serve clients and neighbors in the Northern Berkshires and Southern Vermont. The move expands BMM’s physical presence across Berkshire County — with offices now in Dalton, Great Barrington, and Williamstown — so clients can meet with their advisors close to home, wherever they live. The Water Street location, just around the corner from Spring Street and the Williams College campus, brings the firm’s financial planning expertise to the heart of Williamstown’s business district. Advisors will begin meeting clients in Williamstown by appointment later this year, with a grand opening planned for early 2026. The building is owned by BMM co-founder and Chief Engagement Officer Stacey Carver, who purchased the property earlier this year.

 

WNE School of Law Launches Online JD Access Program

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University School of Law announced the launch of JD Access, a part-time evening online juris doctor program designed to expand access to legal education for working professionals, non-traditional students, and individuals whose life circumstances make attending on-campus programs difficult. The first cohort will begin in the fall of 2026. Fully accredited by the American Bar Assoc. (ABA), JD Access is among only about 20 ABA accredited online JD programs nationwide. The program offers an innovative blend of synchronous online classes, asynchronous coursework, and limited in-person residencies, giving students the flexibility to pursue their law degree while balancing work, family, and other commitments. The part-time evening structure is ideal for working professionals, with short, required residencies designed to foster connection and collaboration. The program also provides opportunities for meaningful pro bono and community engagement through the Center for Social Justice at Western New England University. Students can complete the program in three and a half or four years, with optional summer courses available, and the program is open to students across the country, regardless of where they live and work.

 

Westfield State Named Among Top 100 Women-led Businesses

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University has been recognized as one of Massachusetts’ premier women-led businesses. The university earned a spot on the 2025 Top 100 Women-led Businesses list presented annually by the Women’s Edge and the Boston Globe. The winners were honored at an awards ceremony and celebratory breakfast event held on Oct. 24. Key factors in the evaluation of businesses included workplace and management diversity, board makeup, and innovative projects, alongside revenue or operating budget.

 

Bulkley Richardson Named Best Law Firm in 14 Areas

SPRINGFIELD — Best Lawyers, in partnership with U.S. News and World Report, ranked Bulkley Richardson as 2026 Best Law Firm in the Springfield region in the following 14 practice areas: banking and finance law, bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights / insolvency and reorganization law, business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), commercial litigation, corporate law, criminal defense – general practice, criminal defense – white collar, employment law – individuals, employment law – management, litigation – labor and employment, medical malpractice law – defendants, personal injury litigation – defendants, real estate law, and trusts and estates law. To be eligible for a ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer included in the list of Best Lawyers. Bulkley Richardson has 12 lawyers included on the 2026 Best Lawyers list, and Mary Jo Kennedy was named 2026 Springfield-area Lawyer of the Year for both employment law (management) and litigation (labor and employment). Rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in the field.

 

Allied Flooring & Budget Cabinets Supports Two Regional Nonprofits

AGAWAM — Allied Flooring & Budget Cabinets announced the results of its second annual Charity Golf Tournament, raising a total of $31,385 to benefit two local nonprofit organizations, Sunshine Village and Project New Hope. In Agawam on Oct. 29, the leadership team presented Sunshine Village with a donation of $15,692.50 to support the organization’s programs for adults with developmental disabilities throughout Western Mass. Then on Oct. 30 in Leominster, they presented the remaining $15,692.50 to Project New Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterans and their families with support programs, retreats, and community resources designed to help them rebuild their lives after military service. The annual tournament, held in September at Chicopee Country Club, brought together more than 100 golfers, dozens of sponsors, and community partners for a day of friendly competition and fundraising. The event’s success reflects Allied Flooring and Budget Cabinets’ ongoing commitment to supporting local causes and building strong community connections beyond the showroom. Plans are already underway for the third annual Allied Flooring & Budget Cabinets Charity Golf Tournament, with hopes of raising even more funds in 2026.

 

AIC Opens Food Pantry to Combat Student Food Insecurity

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) is helping students facing food insecurity with the launch of the Buzz Stop, a new campus food pantry. According to government data, approximately 3.8 million college students nationwide, or about 23%, face food insecurity. Many do not receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits due to application barriers or lack of awareness. The pantry, located in the Student Affairs office on the upper level of the Schwartz Campus Center, offers both perishable and non-perishable foods as well as basic academic supplies. Students can fill a shopping basket once per week without restrictions, ensuring they have access to essential nutrition while pursuing their studies. Since December 2024, AIC has been preparing an unused office on the upper level of the Schwartz Campus Center to host the Buzz Stop. The renovated space includes shelves stocked with non-perishable items, a refrigerator for perishable foods, and basic academic supplies. Students can find supplies like canned goods, fresh produce, snacks, macaroni and cheese, and more with items available on a rotating inventory. AIC partnered with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to stock the pantry, with support from an anonymous donor. The college will continue refining the Buzz Stop based on student feedback to ensure it meets evolving needs.

 

Country Bank Makes Back-to-school Donations

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced its recent donation of $250 Visa gift cards to 44 local schools, totaling $11,000. These schools have been long-standing partners in the bank’s financial literacy initiatives, and this contribution aims to support teachers and students as they head into the new academic year. As part of its continued commitment to financial literacy, Country Bank’s Money School program offers engaging, age-appropriate lessons and resources to help students learn the fundamentals of money management, budgeting, and saving. From classroom sessions to interactive fairs, the program provides real-world financial experiences that make learning fun and practical. Students and families are encouraged to visit any Country Bank location to learn more about Money School and how to get involved. The program’s goal is simple: to help young people develop the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions throughout their lives.

 

Market Mentors Raises $5,000 for Rays of Hope

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors, LLC, a fully integrated marketing, advertising, and public relations agency with offices in Massachusetts and Florida, announced it has raised $5,000 for Rays of Hope, the Baystate Health Breast Network initiative supporting breast cancer patients, survivors, and research since 1994. Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the agency creates specially designed items to raise funds and awareness. This year’s featured travel mug delivers the simple, life-saving reminder: “Check them early, check them often.” The campaign reminds men and women alike to take small, proactive steps that can make a big difference in their health.

Since its founding, Rays of Hope has raised more than $17.2 million, with every dollar staying in Western Mass. to fund research, patient care, state-of-the-art equipment, educational programs, and community grants.

 

Bay Path University’s PA Program Reaccredited

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced that its physician assistant (PA) program has been awarded a 10-year continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, the maximum term granted by the national accrediting body. The 10-year accreditation affirms the program’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, clinical training, and student success. Graduates consistently achieve strong first-time pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and secure employment across a range of healthcare settings. Bay Path’s physician assistant master’s program, launched in 2010, is based at the state-of-the-art Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow. The two-year program combines classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, and extensive clinical rotations designed to prepare students for real-world practice. Through a recent partnership with Harvard, students have been able to attend lectures on ways emerging technologies and AI can be applied to patient care. In 2022, the program doubled in size and now admits 60 students per year. As Bay Path’s ongoing integration with Cambridge College continues, the university is exploring opportunities to expand the program and serve new populations of learners through flexible modalities that may include online coursework paired with in-person practicums at its Boston location.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MassDevelopment Issues Bond for Mount Holyoke College Plan

SOUTH HADLEY — MassDevelopment has issued a $154,750,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of the trustees of Mount Holyoke College, who will use bond proceeds to make investments in its campus, with the goal of ensuring accessibility for all and sustainability for years to come. Mount Holyoke’s campus renewal will respond to the existing needs of the college community and continue both its transition to geothermal energy and its residence hall renovations. The college’s geothermal exchange project, already in progress, includes the drilling of geothermal exchange wells and the purchase of heat pumps and related energy equipment. The institution will also use bond proceeds to fund other strategic improvement projects on its campus, such as renovations to its residence halls and key academic buildings, as well as refinance previously issued debt. The tax-exempt bond, purchased by TD Bank, helped the borrower achieve a lower cost of capital.

 

Holyoke Community College Lands $300,000 RISE Grant

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) received a $300,000 state grant to train low-income job seekers whose primary barrier to employment is their English language skills. The Readiness, Integration, Skills, and Employment (RISE) grant to HCC is part of a $2.7 million package awarded recently to eight employers and organizations for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) initiatives that also include career readiness, job training, and placement services. The RISE grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and administered by Commonwealth Corp. through the state’s Workforce Competitive Trust Fund. HCC was one of only two grant recipients outside the Boston area; Greenfield Community College received a $195,000 grant to train home health aides. Overall, the grants will support the training of more than 500 residents in the state in workforce ESOL training programs and help ease the demand for ESOL services. HCC is partnering with three Springfield-based agencies — Way Finders, Tech Foundry, and MassHire Springfield — to provide training and career placement services for 50 individuals. HCC’s employer partners include Baystate Health, Holyoke Medical Center, Adhesive Applications, Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, and MGM Springfield, who have agreed to interview program participants. Originally, the grant focused on people living in emergency shelters but has been expanded to also include other low-income job seekers with children below age 18.

 

$560,000 Endowment Created at Cooley Dickinson Hospital

NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Hospital announced the establishment of the Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement with a gift of $560,000 from Susan Mannheim and her late husband, Paul Mannheim, a family with deep roots in the Pioneer Valley, known for their long commitment to community service. Paul’s involvement with Cooley Dickinson began in 1988 as a member of the Golf FORE Health Committee, and he eventually became a volunteer and trustee. In honor of his contributions, he was honored in 1999 with the William E. Dwyer Distinguished Service Award. Over nearly four decades, the couple have supported many capital projects at the hospital, both individually and through their business, including what is now the Main Entrance, the Imaging and Childbirth Center, as well as the North Building and Kittredge Surgery Center. During his life, Paul took out a life insurance policy and named the hospital as the beneficiary. After his death earlier this year, the life insurance benefit payout was used to establish the Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement. The endowment will support capital projects, helping to ensure access to modern, state-of-the-art facilities for years to come.

 

Sentillian, Hogan Technology Announce Strategic Partnership

EASTHAMPTON — Sentillian, an innovator in AI-driven call center solutions, announced a strategic partnership with Hogan Technology, a provider of communication technology and services, to expand beyond the legal sector. Together, the companies will deliver enterprise-grade, AI-powered call center solutions designed by regional engineering teams in Easthampton to improve customer engagement, streamline operations, and reduce costs for clients across industries that require help desk and customer service support. The partnership combines Sentillian’s next-generation AI agent technology — which functions as a call center answering agent with natural, human-like voices and the ability to handle most basic tasks typically performed by live staff — with Hogan Technology’s robust telecom infrastructure and decades of industry expertise. Hogan Technology will serve as Sentillian’s strategic partner, enabling both companies to expand market reach and deliver turnkey solutions to enterprise clients. Together, the companies will focus on solving long-standing challenges in call center operations, including long wait times, high labor costs, and the need for 24/7 multi-lingual support. The partnership between Sentillian and Hogan Technology launches immediately with clients in legal, automotive, and other industries that rely heavily on help desk and call center operations.

 

D. Hotel Suites & Spa Completes Renovations

HOLYOKE — D. Hotel Suites & Spa, a 60-room boutique hotel located on the grounds of the Delaney House, announced the completion of a series of renovations designed to enhance comfort, security, and style for its guests. The project, which began in January and concluded recently, aims to bring a fresh, modern feel to the property while preserving its boutique charm. The extensive updates include a reimagined breakfast area, providing guests with a welcoming and contemporary space to start their day. The hotel’s lobby has also been redesigned, creating a brighter and more inviting first impression for both leisure and business travelers. Guest rooms and hallways received significant improvements as well. Most rooms now feature new flooring, updated fixtures, modern furniture, and fresh paint, as well as enhanced lighting and thoughtful design details. As part of the renovations, D. Hotel also invested in upgraded door lock technology, providing guests with an added layer of security and peace of mind. The integration of these modern systems reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to guest safety and convenience.

 

TSM Design Announces Closing After 40 Years in Business

SPRINGFIELD — TSM Design, a marketing, branding, and design firm, will close on Dec. 31 after 40 years in business. The firm was founded as the Super Market by Leslie Lawrence in 1985. Nancy Urbschat, Lawrence’s colleague, who joined the firm three months after its opening, became a partner in 1986 and purchased the company in 2005. TSM Design continues to work on client projects and is developing the means for a smooth transition at the end of the year. This will be made possible in part because Deb Walsh, Janet Bennett, and Brittany Arita, the TSM team, will continue their work independently. Urbschat’s decision follows decades of work with many of the region’s businesses, nonprofits, and Massachusetts government and quasi-government agencies. TSM Design has partnered with clients ranging from small startups to a Fortune 100 company the firm engaged with for more than a decade. TSM also held a state contract that brought high-profile projects across several agencies. A fierce advocate for the city of Springfield, Urbschat has served on numerous boards, committees, and initiatives, and has donated countless hours of pro bono branding, marketing, and design expertise to organizations such as the branding of Springfield Men of Color Health Awareness, rebranding the Springfield City Library, and capital campaign materials for Friends of the Homeless.

 

bankESB Honored with Top Workplaces Awards

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced it has been recognized as a Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces award winner and has received three additional Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards for fall 2025: Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-being, and Professional Development. Presented by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools, these awards celebrate organizations that excel in fostering exceptional workplace cultures based on employee feedback and engagement. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks. The awards highlight organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to their employees’ success, health, and overall experience. bankESB’s achievement across all categories underscores its dedication to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow professionally.

 

Tech Foundry, Comcast Partner to Expand Digital Opportunity

SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from Tech Foundry, a Springfield-based workforce development organization, and Comcast were joined by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and City Councilor Jose Delgado on Oct. 23 to celebrate a new initiative aimed at expanding internet adoption and digital skills training for Greater Springfield residents. Through this collaboration, Tech Foundry will sponsor six months of Comcast’s Internet Essentials service for the first 25 individuals who complete 12 digital literacy classes. Additionally, Comcast will donate laptops to the first 50 individuals who complete six digital literacy classes through Tech Foundry’s program. This initiative is made possible through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership program, which enables community organizations to fund Internet Essentials (IE) service for qualifying households. Sponsored families receive all the benefits of IE: a high-speed internet connection at home, the option to purchase a low-cost computer, and access to free digital skills training online, in person, and in print. Tech Foundry offers free computer literacy and information technology certification programs to residents across the region.

 

Country Bank Recognized for Charitable Giving

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced that the Boston Business Journal has once again named the bank an honoree in its annual Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. The magazine annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. During this year’s celebration on Sept. 10, 99 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year. Collectively, they gave more than $416 million in cash contributions. This year’s honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports. Country Bank employs 239 staff members in Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. Its team of Difference Makers actively promotes the bank’s mission of making a difference in their communities by volunteering for various nonprofits throughout the year.

 

Assets for Artists Transitions to Independent Status

NORTH ADAMS —Assets for Artists (A4A), a 17-year-old initiative supporting artists across New England, is marking its formal transition to independent nonprofit status with more than $2 million in new funding. This includes a $1.5 million general operating support grant from the Barr Foundation. The three-year grant will power A4A’s work providing capacity-building programs, professional development, and financial education to artists in all disciplines across New England. A4A has also secured significant program support, including $460,000 from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to launch the Greater Hartford Creatives Alliance, more than $100,000 from the city of Boston through the Arts Action Consortium, and $82,000 from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to continue the ValleyCreates artist support programming. Since its founding, A4A has delivered professional development support to more than 3,700 artists in seven states, awarding more than $1.7 million in capacity-building grants to artists and providing more than 1,600 hours of career-building and financial education workshops and more than 4,000 hours of individual coaching sessions led by A4A’s roster of experienced artist trainers. Launched as a collaborative program under MASS MoCA in 2008, A4A began by serving artists in Berkshire County, but has since expanded to serve all of New England.

 

Whittlesey Wins ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey has earned ClearlyRated’s 2025 Best of Accounting award for service excellence. The award is based entirely on client feedback and recognizes firms that consistently deliver exceptional client experience. ClearlyRated’s program provides statistically valid and objective benchmarks for the accounting industry, highlighting which firms deliver the highest levels of client and employee satisfaction. Whittlesey received a Net Promoter Score more than twice the industry’s average. On average, clients of Best of Accounting winners are 60% more likely to be satisfied than those who work with non-winning firms — a testament to Whittlesey’s commitment to trusted guidance and personalized service.

 

Tighe & Bond Acquires Geosphere Environmental Management Inc.

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, design, planning, and environmental consulting, announced it has acquired Geosphere Environmental Management Inc., a New Hampshire-based hydrogeology and environmental firm. As a trusted groundwater advisor with service offerings in hydrogeology, geothermal, and environmental science, Geosphere’s client base includes public municipal, utility, and private sector clients. Aligned with Tighe & Bond’s mission, Geosphere strives to create an economically feasible and environmentally responsible built environment. Following a successful history of collaborating on projects, the addition of Geosphere complements Tighe & Bond’s capabilities in its Water Business Line, which offers clients full-service engineering and environmental expertise to support their drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, geotechnical, dam, and ecological restoration projects. Geosphere’s water supply development and groundwater discharge capabilities enable Tighe & Bond to even more comprehensively support its clients’ drinking water and wastewater needs. Geosphere’s geothermal and ground heat exchange expertise also align with Tighe & Bond’s whole asset approach to the built environment, adding to site utility and building mechanical system design capabilities for high-performance building projects. The Geosphere team will now be based out of Tighe & Bond’s Portsmouth, N.H. office.

 

Bay Path University Continues OTD Grant Program

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its post-professional occupational therapy doctorate grant program, Improving School-based OT Practice: A Doctoral Program to Improve Outcomes for Children with High-intensity Needs. Supported by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs), this innovative program is designed to advance the preparation of school-based occupational therapy leaders committed to improving outcomes for children with disabilities and high-intensity needs. Through this two-year, fully online program, participants earn a doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) degree, an American Occupational Therapy Assoc. (AOTA) school-based practice certificate, and a graduate certificate in autism spectrum disorders. In addition to advanced academic training, participants receive up to $21,000 in federal grant funding, covering more than 50% of tuition costs. Additional benefits include one-on-one faculty mentoring, professional development opportunities, and up to $3,000 to present research at the AOTA national conference. Only eight spots are available for the upcoming cohort. Applications are now open for the next cohort, which begins Jan. 12, 2026. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. To learn more or apply, visit baypath.edu/otdosepgrant.

 

Hyundai Hope on Wheels Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 6, Hyundai Hope on Wheels presented Baystate Children’s Hospital with a $100,000 Impact Grant to support pediatric cancer care. The funding will expand access to the latest treatments through clinical research, support a nurse practitioner specializing in childhood cancer, and enhance quality-of-life programs for pediatric patients. These programs include milestone celebrations, holiday gifts, and engaging activities for children undergoing long treatments. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a nonprofit organization committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, it provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives.

 

Beetle Press Earns Certification as Women’s Business Enterprise

NORTHAMPTON — Beetle Press, a PR business specializing in marketing and media strategy and consulting, was recently awarded national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Center for Women and Enterprise, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Founded in Northampton in 1998, Beetle Press offers marketing and public relations strategy as well as writing and editing services. In the Pioneer Valley, it currently serves Laplante Construction, Florence Bank, Thornes Marketplace, Keiter, and the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the Center for Women and Enterprise is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a woman or women, and that the business has appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place.

 

WillPower Foundation Joins Multicultural Community Services

SPRINGFIELD — WillPower Foundation, a longtime champion of families with different abilities in Western Mass., announced its next chapter: a formal partnership with Multicultural Community Services (MCS). WillPower Foundation will transition to become the WillPower Fund at MCS. Since 2008, WillPower Foundation has awarded nearly a half-million dollars in direct grants to families and individuals with different abilities across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Founded by Maria and Craig Burke in honor of their son, William Michael Burke, who lives with a rare brain malformation called schizencephaly, the foundation was created to fill critical gaps left by insurance and other systems, funding items such as mobility aids, therapeutic programs, and sensory equipment. When the pandemic hit, WillPower was forced to eliminate most of its part-time staff to cut operational costs and stay afloat. Thanks to the continued generosity of donors and a dedicated board and volunteer base, the organization not only survived, but continued to grow its impact. Still, the long-term sustainability of operating without staff was uncertain. After 17 years of empowering families, the WillPower board worked diligently to plan for the future and find a more efficient way to ensure that more donor dollars are directed to families, thereby maintaining a strong mission for years to come. On Oct. 1, WillPower Foundation and MCS marked this milestone with a celebration featuring Burke himself. The WillPower board presented a $40,000 founding gift to MCS to officially launch the WillPower Fund in its new home.

 

Zeretas Studios Opens New Salon in Westfield

WESTFIELD — Zeretas Studios held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Zeretas Studios, a new Latina-owned salon business located at 501 Southampton Road in Westfield, on Oct. 18. Owner Jesse Rivera developed her business vision and plan with the support of EparaTodos, the Spanish-language business accelerator program of EforAll Pioneer Valley. Rivera’s story is one of resilience and culture. In the late 1990s, her mother opened her first salon in Puerto Rico, dedicated to textured hair at a time when very few stylists knew how to properly care for curls. Rivera grew up in that salon, later joining their mother in the work, and quickly recognized the gap in the beauty industry when it came to textured hair education and representation. After the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2019 and the 2020 pandemic, the family was forced to close their doors in Puerto Rico. Rivera carried the vision forward, launching Zeretas Studios in Texas and most recently expanding to Massachusetts, with the opening of Zeretas Studios in Westfield.

 

Indie Readery & Records Opens on North Street in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Indie Readery & Records, located at 314 North St. in Pittsfield, hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 23. Owned by Emma Lenski, Indie Readery & Records is an independent bookstore that combines a curated selection of books, vinyl records, and a variety of humorous and progressive gifts. The store’s focus on offering literature that promotes social justice, equity, and freedom places a strong emphasis on liberal and progressive viewpoints. The store will serve as a community space for like-minded individuals to engage with new ideas, music, and humor, while providing a space for cultural and community events.

 

Thunderbirds Partner with Foundation for TJO Animals

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds announced the inception of Luff’s Pups in partnership with the Foundation for TJO Animals. As part of this newly established initiative, T-Birds veteran forward and animal lover Matt Luff will pledge a donation of $50 to the Foundation for TJO Animals for every point he records during the 2025-26 season. Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to join in the Luff’s Pups pledge and donate to the Foundation for TJO Animals. A donation of just $25 can help feed up to 20 hungry animals or supply rabies vaccines for five animals.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

PeoplesBank Named Among Top Corporate Charitable Contributors

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank has again been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a top corporate charitable contributor. The journal named the bank the top contributor among community banks in Western Mass, and second overall behind Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. PeoplesBank has made investments totaling $1.6 million annually in Massachusetts and Connecticut for the past three years. Over the last 12 years, the bank’s charitable contributions have topped $16 million. Further, the bank’s associates and board members contributed matching gifts of $55,750 in addition to the 8,500 volunteer hours they contributed.

 

Window World Named to Qualified Remodeler Top 500

BELCHERTOWN — Qualified Remodeler (QR), a leading publication serving remodelers and home improvement companies in the U.S., has ranked Window World of Western Massachusetts 125th in the country on its 47th annual Top 500 Remodelers list. This places Window World of Western Massachusetts number one in Western Mass. Since 1978, the QR Top 500 has tracked the industry’s largest and fastest growing companies. In 2025, the Top 500 represented nearly $25 billion in remodeling sales volume and 2.2 million completed jobs. Window World of Western Massachusetts was chosen as a 2025 Top 500 remodeler by the Qualified Remodeler editorial staff for meeting a set of criteria including installed remodeling dollar volume, total years in business, industry association membership, industry certification, industry awards, and community service. For more than two decades, the company has served the community with a wide range of products, including energy-efficient windows, doors, durable siding and roofing, and more.

 

Springfield College Joins Efforts to Train Teachers, Empower Readers

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College and its local K-12 school district and college partners will share $380,000 in state grant funding to support teacher development, specifically to give teachers access to evidence-based literacy instruction. The Healey-Driscoll administration recently awarded a total of $800,000 in grants to 17 school districts and 14 colleges to promote the evidence-based early literacy instructional skills of prospective and existing teachers. Springfield College is a partner with local public school districts and colleges in two consortia: the Early Literacy Consortium (ELC) and the Western Massachusetts Literacy Collaborative (WMLC), both of which will use the funding to make sure teachers are well-prepared to teach evidence-based early literacy and help students develop critical reading and writing skills. The ELC has three main priorities: improve teacher preparation, enhance classroom practices, and improve student outcomes. The WMLC consortium features the Summer Learn & Earn Program, in which the college and Springfield Public Schools select current undergraduate or graduate education majors to participate in a free graduate course offered through Elms College and work in WMLC districts as literacy intervention teachers during summer school. For Springfield College, Valerie Annear, director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, and Mark McCarthy, associate professor of Literacy Education and chair of the Department of Education, attend all meetings, participate in decision making on grant activities, and distribute both resources and training opportunities to the college’s faculty and teacher candidate supervisors.

 

Eversource Again Recognized as Tree Line USA Utility

BOSTON — For the second year in a row, Eversource has been named a Tree Line USA utility by the Arbor Day Foundation, a distinction highlighting the energy company’s ongoing commitment to following best practices for quality tree care while ensuring safe, reliable electric service for customers. The Tree Line USA program, a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Assoc. of State Foresters, celebrates forward-thinking utilities that exemplify industry leadership in vegetation management, strengthening reliability, sustainability, and public trust in the communities they serve. Eversource achieved the Tree Line USA recognition by meeting the program’s five core standards: following industry standards for quality tree care, providing annual worker training in best tree care practices, sponsoring a tree planting and public education program, maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. This year, the energy company partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to distribute more than 1,000 free trees to customers across its three-state service territory through the nonprofit’s innovative Energy-Saving Trees program. As part of its commitment to thoughtful vegetation management practices, Eversource works year-round to advance educational partnerships with municipalities, students, and the public about planting the right tree in the right place. Additionally, the energy company’s arborists have crafted a variety of free planting resources for customers, which can help them learn more about utility-compatible plants that are native to New England as well as plants that attract pollinators and can also thrive alongside power lines.

 

UMass Amherst, Tech Foundry Partner on Degree Completion

AMHERST — UMass Amherst and the Tech Foundry announced a new collaboration enabling staff and community members of the Springfield workforce development nonprofit to complete their undergraduate degrees through the university’s flexible, customizable online program. Tech Foundry members can take classes, receive academic counseling, and map their educational pathway through UMass Amherst’s University Without Walls Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (UWW-IS), a leader in flexible, non-traditional, adult-focused education. The new collaboration reflects the university’s commitment to increasing access to public higher education while increasing workforce capacity across the Commonwealth. Current UWW-IS admission requires 12 transferrable college credits and a 2.0 GPA for adults who did not previously attend UMass Amherst. As part of its unique program, UWW-IS offers credit for prior learning or life experience. Under the agreement, students who are accepted into UWW-IS and have completed Tech Foundry’s 18-week immersive hybrid training program will receive 15 credits via special transcript, which is equivalent to a full semester courseload. UMass Amherst students need a minimum of 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. The collaboration builds on earlier programs in which UMass Amherst IT provided internships for Tech Foundry trainees.

 

STCC Launches New STEM Studies Degree Program

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has launched a STEM studies program designed to equip students with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on opportunities needed for success in a wide range of science and technology fields. An interdisciplinary program, STEM studies integrates core principles from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a strong emphasis on industry-relevant applications with time spent learning equipment in labs. Students will benefit from exposure to industry-standard tools and instruction from experienced faculty with real-world knowledge of STEM careers. Students who might be interested in a career in STEM, but might not know which field to pursue, will be well-served by the program’s varied approach. The degree is also a point of entry for the burgeoning quantum sector, given that Massachusetts has invested in locating a quantum computer in Western Mass. Because quantum draws from a number of disciplines, STEM studies offers introduction to state-of-the-art equipment, as well as industry-relevant programming software. As students progress on this STEM pathway, they will have opportunities to focus on fields such as advanced manufacturing, computer systems engineering, and laser optics and photonics. The STEM studies degree program is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem solving, innovation, and applying technical skills to real-world challenges. By balancing theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, the program ensures graduates are equipped to contribute effectively to the modern technology workforce.

 

HCC Gateway to College Earns National Award

HOLYOKE — For the third consecutive year — and sixth time in the past nine — the Gateway to College program at Holyoke Community College (HCC) has received a national excellence award from its parent network, Achieving the Dream. Achieving the Dream presents excellence awards to its Gateway affiliates when those programs meet or exceed four benchmark criteria: grade point average, retention (one-year persistence and two-year persistence rates), and graduation rate. The Gateway to College program at HCC has won one or more benchmark awards for the last 10 years, and the excellence award in 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025. Through Gateway to College, students who have dropped out of high school, or are at risk for dropping out, complete their high school diplomas in college-based programs while simultaneously earning credits toward a college certificate or degree. HCC has hosted a Gateway to College program since 2008. The program enrolled 144 students during the academic year when they received the award. During the assessment year (2024-25), students entered Gateway with an average GPA of 1.57, compared to a network average of 1.89, and finished their first term with an average GPA of 2.89, compared to a national average of 2.55. The one-year persistence rate at HCC was 94%, compared to a 63% network average. The two-year persistence at HCC was 88%, compared to a national average of 63%. HCC’s three-year graduation rate was 84%, compared to a national Gateway average of 65%.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

UMass Amherst Receives $4 Million in Research Gifts

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has accepted gifts and commitments totaling $4 million from longtime supporters John and Elizabeth Armstrong to advance the university’s research enterprise. The gifts establish the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund, the Armstrong Graduate Research Grant Fund, and the Armstrong Chancellor Professorships Award Fund, all of which will underwrite research contributions across a broad range of disciplines at UMass Amherst. In April, the Armstrongs made a $500,000 gift to the UMass Amherst Research Continuity Fund, which was established to provide immediate support to continue vital research despite federal funding interruptions and uncertainty about future funding in fields such as health equity, climate change, and gender-related issues. The Armstrong Graduate Research Grant Fund, established with a $1 million gift, will provide grants in support of research conducted by graduate students at UMass Amherst. This fund will be a crucial resource for doctoral students pursuing dissertation research, graduate student access to training in innovative methods, and students looking to participate in research projects supervised by faculty that directly foster their completion of an advanced degree. The remaining $2.5 million portion of the Armstrongs’ commitment will create an endowed Armstrong Chancellor Professorships Award Fund. Administered by the chancellor and provost, this fund will enable the university to retain outstanding, tenured faculty members who have made or can make significant contributions to the academic reputation of the university.

 

Red Sox Foundation Awards $400,000 to Square One

BOSTON — The Red Sox Foundation announced the creation of its Special Recognition Award, granting $750,000 in its inaugural year to support large-scale, high-impact community investments. Square One of Springfield received $400,000 to support the construction of an outdoor learning center and play space for preschool-aged children, part of the organization’s ongoing $19 million “Back to Square One” capital campaign to rebuild its campus after a tornado destroyed its South End facility in 2011. The Pedro Martinez Foundation received $350,000 toward the creation of a new library inside its Community & Health Center in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic. The Red Sox have deep ties to the Dominican Republic through both player development and community engagement, including the foundation’s longstanding Lindos Sueños program, a partner of the Pedro Martinez Foundation. The new library will provide reading areas, computer access, and study spaces for more than 1,700 students, while also serving adult community members.

 

The Dowd Insurance Agencies Relocate Ludlow Office

HOLYOKE — On Sept. 8, the Ideal-Dowd Insurance Agency office in Ludlow relocated from 187 East St. to a new location a mile and a half away at 563 Center St. “This move underscores our commitment to serving the Greater Ludlow community,” said John Dowd, president and CEO of the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “The new location provides more parking and wider access, along with more space for our growing staff. Our clients can continue to expect the same familiar faces and the exceptional service they’ve come to rely on.” The new office offers a central location for convenient access, ample parking, and room to grow. The agency looks forward to welcoming clients to its new Ludlow location to review coverage, pay a bill, or simply stop by and say hello.

 

D.A. Sullivan & Sons Wins HNE Well Worth It Award

NORTHAMPTON — D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. (DAS), a general contracting firm based in Northampton, has been named a 2025 Health New England Well Worth It Award recipient at the Bronze level for successful worksite health promotion and employee health improvement. The award recognizes DAS’s commitment to its employees’ overall health and their achievements in implementing health and wellness programs during the previous year. This recognition underscores DAS’s commitment to supporting the overall well-being of its employees through programs that nurture physical, mental, and emotional health. In addition to providing comprehensive health coverage for employees and their families — including life and disability insurance — DAS has invested in resources that promote a balanced and active lifestyle. Recent initiatives include the creation of a private fitness studio, the addition of indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, and encouragement of employee participation in community activities such as volunteer programs and charitable races.

 

Bay Path Named Among Best Bang for the Buck Colleges

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been ranked sixth in Massachusetts and 42nd in the Northeast on Washington Monthly’s list of Best Bang for the Buck Colleges. The publication, described as an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1969 on the mission “to preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.” Schools are ranked according to how well they help students from less affluent backgrounds attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. Washington Monthly calculates its rankings based on several factors: access for non-wealthy students, affordability for families with incomes below $75,000, student debt upon graduation, and both academic and financial outcomes for graduates.

 

bankESB Honored Among Most Charitable Companies

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced it has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal with the 2025 Corporate Citizenship Award, reaffirming its status as one of Massachusetts’s most charitable companies. This marks the 11th consecutive year bankESB has earned this recognition, an acknowledgment of the bank’s deeply rooted commitment to community support through both financial contributions and volunteerism. Central to bankESB’s philanthropic framework is its signature charitable giving initiative, the Giving Tree. Through this program, bankESB champions a range of community needs, supporting food security, affordable housing, education, veteran services, youth sports, and more throughout the cities and towns it serves. Over the past decade, the Giving Tree has donated more than $4 million to area nonprofits. In 2024 alone, the program contributed nearly $515,000, and this year’s initiatives — including seasonal food pantry drives and local education grants — continue to strengthen local institutions and impact lives. This year, 99 companies qualified for distinction as Top Charitable Contributors by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year. The honorees this year include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports.

 

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin Earns Chambers Spotlight Recognition

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced it has been ranked in the inaugural Chambers Spotlight Massachusetts Guide, a new ranking from the internationally recognized legal research company Chambers and Partners. The firm was honored for its expertise in corporate/commercial law and trusts and estates law. Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin is the only firm in Western Mass. ranked in either category, underscoring its unique position as a leading resource for businesses and individuals seeking sophisticated legal counsel outside of Boston. The Chambers Spotlight rankings are awarded to select small and mid-sized law firms that demonstrate exceptional skill and results in their practice areas, based on Chambers’ rigorous, independent research. The Massachusetts Spotlight Guide is available at chambers.com. While the Massachusetts firms typically ranked by Chambers are ‘big law’ organizations, the Spotlight Massachusetts Guide highlights a small, select group of high-performing mid-sized firms, giving them visibility to general counsel, attorneys, and business leaders worldwide. Currently, no other Massachusetts firms have been announced in this edition.

 

Berkshire Innovation Center Announces Accelerator Cohort

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) announced the third cohort of startup firms that have been accepted into its Stage 2 Accelerator program. This 35-week, hands-on, results-oriented program is designed to serve early-stage tech startups. The awardees will receive BIC membership, full access to labs, advanced equipment, digital media studio, educational programming, and an internal team of subject matter experts, as well as broad, curated support from BIC’s committed member community. Six firms have been accepted into the third cohort of the BIC Stage 2 Accelerator. Diel Technologies has developed a patented axial flux motor that allows wearables to harvest energy while in motion, whether running a marathon or picking up a cup of coffee. Elimentra Technologies is developing a proprietary system that collocates processing units at the source of biomass and industrial waste byproducts, converting these end-stream materials in high-value-add commodities while capturing carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. ENSO is reshaping the future of addiction recovery for more than 48 million Americans with an AI-powered behavior management system that delivers real-time, personalized support through a discreet wearable device and secure mobile platform. Globe Grown’s mission is to develop a fully autonomous robot that will help farmers reduce chemical herbicide use, improve soil health, and empower growers with data-driven, regenerative farming tools. HKG Energy has developed a proprietary material, Terra Silicon, that addresses the scalability, cost, and performance limitations of conventional graphite and silicon-graphite battery anodes. With a demonstrated energy density of over 400 watt hours per kilogram, fast-charging capabilities under 15 minutes, and a clear path to mass production, the firm is engaging with major original equipment manufacturers and battery manufacturers for early pilots. TaskMind is developing a full-circle sales platform designed to help teams sell smarter and harder. It is built for firms looking to improve the quality, precision, and efficiency of their sales outreach. Its intelligent web application equips sales representatives with the tools they need to generate deep research reports, craft high-context outreach, monitor real-time industry insights, and identify trends that guide smarter targeting.

 

Holyoke Mall Welcomes Urban Planet x Charlotte Russe

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall announced that Urban Planet x Charlotte Russe is the newest addition to its retail lineup, located on the upper level near Best Buy. To celebrate the grand opening, the store hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 12. On Sept. 13, the first 100 customers to enter the store received a gift bag. Urban Planet x Charlotte Russe is a new concept that brings together two popular fashion brands in one stylish destination. The store offers apparel, footwear, and accessories for men and women, with a focus on inclusive, versatile styles.

 

Herrell’s Ice Cream Wins City Beat News Spectrum Award

NORTHAMPTON — Herrell’s Ice Cream of Thornes Marketplace in Northampton and the Mill District in Amherst is being honored as a winner of the City Beat News 2025 Spectrum Award for Service Excellence. According to City Beat News, Herrell’s provides consistently great service and places great service as a top priority of its business, earning the highest annual rating for service by the Spectrum Award. Annually, out of the thousands of businesses that City Beat News researches, only a very small percentage performs to the level Herrell’s has reached. This is the second year Herrell’s has received a Spectrum Award from City Beat News.

 

 

1Berkshire Awards Grant to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds

PITTSFIELD — 1Berkshire, thanks to a one-time earmark from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, announced the awarding of a $15,000 Immigrant Entrepreneurial Support Grant to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds. This grant represents the second of two high-impact partner grant awards made by 1Berkshire to help foster the ecosystem and infrastructure needed to help the robust Berkshire immigrant entrepreneur community grow and thrive. Leveraging a one-time earmark allocated by the Commonwealth, 1Berkshire’s Immigrant Business Support Program launched in early 2025 to provide a variety of financial and technical assistance support to help entrepreneurs and businesses in the region gain improved access to programs that help their businesses improve. This high-impact partner grant awarded to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds advances this work by helping the organization to overcome a final funding hurdle to fit out a shared commercial kitchen space in its building at 117-133 Fenn St. in Pittsfield. Additionally, this $15,000 aims to help offset some of the $37,000 in Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Fund (CERP) funds cut from a previously awarded CERP grant (a funding resource that has been integral to its work over the past two years). The multi-use spaces of 117-133 Fenn St. have already become a major anchor point of community, support, and entrepreneurship for a diverse array of individuals and small businesses. Fitting out this new shared kitchen space will further improve the ability of the space to become an incubator and accelerator of various food businesses.

 

UMass Amherst to Establish New Graduate Training Program

AMHERST — A UMass Amherst research team led by faculty from the Elaine Marieb Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation (EMCNEI) has been awarded nearly $3 million to establish the nation’s first graduate training program designed to combine nursing’s hands-on patient care with engineering’s technical knowledge. The five-year U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) award will create SHINE: Strengthening Healthcare Innovation through Nursing and Engineering. In partnership with Baystate Health, this program will tackle some of healthcare’s toughest challenges around the realities of patient care. Its four main focal areas of work include streamlining healthcare workflow to ensure continuous, quality patient care; leveraging automation and robotics; improving the safety and usability of intravenous (IV) infusion pumps; and developing innovative healthcare products. A fundamental part of SHINE is the partnership between EMCNEI and Baystate Health. By uniting frontline clinical expertise with the interdisciplinary academic resources and research at UMass, the collaboration ensures that new technologies are designed around the realities of patient care.

 

Berkshire Bank Named Among Top Charitable Contributors

BOSTON — The Boston Business Journal recently honored Berkshire Bank as a Top Charitable Contributor in Massachusetts for the 13th consecutive year at its 2025 Corporate Citizenship Awards. This annual honor showcases companies that prioritize giving back to their communities. Recipients gave $100,000 or more to Massachusetts-based in charities in 2024. Collectively, they gave more than $416 million in cash contributions.

 

Hampden Charter School of Science Recognized by U.S. News

CHICOPEE — Hampden Charter School of Science (HCSS) was ranked among the state’s best high schools by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best High Schools ranking. The school ranked first among all public high schools in the Springfield metro area and placed 52nd in the state of Massachusetts. The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. HCSS received 93.3 out of a possible 100 points in the rankings. HCSS’s graduation rate played a role in its state ranking; the school graduated 95% of its class. Graduates have gone on to some of the most prestigious colleges in the country, including Harvard. U.S. News also noted that 86% of HCSS students are taking advanced placement courses, and that 77% are minority.

 

River Valley Counseling Center Wins Supervision Capacity Grant

HOLYOKE — River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), now a member of ServiceNet, has received a $912,000 award through the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Behavioral Health Supervising Clinicians Incentive Program, the largest award to a behavioral health provider in Western Mass. This funding, from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Trust, supports stipends for licensed clinicians who supervise interns and unlicensed staff, a crucial but time-intensive role that often goes uncompensated. RVCC employs nearly 200 unlicensed clinicians who can see clients under supervision. With this grant, senior clinicians can dedicate more time to mentoring, with financial recognition that fosters retention and stability. Awarded over a two-year period, the grant offsets the time supervisors invest in training and mentoring, allowing RVCC to further build and sustain a high-quality path to licensure.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Brookline Bancorp Adopt New Name After Merger

BOSTON — Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline Bancorp announced their merged entity will operate as Beacon Financial Corp. and Beacon Bank following completion of their merger of equals expected in the third quarter of 2025. The combined holding company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol BBT. The legal name of the merged bank will be Beacon Bank & Trust, commonly referred to as Beacon Bank, according to the press release statement. Paul Perrault, chairman and CEO of Brookline Bancorp, who will serve as CEO of the combined company, said the merger will create a financial institution with local roots and a broad footprint. David Brunelle, chairperson of Berkshire Hills Bancorp who will continue as chairperson of the combined entity’s board, added that the new name honors both legacy institutions while looking toward the future. The merger remains subject to regulatory approvals and normal closing conditions. Berkshire Hills operates with $12.0 billion in assets and 83 branches, while Brookline Bancorp holds $11.6 billion in assets with locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. Following the merger’s completion, customers will continue to be served under the existing Berkshire Bank, Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank brands operating as divisions of Beacon Bank & Trust. The companies plan a full transition to the Beacon Bank brand alongside banking systems integration in the first quarter of 2026. Both companies’ boards of directors unanimously approved the Beacon Bank name and logo design, which incorporates navy and gold colors representing each institution’s legacy branding.

 

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin Named a Legacy Law Firm

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced its inclusion in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s first-ever “In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms” list, honoring firms that have thrived for 25 years or more while continuing to demonstrate excellence. Founded in 1969 by former legal services attorneys, the firm has established a strong regional presence with 18 attorneys offering deep experience in business planning, estate planning, commercial and tax-exempt financing, real estate development and permitting, litigation, bankruptcy, and more. Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin represents individuals, family enterprises, nonprofits, and multi-national businesses throughout Western New England and Eastern New York. Known for its practical, cost-effective approach, the firm frequently employs advanced legal strategies, such as grantor-retained annuity trusts and ESOP buyouts, to help clients achieve their long-term goals. A hallmark of the firm has been its work in government-assisted housing programs, not-for-profit law, and other complex regulatory matters, along with a commitment to serving underserved communities. Each attorney actively contributes to charitable and economic development initiatives, reflecting the firm’s deep-rooted connection to the region it serves.

 

MassMutual Foundation Donates $275,000 to Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Foundation has awarded $275,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations across the U.S. through its annual Community Service Award (CSA) program. These charitable contributions — which include two $25,000 awards, 15 $10,000 awards, and 15 $5,000 awards — are given in honor of financial professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to nonprofit organizations in their local communities. Last year, participating financial professionals in the CSA program donated more than 8,000 hours of service to nonprofit organizations across the country. One of this year’s two $25,000 CSA donations is being awarded to Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts in honor of Jessica Holloway with the Jamrog Group. At Girls on the Run, trained volunteer coaches lead dynamic, research-based programs that combine physical activity with critical life skill development. Through fun, interactive lessons, participants build confidence, set goals, and learn to manage emotions while forming healthy friendships, preparing them to thrive in school and beyond. More than 400 donations totaling more than $4.2 million have been donated to nonprofit organizations through the Community Service Award program since its inception in 1997.

 

Country Bank Grants $20,000 to Revitalize CDC

WARE — Country Bank recently continued its longtime support of Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) with a $20,000 donation. Revitalize performs free critical repairs, modifications, and rehabilitation on the homes of low-income families with children, the elderly, veterans, and individuals with disabilities; helps bridge food insecurity gaps through delivery of fresh foods; and positions community members toward healthier lives through education and support for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. Since its founding in 1992, Revitalize CDC has served about 30,000 individuals, investing more than $52 million into Western Mass.

 

Braman Acquires Fusion Pest Management

AGAWAM — Braman Termite & Pest Elimination announced its acquisition of Springfield-based Fusion Pest Management, effective Aug. 1. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Braman’s ongoing growth strategy. Fusion Pest Management, also a family-owned company with a strong residential expertise, brings a loyal customer base and deep local roots to the Braman portfolio. With this acquisition, Braman expands its residential footprint by an estimated 10% in key suburban and rural markets where Fusion had established a presence. Fusion customers can expect their service to continue seamlessly, with no immediate changes to pricing or agreements. During a brief transition period, clients may see both brand names in communications, but all services and correspondence will ultimately be unified under the Braman brand. The acquisition also supports Braman’s long-term operational goals by improving service efficiency and expanding technician coverage. Fusion customers can expect to benefit from Braman’s broader range of services, including commercial pest control and wildlife solutions.

 

Liberty Bank Foundation Supports Revitalize CDC

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) announced a $10,000 grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation to support its annual #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild program. This investment underscores Liberty Bank’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, healthier communities throughout Western Mass. and Connecticut. The #GreenNFit program brings together volunteers, corporate partners, and community organizations to repair and rehabilitate homes for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, all in a single neighborhood over the course of one day. In addition to this financial contribution, Liberty Bank employees also roll up their sleeves and volunteer at #GreenNFit events, making a direct and lasting impact on the lives of local residents. In addition to Liberty’s support of Revitalize CDC, Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach officer at the bank, serves on Revitalize CDC’s board of directors.

 

Farm Credit East Awards $76,500 to Farmers Markets

ENFIELD, Conn. — In conjunction with National Farmers Market Week, Farm Credit East announced its recent awarding of $76,500 in small grants to 141 farmers markets and farmers market organizations across the Northeast. Farm Credit East recognizes that farmers markets are an important channel for many of the region’s producers to distribute farm-fresh produce to both rural and urban consumers. Collectively, the farmers markets receiving grant funds support more than 2,000 producers. The recipient farmers markets will use grant funds to support marketing efforts, complete market enhancements, or support participating farmers. Additionally, many markets will use funds to improve access to fresh, local food for those in underserved communities and supplement funds from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Oak View Group Partners with PeoplesBank to Rename XL Center

HARTFORD, Conn. — Oak View Group and the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) announced a new, multi-year naming rights partnership with PeoplesBank to rename Hartford’s 16,000-seat sports and entertainment venue, effective immediately. The newly renamed PeoplesBank Arena is home of the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, affiliate of the New York Rangers; UConn men’s and women’s basketball and men’s hockey; and concerts and entertainment events. Terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed. This also marks a significant milestone in the Hartford Arena renovation project, as the next phase of construction is officially underway. Renovations will include upgrades to the seating area, the addition of new lower-level luxury suites, and the development of enhanced concession areas designed to elevate the overall guest experience. The 10-year partnership was executed by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights division of Oak View Group.

 

Bay Path Awarded Grant from Davis Educational Foundation

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been awarded a two-year, $225,000 grant from the Davis Educational Foundation to support a project called “Navigating a Path to Graduation: Streamlining Pathways to Student Success.” The grant supports the integration of Cambridge College’s academic programs and student support workflows into Bay Path’s robust, data-informed infrastructure, laying the foundation for a unified system that enhances efficiency, improves student experiences, and drives measurable outcomes across the merged institutions. On July 1, 2024, Bay Path celebrated its acquisition of Cambridge College, a mission-aligned institution with a strong focus on career preparation and serving adult populations. The acquisition nearly doubled Bay Path’s enrollment, added more than 20 new graduate programs, and expanded its reach to Eastern Mass. and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Davis Educational Foundation grant will support key initiatives in the integration of Bay Path University and Cambridge College, including aligning academic programs, improving degree tracking, and upgrading technology systems.

 

Steve Lewis Subaru Rebrands to Balise Subaru of Hadley

HADLEY — Balise Auto Group is announced that Steve Lewis Subaru, a dealership that joined the Balise family in March 2023, has officially changed its name to Balise Subaru of Hadley. This name change reflects the next step in aligning the dealership with the Balise brand, which has been serving communities across New England since 1919. While the signage may look different, customers can expect to see the same team of employees. The Balise Subaru of Hadley team will move into a new, state-of-the-art facility at the dealership’s original location, with completion expected this fall.

 

Monson Savings Bank Supports Salvation Army Housing Program

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank continued giving back to the communities it serves by donating $5,000 to the Salvation Army’s Ware/Monson Area Housing Assistance Program. This contribution will directly assist local individuals and families experiencing housing instability, helping them stay in their homes and avoid homelessness. The donation was presented by Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank’s president and CEO, and Heather Arbour, vice president BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager and longtime Salvation Army volunteer, to Wilfred Leslie, Service Extension director for the Salvation Army’s Massachusetts Division. The funds will be used to support residents in the bank’s communities by providing assistance with rent, utilities, and emergency housing needs.

 

MassMutual Federal Credit Union Completes Book Drive

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) announced the successful completion of its April children’s book drive, which saw the collection of almost 400 books through local member donations and a customized Amazon wish list. The books collected were donated to a member-nominated school, Talmadge Elementary in Springfield, providing students with valuable resources to enrich their educational experience.MMFCU will match the value of books collected for Talmadge Elementary with donations to Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers in Boston and O’Connor Elementary School in Mesa, Ariz. This initiative will ensure that the impact of the book drive extends well beyond Springfield. MMFCU’s commitment to community service went beyond the book drive. The credit union partnered with MassMutual’s Community Responsibility team to organize a volunteer effort to assemble activity kits for the recipient schools. These kits are designed to provide engaging and educational activities that complement the donated books, further enhancing the students’ learning experiences.

 

Herrell’s Ice Cream Unveils 2024 UMass Competition Flavors

NORTHAMPTON — Herrell’s Ice Cream introduced four new UMass flavors to its rotating ice cream collection: the winners of the 2024 Ice Cream Competition. The first place winner is Brown Butter Miso Caramel, second place is Tea Time, third place is Apple Kruimel ijsje, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake won the People’s Choice Award. These flavors are now being sold in both Amherst and Northampton Herrell’s Ice Cream locations. Herrell and former Herrell’s Manager Kirsten Tabb worked with students and Charmaine Koo, UMass lecturer and professor for the class, throughout the spring 2024 semester to help them understand the intricacies of creating flavors. Criteria for the judging included texture, overrun, sustainability, olfactory, and taste.

 

MicroTek Inc. Awarded Grant for ESOL Classes

CHICOPEE — MicroTek Inc., a nonprofit wire component manufacturer that provides employment support to individuals with disabilities, was awarded a Workforce Training Fund grant to provide workplace classes in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) to its employees. The ESOL training will directly support the company’s mission to foster an inclusive and empowering work environment. These courses will equip employees with the English communication skills needed to excel in their roles, contributing to the production of high-quality, cutting-edge cable and assembly work for industries around the world. By enhancing understanding of workplace-specific vocabulary, including safety protocols, machinery, products, and procedures, the training ensures all employees can meet the company’s high standards while feeling confident and valued in their contributions. Aligned with MicroTek’s vision of creating an inclusive society, this training emphasizes building employees’ confidence to communicate openly with peers, managers, vendors, and customers. Participants will be better prepared to share their ideas, provide feedback, and take on leadership opportunities, furthering MicroTek’s commitment to respect, responsibility, and meaningful employment for all. This project is funded by a Workforce Training Fund grant from Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The grant program is administered by Commonwealth Corp. MicroTek partnered with English for New Bostonians and Valley Opportunity Council for the training program design and execution, including initial assessment of the employees’ English language levels, delivery of the English classes, and achievement of the training goals.

 

Country Bank Honored at 2025 NEFFIES Awards

WARE — Country Bank announced it received two awards at the 2025 NEFFIES Awards Show, hosted by the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. (NEFMA). Country received First Place – Gold in the Website Design category for its newly launched website, which was thoughtfully developed to meet the evolving needs of today’s digital banking customers. The site features a mobile-responsive design, robust financial education tools, dynamic calls to action, and personalized user experiences. The bank also received Second Place – Silver in the Fan Favorite category for its Community Support partnership with the Worcester Red Sox. This recognition highlights a series of impactful initiatives, including the Most Valuable Teacher program, WooStar recognitions, and the Police vs. Fire charity game, all designed to honor and support individuals making a positive difference in their communities.

 

PeoplesBank Awards $10,000 to Springfield Library Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Library Foundation and PeoplesBank announced a $10,000 grant from the bank to support the Springfield City Library’s Summer Reading Program. Thanks to this grant, this year’s program, called Level Up at Your Library, will feature greatly expanded activities for children and other users throughout the city of Springfield at the library’s nine locations as well as with other community partners. The Summer Reading Program is hosting all-ages kickoff events throughout June. The program will conclude with a big all-ages, city-wide End of Summer Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 23. Among the many activities made possible by PeoplesBank’s grant will be music classes, musical petting zoos, story city series, mobile arcade, VR experiences, RPG and board game clubs, bingo, and escape rooms. Children and teens will get a free book of their choice with sign-up, and there will be weekly prizes and celebrations throughout the summer. For more information, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Western Builders Celebrates 50 Years in Business

GRANBY — Western Builders will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 22. Since its founding in 1975, the firm has grown from a small general contracting company into a leader in commercial construction in the Western Mass. region. With a portfolio that includes affordable and market-rate housing, higher education renovations, senior living facilities, mixed-use developments, and historic rehabilitations, the company is known for its ability to solve complex problems, build strong relationships, and deliver lasting value. Western Builders will commemorate this milestone with a celebration with staff, partners, and community members in September. The company also plans to share stories and highlights from its five-decade history throughout the year. As the construction industry evolves, Western remains focused on sustainable building practices, embracing technology, and investing in the next generation of construction professionals, Hughes noted, and its renewed core values of determination, integrity, and accountability will drive the company forward into its next 50 years and beyond.

 

Tandem Bagel Opens Sixth Location in Ludlow

LUDLOW — Tandem Bagel Co. has opened its sixth location in Western Mass. along the riverwalk in Ludlow, in the newly redeveloped mill buildings. The location offers views of the Chicopee River and is within walking distance of the historic downtown and new housing development, the Residences at Mill 8 & 10. Tandem Bagel was established with the mission to support local producers and contribute to the economy. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 23 with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the opening.

 

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley Awards Grants to Nonprofits

BELCHERTOWN — Dr. Mary Ann Rubis and Liz Reeves, service committee chairs for the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, announced that spring 2025 service grants have been awarded to four organizations: Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force, YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and Girls Inc. of the Valley. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 are awarded twice annually, in May and November, by the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley as part of Zonta’s mission to make a better world for women and girls. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, Girls on the Run is the only national out-of-school-time program of its kind, underscoring the important connection between physical and emotional health and empowering adolescent girls to build healthy physical and mental habits that last a lifetime. Program Manager Coleen Ryan said Zonta’s gift will help support youth who could not otherwise afford to participate. The River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force is a community-driven, community-led task force covering Ware, Warren, and Hardwick. Its goal is to prevent and respond to domestic violence through community-led projects. Deb Shepard from Behavioral Health Network said Zonta’s gift will help support the Library Book Project on Consent and Boundaries for ages 0-8. With a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts serves women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homelessness. CEO Liz Dineen and Communications Director Tiera Wright said the grant from Zonta would boost their efforts to educate families in the Y’s shelter about eating locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables, and to show that it’s not just healthier, but more affordable, too. A positive youth development organization serving Hampden County girls and young women ages 5-18, Girls Inc. of the Valley provides hands-on programs that focus on long-term academic/literacy support and enrichment, social emotional skill building, college and career readiness, and leadership training to empower youth and prepare them for successful futures. Executive Director Suzanne Parker and Lakisha Coppedge, director of the Licensed School Age Program, said Zonta’s gift will underscore the girls’ connection to the organization, increase their safety, and increase the visibility of the organization in the community.

 

Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s Northfield Branch Turns 50

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the 50th anniversary of its Northfield branch. To commemorate this milestone, the bank hosted a celebration on May 19 at the branch, located at 144 Main St., Northfield. The Northfield branch has been a cornerstone of the community for a half-century, providing personalized banking services and supporting local growth. “On behalf of the Northfield branch, we would like to thank all of our customers,” said Kristen Canedy, branch manager. “We are proud to have served this community for 50 years and look forward to the next 50.”

 

Holyoke Mall Begins Center Enhancement Project

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall announced the start of its Center Enhancement Project to revitalize and refresh the property with a number of improvements. Over the next several months, customers will see enhancements including repaving lots and replacing curbs, updating landscaping, and painting the exterior of the mall. During this time, traffic patterns and available parking areas will be subject to change, and traffic will be redirected as needed. While work is ongoing, the PVTA bus stop has been temporarily relocated. The stop located in the yellow lot near JCPenney has moved to the lower green lot near Best Buy and the outer ring road. This relocation will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.

 

AIC Introduces New Programs in Computer Science, IT

SPRINGFIELD — The School of Business, Arts, and Sciences at American International College (AIC) will launch two new undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology (IT) beginning this fall. Offered as majors and minors, the programs were developed in collaboration with Google to prepare students for in-demand roles in the technology sector. With employment in technology-related fields projected to grow by approximately 22% over the next decade, AIC graduates of these programs will be equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue careers in high-growth areas in Massachusetts and across the country. The programs emphasize project-based learning, enabling students to build portfolios that showcase their work. Students will develop job-ready skills and graduate with credentials that employers seek. Those enrolled in the IT program will also be prepared to sit for two industry-leading CompTIA certification exams before graduation. AIC is collaborating with the Lower Cost Models for Independent Colleges Consortium and Rize Education to deliver these programs. Approximately 80% of coursework will take place on campus, with the remaining 20% delivered online. Through this partnership, AIC students gain access to a nationally recognized curriculum aligned with current industry standards and expectations.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Napatree Capital Merges with Bradley, Foster & Sargent

WESTERLY, R.I. — Bradley, Foster & Sargent (BFS) has completed a merger with Napatree Capital, bringing together two of Southern New England’s leading wealth-management and investment firms. The former Napatree Capital will maintain its offices in Westerly, R.I. and Longmeadow. BFS also has offices in Wellesley; Hartford, Litchfield, and Stonington, Conn.; Delray Beach, Fla., Portland, Maine; and Chicago. BFS is a Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firm with approximately $8 billion in client assets under management and was recently named one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for a third consecutive year. Napatree Capital was founded by Jeff Liguori in 2018, where he served as managing partner and chief investment officer, and currently has approximately $350 million in assets under management. Liguori joins BFS as an executive vice president and portfolio manager following the merger. Liguori and Aaron Simmons, a key member of the Napatree team who is also joining BFS as a portfolio manager through the merger, previously worked with BFS President and CEO Galan Daukas and other members of the BFS team in past roles at People’s United Advisors and Washington Trust Investors. Daukas, Liguori, and Simmons all grew up in Westerly. In addition to Liguori and Simmons, chartered financial analyst Matt Landon, a partner at Napatree Capital, will bring more than 25 years of investment experience to BFS as a portfolio manager. Mike Moses, who is a chartered market technician and capital markets and securities analyst with more than 25 years of broad investment experience, joins BFS as a securities trader.

 

Summerlin Floors Continues Tradition with Donation to GCC

AMHERST — Summerlin Floors, a family- and woman-owned flooring business based in Amherst, has made its annual contribution of $2,500 to Greenfield Community College (GCC). This donation is an ongoing commitment to support the success of GCC students. Ann Bronner, owner of Summerlin Floors and a GCC alumna, is passionate about giving back to the community and investing in the future generation of scholars, and makes the annual donation in memory of her daughter, Erin Summerlin. With a deep belief in the power of education and the importance of a strong community, Bronner aims to ensure students have the resources they need to be successful and pursue their dreams both academically and personally. Summerlin Floors is confident that Erin would be honored to be remembered in a way that supports others in their educational journeys. They are thrilled to ensure her legacy lives on and thank Greenfield Community College for making a lasting impact on the lives of its students and beyond.

 

Serv-U Locksmiths Acquired by Island Master Locksmiths

SPRINGFIELD — The Vann Group, a strategic consulting and transactional advisory services firm, announced that its client, Serv-U Locksmiths of Western Massachusetts, has been acquired by Island Master Locksmiths (IML). The company, originally founded in 1954, has been a trusted physical-security provider across Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Steven Horowitz, former owner of Serv-U, will stay on in a consulting role during the transition. IML Security was acquired by Northwoods Partners, a family office investment group, in April 2023. Since then, the company has experienced rapid growth and continues to expand its footprint from Maine to Virginia.

 

Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast Announces Executive Peer Group

AGAWAM — The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced the launch of its Executive Peer Group, an exclusive leadership forum designed to connect senior executives across industries in a confidential, collaborative setting. This invitation-only group provides C-suite and senior leaders with a trusted network to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and strengthen leadership impact. Through expert-facilitated sessions, members will engage in strategic discussions on key business issues such as workforce planning, succession, change management, innovation, and executive decision making. Key benefits of participation include confidential peer-to-peer sharing and problem solving, insight on emerging trends and executive-level challenges, access to expert facilitation and curated leadership resources, and a trusted circle for accountability, innovation, and personal growth. This program is ideal for CEOs, presidents, COOs, CFOs, and other senior decision makers looking to elevate their leadership in today’s complex business environment. To learn more or express interest in joining, email Ebner at [email protected].

 

JC Sports Opens at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall celebrated the grand opening of JD Sports, a global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories, on April 19. The new store, located on the lower level near Aerie, offers brands like Nike, HOKA, and UGG, as well as limited-edition releases. “We’re thrilled to welcome JD Sports to Holyoke Mall,” Marketing Director Kristen Hinckley said. “Their focus on high-quality products and exclusive releases will appeal to visitors who are passionate about athletic style and performance.”

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Invests in Local Nonprofits

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, invested more than $400,000 in communities through grants and other giving in the first quarter of the year. Several Berkshire County organizations were among the 118 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont that the foundation supported from January to March, including Berkshire Innovation Center Inc., Berkshire Community College Foundation Inc., Blackshires Community Empowerment Foundation, Hillcrest Educational Centers Inc., and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires Inc. The foundation supports the success of the communities the bank serves by investing in programs that aim to provide everyone with an equal opportunity at economic prosperity.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Urban Co-Works Expands to Holyoke with New Facility

HOLYOKE — Urban Co-Works, a co-working space provider, announced the opening of its newest location at 98 Lower Westfield Road in Holyoke. This expansion marks the third location for Urban Co-Works, which began in 2017 in Schenectady, N.Y., and opened its second location in downtown Scranton, Penn., in 2023. The new Holyoke facility offers a state-of-the-art co-working environment featuring 55 private offices, three meeting rooms, an expansive event area with a fully equipped kitchen, and a co-working section with 20 workstations. Members will enjoy 24/7 access with a keyless entry system, free onsite parking, printing services, and complimentary beverages including coffee and tea. Conveniently located near shopping and dining options, the space is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

 

Big Y Donates $75,000 to California Wildfire Relief

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y collected donations from customers and employees from Jan. 17 to Jan. 31 through its registers, online, and the myExpress mobile checkout app for California wildfire relief. Community and employee contributions, along with additional support from Big Y, resulted in a total of $75,000 donated to the American Red Cross network response to provide humanitarian relief to people affected by wildfires in California. D’Amour added that Big Y, along with its customers and employees, have a strong history of coming together to support those in need through the American Red Cross.

 

Whittlesey Named Regional Leader, Firm to Watch by Accounting Today

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, the largest Connecticut-based accounting firm, has been named a 2025 Regional Leader in New England and a Firm to Watch by Accounting Today. With $40.2 million in revenue, three offices, and a team of 175 professionals, Whittlesey continues to provide assurance, advisory, tax, and technology services to businesses and individuals across the region. Accounting Today’s annual rankings highlight firms demonstrating strong financial performance, industry leadership, and forward-thinking strategies. As the only Connecticut-based firm named to the Firms to Watch list, Whittlesey remains dedicated to helping businesses and individuals navigate complex financial challenges with expertise, innovation, and personalized service.

 

General Cleaners of Holyoke Completes Coat Drive

HOLYOKE — General Cleaners of Holyoke announced the culmination of its New Year coat drive with the delivery of coats to the Salvation Army in Holyoke on Feb. 28. This initiative has been a heartfelt effort to support those in need during the winter months, with contributions from the community and local partners making it a resounding success. The drive included a collection event during the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s Power Hour on Feb. 15. Attendees brought gently used coats as their admission, adding to the impactful donations. Additionally, Access Care Partners (formerly WestMass ElderCare) played a key role by collecting coats at its Mill Road location. All coats collected during the drive have been professionally cleaned by General Cleaners of Holyoke, ensuring they are ready to provide warmth and comfort to those who need them.

 

HCC Foundation Campaign Raises More Than $181,000

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College Foundation raised more than $181,000 for scholarships and student-support programs during its “Together HCC” one-day giving campaign on March 4. The fifth annual “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” campaign exceeded its goal of 500 donors, receiving donations worth $181,285 from 504 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college during the 24-hour fundraising drive. All of the money raised goes directly to six areas that support HCC students: academic excellence and innovation, scholarships, the Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry, the President’s Student Emergency Fund, the President’s Fund for Opportunity, and the HCC Foundation’s general, unrestricted fund. HCC alumni made up the majority of donors at 37%, followed by 30% from HCC faculty and staff, 19% from friends of the college, 5% from parents, and 5% from students. Together, they unlocked $130,000 in challenge pledges, including $5,000 from campaign partner Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke and a member of the HCC Foundation board of directors.

 

JP’s Restaurant Wins Battle of the Bars

HOLYOKE — On Feb. 28, the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke held the fifth annual Battle of the Bars bartending event at the Holyoke Knight of Columbus Council 90 to raise funds for the committee. Bartenders from six local bars competed for tips to determine a winner. Facing off in teams of two, round one was taken by Donovan’s Irish Pub, represented by Trista Kasperowski, raising $5,997, against Pic’s Pub & Pizzeria, represented by Matt Dulude, who raised $1,639. Round two was captured by JP’s Restaurant, represented by Mary Kate Glasheen, with $9,416, against Halfway House Lounge, represented by Colleen Flanagan, who raised $7,639. Round three was taken by Griffin’s Cafe, represented by Ashleigh McNulty, raising $1,122, against Francie’s Tavern, represented by Chy Clemens, who raised $779. In the end, JP’s Restaurant came out on top with $9,416 raised, and the entire night’s fundraiser brought in more than $26,500, a record total for the event. All money raised went toward the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke’s Marching Forward fundraising campaign to present the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend and to preserve the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race tradition for generations to come.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Big E Ranks Fourth-largest Among North American Fairs

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Dec. 16, Carnival Warehouse, the fair industry’s most comprehensive news source for carnivals and events, released its annual ranking of the top 50 fairs in North America based on attendance numbers. After a record-setting year, the Big E soared to fourth place. In 2024, the Big E welcomed an unprecedented 1,633,935 fairgoers to the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) complex. Throughout the 17-day fair, seven daily attendance records were set, and Saturday, Sept. 21 set a record for single-day attendance. North American Midway Entertainment (NAME), the Big E’s carnival provider, retained its position as the number-one midway operator in the same study. NAME operates at 11 of the events on the list of top 50 fairs. NAME’s history with ESE dates back to 1979 when Conklin Shows was granted the contract to the Big E. Conklin later united with four other major midway operators to create NAME, an international company with corporate headquarters based in Farmland, Ind. NAME’s reign at the Big E began two decades ago, in 2005. Since its inception, NAME has provided rides, games, and food to fairs and festivals in about 140 communities and 20 states, as well as four Canadian provinces. It boasts more than 200 rides and fair classic food concessions that allow clients to remain novel and competitive. The Big E is an example of ESE’s efforts to connect the larger public with agricultural producers through 17 fun-filled days each September. The fair’s legacy spans more than 115 years, and its growing size and international recognition are a testament to its success. As the agricultural buildings remain at the center of the complex, the impact of the individual farmer remains at the heart of ESE’s mission.

 

Pyramid Management Group Extends Loan for Holyoke Mall

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Pyramid Management Group, one of the largest privately-held shopping-center developers in the Northeast, has successfully worked with its lender to secure a three-year extension for the loan on Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. This extension will allow Pyramid to continue to reinvest in the property and ensure its continued health, vibrancy, and success. Holyoke Mall has been the Western Mass. region’s largest enclosed shopping center for more than 45 years. Anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Best Buy, Holyoke Mall offers more than 150 retail shops, as well as restaurants like 110 Grill and Sumo Japanese Steakhouse and entertainment destinations Round 1, Billy Beez, and Altitude Trampoline Park. Holyoke Mall is also a major employment driver in the area and an economic catalyst for the region. The property totals 1.6 million square feet, with more than 3,000 people employed by Pyramid and its tenants.

 

Elms to Cover Full Tuition for Eligible Families

CHICOPEE — Elms College has introduced the Elms Promise, a financial-aid program designed to provide full tuition coverage for students from families earning less than $85,000 annually. By combining federal and state grants with institutional scholarships, the Elms Promise reflects the college’s commitment to making a high-quality, four-year college education accessible to students of all backgrounds. Full tuition is covered after all federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships are applied. This includes merit awards, endowed scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. To take advantage of the program this fall, incoming freshmen must maintain a minimum high-school GPA of 3.5, apply for admission to Elms College and be accepted by May 1, and complete the FAFSA by May 1 as well. Students can live on campus or commute to receive full benefits. If a student chooses to live on campus, the cost of room and board is not covered by the program; federal loans and external scholarships may help offset these expenses. Families must be Massachusetts residents. Eligibility is reassessed annually based on income and FAFSA submission. Students must also remain in good academic standing.

 

Baystate Calls Off Sale of Health New England

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has called off plans to sell it’s not-for-profit health insurer, Health New England, to Boston-based Point32Health. Baystate and Point32Health announced the $165 million sale in February 2024, and it had received approval from state insurance regulators. The announcement means Baystate Health and the affiliated physicians through Baycare Health Partners remain in network for Point32Health plan members. There is no change to current coverage, benefits, or provider network for members. Meanwhile, Health New England will continue to operate as usual, with no change to current coverage, benefits, or provider network for members. Baystate Health will retain ownership of Health New England, and Baystate Health governance and senior leadership will be taking the next few months to evaluate the strategic positioning and performance of Health New England to inform future decisions.

 

AIC Achieves Eligibility as Hispanic-Serving Institution

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced it has reached the enrollment threshold for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Official recognition of HSI status — granted by the U.S. Department of Education to not-for-profit, degree-granting institutions with at least 25% of their full-time equivalent undergraduate enrollment identifying as Hispanic — is expected within the next two years. Since its establishment in 1885, AIC has provided access to higher education for underserved populations. This mission was bolstered by the 2022 launch of AIC Reimagined, a five-year strategic plan that prioritized achieving HSI designation. As of last fall, Hispanic/Latino students represent more than 27% of AIC’s undergraduate enrollment, a landmark achievement for the institution. While the growth in Hispanic and Latino/Latina student enrollment has positioned AIC to pursue this designation, the college remains committed to cultivating a vibrant community that serves students from all backgrounds. HSI status will provide access to federal and foundation grants, expanding resources to benefit the entire student body.

 

Dress for Success Opens Women’s Career Center

SPRINGFIELD — Dress for Success Western Massachusetts (DFSWM) celebrated the opening of its new Women’s Career Center and the completion of its newly constructed office spaces, program areas, and boutique with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 15. The new Women’s Career Center will make DFSWM’s workforce-development programming available to hundreds more individuals each year, both on a drop-in basis and through regularly scheduled workshops. Through the center, clients can receive assistance with résumé creation, job searching, career coaching, digital and financial literacy, and more. Drop-in hours for the center will be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with some evening hours to be determined and occasional weekend hours by appointment.

 

JetBlue to Offer Non-stop Service from Bradley to New York City

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced that JetBlue will be launching non-stop service between Bradley International Airport (BDL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Flights will begin on April 30 and will operate daily year-round. The announcement builds on JetBlue’s ongoing expansion in Connecticut, which has resulted in an increase of 35 additional weekly flights between Bradley International Airport and the airline’s Florida destinations this winter. Additionally, in the summer of 2025, JetBlue will offer 30% more seats from Bradley International Airport than last summer.

 

Westfield State Launches Co-response Grad Program

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University announced its new law enforcement and mental health co-response graduate program, which is designed to address the growing need for collaboration between law enforcement and mental-health professionals. This degree-granting program, the first of its kind in the nation, is a concentration within the university’s master of arts in mental health counseling program or available as a standalone post-baccalaureate certificate. Joseph Camilleri, professor of Psychology; Kimberly Tobin, professor of Criminal Justice; and Lisa Barao, visiting lecturer of Criminal Justice, were instrumental in developing this program. They worked closely with law-enforcement agencies across Massachusetts and Connecticut to create a curriculum that meets workforce needs and equips participants with tools for success in this emerging field. This comprehensive program covers essential topics such as the intersection of mental disorders and crime, relevant legal frameworks, and strategies for conducting rapid mental-health and risk assessments in the field. Students will gain in-depth knowledge and skills to understand mental-health disorders and their relationship to criminal behavior, as well as the broader criminal-justice system. Ultimately, this strengthens relationships between public-safety professionals and the communities they serve. Emphasizing practical application, the co-response program includes research opportunities and culminates in a capstone project where students apply their learning in real-world scenarios. The program is designed to reduce strain on emergency services, connect individuals to appropriate care and resources, and foster trust between community members and public-safety professionals. By bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental-health professionals, the program equips graduates to address critical public-safety challenges while supporting the mental-health needs of communities.

 

WNE, GCC Accelerate Pathways to OT Doctorate

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNE) and Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced an innovative articulation agreement that streamlines the path for students pursuing careers in occupational therapy. This new associate to doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) transfer program provides GCC allied health students with a seamless transition to WNE’s 3+3 dual-degree programs, culminating in a doctorate in occupational therapy. Designed to provide a structured and efficient academic journey, the agreement allows eligible students to transfer from GCC’s associate in science allied health program into WNE’s bachelor of science in health studies or bachelor of arts in psychology program. From there, students progress into the university’s doctor of occupational therapy program housed within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS). Current GCC students in the allied health program are eligible and can transfer to WNE as juniors in the 3+3 OTD program as early as next fall as long as they have taken the necessary coursework, met the GPA criteria, and have graduated with their associate degree.  In terms of cost and time, the 3+3 program saves students an entire year of schooling as it takes just six years to earn a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Students will be informed of this opportunity during their application process at GCC and can indicate their interest at the time of matriculation. WNE and GCC will collaborate on outreach and advising initiatives to ensure prospective students receive the guidance they need to succeed. This agreement underscores both institutions’ dedication to equipping students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the dynamic field of occupational therapy.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Health New England Awards $250,000 to Five Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England awarded $250,000 in grants to five local organizations in honor of Dr. Mark Keroack, former president and CEO of Baystate Health and chair of Health New England’s board of directors. Keroack retired earlier this year after serving in these roles for a decade. The Dr. Mark A. Keroack Health Equity Grant was designed to fund the work of nonprofit organizations advancing equity in healthcare, a passion and priority of Keroack, who served on the committee that chose the winners. The five grantees will receive $50,000 each to fund specific programs. Community Legal Aid’s Pioneer Valley Farmworker Medical-Legal Partnership will embed an attorney from its Central West Justice Center affiliate into the farmworker healthcare team at Baystate Brightwood Health Center, also known as La Cliniquita. Wellspring Community Harvest will expand its Go Fresh Mobile Market’s prescription produce program to Brightwood, Mason Square, and High Street health centers. Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts will develop strategies to ensure equitable, dignified, and quality care for undocumented immigrants and refugees seeking sexual and reproductive health services. Stone Soup Cafe in Greenfield will enhance its weekly Community Meal and Community Store programs. The Care Center’s Healthy Homes, Healthy Families program in Holyoke will provide 10 families headed by low-income women with safe, stable housing; behavioral-health services; healthcare; and a tuition-free education from November 2024 to October 2025.

 

Suffield Pickleball Opens

SUFFIELD, Conn. — Suffield Pickleball officially opened its doors on Jan. 3. The brand-new indoor pickleball club features five courts that can host more than 9,000 players per month. The ownership team intends to host a variety of leagues, clinics, tournaments, and open-play events for players of all skill levels. The courts can also be reserved for private play through the Court Reserve app. Suffield Pickleball features three different membership tiers, as well as a non-member option. Each membership tier varies in pricing and perks, ranging from $400 to $1,000 per year. The business is proud to partner with Joola Pickleball, Six Zero, Franklin, and Hesacore to provide high-quality pickleball equipment and accessories in its fully stocked pro shop.

 

Unemployment Tax Control Associates Earns Certifications

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, has officially certified Unemployment Tax Control Associates Inc. (UTCA) as a minority and woman business enterprise (MBE and WBE). The certification was awarded on Dec. 20. UTCA is a nationally recognized expert in the field of unemployment cost control for both corporate, nonprofit, and governmental clients across the nation. The firm was founded in 1990 by CEO Suzanne Murphy.

 

Herrell’s Ice Cream Wins Spectrum Award

NORTHAMPTON — The Spectrum Awards, presented by City Beat News, announced that Herrell’s Ice Cream in Northampton is the winner of this year’s Spectrum Award, which recognizes businesses that promote excellence and go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. “I am humbled and honored and very excited for Herrell’s Ice Cream to be recognized,” said Judy Herrell, president of Herrell’s Ice Cream. “Receiving this award is an amazing testament to our fantastic staff who truly go above and beyond for our customers.”

 

NBSB Announces Success of Food, Toy Drives

NORTH BROOKFIELD — In the spirit of season of giving, North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual food and toy drives. Due to the overwhelming generosity of community members, employees, and neighbors of NBSB, the food and toy drives made an impact in each of the bank’s communities. During the NBSB annual food drive, held Oct. 1-25, the bank’s communities came together to donate 693 non-perishable food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 to further support local food pantries. These donations provide crucial assistance to individuals facing food insecurity. During the annual toy drive, which ran Nov. 1-29, community members, employees, and neighbors stepped up to the plate again, collecting 388 toys for children in need, alongside $1,432 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,500 to support those who need it the most and bring joy to children in the communities it serves this holiday season.

 

ViViYarn Fashion Opens Store in Hampshire Mall

HADLEY — ViViYarn Fashion celebrated its grand opening in the Hampshire Mall on Dec. 17. The new boutique focuses on unique, seasonal clothing for men and women. Current items include cashmere scarves and sweaters in a wide variety of designs and colors. General Manager Shawna Wang has more than 10 years of experience producing high-quality garments for the U.S. and Europe, and is dedicated to providing customers with comfort, elegance, and style at an affordable price.

 

Ximi-V Now Open at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall recently welcomed its newest store, the trendy Asian household goods retailer Ximi-V, with a grand-opening party on Dec. 21. “Ximi-V believes shopping should be fun, inspiring, and filled with joy,” the mall shared. “They feature something for everyone, from home essentials to creative gifts, including beauty products, household goods, plush toys, jewelry, stationery supplies, and more, bringing style and charm to your everyday life.”

 

Susan B. Anthony Museum Awarded Three Grants

ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs. This program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School and Williamstown Elementary School. Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a ‘votes for women’ march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.

 

Way Finders Receives Grant from KeyBank Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — Way Finders recently received a grant from KeyBank Foundation for $10,000 to implement its Ready to Work: My Story, My Goals program, which provides employment-readiness resources to unemployed and underemployed residents in Hamden County. KeyBank’s funding enables Way Finders to provide a six-week employment-readiness course consisting of in-class instruction and one-to-one support for up to 15 low- to moderate-income residents with limited or no documented work experience. Participants reflect the diversity of Holyoke’s and Springfield’s underserved neighborhoods, where 35% to 80% of the residents identify as people of color and/or Latino or Latina. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will have a résumé and cover letter, understand how to translate their life experiences into marketable skills, improve their digital-literacy skills, conduct a job search and complete an application, and understand area resources and programs that can provide additional and/or ongoing employment support.

 

Bombyx Center Achieves Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation from CET

NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon-cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainability. The Bombyx Center is the first organization to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Its impact of reducing 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees. CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatherization services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss at the historic former church. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifications, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped establish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

 

Eversource Named Among Most Responsible Companies

BOSTON — For the sixth year in a row, Eversource Energy has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2025. The award highlights the energy company’s environmental, social, and corporate-governance (ESG) initiatives, reaffirming Eversource’s commitment to sustainability throughout its operations and a workplace culture that embraces the values of corporate and social responsibility. The America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers environmental, social, and governance factors. Companies on the 2025 list were selected based on a review of publicly available data and a survey of 26,000 U.S. residents about their perceptions of companies related to corporate social responsibility. Since the annual ranking was introduced in 2019, Eversource has appeared in every edition of the list.

 

 

EDCC Awards Tax Credits to Toasted, Comfort Bagel

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) recently approved projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which seeks to create new jobs and help businesses grow by offering credits to lower taxes in exchange for job creation. Locally, the EACC approved two vacant-storefront projects that will each receive EDIP refundable tax credits of $10,000: LaBonte and Banas LLC d/b/a Toasted in Northampton and Comfort Bagel in Westfield. Toasted is a breakfast and lunch restaurant featuring a full café bar with barista drinks. The EACC awarded Toasted $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits, and the business also received a $10,000 municipal grant from the city of Northampton. Comfort Bagel has a shop in Holyoke and is opening a second, larger location in Westfield with its own dedicated kitchen. The EACC awarded Comfort Bagel $10,000 in EDIP state tax credits, and the city of Westfield provided the business with $14,265 in funds through a Community Development Block Grant.

 

MountainOne Participates in Words Are Wonderful Program

NORTH ADAMS — Last month, volunteers from MountainOne attended Williamstown Elementary School’s Words Are Wonderful celebration, a week-long effort dedicated to fostering a love for reading, writing, and creative expression. MountainOne’s team presented their storybook, “How to Climb a Mountain,” and graced students with a special guest appearance from Mo the MountainOne Spokesgoat. Utilizing the school’s ‘buddy reading’ format, 65 sixth-grade students read the storybook to a pre-K, kindergarten, or first-grade student. As the reading session concluded, MountainOne volunteer Ethan Coe tied the story’s themes into real-world lessons on financial literacy. After the reading and discussion, students were invited to meet Mo up close, sharing high hooves and hugs and getting their books signed by Mo. Each student also received an activity packet that included fun financial-literacy exercises and tips on how, with their parents’ or guardians’ help, they can start saving, too.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MountainOne Insurance Acquires McClure Agency

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency announced its recent acquisition of McClure Insurance Agency in West Springfield and Wilbraham. This is MountainOne Insurance’s second acquisition in the Pioneer Valley this year. For more than 100 years, the family-owned McClure Insurance Agency has offered insurance products to fit the needs of families and businesses. McClure Insurance Agency, as part of MountainOne, will now offer customers many enhanced services, including the addition of group employee benefits, life insurance, long-term-care insurance, Medicare products, and in-house claims services. Customers also have access to many new insurance carriers, widening their options for coverage at competitive rates. Agency Principal Mark McClure and the McClure Insurance Agency staff will remain with the agency, ensuring stability for clients. They will also maintain both office locations at 103 Van Deene Ave. in West Springfield and 2361 Boston Road in Wilbraham.

 

Willie Ross School, Bay Path Open Early-education Space

LONGMEADOW — Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) and Bay Path University held a joint ribbon cutting on Dec. 17 for newly developed early-education classroom space being created for Willie Ross on the Bay Path campus. The event celebrated the collaboration between the university and WRSD as it addresses the need for more early-education space. The space is located on the first floor of Theinert Hall, a multi-use residence hall on campus. The space developed in Bay Path’s Theinert Hall features approximately 7,500 square feet with four classrooms and several support rooms for students and staff. The process of transforming the space involved the demolition of first-floor dormitory rooms and bathrooms and the reconstruction of bathrooms and classrooms, along with the installation of required HVAC equipment, ceiling and lighting fixtures, and safety systems to meet current code requirements. The new space on the Bay Path campus will enable Willie Ross to serve an additional 20 students as the school has experienced a growing Early Childhood program. The classrooms will also provide opportunities for hands-on experience for Bay Path University students.

 

O’Dell Women’s Center Announces $250,000 in Grants

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center (OWC), Springfield’s first nonprofit women’s center, announced it has granted a total of $250,000 to eight other nonprofit organizations in Springfield to support programs that empower and create opportunities for low-income Springfield women. This funding will enhance access to educational resources, career development, and community support services, creating pathways for financial stability and self-sufficiency. The O’Dell Women’s center received 37 grant applications from Springfield area nonprofits. Of those applications, the OWC grant committee selected the following organizations for its 2024 grant awards: Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, the Gray House, Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start, Hope for Youth and Families, Parent Villages, South End Community Center, and United Way of Pioneer Valley. Through the 2024 grants, OWC will support several educational programs for Springfield women, advance workforce development and career growth, and address essential needs like food security, childcare, and language skills.

 

Happier Valley Comedy Reaches Fundraising Goal

HADLEY — Happier Valley Comedy, the only improv comedy theater in Western Mass., recently hit its goal to raise $115,000 in order to unlock a previously awarded Mass Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund Capital Grant for the same amount, so it can build a new, fully accessible performance venue in Hadley. In addition to individual support for the small local arts nonprofit, several local companies stepped in to offer significant contributions, such as PeoplesBank, Diversified Equipment Services & Consulting Organizationof Hadley, and Greenfield Savings Bank. Adjacent to Happier Valley’s original space, which will be used as a classroom and lobby area, the new performance venue provides expanded and raised audience seating, a larger stage with an improv-friendly set, theatrical lighting, and a fully accessible stage. The final drawings have been inked by Thomas Douglas Architects of Northampton, which is working closely with Braidman and the team at Integrity Development & Construction of Amherst to complete construction by the end of summer 2025.

 

Sexton Roofing & Siding Wins Small Business Spotlight

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced Sexton Roofing & Siding as the grand prize winner of its inaugural Small Business Spotlight contest. Driven by community nomination, the contest winner was formally announced at the final UMass football home game of the season at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Nov. 30, which was also Small Business Saturday. Sexton Roofing & Siding will be receiving an advertising package valued at $10,000 with UMass Athletics, allowing the business to be featured on digital displays, radio reads, and email blasts, as well as with tabling opportunities at the Mullins Center during UMass basketball and hockey home games for the remainder of the season. The Small Business Spotlight contest drew more than 125 nominations from across Western Mass., highlighting businesses that demonstrate service, innovation, and community involvement. Two secondary winners, K’s Nutrition of Amherst and CLINIC Alternative Medicines of Northampton, were also recognized with $500 cash prizes to support their ongoing efforts in the local community.

 

Comfort Bagel Opens in New Location in Westfield

WESTFIELD — Comfort Bagel opened its doors in a new location at 64 Main St. in Westfield. The store is relocating from Holyoke to better serve its expanding customer base. Comfort Bagel is known for its scratch-made, artisan, slow-fermented sourdough bagels available in traditional and innovative flavors that rotate weekly, including fan favorites like asiago parmesan, jalapeño cheddar, and salted rosemary. Last month, Westfield Mayor Mike McCabe joined Blake, representatives from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and property owner Rocco Falcone for a ribbon cutting. Comfort Bagel’s journey began during the pandemic, when Blake started a small cottage bakery in her West Springfield home, hoping to bring warmth and comfort to her community during uncertain times. She offered contact-free home delivery to surrounding towns, and the demand for her bagels grew so quickly that she opened a full-service shop at Open Square in Holyoke in July 2021. The new location in downtown Westfield is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.

 

Food Bank Flips Switch to Solar Power at Headquarters

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the activation of its new solar-panel system at its food warehouse, resource, education, and advocacy center in Chicopee. Designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind, the Food Bank’s new center features state-of-the-art solar panels installed by PV Squared, a local leader in renewable-energy solutions. The installation includes panels on the rooftop and a solar canopy covering part of the parking lot. This innovative green-energy system will significantly reduce the Food Bank’s carbon footprint while meeting its substantial energy needs. The project was made possible through a congressionally directed Community Funding Project grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, thanks to the support of U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey.

 

T-Birds Break Record at Teddy Bear Toss

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time in team history, the Springfield Thunderbirds eclipsed the 7,000-bear plateau as the team collected 7,162 stuffed animals during the ninth annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas inside the MassMutual Center on Dec. 7. All will be gifted to underprivileged youth in the Springfield and Western Mass. communities. Tyler Tucker’s third-period goal brought down the cavalcade of stuffed animals and ignited a Thunderbirds come-from-behind, overtime win over the Rockford IceHogs before a sellout crowd of 6,793 inside the Thunderdome on Saturday night. On Dec. 9, Thunderbirds players, mascot Boomer, and staff participated in part two of this celebrated tradition, delivering stuffed animals to a host of different youth-oriented benefactors, including the Center for Human Development, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, and the Boys & Girls Club Family Center. Other participating organizations include the Springfield YMCA, Square One, and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. Established during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural season in 2016, the Teddy Bear Toss has contributed more than 40,000 stuffed animals to local Springfield charities, all in the spirit of providing gifts and smiles to underprivileged and underserved youth in the Greater Springfield community.

 

Country Bank Donates $10,000 to Quaboag Valley CDC

WARE — Country Bank announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. (QVCDC) to help local communities in the region. “The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is grateful for this generous donation from Country Bank,” said Melissa Fales, QVCDC executive director. “This donation will help us continue to run our Senior Outreach Program, which helps seniors with prescription pickup, grocery shopping, food-bank deliveries, and other chores. Country Bank’s support is not only an investment in the Quaboag Valley CDC’s mission, but an example of Country Bank’s commitment to making a difference in the community.” Seniors’ underlying medical conditions can significantly impact their ability to get out safely to meet their everyday needs. The deliveries allow them to remain safely at home while addressing their critical needs.

 

NBSB Announces Success of Food, Toy Drives

NORTH BROOKFIELD — In the spirit of season of giving, North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual food and toy drives. Due to the overwhelming generosity of community members, employees, and neighbors of NBSB, the food and toy drives made an impact in each of the bank’s communities. During the NBSB annual food drive, held Oct. 1-25, the bank’s communities came together to donate 693 non-perishable food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 to further support local food pantries. These donations provide crucial assistance to individuals facing food insecurity. During the annual toy drive, which ran Nov. 1-29, community members, employees, and neighbors stepped up to the plate again, collecting 388 toys for children in need, alongside $1,432 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,500 to support those who need it the most and bring joy to children in the communities it serves this holiday season.

 

ViViYarn Fashion Opens Store in Hampshire Mall

HADLEY — ViViYarn Fashion celebrated its grand opening in the Hampshire Mall on Dec. 17. The new boutique focuses on unique, seasonal clothing for men and women. Current items include cashmere scarves and sweaters in a wide variety of designs and colors. General Manager Shawna Wang has more than 10 years of experience producing high-quality garments for the U.S. and Europe, and is dedicated to providing customers with comfort, elegance, and style at an affordable price.

 

Susan B. Anthony Museum Awarded Three Grants

ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs. This program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School and Williamstown Elementary School. Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a ‘votes for women’ march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.

 

Bombyx Center Achieves Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation from CET

NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon-cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainability. The Bombyx Center is the first organization to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Its impact of reducing 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees. CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatherization services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss at the historic former church. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifications, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped establish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

 

Baystate Health, Wellpoint Reach Contract Agreement

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health and Wellpoint have reached a new, multi-year contract that maintains patients’ access to their current doctors and nurses. This means Wellpoint members will continue to have access to all Baystate Health hospitals, facilities, doctors’ offices, convenient care, and ancillary service centers, as well as its affiliated physicians through Baycare Health Partners, on Jan. 1, 2025 and beyond. “We are extremely pleased to have reached a new agreement with Wellpoint and ensure continued access for health-plan members to the care they receive at Baystate Health and our affiliated physicians through Baycare Health Partners,” said Peter Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “From the beginning, our mutual goal was to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our patients today and in the future and protect their access to essential services in Western Massachusetts.” David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint, added that “we worked tirelessly to come to an agreement that preserves access to high-quality, affordable care at Baystate Health for Wellpoint members. We are pleased that our longstanding partnership with Baystate Health will continue promoting preventive care and supporting the whole health of the individuals our organizations serve across the Springfield region.”

 

Eversource Named Among Most Responsible Companies

BOSTON — For the sixth year in a row, Eversource Energy has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2025. The award highlights the energy company’s environmental, social, and corporate-governance (ESG) initiatives, reaffirming Eversource’s commitment to sustainability throughout its operations and a workplace culture that embraces the values of corporate and social responsibility. The America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers environmental, social, and governance factors. Companies on the 2025 list were selected based on a review of publicly available data and a survey of 26,000 U.S. residents about their perceptions of companies related to corporate social responsibility. Since the annual ranking was introduced in 2019, Eversource has appeared in every edition of the list.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Bradley International Airport Receives $6 Million for Projects

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that $6 million of federal funding has been secured for a major improvement project at Bradley International Airport (BDL). The funding will be used for the ongoing construction of an 80,000-square-foot inline baggage screening facility behind the Sheraton Hotel, which is one of two construction projects currently underway at BDL. Once complete, baggage will be sent from the airline ticket counters along a mile-long conveyor belt to the new facility for screening. Current explosive-detection machines located in the terminal lobby will be relocated once the new screening facility is operational, which will open additional space for current and future airline growth. The facility will also entail the construction of three new gates. The designated funding for Bradley International Airport comes from a total $970 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Through a competitive grant process, the FAA is providing funding to 125 airports across the country this fiscal year to focus on terminal reconstruction, development, accessibility, energy efficiency, and more. Prior to this most recent announcement, BDL has been awarded more than $31 million in grant funds from prior years of the Airport Terminal Program, which is a subset of the total $99 million in federal grants that BDL has received for its major terminal enhancement projects. The CAA has successfully applied for funds in each year that the highly competitive grant program has been offered. The total cost of the inline baggage screening facility project is estimated at $188 million. In addition to the federal funding, the construction of the facility will be funded through a combination of passenger facility charges and airport revenue.

 

Florence Bank Donates $5,000 to Tech Foundry

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $5,000 to Tech Foundry of Springfield in its 10th-anniversary year, supporting its newly established Innovation Fund to help enhance the organization’s digital-literacy curriculum and grow its reach. Serving Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties, Tech Foundry provides tech training and mentoring, increases access to careers and jobs in the tech field, builds talent and opportunity pipelines, drives digital literacy, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the region. Training and mentorship are available at its classrooms in Springfield and across the region at organizations such as libraries and councils on aging. A new learning lab called Tech Hub in Holyoke also focuses on digital literacy, training, device distribution, and tech support.

 

Country Bank Supports Local Schools with Donations

WARE — Country Bank announced a recent donation of Visa gift cards to 35 local schools, totaling $12,000. These schools have been long-standing partners in the bank’s financial-literacy initiatives, and this contribution aims to support teachers and students as they head into the new academic year. As part of its ongoing commitment to financial literacy, Country Bank offers a robust Money School program, which includes a variety of resources designed to teach students about managing money, budgeting, and saving. Most recently, the program introduced a new debit-card option for kids, allowing them to learn hands-on how to manage money earned from chores. This innovative approach to financial education is designed to give young people the skills they need to succeed financially throughout their lives.

 

Max’s Swing Lounge Opens at Basketball Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD — Max’s Swing Lounge, a new destination for golf enthusiasts and casual players alike, celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 14 at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This state-of-the-art lounge combines cutting-edge technology with fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind, practice, and socialize. With nine high-definition Track Man simulators that offer a realistic golfing experience, guests can play iconic courses from around the world without leaving the lounge. These simulators also have other games available that are suitable for kids and the whole family. Whether a player is a seasoned pro or just starting out, staff are on hand to provide tips and guidance. In addition to golfing, Max’s Swing Lounge offers a full-service bar and menu featuring food and beverages from the Max’s Tavern menu. Guests can enjoy everything from artisanal snacks to signature cocktails.

 

bankESB Wins Awards for Workplace Culture

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB received three Top Workplaces Culture Excellence awards from Energage for Employee Appreciation, Well-being, and Professional Development. The Employee Appreciation award celebrates organizations that make employees feel valued for their efforts, thereby motivating employees to give their best at work. The Employee Well-being award honors organizations that stand out for their commitment to putting health and wellness at the center of their workplace culture. The Professional Development award honors companies that make it a priority to provide employees with opportunities that help them develop their careers and grow professionally. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, administered by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the survey.

 

CitySpace Awarded $501,000 for Old Town Hall Restoration

EASTHAMPTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced more than $161 million in funding for local economic-development across Massachusetts, benefiting 313 projects in 171 communities. Among these grants, CitySpace has been awarded $501,830 to complete the second phase of the Old Town Hall restoration, a project aimed at making this historic arts and culture venue fully accessible to all members of the community. CitySpace is one of only 37 recipients statewide to receive the highly competitive Underutilized Property Program grant, further underscoring the significance of this project. This funding will directly support CitySpace’s mission to restore and revitalize Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall into a 350-seat, fully accessible arts center, preserving a piece of the city’s cultural heritage while creating an inclusive venue for artistic expression. The second phase of restoration will introduce a new accessible entryway, an elevator serving every floor, and the repair and display of a historic stained-glass window on the building’s street-facing entryway.

 

Don Roy Auto Body Announces Closing

CHICOPEE — The family members who owned and operated Don Roy’s Auto Body and Appearance Center Inc. on Granby Road in Chicopee for more than 30 years have announced the closing of their business. “It is with a heavy heart that we are making this announcement,” said Don Roy, who founded the auto-body shop in 1992. “We made the decision to close because of several reasons beyond our control, the primary and most important factor being that we can no longer afford to pay our technicians and employees a proper wage. Insurance companies set the labor rate, and it is no longer adequate. We are no longer able to maintain quality repair technicians, and we are not able to keep up to date with all new repair concepts and tooling needed to repair today’s new dimension of vehicles. Auto-body shops are not credited by insurance companies for the investment they make in their shops, and, coupled with the insufficient funding, this has led to the unfortunate decision that our family had to make.” Don Roy’s Auto Body was an active member of its community, participating in car shows and supporting many local nonprofit organizations. The shop was known for its customer service and received several awards from local business organizations over the years, including Business of the Year from the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce and the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau.

 

Elms College Partners with UNE on Graduate-program Pathway

CHICOPEE — Elms College signed an articulation agreement with the University of New England (UNE), creating a streamlined pathway for Elms graduates to pursue advanced degrees in five high-demand health professions. Under this agreement, Elms College students who meet a specified minimum GPA and fulfill additional program requirements will be guaranteed an interview in the admission process for UNE’s graduate programs. Starting in the fall of 2025, this collaboration will broaden educational opportunities for Elms students, offering them direct access to UNE, Maine’s leading provider of health professional training. The five graduate programs included in this agreement are doctor of dental medicine (DMD), master of science in athletic training (MSAT), master of science in occupational therapy (MSOT), doctor of physical therapy (DPT), and doctor of pharmacy (PharmD). These fields represent growing areas within healthcare, and this agreement positions Elms graduates for success in meeting the increasing demand for skilled professionals. For students at Elms College, this agreement not only provides a more accessible route to graduate-level education, but also serves as a testament to the value of an Elms education in preparing them for meaningful careers in healthcare.

 

Food Bank Among Winners of New England Food Vision Prize

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced that it has been selected as one of the 2024 New England Food Vision Prize winners, an honor awarded by the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. This recognition comes with $124,420 in funding, contributing to the more than $1.2 million awarded to local food projects across the region. The Food Bank’s award will support a key existing partnership between the Food Bank Farm, Lakeside Organics of Hadley, Atlas Farm, and Springfield Public Schools, designed to increase access to local, organic produce in school cafeterias and educational programs. The awarded funds will be used to acquire equipment that enables partner farms to expand the production, harvesting, and processing of organic vegetables on the Food Bank Farm. These vegetables will be sold to Springfield Public Schools, providing students with healthy, locally sourced options in their meals. The Springfield Public Schools will promote this partnership through initiatives in the cafeteria, the classroom, and field trips to the Food Bank Farm, immersing students in the story and impact of local food systems.

 

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance Supports Square One Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance has joined the growing list of businesses and community partners supporting Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign. Impact Finance, a U.S. Bank subsidiary, contributed a $40,000 grant from U.S. Bancorp Community Development Entity toward Square One’s $15.5 million construction project, being built in Springfield’s South End, at the location where its building was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Slated to open in the spring of 2025, the new, 26,000-square-foot facility will include four preschool classrooms, an outdoor learning and play area, a full-service family support center, and administrative offices. The grant is in addition to $4.4 million in equity Impact Finance provided in New Markets Tax Credit financing. Currently, the campaign is approximately $2 million shy of its goal.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

STCC Announces $1 Million MassMutual Foundation Gift

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) received a $1 million grant from the MassMutual Foundation — the largest philanthropic gift received by the college in the past 15 years — to help with the relocation of the School of Health and Patient Simulation (SHPS).

The college plans to move its health programs out of Building 20, an 83-year-old structure with a history of expensive emergency repairs. Most of the programs will be relocated to Scibelli Hall, or Building 2, a seven-story structure opened in 1988 on the historic STCC campus. The total estimated project cost to relocate is approximately $50 million, with committed funding from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance ($38 million), the STCC board of trustees ($11.5 million), and the STCC Foundation ($500,000). The $1 million from the MassMutual Foundation will help enhance the educational and technological experience for students enrolled in programs in the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC. The SIMS Medical Center includes more than 70 patient simulators, the largest array in New England. Accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, the center provides a state-of-the-art, immersive educational environment where students and healthcare personnel obtain new skills while refining existing skills.

 

Hometown Arcade to Open in Thornes Marketplace

NORTHAMPTON— Visitors to Thornes Marketplace will be able to play classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders as well as newer games like Pac-Man Smash Air Hockey after Hometown Arcade opens in November in space previously occupied by Acme Surplus.

For $20 a day, entrants can play games from the ’80s and ’90s, including skee-ball, bubble hockey, air hockey, and lots of pinball machines. Rhythm games, like Guitar Hero and Beat Mania, will also be available. And youngsters who take a chance on the classic claw machine will be guaranteed a prize for $3 per play. Snow hopes his Northampton arcade will be accepted into the New England Pinball League for team play, and he hopes to offer a women’s league. He will also have a 10-player game called Killer Queen, on which two teams of five compete, and he plans on hosting Killer Queen tournaments. Snow is in the process of securing a beer and wine license for the arcade and is also negotiating a partnership with a local restaurant to provide pizza. Snacks and soft drinks will also be sold. He will also offer birthday party packages. Hometown Arcade should be open by mid-November.

 

MountainOne Donates $5,000 for Hurricane Relief Efforts

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced a $5,000 donation to assist with relief and recovery efforts following the disastrous impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This financial contribution underscores MountainOne’s dedication to supporting communities in times of need, even beyond its immediate service area. The donation was made in response to a call from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc., which has been coordinating efforts to rally support for disaster-stricken regions. MountainOne donated $2,500 to the North Carolina Bankers Assoc. Foundation’s Hurricane Helene Relief Fund. The fund was established to assist bank employees in Western North Carolina who have suffered losses and property damage as a result of the storm. An equal amount of $2,500 was donated to the Florida Disaster Fund, the state of Florida’s official private fund established to assist communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. MountainOne’s contribution was guided by recommendations from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc., in coordination with the North Carolina and Florida banking associations, helping to ensure the donations reach organizations well-equipped to provide meaningful support to those in need.

 

bankESB Donates $5,000 to Pickleball Fundraising Project

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently donated $5,000 to the Easthampton Pickleball Fundraising Project, a dedicated group of pickleball enthusiasts who have partnered with the Players Philanthropy Fund to raise money for new pickleball courts. There are currently two pickleball courts located in Nonotuck Park that were constructed in 2020. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and these courts are immensely popular, often with more than 20 people waiting to play in just eight available spots. The Easthampton Pickleball Fundraising Project will help build two additional courts. bankESB’s charitable giving program, the Giving Tree, reflects the roots the bank has in its communities and its commitment to making a difference in the neighborhoods it serves.

 

Eversource on TIME’s List of World’s Best Companies for 2024

BOSTON — As a reinforcement of its position as an energy-industry leader, Eversource has been listed in TIME’s ranking of the World’s Best Companies in 2024, which was curated in collaboration with global research and data firm Statista. Ranked 396th overall out of 1,000 companies and the number-one U.S. utility, this recognition highlights the energy company’s exceptional performance in three key categories, including employee satisfaction; revenue growth; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.

 

Florence Bank Supports MHA’s Wellness Classic Golf Tournament

FLORENCE — Florence Bank supported the Mental Health Association’s 26th annual Wellness Classic Golf Tournament with a $5,000 sponsorship, helping the organization live its mission to better the lives of people challenged by intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in the 1960s, formerly based in Springfield, and now located in Chicopee, MHA is a pioneer in community-based support for those living with mental illness, homelessness, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, and substance use. The organization offers more than 60 residential programs in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and operates these four divisions, each serving a different segment of need: Recovery and Housing, supporting people with substance-use disorders or a mental-health diagnosis, as well as people experiencing chronic homelessness; New Way Services, for those who have experienced a brain injury; Integration and Community Living, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness, an outpatient behavioral-health clinic based in Springfield. The Mental Health Assoc. serves 3,500 to 3,800 people each year, and its annual golf classic was held this year on Sept. 27 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam; it typically raises roughly $100,000.

 

MountainOne Receives Award for Video Campaign

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced that it has been named a 2024 American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Brand Slam Award winner for best video. This honor marks MountainOne’s 18th marketing-industry award, all earned since the launch of its brand campaign in 2019. The ABA Brand Slam Awards recognize excellence in bank marketing across six key categories: video, integrated marketing, website redesign, public relations/community engagement, social media, and out-of-the-box idea.

 

AIC Launches Nutrition Program to Meet Demand for Professionals

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) is launching a bachelor of science in nutrition program designed to prepare students to address a broad range of global health challenges. The program will officially begin in the fall of 2025, with an introductory nutrition course available to current students in the spring semester starting in January 2025. The program combines both online and on-campus coursework and provides a pathway for students to pursue a master’s degree required for the ACEND registered dietitian certification. Students can choose between two tracks: public health or exercise science. This structure offers a comprehensive education in nutrition, food, and health while equipping students with the skills needed for careers in nutrition, dietetics, public health, or wellness coaching.

 

Pathlight, ServiceNet to Merge, Expanding Reach of Both

NORTHAMPTON — The boards of directors of Pathlight and ServiceNet have agreed to a merger, following several months of analysis, vetting, and coming to terms. All of Pathlight’s programs will be integrated into ServiceNet, with the primary goal being continuity of service. Virtually all 500 Pathlight employees will become ServiceNet employees as of the effective date of the merger. Both parties anticipate this merger will be finalized within the next few months, following completion of state approvals and other legal steps. The two agencies share similar missions and philosophies about supporting people in living their lives to the fullest and raising the visibility and impact of people with disabilities. ServiceNet and Pathlight each offer programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities and mental-health challenges, and each has areas of experience and expertise that the other does not. Both provide residential services, including group homes and shared living; Pathlight also has several programs for children and youth with disabilities, while ServiceNet has a robust array of vocational service offerings.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MountainOne Announces Second-quarter Community Grants

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced the completion of its community-dividend funding for the second quarter of 2024, distributing more than $150,000 to support various not-for-profit organizations in the Berkshires and South Shore communities. MountainOne’s $25,000 sponsorship of the North Adams SteepleCats, a New England Collegiate Baseball League team, helps bring baseball to Joe Wolfe Field in North Adams, enriching the greater Berkshire community. MountainOne has been a prominent sponsor of the Steeplecats since their inception in 2002. It was the inaugural pavilion sponsor of the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) at its inception in 2020, and continues its commitment of support to the BIC in 2024. In the recent grants, MountainOne committed $10,000 to the BIC in Pittsfield, supporting programming that focuses on vital areas such as STEM education, entrepreneurship, career preparation, and leadership, driving economic growth, and community empowerment. The Brien Center in Pittsfield, dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral-health services for more than a century, received $10,000 to support its Youth Substance Use Prevention and Intervention program, which delivers essential services to local schools and ensures the well-being of young people in the community. In celebration of 50 years of service, MountainOne awarded $5,000 to Old Colony Elder Services in Brockton to support its behavioral-health and wellness programs, aiding the aging community on the South Shore. It also contributed $5,000 to BFAIR, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The funds will support the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to provide services for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury. It also donated $5,000 to sponsor Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth’s Hearts and Hammers Gala. The gala is the nonprofit’s top fundraising event of the year, raising money to assist in its mission to combat poverty and homelessness through home construction and repair. MountainOne’s community dividend grant program also supports numerous community events, including the Summer Concert Series hosted by Friends of the Scituate Library, farmers’ markets in North Adams and Williamstown, Pittsfield and Williamstown 4th of July parades, and the North Adams Downtown Celebration on Aug. 14. It also supported pride events in Pittsfield, North Adams, and Quincy, underscoring its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Summer contributions also include sponsorship of numerous golf tournaments benefiting organizations such as BCARC in Pittsfield, the Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation in Pittsfield, the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, Plymouth Public Library, and UCP of Western Massachusetts in Pittsfield. In addition, MountainOne has supported local baseball and softball teams, as well as charitable walk/run events, including the South Shore Food Bank’s Fresh Bite 5K and Citrus Stroll in Rockland and NAMIWalk Berkshire County in Pittsfield.

 

MLKFS Receives $100,000 from MassMutual Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) announced the continued investment by, and partnership with, the MassMutual Foundation through a recent grant of $100,000 to support its emergency food pantry. The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services food pantry provides healthy food options to nearly 250 individuals and families each week. The pantry also serves as a community resource, offering access to medical support through various local health, wellness, and nutrition partners. “The MassMutual Foundation’s investment in MLK Family Services will ensure the continuity of essential services, particularly by supporting personnel and enhancing the resource capacity needed to operate the emergency food pantry,” said Shannon Rudder, CEO of MLKFS. “Funding from this initiative will help to ensure these services remain viable and open to any Western Massachusetts resident.” The MassMutual Foundation partners with local community members and organizations to help build financial resilience leading to future opportunities for all.

 

Wheeler & Taylor Insurance Brings Two Agencies into Fold

GREAT BARRINGTON — Mirick Insurance Agency of Shelburne Falls and Albert B. Allen Insurance Agency of Greenfield each recently entered a partnership with Wheeler & Taylor Insurance, a large insurance agency based in Great Barrington. The two long-established insurance agencies joined Wheeler & Taylor to broaden their insurance offerings locally, regionally, and nationally. Both firms retain their name, staff, location, and management. Located at 277 Federal St., Greenfield, Albert B. Allen Insurance Agency has been serving Franklin County since 1925. Founded in 1980, Mirick Insurance Agency is located at 28 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls. Founded in 1871, Wheeler & Taylor Inc. is one of America’s oldest continuously operated financial companies. Operating full-service insurance and real-estate brokerage operations from its headquarters in Great Barrington, it has a network of offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, and Nevada.

 

 

The Sugar Chalet Opens Its Doors in Wilbraham

WILBRAHAM — The Sugar Chalet, Wilbraham’s newest bakery and cafe, held its grand opening on July 20 at One Crane Park Dr. Owner and head chef Allison Henry offers an assortment of fine pastries and desserts. Her specialties include chocolate-chip cookies and housemade bagels. She also will offer breakfast sandwiches and other items, like focaccia pizza and salads. The Sugar Chalet has espresso drinks and milkshakes crafted with house-made frozen custard. Henry will also offer cooking classes, including demonstrations for children and adults for cake decorating, cooking, and baking, and has a small room for private events. She does custom orders for specialty items on request. A classically trained chef, she graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York in the spring of 2022 and is a 2021 graduate of the culinary program at Tantasqua High School in Sturbridge.

 

Herrell’s Ice Cream to Open New Location in Mill District

AMHERST — The Mill District and Herrell’s Ice Cream announced that Herrell’s Ice Cream will be opening soon in the Mill District’s North Square in North Amherst, first as a pop-up and later as a permanent location. The Mill District’s North Square is located just a crosswalk away from Amherst’s busy Mill River Recreation Area, a short walk from Cherry Hill Golf Course, and near the recently renovated North Amherst Library. Herrell’s will join Provisions, Carefree Cakery, the Mill District General Store, the Closet, the Mill District Local Art Gallery, Soulful Pet Studios, Futura Coffee; 3 Amigo’s Restaurant; the Lift Salon; Big Basket International Market; Amherst House of Pizza, and Cowls Building Supply, to name a few enterprises already making a mark on North Amherst’s busy shopping and dining offerings.

 

Five Star Building Corp. Donates $20,000 to WorkHub on Union

EASTHAMPTON — The Chamber of Greater Easthampton announced a contribution of $20,000 from Five Star Building Corp. toward its ambitious co-workspace project, WorkHub on Union. The donation will support the development of a vibrant and collaborative co-working space, providing valuable resources for entrepreneurs and businesses in the Greater Easthampton region. WorkHub on Union — located at 33 Union St., Easthampton, and slated to open toward the end of the summer — aims to create an innovative and inspiring environment where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small-business owners can converge and thrive. Through this partnership with Five Star Builders Corp., the Chamber of Greater Easthampton will be able to enhance the support and services offered to local professionals, fostering growth and stimulating economic development in the community. In addition to offering a dynamic and flexible workspace, the WorkHub on Union will provide access to mentorship programs, networking events, educational programming, and other support services designed to accelerate the growth of startups and small businesses. Through this collaboration, the Chamber of Greater Easthampton and Five Star Building Corp. aim to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and establish the Greater Easthampton region as a hub for business excellence.

 

O’Dell Women’s Center Grants $250,000 to Programs That Benefit Low-income Women

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation announced that it will grant $250,000 to nonprofits serving low-income Springfield women. Springfield’s first-ever women’s center will award grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to amplify the efforts of local nonprofit organizations that advance educational and career opportunities for low-income women. Nonprofit organizations that address obstacles facing low-income women, such as food insecurity and childcare access, will also be eligible for grant awards. The application is available at odellwomenscenter.com/grants and must be received by Sept. 13. Applications will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, and potential impact, and grant award winners will be announced on Nov. 15. The O’Dell Women’s Center is a philanthropic initiative founded in 2023 with a mission to help low-income women achieve financial stability through improved access to educational and career opportunities. Located in the heart of Springfield, the center is a 10,000-square-foot facility that offers low- or no-cost ‘residencies’ and community collaboration spaces to nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the lives of low-income women. The first nonprofit residency has been granted to Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, an organization that empowers women to establish careers and advance within their careers through skill development, professional attire, mentorship, and other programming.

 

CET Launches Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD — CET (formerly the Center for EcoTechnology) announced the launch of its Carbon Conscious Business accreditation, an initiative designed to recognize and celebrate businesses committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy conservation, transitioning off fossil fuels, reducing waste, and other solutions. With commercial and residential buildings contributing 30% of U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions, decarbonizing this sector is essential to meeting CET’s climate goals. Decarbonizing offers numerous benefits: it mitigates climate change, potentially lowers operating costs and improves building comfort, and enhances reputation and brand value. Additionally, it ensures regulatory compliance, attracts purpose-driven employees, and improves public health and well-being by enhancing air and water quality. To begin the journey toward being accredited as a Carbon Conscious Business, businesses will meet with CET energy and waste experts to identify existing and new decarbonization opportunities tailored to the business. CET will then develop a customized action plan that outlines relevant measures to reduce carbon emissions. Once all measures have been completed, the business will be awarded a one-, two-, or three-star Carbon Conscious Business accreditation based on the extent of implementation. Regardless of the progress, CET will celebrate the participating company’s achievements with marketing opportunities, window decals, and table tents to showcase its commitment to sustainability. Learn more at cetonline.org/carbon-conscious-business-accreditation.

 

HNE Creates $250,000 Grant Fund to Honor Dr. Mark Keroack

SPRINGFIELD — To honor Dr. Mark Keroack’s 10 years on the board of directors of Health New England, the health plan is creating a $250,000 grant-making fund to help community organizations improve health equity. Keroack, president and CEO emeritus of Baystate Health, retired at the end of June. As chair of the board of Health New England, a not-for-profit health plan owned by Baystate Health, he helped form a deeper, more collaborative relationship between the entities. The Dr. Mark A. Keroack Health Equity Grant program will provide local nonprofit organizations with a one-time grant of up to $50,000 to advance health equity in healthcare over a one-year period. Programs are required to promote health equity and include community collaboration resulting in improved health outcomes. Programs must target communities in Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire counties and focus on one or more of these populations: children and youth, communities of color, individuals experiencing poverty or with low incomes, or older adults. Nonprofit organizations can learn more or apply for the grant by Aug. 28 at healthnewengland.org/community/grantprogram.

 

AIC’s Criminal Justice Program Receives Quinn Bill Approval

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) announced that its master of science in criminal justice program has been approved under the Guidelines for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Academic Programs by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education (BHE). This approval qualifies the fully online degree for the Police Career Incentive Pay Program, also known as the Quinn Bill. The Massachusetts Legislature enacted the Quinn Bill to encourage police officers to earn degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice by providing educational incentives for full-time officers in participating cities and towns through salary increases. This approval means that AIC’s master of science in criminal justice program meets or exceeds all quality standards established by the guidelines, making its graduates eligible for incentive pay increases. By participating in the Quinn Bill, students who are full-time police officers in Massachusetts can receive significant salary increases upon graduation, providing a tangible return on their educational investment. This incentive not only encourages professional development, but also enhances the quality of law-enforcement services by ensuring officers are well-educated in the latest theories and practices in criminal justice.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Greenfield Savings Bank Donates $50,000 to Iron Horse Music Hall

NORTHAMPTON — Greenfield Savings Bank announced it is making a donation of $50,000 to the Parlor Room Collective in support of its $750,000 capital campaign to revive the Iron Horse Music Hall in downtown Northampton. The Parlor Room Collective, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the health and vitality of the community through the power of music, purchased the Iron Horse last fall and launched a capital campaign to raise funds for renovations and updates to the historic music venue. Updates included expanding to the neighboring storefront at 18 Center St. and putting in 10 bathrooms on the first floor. The Iron Horse reopened its doors to the public for the first time on May 15 to a sold-out crowd with Taylor Ashton and Rachael & Vilray playing to an audience eager to celebrate the return of this beloved venue. Chris Freeman, executive director of the Parlor Room Collective, said the gift from Greenfield Savings Bank will help cover the costs of the extensive renovations that have made the Iron Horse a more accessible space, as well as the startup costs for the restaurant and the staff more than doubling in size to account for the new venue and restaurant. Along with the bar space and bathrooms, Iron Horse updates include flooring, lighting, HVAC, and a new sound system. These updates prioritize the customer and artist experience, making the space more comfortable and accessible than ever before.

 

Kuhn Riddle Rolls Out New Name, Logo

AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects, an Amherst firm established in 1988 by John Kuhn and Chris Riddle, has rolled out its new name and new look. The firm is now Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers and is headed by its second generation of leadership, President Aelan Tierney and Principals Jonathan Salvon and Charles Roberts. The firm worked with a Northampton-based creative studio, Transit Authority Figures, to develop a logo, signature colors, fonts, and a name that reflects the firm’s foundation, as well as its transitions, growth, and views toward the future. The new Kuhn Riddle logo is built on a simple grid using elemental shapes to create a symmetrical, abstract ‘KR’ monogram. These forms, each consisting of a quarter-circle and a triangle, face each other and together form a square. The new logo reflects Kuhn Riddle’s dedication to smart and creative problem solving rooted in timeless foundational principles. The font used in the new logo recalls the Goudy Old Style used in the original firm logo, yet has its own history, weight, and meaning. The new font, called Martina Plantijn, was developed by the Klim Type Foundry and named after the strong and formidable Dutch businesswomen who ran the Plantin-Moretus publishing house — then the world’s largest — in the early 17th century. As a woman-owned business, Kuhn Riddle takes inspiration from Plantjin’s entrepreneurial spirit and the family-owned company’s legacy of empowering women, which inspired a series of women descendants who went on to manage the business for much of the next three centuries. To complement the new logo, the firm chose deep blue and radiant yellow, color hues that are unique, bright, and friendly.

 

Eversource Named Among Climate Leaders by USA TODAY

BOSTON — For a second consecutive year, Eversource Energy has been recognized by USA TODAY and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Climate Leaders for 2024. Ranked among the top utilities on the list, this distinction highlights the energy company’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions intensity, which is rooted in a commitment to sustainability throughout its operations. The USA TODAY list of America’s Climate Leaders recognizes the top 450 companies across the U.S. that have achieved the greatest reduction in their operational emissions intensity between 2020 and 2022, a measure of the amount of scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gases a company produces relative to its revenue. Following Eversource’s recognition in last year’s list, the company is ranked fourth in the Energy & Utilities category and 173rd overall for 2024.

 

Enlite Cannabis Dispensary Opens in Indian Orchard

INDIAN ORCHARD — Enlite Cannabis Dispensary celebrated the grand opening of its newest location at 479 Main St., Indian Orchard on June 4. The grand-opening event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring special guests, including state Sen. Adam Gomez, Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan. As a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and social-equity dispensary, Enlite is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry. The Indian Orchard location marks Enlite’s second opening in Western Mass., reinforcing the company’s dedication to expanding access to high-quality cannabis products in the region. In conjunction with the grand opening, Enlite hosted a food drive to support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

 

UMass Amherst to Join NSF SafeInsights Project

AMHERST — The Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences at UMass Amherst has joined the newly announced U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) SafeInsights, a five-year, $90 million research and development infrastructure for inclusive education research. Led by OpenStax at Rice University, SafeInsights is a large-scale education research hub that will safely connect digital learning platforms and educational institutions to learn about learning. This initiative represents the NSF’s largest single investment in R&D infrastructure for education at a national scale and will be the first national infrastructure of its kind. SafeInsights includes a multi-disciplinary network of 80 collaborating institutions and partners, including major digital learning platforms that currently serve tens of millions of students. Lan and UMass Amherst will join together with researchers and large-scale, digital learning platforms to enable privacy-preserving research studies to better understand student learning. According to national polls conducted by the Data Quality Campaign, 86% of teachers recognize the importance of research in effective teaching. However, the majority of teachers must individually piece together research-informed teaching and learning strategies, often with limited resources. SafeInsights will enable research studies that help researchers understand how students learn best, no matter who they are, what they are learning, or how they are learning. The insights gained can lead to the development of better, research-informed teaching tools and practices, promoting educational equity. SafeInsights stringently protects learner privacy. It uses a unique technique called ‘secure data enclaves,’ which unlocks valuable insights without revealing any student information to researchers or moving student information from the learning tools that it safely lives in today.

 

PeoplesBank Partner NYMBUS Wins FinTech Futures Award

HOLYOKE — FinTech Futures, the global market intelligence platform for financial-services technology, has named NYMBUS the Excellence in Tech winner for Core Banking System at the recent Banking Tech Awards USA ceremony held in New York City. The awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements and successes in the banking and FinTech industry across the U.S., included many of the most well-known and well-respected brands within the industry. Nymbus is a leading technology partner for PeoplesBank. “We are incredibly excited for this recognition for the NYMBUS team and their staff partners here at PeoplesBank,” said Aleda De Maria, executive vice president for Consumer Banking and Operations at PeoplesBank. “We believe that banks need to be able to offer the best technology for their customers, to create a simple banking experience. We are proud to align ourselves with an award-winning tech partner, which has allowed us distinguish ourselves in a competitive category.”

 

Westover Metropolitan Airport Launches New Website

CHICOPEE — Westover Metropolitan Airport announced the launch of its new website, westoverairport.com, designed to streamline the user experience and provide valuable information for travelers, pilots, and aircraft tenants. For close to five decades, Westover Metropolitan Airport has been committed to ensuring safe, convenient, and cost-effective travel. Situated in Chicopee, Westover Municipal Airport’s strategic location offers easy access to major highways. The newly launched website aims to further enhance the airport’s commitment and reputation to exceptional service by providing a user-friendly platform to access essential travel and destination information. Westover Metropolitan Airport benefits from the worldwide reputation of Westover Air Force Reserve Base, but it is important to provide the distinction between the military facility and high-profile operations and the civilian operations. The new website’s focus will help achieve that.

 

Summerlin Floors Makes Donation to Greenfield Community College

AMHERST — Summerlin Floors, woman-owned flooring business based in Amherst, made its annual donation of $2,500 to Greenfield Community College (GCC) in memory of Erin Summerlin, daughter of owner Ann Bronner, who hopes the gift makes a lasting impact and positive contribution toward the educational community. Bronner, a GCC alumna, aims to support the future generation of scholars and give back to the GCC community.

 

Goodwill Receives Grant from Eversource Foundation

PITTSFIELD — Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont announced it has received a grant of $1,200 from the Eversource Foundation for its Soar for Success program. In the last year, Goodwill’s Soar for Success program served 53 individuals with job coaching and other services, while providing 1,168 vouchers for clothing and household items to individuals in need. Goodwill’s Soar for Success job-training program focuses on teaching essential employment skills, provides interview and work-appropriate clothing, and helps community members secure meaningful work. The program is offered free of charge to all Berkshire County residents.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Gagne Wealth Management Group Announces Expansion

GREENFIELD — Gagne Wealth Management Group is expanding its footprint with the addition of two financial advisors, three employees, and an expansion that will double its office location at 238 Main St. in Greenfield. The advising firm, which offers comprehensive estate and income planning, retirement solutions, and investment services, has served Franklin County since 2006. The acquisition will expand the reach of Gagne Wealth Management, an affiliate of Northwestern Mutual, and comes after Forbes magazine named Gagne Wealth Management to its Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for the third consecutive year. Dave Bonomi, Tad Malek, Sam Smith, Jenn Hoffman, and Lane Simmons have joined the team, nearly doubling its size. Gagne said the expansion will not only allow the firm to continue to grow in supporting its clients, but also provide significant local revenue to continue its support of local commerce and nonprofits.

 

Springfield Rotary Partners with Dress for Success on Program to Empower Women

SPRINGFIELD — This year, the Springfield Rotary Club, in partnership with Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, recently launched an initiative aimed at empowering women entering the workforce with essential financial skills and strategies. Spearheaded by Flavia McCaughey, vice president of the FR Investment Group and a Springfield Rotarian, the program addressed the unique challenges faced by these women. Under McCaughey’s guidance, participating women underwent an education program designed to equip them with financial literacy and long-term planning tools. Following the sessions, they had the option to consult with a financial advisor of their choice and apply for a Rotary grant to kickstart their financial journey. Four women received grants of $300 each. Many of the program’s attendees were single parents, for whom this initiative represented a crucial stepping stone toward securing their financial future. Funding for this program was made possible through the support of a district Rotary grant. The initiative culminated in a panel discussion held at White Lion Brewing in Springfield, centered on fostering support networks and promoting financial empowerment. Looking ahead, both the Springfield Rotary and Dress for Success look to expand upon this initiative in the coming year, further extending its reach and impact within the community.

 

Eversource Launches 2024 Main Streets Program

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its ongoing commitment to helping customers across the Commonwealth take control of their own energy use with optimized solutions, Eversource announced it will bring its successful Main Streets program to more than 40 Massachusetts communities in 2024. Through Main Streets, sponsors of Mass Save, including Eversource, partner with municipalities to connect small-business owners with approved contractors that offer no-cost energy assessments to discuss upgrades that lower energy use and reduce costs. Evolving from a small, Eversource-only initiative, Main Streets has continued to grow over the years, with more than half of all planned events in communities across the Commonwealth in 2024 in collaboration with other sponsors of Mass Save, including several events outside the Eversource service territory organized solely by other sponsors. Through Main Streets, customers have saved on average nearly 13 million kWh per year — equivalent to the greenhouse-gas emissions saved from recycling over 3,000 tons of waste — as well as more than 100,000 therms of natural-gas savings annually. This year, Eversource will continue building on that success through close collaboration with local community partners, multilingual marketing efforts, and language support at in-person events.

 

Thunderbirds Raise $40,000 for Rays of Hope

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a donation of $40,000 to Rays of Hope thanks to proceeds from the live jersey auction during the T-Birds’ seventh annual Pink in the Rink game on March 9. Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa and Vice President of Sales & Strategy Todd McDonald presented a check to Rays of Hope earlier this spring inside the MassMutual Center. This year’s Pink in the Rink game, as has become tradition, set new records for total funds generated, and fans at the MassMutual Center came out in full force with a seventh straight Pink in the Rink sellout crowd of 6,793. Established in T-Birds’ inaugural season in 2016-17, Pink in the Rink celebrates the commencement of Rays of Hope fundraising efforts each March to shine a light on breast-cancer awareness outside the traditional October awareness month. Every year, the fundraising efforts culminate in the annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer in October in Springfield. Since the establishment of this staple night, the Thunderbirds have generated more than $140,000 for the Rays of Hope Foundation, all of which stays local in Western Mass. in pursuit of a cure. Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised more than $17.2 million to support women and men living in Western Mass. touched by breast cancer. Funds also support vital research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research. This year’s Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27.

 

Hampden County Chambers Unite to Support Food Bank

CHICOPEE — The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, West of the River Chamber of Commerce, Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and Springfield Regional Chamber all came together on March 27 to support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The event, which took place at the new Food Bank headquarters in Chicopee, was an evening of networking showcasing the new building to the community while giving area chamber members the opportunity to meet for a good cause. The event raised $10,863 and 1,400 pounds of food, which will provide more than 30,000 meals to local people in need. Event sponsors included Baystate Health, Country Bank, KNF&T, the Latino Economic Development Center, PeoplesBank, Westfield Gas & Electric, Andrews Associates, Comcast, Commercial Distributing, the Employers Assoc. of New England, the Markens Group, Polish National Credit Union, Blaze Express, the Center for EcoTechnology, Development Associates, Florence Bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Holiday Inn Ludlow, Holyoke Gas & Electric, MassHire Holyoke, and Park Square Realty.

 

Girls Inc. of the Valley Receives $80,000 for STRIVE Program

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced $480,000 in grant funding to six community-based organizations for the Successful Teens: Relationship, Identity, and Values Education (STRIVE) program. STRIVE is a DPH initiative that teaches youth (ages 10-15) personal responsibility, leadership skills, and healthy decision making, while preventing future youth risk behaviors. One of the grant recipients is based in Western Mass.: Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke. The others are the Boys and Girls Club of South Boston, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, the Edinburg Center in Bedford, Girls Inc. of Lynn, and Lowell Community Health Center. Each of the six organizations will receive $80,000 to increase youth connections to caring and trusted adults in their communities; increase protective factors for youth, such as school and community engagement; increase internal and external developmental assets, such as caring and honesty, positive peer influence, and community support; decrease risky youth behavior in later teenage years; and increase educational and economic opportunities through greater connection to community resources, increased school connectedness, and positive internal and external developmental assets. The STRIVE program aims to reach kids early in adolescence to promote healthy choices and maximize life opportunities, instilling the skills needed to thrive in high school and beyond. Grantees are expected to focus on one of three priority populations: youth who identify as Black or Hispanic; LGBTQ+ youth, or youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

 

Rachel’s Table Receives $30,000 from Antonacci Family Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts announced a $30,000 donation from the Antonacci Family Foundation to support the organization’s refrigerated van delivery program. Both organizations celebrated the announcement with an event in Springfield to unveil the addition of the foundation’s name to the van. Since the inception of the refrigerated van in October 2022, more than 1.1 million pounds of healthy food has been distributed to agencies and individuals across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties by Rachel’s Table. The van has enabled Rachel’s Table to deliver perishable and nutrient-dense items like meat, milk, and cheese more frequently and more equitably in greater quantities across its service area. This donation will help further expand its reach by providing funding to support staffing, maintenance, and fuel for the van. Each month, the refrigerated van delivers more than $100,000 worth of nutritious meat. The van helped double Rachel’s Table’s distribution of primarily meat, dairy, and produce. In 2023 alone, the organization gleaned and donated 71% more farm-fresh produce to more than 90 recipient partners and agencies, adding 19 more food donors and seven more agencies throughout three Western Mass. counties. Fifty percent of those agencies are not served by other food-access programs.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

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. The Snow family plans to create a synergy between Northfield Golf Club and Thomas Memorial Golf that will benefit both courses.

 

Excel Dryer Pioneers Blueprint for Healthy, Sustainable Workplaces

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer recently unveiled a comprehensive office expansion and renovation project. This initiative, rooted in the company’s mission to lead through innovation, aimed to merge beauty, health, wellness, and sustainability into its workplace. The project’s insights and methodologies are set to educate through a unique continuing education unit (CEU) course offered by Architectural Record magazine in its Continuing Education Center, serving as a detailed roadmap of Excel Dryer’s innovative journey. Guided by the WELL Building Standard as a principal framework, the renovation serves as a case study showcasing Excel’s commitment to integrating the latest and most effective products in support of occupant well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability. This initiative aims to inspire and educate not just architects, designers, and the construction community, but also owners and facility managers, offering insights into the practical application of sustainability and health-focused principles in commercial interiors and demonstrating Excel Dryer’s leading role in the movement toward more responsible workplace design. The Architectural Record’s CEU course provides a focused overview on the intersection of modern design, health standards, and sustainability in commercial architecture. It provides information on the multiple innovative products used to achieve WELL certification and explores the evolution of hygiene and sustainability post-pandemic, highlighting the importance of touchless technologies in public restrooms to prevent illness. Ultimately, the course showcases how integrated design solutions can promote health, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in commercial spaces.

 

YWCA Awarded $111,111 Grant for Violence-prevention Program

SPRINGFIELD — The YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently received $111,111.11 from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for its youth violence-prevention program, called the H.E.R.E. (Healthy Empowering Relationships and Education) Project. This evidence-based project has been successfully embedded in many Springfield middle and high schools for about 18 months. With this new grant funding, the YWCA intends to hire additional staff to reach more youth within area schools beyond Springfield. The H.E.R.E. Project’s curriculum is specifically developed for teens, inclusive of all genders, and designed for applicability across gender, ethnicity, sexual identities, and socio-economic backgrounds. It specifically targets Springfield youth ages 12-18 and aims to educate youth at risk for teen dating violence, sex trafficking of minors, and gang violence. During these classes, YWCA employees use varied teaching methods such as games, small and large group work, and role playing. YWCA staff visit the participating middle and high schools once per week for eight weeks, and since the start of the program more than 18 months ago, the H.E.R.E. Project has served about 600 students.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Sublime Systems Awarded $87 Million in Federal Funds

SPRINGFIELD — As part of a $6.3 billion initiative funding 33 projects across 20 states, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Sublime Systems in Holyoke will receive $87 million in federal funding from its Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and its Industrial Demonstrations Program. Sublime Systems plans to build a new, ultra-low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Holyoke. The company’s new method to make cement replaces carbon-intensive limestone with abundant calcium-silicate-based feedstocks, resulting in industry-standard cement that is produced electrochemically instead of using high heat. By demonstrating this transformational process that was previously supported by ARPA-E, Sublime aims to strengthen American supply chains for low-carbon products, increase transparency for product environmental impact and performance, and catalyze industry-wide change. The Sublime project expects to create 70 to 90 permanent manufacturing jobs in a community that once produced nearly all of the country’s writing paper but has seen a decline in industry over the 20th century.

 

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.

 

Nonotuck Resource Associates Honored Among Top Workplaces

NORTHAMPTON — Nonotuck Resource Associates Inc. was recently named a recipient of a USA Today 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, issued by Energage. The Top Workplaces program has a 15-year history of surveying more than 20 million employees and recognizing the top organizations across 60 regional markets. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that have built great cultures. More than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Winners of the Top Workplaces USA list are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage. This news comes on the heels of Nonotuck being selected as a Boston Globe Top Workplace.

 

Modern Workspace Opening in East Longmeadow

EAST LONGMEADOW — Bill Laplante of Laplante Construction announced that Modern Workspace, a co-working facility he is developing with partners Chris Orszulak and Jason Pananos, should be open for business by May at 7 Purves St. in East Longmeadow. The modern, net-zero building will feature 25 individual spaces available on a membership basis for businesspeople who work remotely. The modern, luxury building will be heated and cooled by electricity produced from solar panels on the roof, which will also provide hot water and a charge for tenants’ vehicles. The building will be accessible to tenants 24-7. In addition to high-speed internet, amenities will include conference rooms and office equipment such as standing desks. Laplante and his partners said Modern Workspace is the third in a model that also extends to the historic Brewer Young Mansion in Longmeadow, with 17 offices; and Chatham, on Cape Cod, in a location with nine offices. Various levels of membership will be offered, including an address-only membership, a 10-day pass, or a private office with all amenities.

 

AIC Earns 2024-25 Designation as Military Friendly School

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. 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.

 

Bulkley Richardson Honors Jeff Poindexter with YMCA Gift

SPRINGFIELD — In continuing Jeff Poindexter’s legacy, Bulkley Richardson has partnered with the Greater Springfield YMCA to help area boys and girls attend summer camp. The firm will send 16 youth campers to a YMCA-run camp this summer for one week. Poindexter was a partner at Bulkley Richardson and the former chairman of the Greater Springfield YMCA board of directors. “Jeff knew summer camp was a privilege not all kids had access to, and he was a huge advocate of advancing equity in our Springfield neighborhoods,” said Dan Finnegan, Bulkley Richardson’s managing partner. “We felt that honoring Jeff’s longtime commitment to the YMCA and its efforts to provide opportunities to youth in the community was something he would be proud of.”

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

AIC Launches Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) recently opened its Center for Sport Physiology and Exercise Testing (CSPET). The state-of-the-art human-performance laboratory, located in the AIC Colaccino Center for Health Sciences, is the only one of its kind in the Greater Springfield area. It features sophisticated testing equipment used to provide advanced exercise assessments and analyses in all aspects of health and performance, including BOD POD body composition testing, resting metabolic rate testing, and VO2 max testing. Working in the testing center benefits AIC students in the allied health professions, providing them with learning opportunities to advance their practical knowledge in exercise science. After being trained by faculty, students gain experience administering exercise testing protocols and educating participants on their results, setting them apart from others as they enter their careers. The CSPET is now open to members of the college and Greater Springfield community by appointment. AIC student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff may sign up for testing at a discounted rate. To request information or to make an appointment, visit www.aic.edu/lp/sport-physiology.

 

Keiter Executive Headquarters to Move to West Springfield

FLORENCE — Keiter, a construction-services firm located in Florence since 2008, recently announced it will relocate its executive headquarters to a 6,000-square-foot facility at 1 Interstate Dr., West Springfield later this year. Keiter is comprised of Keiter Builders, the commercial/institutional division; Keiter Homes, the residential arm; and Keiter Properties, the real-estate venture. Its pre-construction, sales and marketing, finance and administration, and operations departments will be located in the new space. The move is prompted by growth and will allow Keiter much-needed space to collaborate with customers and partners on projects. The new location will also help Keiter better serve clients in Hampden and Berkshire counties while continuing to serve clients in Hampshire and Franklin counties.

 

Gazebo Opens Second Store in East Longmeadow

NORTHAMPTON — Gazebo, the lingerie, bra-fitting, and swimsuit store in downtown Northampton, has expanded with the opening of Gazebo Too in the location of the former Coughlin’s Place restaurant at 182 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Gazebo was founded in 1978 by Judith Fine and sold to employees Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson in 2016. McNeight will run Gazebo Too, and Dickinson will run the original Gazebo in Northampton. Gazebo prides itself on full-service bra, binder, and cup-sized swimsuit fittings, with cups ranging from AA to N. Gazebo is a proud ally of the LGBGTQ community and is wheelchair- and service-animal-friendly.

 

Eversource Tests New Mobile Batteries for Emergency Power

SPRINGFIELD — As part of Eversource’s commitment to advancing clean technologies and exploring innovative ways to help the Commonwealth achieve its decarbonization goals, the company is testing a mobile battery energy storage system (MBESS) as a zero-carbon backup power source. As part of its MBESS pilot program, the energy company now has two mobile batteries that it is strategically deploying across its Massachusetts service territory, including in environmental-justice communities, to provide power to customers while its crews make upgrades or repairs to the electric system that would otherwise require a power outage. Eversource is also charging one of the batteries using a solar array at its Springfield Area Work Center, further enhancing the clean-energy applications of the technology. Mobile batteries produce no exhaust fumes, and, unlike diesel generators, the MBESS operates virtually silently. Also, by eliminating noise, batteries can facilitate clearer communication between workers on construction job sites or disaster-relief efforts. The MBESS can also be swapped out for recharging and save money previously spent on diesel fuel to power generators. One new 500 kilowatt-hour mobile battery can, for example, charge a 50-home neighborhood for four hours. The current plan is to have two mobile batteries at the Springfield Area Work Center for deployment.

 

Independent Connections Expands into Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Independent Connections (IndyConn), an IT-solutions company in the Berkshires, announced the grand opening of its Pittsfield office. The new building will serve as the company’s Massachusetts branch and will house its growing team of skilled professionals dedicated to providing innovative technology solutions to businesses across the region. The company has other office locations in Hartford, Conn. and East Greenbush, N.Y.

 

Tighe & Bond Opens Second New York Office

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond announced the opening of a new office in Troy, N.Y. Located at 433 River St. in the Hedley Building, this location will allow the firm to better service its growing base of clients in the Albany region. Tighe & Bond’s newest location brings the firm’s total office count to 16 throughout the Northeast and is the firm’s second New York location, in addition to the Hudson Valley office located in Rhinebeck. Vice President Erin Moore will provide leadership for the establishment of the Troy office as location manager. A lifelong resident of New York’s Capital District, with more than two decades of experience in municipal water, wastewater, and stormwater projects, she has been actively engaged in expanding Tighe & Bond’s services throughout New York in response to clients’ needs.

 

Three Nonprofits Deliver Pet Food to the Elderly

NORTH ADAMS — In partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society Pet Assistance Program, BFAIR and Elder Services of Berkshire County are helping elders feed their pets in conjunction with Meals on Wheels, which provides hot lunchtime meals for people age 60 and older. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services (CBDS) program participants fill a vehicle at Berkshire Humane Society before embarking on a journey through Pittsfield and Dalton to deliver pet food to more than 20 elders in the Berkshire community. The program will run monthly, and BFAIR program participants will continue to deliver this resource. BFAIR’s Community Based Day Services program helps adults with disabilities participate in their community and improve their skills by providing access to regular, meaningful social contact and stimulating activities. Services are designed to maximize a person’s ability to manage everyday life activities in their community. To be eligible to receive pet assistance through this program, the individual must receive services through Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels program. For more information on how to get started, visit esbci.org or call (413) 499-0524.

 

Community Foundation Receives $560,000 Grant from MassMutual Foundation

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced it has received a $560,000 gift from the MassMutual Foundation to support grantmaking in Springfield through the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding program. Through this grant, the MassMutual Foundation seeks to create more equitable access to social and economic opportunity in its local community. Recognizing a need in Springfield to address barriers to financial well-being, the MassMutual Foundation identified the opportunity to support the Community Foundation’s Flexible Funding grant program, which uses a trust-based approach, informed by community, to make resources available to those nonprofits best positioned to increase equity and opportunity for all residents. The MassMutual Foundation’s funding will specifically target programs and organizations with a focus on building financial resiliency through four focus areas: building networks, fostering financial health, fulfilling basic financial needs, and expanding employment opportunities. The Flexible Funding program provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofits and other organizations assisting their communities in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, prioritizing organizations actively working to combat racial disparities, promote equity and justice, and create pathways for marginalized communities. The program is designed to uplift the day-to-day operations and sustainability of these organizations. Applications for the next Flexible Funding round will open in August, and recipient grantees will be announced in December.

 

bankESB Parent Wins 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award

EASTHAMPTON — Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankESB, Abington Bank, and bankHometown, announced it was named a winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage. Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that are dedicated to building an exceptional, people-first culture. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee-engagement survey, issued by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee-engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers that are proven to predict high performance, against industry benchmarks.

 

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Supports Baystate Children’s Hospital

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware announced the results of its semiannual Round Up for Kids fundraiser, with its Western Mass. stores raising a grand total of $8,336.74 for Baystate Children’s Hospital. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the Island Pond Road and Liberty Street stores in Springfield, and the Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley stores, with all local funds benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital. Throughout the campaign, which took place at all 48 Rocky’s stores during November, customers rounded up their purchase totals to the next dollar. The difference added up to $41,376.96 and was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital nearest to each store. This was the second Round Up for Kids fundraiser the 48 Rocky’s stores held in 2023.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Bay Path University to Acquire Cambridge College

LONGMEADOW — The boards of Bay Path University and Cambridge College announced today that Bay Path has entered into a formal agreement to acquire Cambridge College. This move reflects a strategic focus by both institutions on planning for future success providing career-focused education models to a diverse student population. Each based its decision to join together on the shared mission of the two institutions. The two institutions have shared their plans and the greater opportunity created by a combined organization with both the Commonwealth’s Department of Higher Education, which has regulatory purview over both Bay Path and Cambridge, and the New England Commission of Higher Education, which accredits both institutions. Both organizations will be working with Bay Path and Cambridge to ensure the process to combine the institutions meets their respective standards and regulatory requirements. The acquisition of Cambridge College will nearly double the number of students served by Bay Path and bring total enrollment to more than 5,000, including a growing number of international students. The geographies served by Bay Path will expand to include Cambridge’s Eastern Mass. location as well as its growing Puerto Rico location. Opened in downtown San Juan more than 20 years ago, the campus provides graduate programs in business and technology as well as education and counseling to working professionals. Bay Path currently operates two locations: its Longmeadow campus, which serves women at the undergraduate level, and the state-of-the-art Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center in East Longmeadow, which provides graduate degrees in education, healthcare, and psychology. The university also grants undergraduate degrees online through the American Women’s College. Bay Path’s acquisition of Cambridge College is likely to be complete in June. Full integration of Cambridge College into Bay Path will take 18 to 24 months, pending a series of approvals by accreditors and appropriate state and federal regulators.

 

Florence Bank Supports West Springfield’s 250th

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has donated $4,000 to the city of West Springfield to help support four events the city has planned in 2024 as part of a year packed with 250th-anniversary festivities. Florence Bank’s backing of the West Springfield 250th celebration specifically offers support for three 5K races, happening in March, July, and November; a block party on June 22 and 23, when Elm and Central streets will be closed for activities from dancing to vendors and food trucks; family photo sessions at historic town locations; and a golf tournament in July. Also part of the 250th events in West Springfield are a birthday celebration in Clark Field today, Feb. 23, the same day West Springfield was incorporated in 1774; a black-tie ball in May; various ongoing public art projects; and a Bright Nights display next winter. In addition to the financial support, a team of bank staff will volunteer at some of the events in town. Since 2007, Florence Bank has had a presence in West Springfield, which was enhanced five years ago when the current full-service branch opened at 1010 Union St.

 

Second Chance Composting Program Comes to Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Second Chance Composting recently brought its residential community composting program to Pittsfield. Memberships are open and ongoing for the 9 South Atlantic Ave. dropoff location. The program runs continuously all year, through all four seasons. Memberships start at $9.99 per month, offering unlimited dropoff of household food scraps to the location each month. Members simply save their food scraps at home and, at their convenience, bring them to 9 South Atlantic Ave. and drop their material into the tote. Members can come as little or as often as needed each month. All food and food scraps are accepted, including meat, fish, dairy, bones, and shells. Other membership pricing options are available for those who wish to receive finished compost back. In addition to the new Pittsfield location, Second Chance Composting currently has dropoff locations in North Adams, Williamstown, and Adams, which have continuous and ongoing membership signups. Every week, Second Chance Composting picks up the material, which is brought to its MassDEP-certified facility in Cheshire to process the food scraps into compost, which is then distributed back to the community to grow more food, flowers, plants, and trees. Those interested in learning more or signing up for a membership can do so by visiting www.secondchancecomposting.com.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Point32Health to Acquire Health New England

SPRINGFIELD — Point32Health, the not-for-profit parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Baystate Health to acquire its subsidiary, Health New England. Health New England, a not-for-profit health plan in Springfield, offers a range of plans in the commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare markets and serves approximately 180,000 members concentrated in Western Mass. Canton-based Point32Health offers employer-sponsored plans, Medicare and Medicaid plans, plans on the state exchange, and plans for those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. It serves 1.9 million members in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The acquisition is expected to improve product offerings and expand access to a broader network with wider geographic reach. Among both organizations’ shared priorities is expanding high-quality programs and services, particularly those that cover underserved populations and seniors, as well as maximizing the benefits that not-for-profit health plans provide to communities. Point32Health aims to harness the strengths of both organizations and bring value to Health New England members and the broader community by providing greater value to consumers by combining complementary strengths, administrative efficiencies, and a broader product offering; expanding access to care for underserved populations and preserving not-for-profit options through extensive experience in serving these populations; and advancing the quality of healthcare members receive through a commitment to addressing behavioral health, health equity, and social determinants of health. The agreement, which was unanimously approved by the board of directors of Point32Health and the board of trustees of Baystate Health, is subject to regulatory approvals.

 

UMass Amherst to Create Center Focused on Offshore Wind

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish and lead the Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW), a new, multi-million-dollar national center of excellence to accelerate reliable and equitable offshore wind-energy deployment across the nation and produce a well-educated domestic offshore wind workforce. Led by UMass Amherst with approximately 40 partners, ARROW will receive $4.75 million over five years from the the DOE’s Wind Energy Technologies Office and has also received a matching commitment of $4.75 million from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The state of Maryland, the second center of gravity of the proposal with participation from Johns Hopkins University and Morgan State University, is contributing $1 million from the Maryland Energy Administration. Other universities are contributing $1.4 million for a total budget of $11.9 million. Sanjay Arwade, professor of Civil Engineering at UMass Amherst, is director of the new center, with faculty in the university’s Wind Energy Center serving as co-principal investigators and senior personnel of the research team. The center will be a university-led education, research, and outreach program for offshore wind that prioritizes energy equity and principles of workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and access

 

MountainOne Insurance Acquires G.W. Morisi Insurance Agency

LONGMEADOW — MountainOne Insurance Agency, a subsidiary of MountainOne Bank, announced the acquisition of G.W. Morisi Insurance Agency Inc., a third-generation, family-owned agency that has served Longmeadow and neighboring communities for more than 75 years. The G.W. Morisi staff of four, including President Rory Sullivan, will remain with the agency at its 473 Longmeadow Street location. In time, additional staff will come on board to further support customers’ insurance needs. G.W. Morisi Insurance Agency will now offer customers many enhanced services, including the addition of group employee benefits, life insurance, long-term-care Insurance, Medicare products, and in-house claims services. Customers also have access to many new insurance carriers, widening their options for coverage at competitive rates. MountainOne Insurance is born from the combination of several small, family-owned agencies that have served Berkshire communities for generations. The acquisition of the G.W. Morisi marks MountainOne’s first physical office outside of Berkshire County, expanding its footprint into Longmeadow and neighboring communities.

 

Westfield Bank Donates $12,500 to Shriners Children’s New England

WESTFIELD — Westfield Bank is pleased to announce a $12,500 donation to Shriners Children’s New England in partnership with the Elan Credit Card Charitable Giving Program. Shriners Children’s is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing high-quality pediatric specialty care for children up to age 18, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. “We are proud to continue our support of this wonderful organization,” said James Hagan, president and CEO. “For close to 100 years, Shriners Children’s has done incredible work providing pediatric care, innovative research, and offering educational programs for medical professionals. Westfield Bank is proud to be a long-time partner with Shriners Children’s.”

 

Monson Savings Bank Announces $15,000 in Community Donations

MONSON — The people have voted, and the results are in. In late 2023, Monson Savings Bank asked community members to cast their votes for their favorite local nonprofits. The bank is now announcing the Monson Savings Bank Community Giving Initiative recipients for 2024. This was the 14th year Monson Savings Bank has run its Community Giving Initiative poll. The public’s excitement to cast their vote has grown throughout the years. This year, nearly 7,000 votes were received. Now that the votes have been calculated, Monson Savings Bank is preparing to donate a total of $15,000 among the top 10 recipients, which include I Found Light Against All Odds (Springfield), Shriners Children’s New England (Springfield), Friends of Hampden Seniors (Hampden), Women’s Empowerment Scholarship (Greater Springfield), Whip City Animal Sanctuary (Westfield), Monson Free Library (Monson), Miracle League of Western Massachusetts (Springfield), Halfway Home Cat Rescue (Chicopee), Scantic Valley YMCA (Wilbraham), and ClubOh! (Springfield).

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Receives $50,000 Grant

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLFKS) received a $50,000 grant from the MassMutual Foundation as part of MassMutual’s inaugural Economic Equity Grant program, a collaboration of the MassMutual Foundation with MassMutual’s employee business resource groups (BRGs), which serve as an integral component of the organization’s DEI strategy. MLKFS is one of eight organizations to receive a grant. MassMutual’s employee BRGs support initiatives that drive organizational results; increase employee engagement; and foster awareness, respect, and inclusion within the workplace. More than one-third of MassMutual’s employees participate in its eight BRGs, representing Black/African-American, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino/Latinx communities; members of the LGBTQ+ community; individuals with disabilities and their caregivers; members of the armed forces, veterans, and military family members; young professionals; and women.

 

Big Y Donates 1.5 Million Meals to Food Banks

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for the four food banks within its two-state marketing area. In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, day-care centers, and many others of the 2,100-member agencies that they help every day. Their goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security for those at risk of hunger. The four regional food banks are the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and the Connecticut Foodshare. For $5, customers supported Sack Hunger at Big Y’s supermarkets or Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors. Every $5 donation brings 10 meals to those in need of support. Additionally, Big Y has added even more ways to boost this year’s efforts, with specific proceeds from produce, floral, Smart Chicken, USDA choice angus beef, along with a portion of every one of Big Y’s family of brands. Big Y’s Sack Hunger campaign started in 2010, when 740 meals were donated. With this year’s 1.5 million meals, the program continues to grow in support of those in need. Big Y’s Sack Hunger donation is part of its ongoing support of food banks throughout the year, including almost daily donations of meat, fresh produce, and bakery, along with grocery, frozen food, and dairy items.

 

Eversource Submits Roadmap to Achieve Clean-energy Goals

SPRINGFIELD — With a focus on energy equity, environmental-justice communities, and transparency, Eversource submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) its final Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) to modernize the electric distribution system and help meet the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals after incorporating feedback from the Grid Mod Advisory Council (GMAC) and dozens of stakeholders. The energy company’s ESMP is a comprehensive roadmap to transform the region’s power grid, enhance its resiliency, and strengthen reliability for customers by increasing renewable-energy production and electrifying the heating and transportation sectors. Focused on achieving both equity and clean-energy objectives, the ESMP also establishes a Community Engagement Stakeholder Advisory Group (CESAG) and expands efforts for proposed clean-energy infrastructure projects to engage all potentially impacted stakeholders. Eversource’s 10-year plan helps meet the Commonwealth’s decarbonization milestones through 2040 by achieving a 180% increase in electrification hosting capacity, which will provide additional capacity to enable 2.5 million electric vehicles statewide, 1 million residential heat pumps within the company’s territory, and an incremental 2.2 GW of additional solar hosting capacity, bringing the total distributed energy resource hosting capacity systemwide to 5.8 GW.

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Reports on 2023 Philanthropy

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced that nearly $2.5 million in philanthropic investments were provided from its foundation in 2023 to support more than 500 nonprofit organizations. During the fourth quarter, more than $642,000 in grants and scholarships were awarded to foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves. During 2023, more than 500 local nonprofits received grants to assist with a range of critical projects in the areas of health and wellness, housing, food insecurity, and economic enrichment. The Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that work toward providing equitable opportunities for economic prosperity. In addition, it supports programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth.

 

MassDevelopment Issues Bond for MHA Headquarters Project

CHICOPEE — MassDevelopment has issued a $6,543,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Mental Health Assoc. Inc. (MHA), which will use the proceeds to buy and renovate a 78,378-square-foot building at 350 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee, where it will relocate its headquarters from Springfield and house its mental-health programs and residential and support services. The building originally housed the Charles River West Psychiatric Hospital and most recently served as the MassMutual Learning and Conference Center. The move will allow MHA to keep pace with growth and locate its staff in one office. Renovations to the building will include interior wall reconfiguration, office construction, HVAC and sprinkler-system updates, added reception-area security, and painting, flooring, and information systems improvements. Construction began in November and is expected to be complete by February 2024. MHA expects to create 45 full-time jobs and 20 part-time jobs over the next three years. Florence Bank purchased the tax-exempt bond, which helped MHA achieve a lower cost of capital. Founded in 1960, MHA provides access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming; and more. MHA serves more than 3,000 people, from ages 5 to 90, each year.

 

Local Credit Unions Commit to Solar Financing

PIONEER VALLEY — As local leaders in renewable-energy financing, Franklin First Federal Credit Union and UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced unprecedented success in solar lending volume in 2023. Reflecting upon a record-setting year for both credit unions, during which UMassFive financed 1,272 installations totaling $50,923,810 and Franklin First financed 86 installations totaling $2,746,489, both organizations are reaffirming their dedication to facilitating sustainable futures through access to affordable financing options for solar-energy projects. Continuing a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and community development, both Franklin First and UMassFive have been at the forefront of financing both local and regional solar projects for more than eight years. Offering competitive rates with flexible terms, no loan-origination fees, and personalized service, these financial institutions have empowered individuals and businesses to embrace clean-energy solutions and reduce their carbon footprint. While solar energy continues to gain momentum nationwide, both Franklin First and UMassFive look to remain synonymous with accessible financing options for solar projects of all sizes. In addition to lending solutions, both credit unions are dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and promoting sustainable practices within their communities. Offering educational initiatives, outreach programs, and community partnerships, the credit unions are working to inspire adoption of clean-energy solutions and take meaningful steps toward a greener future, all while knowing their collective efforts have helped individuals and businesses save on energy costs and contributed to a cleaner, healthier planet.

 

Second Chance Residential Community Composting Program Comes to Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — Second Chance Composting recently brought its residential community composting program to Pittsfield. Memberships are open and ongoing for the 9 South Atlantic Ave. dropoff location. The program runs continuously all year, through all four seasons. Memberships start at $9.99 per month, offering unlimited dropoff of household food scraps to the location each month. Members simply save their food scraps at home and, at their convenience, bring them to 9 South Atlantic Ave. and drop their material into the tote. Members can come as little or as often as needed each month. All food and food scraps are accepted, including meat, fish, dairy, bones, and shells. Other membership pricing options are available for those who wish to receive finished compost back. In addition to the new Pittsfield location, Second Chance Composting currently has dropoff locations in North Adams, Williamstown, and Adams, which have continuous and ongoing membership signups. Every week, Second Chance Composting picks up the material, which is brought to its MassDEP-certified facility in Cheshire to process the food scraps into compost, which is then distributed back to the community to grow more food, flowers, plants, and trees. Those interested in learning more or signing up for a membership can do so by visiting www.secondchancecomposting.com.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

The Markens Group Certified by Great Place to Work

SPRINGFIELD — The Markens Group Inc. (TMG) has been certfied by Great Place to Work for the ninth consecutive year. The award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at TMG. This year, 95% of employees said it’s a great place to work — 50% higher than the average U.S. company. Great Place to Work is a global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation. According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are four and a half times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and have a fair chance at promotion. According to the Trust Index survey taken by the staff, many noted the company ‘fundamentals’ — a set of valued behaviors within TMG — are one of the biggest reasons employees enjoy working at the Markens Group.

 

Bay Path Recognized Among Top Online Women’s Colleges

LONGMEADOW — The American Women’s College (TAWC), Bay Path University’s online college for adult women, has been recognized by the business-media outlet Forbes as one of the top three online women’s colleges in the nation. The ranking cited TAWC’s strong retention rate and called out Bay Path’s WELL (We Empower Learners and Leaders) program, a three-course leadership curriculum unique to the college, designed to equip women with the leadership skills and experience to excel in any career path. Forbes uses 16 data points to evaluate colleges in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience, and application process. Bay Path, along with Simmons College and Brenau University, made the top three.

 

Rotary Club Supports Revitalize CDC Project

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize Community Development Corp. (CDC) announced it has received a $2,000 grant from the Springfield Rotary Club to support development of a new warehouse and distribution center at its 240 Cadwell Dr., Springfield location, where it moved in early 2023. Springfield Rotary Club funding will be allocated toward construction supplies for the warehouse and distribution center. The center is essential to supporting Revitalize CDC’s program expansion so it may meet the growing demand for healthier, safer homes and neighborhoods for low-income residents throughout the Greater Springfield area. The 3,200-square-foot center will have two bays for vehicles and provide sufficient space to store program materials and supplies and refrigerated units to store food for Revitalize CDC’s Nutrition Rx program that provides nutrition and diabetes education and helps to address food insecurity. LaPlante Construction of East Longmeadow is the contractor for the project, expected to be completed by Dec. 31. Since 1992, Revitalize CDC has repaired and rehabilitated more than 1,500 homes in Greater Springfield with the help of 10,000 volunteers, investing $54 million into Western Mass. In 2022-23, Revitalize CDC served 826 households (more than 2,300 individuals) consisting of low-income families with children, older adults, military veterans, and individuals living with disabilities.

 

Rotary Club Awards Grant to the Zoo in Forest Park

SPRINGFIELD — The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center has received a $3,000 community grant from the Springfield Rotary Club to upgrade its website. While the new website will include advanced booking capabilities, more intuitive registration forms, and the addition of an online store, the upgrade is also designed to enhance the guest experience at the zoo. With the money awarded through the community grant, the zoo plans to expand the educational material available on its website through the addition of interactive webpages for each animal. QR codes will be available at each exhibit, linking guests to a corresponding page for the animal they are viewing. Visitors will have access to photos and videos as well as more in-depth information about the species, including its conservation status, threats in the wild, and coexistence efforts.

The Zoo in Forest Park has been a part of the Springfield community for 130 years. With 225 animals in its care, it is dedicated to inspiring the community to respect and value the natural world through education, conservation, and rehabilitation.

 

Eversource Submits Roadmap to Achieve Clean-energy Goals

SPRINGFIELD — With a focus on energy equity, environmental-justice communities, and transparency, Eversource submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) its final Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP) to modernize the electric distribution system and help meet the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals after incorporating feedback from the Grid Mod Advisory Council (GMAC) and dozens of stakeholders. The energy company’s ESMP is a comprehensive roadmap to transform the region’s power grid, enhance its resiliency, and strengthen reliability for customers by increasing renewable-energy production and electrifying the heating and transportation sectors. Focused on achieving both equity and clean-energy objectives, the ESMP also establishes a Community Engagement Stakeholder Advisory Group (CESAG) and expands efforts for proposed clean-energy infrastructure projects to engage all potentially impacted stakeholders. Eversource’s 10-year plan helps meet the Commonwealth’s decarbonization milestones through 2040 by achieving a 180% increase in electrification hosting capacity, which will provide additional capacity to enable 2.5 million electric vehicles statewide, 1 million residential heat pumps within the company’s territory, and an incremental 2.2 GW of additional solar hosting capacity, bringing the total distributed energy resource hosting capacity systemwide to 5.8 GW.

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Reports on 2023 Philanthropy

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced that nearly $2.5 million in philanthropic investments were provided from its foundation in 2023 to support more than 500 nonprofit organizations. During the fourth quarter, more than $642,000 in grants and scholarships were awarded to foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves. During 2023, more than 500 local nonprofits received grants to assist with a range of critical projects in the areas of health and wellness, housing, food insecurity, and economic enrichment. The Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that work toward providing equitable opportunities for economic prosperity. In addition, it supports programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth.

 

MassDevelopment Issues Bond for MHA Headquarters Project

CHICOPEE — MassDevelopment has issued a $6,543,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Mental Health Assoc. Inc. (MHA), which will use the proceeds to buy and renovate a 78,378-square-foot building at 350 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee, where it will relocate its headquarters from Springfield and house its mental-health programs and residential and support services. The building originally housed the Charles River West Psychiatric Hospital and most recently served as the MassMutual Learning and Conference Center. The move will allow MHA to keep pace with growth and locate its staff in one office. Renovations to the building will include interior wall reconfiguration, office construction, HVAC and sprinkler-system updates, added reception-area security, and painting, flooring, and information systems improvements. Construction began in November and is expected to be complete by February 2024. MHA expects to create 45 full-time jobs and 20 part-time jobs over the next three years. Florence Bank purchased the tax-exempt bond, which helped MHA achieve a lower cost of capital. Founded in 1960, MHA provides access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming; and more. MHA serves more than 3,000 people, from ages 5 to 90, each year.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

UMass Amherst Rises to Top 20 for Sustainability

AMHERST — UMass Amherst rose to the top 20 among higher-education institutions in the nation for its social and environmental sustainability development efforts, education, and practices, according to QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024 edition. In the expanded second edition, published by global higher-education analyst firm Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), UMass Amherst rose to 16th out of 210 colleges and universities in the U.S., up from 28th in last year’s ranking that highlighted 135 U.S. institutions. In the overall global sustainability rankings, UMass Amherst rose to the top 10% (136th) among 1,403 institutions across 95 countries and territories, which is more than double the number of institutions featured in last year’s inaugural edition. The ranking provides a unique, detailed framework to assess how universities are taking action to tackle the world’s most pressing global challenges through evaluation of universities based on three areas: social impact, environmental impact, and governance. UMass Amherst also scored well above the global median in each of these areas. This latest QS Sustainability Ranking adds to UMass Amherst’s sustainability accolades this year. In November, UMass Amherst moved up 10 spots to 18th in Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges.

 

Tighe & Bond Acquires Coastal Engineering

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, design, and environmental consulting, announced it has acquired Cape Cod-based Coastal Engineering Co. Inc., a civil, structural, and waterfront/marine engineering firm that specializes in projects located in environmentally sensitive areas. This strategic acquisition aligns with Tighe & Bond’s vision of being a trusted advisor by offering clients a comprehensive, single-source solution to their engineering, design, and environmental-science needs. The addition of Coastal Engineering’s staff bolsters the breadth and depth of services that Tighe & Bond currently offers to clients, particularly those located in Cape Cod, the islands, and coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island. John Bologna, Coastal’s former president and CEO, will now serve as vice president within the firm’s Building Services business line. Tighe & Bond’s current offices are now augmented by Coastal Engineering’s Eastern Mass. offices, further strengthening the firm’s presence across Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Maine.

 

UMassFive Recognized for Investment Services

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union and its team of CUSO Financial Services (CFS) financial advisors have been recognized with the Gold Keystone Award in the medium-sized financial-institution category for 2022. This annual award recognizes CFS programs with the highest ratio of GDC per $1 million of total deposits. This is the second year in a row that UMassFive has received this honor. In addition, UMassFive Financial Advisor Aimee Marden has also been recognized for her contributions to this GDC ratio with a CFS Bronze Pacesetter Award for 2022. UMassFive has offered retirement planning and investment services as a complimentary benefit to its members and the local community for more than 15 years. The department is spearheaded by three financial advisors: Aimee Marden, Dana Graham, and Sam Einzig, and supported by Senior Investment Advisor Assistant Emi Lee. UMassFive’s financial advisors are available to meet in person as well as remotely to discuss the retirement-planning and investing needs of any local person or business. The team also offers complimentary remote seminars throughout the year to educate clients on an array of retirement-planning and investment-related topics.

 

Monsoon Bistro Now Open at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall announced the addition of the shopping center’s fourth full-service restaurant, Monsoon Bistro, located on the upper level near Macy’s. The locally owned and operated bistro combines traditional Chinese and Thai dishes to showcase the culinary landscape and region. The menu, designed to celebrate Southeast Asian cuisine, features dim sum, drunken noodles, mango chicken, red curry fish, and more.

 

Joe’s Cafe Launches Katie’s Fund to Support Friends of Children Inc.

NORTHAMPTON — Friends of Children Inc. recently accepted a donation of over $7,500 to establish Katie’s Fund, a program established through a fundraiser spearheaded by Joe’s Pizza in honor of former employee Katie Lyons. Katie’s Fund will be used to provide essentials for children and young adults who are affected by foster care. Katie’s Fund was created by Meaghan Sullivan, owner of Joe’s Pizza. Sullivan hosted a Katie’s Fund fundraising event at Joe’s Pizza on the evening of Dec. 13, where 25% of all sales benefited the fund. Those sales, combined with private donations, have already added up to more than $7,500 to honor Katie, who passed away in January. Friends of Children is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults impacted by foster care or juvenile-justice involvement. Katie’s Fund will be used to purchase essential items to support the children and young adults enrolled in Friends of Children’s programming.

 

Eversource Recognized for Corporate Responsibility

BOSTON — Newsweek magazine, in partnership with global research and data firm Statista, publishes an annual list of America’s Most Responsible Companies. Eversource Energy has again been named among the top-scoring utilities on the 2024 list, and was also named a 5 Year Champion by Newsweek for being recognized among the nation’s most responsible companies every year since its list was introduced. In the 2024 list, Eversource ranked fifth in the nation among 59 companies in the Energy & Utilities category, and 154th overall on the top-600 list among the leading 2,000 public companies by revenue with headquarters in the U.S. The company earned the highest environmental score in the utility industry and the highest overall ranking of any utility in the Northeast and the Eastern Seaboard. The annual list determines the most responsible companies based on their corporate social sustainability performance and reputation. Eversource and the other recognized companies were featured in the Dec. 15 issue of the newsmagazine.

 

State Awards HCC $1.46 Million for Nursing Workforce Training Program

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) and its partners have been awarded a state grant worth nearly $1.46 million to create a CNA (certified nursing assistant) to LPN (licensed practical nurse) training program to help area hospitals meet their workforce needs. Last month, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced a total of $3.9 million in Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants for six initiatives representing employers and collaborative organizations across the Commonwealth. The lion’s share of that money — $1,457,143 — will go to an HCC-led training program to assist 86 unemployed or underemployed individuals transition from jobs as nursing aides to positions as licensed practical nurses. The grants, funded through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund and distributed by the Commonwealth Corporation, aim to increase sustainable wage career pathways for Massachusetts residents facing employment barriers and improve the competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses by enhancing worker skills and productivity. HCC’s partners in the grant include Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Wing Hospital, MassHire Hampden County, Springfield Works, and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions. The multi-stage program will first train individuals as nursing aides, then help them obtain jobs at area hospitals while they continue their training in HCC’s LPN program, all the while providing them with wrap-around support services. HCC already has an existing framework for CNA training through its Jump Start program, which is designed for individuals receiving public assistance.

 

Smash Hits Cannabis Wins Budtenders’ Choice Award

HOLYOKE — Smash Hits Cannabis, the exclusive cannabis line grown for and by Canna Provisions, is announced that its Chem D strain has been named the 2023 Budtenders’ Choice winner in Massachusetts by Leafly, one of the world’s largest and most influential online cannabis information resources. This recognition, voted on by the state’s budtenders naming their favorite strains available on the legal market, highlights the outstanding quality of Smash Hits Cannabis and cements its status as a frontrunner in the Northeast’s premium, small-batch craft cannabis market. The accolade underscores the expertise and dedication of Smash Hits’ cultivation director, Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski, whose commitment to cultivating exceptional cannabis aligns with Canna Provisions’ mission to offer the best craft cannabis products, reflecting the company’s dedication to quality and innovation, Canna CEO Meg Sanders said.

 

T-Birds Generate $26,000 at Hockey Fights Cancer Night

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds recently announced a donation of $26,000 as a result of the funds raised from the postgame jersey auction on Nov. 25, which served as the club’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The night held extra meaning to T-Birds forwards Will and Sam Bitten, who once again were at the forefront of the efforts through Bitsy’s Army, the charity the brothers established in honor and memory of their cousin, Martin Piche, who passed away in 2021 at age 31 following a lengthy battle with a cancerous brain tumor. Not only did the T-Birds shut out the Utica Comets by a 7-0 score, but the Bitten brothers were front and center in the scoring. Will tallied two goals and an assist, while younger brother Sam recorded his first career AHL point with more than a dozen family and friends in attendance. In Piche’s honor, the T-Birds Foundation made a contribution (via Bitsy’s Army) to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, based out of the Bittens’ home province of Ontario. A host of Springfield-area cancer charities were also benefactors from Hockey Fights Cancer Night, including: Cancer House of Hope (CHD), Griffin’s Friends (Baystate Health Foundation), Sister Caritas Cancer Center (Mercy Medical Center), and Survivor Journeys. The T-Birds also presented a check to the National Hockey League’s official Hockey Fights Cancer charity. A joint initiative of the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Assoc. powered by the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Hockey Fights Cancer unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families.

 

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

MBK Announces Expansion with J.M. O’Brien & Co.

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced a significant expansion of its practice through the inclusion of J.M. O’Brien & Co., P.C. (JOB), a firm with three decades of service in the region. This expansion occurs as MBK celebrates its 75th anniversary. Bringing J.M. O’Brien & Co. to MBK signifies a strategic move toward MBK’s growth and expansion in the accounting industry of Western Mass. MBK stands to benefit from the influx of new talent and a broader resource pool, enriching the firm’s already-substantial depth of resources. The merger is particularly advantageous for MBK’s tax services, which will be able to leverage J.M. O’Brien’s extensive expertise to enhance its range of tax-related services. With the added depth of knowledge and resources, MBK is well-positioned to offer a broader range of specialized services, including advanced tax planning and compliance, audit and assurance services, and business consulting. This strategic move signifies MBK’s largest scale of expansion since the pivotal merger of 2004, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s trajectory.

 

Theory Wellness Becomes Employee-owned Company

STONEHAM — Massachusetts-based cannabis company Theory Wellness is transitioning its ownership entirely over to its employees, in what is known as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). By doing so, Theory has become the first employee-owned cannabis company in the Commonwealth and the largest of its kind in the country. Established in 2015 by co-founders Brandon Pollock and Nick Friedman, Theory Wellness has grown to include four dispensaries, production and cultivation facilities, and more than 200 employees, and has served more than 3 million customers since its inception. This change in ownership is not expected to disrupt the company’s day-to-day operations.

 

bankESB Named a Top Place to Work

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB has been named one of the Boston Globe’s Top Places to Work in Massachusetts. The Globe’s list recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state, according to the people who know them best — their employees. Rankings are based on a confidential survey of more than 137,000 employees at 347 Massachusetts-based organizations, administered by employee engagement and retention firm Energage. Winners are selected based on employees’ opinions of their company’s direction, execution, connection, management, work, pay and benefits, and engagement. Earlier this year, bankESB also was named a Top Financial Services Industry Workplace by Energage for the second year in a row, as well as a Top Charitable Contributor and Corporate Citizenship Award winner by Boston Business Journal for the ninth consecutive year.

 

HCC Receives $600,000 for Free Child Watch Program

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation to expand its Itsy Bitsy Child Watch program to serve more student-parents. Itsy Bitsy Child Watch is a free center on HCC’s main campus for parents in need of short-term childcare while they attend class, study, or meet with tutors and advisers. It opened as a pilot program for the fall 2022 semester with a $100,000 state allocation. At the time, HCC was only the second community college in Massachusetts, and the only one in Western Mass., to offer a free campus child-watch service. The center is open to HCC student-parents with children 3 months to 12 years old. The $600,000 grant will enable HCC to relocate the center to a larger, fully renovated new space; hire additional staff; and extend its hours of operation to accommodate more children, especially during public school vacations, which do not always align with the college calendar. Sometime in 2024, the Itsy Bitsy Child Watch center, now located on the first floor of the Marieb Science Building, will move to a renovated space on the second floor of the Frost Building, closer to other student service and support programs, such as the Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry; Homestead Market, which accepts SNAP benefits; CHD Mental Health Services; Financial Aid; and the new Elaine Marieb Adult Learner Success Center (also scheduled to open in 2024).

 

Bright Nights Named Among ‘Best of the Best’

SPRINGFIELD — For the fourth straight year, Bright Nights at Forest Park has been recognized by the American Bus Assoc. (ABA) as one of the “Best of the Best for 2023.” The ABA acknowledges destinations and attractions from the U.S. and Canada that offer the “highest quality of group tour experience and amenities in the motorcoach, travel, and tourism industry.” Prior to receiving “Best of the Best” honors in 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020, Bright Nights at Forest Park was recognized by the American Bus Assoc. as one of the Top 100 Destinations in North America. It features more than 700,000 lights along a three-mile drive that winds its way through the historic park.

 

STCC Secures Funding for Decarbonization Efforts

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) received $791,694 from the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to support projects to advance decarbonization efforts, address deferred maintenance, and increase climate resilience. STCC will use the funding for energy-efficiency projects that lessen the consumption of on-site fossil fuels or increase efficiency. STCC also will make repairs to campus buildings to increase efficiency, including but not limited to window replacements, door replacements, insulation, and weatherization. DCAMM provided $11,875,404 to be divided among the 15 community colleges, including STCC, to assist with meeting Massachusetts’ decarbonization goals and focus on energy-efficient measures where decarbonization is not possible. Each community college received $791,694.

 

Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament Breaks Record

The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament celebrated its 15th annual golf tournament on Sept. 26, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing support for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, as this year’s tournament raised a record-breaking $160,000. For more than a decade and a half, the charity golf tournament has stood as a beacon of hope in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s fundraising initiatives. The charity golf tournament was held at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. The tournament featured a raffle, silent and live auctions, hole-in-one contests, on-the-course pop-ups, live music by Noah Lis, and illusionist Yoel Spielman.

 

Elms MSN Program Nationally Ranked by Forbes Advisor

CHICOPEE — The master of science in nursing (MSN) program at Elms College has been ranked by Forbes Advisor as one of the most affordable, high-quality online MSN programs in the U.S. The MSN program at Elms was one of nine programs ranked by Forbes Advisor and the only one located in Massachusetts. Forbes Advisor is part of the Forbes organization and is dedicated to helping consumers make the best financial choices. A portion of its editorial content includes the ranking of higher-education institutions and programs. The MSN program at Elms is fully online and allows students to pursue one of four tracks, including nursing & health services management, nursing education, and an MSN/MBA dual-degree option. The fourth track, school nursing, is the only MSN school nursing program in the U.S. For the online MSN rankings, Forbes Advisor rated data from several sources in the categories of affordability, credibility, student outcomes, student experience, and the application process.

 

Springfield College Awarded $240,000 for Mental-health Needs

SPRINGFIELD — In partnership with the city of Springfield, Springfield College was awarded $240,000 to help assist in combating the growing mental-health needs among college students and the local community. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan announced the partnership as part of the Sarno administration’s Higher Education ARPA Fund at City Hall on Dec. 6. Sarno had previously announced the creation of the $750,000 Higher Education ARPA Fund as part of his 13th round of ARPA awards in July, as Springfield College was joined by American International College and Western New England University as recipients of the funding. The $240,000 allocation that Springfield College received will create additional opportunities to further support youth and families in the city of Springfield and provide collaboration between Springfield College students and Springfield Public Schools to enhance their learning and simultaneously support the community. With the funding, Springfield College intends to hire case managers to provide support and advocacy for both college students and children and families in Springfield Public Schools who have difficulty navigating the often-complex web of available resources, hire a psychiatric nurse practitioner to support critical needs within area colleges and the community, and strengthen relationships between school counseling and clinical mental-health counseling student interns at Springfield College and Springfield Public Schools to provide additional community-based mental-health services and support.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Girls Inc. of the Valley Receives Grant from Collins Aerospace

HOLYOKE — Girls Inc. of the Valley announced a grant of $30,000 from Collins Aerospace for the Her Future, Our Future comprehensive campaign. This commitment from Collins Aerospace will support the creation of a dynamic MakerSpace in Girls Inc. of the Valley’s new headquarters and program center. The collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Girls Inc. of the Valley will include volunteer opportunities to conduct STEM workshops for students and assist teens navigating the college-application process, as well as job shadowing and internship opportunities. The MakerSpace and Collins Aerospace volunteers will have a major impact on Girls Inc.’s Eureka! Program, a unique curriculum that offers youth a sustained, five-year experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Eureka! is open to all Hampden County girls in grades 8-12. With $4.8 million raised toward the $5 million goal, Her Future, Our Future is Girls Inc. of the Valley’s comprehensive campaign that has three important goals: expand Girls Inc. programming to more Valley communities, support the growth of Eureka!, and complete a new headquarters and program center.

 

UMass Amherst, AIC to Share Classroom, Lab Space After Fire

SPRINGFIELD — UMass Amherst and American International College (AIC) signed an agreement allowing AIC to use clinical simulation laboratories and classrooms at the UMass Amherst Center at Springfield following a fire on the AIC campus in July. The agreement will assist AIC nursing students in continuing their education uninterrupted as repairs are made to AIC’s health-sciences facilities. The July 27 fire on AIC’s campus in Springfield, sparked by a lightning strike, caused extensive damage to Courniotes Hall, which houses the college’s nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health programs. Under the agreement, the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass Amherst and AIC’s nursing program have developed a schedule to share instruction space at Tower Square in downtown Springfield through May 2024. This fall, more than 50 AIC students have used the facilities for instruction, assessments, and other activities.

 

The Children’s Trust Honors Square One with Award

BOSTON — The Children’s Trust, the state’s child-abuse-prevention agency, awarded Square One in Springfield with its Community Partnership Award at its annual A View from All Sides conference. The Community Partnership Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated a commitment to the mission of the Children’s Trust and has developed strong and long-lasting relationships, understands the shared responsibility to support families and children, and has directly impacted the goals of the Children’s Trust. Square One’s programs include early education and care, serving 500 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers each day; and family-support services that impact more than 1,500 families each year. This past June, the Children’s Trust partnered with Square One to launch the Commonwealth’s first Financial Support Program for young, first-time parents. The pilot program provides cash assistance to parents enrolled in the Children’s Trust’s Healthy Families program in Springfield. Program participants receive $500 per month for the first 15 months, then three additional monthly payments of $550, $650, and $750, respectively, for a total of 18 months. Participants who enroll in the financial-assistance program while pregnant receive a lower monthly stipend of $100. Upon the baby’s birth, parents are then eligible to receive regular monthly payments to help support the transition to parenting and the baby’s first months. The Children’s Trust also offers optional financial skill-building courses to program participants. Because Healthy Families program participants meet with home visitors regularly, the first-of-its-kind financial-assistance program is unique in its built-in case-management component as well as access to referrals for other basic family needs.

 

IT’SUGAR Now Open at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE — IT’SUGAR, one of the largest specialty candy retailers in the U.S., has opened a 2,400-square-foot candy store inside Holyoke Mall. The Holyoke Mall location epitomizes what the brand is known for: hundreds of varieties of over-the-top sweets, humorous products, and immersive candy experiences from America’s beloved brands, including Sour Patch Kids, OREO, Nerds, Skittles, Reese’s, and Starburst. It also includes shops devoted to retro and international candy, TikTok-trending treats, and much more. IT’SUGAR’s new store is located on the upper level in Center Court, next to H&M.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

UMass System Generates $8.3 Billion in Economic Activity

AMHERST — The five-campus University of Massachusetts system generated a record $8.3 billion in economic activity and supported nearly 40,000 external jobs across Massachusetts, according to a new Donahue Institute report. The analysis found that the economic impact generated by the five-campus UMass system translates into a 9-to-1 return on the state investment in the university. According to the report, each of the five university campuses generated a significant economic impact for its region and the state. The major drivers of economic impact are student, faculty, and staff spending; construction projects; and the university’s purchase of goods and services required for university operations. Besides the spending captured in the economic-impact formula, the report highlights several other UMass contributions to the Massachusetts economy. For example, more than 330,000 of the university’s alumni live in Massachusetts, contributing skills and knowledge to the economy, purchasing goods and services from Massachusetts businesses, and paying local and state taxes. Each year, the university’s five campuses award approximately 20,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees, and nearly three-quarters of its undergraduates are working in Massachusetts five years after graduation. Furthermore, the university’s five campuses house more than 90 core research facilities that are made available to small and medium-sized Massachusetts companies to accelerate their job-creating research and development activity; users of the core facilities make a $364 million contribution to the Massachusetts’ economy, beyond the $8.3 billion cited in the report. The university’s $813 million research enterprise — the third-largest behind Harvard and MIT in Massachusetts — results in patents and technology licensing that creates jobs in established companies and forms the basis for startup companies. In FY 2022, UMass inventions generated $41 million in licensing revenue for the university and 242 patent applications. Finally, UMass campuses attract thousands of people for campus tours, conferences, performances, and sporting events, generating significant economic benefits through spending for transportation, restaurants, lodging, cultural attractions, and retail shops.

 

Girls Inc. of the Valley Receives $2 Million Earmark

HOLYOKE — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal recently joined Girls Inc. of the Valley Executive Director Suzanne Parker to announce a $2 million earmark to support the renovation of the Girls Inc. of the Valley headquarters and program center. The allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the Department of Education. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2023 spending bill that was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. With this funding, Girls Inc. of the Valley will be able to complete the $7 million renovation of its 16,000-square-foot facility at 480 Hampden St. in Holyoke. Their new location will serve as their permanent headquarters and program center where it will serve more than 1,000 girls from underserved communities. Students in the organization range from ages 5 to 18 and participate in programs offered year-round to help them make better decisions about their health and lifestyles, set and achieve higher academic goals, and put themselves on track to lead independent, successful lives.

 

Longtime Listener Bequeaths $3 Million to NEPM

SPRINGFIELD — The late Walter Wolnik of Amherst has bequeathed New England Public Media $3 million, the largest gift in NEPM’s history. The transformational gift will support NEPM’s ongoing commitment to presenting classical music on the radio in Western Mass., with a specific focus on access to classical music overnight. Wolnik passed away on Sept. 20, 2022 at the age of 76. He was born and raised in Indian Orchard, where he attended a local high school before graduating from Harvard University in 1969. Wolnik then studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was a systems programming consultant for labs at several hospitals in the Boston area and spent a significant portion of time researching and managing his investments. He lived in Newton before moving to Amherst in 2000, where he was active in local politics and enjoyed gardening. He was a longtime listener to NEPM and was especially fond of classical music in the overnight hours.

 

Berkshire Bank Foundation Donates $426,000 in Third Quarter

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announced more than $426,000 in Berkshire Bank Foundation philanthropic investments during the third quarter of 2023 in communities Berkshire Bank serves. According to foundation Director Lori Gazzillo Kiely, “the Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that provide equitable opportunities for economic prosperity. During the third quarter of 2023, we assisted 124 nonprofit organizations with funding to support community needs. In addition, we supported programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth that provides opportunities for women to build a future enriched with financial stability, balance, and growth.”

 

Freedom Credit Union Raises More Than $2,700 for Food Bank

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the months of July and August, Freedom Credit Union raised more than $2,700 through its annual summer food drive for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. In addition to cash donations, Freedom also collected non-perishable food items. Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has helped provide much-needed food to area residents in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. It sources its products from donations, which it distributes to participating pantries, meal sites, and shelters throughout the region.

 

United Way Opens Holyoke Community Cupboard

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) opened its Holyoke Community Cupboard on Nov. 2 at 164 Race St. in Holyoke. The result of a partnership among Holyoke Community College (HCC), the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, and United Way of Pioneer Valley, this new food pantry will have the capacity to serve many Holyoke residents, as well as neighbors in nearby towns. The Holyoke Community Cupboard is located within the Culinary Arts Institute building on Race Street, an area identified as a food desert in the city. UWPV and HCC are excited to use the Culinary Arts Institute space to build collaborative solutions to food insecurity.

 

Happier Valley Comedy Awards ‘Free Happiness’ to Nonprofits

HADLEY — The Happier Valley Comedy board of directors announced their selection of two Western Mass. nonprofits as the fall 2023 recipients of its Free Happiness Program: Community Health Center of Franklin County (CHCFC) and Transhealth. The Free Happiness Program offers a free Happier Valley Comedy private event, such as a professional-development event or private improv show, to local nonprofit organizations that benefit underrepresented, underserved, and/or BIPOC individuals and communities. Community Health Center of Franklin County is a nonprofit agency operating medical clinics in Greenfield and Orange to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. It will use its award to bring a professional-development event called “An Improviser’s Guide to Building Resilience & Connection” to its fall retreat. Transhealth is a trans-led Northampton medical center that provides affirming and empowering healthcare services to transgender and gender-diverse individuals and their families. It will use its award to help support the staff’s continued work in healthcare, advocacy, and education in the local trans community. Applications for the Free Happiness Program are accepted on a rolling basis and awarded twice a year. Any organization who would like to be considered for future awards must be a registered 501(c)(3) and can apply at www.happiervalley.com/free-happiness. The next round of awards will be presented in the spring of 2024.

 

Bulkley Richardson Named 2024 Best Law Firm in 14 Practice Areas

SPRINGFIELD — Best Lawyers, in partnership with U.S. News and World Report, ranks Bulkley Richardson as 2024 Best Law Firm in the Springfield region in the following 14 practice areas: banking and finance law, bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law, business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), commercial litigation, corporate law, criminal defense – general practice, criminal defense – white collar, employment law, litigation – labor and employment, medical-malpractice law – defendants, personal-injury litigation – defendants, real-estate law, tax law, and trusts and estates law. To be eligible for a ranking, a law firm must have at least one lawyer included in the list of Best Lawyers. Bulkley Richardson has 15 lawyers included on the 2024 Best Lawyers list, and two of the firm’s partners, Michael Burke and John Pucci, were named 2024 Springfield-area Lawyers of the Year. Rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Liberty Bank Opens New Loan Production Office

SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank, headquartered in Middletown, Conn., cut the ribbon to its new loan production office (LPO) on the 22nd floor of One Monarch Place in downtown Springfield on Sept. 28. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined Liberty Bank President and CEO David Glidden, Western Mass. Market President Tony Liberopoulos, and Liberty Bank teammates, customers, and community stakeholders in officially opening the new office. The Western Mass. banking team originally opened an LPO at 94 Shaker Road in East Longmeadow in 2021. However, they wanted further penetration and exposure in the Western Mass. market, which precipitated the move to downtown Springfield. Among the amenities of the new Springfield LPO includes a reception area that leads to 15 offices, eight workstations, and hoteling workspace. The new office also includes a large conference room with additional team collaboration areas and a complete kitchen. Liberty’s ‘Be Community Kind’ brand and colors are displayed throughout the space. Underscoring its commitment to the Western Mass. community, the Liberty Bank Foundation granted donations totaling $20,000 to three area nonprofits at the ribbon cutting: Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Liberty has also identified a strong demand to establish a branch to support customers’ needs and the bank’s continued growth in Western Mass. Therefore, Liberty will be opening a full-service banking branch at 94 Shaker Road in East Longmeadow later this fall.

 

Baystate Health Launches $70 Million Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health announced a $70 million comprehensive fundraising effort. “Healthier Tomorrows: The Campaign for Baystate Health” is the largest fundraising goal in Baystate Health’s history and focuses on raising money for three critical areas: capital needs, program support, and endowment development. The $70 million goal aims to fund several initiatives, including a state-of-the-art surgical facility and a Center for Nursing Excellence at Baystate Medical Center, a renovated Family Medicine practice and teaching space at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, and support for the endowment, with the purpose of increasing fiscal resilience for the organization. Baystate Health’s last campaign concluded in 2012. The $23 million raised supported building the shell of the Hospital of the Future wing, including space for a new Emergency Department and the Davis Family Heart & Vascular Center. The new campaign will help complete much of the shell space as intended to accommodate new technology and meet the growing needs of the community.

 

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. Recognized by Accounting Today

HOLYOKE — Each year, Accounting Today conducts a comprehensive assessment of the largest practices in tax and accounting across 10 major geographic regions in the U.S. Leveraging a wide range of benchmarking data, it meticulously evaluates firms’ growth strategies, service offerings, and specialized client niches. Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. earned distinction as a top-tier firm within the New England region. Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. is the largest independently owned and operated CPA firm in Western Mass. As a member of CPAmerica, one of the world’s largest networks of independent CPA and consulting firms, it offers a spectrum of services encompassing business strategy expertise, tax services, and accounting services. Its primary focus lies in serving closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals, with notable concentrations in sectors such as healthcare, employee benefits, real estate, construction, manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations.

 

Big E Sets Five Daily Attendance Records

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A total of 1,427,234 fairgoers attended the 2023 Big E in West Springfield, down from 2022’s tally of more than 1.6 million, due largely to several days of rain over the fair’s 17-day run. Still, when the weather did cooperate, five daily attendance records were set during the 2023 Big E: the first Tuesday, Sept. 19, 57,802; the second Friday, Sept. 22, 97,477; the second Wednesday, Sept. 27, 95,689; the second Thursday, Sept. 28, 108,962; and the third Sunday, Oct. 1, 170,471. The 2024 edition of the fair is scheduled for Sept. 13-29.

 

Elms College Surges Up Best Colleges Rankings

CHICOPEE — Elms College greatly improved its ranking on two listings in the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Colleges rankings and was listed as a Best Value School in the North Region for the first time. The college jumped 33 places to 60th on the list of Best Regional Universities (North) and rose 22 slots to 12th in the Top Performers on Social Mobility, Regional Universities (North) category. This list ranks schools for enrolling and graduating large proportions of students who have received federal Pell Grants. New this year, Elms College was ranked 33rd on the Best Value Schools, Regional Universities (North) list. This category examines a school’s academic quality and the cost of its programs. The higher the quality of programs and the lower the cost, the better the value a school provides.

 

Bay Path University Ranked as Safest Campus in Massachusetts

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University is the safest college in Massachusetts and the third-safest in America, according to a recent list compiled by niche.com, which reviewed 1,400 schools and ranked the safest campuses in America for 2024. The website’s 2024 Safest College Campuses ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using U.S. Department of Education data. The site states that these top-ranked colleges offer a safe and healthy environment with little or no campus crime, drugs, or alcohol usage. Specific factors considered include campus crime rate, local crime grade, student surveys on safety, residence-hall date violence rate, residence-hall rape rate, alcohol-related arrests, and drug-related arrests.

 

U.S. News Ranks MCLA Seventh Among Public Liberal-arts Schools

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) has earned the #7 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year in a row. U.S. News and World Report also ranked MCLA first for Top Performer on Social Mobility in the state, second in the country, and 22nd for National Liberal Arts Colleges. MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive years. The college has also been acknowledged in the publication’s list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019. This list measures how well institutions graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants, typically awarded to students whose families make less than $50,000, though most Pell Grant money goes to families with income below $20,000. More than 42% of MCLA undergraduate students receive Pell Grants, and 51% are the first in their families to go to college. Overall, 93% of students receive some kind of financial aid.

 

Mayhew Steel Products Wins Manufacturing Leadership Award

TURNERS FALLS — Mayhew Tools in Turners Falls received an award for Outstanding Leadership Skills in the Manufacturing Industry at the eighth annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony. This ceremony is part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up held in Polar Park in Worcester, hosted by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus and other partners. State Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Natalie Blais nominated Mayhew for this award. Mayhew Tools, the oldest punch and chisel manufacturer in the country, has expanded over 160-plus years without losing sight of its heritage. This includes keeping its headquarters in Western Mass., home to its corporate office and 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

 

Country Bank Recognized for Charitable Giving

WARE — Country Bank announced that the Boston Business Journal has once again named it an honoree in its annual 2023 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. The magazine annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. During this year’s celebration on Sept. 7, 100 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year, as noted above. This year’s honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports. Country Bank, ranked 44th, employs 220 staff members within Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, many of whom volunteer for various nonprofits throughout the year.

 

Hazen Paper Unveils 11th Cover for Basketball Hall of Fame Yearbook

HOLYOKE — Hazen Paper’s 11th enshrinement yearbook cover for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, created with Hazen HoloJet paper, projects an amplified refractive three-dimensional image of a basketball symbolizing the Hall of Fame dome. For 2023, this includes Fresnel Lens technology and a new holographic element called “Metal-Morphosis,” utilizing a new deep-groove system for sharper images and greater dimensionality. Appearing to move and change with the angle of light, the holographic treatment induces engagement and interaction with the book. Hazen originated the holography completely within its vertically integrated Holyoke facility. The custom holograms were created in Hazen’s holographic laser lab, then micro-embossed and transfer-metallized onto smooth, 12-point WestRock Tango C2S using Hazen’s environmentally friendly Envirofoil and HoloJet process. The holography is created with an optical structure that is imparted on the surface of the paper (underneath the printed graphics) with an ultra-thin polymer layer that is less than 2 microns in thickness. Envirofoil is a non-plastic paper that is as recyclable as paper.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Prominent Holyoke Venues Announce Ownership Change

HOLYOKE — Michael “Mick” Corduff announced that he is stepping into the role of chief operator and executive chef of the Log Cabin, Delaney House, and D. Hotel & Spa, all in Holyoke. He is replacing Peter Rosskothen, who has sold all his shares in the company to Corduff and his new business partner, Frank DeMarinis. Both Peter and Linda Rosskothen will step down from their day-to-day activities within the company. The business focus for Peter will be Delaney’s Market, an independent company with stores in South Hadley, Westfield, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham. The couple will stay involved in supporting Mick and Dana Corduff, as well as their new partner, in any way needed. DeMarinis is the president of Sage Engineering & Contracting Inc. in Westfield, and is a local developer, builder, owner, and manager of more than 25 commercial real-estate properties in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He is also the founder and owner of Roots Sports complexes in Westfield and East Longmeadow and Roots Learning Centers. Corduff and DeMarinis plan to combine their skills to develop and grow the business to new locations.

 

Whittlesey Named a 2023 Best of the Best Firm

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, an accounting, advisory, and technology firm, has been named a Best of the Best Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), an award-winning newsletter for the public-accounting profession. Whittlesey is the only Connecticut- and Western Mass.-based firm to make this list. IPA’s annual Best of the Best list ranks top accounting firms with superior financial and operational performance in the most recent fiscal year. The firms are selected from nearly 600 firms across the U.S. and Canada. Selections for the list are based on more than 50 metrics related to firm growth, productivity, staff development, and more. Along with being named a Best of the Best Firm, Whittlesey was also named a 2023 Top 200 Accounting Firm in the nation. There are more than 46,000 public accounting firms in the U.S. Founded in Hartford in 1961, Whittlesey is one of the largest regional CPA and consulting firms in New England. With offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts, it provides a comprehensive array of advisory, assurance, tax, and technology services to a broad range of businesses and individuals.

 

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. Recognized by Accounting Today

HOLYOKE — Each year, Accounting Today conducts a comprehensive assessment of the largest practices in tax and accounting across 10 major geographic regions in the U.S. Leveraging a wide range of benchmarking data, it meticulously evaluates firms’ growth strategies, service offerings, and specialized client niches. Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. earned distinction as a top-tier firm within the New England region. MBK is the largest independently owned and operated CPA firm in Western Mass. As a member of CPAmerica, one of the world’s largest networks of independent CPA and consulting firms, it offers a spectrum of services encompassing business strategy expertise, tax services, and accounting services. Its primary focus lies in serving closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals, with notable concentrations in sectors such as healthcare, employee benefits, real estate, construction, manufacturing, and not-for-profit organizations.

 

Berkshire Named Among Most Charitable Companies

BOSTON — The Boston Business Journal named Berkshire Bank an honoree at its annual Corporate Citizenship Awards reception in Boston that recognizes the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. The publication annually celebrates companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. Berkshire Bank was listed 43rd of 100 on the top charitable contributor list with $1,419,322 in 2022 Massachusetts charitable giving.

 

Renaissance Development Begins State Street Revitalization Project

SPRINGFIELD — On Sept. 15, Springfield-based Renaissance Development LLC commenced redevelopment of the Kavanagh Building at 443 State St. across from Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). The 28,000-square-foot building, vacant for 15 years, will be the future home of 35 one- and two-bedroom apartment units and approximately 10,000 square feet of rentable office and retail space. Redevelopment will take place in two phases, with the first involving the demolition of the unstable rear portion of the building and renovation of the façade and front lower and street levels. Once completed (slated for summer 2024), phase one will comprise 10,000 square feet of retail space for several commercial tenants ranging in size and use, coupled with 15 units of housing and 43 parking spaces. Phase two (slated to commence in winter 2024) will complete 20 additional one- and two-bedroom units throughout the entire second floor. These units will be set aside as permanent supportive housing units for people who have experienced homelessness. Through partnership with the nonprofit Mental Health Assoc., tenants who qualify will receive a variety of support and wraparound services.

 

Elms College Receives Work-based Learning Grant

CHICOPEE — The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) selected Elms College to participate in the inaugural cohort of the CIC’s Work-based Learning (WBL) Consortium. Elms College is one of 25 member colleges from across the country to participate in the first-ever WBL Consortium. For its participation, Elms has been awarded a three-year grant of approximately $65,000 from CIC, effective starting in the spring of 2024. The WBL Consortium will provide a national community of practice to support institutions in easing student barriers to internship access and job-market preparation, particularly for students from underrepresented groups. This experiential learning platform, in partnership with Riipen, will integrate real-world, employer-designed projects into existing courses to equip students with skills, real-world experiences, and professional connections to support their future careers. This CIC initiative is made possible thanks to funding from Ascendium Education Group and Strada Education Foundation.

 

Rice Fruit Farm Supports Suicide Awareness, Prevention

WILBRAHAM — In partnership with Holyoke-based MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, Rice Fruit Farm in Wilbraham supported National Suicide Prevention Week last month by selling beverages with a sticker reading 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress who dial or text 988. Farm owner Anthony Maloni said Rice’s sells about 12,000 beverages monthly, with cider from native apples particularly popular this time of year. For more information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which routes calls to the center nearest the individual’s area code, visit 988lifeline.org.

 

The Mount to Host Residency for Emerging Writers

LENOX — The Mount, Edith Wharton’s home, is once again collaborating with the Western Mass. Straw Dog Writers Guild to offer a unique residency experience for nine emerging writers. Genres include poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and plays. Residencies will be for one week and include lodging at a neighboring inn, a workspace at the Mount, breakfast, lunch, and a $500 stipend. The residencies begin on March 3, 10, and 17, and three writers will be selected for each week. Applications are now open and are limited to the first 270 submissions. Visit edithwharton.org for more information and to access the application form. This will be the tenth year the Mount has offered writers an opportunity to create at the Mount, and its third year partnering with Straw Dog Writers Guild. The revamped residency now focuses on writers who are developing their craft. There is no prerequisite of being published. Submissions are reviewed anonymously and ranked based on the following criteria: quality of writing, originality of voice, the potential for growth as a writer, and strength of the statement of purpose. The $25 application fee will be waived for financial hardship and for Mount and Straw Dog members.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Food Bank Sells Facility to Myers Produce

HATFIELD — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the successful sale of its Hatfield building and property to Myers Produce, a woman-owned regional produce distributor and trucking company offering farmer-focused distribution, freight, and warehousing services. The strategic decision to sell the building marks a significant milestone for both businesses. The Food Bank moved to its new location at 25 Carew St., Chicopee, during the last week of August, and Myers Produce will move into its new Hatfield facility in October. Myers Produce has a long-standing commitment to bolster access to regionally grown food and to support farmers in Western Mass. and Vermont. With this strategic move, Myers Produce is taking a significant step to expand the purchasing of food from local growers and producers and transporting and reselling it to food retailers throughout the region and beyond. Moving to Hatfield will generate employment opportunities and place Myers Produce close to farmlands, near highways, and at a central crossroads for serving growers, customers, and fellow distributors in Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine. Both the Food Bank and Myers Produce are looking forward to sharing resources at their respective new facilities, including cross docking and temporary storage. This arrangement will facilitate Food Bank deliveries to its member food pantries and meal sites in Hampshire and Franklin counties. For Myers Produce, this arrangement will contribute to its current ‘donation transportation’ program, facilitating the free transportation of donated food to the Food Bank for distribution to the local community. Foreseeing it was running out of space many years ago, the Food Bank purchased 16.5 acres of vacant land in the Chicopee River Business Park in 2020. In 2021, it launched a successful, $26 million capital campaign to raise funds to build a larger facility, with support from individual and business donors, state and federal governments, and volunteers. In 2022, construction began on its new distribution center and headquarters, which is nearing completion.

 

AIC Introduces Division of Arts, Media, and Design

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has made a significant advance toward meeting the evolving demands of the workforce with the introduction of a new Division of Arts, Media, and Design within the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. This division encompasses redesigned undergraduate programming in the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science curricula, launching with the upcoming fall 2023 semester. This new division will introduce four undergraduate majors, each crafted to provide students with a comprehensive foundation. The offerings include public relations & social media administration, digital media production, arts and entertainment management, and graphic arts and design. Moreover, AIC unveiled six new undergraduate minors that complement these majors. The minors include public relations and social media administration, digital media production, arts & entertainment management, graphic arts and design, fashion design and merchandising, and music technology & production.

MCLA’s LEAD Academy Expands with Support from Greylock Federal Credit Union

NORTH ADAMS — LEAD Academy, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ (MCLA) almost two-decade-old program to help new students integrate into college life, is getting a huge boost thanks to Greylock Federal Credit Union. Greylock pledged $100,000 to support a reimagined Greylock LEAD Academy, allowing the program to grow from around 30 MCLA students each year to this fall’s cohort of 200 participants. Thanks to Greylock’s generosity, LEAD is now available to all MCLA first-year students at no cost. LEAD, which stands for Leadership, Education, Action, and Development, is a college success, leadership, and civic-engagement program designed to help students develop leadership skills and the skills necessary for college preparation, which they can immediately apply. Beginning Aug. 26, this year’s LEAD students will participate in a holistic onboarding experience before the start of fall classes. The first five days will provide a signature experience focusing on leadership development, team building, community building, and workshops conducted by student leaders.

 

Community Music School Receives $10,000 Grant from New York Life

SPRINGFIELD — Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS), which provides accessible, affordable music education, has been awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life. The grant will support the Adaptive Music Program (AMP), which connects music education and special education to improve students’ lives, impacting their social/emotional, academic, and artistic development. “We are grateful for New York Life’s investment in AMP, which will change many lives for the better,” said Jean Deliso, CFP, an agent with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office and CMSS board member. “We are pleased that our partnership will have a long-lasting impact on CMSS and the population they serve.” The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations, which are championed by New York Life agents and employees. Since the program’s inception in 2008, nearly 800 grants totaling more than $10 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country. “With this generous support from New York Life, this year, AMP will be able to work with over 800 students at more than 15 Springfield public schools, providing critical skill building, including receptive and expressive language, motor skills, and building social relationships, helping these vulnerable children build their foundation for future success in all types of academic and personal areas,” said Eileen McCaffery, executive director of CMSS.

 

Maybury Material Handling, Community Action Pioneer Valley Win HNE Well Worth It Award

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England has awarded Maybury Material Handling of East Longmeadow and Community Action Pioneer Valley of Greenfield its Well Worth It Award, Gold designation, for outstanding employee-wellness programs. Maybury Material Handling provides industrial products and services to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing customers. Community Action Pioneer Valley is a not-for-profit that helps those with low incomes achieve economic stability and security, and works to build communities in which all people can thrive. Both employers demonstrated their responsibility to the health and well-being of their employees by encouraging them to use Health New England’s suite of health and wellness services. These include its Healthy Choices Rewards Program that offers monetary rewards for healthy activities, such as joining a gym, nutrition counseling, smoking cessation, and more. Health New England also awarded Well Worth It Awards in the Silver designation to Scantic Valley Regional Health Trust and PeoplesBank, and in the Bronze designation to Springfield Area Transit Co. Inc./Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. Well Worth It Award winners will be honored at a luncheon on Oct. 5 at the Sheraton Springfield.

 

Country Bank, WooSox Foundation Announce 2023 WooStars

WARE — Country Bank and the Worcester Red Sox Foundation recently announced the 2023 WooStars, a program that supports nonprofit leaders throughout the region. Country Bank recently recognized nine local WooStars and the nonprofits they are affiliated with at Polar Park, including Mari Gonzalez of El Buen Samaritano Food Program Inc., Jenna Rahkonen of HomeFront Strong, Brian Feeley of Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, Todd Stewart of Camp Putnam, Sharon MacDonald of Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester Inc., Anna Rice of Dismas House, Gina and John Connolly of Lou Gehrig Little League, and Joseph Kenadek of Jack Barry Little League. Each nonprofit was presented with a $5,000 donation. In the past three years, 27 WooStars have been awarded a total of $135,000 in donations.

 

The Stubblebine Co., JLL Announce Sale of Property

WESTFIELD — The Stubblebine Co./CORFAC International and JLL announced the sale of 323 Lockhouse Road, Westfield to ERD Metal Inc. for $14.5 million. The property consists of a 229,867-square-foot industrial building on 26.09 acres. Situated two miles from I-90 and seven miles from I-91, the property is located adjacent to Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. Erdoganlar Aluminum (ERD Metal Inc.) was established in 1987 in Istanbul, Turkey as a family-owned aluminum-extrusion company. Its vision is to fulfill the needs of its partners by offering a wide range of products and services, including custom fabrications, plastic injection, aluminum casting, custom aluminum extrusions, custom packaging, and more. Established in 1987, the Stubblebine Co./COFAC International specializes in selling and leasing large industrial investment properties and adaptive reuse sites throughout New England.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Whittlesey Named a Top 200 Accounting Firm for 2023

HOLYOKE — Whittlesey was recognized again as a Top 200 Accounting Firm in the country by INSIDE Public Accounting for 2023. “We are honored to be recognized as a Top 200 Accounting Firm. This award is a testament to our sustained growth and ability to bring exceptional value to our clients,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “Our unique approach of combining outstanding client service at the regional level with the technical prowess of a national entity is the differentiator that drives our growth. We are deeply thankful for the chance to serve our clients, team members, and communities.” INSIDE Public Accounting is an award-recognized newsletter for the accounting profession. It ranks the country’s top 500 accounting firms. This year nearly 600 accounting firms participated in its annual nationwide survey.

 

UMass Amherst Again Top-ranked for Campus Food

AMHERST — For the seventh consecutive time, UMass Amherst has earned the top spot for Best Campus Food in annual rankings published by the Princeton Review. The rankings are derived from student reports of their experiences at the schools in its annual “Best Colleges” guidebook. The 2024 rankings are based on feedback from 165,000 students at the schools in the guide. UMass Dining, the largest collegiate dining program in the U.S., is committed to providing the campus community with locally sourced, healthy, sustainable, and globally inspired cuisine, and its leadership believes in helping to build community through food.

 

Berkshire Black Economic Council Issues Vibe North Street Grants

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) announced four grant awardees for the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program, in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. This grant program, funded by MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), aims to revitalize downtown Pittsfield by supporting businesses relocating to the North Street TDI district. The awardees are Guelce Collaborative Marketing, which specializes in website development and management services for small businesses, and will use its grant award to establish a physical presence in the North Street district and expand its digital and marketing expertise to downtown Pittsfield by providing social-media management, advertising, and recording and editing support; BB’s Hot Spot LLC, which brings the flavors of Caribbean barbecue and jerk to the Berkshires, and will bring its eatery to downtown Pittsfield and add a unique culinary experience for local foodies; Dolce Rose Beauty Supply, formerly operated online and vended at pop-up events, which will now open the only Black-owned beauty-supply store within a 40-mile radius, and will use the funding to establish a brick-and-mortar presence, bringing diverse beauty products to the local community; and Brazzucas, a Brazilian market that will bring the tastes, colors, and culture of Brazil to the heart of Pittsfield, with plans to move onto North Street in the former General Store.

 

AIC Receives Grant to Support Mental-health Initiative for Youth

SPRINGFIELD — The Division of Occupational Therapy (OT) Services at American International College (AIC) announced its receipt of a $15,000 grant from the Hope for Youth and Families Foundation, established by Bob Bolduc, former CEO of Pride Stores. This grant will facilitate collaboration among the division, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services of Springfield (MLKFS), and the MLK Charter School of Excellence in Springfield to implement the evidence-based mental-health promotion initiative “Every Moment Counts.” The objective of this program is to empower participating youths, including 60 students in the MLK after-school program and 340 students at the MLK Charter School, through engaging activities tailored to promote mental health, enhance self-esteem, and foster resilience. This partnership is the result of a proposal developed by Professor and Post-professional OTD Faculty Lead Dr. Allison Sullivan, who also serves on the board of directors at MLKFS. AIC’s faculty leadership in this initiative offers valuable field-work opportunities for emerging practitioners enrolled in AIC’s Occupational Therapy program. Sullivan and her AIC colleague, Dr. Christine Helfrich, will provide comprehensive training to AIC OT students and staff members at both MLKFS and the MLK Charter School of Excellence on the principles of the “Every Moment Counts” program to enhance mental well-being in children. The first training session begins in late August.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Thunderbirds Recognized for Record-setting Season

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds were recognized for hitting milestone thresholds across a variety of business categories during the American Hockey League’s team business meetings in Tucson, Ariz. The annual event features representatives from all 32 member clubs for sessions discussing best practices and innovative ideas across multiple departments. On the heels of another record-setting year for the Thunderbirds business that saw new regular-season records in attendance per game (6,162), sellout games (15, including every Saturday from Dec. 30 onward), season-ticket members, and group-sales revenue, the team’s ticket sales department achieved a number of milestones for a second straight season. Among them were 600 new full-season equivalents (FSE), a metric that tracks full-season and partial-season ticket sales. The department also saw a greater than 85% renewal rate among its full-season ticket members. Individual game ticket sales also provided the Thunderbirds with two more threshold recognitions, as the business saw a greater than 15% increase in both FSE revenue per game and group ticket revenue per game. In what was also a record-setting year for the club’s corporate sales department, that area of the business was recognized for also seeing a greater than 85% renewal rate in corporate cash accounts en route to a single-season record in corporate revenue. The Thunderbirds also had a prolific season in the Springfield community, with more than 250 appearances by mascot Boomer and team players combined, ranging from youth hockey practice sessions to charitable affairs like the Rays of Hope walk, annual Teddy Bear Toss deliveries, and corporate partnership events.

 

National Grid Awards $800,000 to Eight Chambers of Commerce

NORTHAMPTON — National Grid announced it will donate $800,000 to eight chambers of commerce in Massachusetts to support local small businesses. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce has been named one of the recipients of a $100,000 award. Other chambers receiving the funds include the Cape Cod Chamber, Merrimack Valley Chamber, North Central Chamber of Leominster, North Shore Chamber, OneSouthCoast Chamber, South Shore Chamber, and Waltham Chamber. Each chamber will receive $100,000, which they will then distribute in grants of $1,000 to National Grid small-business customers with fewer than 150 employees. The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce looks forward to distributing these grant awards to give local small business community a boost during the coming months. This pledge follows a similar donation by National Grid in January, when the company distributed $1 million to four small-business organizations to help with energy bills. The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, the Retailers Assoc. of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Restaurant Assoc., and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce each received $250,000 to distribute to their small business members.

 

Lee Bank Foundation Distributes $50,000 in Grant Funding Round

LEE — Lee Bank Foundation awarded $50,000 to 12 Berkshire area organizations for its second round of 2023 community funding. Recipients were awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to support their local programming. The following organizations received funding from Lee Bank Foundation: Becket Athenaeum, Berkshire Bounty, Berkshire Center for Justice, Berkshire Children’s Chorus, Berkshire Community Diaper Project, Berkshire County Arc, Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Community Access to the Arts, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Greenagers, Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley, and Roots Rising. The deadline to apply for the next round of 2023 foundation funding is Sept. 1. To be considered for grant awards, applicants must be a (501)(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The foundation is focused on funding programs that work to bridge income and opportunity gaps in the region. Funding requests should reflect one or more of Lee Bank Foundation’s primary focus areas: education and literacy; food security and nutrition; economic growth and development; health and human services; or mentorship, internship, and school-to-work initiatives.

 

Mandati Jewelers Opens at Holyoke Mall

HOLYOKE — Family-owned Mandati Jewelers celebrated its grand opening at Holyoke Mall on June 28 on the shopping center’s lower level near Center Court. The 2,423-square-foot space is the custom jeweler’s first Massachusetts location. Mandati specializes in certified diamonds, watch and timepiece brands, necklaces, charms, and other fine jewelry. The store is offering 30% to 50% off gold and diamonds and 25% off watches through July 31. The New York jeweler’s custom jewelry clientele includes Buffalo Bills defensive end Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. and rappers Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, and Benny the Butcher. Holyoke Mall is Mandati’s fourth store and joins locations in Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse.

 

The Dowd Agencies Supports Area Charities as Part of 125th-anniversary Celebration

HOLYOKE — The Dowd Insurance Agencies, LLC, a leading insurance provider serving New England since 1898, has donated a total of $3,250 to five charities since the beginning of the year as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Charities were determined by polling employees. So far in 2023, the Dowd Agencies donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses; Community Music School of Springfield, which provides arts education to local students; Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, which provides horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities; Shriners Children’s, which provides critical medical care to children; and Homework House Inc., in Holyoke, which provides free tutoring and mentoring for children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The Dowd Agencies will continue to donate to charities selected by its employees throughout the remainder of the year.

 

Liberty Bank Supports Nonprofits

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — David Glidden, president and CEO of Liberty Bank and president of the Liberty Bank Foundation, announced that the foundation recently awarded five nonprofits with $5,000 each in recognition of the bank’s 198th birthday. As part of Liberty’s birthday celebration on May 4, the team came up with a creative idea to provide ‘birthday gifts’ in the aggregate amount of $25,000 to five community organizations on behalf of the Liberty Bank Foundation. Liberty teammates had the opportunity to vote on their favorite charity from a list of three nonprofits in each of the regions the bank serves: Central North, Central South, Eastern, Western, and Massachusetts. Based on the final vote count, the following five nonprofits received a $5,000 donation from the Liberty Bank Foundation: House of Heroes (Hamden, Conn.), the Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley, Middlesex Habitat for Humanity, New London Community Meal Center, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

 

Smith Brothers Insurance Acquires Rawson & Sons

NORTHAMPTON — Smith Brothers Insurance, with an office on Main Street in Northampton, has acquired Rawson & Sons Insurance Group, an independent insurance agency located in Worcester. The acquisition expands the Smith Brothers Insurance footprint in Massachusetts, with Rawson & Sons maintaining a local presence while leveraging the resources of Smith Brothers Insurance, one of the nation’s top 100 independent brokers. Rich Rawson, founder of Rawson & Sons, will stay fully engaged in business development, sales, and client service, alongside the same team of insurance professionals. All Rawson & Sons team members will be joining Smith Brothers. Smith Brothers Insurance has more than 200 team members in locations across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Tighe & Bond Named Employer of the Year

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, design, and environmental consulting, received the 2023 Employer of the Year Award from the Boston chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS Boston). The award honors an organization within the field of architecture, engineering, and construction for creating a supportive and engaging company culture and prioritizing the well-being of its employees. The award specifically recognizes commitment to inclusion and diversity in the workplace; initiatives and programs supporting the organization’s culture and community; outreach efforts to support the local communities, such as volunteering or fundraising activities; and support of marketing, business development, and communications staff. Prioritizing mental and physical wellness led to the creation of Tighe & Bond’s wellness incentive program, which offers staff the chance to participate in firm-organized activities. The company encourages employees to further their education through incentives like student-loan repayment and tuition reimbursement. The firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion plan outlines goals, strategies to achieve those goals, and a plan for action through its DE&I committee. The Make a Difference program encourages employees to volunteer their time and talents for the benefit of local communities. Since its inception in 2017, Tighe & Bond employees have logged more than 15,000 volunteer hours.

 

UMass Amherst Takes Silver in Collegiate Culinary Competition

AMHERST — A team of chefs from UMass Amherst brought home silver at the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) collegiate competition on June 16 during the 29th annual Chef Culinary Conference held on the UMass Amherst campus. The UMass Dining team featured chefs Anthony Jung, Jeff MacDonald, Max Melendez, and Kyle Bigelow. The chefs tested their skills against 12 other four-person college and university culinary teams from across the U.S., including Cornell University, the University of North Texas, Rice University, and Penn State University. Each team was required to prepare a four-course meal including a buffet-style item to be served to the judges and competing teams. Teams had two hours to prepare and serve the first three courses and one hour for the buffet item.

 

Florence Bank Pledges $50,000 to Grow Food Northampton

FLORENCE — Florence Bank announced it has made a $50,000 sponsorship pledge to Grow Food Northampton to help provide healthy, local food to area residents who are food-insecure at a time when federal food benefits are scaling back to pre-pandemic levels. Helen Kahn, manager of the Grow Food Northampton Tuesday and winter farmers markets, said the sponsorship will help residents who receive federally sponsored food support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) double their purchases of local food through Grow Food’s SNAP Match program year-round. The summer and winter farmers markets are an important source of locally grown, healthy food for low-income families. When SNAP customers purchase tokens at the market, Grow Food Northampton provides an extra $10 of tokens free through SNAP Match. Because these tokens can be spent only at the markets, the program directly benefits the farmers as well. The outdoor Tuesday markets are held every Tuesday behind Thornes Marketplace from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. from April 18 to Nov. 7. From November through March, the market moves inside to the Northampton Senior Center and is held biweekly.

 

Smith Brothers Insurance Selected for the Hanover’s President’s Club

NORTHAMPTON — Smith Brothers Insurance, which has an office on Main Street in Northampton, was named to the Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club, an elite group of independent insurance agencies from across the country. Smith Brothers also has offices in Milford and Oxford. The Hanover partners with a select group of 2,100 independent agents nationwide, and only 5% are recognized with this distinction. This is the ninth consecutive year Smith Brothers Insurance has been selected as a participant of the Hanover’s President Club. The Hanover’s President’s Club agencies are recognized for delivering meaningful value to their customers with enhanced service and deep industry knowledge.

 

MCLA Receives $1 Million to Fund New BSN Program

NORTH ADAMS — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) awarded Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) $1 million to fund the college’s new bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The grant will support the first two years of the program by supplementing its curriculum development and funding the cost of a simulation lab coordinator; nursing journals, textbooks, and testing software; and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing fees. MCLA’s BSN program received approval from the Board of Registration in Nursing in January and approval from the Board of Higher Education in March. The program will launch in the fall of 2024 and graduate its first class in 2027. It is the first BSN program in Berkshire County and the only four-year nursing program in the rural tri-state area of Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. The curriculum will integrate MCLA’s liberal-arts foundation with required courses in the humanities and natural and social sciences to complement theoretical and clinical courses in professional nursing. Nursing faculty will utilize a simulation lab to provide hands-on learning experiences for students in a controlled environment.

 

Country Bank Pledges $30,000 to Junior Achievement

WARE — As part of its support for Junior Achievement (JA) of Western Massachusetts, Country Bank has pledged $30,000 to the organization. For more than 100 years, JA of Western Massachusetts has provided economic education and financial-literacy programs to the youth of Western Mass. and Vermont, impacting thousands of young people each year, opening their minds to their potential, and preparing them for life after graduation. Beginning in fall 2021, JA will offer a 21st-century environment for young people to engage with JA programs, including career exploration, helping students identify fulfilling career options and make wise decisions pertaining to post-secondary education; innovation and leadership, helping students expand their thinking and skill development and preparing future leaders, entrepreneurial thinkers, and innovators; and financial education, providing students with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to make informed and effective decisions with all their financial resources.

 

Polish National Credit Union Opens in East Longmeadow

CHICOPEE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) hosted a grand reopening celebration for its East Longmeadow Office, 232 North Main St., on June 16. In December 2021, PNCU acquired Premier Source Federal Credit Union (PSFCU) and expanded into the East Longmeadow market. Founded in 1921, Polish National Credit Union provides a full range of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses. The organization operates eight Western Mass. branches, plus a satellite office at Chicopee Comprehensive High School; PNCU Insurance Services; PNCU Financial Services; and a Commercial Loan Office located at 94 Main St., Westfield.

 

Whittlesey Employees Volunteer During Annual Community Day

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey continued its long-standing tradition of community service through a range of projects across Western Mass. and Connecticut during its annual Community Day. For more than a decade, Whittlesey volunteers have stepped away from their desks to participate in various projects that directly affect the communities where they live and work. This year, more than 100 Whittlesey team members collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, the Bushnell Park Foundation, and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut in a day dedicated to creating positive and tangible impacts within local communities. At the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, teams engaged in general park clean-up efforts, including spreading mulch, planting new flower beds, and repairing and painting fences. Whittlesey’s Community Day is part of a series of initiatives the firm undertakes throughout the year, emphasizing its core belief in the power of community engagement. The firm takes pride in its enduring partnerships with diverse nonprofit organizations and the real-world impacts they create together.

 

Market Mentors Celebrates 20 Years, Opens Florida Location

SPRINGFIELD — Market Mentors, LLC, the region’s largest marketing, advertising, and public-relations agency, is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with refreshed branding, a streamlined website (marketmentors.com), and a second location in Jupiter, Fla. A woman-owned business, the agency was established in 2003 by Longmeadow resident Michelle Abdow, who initially focused on media buying for clients throughout New England. After two decades of growth and expansion, Market Mentors is now a fully integrated marketing agency serving clients with global reach. It represents regional, national, and international brands and offers all the services its clients need in-house, thanks to a team of generalists and specialists who possess a depth and breadth of experience across the marketing spectrum, providing communications solutions via strategic marketing and public-relations plans, integrated advertising campaigns, content creation, data-based media buys, creative execution, and website design and development.

 

Cedar Chest Partners with Grow Food Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — For the second year in a row, Cedar Chest, the anchor store in Thornes Marketplace on Main Street in downtown Northampton, will partner with food-justice organization Grow Food Northampton to ensure that community members grappling with food insecurity and hunger are able to access healthy, local farm foods all year long at Grow Food Northampton’s farmers markets, Tuesday Market, and Winter market. The Grow Food Northampton SNAP Match program allows community members who use SNAP (formerly called food stamps) to more than double their purchase of nutritious local produce and other farm products at the weekly Tuesday Market farmers market behind Thornes Marketplace, and in the winter at the Winter Market at the Northampton Senior Center. The ‘give $10, get $10’ promotion allows Cedar Chest customers to donate $10 to Grow Food Northampton’s SNAP Match program and, in turn, receive a $10 gift card to spend at Cedar Chest.

 

 

STCC, Western New England Strengthen Partnerships

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Western New England University (WNE) continue to work together to offer access from a two-year degree to baccalaureate and graduate education. According to a renewed joint admissions agreement signed by leadership of the two institutions on June 13, students enrolled at STCC will continue to have an opportunity to transfer to Western New England upon completion of their two-year associate-degree program. The joint admissions program is open to students who are enrolled in an STCC program that meets requirements for transfer to WNE. The programs listed on the Western New England website include biology, business, chemistry, computer science, criminal justice, cybersecurity, engineering, mathematics, and programmer.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

ShopOne Acquires Heritage Park Plaza

EAST LONGMEADOW — ShopOne Centers REIT Inc., a fully integrated, grocery-anchored shopping center investment, management, and operating platform, together with its joint venture (JV) partners, Pantheon and a leading global institutional investor, announced their entry into Massachusetts with the acquisition of Heritage Park Plaza in East Longmeadow, a 117,337-square-foot shopping center anchored by Stop & Shop. Heritage Park Plaza, which is 98% occupied, is strategically located along Route 83, a heavily traveled thoroughfare, and is serviced by three major highways, Interstates 90, 91, and 291. More than 202,300 people reside within five miles of the center, with an average household income of $88,500. Heritage Park Plaza has benefited from strong and consistent sales from its diverse tenant mix, which includes a variety of leading national retailers and regional brands such as Petco, Orangetheory Fitness, Panera, Dollar Tree, Pure Barre, 99 Restaurant and Pub, and H&R Block.

 

Country Bank Receives Two Marketing Awards

WARE — Country Bank announced it has received two marketing awards from the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. for its 2022 marketing efforts. Country Bank achieved first place with a gold award for its “Made to Make a Difference” rebrand. In May 2022, Country Bank introduced the rebrand in partnership with the bank’s advertising agency, Financial Marketing Solutions. The new tagline was created from focus groups that consisted of Country Bank team members, board members, consumer and business customers, non-customers, and community nonprofits throughout the bank’s marketplace. Since 1850, Country Bank has been a part of the fabric of the communities it serves, so it was deemed essential to include the community in the process. The common theme of how the bank makes a difference became a clear indicator of how its stakeholders received the brand in the market. In addition, the bank received a silver award for its Police vs. Fire Baseball Game in association with the WooSox Foundation. This game was a century-old tradition brought back to life on Sept. 26, 2022. Part of the game is giving back to the community, something the WooSox Foundation and Country Bank are passionate about. The teams chose the Manny 267 Foundation, which received a $15,000 donation.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County Honored with Gold Standard Award

WEST SPRINGFIELD — For the tenth year in a row, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County (BBBSHC) has been recognized for its quality of service by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). This time around, BBBSHC has been named a Gold Standard Award winner. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature one-to-one youth-mentoring program. Out of 225 agencies across the country, BBBSHC is one of 26 organizations to receive this top honor. The Gold Standard Award recognizes agencies that have increased their revenue and grown the number of mentors (‘bigs’) and youth (‘littles’) who are matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, BBBSHC has served approximately 300 youth and grown its local services by 10%. For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been dedicated to igniting potential for at-risk youth, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping to build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime. The Gold Standard Award winners will be formally recognized at the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigger Together National Conference, held June 26-29 in California.

 

State Awards $1.37 Million for Fintech Incubator at WNE

SPRINGFIELD — The Healey-Driscoll administration and MassTech recently awarded Western New England University (WNE) a $1.37 million Tech and Innovation Ecosystem grant to establish an incubator that will drive innovation in financial technology, or fintech. WNE’s new Springfield-based fintech incubator will bolster talent development in the growing tech sector; fund new, on-campus computing infrastructure for hands-on learning opportunities; and allow faculty and students to work directly with private-sector companies and other financial-sector organizations on real-world challenges. The new incubator, a two-year, $2,125,000 project, will become a technical resource for fintech startups across the state, with an initial focus on those located in Western Mass. The $1.37 million state grant comes from the state’s Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Awards program. The incubator will be managed by a team of WNE faculty who are deeply entrenched in the fintech space.

 

Davis Foundation Supports Surgical Care at Baystate

SPRINGFIELD — The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation made a generous donation to Baystate Health Foundation in support of the new surgical and interventional procedural rooms at Baystate Medical Center. A portion of this 82,000-square-foot space, which opened in March, is located in what is now known as the Robert S. Davis Wing. It was formally dedicated on May 30 with a celebration that included the Davis family and members of the Baystate Health team. Robert Davis was the second of four Davis children, including his siblings John, Jane, and Steve. He passed away in 2021, and, as a way to celebrate his memory, the family chose to name the former South Wing in his honor. The Robert S. Davis Wing also houses the Pediatric Procedure Unit, the Sadowsky Center for Children, the Baystate Medical Center inpatient pharmacy, and two floors of patient rooms. The tribute is fitting, as he spent time at Baystate Medical Center during his final year receiving care and dialysis treatment.

 

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Supports RiverCulture Events

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced its sponsorship of the 2023 Summer Event Series organized by RiverCulture, the creative-economy program of the town of Montague. The series features a variety of cultural events happening in the five villages of Montague and the Turners Falls Cultural District, including live music, outdoor movies, theater, family activities, and festivals. The series aims to showcase the rich and diverse cultural offerings of the region and to foster community engagement and enjoyment. As a community bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank is committed to supporting local arts and culture and to enhancing quality of life for its customers and neighbors. Paper copies of the calendar of events are available at local retail stores and restaurants, or can be downloaded at www.riverculture.org.

 

LightHouse Signs Agreement for Possible New Home

HOLYOKE — LightHouse Personalized Education for Teens in Holyoke announced it has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement for the historic Congregation of the Sons of Zion building at 378 Maple St. in downtown Holyoke. The agreement establishes a 120-day inspection and planning period to determine the viability of the move. LightHouse is a personalized, competency-based middle and high school now in its eighth year in its current location in the STEAM Building at 208 Race Street in Holyoke. LightHouse’s tagline is “changing what school can be.” Current renovation estimates are being drawn up and are expected to run well into the millions of dollars, so LightHouse is in the beginning stages of applying for grants and preparing for a capital campaign to fund all the work that needs to be done. LightHouse has grown strategically during its eight years, from a program serving 36 students in its first year, 2015, to its current enrollment of 75 students. Students come from towns and cities across the Pioneer Valley, including Holyoke, and as far away as New Haven, Conn. Almost half of the student body are Holyoke public-school students who attend LightHouse full-time through a public-private partnership, a model for innovation for school districts everywhere.

 

Food Bank Honored with Lauren Arms Ledwith Award

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that the Lauren Arms Ledwith Award for 2023 has been awarded to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and its outstanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach team. The Food Bank was awarded this honor at the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA) annual meeting with more than 100 local SNAP community-outreach partners. The award was presented to Christina Maxwell, Beth Ziemba, Megan Schuck, Stephanie Gibbs, and Luis Perez Jr. for continuously demonstrating a commitment to creating a better tomorrow for their communities by helping to eliminate hunger. At the meeting, acting DTA Commissioner Mary Sheehan recognized the outstanding work done during the past year to connect residents with SNAP. Currently, almost 656,000 households receive SNAP benefits, a 45% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been a pioneer in the community by providing food to individuals and families located in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. It has addressed food insecurity by meeting people where they are, conducting outreach at food pantries, meal sites, shelters, colleges, senior centers, correctional facilities, libraries, and veteran-serving agencies.

 

 

Cedar Chest Partners with Grow Food Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — For the second year in a row, Cedar Chest, the anchor store in Thornes Marketplace on Main Street in downtown Northampton, will partner with food-justice organization Grow Food Northampton to ensure that community members grappling with food insecurity and hunger are able to access healthy, local farm foods all year long at Grow Food Northampton’s farmers markets, Tuesday Market, and Winter market. The Grow Food Northampton SNAP Match program allows community members who use SNAP (formerly called food stamps) to more than double their purchase of nutritious local produce and other farm products at the weekly Tuesday Market farmers market behind Thornes Marketplace, and in the winter at the Winter Market at the Northampton Senior Center. The ‘give $10, get $10’ promotion allows Cedar Chest customers to donate $10 to Grow Food Northampton’s SNAP Match program and, in turn, receive a $10 gift card to spend at Cedar Chest.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Thornes Shops Cedar Chest, Stay Golden Change Hands

NORTHAMPTON — Two longtime downtown businesspeople, Lauren Gunther and Alex Feinstein, have together purchased two stores in Thornes Marketplace: Cedar Chest, which is in its 75th year, and Stay Golden, a new business on the first floor. Gunther, previously the merchandise manager for both businesses, and Feinstein, the former owner of GoBerry in Northampton and Amherst, purchased the stores in mid-April from Rich Madowitz, who is also a co-owner of Thornes. Gunther and Feinstein are both natives of Hampshire County. Feinstein closed his Amherst shop early in the pandemic, and the GoBerry in Northampton closed in January 2022. He has been doing pandemic-related financial consulting in the region and had been actively looking for his next challenge when Madowitz connected the two new co-owners late last year because he thought their skillsets were a great fit for joint ownership. Gunther has been with Cedar Chest for 13 years. Feinstein came into the mix in early December 2022 in a consultant role. Cedar Chest, an eclectic gift store, carries everything from home décor to stationery, loungewear, bath and body products, and holiday items. Its new sister store, Stay Golden, which opened in October 2022, offers primarily casual and business clothing for women along with jewelry and other accessories. About 30 associates work at the shops, with a half-dozen dedicated to Stay Golden. Gunther and Feinstein said they do not have plans to make changes to merchandise in the stores, but they will be looking at creating efficiencies that will allow them to make their staff team stronger.

 

Florence Bank Awards $150,000 in Customers’ Choice Grants

FLORENCE — In its 21st year, Florence Bank’s Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program awarded $150,000 to 46 area nonprofits in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary. Thirteen organizations received $5,000 grants: Dakin Humane Society, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Amherst Survival Center, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Northampton Survival Center, Goshen Firefighter’s Assoc. Inc., Cancer Connection, Manna Soup Kitchen, It Takes a Village, Friends of Forbes Library, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, and Friends of Lilly Library. These 23 organizations also received an award: Williamsburg Firefighter Assoc., $4,701; Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition Inc., $4,652; Easthampton Community Center, $4,309; Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, $4,064; Northampton Neighbors, $4,064; Springfield Shriners Hospitals for Children, $3,917; Grow Food Northampton Inc., $3,819; Amherst Neighbors, $3,721; Smith Vocational High School PTO, $3,721; Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, $3,624; Performing Arts Charter School, $3,575; Therapeutic Equestrian Center, $3,575; Kestrel Land Trust, $3,427; Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, $3,330; Northampton Community Music Center, $3,232; Safe Passage, $3,134; Empty Arms Bereavement Support, $2,987; New Hingham Elementary School PTO, $2,987; R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, $2,889; Whole Children, $2,693; Belchertown K-9, $2,595; Northampton Football League, $2,545; and Tapestry, $2,448.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2022, roughly 7,000 votes were cast, making 36 nonprofits eligible for a grant; the other 10 funded organizations were invited to attend the event and were surprised with their $500 award. They are: the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Gray House, Holyoke Community College Foundation, Mental Health Assoc. Inc., Springfield Rescue Mission, the Parish Cupboard, and Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. Over the past 21 years, Florence Bank has donated a total of $1.5 million to 165 organizations.

 

Delaney’s Market Store Opens in South Hadley

SOUTH HADLEY — The fourth Delaney’s Market store, located at 459 Granby Road, South Hadley, opened with a ribbon-cutting celebration on May 25. Delaney’s Market is a retail store that features chef-inspired, ready-made meals that are fresh and ready to serve with no real effort. Delaney’s Market strives to assist the busy individual or family that wants to eat a quality lunch or dinner at their home or office without the hassle of long prep times or high costs. The South Hadley location is unique because it is the new home of Delaney Market’s production kitchen. The first Delaney’s Market store, located at the Longmeadow Shops in Longmeadow, has been open since 2016. The Wilbraham and Westfield locations have been open since 2019.

 

Keiter Corp. Spins Off Site-work Division into Wholly Owned Subsidiary

FLORENCE — Keiter Corp. has formally spun off its excavation and site-work division, Hatfield Construction Inc., into a wholly owned subsidiary in a move that President Scott Keiter said poises the new organization for growth. Historically, the division served only Keiter clients, but it will now scale up to serve many other clients in the industry. Key leaders in the firm will be Bill Moynihan, director of Operations, in charge of project management and field operations; and Dylan Courtney, director of Pre-construction, who will oversee project development, estimating, and sales. Hatfield Construction offers services including trucking and hauling, excavation, demolition, sewer and water, septic systems, land clearing, stormwater systems and trenching for underground utilities. Keiter said the business also works closely with solar companies, assisting them with trenching and ground-mount systems. Hatfield Construction has approximately 20 employees in roles ranging from equipment operator and laborer to site foreman and management.

 

HCC Lands $1.28M Grant to Create Free Program

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has landed a $1.28 million grant to launch a new, free certificate and internship program intended to help address a shortage of workers in the human-services industry. The grant, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services, will cover the full cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies for students who want to earn a certificate in human services coupled with a paid internship at one of four local social-service agencies. Partnering with HCC on the grant are Gándara Center, ServiceNet, Mental Health Assoc., and Jewish Family Services. The two-semester Social Service Internship Program will begin in the 2023-24 academic year, with up to 30 students starting this fall and another 30 next spring. Recruiting for those two classes is now underway. The human-services industry presents a wide variety of career options for people who are interested in providing care to children, seniors, adolescents, the homeless, or individuals dealing with substance abuse or mental-health issues. The total savings on attendance is estimated to be $5,384 per semester for full-time students. During their second-semester internship, students will receive a stipend of $2,500, which equates to roughly $20 per hour for 10 hours per week. Additionally, the grant provides for the creation of two new full-time positions: a human-services certificate coordinator to focus on recruiting, planning, and academic support; and a social-services coordinator to coordinate the internships and help students with any non-academic issues that might interfere with their education. The 24-credit human-services certificate students earn can also be ‘stacked’ or applied toward an associate degree in human services, which could then lead to a bachelor’s degree in social work. For more information or to complete a general-interest form, visit hcc.edu/hsv-grant.

 

Yiddish Book Center Receives $100,000 Capital Grant

AMHERST — The Yiddish Book Center announced it has been awarded a capital grant in the amount of $100,000 from MassDevelopment and Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund. This grant will support the center’s crucial infrastructure project to replace its aging boilers and heating system. Founded in 1980, the Yiddish Book Center has been preserving and promoting Yiddish language and culture for more than four decades. Located on a picturesque, 10-acre apple orchard adjacent to the Hampshire College campus in Amherst, the center opened its current facility in 1997. The replacement of the original boilers, which have been in service since 1996, is essential to ensure the ongoing safety and functioning of the facility. The project will involve installing high-condensing, low-fire, energy-efficient boilers; updating piping, valves, and controls; and integrating the system with the existing geothermal HVAC controls. Additionally, the project will include the replacement of circulating pumps and pneumatic control systems with more efficient Ecocirc pumps, as well as the elimination of the compressor, reducing the need for regular service and inspections. The replacement of the boilers will significantly enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and support the center’s ongoing efforts to maintain an environmentally responsible facility. Funded annually through the governor’s capital spending plan, this round of cultural facilities grants is supported by a $10 million capital bond appropriation approved in 2022. The Healey-Driscoll administration has also proposed a $10 million appropriation in its second supplemental budget to support an additional round of the program.

 

 

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Supports RiverCulture Events

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced its sponsorship of the 2023 Summer Event Series organized by RiverCulture, the creative-economy program of the town of Montague. The series features a variety of cultural events happening in the five villages of Montague and the Turners Falls Cultural District, including live music, outdoor movies, theater, family activities, and festivals. The series aims to showcase the rich and diverse cultural offerings of the region and to foster community engagement and enjoyment. As a community bank, Greenfield Cooperative Bank is committed to supporting local arts and culture and to enhancing quality of life for its customers and neighbors. Paper copies of the calendar of events are available at local retail stores and restaurants, or can be downloaded at www.riverculture.org.

 

LightHouse Signs Agreement for Possible New Home

HOLYOKE — LightHouse Personalized Education for Teens in Holyoke announced it has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement for the historic Congregation of the Sons of Zion building at 378 Maple St. in downtown Holyoke. The agreement establishes a 120-day inspection and planning period to determine the viability of the move. LightHouse is a personalized, competency-based middle and high school now in its eighth year in its current location in the STEAM Building at 208 Race Street in Holyoke. LightHouse’s tagline is “changing what school can be.” Current renovation estimates are being drawn up and are expected to run well into the millions of dollars, so LightHouse is in the beginning stages of applying for grants and preparing for a capital campaign to fund all the work that needs to be done. LightHouse has grown strategically during its eight years, from a program serving 36 students in its first year, 2015, to its current enrollment of 75 students. Students come from towns and cities across the Pioneer Valley, including Holyoke, and as far away as New Haven, Conn. Almost half of the student body are Holyoke public-school students who attend LightHouse full-time through a public-private partnership, a model for innovation for school districts everywhere.

 

Food Bank Honored with Lauren Arms Ledwith Award

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that the Lauren Arms Ledwith Award for 2023 has been awarded to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and its outstanding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach team. The Food Bank was awarded this honor at the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA) annual meeting with more than 100 local SNAP community-outreach partners. The award was presented to Christina Maxwell, Beth Ziemba, Megan Schuck, Stephanie Gibbs, and Luis Perez Jr. for continuously demonstrating a commitment to creating a better tomorrow for their communities by helping to eliminate hunger. At the meeting, acting DTA Commissioner Mary Sheehan recognized the outstanding work done during the past year to connect residents with SNAP. Currently, almost 656,000 households receive SNAP benefits, a 45% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Since 1982, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been a pioneer in the community by providing food to individuals and families located in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. It has addressed food insecurity by meeting people where they are, conducting outreach at food pantries, meal sites, shelters, colleges, senior centers, correctional facilities, libraries, and veteran-serving agencies.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

Elms Receives $1 Million to Expand Two Programs

CHICOPEE — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal recently joined Elms College President Harry Dumay to announce a $1 million earmark to expand the education and social work programs at Elms College. The allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the U.S. Department of Education. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2023 spending bill that was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022. With this funding, Elms College will address community workforce development by expanding its education and social work programs. This expansion will include investments in the Center for Equity in Urban Education at Elms College, which was created to bolster educator talent and diversity through innovative programs that target existing and aspiring educators. Funding will also be used to invest in the master’s in social work program in an effort to address the shortage of social workers in the Greater Springfield community.

 

AIC Signs Housing Agreements to Benefit HCC, STCC Students

HOLYOKE — Representatives from American International College (AIC) and Holyoke Community College recently signed a historic agreement that will allow HCC students to live in residence halls and apartments on the AIC campus in Springfield. In addition, a new agreement between AIC and Springfield Technical Community College will allow STCC students to reside in the AIC campus residence halls and apartments. The agreements call for AIC to discount its room rates for HCC and STCC students. The housing option will be offered to all students 18 and older who are enrolled full- or part-time and in good academic standing. According to the agreements, HCC and STCC students who opt to live at AIC will have access to other amenities there as well, including health services, the college library, laundry facilities, and a gym. Dining and parking plans are also available for an additional cost. There is no age limit for students, couples can live together, and campus apartments are also a possibility.

 

WNE, BCC Sign Joint Admissions Agreement

SPRINGFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) signed an articulation agreement with Western New England University (WNE) on May 8, allowing BCC students to transfer seamlessly to WNE. The joint admissions program, which is consistent with the individual missions, policies, and regulations of each institution, seeks to strengthen the academic and student-support partnerships between BCC and WNE, facilitate student access to baccalaureate and graduate education, and provide barrier-free movement for students enrolled in an associate-degree program at BCC to the baccalaureate graduate degrees at WNE. Students will be informed about the opportunity to participate in the joint admissions program at the time they are applying to BCC. Students who satisfy the requirements of the joint admissions program are eligible for guaranteed acceptance to WNE, provided they complete an approved associate-degree program at BCC and meet the requirements of the joint admissions program and major-specific requirements; guarantee of junior status at WNE upon matriculation with an associate degree; and guarantee of 60 transfer credits, with some stipulations.

 

Chris Marion Celebrates Grand Opening of Studio

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield native Chris Marion celebrated the grand opening of his new Chris Marion Photography studio, located at 270 Albany St. in Springfield, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18. The ceremony included brief remarks, with appearances by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, City Council President Jesse Lederman, and other local dignitaries. Marion said he chose the 1,000-square-foot space to be a part of the surging Gasoline Alley section of the city and its proximity to downtown Springfield. He has also recently hosted photography workshops in the new studio.

 

UMassFive Donates Items to Local Survival Centers

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced the success of its personal-care-items drive, which was held during March in its Hadley, Northampton, and Springfield branches. The drive collected more than 365 pounds of personal-care items, which were donated to three local organizations: Amherst Survival Center, Northampton Survival Center, and the Gray House in Springfield. UMassFive is committed to supporting the communities it serves, and this drive was just one example of its ongoing efforts to give back. Members and staff at all three branches enthusiastically participated in the drive, donating a wide variety of items, such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, menstrual products, diapers, and more.

 

Local Farm Awards Distribute $225,000 for Projects in 2023

AGAWAM — The Local Farmer Awards distributed grants totaling $225,000 to 97 farms in Western Mass. this year, a 30% increase over the number of 2022 recipients. These grants of up to $2,500 empower farmers to purchase essential equipment for planting, growing, harvesting, and processing. All projects include a funding commitment by the farm as well. The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Big Y and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, along with 12 other funders, provide financial support for these Local Farmer Awards. Other community sponsors include Ann and Steve Davis, Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour, Audrey and Chick Taylor, PeoplesBank, the DeNucci Group at Merrill Lynch, Farm Credit East, HP Hood, Eastern States Exposition, Baystate Health, Country Bank, Franklin First Federal Credit Union, and bankESB. This year the Local Farmer Awards received a record 182 applications. Roughly two-thirds of this year’s awards went to farms in Hampshire and Franklin counties, with the remainder split between Hampden and Berkshire counties, and a few awards going to farms just across the Massachusetts border that participate in Massachusetts farming programs. About 25% of the recipients were new farmers (five or fewer years in business), and another 34% have been in business more than 20 years, many being multi-generational farms. The largest number of winners focus on vegetables and meat, while others include maple, fruit, dairy, and flower farms.

 

WSU, HCC Announce Nursing-degree Partnership

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Westfield State University (WSU) will announce a new pathway for individuals to earn both an associate and a baccalaureate degree in nursing simultaneously or in a streamlined manner by combining the curricula of both programs. The concurrent program is the first in the Commonwealth. Beginning one’s professional life as an RN with all the demands on new nurses in a post-COVID era can make it challenging to go back to school and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This program provides an opportunity for students to earn both their ASN and BSN credentials simultaneously before entering the workforce. The ADN-to-BSN pathway creates efficiency for students as it incorporates a joint admission process, thereby eliminating the need for students to submit a separate application for admission to the university. By facilitating the attainment of a BSN, this pathway helps to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry. The concurrent nursing program will help address the nursing shortage by increasing the number of students who can get into a bachelor of nursing program and allow them to earn their degree faster.

 

MassHire Franklin Hampshire Announces New Location

GREENFIELD — MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center and Workforce Board, the leading workforce-development agencies providing employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Franklin and Hampshire counties and the North Quabbin area, are moving to a new location in Greenfield. Doors will open to customers at the new location at the Greenfield Corporate Center, 101 Monson St., Suite 210, on Thursday, June 1. The new MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center features 13,000 square feet of modern space with state-of-the-art resources to provide in-person, virtual, and hybrid services and allows MassHire Franklin Hampshire to provide even better service to more customers. Partner agencies with a staff presence at the Career Center include the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Literacy Project, the Center for New Americans, International Language Institute of Massachusetts, Westover Job Corps, Greenfield Community College, the Senior Community Service Employment Program, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and Community Action Pioneer Valley. Core partner Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission already has office space at the Greenfield Corporate Center.