Company Notebook

Big E Sets Records for Fair Attendance in 2024

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A total of 1,633,935 fairgoers attended the Big E, in West Springfield this year, setting an all-time record for net attendance. Additionally, seven daily attendance records were set during the sunny, 17-day event, and the middle Saturday, Sept. 21, set a record for single-day attendance. “Thank You! 1,633,935 times over, thank you,” Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy said. “This is a proud moment for everyone associated with Eastern States Exposition: volunteers, staff members, contractors, vendors, concessionaires, and all who participate in the production of the Big E. This organization thrives because of you. Our noble mission remains strong because of you. This was a record-setting fair filled with many challenges, and every one of you played a role that contributed to the continued success of the Big E. What you do matters. Thank you.”

The Federal Up for Sale

AGAWAM — The owners of the Federal Restaurant, located at 135 Cooper St. in Agawam, have put the property on the market, eight months after temporarily closing for renovations. Kelley & Katzer Real Estate has been brought on to market the restaurant. The property has been listed for sale at $995,000, including the business and real estate. The restaurant building dates back to 1862, while the first restaurant business opened there in 1936 as the Federal Hill Club. The Federal is one of four in a family of restaurants owned by Michael Presnal and Ralph Santaniello, which also include Posto by the Federal in Longmeadow, Lola’s in Longmeadow, and Vinted Wine Bar & Kitchen in West Hartford, Conn.

Pro & Local Detailing Inc. Opens Second Location

GRANBY, Conn. — Pro & Local Detailing opened its second shop at 508 Salmon Brook St. in Granby, Conn., to complement its current Enfield, Conn. location. The new location offers all of the same services the Enfield location offers, including high-end detailing, ceramic coating, paint protection film, and more. Pro & Local Detailing also hosts an annual car show that has raised over $5,000 for the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke, and it looks forward to expanding its reach and fundraising capacity with the addition of the Granby shop.

Chamber Names Recipients of Grow Holyoke Awards

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber announced the recipients of the 2024 Grow Holyoke Awards, a celebration of outstanding leadership and commitment to the community. This year’s event took place on Oct. 25 at Mill 1 at Open Square. The Business Persons of the Year are Miguel Rivera and Lidia Rodriguez, owners of Rewarding Insurance Agency. Their leadership and dedication have set a new benchmark for excellence in the business community, making them the first Latino recipients of this prestigious honor since the award’s inception in 1971. The Business of the Year is Rewarding Insurance Agency, celebrated for its impactful contributions to both the chamber and the local community. The Fifield Volunteer of the Year is Carl Eger, a longtime resident and dedicated volunteer, recognized for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others in Holyoke. The Nonprofit of the Year is River Valley Counseling Center, honored for its vital role in supporting mental health and wellness in the community.

Country Bank Donates $10,000 to Red Cross Hurricane Relief

WARE — Country Bank is demonstrating its support for those affected by recent hurricanes with a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund. This contribution reflects the bank’s commitment to its motto, “Made to Make a Difference,” by providing assistance during times of need. As Florida communities face the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the urgency for support and relief efforts is paramount. The American Red Cross, a key player in disaster response, provides shelter, food, and emotional support to individuals and families affected by hurricanes. Country Bank’s donation is aimed at supporting the American Red Cross’s ability to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery services to impacted communities.

Liberty Bank Presents Grant to Greater Springfield Habitat

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Bank recently selected Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) to receive one of its community grants. The bank’s foundation aims to assist low- and moderate-income families improve their economic situation and quality of life, which is also what Greater Springfield Habitat does. A check presentation was held on World Habitat Day, Oct. 7, at 1688 Dwight St. in Springfield, GSHFH’s newest build site. “We are very grateful to have been selected to receive this grant. It will help us to continue to provide homeownership and home-repair services in Hampden County,” GSHFH Executive Director Aimee Giroux said.

MSB Begins Community Giving Initiative

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is inviting the public to submit their votes for the bank’s 2025 Community Giving Initiative. For more than a decade, Monson Savings Bank has been seeking the help of community members to plan the bank’s community-giving activities. Each year, the bank encourages the public to vote for the nonprofit charitable organizations they would like the bank to support during the coming year. Everyone is welcome to cast their vote online at www.monsonsavings.bank/cgi. Voters may provide the name of one nonprofit organization they would like Monson Savings to donate to in 2025. The only requirements are that the organizations be designated a nonprofit and that the organizations provide services within the bank’s geography. The bank allows each person to vote once. Monson Savings then pledges to support the 10 organizations that receive the highest number of votes. The top 10 vote recipients will be announced by mid-January 2025. Voting is now open and ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Visitors to the voting page can also view a compiled list of organizations that the bank has supported in years past, as well as previously nominated organizations.

Food Bank Partners with Berkshire Bounty

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced a new partnership with Berkshire Bounty, a food rescue organization located in Great Barrington and dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout Berkshire County. The collaboration will enhance the effort to recover and distribute fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families county-wide. Berkshire Bounty is a volunteer-driven organization that collects food from 25 local retailers and delivers it to 31 food-access sites across Berkshire County.