Company Notebook

V-One Vodka Celebrates 20 Years in Business

HADLEY — V-One Vodka, the Polish vodka brand founded by Paul Kozub, is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. From humble beginnings in Kozub’s Massachusetts basement to becoming internationally recognized, V-One has remained committed to crafting the finest vodka using 100% organic spelt grain. Over two decades, the brand has expanded its reach across New England and beyond, earning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative flavors and dedication to quality. The milestone highlights V-One’s journey from selling its first cases in 2005 to establishing a state-of-the-art distillery in Kamień, Poland, which enables full control over production and a capacity to scale up to 1 million cases annually. As part of its commitment to growth, V-One plans to continue expanding into new states and countries, with a focus on sharing its story and products with more consumers worldwide. To mark the 20th anniversary, V-One Vodka will host celebratory events across its key markets later this year, featuring exclusive tastings of its award-winning vodka flavors and opportunities for attendees to learn about the brand’s rich history and innovative production process. In addition, Kozub is targeting new markets, such as Florida and New York, in the coming months.

Mill Town Capital Drives $132 Million in Economic Impact

PITTSFIELD — Impact investment platform Mill Town Capital has delivered a total economic impact of $132 million across Berkshire County from 2017 to 2023, according to a new independent analysis by the UMass Donahue Institute (UMDI). The study highlights how Mill Town’s investments in local businesses, real estate, and infrastructure, along with philanthropic programming, are generating lasting economic impact and revitalization in the region. Mill Town, founded in 2016 by Dave Mixer, strives to improve quality of life in the community through sustainable projects and investments. Using the IMPLAN economic modeling system, UMDI quantified the direct, indirect, and induced effects of Mill Town’s activity. Key findings include $132 million in total economic impact, with $107.3 million (81%) in Pittsfield alone; an economic multiplier of 1.42, with every $100 generated by Mill Town spurring an additional $42 in local economic activity; 672 workers connected to Mill Town activity in 2023, up from just three in 2017; and $5.1 million in local tax revenues driven by investment and job creation.

NextLevel Cowork Opens New Space in Agawam

AGAWAM — NextLevel Cowork, a cutting-edge co-working space, announced the opening of its new co-working community. Located in the Industrial Park in Agawam, NextLevel Cowork offers a range of flexible workspaces designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and growth for freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups, and remote teams interested in elevating their work experience. NextLevel Cowork offers a variety of membership options, from open desks to private offices, each thoughtfully designed to create an optimal work environment that nurtures productivity and well-being. Features include workspaces equipped with high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, modern meeting rooms, and fully equipped conference areas and training rooms; community engagement opportunities including member networking events, workshops, and seminars designed to cultivate connection and professional growth; and flexible membership plans tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and teams, with no long-term commitment required.

Lee Bank Foundation Awards $69,800 in Latest Grant Cycle

LEE — The Lee Bank Foundation awarded $69,800 in grant funding to 13 Berkshire-based nonprofits as part of its first funding cycle of 2025. This investment underscores the foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting programs that meet vital community needs and promote equity and opportunity across the region. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and support initiatives across a variety of sectors, including education, economic development, health services, and the arts. The 2025 first-round grant recipients are Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Community Diaper Project, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative, Berkshire Innovation Center, Berkshire Nursing Families, Community Recreation Assoc., Construct, Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Assoc., Hilltown Village Inc. d/b/a It Takes a Village, Literacy Network of South Berkshire, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Sonrisas, and the Railroad Street Youth Project.

Florence Bank Supports #GreenNFit Rebuild

FLORENCE — Florence Bank supported Revitalize CDC’s 2025 #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event on April 26 with a $10,000 block sponsorship and a record number of bank volunteers lending a hand. For several years, the bank and its employees have supported the organization and its mission to improve homes, neighborhoods, and lives through preservation, education, and community involvement. Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer Joe Kulig, a Revitalize CDC board member for more than 25 years, and Nikki Gleason, vice president and manager of the West Springfield branch, are house captains for the bank’s project, inspiring other bank employees to take part. On April 26, hundreds of community volunteers made critical repairs and modifications to the homes of low-income families with children, elderly, military veterans, and people with special needs in the Calhoun Park area of Springfield’s North End. Fifteen Florence Bank employees took part. Work included yard cleanup, exterior painting, and fixing decks and stairs. Revitalize CDC was founded in 1992 as an all-volunteer agency that raised roughly $40,000 each year and assisted about five families annually. Today, it serves more than 800 families a year with a $5 million annual budget. Revitalize CDC serves Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, with its primary reach in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. The goal of #GreenNFit is to make homes more energy-efficient, safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.

Freedom Credit Union Donations Support Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — Every month, Freedom Credit Union collects donations for different charities as part of its Month of Giving campaign. This year, Freedom asked its members to nominate their favorite charities as beneficiaries. During January, February, and March, Freedom Credit Union collected and donated more than $2,738 to three local organizations. In January, nearly $703 was raised for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. In February, donations added up to more than $1,091 for the Foundation for TJO Animals in Springfield and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter in Turners Falls. In March, more than $944 went to Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield. Money collected through the end of May will support A Bed for Every Child, an organization that provides beds for children who don’t have appropriate sleeping arrangements.

bankESB Supports Riverside Industry’s Annual Auction

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced its sponsorship of the Riverside Industries annual auction, which took place on May 2. As part of a $15,000, multi-year commitment to support Riverside’s mission of empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bankESB recently met with representatives from Riverside to present them with this year’s contribution. Riverside Industries’ annual auction is a cornerstone fundraising event that directly supports essential services, vocational training, and community programs that help individuals live more independent and fulfilling lives. bankESB’s ongoing commitment underscores its dedication to strengthening the communities it serves. This year’s auction brought the community together for an evening of celebration, generosity, and connection, all while raising critical funds for a meaningful cause.

Helix Human Services Celebrates 160 Years

SPRINGFIELD — Helix Human Services, formerly known as the Children’s Study Home, is celebrating 160 years of dedication to individuals and families affected by trauma. Founded on April 27, 1865 in the wake of the Civil War, Helix stands today as one of the state’s oldest human services organizations and as Springfield’s oldest nonprofit, anchored by its enduring mission to help people find strength in the face of adversity. From its beginnings as the Springfield Home for Friendless Women and Children, Helix was established by a visionary group of women who saw the urgent need to support young women emerging from incarceration and children orphaned by war. What began as temporary shelter became a lasting commitment to care — one that grew with the help of community leaders and continues to evolve with the times. Today, Helix Human Services provides a continuum of trauma-informed care for children, youth, adults, and families across Massachusetts. With core locations in Springfield, Holyoke, Richmond, and Hyannis, Helix is best known for supporting children and youth referred by state agencies, while also expanding its impact to include community-based adult and family programs.

Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start Marks 60 Years

SPRINGFIELD — This month marks 60 years since the inception of Head Start, the nation’s most comprehensive early-childhood education program. Since the organization’s founding in 1965, Head Start has helped more than 37 million children across the U.S. prepare for school and build strong foundations for lifelong learning and well-being, while also providing resources for families and caregivers. Locally, Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) has been a proud part of this 60-year legacy, serving thousands of children and families in neighborhoods across Western Mass. With a mission to provide every child with the opportunity to thrive, HCS Head Start continues to serve as a cornerstone of high-quality early education, comprehensive services, and holistic family support. To mark the 60-year milestone, HCS Head Start hosted birthday-themed activities across its sites throughout May to honor the impact of Head Start in area communities, from classroom celebrations to staff appreciation events.