Company Notebook

MountainOne Insurance Acquires McClure Agency

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency announced its recent acquisition of McClure Insurance Agency in West Springfield and Wilbraham. This is MountainOne Insurance’s second acquisition in the Pioneer Valley this year. For more than 100 years, the family-owned McClure Insurance Agency has offered insurance products to fit the needs of families and businesses. McClure Insurance Agency, as part of MountainOne, will now offer customers many enhanced services, including the addition of group employee benefits, life insurance, long-term-care insurance, Medicare products, and in-house claims services. Customers also have access to many new insurance carriers, widening their options for coverage at competitive rates. Agency Principal Mark McClure and the McClure Insurance Agency staff will remain with the agency, ensuring stability for clients. They will also maintain both office locations at 103 Van Deene Ave. in West Springfield and 2361 Boston Road in Wilbraham.

Willie Ross School, Bay Path Open Early-education Space

LONGMEADOW — Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) and Bay Path University held a joint ribbon cutting on Dec. 17 for newly developed early-education classroom space being created for Willie Ross on the Bay Path campus. The event celebrated the collaboration between the university and WRSD as it addresses the need for more early-education space. The space is located on the first floor of Theinert Hall, a multi-use residence hall on campus. The space developed in Bay Path’s Theinert Hall features approximately 7,500 square feet with four classrooms and several support rooms for students and staff. The process of transforming the space involved the demolition of first-floor dormitory rooms and bathrooms and the reconstruction of bathrooms and classrooms, along with the installation of required HVAC equipment, ceiling and lighting fixtures, and safety systems to meet current code requirements. The new space on the Bay Path campus will enable Willie Ross to serve an additional 20 students as the school has experienced a growing Early Childhood program. The classrooms will also provide opportunities for hands-on experience for Bay Path University students.

O’Dell Women’s Center Announces $250,000 in Grants

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center (OWC), Springfield’s first nonprofit women’s center, announced it has granted a total of $250,000 to eight other nonprofit organizations in Springfield to support programs that empower and create opportunities for low-income Springfield women. This funding will enhance access to educational resources, career development, and community support services, creating pathways for financial stability and self-sufficiency. The O’Dell Women’s center received 37 grant applications from Springfield area nonprofits. Of those applications, the OWC grant committee selected the following organizations for its 2024 grant awards: Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, the Gray House, Holyoke Chicopee Springfield (HCS) Head Start, Hope for Youth and Families, Parent Villages, South End Community Center, and United Way of Pioneer Valley. Through the 2024 grants, OWC will support several educational programs for Springfield women, advance workforce development and career growth, and address essential needs like food security, childcare, and language skills.

Happier Valley Comedy Reaches Fundraising Goal

HADLEY — Happier Valley Comedy, the only improv comedy theater in Western Mass., recently hit its goal to raise $115,000 in order to unlock a previously awarded Mass Cultural Council Cultural Facilities Fund Capital Grant for the same amount, so it can build a new, fully accessible performance venue in Hadley. In addition to individual support for the small local arts nonprofit, several local companies stepped in to offer significant contributions, such as PeoplesBank, Diversified Equipment Services & Consulting Organizationof Hadley, and Greenfield Savings Bank. Adjacent to Happier Valley’s original space, which will be used as a classroom and lobby area, the new performance venue provides expanded and raised audience seating, a larger stage with an improv-friendly set, theatrical lighting, and a fully accessible stage. The final drawings have been inked by Thomas Douglas Architects of Northampton, which is working closely with Braidman and the team at Integrity Development & Construction of Amherst to complete construction by the end of summer 2025.

Sexton Roofing & Siding Wins Small Business Spotlight

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced Sexton Roofing & Siding as the grand prize winner of its inaugural Small Business Spotlight contest. Driven by community nomination, the contest winner was formally announced at the final UMass football home game of the season at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Nov. 30, which was also Small Business Saturday. Sexton Roofing & Siding will be receiving an advertising package valued at $10,000 with UMass Athletics, allowing the business to be featured on digital displays, radio reads, and email blasts, as well as with tabling opportunities at the Mullins Center during UMass basketball and hockey home games for the remainder of the season. The Small Business Spotlight contest drew more than 125 nominations from across Western Mass., highlighting businesses that demonstrate service, innovation, and community involvement. Two secondary winners, K’s Nutrition of Amherst and CLINIC Alternative Medicines of Northampton, were also recognized with $500 cash prizes to support their ongoing efforts in the local community.

Comfort Bagel Opens in New Location in Westfield

WESTFIELD — Comfort Bagel opened its doors in a new location at 64 Main St. in Westfield. The store is relocating from Holyoke to better serve its expanding customer base. Comfort Bagel is known for its scratch-made, artisan, slow-fermented sourdough bagels available in traditional and innovative flavors that rotate weekly, including fan favorites like asiago parmesan, jalapeño cheddar, and salted rosemary. Last month, Westfield Mayor Mike McCabe joined Blake, representatives from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and property owner Rocco Falcone for a ribbon cutting. Comfort Bagel’s journey began during the pandemic, when Blake started a small cottage bakery in her West Springfield home, hoping to bring warmth and comfort to her community during uncertain times. She offered contact-free home delivery to surrounding towns, and the demand for her bagels grew so quickly that she opened a full-service shop at Open Square in Holyoke in July 2021. The new location in downtown Westfield is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week.

Food Bank Flips Switch to Solar Power at Headquarters

CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the activation of its new solar-panel system at its food warehouse, resource, education, and advocacy center in Chicopee. Designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind, the Food Bank’s new center features state-of-the-art solar panels installed by PV Squared, a local leader in renewable-energy solutions. The installation includes panels on the rooftop and a solar canopy covering part of the parking lot. This innovative green-energy system will significantly reduce the Food Bank’s carbon footprint while meeting its substantial energy needs. The project was made possible through a congressionally directed Community Funding Project grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, thanks to the support of U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey.

T-Birds Break Record at Teddy Bear Toss

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time in team history, the Springfield Thunderbirds eclipsed the 7,000-bear plateau as the team collected 7,162 stuffed animals during the ninth annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas inside the MassMutual Center on Dec. 7. All will be gifted to underprivileged youth in the Springfield and Western Mass. communities. Tyler Tucker’s third-period goal brought down the cavalcade of stuffed animals and ignited a Thunderbirds come-from-behind, overtime win over the Rockford IceHogs before a sellout crowd of 6,793 inside the Thunderdome on Saturday night. On Dec. 9, Thunderbirds players, mascot Boomer, and staff participated in part two of this celebrated tradition, delivering stuffed animals to a host of different youth-oriented benefactors, including the Center for Human Development, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, and the Boys & Girls Club Family Center. Other participating organizations include the Springfield YMCA, Square One, and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. Established during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural season in 2016, the Teddy Bear Toss has contributed more than 40,000 stuffed animals to local Springfield charities, all in the spirit of providing gifts and smiles to underprivileged and underserved youth in the Greater Springfield community.

Country Bank Donates $10,000 to Quaboag Valley CDC

WARE — Country Bank announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. (QVCDC) to help local communities in the region. “The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is grateful for this generous donation from Country Bank,” said Melissa Fales, QVCDC executive director. “This donation will help us continue to run our Senior Outreach Program, which helps seniors with prescription pickup, grocery shopping, food-bank deliveries, and other chores. Country Bank’s support is not only an investment in the Quaboag Valley CDC’s mission, but an example of Country Bank’s commitment to making a difference in the community.” Seniors’ underlying medical conditions can significantly impact their ability to get out safely to meet their everyday needs. The deliveries allow them to remain safely at home while addressing their critical needs.

NBSB Announces Success of Food, Toy Drives

NORTH BROOKFIELD — In the spirit of season of giving, North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual food and toy drives. Due to the overwhelming generosity of community members, employees, and neighbors of NBSB, the food and toy drives made an impact in each of the bank’s communities. During the NBSB annual food drive, held Oct. 1-25, the bank’s communities came together to donate 693 non-perishable food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 to further support local food pantries. These donations provide crucial assistance to individuals facing food insecurity. During the annual toy drive, which ran Nov. 1-29, community members, employees, and neighbors stepped up to the plate again, collecting 388 toys for children in need, alongside $1,432 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,500 to support those who need it the most and bring joy to children in the communities it serves this holiday season.

ViViYarn Fashion Opens Store in Hampshire Mall

HADLEY — ViViYarn Fashion celebrated its grand opening in the Hampshire Mall on Dec. 17. The new boutique focuses on unique, seasonal clothing for men and women. Current items include cashmere scarves and sweaters in a wide variety of designs and colors. General Manager Shawna Wang has more than 10 years of experience producing high-quality garments for the U.S. and Europe, and is dedicated to providing customers with comfort, elegance, and style at an affordable price.

Susan B. Anthony Museum Awarded Three Grants

ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs. This program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School and Williamstown Elementary School. Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a ‘votes for women’ march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.

Bombyx Center Achieves Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation from CET

NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon-cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainability. The Bombyx Center is the first organization to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Its impact of reducing 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees. CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatherization services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss at the historic former church. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifications, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped establish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

Baystate Health, Wellpoint Reach Contract Agreement

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health and Wellpoint have reached a new, multi-year contract that maintains patients’ access to their current doctors and nurses. This means Wellpoint members will continue to have access to all Baystate Health hospitals, facilities, doctors’ offices, convenient care, and ancillary service centers, as well as its affiliated physicians through Baycare Health Partners, on Jan. 1, 2025 and beyond. “We are extremely pleased to have reached a new agreement with Wellpoint and ensure continued access for health-plan members to the care they receive at Baystate Health and our affiliated physicians through Baycare Health Partners,” said Peter Banko, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “From the beginning, our mutual goal was to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our patients today and in the future and protect their access to essential services in Western Massachusetts.” David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint, added that “we worked tirelessly to come to an agreement that preserves access to high-quality, affordable care at Baystate Health for Wellpoint members. We are pleased that our longstanding partnership with Baystate Health will continue promoting preventive care and supporting the whole health of the individuals our organizations serve across the Springfield region.”

Eversource Named Among Most Responsible Companies

BOSTON — For the sixth year in a row, Eversource Energy has been recognized by Newsweek and Statista Inc. as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2025. The award highlights the energy company’s environmental, social, and corporate-governance (ESG) initiatives, reaffirming Eversource’s commitment to sustainability throughout its operations and a workplace culture that embraces the values of corporate and social responsibility. The America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 ranking focuses on a holistic view of corporate responsibility that considers environmental, social, and governance factors. Companies on the 2025 list were selected based on a review of publicly available data and a survey of 26,000 U.S. residents about their perceptions of companies related to corporate social responsibility. Since the annual ranking was introduced in 2019, Eversource has appeared in every edition of the list.