Company Notebook

The Big E Welcomes 1.5 Million Visitors in 2025

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Eastern States Exposition (ESE) welcomed 1,538,463 visitors to the 2025 Big E, held Sept. 12-28 in West Springfield. Guests came from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with international travelers from Canada, Mexico, England, and Ireland. The fair saw participants and competitive exhibitors from 26 states and two Canadian provinces, reinforcing ESE’s position as the premiere agricultural showcase in the Northeast. In addition to the long stretch of fair weather, a diverse entertainment lineup, fair foods, rides, and unique shopping experiences all worked in unison to fuel the experience for patrons. Gene Cassidy, president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition, noted that the ESE generates $1.2 billion in the local economy, mostly due to the Big E. The fair supports more than 8,000 jobs and produces $440 million in personal income each year.

Spruce Law to Purchase the Royal Law Firm

SPRINGFIELD — Amy Royal, founder and CEO of the Royal Law Firm, announced that she is selling the firm to Patrick Parker, owner and managing partner of Spruce Law. Going forward, the combined firm will be known as Royal Parker Spruce. Spruce Law is an Andover-based employment law firm. Parker is licensed in Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. He has extensive legal experience, having clerked for both state appellate and federal courts, practiced at the global law firm Clifford Chance, and served in-house at Merrill Lynch and UBS. He has a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law and an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

Visual Sound Productions Opens New Headquarters

SPRINGFIELD — On Oct. 2, the time came for for a historic building — which was once a church, a sign shop, and a nonprofit before being vacant for many years — to open its doors. Nicole Nell, president of Visual Sound Productions Inc. (VSP), purchased 130 Union St. in Springfield a few years ago and has transformed the long-abandoned building into the headquarters of her award-winning, multi-operational production company. The location was chosen by Nell for multiple reasons, including close proximity to large venues such as the MassMutual Center and MGM Springfield, easy access to the highway as VSP continues to serve clients up and down the East Coast from New England to Florida, and, equally high on the list of reasons, her passion for Springfield, where she was born and raised.

Holyoke Gas & Electric Named Utility of the Year

BOSTON — Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia was named Mayor of the Year on Oct. 3 by the Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition at the organization’s annual awards gala at Liberty Hotel in Boston. Garcia was recognized for his leadership in advancing clean energy initiatives in Holyoke and for positioning the city to be a hub for sustainable innovation. Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) also won top honors at the gala, receiving the Utility of the Year award for its role in attracting clean tech industries to the city. Northeast Renewable Energy Coalition Executive Director Kristin Rode cited HG&E’s success at providing reliable, low-cost electricity sourced from the Connecticut River to serve energy-intensive industries seeking clean, green, inexpensive power.

Bay Path University Launches Bay Path Online

LONGMEADOW — Building on more than a decade of innovation in online education, Bay Path University has launched Bay Path Online, expanding online undergraduate degree programs to both men and women. For more than 10 years, Bay Path’s online undergraduate program, the American Women’s College (TAWC), exclusively served adult women. In contrast, Cambridge College’s online program, Cambridge College Global, was open to both men and women. Following Bay Path’s acquisition of Cambridge College in June 2024, the two programs were integrated to form Bay Path Online, marking a new chapter in the university’s online undergraduate offerings. With more than 25 online, accelerated, career-focused programs, Bay Path Online offers self-paced courses in seven-week terms, with the flexibility learners need to balance school, work, family, and other responsibilities, while also providing proactive student support in areas such as academic advising, career planning, financial aid, and mental health counseling services.

Spectrum Announces Investment in Fiber Broadband Network

WILBRAHAM — On Oct. 7, Charter (Spectrum) announced a nearly $50 million private investment in Massachusetts, as part of its ongoing, company-wide network evolution project. This major initiative will further enhance Spectrum’s internet services, delivering faster speeds and improved reliability for Spectrum customers across the Commonwealth. The project has been underway in Massachusetts for much of 2025, and the company expects the upgrades will be substantially complete in Massachusetts by the end 2025. Spectrum’s investment will enable the delivery of symmetrical gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds to customers in communities throughout Massachusetts, including Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Hadley, Hampden, Ludlow, Southampton, Wales, and Wilbraham.

Happier Valley Comedy Opens Dream Theater

HADLEY — Happier Valley Comedy (HVC), the only improv comedy theater in Western Mass., celebrated the grand opening of its new Dream Theater on Oct. 25. The new theater features a fully accessible stage, expanded installed theater seating, and a more professional improv stage. The new expansion is connected to Happier Valley Comedy’s existing space at 1 Mill Valley Road in Hadley. HVC worked with general contractors at Integrity Development and Construction of Amherst and architect Tom Douglas of Thomas Douglas Architects of Northampton. The grand opening event featured performances from HVC mainstage casts with musical improv, theatrical longform improv, and true storytelling. Proceeds from ticket sales contributed to the sustainable continuation of the Equity Fund, which supports BIPOC participation in HVC programming and phase two of the Dream Theater project, including more accessible seating, enhanced theatrical lighting and audio systems for a supported visual and auditory experience, and a lobby space.

Ohana Clubhouse Opens New Indoor Play Oasis

CHICOPEE — Ohana Clubhouse, a vibrant and imaginative new indoor play facility, hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 18 at its newly renovated location at 43 Sheridan St., Chicopee. Ohana Clubhouse is more than just a playground; it’s a miniature town built for big imaginations. Children can step into the spotlight at the Palace Theater, race to the rescue from Station 17 Fire House, refuel their adventures at Grayson’s Gas, or engage in pretend play at Memere’s Market. For the littlest visitors, a dedicated and safe infant playhouse offers a gentle space for discovery. Recognizing the needs of parents, the clubhouse also features a comfortable Parent Patio, a designated area where caregivers can relax and socialize while maintaining a clear view of their children at play. A Quiet Corner provides a peaceful nook for reading and moments of calm.

Jerome’s Party Plus to Close After 40 Years

WESTFIELD — After four decades of dedicated service to the community, Jerome’s Party Plus, a fixture in the party rental industry, will close its doors on Oct. 31. The decision to close has been made with a heavy heart, reflecting on the cherished relationships and memories built over the years. Founded in 1985, Jerome’s Party Plus has been honored to serve a long list of loyal customers throughout the local region, from intimate gatherings, weddings, and fundraising events to college graduations, fairs, and festivals. The company has prided itself on fostering personal handshake relationships, ensuring each client, regardless of size, received the highest level of service and care. Jerome’s Party Plus will continue to operate as usual until the closing date, providing services and support to its customers throughout the local region. The company will have an online auction to liquidate its extensive inventory in early December.

1Berkshire Announces Winners of 2025 Trendsetter Awards

PITTSFIELD — 1Berkshire hosted its signature Celebrate the Berkshires event on Sept. 18 at the Linde Center at Tanglewood. More than 225 people were present as 1Berkshire honored the Norman Rockwell Museum for Putting the Berkshires on the Map and presented six other Berkshire Trendsetter Awards, which recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals whose outstanding achievements and commitment have strengthened the economy and helped the Berkshires grow. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center took home the award in the Driving Visitor Engagement (Fueling Tourism to Power the Berkshires) category. Kristy Edmunds of MASS MoCA was named the Visionary of the Year (Innovation & Fortitude in Action). The Nonprofit Collaborator (Building Bridges to Move Mountains) award was presented to Zion Lutheran Church. Brett Random received the Under 40 Change-Maker (Shaping the Berkshires’ Future) award. The Breaking the Mold (Reimagining Achievement) award was given to Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds. The Advancing the Berkshire Economy (Innovating for a Stronger Region) award was presented to Electro Magnetic Applications Inc. Closing out the evening, the Norman Rockwell Museum was recognized as the special honoree for Putting the Berkshires on the Map in recognition of its strong foothold in the Berkshire tourism and creative economy clusters. From its home in Stockbridge, the museum has welcomed more than 6.7 million visitors and brought travelers from across the globe to experience the Berkshires.

Tilted Orbit Arcade Joins the Mill District’s Offerings

NORTH AMHERST — The Mill District, a regional destination known for its blend of food, fashion, and fun, announced the upcoming addition of Tilted Orbit Arcade in the historic, 4,600-square-foot Cow Barn at 113 Cowls Road. Tilted Orbit Arcade is envisioned as a community gathering space built on a foundation of play and connection. The venue will offer a curated selection of classic pinball and arcade games and a golf simulator. The space will also have a variety of snacks and foods to keep game playing energy up, as well as a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The proprietor, Amy McDonough, is a long-time member of the local pinball community and the founder of the Northampton Belles and Chimes pinball team. She plans to donate beverage deposits to a local charity with whom Tilted Orbit will form a long-standing promotional relationship. The venue is expected to open in the spring of 2026.

Greenfield Truck and Equipment Joins Bobcat Dealer Network

GREENFIELD — Bobcat Company announced Greenfield Truck and Equipment has joined its dealer network as the newest authorized grounds maintenance equipment dealer. Located on a two-acre site at a former auto dealership, Greenfield Truck and Equipment now offers Bobcat products — including compact tractors, zero-turn mowers, utility vehicles, attachments, and more — supported by experienced sales and service teams, as well as parts, rentals, pickup, and delivery. Serving Western Mass. and nearby Vermont and New Hampshire, Greenfield Truck and Equipment, located at 39 Beacon St. in Greenfield, features a 22,500-square-foot retail showroom, full-service repair bays, and dedicated parts and rental centers. In addition to Bobcat products, the dealership carries new and pre-owned turf equipment, plows, and power equipment, as well as offering services such as chainsaw and lawnmower blade sharpening.

MassMutual Federal Credit Union Volunteers for Live Mutual Week

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) recently participated in MassMutual’s Live Mutual week, dedicating time to volunteer and give back to the community. Throughout the week, MMFCU staff came together to make meaningful contributions by partnering with several local organizations. MMFCU employees volunteered their time and energy at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, where they helped sort, pack, and distribute 3,460 pounds of food to those facing food insecurity in the region. Additionally, staff collaborated with both the Dakin Humane Society and the Connecticut Humane Society, supporting their efforts to protect and care for animals. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to assist with facility upkeep and created enrichment packages for the animals, positively impacting the lives of countless pets and their future families.

Monson Savings Opens Voting for Community Giving Initiative

MONSON — With the season of giving right around the corner, Monson Savings Bank (MSB) is inviting the public to submit their votes for the bank’s 2026 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 MSB to support during the coming year. Everyone is welcome to cast their vote online at www.monsonsavings.bank/cgi. Voting ends at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31. Voters may provide the name of one nonprofit organization they would like the bank to donate to in 2026. The only requirements are that the organization be designated a nonprofit and provide services within MSB’s geography. The bank allows each person to vote once and pledges to support the 10 organizations that receive the highest number of votes. The top 10 vote recipients will be announced by mid-January.

Agreement Allows HCC, STCC Students to Live on Elms Campus

CHICOPEE — Elms College is entering into a new agreement with Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Holyoke Community College (HCC) that will allow students of those two community colleges to reside in residence halls at Elms. The presidents of the three colleges, Harry Dumay of Elms, George Timmons of HCC, and John Cook of STCC, ratified the shared student agreement in a signing ceremony on Oct. 8. Elms has existing articulation agreements with HCC and STCC, under which students who satisfactorily complete an associate degree program at either community college are guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s degree program at Elms. This agreement, however, is the first time Elms has opened its residence halls to students enrolled in another school. HCC and STCC students, under the agreement, are allowed to live in Elms residence halls during the school year and will pay for room and board. They are required to sign up for a campus meal plan and pay for an annual campus parking permit if they intend to bring a car on campus. Participating HCC and STCC students will be eligible to use the campus library and fitness center, participate in some student activities, and have access to campus amenities and services, including laundry facilities, WiFi, health services, and public safety, at no additional cost. The agreement is in place through June 30, 2026, but may be renewed each year if the three parties agree.

Hogan Technology Honored at Clearfly Summit

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology announced that the company qualified for the Clearfly Summit, held this month in Santa Barbara, Calif., as one of Clearfly Communications’ top 25 partners nationwide. The Clearfly Summit is an exclusive, annual event hosted by Clearfly Communications, a leader in voice services and unified billing solutions. The summit brings together top partners for networking, strategy sessions, and recognition of outstanding performance in the communications industry. Adding to the celebration, Hogan Technology’s own Autumn Leshinski was awarded the Clearfly Cup Orders Award, one of the event’s most coveted honors. This award recognizes the partner who works most effectively with Clearfly’s orders department, demonstrating exceptional follow-through, management, and cooperation.

Excel Dryer Earns Award for Integrated Sink System

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer Inc., inventor of the touchless, high-speed XLERATOR hand dryer, announced that its D|13 integrated sink system featuring the XLERATORsync hand dryer has been honored with a 2024 GOOD DESIGN Award by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Founded by designers and known for crafting high-end commercial restroom fixtures in close collaboration with architects, engineers and clients, D|13 Group partnered with Excel Dryer to bring the award-winning system to life. The D|13 integrated sink system integrates high-efficiency fixtures that wash, rinse, and dry on the sink deck, eliminating water from restroom floors and providing a touchless, hygienic user experience. With customizable finishes, shapes, and dimensions, the system can be tailored to complement the design and aesthetic of any facility, making it a premier choice for high-end establishments and sustainable commercial restrooms.

North Brookfield Savings Bank Completes School Supply Drive

NORTH BROOKFIELD — North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual Back to School Supply Drive. This initiative reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it serves by ensuring local students have the essential tools for a successful academic year. NBSB expresses heartfelt gratitude to community members, employees, and neighbors for their generosity. Thanks to these contributions, the bank successfully collected 852 school supply items and more than $700 in monetary contributions. The bank partnered with Old Mill Pond School, West Brookfield Elementary School, North Brookfield Elementary School, East Brookfield Elementary School, Warren Community Elementary School, Brookfield Elementary School, Cold Spring School, and Stanley M. Koziol Elementary School through its Back to School Supply Drive.

Applied Mortgage Team at HMA Mortgage Gives Back

NORTHAMPTON — The Applied Mortgage Team, a branch of HMA Mortgage, announced its participation in HMA Volunteer Day, a company-wide initiative dedicated to strengthening communities through service. On Oct. 2, the local team joined Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity for a build day in Greenfield. As a family-legacy mortgage provider since the 1980s, the Applied Mortgage Team has long valued community partnerships and believes in the power of neighbors working together to create positive change. Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteers for 90% of the work it takes to build each home.