Company Notebook

United Personnel Earns Champions of Hope Award
SPRINGFIELD — United Personnel received the Champions of Hope Award at the 93rd United Way Annual Celebration & Meeting at Chez Josef in Agawam. The Champions of Hope Award is given to a local organization that demonstrates commitment and drive to support various community-based initiatives. The recipient of this award is recognized for its commitment to community relationships and initiative. “We are so honored to receive the Champions of Hope Award, and appreciate being part of various community initiatives, including the work of the United Way, to make Western Massachusetts a great place to live and work for all in our region,” said United Personnel President Tricia Canavan. Founded in 1984, United Personnel connects more than 700 people with jobs throughout Western Mass. and beyond. From temporary and contract work to direct-hire placement, United provides clients with staffing solutions in a variety of industries and fields, including professional, administrative, medical, and light-industrial placement and vendor-on-premise project management. A local, woman-owned business, United Personnel has received various awards throughout its history, including Champions of Hope from United Way, Businesswoman of Distinction Award from Pioneer Valley Girl Scouts, Inner City 100 list by Inc. magazine, list of 500 Fastest-Growing Privately Held Companies in America by Inc. magazine, Super 60/Fabulous 50 Away by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Top 100 Woman-Led Businesses in Massachusetts from Babson College and Commonwealth Institute.

Greenfield Savings, Baystate Franklin Auxiliary Boost BFMC Campaign
GREENFIELD — The “Keeping Care Local” campaign for Baystate Franklin Medical Center, now underway to raise community support for the hospital’s new surgery building, received a recent boost with two large pledges of support. Greenfield Savings Bank made a commitment of $250,000, and the Baystate Franklin Auxiliary pledged $200,000 to the campaign. These gifts bring the total raised to date to $3.5 million, with the campaign well on track toward reaching its $5 million goal. In thanking these two major donors, campaign co-chair Robbie Cohn noted that their gifts and others are a clear reflection of the community’s confidence in its local hospital. “We have a wonderful opportunity to make our community even better as we work together to raise the funds that will raise the building and provide state-of-the-art surgical suites. This facility will help us keep our fine surgeons who are already on staff, while attracting additional new doctors to Franklin County so that we can offer the best possible patient care.” John Howland, president of Greenfield Savings Bank, added that “Baystate Franklin Medical Center serves as a cornerstone of our community. Having a strong, local hospital improves the quality of services where we live and enhances the long-term health of the Franklin County community. The responsibility of supporting this fine institution rests on all of us, individuals and businesses alike. We see this contribution as an investment in the continuing well-being of our neighbors, and in the bright future we envision for Greenfield and Franklin County.” Speaking for the Baystate Franklin Auxiliary, President Diane Grybko explained that the auxiliary’s purpose is to support the hospital with funds raised through its gift shop, sales, and other events. “Our families and friends have all been touched by Baystate Franklin, and everyone in our community will benefit from this new surgery facility,” she said. “Some of our volunteers, who serve as greeters for patients and families here for day surgery, were actually involved in its planning. So this is a very personal investment for us, and one we are proud to make.” The “Keeping Care Local” campaign has more than 30 volunteers working toward reaching the $5 million goal. They are meeting with friends and neighbors throughout the area to share information and raise people’s awareness about services now available at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, plans for the hospital’s future, and how to get involved. The overall cost of building and equipping the new surgical wing at Baystate Franklin Medical Center is $26 million, with Baystate Health committing $21 million through capital and bonds. To learn about the project and campaign, call Kelli Rafferty Barry, Philanthropy officer, at (413) 773-2763.