Company Notebook

Blue Sox Sweep Waves to Repeat as NECBL Champions

HOLYOKE — The Valley Blue Sox are hoisting the NECBL championship trophy for a second straight season after pounding the Ocean State Waves 19-6 to sweep the two-game series. The Blue Sox pounded out 20 hits in the victory, failing to score in just two out of the nine innings. They jumped off to a 5-0 lead before the Waves even batted in the first inning, and never looked back. The Blue Sox were paced by Simon Whiteman of Yale University, who went six for seven, scored five runs, and added four RBIs. Connor Pauly of Morehead State University went four for six on the night with one run and four RBIs. The Blue Sox have now won back-to-back championships under head coach John Raiola. First-year owner Fred Ciaglo hoisted the Fay Vincent Sr. cup for the first time as owner of the Valley Blue Sox.

MGM Guest Experience to Include White Lion Brewing

SPRINGFIELD — True to its promise, MGM Springfield has established strong relationships with Springfield-based businesses in preparation for the casino’s Aug. 24 launch. Specially brewed lager from White Lion Brewing Co. will be served on MGM’s casino floor. The bottled lager is appropriately named King of Hearts. According to White Lion brew master Mike Yates, “this lager is brewed exclusively for MGM Springfield. It’s a classic German style lager, light amber in color with an ABV of 4.7%. It’s crisp and drinkable with subtle flavors, thanks to both German and American hops with a touch of sweetness from German malts.” Several months ago, White Lion owner Berry and Yates were invited to talk specifics with MGM’s food and beverage team. The decision was made to develop a distinctive lager, and Yates went to work. MGM notes that, in addition to King of Hearts, White Lion’s signature brews will be available at TAP Sports Bar.

MS in Forensic Accounting at Bay Path Earns High Marks

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University’s master of science (MS) program in forensic accounting has been named third in a list of the top five best in the nation, as ranked by BestColleges.com. According to the site, graduate-degree programs in forensic accounting were ranked on a 100-point scale based on academic quality, affordability, and online programming. The editor’s review of Bay Path University highlights the flexibility of the program, offered 100% online with dedicated on-ground support from staff and faculty. In addition to forensic accounting, Bay Path University also offers concentrations including public and private accounting under the umbrella of its MS in accounting. The MS in forensic accounting, open to men and women, offers a unique schedule with no classes during the accounting ‘busy season’ (January to mid-April). The flexible, 30-credit program includes individualized advisement and career coaching from full-time, academically and professionally (CPA) certified faculty. Classes start every April, May, July, September, and November, and some students are able to complete the program in just eight or nine months.

HMC Opens Center to Address Opioid Dependence

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center recently opened the Comprehensive Care Center to address opioid dependence. This program provides comprehensive, confidential treatment options for people looking to quit prescription painkillers, heroin, and other opioids. Board-certified physician and Medical Director Dr. Amy Jaworek manages the use of prescription medication to treat opioid dependency, while licensed mental-health counselors with River Valley Counseling Center provide psychological treatment and substance-abuse counseling. Patients are prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone (trade name Suboxone) to help break their addiction so they can focus on healing. Eligible patients must be diagnosed with substance-use disorder, complete an initial medical evaluation, and be screened for associated illnesses. The program treats patients who are age 18 and older, are self-referred or referred by a healthcare provider, and have a desire to stop opioid use. The Comprehensive Care Center is located 575 Beech St., Suite 404, Holyoke, and can be reached at (413) 535-4889.

Berkshire Bank Recognized for Corporate Philanthropy

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank has been selected as one of three national finalists for the Corporate Philanthropy Award in the Financial Institutions category as part of the 12th annual Invest in Others Awards, a program that recognizes the charitable work of financial advisors and financial-services firms in communities around the globe. Invest in Others launched the Corporate Philanthropy Award in 2015 to recognize the importance of encouraging philanthropy at a corporate level. The awards will be presented on Thursday, Sept. 27 in Boston. Berkshire Bank was selected as a finalist for its commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, and broader social corporate-responsibility activities. Annually, Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation provide more than $2 million in financial contributions, as well as scholarships to high-school seniors. The company also provides every employee with $500 in matching gift funds to amplify their own individual giving. In addition to financial support, the XTEAM, the company’s employee volunteer program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours.

Springfield College, NEBA Introduce Project SEARCH

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College, along with New England Business Associates (NEBA), recently introduced the first cohort of interns participating in the Project SEARCH program. Springfield College is the first college or university in Western Mass. to lead the Project SEARCH program on the campus. Project SEARCH’s mission is to help young adults with disabilities transition from school to work through a community-agency partnership while gaining employability skills. The program is dedicated to workforce development that benefits the individual, community, and workplace. The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovation adaptations, and long-term job coaching, and continues feedback from teachers, job coaches, and employers. New England Business Associates’ mission is to enable individuals, who may face barriers, to be fully included in community life through employment, and to become economically empowered in a way that incorporates and creates best practices, creates valued typical societal roles, and offers individualized opportunities.