Class Acts

Difference Makers to Be Revealed in February, Saluted in March

The Difference Makers Class of 2013 has been chosen, and BusinessWest Associate Publisher Kate Campiti believes it provides five good reasons why this recognition program was created in 2009.

“There are many different ways that a group or individual can make a difference and positively impact quality of life in this region,” said Campiti, who was among those who selected this year’s honorees. “This year’s stories really capture this sentiment and relate some of the wonderful things that are happening in this region.”

These stories will be told in the Feb. 11 edition of BusinessWest, which will truly be must reading. And on March 21, the Class of 2013 will be feted at the annual Difference Makers gala, to be staged at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke.

Campiti and BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien both said the selection process this year was equal parts inspiring and challenging, primarily because of the quality and quantity of the nominations received.

Indeed, there were more than three dozen individuals and organizations nominated, which is a record, said O’Brien, noting that, in some way, each nominee is making a difference in this region.

“This was a very difficult selection process; there were so many outstanding candidates this year,” said O’Brien. “We could easily have chosen any of them. In the end, we selected a mix of individuals and groups that clearly show how, with some perseverance, imagination, and determination, it is possible to change lives for the better.

“These are very compelling stories,” he continued, “and, more importantly, they are very inspiring as well, and that’s one of the reasons we created this award — to help inspire individuals and groups to find their own ways to make a difference.”

Tickets for the March 21 gala are now on sale. Seats cost $55 each, with tables of 10 available. To reserve tickets or for more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

This year’s Difference Makers gala is being sponsored by Baystate Medical Practices, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, Royal LLP, Sarat Ford Lincoln, and Six Point Creative Works.