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Fresh Outlook

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker was the keynote speaker at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s annual Outlook luncheon on Feb. 27 at the MassMutual Center. He hit on many points during his address to the more than 800 business and civic leaders gathered, including a need to close the skills gap impacting the state’s employers and the appointment of a task force to address the state’s opioid-addition crisis.

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Driving for the Cure

For six years, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $480,000 to support Dr. Patrick Wen (left) and his team of researchers in the Neuro-Oncology Department at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This year, the four-player scramble held at Crestview Country Club included 144 golfers and 175 banquet guests, raising $76,300. The annual tournament was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi (right and center) in memory of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who succumbed to a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2009.

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Transforming Cancer Care

Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Westfield Bank and the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to Transforming Cancer Care, the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, located at the hospital. From left, Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System; and James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, check on the progress of the $15 million project to expand the cancer center.





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Thirty Years and Still Growing

TSM Design, a brand-development, marketing, and design firm located in the historic Stearns Building in downtown Springfield, recently celebrated 30 years in business. Owner Nancy Urbschat has been with the agency for all but three months of the 30 years, and 2015 also marks the anniversary of her purchase of TSM Design 10 years ago. Urbschat said 2014 was a banner year for the company, with the opening of a second office in the historic G. Fox building in downtown Hartford and a host of new clients, including the city of Hartford, the Insurance Center of New England, White Lion, and Fathers & Sons. “I know it’s early in the year, but I think 2015 will be even stronger,” she added. Top: Urbschat, right, with Janet Bennett, marketing director, and Brittany Arita, designer, of TSM Design. Middle: Janet and Mark Bennett. (Photos by Chris Marion)

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Hoophall Honors

From left, Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, sport management major Emily Vance, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President and CEO John Doleva, and sport management major Eric Pouliot take part in the 2015 Hoophall Classic Leadership Award ceremony on Jan. 19 at Blake Arena on the college campus.  Both Vance and Pouliot were named the 2015 Hoophall Classic Leadership Award recipients, an honor that recognizes both a male and female junior majoring in sport management who has demonstrated a combination of service to Springfield College and the Hoophall Classic, and who has maintained a successful grade point average.

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PV Financial Group teamed up with Hasbro to provide the children of Parkside Early Learning Center, a division of Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, a holiday to remember. The Advising team delivered toys to Parkside’s three classrooms of children ages 3 to 5, including 27 girls and 21 boys. PV Financial Group has been working with the organization for more than a decade. Pictured, from left, are Chuck Myers, Peter Leonczyk, Lou Curto, Carole Bolduc, Ed Sokolowski, and Joe Leonczyk of PV Financial Group with the children from Parkside Early Learning Center.

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Recently, a group of 11 students from the Student Assoc. for Entrepreneurship at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany visited Springfield-based Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) for some tips on digital marketing for startups.  The students were on an innovation tour of the Northeast which GCAi helped facilitate, which included several stops in New York City and Boston as well as the VentureWell in Amherst and GCAi in Springfield. Attorney Scott Foster, founder of Valley Venture Mentors, also presented to the group, describing his organization’s support of both startups and innovation. John Garvey, president of GCAi, later hosted the group for dinner at the Munich Haus in Chicopee. Pictured with the students are, from left, Mary Fallon, media director at GCAi; Jamie Duncan, accounts analyst at GCAi; and Garvey.

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Holiday Party

Christmas-PresentsChristmasBookPartyThe annual children’s party held by WTCC 90.7 FM, the community radio station at Springfield Technical Community College, provides gifts (including books donated by Barnes & Noble), games, and a visit with Santa Claus for area children in need. Held on Dec. 20, the party also featured a visit by STCC Professor F. Davis Johnson, a member of the WTCC board of directors, who donated copies of the children’s book he wrote.














Meeting of the Minds

FamilPorttraitSpringfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper recently hosted a holiday gathering at her residence on campus for the presidents of the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield (CCGS). Pictured, from left, are Springfield Technical Community College President Ira Rubenzahl, Cooper, Holyoke Community College President William Messner, Elms College President Sr. Mary Reap, Westfield State University Interim President Elizabeth Preston, Bay Path University President Carol Leary, and American International College President Vincent Maniaci. Due to a prior commitment, Western New England University President Anthony Caprio was unable to attend. The CCGS, formed in 1971 by the presidents of its eight member institutions, is an educational consortium that fosters the sharing of programs, talents, and facilities in an effort to bring to the Greater Springfield area the educational resources of a university while retaining the initiative and vitality of independent institutions.

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Celebrating the Fort

121-TheFort173-TheFort193-TheFort232-TheFort277-TheFortOn Dec. 3, the new ownership team at the Fort restaurant and the Student Prince staged an elaborate open house at the Springfield landmark. The event drew hundreds of long-time customers, supporters of the new ownership team, regional elected officials, business leaders, and the governor-elect, Charlie Baker. Top to bottom: principal owners Peter Picknelly, left, and Andy Yee; the scene outside as onlookers take in some speeches and then a unique ribbon cutting featuring link sausage; Baker addresses those gathered for the ceremony; the scene inside the renovated restaurant; Baker and Yee share a moment in front of the landmark.

Service Above Self

Rotary2Rotary1The Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield recently honored York Mayo, Bob Perry, and Bob Delaney at the fifth annual Service Above Self luncheon. Mayo is a long-time community volunteer and CEO and president of the Roger L. Putnam Technical Fund, as well as serving on the advisory board of ROCA and several other boards, and co-founding the Springfield Unity Festival. Perry has served with the Exchange Club, the Greater Springfield YMCA, the Western Mass. Lacrosse Officials Assoc., the Roger L. Putnam Technical Fund, the Children’s Chorus of Springfield, and Ronald McDonald House, and is currently the board president of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. Mayo and Perry co-founded, with Dr. Mark Jackson, the Millbrook Scholars program, which provides housing, tutoring, and life-skills mentoring to graduating seniors from Springfield high schools. National honoree Delaney is an NBA referee and crew chief, consultant, public speaker, and founder of two basketball-officiating academies. He has a background in lawenforcement and has worked with the New Jersey State Police. Pictured at top: Hall of Fame President John Doleva, Rotary Club President Rick Lee, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Perry, Mayo, Delaney, and Colvest Group CEO Frank Colaccino. At bottom: Delaney; Perry; Millbrook Scholars Stephen Ramos, Nick Perez, and Derick Lopes; and Mayo.

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Meet the Leaders

VW5L3708VW5L3635useVW5L3693VW5L3654VW5L3702The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield held its annual Government Reception on Nov. 19 in the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield. Sponsored by Baystate Health and Comcast, the reception provided business and community leaders with the opportunity to meet socially with local, state, and federal officials. From top to bottom: state Sen. Don Humason, state Rep. Aaron Vega, and Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mary Kay Wydra; PVTA Chief Financial Officer Patricia O’Leary, Agawam Town Clerk Richard Theroux, and PVTA Administrator Mary MacInnes; Springfield Technical Community College President Ira Rubenzahl and Mike Knapik, executive director of Advancement at Westfield State University; Mayors Ed Sullivan of West Springfield, Domenic Sarno of Springfield, Richard Cohen of Agawam, and Richard Kos of Chicopee; Davis Foundation Project Director Sally Fuller, Western Mass. Economic Development Council President Allan Blair, and Square One President Joan Kagan.

(Photos by Driscoll Photography)


Legislative Symposium

DaleJohnstonEileenDrummRobertDeLeoRichardNealKathyAndersonKatePhelonTonyCignoliThe Greater Westfield, Greater Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce recently staged the CheckPoint 2014 Legislative Symposium at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. A number of elected officials attended, ranging from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal to Bob DeLeo, speaker of the state House of Representatives, to the entire House and Senate delegation from the chambers’ communities. Seen here, from left, are Dale Johnston, executive director of the South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce; Eileen Drumm, president of the Greater Chicopee Chamber; DeLeo; Carlos Gonzalez, president and CEO of the Mass. Latino Chamber of Commerce; Neal; Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber; Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber; and Tony Cignoli, a political consultant who moderated the event.


Farmington Bank Reception

2014MA-EventMore than 200 area business leaders were on hand Nov. 13 as Farmington Bank, which recently entered the Western Mass. market with branches in East Longmeadow and West Springfield, staged an elaborate reception at the Springfield Sheraton. During the reception, John Patrick, the bank’s chairman, president, and CEO, announced the bank’s donation of $2,500 to Open Pantry Community Service in Springfield. Seen here is the bank’s Massachusetts team, from left: Patrick; Joe Kulig, vice president, Commercial Lending; Catherine Turowsky, vice president, Cash Management Services; Joe Young, vice president, Commercial Lending; Candace Pereira, assistant vice president, commercial loan officer; and Mike Moriarty, senior vice president, Commercial Lending.

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Entrepreneurship Conference

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The 10th annual Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Entrepreneurship Conference was staged Nov. 7 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. More than 650 people representing 14 area colleges and more than 55 local businesses and organizations took in a full day of programming, including hands-on workshops, entrepreneur exhibits, a Shark Tank competition, and keynote speaker Parker Holcomb, founder of All College Storage Inc. and Research Habits Digital. Organized by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, the Entrepreneurship Conference is held annually to inspire, motivate, and support college students to turn their ideas into small businesses. Students began the day collaborating on teams representing several colleges and universities for the “Change-It-Up” competition. They identified contemporary problems they see emerging on their campuses and aimed to create solutions based on rapidly changing technology and the expectations of students. From top to bottom: Audra Quintin (a Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award alumna) and Blake Bryan, co-founders of East Coast Taps; Greg Lewis of Nudger presents the story of building his business as part of the Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award panel; a student presents her business concept to the Shark Tank judges; Patrick Burr, principal with Feat Socks and Promo Lacrosse, and a Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner, was one of 32 exhibitors at the conference.

March of Dimes Awards

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The annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction was held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on Oct. 23. The event featured the presentation of several awards to people who have served the organization in various ways. At left, Dr. Glenn Markenson of Baystate Medical Center, left, receives the March of Dimes Citizen of the year Award from Western Mass. March of Dimes Board Chairman Ken Albano, an attorney with Bacon Wilson, P.C. Above, Nancy Mirkin, a vice president and commercial loan officer with Florence Savings Bank, receives the March of Dimes Charitable Leadership Award from Albano.

Halloween Costume Walk

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The Chicopee Pumpkin Patch Party & Halloween Costume Walk was staged on Oct. 28. The well-attended event featured something for people of all ages. Here, from left, are Mauren Buxton, city Treasurer Marie Laflamme, Chief executive officer of Sunshine Village Gina Golash Kos, and Carol Campbell, President of Chicopee Industrial Contractors.

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Celebrating a Century of Caring

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It has been 100 years since the Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice was founded in 1914 as a baby-feeding association to help immigrant mothers care for their newborns. Since that time, the BVNAH has adapted to the times and the needs of the community, including being one of the first in the nation to adopt hospice care in 1988. On Oct. 23, Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice celebrated 100 years of caring for the community with a special celebration at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Wood, whose late wife Merrie received care from the BVNAH hospice service, served as chair of the 100th-anniversary celebration, and spoke at the program along with Maura McQueeney, president of the Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice and post-acute executive for Baystate Health, and Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health. Top, Keroack addresses the audience; middle, Keroack and his wife, Ann Errichetti, and Lyman Wood and his wife, Leslie; at Bottom, VNA staff members.

Cutting the Cable

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On Oct. 24, technology-solutions provider VertitechIT staged a ‘cable cutting,’ a slight twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting, to mark the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters in Holyoke’s Open Square complex. Pictured, from left: John Aubin, Open Square architect; Greg Pellerin, VertitechIT principal; Michael Feld, VertitechIT CEO; Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse; Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce; and State Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, holding his 11-month-old son Odin.

HRU Awards

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Human Resources Unlimited staged its annual recognition and fund-raising event on Oct. 23 at Springfield Country Club. From top to bottom: Carol Tourangeau and Edward Sokolowski, right, financial advisor with Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC, the event’s table sponsor, present Timm Marini of FieldEddy Insurance with HRU’s 2014 Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year Award; from left, Sokolowski, guest speaker Danielle Goodwin, operations coordinator from Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC, and Donald Kozera, president of Human Resources Unlimited; HRU’s 2014 Rookie Employer of the Year Award winner Dave Zononi, left, managing director of Total Cleaning Plus, with Dan Flynn, senior vice president and market manager with People’s United Bank, the event’s silver sponsor; Marc Criscitelli, left, vice president of Employee Benefits for FieldEddy Insurance, the event’s gold sponsor, presents HRU’s 2014 Employer of the Year Award to Christopher Crean, vice president of Safety and Security, Peter Pan Bus Lines.

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Gearing Up
FiveSomeDave’s Truck Repair recently celebrated the grand opening of its second facility at 649 Cottage St. in Springfield. Seen here, from left, are Hank Downey, senior vice president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Carol Brennan, director of Business Development for CDC New England; Ron Proulx, general manager of Dave’s Truck Repair; Dave Proulx, president of Dave’s Truck Repair; and Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank.

Welcome Back
ThreesomeFamily, friends, members of judiciary, and city officials gathered on Sept. 17 to celebrate Mary Hurley’s retirement from her position as first justice of the Chicopee District Court, and her return to the Springfield-based law firm Cooley Shrair. Hurley is seen here with Peter Shrair, Esq., left, and David Shrair, Esq.

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Humanics in Action

Group1WOmanHammerApproximately 2,000 Springfield College students, faculty, staff, and alumni took part in the 17th annual Humanics in Action Day on Sept. 23, a day of community service throughout the city of Springfield. More than 100 projects were fulfilled by college work groups, who performed services for schools, churches, senior-citizen facilities, child-care centers, community organizations, city agencies, and neighborhoods. There were educational projects for school children, including students reading to youngsters at the Brookings School. The majority of the volunteers participated in many indoor and outdoor painting projects, clean-up/fix-up projects, landscaping, and a host of other indoor and outdoor services. The day started with Springfield College student trustee Moriah Billups leading the opening ceremonies at Blake Track, which included welcome addresses from both Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. Old Hill Neighborhood Council President Barbara Gresham and Upper Hill Neighborhood Council Vice President Bobby Hartsfield also greeted students.
Humanics in Action Day highlights the commitment by Springfield College to year-round community-based service programs. Springfield College students contribute more than 150,000 hours of service annually to schools, neighborhood organizations, and city programs.

Cutting the Ribbon

RibbonCuttingDuvalMore than 200 area business leaders, UMass administrators, and elected officials gathered at the recently opened UMass Center at Springfield for the facility’s official ribbon cutting. Top, dignitaries led by Gov. Deval Patrick (center) UMass President Robert Caret (third from right), and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (second from right) handle the honors. At bottom, Patrick with William Davila, director of operations for the center.

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Taking Flight

WingCavagnaroBadgeWingtrusteewingbuildingLeaders from Baystate Health and Baystate Wing Hospital joined elected officials and members of the Palmer community recently to celebrate Wing’s official entry into the Baystate Health community. Top: Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, helps Dr. Charles Cavagnaro III, president of Baystate’s Eastern Region, put on his official Baystate Health badge. Middle: Katherine Coolidge, chair of the Baystate Wing board of trustees, left, talks with Dr. Grace Makari-Judson, chair of the Baystate Health Breast Network, during the ceremony. Baystate Wing Hospital is the third community hospital to join Baystate Health following Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield in 1986 and Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware in 1991.

Taking Flight

Class-Photo-2015Leaders from Baystate Health and Baystate Wing Hospital joined elected officials and members of the Palmer community recently to celebrate Wing’s official entry into the Baystate Health community (see item, page 66). Above: Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, helps Dr. Charles Cavagnaro III, president of Baystate’s Eastern Region, put on his official Baystate Health badge. Top left: Katherine Coolidge, chair of the Baystate Wing board of trustees, left, talks with Dr. Grace Makari-Judson, chair of the Baystate Health Breast Network, during the ceremony. Baystate Wing Hospital is the third community hospital to join Baystate Health following Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield in 1986 and Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware in 1991.

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Cold Cash

Cold2Cold1Cold3The leaders of Berkshire Bank and Hampden Bank recently challenged their employees to take part in the popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which has raised well over $100 million in just a few weeks. Above, the Berkshire Bank Foundation donated $50 for each of the first 50 employees who took part in the challenge and shared their videos on Facebook. More than 50 bank employees completed the challenge within the first three days, and the foundation will make a $2,500 contribution to the ALS Assoc., which provides care services to assist people with ALS and their families through a network of chapters working in communities across the nation, while maintaining a global research program focused on the discovery of treatments and eventually a cure for the disease. Meanwhile, Hampden Bank President Glenn Welch challenged his employees (bottom) to take the challenge and matched the $1,000 donation made by the employee dress-down fund, for a total of $2,000. “I think it’s really great that we were able to do this and get other companies involved to support such a great cause. We at Hampden Bank are always looking for ways to give back,” Welch said.

Block Party

Block2Block1On Aug. 21, Springfield College partnered with the Old Hill and Upper Hill Neighborhood Councils, HAPHousing, and the Partnership for the Renewal of Old Hill in hosting the 11th annual Block Party on the Hill. The event featured live music and free barbeque, along with information about housing, health, education, and community services. Children also enjoyed a bounce house and face painting. Pictured at top, from left, are Block Party Planning Committee members Mattie Lacewell,  Kathy Smith, Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, Sarah Page, Adrienne Osborne, Jill Russell, and Ethel Griffin.

Fore! … a Good Cause

PicThis3The 34th annual Brightside Golf Classic drew 180 golfers to Springfield Country Club in West Springfield and Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. The event raised just over $108,500 to support Brightside for Families and Children in Holyoke, which provides in-home counseling and support to children and their families throughout Western Mass. Pictured, first row, from left: Brightside’s Maria Zygmont; Brightside Golf Classic co-chairs John Kendzierski, Steve Lowell, and William Wagner; and Brightside’s Mark Paglia. Second row, from left: Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development, SPHS; Martin Caine; Jeslyn Carr; Brightside Golf Classic co-chair Paul Fritz; Benjamin Coyle; Jay Babcock; and Daniel Moen, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System.

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All That Jazz

An estimated 5,500 people turned out for the inaugural Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival on Aug. 9, an event intended to promote an arts-driven, community-oriented, and sustainable revitalization of the city. The free, outdoor festival, held in Court Square in downtown Springfield, featured locally and internationally acclaimed musical artists and a variety of ethnic cuisines and local food producers. From top: Festival Producer Kristin Neville with Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin; from left, Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, jazz saxophonist and Springfield native Phil Woods, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who presented Woods with the key to the city; Charles Neville plays with his daughter, Charmaine Neville (left), and singer/songwriter/saxophonist Grace Kelly; some of the crowd gathered at Court Square. (Photos by Ed Cohen)

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Primary Concerns

NobleRibbonCuttingNoble Hospital in Westfield recently held an open house to officially launch its new Noble Primary Care office at 57 Union St., a practice that hospital President Ronald Bryant says is a response to a shortage of primary-care services for residents of Westfield and the hill towns. Noble Primary Care is staffed by seven primary-care physicians known as Noble Medical Group. Taking part in the ribbon cutting were, back row, left to right, Dr. Stan Strzempko, vice president of Medical Affairs; Allison Gearing-Kalill, vice president of Community Development; state Sen. Don Humason; Judge John Greaney, trustee; Roger Butler, trustee; state Rep. John Velis; and front row, left to right, Kate Phelon, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce; Joe Mitchell, Westfield city advancement officer; Dr. Frederick Torio; Dr. Rulour Torio; Dr. Ann Cooper; Dr. Aleksandr Pugach; and Bryant.

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Tolosky Center Unveiled
BaystateBuildingBaystateToloskyTo honor the leadership and achievements of President and CEO Mark Tolosky over his 22-year career, the Baystate Health board of trustees recently announced the naming of the Tolosky Center at 3300 Main St. in Springfield. The Tolosky Center, a regional destination for outpatient healthcare services, opened in 1998 and ignited the redevelopment of an underused former industrial area in Springfield’s North End. The area today comprises more than $200 million of Baystate Health investment and more than 455,000 square feet of space, including the Tolosky Center, the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care, the Baystate Children’s Specialty Center, the Baystate Breast and Wellness Center, and the Baystate Orthopedic Surgery Center, among other Baystate-owned and -occupied properties. Tolosky is transitioning out of his position as president and CEO on July 1, moving into a president emeritus role. He served Baystate Health and the community for 22 years, beginning in 1992 as executive vice president of Baystate Health and CEO of Baystate Medical Center. Above, Tolosky and his wife, Noreen DiPerri Tolosky, who is also a registered nurse, pose near the plaque placed in the lobby.






Afternoon at the Museum
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As part of its sponsorship of DeBerry Elementary School in Springfield in conjunction with Link to Libraries, BusinessWest arranged a field trip to the Springfield Museums on June 12 for a group of fourth-graders. The itinerary included the Mystery of the Missing Dinosaurs planetarium show, visits to the various museums, and lunch in the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Here, students pose at the Horton statue.

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Woman of the Year
DSC_9870USEUnknown-1Unknown-2The Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts honored Carol Fusia Campbell, president of Chicopee Industrial Contractors, with its Woman of the Year award in ceremonies on June 3 at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. Left to right from top, Campbell is presented with a key to the city by Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos. Campbell is presented with a citation from Kathy Tobin, president of Friends of the Homless. Campbell poses with, from left, Michelle Depelteau of Sunshine Village, Nancy Mirkin of Florence Savings Bank, and Gina Golash Kos, executive director of Sunshine Village.
Photos by Denise Smith





Fruit of the Vine
PicThisVineyardBlack Birch Vineyard co-owner Ed Hamel (right) recently gave a tour to members of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. The visit to the vineyard in Southampton was part of an Arrive@5 event, where members come together and network at a place of business. Hamel and three other owners opened the vineyard in 2012, making and bottling wine there, as well as sponsoring wine tastings, concerts, and other events.

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Groundbreaking Care
Caritas-GroundMercy Medical Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center. Pictured from left are Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Mercy surgeon Dr. Mohamed Hamdani; Daniel Moen, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS); Sr. Mary Caritas, Sisters of Providence; Dr. Philip Glynn, Mercy’s director of Medical Oncology; Dr. Catherine Carton, Mercy’s medical director of Radiation Oncology; Kate Kane, chair of the SPHS board of trustees; and Sr. Kathleen Popko, president of the Sisters of Providence.

Banking on the Future
Hadley-groundbreaking-1Florence Savings Bank (FSB) recently broke ground on its new Hadley branch. Pictured from left are Amy Lewis, HAI Architects; Jonathan Wright, president of Wright Builders; Rick Katsanos, president of HAI Architects; John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of FSB; Robert Borawski, chairman of FSB; Toby Daniels, vice president and marketing director of FSB; Sharon Rogalski, senior vice president and senior retail executive at FSB; and Karen Soucie, HAI Architects.


Common Threads
Photo-May-14More than 125 people turned out at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House on May 14 for “Common Threads: an Evening of Empowerment” to benefit the Dress for Success program. The event celebrated the progress made in re-entering the workforce by women from the Western Mass. Correctional Alcohol Center, also known as Howard Street, who have greatly benefited from the Dress from Success program. Honored that evening was Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe, whose office operates Howard Street, and who has been a long-time supporter of Dress for Success. Pictured from left are Kathy Tobin, director of Friends for the Homeless; Kate Kane, managing director of the Springfield office of Northwestern Mutual and president of the Western Mass. affiliate of Dress for Success; Sally Ruelli, Dress for Success Boutique director; and Ashe.


Getting Ripped
Energia-RibbonENERGIA Fitness in Hadley recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new ownership. New owner Justin Killeen, third from right, joined Katie Lipsmeyer, ENERGIA manager, fourth from right; Don Courtemanche, director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, second from right; and ENERGIA employees at the celebration. Visit www.energiastudios.com for information on the center’s various classes and programs.

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A Few Good Men

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The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts raised more than $15,000 through its “100 Good Men – Bourbon, Cigars, & Stella” event on May 1 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Top Left: Bill Trudeau of the Insurance Center of New England, an honorary host, with his wife, Tammy Trudeau. Top Right: Paul Doherty of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, an honorary host, and his wife, Dianne Doherty, founder of the Women’s Fund. Above: The event’s honorary hosts, from left, Jeff Fialky, Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Trudeau; Doherty; Anthony Cignoli, A.L. Cignoli Group; Jeremy Casey, Westfield Bank; Michael Vann, the Vann Group; state Rep. Aaron Vega; and William Wagner, Chicopee Savings Bank. Left: Michelle Theroux, incoming president of the board of directors of the Women’s Fund, and Vann. Below: The corporate committee that put together the event, from left, Julie Kumble, interim CEO of the Women’s Fund; Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor; MaryLynn Murray, Insurance Center of New England; Carol Campbell, Chicopee Industrial Contractors; Hannah Butler, Lenox Saw; Michelle Depelteau, Sunshine Village;
Erica Pellegrino, Lenox Saw; and
Allison Garriss, Clinical Support Options.

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Their Your Story

RC1_1748IMG_0911RC4_1991-(1)IMG_1268IMG_1325‘Own Your Story’ was the theme of the 19th annual Women’s Leadership Conference staged by Bay Path College on April 25 at the MassMutual Center. More than 2,000 attendees were treated to several keynote addresses and a wide range of informative breakout sessions. From top: afternoon keynote speaker Barbara Walters, long-time television news journalist, talks about her career and pending retirement; attendees visit booths in the main lobby before the conference begins; Walters poses with several Bay Path students after her speech; morning keynoter Lara Setrakian, founder and executive editor of News Deeply, chats with George Keady III, chair of the Bay Path board of trustees and senior vice president of UBS Financial Services Inc.; luncheon keynoter Bruce Feller, a New York Times columnist and author, addresses the audience.

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Healthy Contribution

ESB-and-HCCEasthampton Savings Bank recently made a  $10,000 contribution to the Holyoke Community College Foundation for the Center for Health Education. When it opens, the facility will be equipped with sophisticated patient simulators, ranging from maternity and newborn to pediatric and geriatric, in support of nursing education. HCC will also use the classrooms in the center for outreach programs that will provide free and low-cost health-education programs for residents of Holyoke, Easthampton, and surrounding communities. Pictured, from left, are William Messner, president of Holyoke Community College; Joanna Brown, director of Alumni Relations;  and Matt Sosik, president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank.

A Living Treasure

LangonePhotoNoted Springfield-area photographer James Langone, left, was honored with the annual Dorothy Jordan Pryor Award on April 2 at Springfield Technical Community College. He’s seen here with Prior and STCC President Ira Rubenzahl. The award is presented to “living treasures” in the community, such as Pryor, who was named professor emerita of STCC, taught in the college’s English department for many years, and later served as STCC’s first affirmative-action officer. Following her retirement, she was appointed by the governor to two five-year terms on the STCC board of trustees, which elected her vice chairman. Over a five-decade photographic career, Langone has chronicled area colleges, business and industry, famous individuals, and major events. He is a well-known commercial photographer, working for advertising agencies representing national and international organizations. His iconic image of the Springfield riverfront and Memorial Bridge hangs in many local offices.

Business Book Link Sponsor

LinkToLibrariesSpringfield-based Rick’s Auto Body recently became the newest Link to Libraries Business Book Link sponsor with its support and contribution of more than 300 new books each year to the Baystate Academy Charter School on Franklin Street in Springfield. Seen here are, from left, Tim Sneed, Baystate Charter School CEO; Link to Libraries Project Director Dr. Susan Landry; and Mari Tarpinian, representing Rick’s Auto Body, with a group of sixth-grade students.

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Fueling Momentum

DSCN0365DSCN0356DSCN0448DSCN0329F.L. Roberts and Co. hosted its second annual Managers Meeting and Awards Dinner on March 14 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The fourth-generation, Springfield-based company operates gas station/convenience stores (including truck-refueling facilities and the Whately Diner), Golden Nozzle car washes, and Jiffy Lubes. Employees and business partners were treated to a football-themed evening including a pregame cocktail hour, featuring cigar rollers and a photo booth, followed by dinner, awards, and a keynote address by Joe Theismann, entrepreneur and former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Veterans were also recognized for their contributions and sacrifices. Top left: from left, Tom Hart; Peter Borucki; Edward Borucki, U.S. Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor; and Barbara Hart. Top right: Joanne Palmer, Kevin Fay, and Steve and Katy Sanchioni enjoy the pregame cocktail hour outside the Premier Ballroom at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Above: Richard Smith, center, vice president of Operations for F.L. Roberts, and other managers present the Pandolfo Company Inc. with the Business Partner of the Year 2013 award for its service and dedication to the company over the past year and early completion of the new Golden Nozzle car wash on East Columbus Avenue in Springfield. In recognition of its service, F.L. Roberts has given the company a $1,000 donation for the charity of their choice. Right: from left, Angelo Rota and his father, guest of honor Nello Rota, U.S. Army Americal Division veteran; with Richard Smith, vice president of Operations for F.L. Roberts, and his wife, Debra Smith.

Hometown Heroes

LopezLandHeroes-2014-129Hardy,-Collins,-DuffyBerubeDr.-Pyle---John-SantoroKraefft-MGMFerreroThe American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter recently honored 11 individuals at its 12th annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast. The Hero Award is given to people who have shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character when a friend, family member, or stranger faced a life-threatening situation, or who have had an extraordinary impact on his or her community. Top left: award recipients Gina Lopez (left) and Sandra Land. Top right: from left, Andrea Luppi of presenting sponsor Columbia Gas; recipients Joseph Allen, Maryann Alben, and John Weston; and Sheila Doiron of Columbia Gas. Center left: John Duffy of presenting sponsor Grainger Foundation (middle) with recipients Kevin Collins (left) and Art Hardy. Center: recipient Steven Berube with Ann Makkiya of presenting sponsor Smith & Wesson. Center right: recipient Dr. Wilson Pyle (right) with Dr. John Santoro of presenting sponsor Baystate Health. Bottom left: recipient Alan Kraefft (left) with Richard Taylor of presenting sponsor MGM Springfield. Bottom right: recipient Vincent Ferrero with Julie Vodde of presenting sponsor Health New England.

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Person of the Year
_MG_9995MG_0211Attorney Laura Santaniello Gentile, Hampden County Clerk of Courts, was recently honored by the Springfield chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American Service organization, as its first Person of the Year, replacing the previous Man of the Year designation. At left: Gentile with her husband, Thomas Gentile, and her son, Thomas Gentile Jr. Right: Gentile receives the award from Frank Stirlacci, president of the Springfield chapter of UNICO.

Big Plans for the Plaza
SpfldPlazaCharles Irving, principal of the Davenport Companies (left), and Christopher Knisley, president and partner of Albany Road Real Estate Partners (second from left), recently entered into a joint venture to purchase the 440,000-square-foot Springfield Plaza shopping center on Liberty Street for $35 million. Present for the announcement were, from left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Springfield Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy, and Springfield City Councilor Orlando Ramos. In addition to the initial outlay, Davenport (which is also the development partner of MGM Springfield) and Albany Road plan on pouring another $5 million into the property in renovations.

Celebrate Springfield
AM7J7207AM7J7258AM7J7276DevelopSpringfield hosted its 3rd annual Celebrate Springfield dinner to observe Springfield and the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year. The Partner in Progress Award was given to three individuals who, through their leadership and ability to motivate and inspire others, have supported the Rebuild Springfield Plan. From left to right: Helen Caulton-Harris, left, director of Springfield’s Department of Health & Human Services, and Armando Feliciano, chairman of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and a DevelopSpringfield board member, honor Colleen Loveless, executive director of Rebuilding Together; Feliciano and Caulton-Harris recognize Terry Powe, principal of Elias Brookings Elementary School; Suzanne Bharati Hendery, vice president of Marketing and Communications at Baystate Health, accepts the award from Caulton-Harris and Feliciano on behalf of honoree Mark Tolosky, former president and CEO of Baystate Health.

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Celebrating 100 Years

AM7J1979AM7J2257AM7J2291AM7J2091AM7J2363The Dunbar Centennial Extravaganza to celebrate Dunbar Y Family & Community Center’s 100 years of service in Springfield was held recently at Chez Josef in Agawam. Top left: Dr. Mary Anne Herron, director, Education Initiatives, Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation; Dora Robinson, executive director, United Way of Pioneer Valley; and Lucille Kennedy, owner, Solid Gold Beauty Palace. Top right: Dunbar Y Family & Community Center and Springfield YMCA staff: Lavar Click, Sports & Rec coordinator; Andrea Lee, executive director, Downtown Family Center; Nick Haenchen, associate vice president, human resources; Pam Mikaelian, senior vice president and chief financial officer; Janice Watson, Dunbar Y Family & Community Center; Nikki Durham, Springfield YMCA director, development & communication; David Farrell, program director. Center left: left to right, Rev. Talbert Swan II, Spring of Hope Church and Dunbar Y board chair; Sarah Williams, Springfield Y; Marisha Clinton and Lisa Clinton, who accepted recognition for Peggy Clinton; Janice Watson, executive director, Dunbar Y Family & Community Center; and Kristine Allard, chief operating officer, YMCA of Greater Springfield. Center right: back row, Dr. Scott Barnett; Dr. Michelle Barnett; Tamira Powe; Terry Powe, Brookings School principal, and her husband, attorney Maurice Powe; front row, Maya Powe, Maurice Powe Jr., Noah Barnett, and Nina Barnett. Bottom left: back row, Ellen Freyman, attorney, Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin; Madelyn Christiansen, physical therapist assistant; Steven Bradley, vice president, Government & Community Relations and Public Affairs, Baystate Health; John Koomson, director, Community Health Centers, Baystate Health; Dr. Andrew Balder; Gloria Williams, Teen Parent program director, YMCA of Greater Springfield; Cynthia Summer; Dora Robinson; and Mable Sharif, community liaison and outreach specialist, Baystate Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center; front row, Annamarie Golden, Community Relations and Community Benefits, Baystate Health; Rosemond Koomson; and Barbara Gresham, Springfield School Committee.
(Photos by Ed Cohen)

Looking Forward

IMG_4784IMG_4753IMG_4774Ed Henry, top left, chief White House correspondent for Fox News, served as the keynote speaker for this year’s Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Outlook 2014 luncheon program, joined by Suzanne Bump, left, Massachusetts state auditor, who spoke about events at the state level and her own take on the state outlook. The program, held on Feb. 24 at the MassMutual Center, allowed Henry to provide insights into the political scene in Washington, D.C. Throughout his tenure at Fox, Henry has covered all major news stories involving President Obama and his administration. He represents Fox News in the White House press corps and also served as president of the White House Correspondents’ Assoc. from 2012 to 2013.
(Photos by Lenny Underwood)

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Camping for Chicken
ChicFilA-GuyChickFilA-TruckThe day before Chick-fil-A opened its doors at 501 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee, hardy Chick-fil-A followers from as far away as Philadelphia were pitching tents in a wet, snow-filled parking lot with hopes that they’d be one of the first 100 in line for the Feb. 20 grand opening at 6 a.m. The quick-food restaurant is known for giving away free Chick-fil-A for a year to the first 100 adults on site when the doors open to each new store. The new restaurant, which recently filled 90 new jobs, provided security, entertainment, games, and, of course, plenty of fresh Chick-fil-A for those in line. At left, owner/operator Robert Hewes stands in the parking lot-turned-campground. Right, the tents start to take over parking spaces, awaiting opening day.

Crowd Catering
Skin-Catering-210Skin-Catering-53-2A crowdsourcing event to support SkinCatering, a spa in downtown Springfield and South Hadley, owned by Leanne Sedlak, was staged recently at 180Fit Gym at One Financial Plaza in Springfield.  The event, Cater to Your Entrepreneurial Spirit, was organized to help Sedlak raise $3,500 for materials and setup costs for relaunching her all-natural skin-care line nationally and continue building her customer base. Left, supporters pose for a group shot. At right, from left, are Pam Thornton, Business Development manager, United Personnel; Sedlak; Michelle Crosby, Business Banking branch manager at PeoplesBank; and Elizabeth Ginter, president of Ellis Title Company.
Photos by Dani.Fine Photography

Shop and Talk
Photo-Feb-11,-5-53-30-PMPhoto-Feb-11,-6-09-36-PMNetworking and shopping, not necessarily in that order, were the missions of the night as the Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts celebrated Ladies Night at Kate Gray Boutique in Longmeadow.  New and existing members packed the elegant boutique, above, and, at left, stopped long enough to pose for a group picture.

Wine and History
WistariahurstWine2More than 100 people attended the annual I Love Wine event on Feb. 15 at Holyoke’s Wistariahurst Museum, the historic 26-room mansion and former home of two generations of the prominent Skinner Family, manufacturers of nationally renowned silks and satins. A focal point on the Holyoke landscape since 1874, the museum offers a permanent collection of decorative arts, paintings and prints, and textiles, in addition to a wide variety of educational and musical programs and events. The event proceeds will support the museum’s ongoing endeavors. Here, Christine Johnson, a representative from Carolina Wine Co., pours Dave Griffin Jr. and his wife, Corinne, a sample of fine wine.
Photos courtesy of Joseph Aberdale

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Meat and Greet
LuxeNEWLuxeBarLuxeRibbonCuttingThe former Springfield Visitors Center has been transformed into a meeting place for those who enjoy lavish burgers with ‘bling’ toppings and a bar menu that’s as extensive as the build-your-own food menu. The new, 186-seat Luxe Burger Bar, in its second month of business on the Connecticut Riverfront’s Hall of Fame Avenue, recently celebrated a formal ribbon cutting with representatives of Rhode Island-based Chow Fun Restaurant Group, which operates the original Luxe restaurant in Providence. From a top left: partners Richard Bready, CEO, Chow Fun Restaurant Group; Raipher Pellegrino, developer; and John Elkhay, restaurateur and senior food designer. The interior of the redesigned burger restaurant. Taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left, Bready; Kathleen Pellegrino, general contractor; Brian Conners, Springfield deputy director of Economic Development; Pellegrino; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Elkhay; Orlando Ramos, city councilor; and state Sen. James Welch.

Top two photos courtesy of Atwater Studios

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Clowning Around
IMG_2609IMG_2486The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield recently invited members and business folk to ‘clown around’ at a recent After 5 networking event to highlight Shriners Hospitals for Children. The event, held at the Melha Shrine Center in Springfield and sponsored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, gave attendees an opportunity to network in a casual atmosphere as they enjoyed entertainment from the Shriners clowns. Left: Gary Spear (“Gilligan”) shares some laughs with Peg Daoust, branch manager of Hampden Bank on Boston Road in Springfield. At right: Jonathan George (“Dimples”) is flanked by Dawn Creighton, left, regional director for Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Jill Monson, CEO of Inspired Marketing.

City Talk
YPSlunchIn mid-January, the first edition of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield’s (YPS) monthly CEO Luncheon featured Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who spoke to an intimate group of 25 YPS members. Attendees listened to Sarno’s thoughts about the city’s strengths and challenges, and asked questions about a potential MGM Springfield casino, education in the city’s middle and high schools, public safety, and future downtown living for young professionals.

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Heartfelt Check

2013-Holyoke-HealthCare-CheckHolyoke HealthCare Center, a member of National HealthCare (NHC), and its philanthropic arm, the Foundation for Geriatric Education (TFGE), recently presented a check for $4,810 to Holyoke Medical Center to cover the cost a five-day ‘boot camp’ for participants who have been recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF). Large-number bathroom scales can now be purchased for those with CHF to weigh themselves everyday, an important part of the self-management process. The camp is offered through the multi-agency ‘cross-continuum team’ consisting of Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke HealthCare Center, the Care Center, Holyoke Visiting Nurse Assoc., and Renaissance Manor. Pictured, from left, are HMC President and CEO Spiros Hatiras, HMC Education and Training Manager Carlene Bailey, HHCC Director of Nursing Mary Walas, HMC STAAR Program Manager Cherelyn Roberts, and HHCC Administrator Thomas Accomando.

OnCore Performance

Oncore-ManufacturingEmployees of Springfield-based OnCore Manufacturing donated gift bags and boxes filled with items to complete the wish lists of 30 elementary-school-aged children served through Square One’s after-school programs. OnCore, a provider of product- commercialization services to international blue-chip aerospace and defense, industrial, and medical companies, is a partner with Square One, a nonprofit that provides low-cost education and care programs, along with transportation, to encourage and support local children who will be the leaders of the future. Pictured, from left, are OnCore employees Nancy McDonough, Anne DeCillis, and Heather Ferreira.

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Gingerbread and Business Cards
YPS-1YPS-5YPS-7YPS-3The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) celebrated the holiday season amid the “Magic of Gingerbread” exhibit, which runs until Dec. 31 at the Springfield Museum of Science, for its monthly YPS Third Thursday networking event. Members and friends traded business cards surrounded by decorated holiday trees and dozens of fanciful gingerbread houses created by local bakeries, schools, youth groups, individuals, and families for the annual Gingerbread House Competition. Left to right from top: from left, Sean Wandrei, lecturer at UMass Amherst, Jeremy Leap, vice president of Commercial Lending at Country Bank, and Jeremy Hollins, operations and asset manager for Environmental Integrity; from left, Ryan McCollum, owner, RMC Strategies, Ed Nunez, assistant vice president, Business Development, Freedom Credit Union, and Jean Canosa Albano, manager of Public Services for the Springfield City Library; Mariga Ward, coordinator of ticket operations, and Eric Levine, coordinator of Business Development for Springfield Falcons Hockey; Ashley Clark, left, commercial service officer, Westfield Bank, and Kaitlin Casey, occupational therapist, Hartford Healthcare.

Party in PJs
SquareOneSanta Claus and Adam Quenneville, owner of Quenneville Roofing, Siding & Windows (seen here just left of Santa), both recently participated in this year’s Christmas pajama party at Square One’s King Street Children’s Center. Claus, Quenneville, and teacher Kristine Gorman (second from right) distributed 200 new toys and games, ensuring a happy holiday for each child.






Weighing In
Fat-HeadThe Springfield College Center for Wellness Education and Research (CWER) recently hosted a guest appearance by Tom Naughton, writer and director of Fat Head, the popular comedy-documentary about diet and health. The lecture, titled “Diet, Health, and the Wisdom of Crowds,” explored the growing notion that social networking is a key factor in healthcare, particularly with respect to lifestyle-related issues. Naughton, also an editor and writer for Family Safety and Health magazine, contributing writer for the Encyclopedia Britannica Health and Medical Annual, and a freelance humor writer for essays published in Newsweek and Omni, takes complex information about diet and nutrition and makes it both amusing and understandable to his audience. From left, Sara Gregory, assistant director, and Richard Wood, director, both of CWER, and Naughton.

Holiday Party
WTCC-xmasPartyNearly 100 area children attended the annual Children’s Holiday party on Dec. 14, hosted by WTCC 90.7 FM, the community radio station of Springfield Technical Community College. DJ Phillip Anthony Borras again volunteered as Santa Claus. Donations for the party, for toys and food, came from WTCC station members and area businesses. Barnes & Noble donated 100 books for the children.
(Photo by Christopher Winslow)

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Night at the Museum

IMG_1153Herbie,-Tim-Allen-and-three-othersHolly,-Stuart,-Carol-&-Noel-LearyAt a sold-out Holiday Gala 2013 on Dec. 5, attendees enjoyed cocktails at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts before strolling across the Quadrangle for an elegant dinner in the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.  The annual event, which benefits the Springfield Museums, featured live jazz by Berkshire Jazz Underground and vocalists from Springfield College. Top right: from left, Brian Lees, former Hampden County Clerk of Courts; Heriberto Flores, executive director, New England Farmworkers Council; Mary-Beth Cooper, president of Springfield College; Tim Allen, United Way of Pioneer Valley and Springfield city councilor; and Vanessa Otero, director of the North End Campus Coalition. Bottom left: from left, Stuart Prall; Holly Smith-Bové, Springfield Museums president; Carol Leary, president of Bay Path College; and her husband, Noel Leary.
Photos by Ed Cohen

Going Out in Style

IMG_1161IMG_1159More than 175 friends, colleagues, and area business owners and managers turned out at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee on Dec. 9 to honor Gail Sherman, who recently announced that she will be retiring after 17 years as director of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. At left: Sherman with Ron Proulx, business director of Dave’s Truck Repair in Springfield and chairman of the chamber’s board of directors. Right, Sherman shares a moment with Joe Peters, former chairman of the chamber’s board and CEO of Universal Plastics, and Doris Ransford, longtime director of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, who partnered with Sherman on a number of initiatives and retired herself in 2012.

Into the Next Phase

BWard-Retire-Party-72BWard-Retire-Party-96BWard-Retire-Party-131BWard-Retire-Party-117The Regional Employment Board (REB) of Hampden County staged a retirement party for long-time executive director Bill Ward on Dec. 10 at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. More than 300 friends and associates, including local, state, and national political leaders, honored Ward — who was one of the first winners of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers award — for his more than 30 years of tireless work to address and improve workforce issues. Left to right from top left: Ward poses with Michael Ashe, Hampden County Sheriff; Team Hoyt, son Rick and father Dick, with Ward, a one-time chairman of the board at Kamp for Kids, a camp for physically disabled and able-bodied children founded by the Hoyt family; Ward is flanked by son Christopher, customer service representative for Fedex, and daughter Michelle Ward, a writer and reporter for People magazine; REB staff members gather around Ward after the festivities.Photos by Michael Epaul

Bottom right photo by Ed Cohen

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Gala of Lights
GroupToskyTablesCadetsThe Spirit of Springfield held its 18th annual City of Bright Nights Ball Nov. 16 in the Grand Ballroom of the Springfield Sheraton in downtown Springfield. The black-tie event, with the theme ‘Under th Sea,’ raised money to support the award-winning Bright Nights in Forest Park, taking place through Jan. 5, and the many events presented by the nonprofit organization.
 From top, left to right: from left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and wife Carla, Patti and Daniel Moen, president and CEO of Sisters of Providence Health System, Patrick Leary, shareholder and vice president of Moriarty and Primack, P.C., Kelley Tucky, Bright Nights Ball chair and vice president of Community and Public Affairs for MGM Springfield, and Richard Ross; Noreen and Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health; the Grand Ballroom is ready for guests; from left, Maj. Matthew Mutti, Col. Kenneth Lute, Col. James Keefe, and Brigadier Gen. Paul Smith salute the military after the singing of the National Anthem. (PHOTOS BY PAUL SCHNAITTACHER)

Lunch Money
DuvalIMG_9476The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) recently hosted a Lunch with Gov. Deval Patrick, left, at the sold-out Springfield Marriott Grand Ballroom, right. The special event was an occasion for the governor to announce a $200 million investment in Phase 1 of the I-91 Springfield Viaduct project and $1.2 million to create a permanent home for Camp STAR Angelina at Forest Park. The investments are expected to be a catalyst for additional economic and community-development opportunities in the region.(PHOTOS BY DRISCOLL PHOTOGRAPHY)

Legislative Voices
SarnoCohenBreyerSullivanGovReceptionReplaceOn Nov. 21, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) held its annual Government Reception at the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield. The event provides a forum each year for attendees to meet with area legislators to make their voices heard. Left to right from top: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, left, and Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen speak with an attendee; Carl Breyer Jr., left, managing partner of Park Place Realty, and Ed Sullivan, mayor-elect of West Springfield; Chris Thompson, left, vice president of Business Development for the Springfield Falcons, converses with state Rep. James Welch.(PHOTOS BY DRISCOLL PHOTOGRAPHY)

They Honor Us Whom We Honor
AM7J3389AM7J3591The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts recently celebrated the latest class of the Order of William Pynchon, the 98th annual awards event which honors distinguished civic service in the name of Springfield’s founder. Pictured, left, at the banquet held at Chez Josef, are 2013 Pynchon medalists, from left, Joan Kagan, president and CEO of Square One; Jean Caldwell, writer for the Boston Globe and American Baby magazine; Jean Gailun, advocate for reading education and the children of Springfield’s Kensington Avenue Magnet School; and Sirdeaner Walker, mother of 11-year-old bullying and suicide victim Carl Walker Hoover and now an advocate for bullying awareness, who was instrumental in the drafting and passage into law of the state’s 2011 anti-bullying bill. Right: from left, Susan Kline, chair of the Jewish Geriatric Services (JGS) board of directors; Sally Fuller from Cherish Every Child; Alta Stark, Pynchon trustee and event chair and director of marketing and public relations for JGS; Richard Halpern, JGS board member; Martin Baicker, president and CEO of JGS; and Susan Halpern, vice president of philanthropy for JGS. (PHOTOS BY ED COHEN)

Spa Night
chairmassagemayorleanne1SkinCatering, a massage and skin-care spa for men and women, recently celebrated its grand opening on the second floor of Tower Square in downtown Springfield. The spa, whose team is Skin-Safe Certified by the Melanoma Foundation of New England, offers body and facial services as well as yoga and numerous specials. An open house welcomed the public to indulge in a few of the most popular services, including chair massages, at left, with massage therapists Ariel Gignac, left, and Amy Pearson. Right, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, center, congratulates Leanne Sedlak, owner and massage therapist, to his right, at the ribbon cutting. Holding the ribbon, from left, are Sedlak’s husband Scott, roofing specialist for Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding; Don Courtemanche, executive director of the Springfield Business Improvement District; Sarno; Sedlak; and Kim Brunton Auger, lead esthetician.

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Ignite, Dream, Embrace
GrinspoonStuGrinspoon






The 9th Annual Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Entrepreneurship Conference, with the slogan “Ignite the Dream, Embrace the Journey,” was staged Nov. 1 at the MassMutual Center. The day-long conference featured 500 faculty and students from 14 colleges and universities across the Pioneer Valley and included teamwork and breakout sessions that took a closer look at how one goes about starting, growing, and ultimately succeeding in an entrepreneurial venture, securing funding and support for a business, and product development. At left, Thom Fox, right, with Valley Venture Mentors and BrunoFox Group, speaks with
Lisa Lococo, also of Valley Venture Mentors and American Eagle Cycles Inc. At right, Harold Grinspoon (left), founder of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and former Grinspoon Award winner Mike Deschamps, from Cell Assist.

Valley Talent
YPSpanelBusinessWest Editor, George O’Brien recently moderated a special Young Professionals of Greater Springfield (YPS) CEO Luncheon co-produced by YPS and Northampton Area Young Professionals. The event, held at Slainte! Restaurant in Holyoke featured local young entrepreneurs, and those that support them, as they discussed what steps the Pioneer Valley needs to take to foster entrepreneurship and cultivate talent. O’Brien, far left, is pictured with panelists (from left), Scott Foster, partner with Bulkley Richardson and co-founder of Valley Venture Mentors; Kara Martin Snyder, owner/chief coach, Vital Corps, Holistic Living for the Modern World; Delcie Bean IV, president, Paragus IT and Valley Technology Outreach; and Justin Pelis, owner, North Country Landscapes & Garden Center.

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Scientific Reality

ElmsSciBuildingMore than 100 Elms College students and faculty members attended a dedication ceremony last month for the school’s new 22,000-square-foot Center for Natural and Health Sciences (CNHS). The facility includes a research laboratory, multiple lecture halls, and several other labs for biology, chemistry, and nursing. Pictured at the ceremony are, from left, Paul Stelzer, vice chair of the Board of Trustees; Maxyne Schneider, SSJ, president of the congregation Sisters of Saint Joseph, Springfield; William Lyons III, CNHS Committee co-chair; the Most Rev. Timothy McDonnell, D.D., Bishop of Springfield; Cynthia Lyons, CNHS Committee co-chair; Elms President, Mary Reap; and Walter Breau, vice president of Academic Affairs.

Rays of Hope

20131020RaysofHopeWalk-181120131020RaysofHopeWalk2168The 2013 Rays of Hope Walk-A Walk and Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer, staged Oct. 20 in Forest Park in Springfield and Energy Park in Greenfield, raised $750,000 and celebrated a few milestones. This year marked the 20th year for the walk, which was created to raise funds to improve the breast health of the people in local communities with quality and compassion in partnership with Baystate Health Breast Network. The day also marked the five-year anniversary of the Franklin County event, and the fourth year for the Annual Run in Springfield. This year’s walkers and runners added to the nearly $12 million that has been raised by Rays of Hope since its inception. At top are Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny, Warner Bros. mascots from Six Flags New England, and below, are some of the 24,000 participants walking at Forest Park.

Celebrating the Super 60

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The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield staged its annual Super 60 luncheon on Oct. 25 at Chez Josef in Agawam, an event that celebrates the region’s top-performing companies in the categories of total revenue and revenue growth. Top to bottom, left, David Mahan, estimator and sales manager of Mahan Slate Roofing Co. in Springfield, the top finisher in the revenue growth category, receives the company’s plaque from Maura McCaffrey, left, chief operating officer of Health New England, the program’s presenting sponsor, and Meghan Sullivan, a partner with the law firm Sullivan Hayes & Quinn, a platinum sponsor; Scott Berg, center, associate Vice President for Development at Springfield College, the top performer in the total revenue category, receives the school’s plaque from McCaffrey and Glenn Welch, president of Hampden Bank; Jessica Montana, left, and Angie Gregory, principals with Simple Diaper and Linen, present the luncheon’s keynote address; a sellout crowd takes in the proceedings.
(Photographs courtesy of Ed Cohen)

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Tea for Many
20131003_sq_0006LadyPodiumPlenty of creative hats graced the seventh annual Square One Tea, held at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. More than 300 men and women from the private and public sectors came together to support Square One, as proceeds will help to fund early-education programming, as well as family services and support. Left: from left, Kathryn Kirby, Youth Employment Manager at the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County; Kimberley Lee, vice president of advancement for Square One; Kathy Cardinale, principal of Cardinale Design; Francie Richardson, account manager at NEPM; and Pamela Kirby. Right: Joan Kagan, president and CEO of Square One, addresses the sellout crowd.


School’s In
Ribbon-CuttingBaystate Academy Charter Public School, a college preparatory school founded by Baystate Health in Springfield, opened its doors recently with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and community day. Students participated in dancing and other activities at the school’s newly renovated campus on Franklin Street. The academy has a curricular focus on health sciences and a longer school day, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities and community service. Pictured, from left: students Nathan Santiago, Aidan Kesler, Mulan Foggs, Jayden Orr, Aaliyah Lopez, and Taryn Cheeks; Dean of Students and trustee Marjorie Hurst; and Tim Sneed, the school’s executive director, take part in the ribbon cutting.



Center for Recovery
Frank_Gallo2Michael_StraiteThe Center for Human Development recently announced the opening of the Traumatic Stress Recovery Center, a new outpatient clinic, located at 342 Birnie Ave. in Springfield. An open house introduced Clinic Director Frank Gallo, left, a retired Rhode Island police officer and former associate professor of Criminal Justice at Western New England University. At right is Michael Straite, director of the state Department of Veterans’ Services.

Virtual Concerns
CYBERCyberspace has been called a “bad neighborhood with bad people lurking in virtual places.” Bay Path College, in collaboration with the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., recently hosted a Cybersecurity Summit focusing on anti-terrorism and information security, to launch its new master’s degree program in Cybersecurity Management. Pictured, from left, are keynote speaker Robert Milton, retired commander of the London Metropolitan Police Service, New Scotland Yard, and Managing Director, Milton Tezelin Ltd. providing international
antiterrorism security training; David Martin, Risk Management Expert; and Dr. Larry Snyder, Director of Bay Path’s MS in Cybersecurity Management.



Celebrity Weekend
YcelebrityJeffSattlerTravisBestReneeMcDonald_KirkSmithThe YMCA of Greater Springfield’s Celebrity Classic Weekend recently brought together celebrities for a weekend of socializing, golf, and bowling. The fund-raiser will enable the Y to continue to improve the lives of area teens. Pictured at the Cold Spring Golf Club in Belchertown is YMCA Board Chair Jeff Sattler, retired NBA player and Springfield native Travis Best, Renee MacDonald, and YMCA of Greater Springfield President and CEO Kirk Smith.









Tribute to Jimmy
3-with-statueStatueFamily and friends of Jim Vinick, long-time Dana-Farber Cancer Institute supporter and BusinessWest 2013 Difference Maker, joined him on Oct. 12 to unveil a statue he commissioned to celebrate Dana-Farber’s rich history. The bronze sculpture features Dr. Sidney Farber, a pioneer in childhood cancer, and his 12-year-old patient, Einar “Jimmy” Gustafson, whose bedside broadcast on the radio program Truth or Consequences in 1948 moved New Englanders to champion the fight against cancer. Above left, from left, are Vinick; Suzanne Fountain, director of the Jimmy Fund; and Brian Hanlon, the sculptor who created the statue.

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Action Shots

humanics-action-news-2013HIAD-(3)20130926_sc_0021The 15th annual Humanics in Action Day, a Springfield College (SC) tradition, took place on Sept. 26. The event unites SC and its surrounding neighborhoods to work on community-service projects. Each year, about 2,000 students, faculty, staff, and alumni fan out across Springfield to read to children, clean up vacant lots, repair sidewalks, and generally make connections with the community. Top left: SC students work in the community garden. Top right: taking a break from yard work, left to right, are SC students Alissa Burian, Kim DiManna, Lynsey Majka, Lauren Peladeau, and Jessica Lajoie. Bottom right: from left, Adrienne Osborne, Upper Hill Neighborhood Council president; Ariel Zaleski, SC student trustee; Mary-Beth Cooper, SC president; Emmanuel Adero, Old Hill Neighborhood Council president; and Denise Cogman, director of Springfield School Volunteers.

Table Talking

OConnellGroupNE-ITThe 16th annual Table Top Showcase & Business Networking Event was recently held at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. More than 100 exhibitors met with attendees from the business community. Left: Melinda Thomas, far right, development director for the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center, speaks with Anita Bird (left), office manager, and Amanda Gagnon, community organizer, both from MGM Springfield. Right: Joel Mollison (left), president, and Brian Sullivan, vice president, of Northeast IT Systems Inc.

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What’s in a Name?

LoomisThe Loomis Communities recently held a grand reopening celebration at the former Reeds Landing campus to announce the new name of Springfield’s first continuing-care retirement community. Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, as it will be known, offers independent living, assisted living, nursing care, and rehabilitative care all on one campus. The Loomis Communities acquired the campus in 2009 and has invested $3.2 million in infrastructure improvements. Pictured, from left, are state Rep. Angelo Puppolo; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Nancy Godbout, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing administrator; Kay Sordillo, Loomis Communities board member; David Scruggs, Loomis Communities CEO; and state Sen. James Welch.

Eye on the Ball

InductionThe eyes of the sporting world were on downtown Springfield as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame celebrated its 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony on Sept. 8 at Springfield Symphony Hall. This year’s inductees included coaches Rick Pitino (pictured), Guy Lewis, Jerry Tarkanian, and Sylvia Hatchell; players Gary Payton, Bernard King, Dawn Staley, Richard Guerin, Oscar Schmidt, and Roger Brown; and contributors Russ Granik and E.B. Henderson.








Permanent Temps

KellyServicesKelly Services, a workforce-solutions provider serving the employment and staffing needs of Western Mass. since 1995, recently celebrated its move to 1550 Main St., Suite 108, in downtown Springfield with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are Jeff Ciuffreda, executive director of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield; Pamela Mendes, district manager for Kelly Services; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; and, from Kelly Services, David Weeks, vice president of US Operations, Dawn Ford, regional vice president, and Vanessa Sitler, senior staffing supervisor.

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Dirty Money

BankBenefitDaffyBankBenefitDuckSix Flags New England recently presented buckets of dirty coins collected from a fountain in the theme park to the YMCA of Greater Springfield, in support of the creation of the new Agawam YMCA Wellness & Program Family Center. The Y team spent the afternoon at United Bank, also a great supporter of the Y, counting and cleaning the money, which amounted to just under $2,000. Left: Lori Stickles, personal banking officer from United Bank, helps Six Flags mascot Daffy Duck weigh coins after cleaning. Right: Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen (third from right) is flanked by Daffy Duck and Betty Grimaldi, Agawam Y committee member, as Stickles (far right) joins Jennifer Mance, director of Sales & Marketing at Six Flags New England (far left), and volunteers and friends of the Y.

New Digs

TommyCarA ceremonial groundbreaking marked the official start of construction for two relocated auto dealerships, Northampton Volkswagen and Country Hyundai. The location is the former site of the Kollmorgen manufacturing plant on the corner of King Street and Damon Road in Northampton; the site will relocate the Volkswagen dealership from across Damon Road, and the Hyundai dealership from Greenfield. Both dealerships are slated to open in January 2014. Pictured, from left, are Carolyn Misch, senior land use planner, City of Northampton; Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Northampton Chamber of Commerce; and Carla Cosenzi and Tommy Cosenzi, co-presidents of TommyCar Auto.

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That’s Cool!

AlexLemonNorthwestern Mutual Springfield Group recently teamed with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national fund-raising movement to raise money for childhood cancer research, by setting up a lemonade stand in front of the company’s 1351 Main St. offices in downtown Springfield. During the height of the heat wave, the public was invited to enjoy an ice-cold lemonade and offer donations. From left, Diane Barnes, recruiting and selection professional with Northwestern Mutual, receives a cold lemonade from Stephanie Killian, event planner and marketing assistant, and Jill Monson, owner, both of Inspired Marketing.

Photo by Ed Cohen

 

 

Teacher Report

TeacherQualityKate Walsh, president of the Washington D.C.-based National Council of Teacher Quality, recently addressed Springfield Business Leaders for Education and others at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame regarding a first-ever national report on teacher preparation. The report, developed in partnership with U.S. News & World Report, evaluated more than 1,100 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. that educate and prepare elementary- and secondary-school teachers, including 35 within Massachusetts. A panel discussion followed the presentation. The panel included, from left, Tom O’Brien, human relations administrator for Springfield Public Schools; Walsh; Paul Hyry-Dermith, interim assistant superintendent, Holyoke Public Schools; and Henry Thomas, president of the Urban League of Springfield.

 

Closing the Deal

PicThisClosingCooley Dickinson’s recent Closing Day marked the official start of the Northampton-based hospital’s system-wide affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital. Pictured, CDH president and CEO Craig Melin, left, and Mass General President Dr. Peter Slavin sign off on the affiliation closing memorandum using telemedicine technology. The technology, already in place at Cooley Dickinson for telestroke and teleneurology consultations with Mass General physicians, is one way the affiliation will bring expanded services to the people of the Pioneer Valley. Noted Slavin, “Mass General and Cooley Dickinson have had a successful working relationship the past four years with the collaboration between the Mass General Cancer Center and Cooley Dickinson Cancer Care Program. We welcome the opportunity to build on that and other clinical services.”

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Camp Hard Rock
PicThisHardRockRepresentatives of Hard Rock New England, a local subsidiary of Hard Rock International, the global company vying to build a destination casino resort on the grounds of the Big E in West Springfield, recently announced plans for a first-ever two-day summer music camp. The event, in partnership with the Fender Music Foundation, is limited to the first 150 participants, ages 9 to 16, with intermediate to advanced musical interest. The camp will take place on Aug. 14 and 15 at West Springfield High School. Pictured amid guitars and drum sets are Annie Balliro, senior director of brand philanthropy, and Tim Maland, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England. Maland explained that the two days will offer music classes, workshops, jam sessions, and a special open-to-the-public performance on Aug. 15 at 6 p.m., directed by Dan Lavery, a two-time Grammy nominee and a past performer with the bands Tonic and The Fray. Proceeds from the $20 tuition will support music-education initiatives in West Springfield and Western Mass.

Big Relief
PicThisARCBigYOKtornadoIn response to the massive destruction from recent tornadoes in parts of Oklahoma, Big Y World Class Markets hosted a special in-store customer and employee donation program in all Massachusetts and Connecticut stores. Including additional support from Big Y, a total of $40,000 was raised, which will be utilized by American Red Cross chapters in both Massachusetts and Connecticut in support of ongoing relief efforts in those devastated Midwest communities. Pictured at the formal check presentation on June 26 are, from left, Rick Lee, director of the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter; Donald D’Amour, CEO of Big Y Foods; and Mark Brinkerhoff, director of Community Support for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter.