Company Notebook

Western Builders Celebrates 50 Years in Business

GRANBY — Western Builders will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 22. Since its founding in 1975, the firm has grown from a small general contracting company into a leader in commercial construction in the Western Mass. region. With a portfolio that includes affordable and market-rate housing, higher education renovations, senior living facilities, mixed-use developments, and historic rehabilitations, the company is known for its ability to solve complex problems, build strong relationships, and deliver lasting value. Western Builders will commemorate this milestone with a celebration with staff, partners, and community members in September. The company also plans to share stories and highlights from its five-decade history throughout the year. As the construction industry evolves, Western remains focused on sustainable building practices, embracing technology, and investing in the next generation of construction professionals, Hughes noted, and its renewed core values of determination, integrity, and accountability will drive the company forward into its next 50 years and beyond.

Tandem Bagel Opens Sixth Location in Ludlow

LUDLOW — Tandem Bagel Co. has opened its sixth location in Western Mass. along the riverwalk in Ludlow, in the newly redeveloped mill buildings. The location offers views of the Chicopee River and is within walking distance of the historic downtown and new housing development, the Residences at Mill 8 & 10. Tandem Bagel was established with the mission to support local producers and contribute to the economy. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 23 with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the opening.

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley Awards Grants to Nonprofits

BELCHERTOWN — Dr. Mary Ann Rubis and Liz Reeves, service committee chairs for the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, announced that spring 2025 service grants have been awarded to four organizations: Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force, YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and Girls Inc. of the Valley. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 are awarded twice annually, in May and November, by the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley as part of Zonta’s mission to make a better world for women and girls. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, Girls on the Run is the only national out-of-school-time program of its kind, underscoring the important connection between physical and emotional health and empowering adolescent girls to build healthy physical and mental habits that last a lifetime. Program Manager Coleen Ryan said Zonta’s gift will help support youth who could not otherwise afford to participate. The River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force is a community-driven, community-led task force covering Ware, Warren, and Hardwick. Its goal is to prevent and respond to domestic violence through community-led projects. Deb Shepard from Behavioral Health Network said Zonta’s gift will help support the Library Book Project on Consent and Boundaries for ages 0-8. With a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts serves women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homelessness. CEO Liz Dineen and Communications Director Tiera Wright said the grant from Zonta would boost their efforts to educate families in the Y’s shelter about eating locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables, and to show that it’s not just healthier, but more affordable, too. A positive youth development organization serving Hampden County girls and young women ages 5-18, Girls Inc. of the Valley provides hands-on programs that focus on long-term academic/literacy support and enrichment, social emotional skill building, college and career readiness, and leadership training to empower youth and prepare them for successful futures. Executive Director Suzanne Parker and Lakisha Coppedge, director of the Licensed School Age Program, said Zonta’s gift will underscore the girls’ connection to the organization, increase their safety, and increase the visibility of the organization in the community.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank’s Northfield Branch Turns 50

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced the 50th anniversary of its Northfield branch. To commemorate this milestone, the bank hosted a celebration on May 19 at the branch, located at 144 Main St., Northfield. The Northfield branch has been a cornerstone of the community for a half-century, providing personalized banking services and supporting local growth. “On behalf of the Northfield branch, we would like to thank all of our customers,” said Kristen Canedy, branch manager. “We are proud to have served this community for 50 years and look forward to the next 50.”

Holyoke Mall Begins Center Enhancement Project

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall announced the start of its Center Enhancement Project to revitalize and refresh the property with a number of improvements. Over the next several months, customers will see enhancements including repaving lots and replacing curbs, updating landscaping, and painting the exterior of the mall. During this time, traffic patterns and available parking areas will be subject to change, and traffic will be redirected as needed. While work is ongoing, the PVTA bus stop has been temporarily relocated. The stop located in the yellow lot near JCPenney has moved to the lower green lot near Best Buy and the outer ring road. This relocation will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.

AIC Introduces New Programs in Computer Science, IT

SPRINGFIELD — The School of Business, Arts, and Sciences at American International College (AIC) will launch two new undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology (IT) beginning this fall. Offered as majors and minors, the programs were developed in collaboration with Google to prepare students for in-demand roles in the technology sector. With employment in technology-related fields projected to grow by approximately 22% over the next decade, AIC graduates of these programs will be equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue careers in high-growth areas in Massachusetts and across the country. The programs emphasize project-based learning, enabling students to build portfolios that showcase their work. Students will develop job-ready skills and graduate with credentials that employers seek. Those enrolled in the IT program will also be prepared to sit for two industry-leading CompTIA certification exams before graduation. AIC is collaborating with the Lower Cost Models for Independent Colleges Consortium and Rize Education to deliver these programs. Approximately 80% of coursework will take place on campus, with the remaining 20% delivered online. Through this partnership, AIC students gain access to a nationally recognized curriculum aligned with current industry standards and expectations.