Company Notebook
UMass Dining Tops for Eighth Straight Year
AMHERST — UMass Amherst has once again been recognized for its exceptional campus dining experience, earning the coveted top spot on the Princeton Review’s list of Best Campus Food for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year. The achievement underscores UMass Dining’s commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and experiential dining that features globally inspired, culturally driven menus. The Princeton Review’s annual rankings are based on surveys of 168,000 students at 390 colleges and universities across the nation. UMass Dining’s consistent top ranking is a testament to its innovative approach to campus dining and commitment to delivering student-focused and locally sourced cuisine at its four dining commons, one large retail food hall, and more than 30 cafés across campus.
Excel Dryer Earns SEAL Sustainability Awards
EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer Inc. recently received Sustainable Product Awards as part of the 2024 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards for its ThinAir Hand Dryer and the D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer. Both products feature Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA) Filtration. The SEAL Sustainable Product Award honors innovative and impactful products that are “purpose-built” for a sustainable future. Excel Dryer’s sleek, surface-mounted, ADA-compliant ThinAir Hand Dryer with eHEPA represents a design breakthrough in electric hand-dryer technology. Its ability to conserve space without sacrificing drying time allows users a quick, hygienic, and convenient experience while eliminating paper waste. The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer with eHEPA is a collaboration between high-end commercial product designer D|13 Group and Excel Dryer. Integrating the elements of proper hand washing and drying in a cohesive, 30-inch unit, D|VERSE introduces a new level of hygiene, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal to commercial restrooms.
bankESB Among Most Charitable Companies
EASTHAMPTON — For the 10th straight year, bankESB has received the 2024 Corporate Citizenship Award from Boston Business Journal, recognizing the bank as one of Massachusetts’ top corporate charitable contributors. The magazine annually publishes this list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. Through its sponsorship and charitable-giving program, the Giving Tree, bankESB and the Easthampton Savings Bank Charitable Foundation support nonprofit organizations and causes throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties. In 2023, the Giving Tree donated nearly $635,000, and over the past decade, it has donated more than $3.6 million. This year, 100 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year.
MountainOne Named a Top Insurance Employer
NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency Inc. has been recognized as a Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business America for the fifth time. The company previously earned this title in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. This award is based on several key factors, including MountainOne’s workplace culture, employee benefits, and dedication to overall job satisfaction. It was also recognized for its commitment to fostering career growth and implementing forward-thinking strategies that position the company at the forefront of industry.
