Company Notebook

Egan, Flanagan & Cohen to Expand with Two Acquisitions

SPRINGFIELD — Egan, Flanagan & Cohen (EFC), a century-old law firm in Springfield, will expand in 2026 with the acquisition of two local law firms — Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., effective Jan. 1, and the law practice of Henry Cropsey, effective Feb. 15. Through these acquisitions, three new attorneys will join the EFC team. With the Jan. 1 acquisition of Goldsmith, Katz and Argenio, P.C., Jonathan Goldsmith and Thomas Argenio will join EFC in the roles of counsel. Goldsmith has been practicing law for 39 years and specializes in bankruptcy, corporate, and real estate law. Argenio has been practicing law for 42 years and specializes in real estate and domestic relations. Effective Feb. 15, solo practitioner Henry Cropsey will close his solo law practice and join EFC in an of counsel role. Cropsey has been in practice for 39 years and specializes in the areas of estate planning, corporate law, and commercial real estate.

Sharp Sterile Manufacturing Invests $28 Million in Expansion

LEE — Sharp Sterile Manufacturing announced a $28 million expansion of its site in Lee. The enhanced, state-of-the-art facility will strengthen opportunities for highly skilled engineering and pharmaceutical manufacturing roles within the local life sciences community and represents a major milestone in Sharp Sterile’s development. The Lee facility, which has been in operation since 2014, offers a range of pharmaceutical aseptic fill-finish solutions, including vial filling, cartridge filling, syringe filling, lyophilization, formulation development, and analytical services. Sharp Sterile Manufacturing currently employs more than 200 people across the Berkshires. The expansion will more than double the facility’s filling capacity through the installation of a new fully automated IMA Life isolated filling line for ready-to-use vials. The system integrates advanced robotics, non-destructive weight checks, and a state-of-the-art lyophilizer to efficiently produce batches up to 100,000 units. These upgrades will boost Sharp Sterile’s throughput, helping pharmaceutical partners bring critical therapies to patients faster. In addition, the facility will be further upgraded to comply with the most rigorous regulatory standards for sterile drug manufacturing, ensuring the highest levels of quality and safety.

Florence Bank Donates $40,000 to Valley CDC

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently contributed $40,000 to Northampton-based Valley Community Development Corp. (Valley CDC), a nonprofit corporation that addresses the shortage of affordable housing and the needs of the community through economic and housing development. Valley CDC serves Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties for homeownership and small business services and primarily Amherst, Hadley, Northampton, and Easthampton for affordable housing development. The bank’s donation to Valley CDC will help support its ongoing work, which includes creating affordable housing and providing financial education to first-time and existing homebuyers, foreclosure prevention services to struggling homeowners, and small business services. Last year, Valley CDC worked with more than 200 local small businesses and 250 first-time homebuyers with education and counseling. It built 80 affordable apartments in Northampton, has 30 affordable homes under construction in Amherst, and plans to have another 120 apartments built over the next four years.

Flynn Law Title & Escrow Merges with Christine Webster

OXFORD — Flynn Law Title & Escrow announced a strategic merger with attorney Christine Webster, a practitioner known for her distinguished service to clients throughout Greater Springfield and Western Mass. Through this merger, Flynn Law will expand its presence into Webster’s established West Springfield office, which will continue operating from the same location with uninterrupted service to clients and partners. Webster’s West Springfield office will remain fully operational as it transitions under the Flynn Law umbrella, with expanded capabilities and support from the firm’s multi-state network of attorneys, paralegals, and client-service professionals.

UMass Amherst Receives $3.6 Million from MLSC

AMHERST — The Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at UMass Amherst received two grants totaling nearly $3.6 million from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) to acquire a next-generation mass spectrometer for molecular research and a cutting-edge two-photon 3D printing system for precision biofabrication. The investments, through MLSC’s Research Infrastructure Program, will significantly expand the university’s research, training, and industry collaboration capabilities. The IALS Mass Spectrometry Core Facility received a $1.98 million award for a timsTOF fleX mass spectrometer from Bruker Scientific. The instrument will enhance research across a range of disciplines by enabling highly sensitive and detailed studies in proteomics, metabolomics, and spatialomics — fields that examine how proteins, metabolites, and other molecules change in response to factors such as disease, environmental exposure, and medical treatments. A second award of more than $1.58 million will support the acquisition of an UpNano NanoOne Bio two-photon polymerization direct laser writing 3D printer and related characterization tools for the Advanced Digital Design and Fabrication core facility at IALS. The system enables the fabrication of complex three-dimensional structures with submicron precision, allowing applications that were previously impossible with conventional manufacturing techniques. The new 3D printing system will also support regional economic development by expanding access to precision fabrication for startups and small businesses, while serving as a training hub for undergraduate and graduate students and external users.

Ceres Foundation Awards Tech Foundry $2.35 Million

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, the regional leader in IT workforce development and training, was recently awarded multi-year grants totaling $2.35 million from the Ceres Foundation, the largest award in Tech Foundry’s history. While some of the funding will cover general operating expenses, the majority of the grant money will be used to enhance the organization’s data systems and fund stipends for alumni and students of Tech Foundry’s IT workforce training program, which was recently renamed Tech Launch. Research indicates that stipend programs for workforce training focusing on underrepresented people can have significant and measurable positive impact on participants, resulting in increased graduation and job placement rates and persistence in accessing living-wage jobs. Through this program, students and alumni in good standing from the 2023-29 cohorts will be eligible for stipends based on program and milestone completion. Details about the program can be found at www.thetechfoundry.org/stipend.

GCC Expands Access to Inclusive Higher Education

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) is expanding access to inclusive higher education as part of a statewide investment in the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) initiative. The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $3.6 million in grant funding awarded across Massachusetts public colleges and universities to support students with severe disabilities. Thanks to this investment, GCC has been able to hire a dedicated MAIPSE coordinator, Emily McClintock, who has been working since September to build the program and recruit potential candidates. At GCC, the initiative has been branded as the WINGS (Widening Inclusive Networks for Growth & Success) Program, and is currently recruiting students 18 or older for the fall 2026 semester. Through the program, students with intellectual disabilities, severe autism spectrum disorder, and other significant developmental disabilities will be able to participate in undergraduate academic courses, internships, work experiences, extracurricular activities, and on-campus student life alongside their non-disabled peers. GCC’s participation in the MAIPSE initiative builds on the college’s broader mission to promote equity and access in higher education, including its emphasis on wrap-around support services, workforce preparation, and inclusive campus culture.

MCLA Receives $684,096 Grant to Boost Retention, Degree Completion

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) received $684,096 in State University SUCCESS 2.0 funding to support student retention and degree completion efforts, according to an announcement from Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. The grant will enable MCLA to implement comprehensive support services focused on helping vulnerable student populations, particularly Pell Grant-eligible students, successfully complete their degrees. The State University SUCCESS 2.0 program is modeled on proven, research-based practices, including the SUNY ACE/CUNY ASAP initiatives that have demonstrated significant gains in retention and degree completion nationwide. These evidence-based strategies are designed to help students overcome barriers to degree completion and achieve increased economic mobility for themselves and their families.

Eversource Marks 100,000 Smart Meter Installations

BOSTON — Eversource has officially reached 100,000 smart meter installations in Massachusetts, a significant milestone in the company’s multi-year effort to upgrade more than 1.5 million meters statewide and deliver more modern, resilient tools and benefits to customers. Smart meters are a cornerstone of Eversource’s grid modernization strategy, enabling secure, two-way communication between the meter and the electric system. The technology supports faster outage detection and restoration and near real-time energy usage information that helps customers better understand and manage their electricity use. As a result, 100,000 customers can now benefit from usage alerts that help eliminate bill surprises, along with deeper insights into the drivers of their energy bills and the steps they can take to reduce them. The milestone installation took place in Easthampton, where Eversource crews have been steadily exchanging thousands of meters each month. Installations began in Western Mass. in the summer of 2025 and will continue into early 2026 before expanding into Eastern Mass., where the installation of communications devices to support the meters is more than 75% complete. As deployment continues, Eversource expects to exchange tens of thousands of meters per month, with substantial completion of the statewide rollout targeted for the end of 2027.

Greylock Federal Credit Union Earns 5-Star Superior Rating

PITTSFIELD — Greylock Federal Credit Union enters the new year with another 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, the nation’s premier credit union and bank rating firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Greylock Federal is one of the strongest credit unions in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, stability, and more. This marks the 35th consecutive quarter that Greylock Federal has earned this top rating. Since its founding in 1935, Greylock Federal has invested in the success of its membership for 91 years.

MassDevelopment Provides $1.3 Million Loan to SCV Holdings

SOUTH DEERFIELD — MassDevelopment has provided a $1.3 million loan from its Emerging Technology Fund to SCV Holdings Inc., d/b/a Smart Connected Ventures (SCV), a South Deerfield-based company offering a portfolio of high-impact digital solutions for commercial businesses. SCV, whose multiple brands include ScentBridge scent solutions and the BlueStreak internet of things (IoT) platform, will use loan proceeds to hire new employees and for working capital to support the company’s continued growth. Founded in 2019, Smart Connected Ventures addresses the needs of both commercial product manufacturers and their customers in commercial facilities and other markets. Through its rapid integration process, the company adds intelligence to existing products, enabling smart, connected features within new and existing service offerings. SCV’s advanced communication infrastructure enables these smart products to improve service and optimize operational processes for commercial business owners and facility managers. The company’s BlueStreak division manages and secures remote connections for monitoring IoT devices.

Chanda Care Celebrates Five Years of Operation

AGAWAM — Chanda Care, a home care, education, and care coordination organization, is celebrating five years of service to individuals and families navigating aging, illness, and complex care needs. Founded in 2021 by registered nurse, educator, and case manager Chantal Bernard, Chanda Care was established to address persistent gaps in care coordination, caregiver education, and family advocacy across the healthcare continuum. The organization welcomed its first client in February 2021 and, over the past five years, has served hundreds of individuals and families across Western Mass.; built a multi-disciplinary team of caregivers, nurses, and care leaders; earned repeated national recognition as Employer of Choice and Provider of Choice; launched Chanda Care Academy, an education and compliance platform supporting caregivers, nursing students, and families; secured state funding to establish a Registered Apprenticeship Program, supporting workforce development and retention; expanded partnerships with ASAP programs and Veterans Affairs; and founded Chanda’s House, a nonprofit initiative focused on dignified end-of-life care, education, and access. In 2024, Bernard completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, strengthening the organization’s strategic foundation while remaining deeply rooted in its mission. She also launched Real Talk, a series of community education sessions offering families practical guidance, emotional support, and honest conversations around caregiving, illness, and end-of-life planning. Looking ahead, Chanda Care will expand its community impact in 2026 through the growth of the Chanda’s House Scholarship Program, ensuring families can access compassionate end-of-life support regardless of financial barriers.

Windsor Federal Bank Again Earns 5-Star Superior Rating

WINDSOR, Conn. — Windsor Federal Bank announced it is starting 2026 with another 5-Star Superior rating from BauerFinancial, a premier bank rating firm. A 5-Star Superior rating indicates that Windsor Federal Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation, excelling in areas of capital, loan quality, stability, and more. This marks the 43rd consecutive quarter that Windsor Federal Bank has earned this top rating, which secures it an even more elite status as an Exceptional Performance Bank, an honor reserved solely for banks that have maintained a 5-Star rating for 10 years (40 consecutive quarters) or longer.

Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi AYCE Aid Fire Victims

HOLYOKE — Daruma Japanese BBQ & Sushi AYCE announced the successful completion of its inaugural fundraising initiative in support of those impacted by the fires on Clemente and Franklin streets. Through the generous support of the community, Daruma raised a total of $3,584.11 for the Enlace de Familias relief fund. On Jan. 13, a check representing the full donation amount was presented to Enlace de Familias, directly benefiting the 36 families whose lives were affected by these devastating events. The campaign stands as a testament to Daruma’s commitment to stand with neighbors in times of crisis and foster a spirit of solidarity across Holyoke. By leveraging its platform and the enthusiasm of the local community, Daruma provided both immediate and meaningful aid, while delivering a dining experience that brings people together. Each ticket, valid for Daruma’s All You Can Eat menu, allowed guests to enjoy premium Japanese BBQ and sushi while ensuring that the full value of their purchase supported local relief efforts. Upgrades to the premium grill menu were available at redemption, further increasing the overall contribution. Every dollar raised went directly to the Enlace de Familias relief fund, maximizing the impact of each purchase.

Women’s Fund Awards $130,000 for Community Resilience

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts announced $130,000 in Community Resilience grant awards this year to 17 organizations serving women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. These awards were directed to nonprofits working in priority areas such as domestic violence prevention and recovery, immigration, trans justice, and proximate leadership movement building. This streamlined grant cycle bypassed the standard application process to strengthen organizations already leading critical work and reinforce community resilience. Point32Health Foundation made this rapid-response cycle possible. Its funding will elevate Women’s Fund grantmaking to support community-centered approaches addressing social, racial, and health inequities. Grant recipients for this funding round include 413 Cares, Alianza DV Services, All Inclusive Support Services, Ascentria Care Alliance, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups and Education, Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, the Gray House, Parent Villages, Resilience Center of Franklin County, Roca Inc., Safe Passage, Springfield Housing Authority, Tapestry Health, Transhealth, Translate Gender, and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation Distributes $550,000 in 2025

SPRINGFIELD — The O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation distributed $550,000 in 2025 funding to support women and families across Springfield, advancing economic stability through investments that address both immediate needs and long-term opportunities. Grounded in its mission to pave pathways to economic security, the foundation strategically invested across a range of support, from food access and basic needs to education, career development, and financial wellness. A total of $450,000 in grant funding was awarded to the following organizations serving women in Springfield: Bay Path University, Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, the Gray House, It Takes a Village, MassHire Holyoke, South End Community Center, Tech Foundry, and United Way of Pioneer Valley. In addition, $100,000 was distributed directly to local food pantries in response to a sharp increase in food insecurity caused by delays in SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.

Community Foundation Issues More Than $3.3 Million in Grants

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced the distribution of $3,347,000 in unrestricted grant funding through its Flexible Funding cycle, supporting 123 nonprofit organizations across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. Funding may be used at the nonprofit’s discretion to advance its mission, strengthen operations, support staff, or respond to evolving community needs. This round of Flexible Funding comes at a time when the majority of nonprofit applicants reported federal funding losses. The Community Foundation also announced it has received an increase in support for its next grant cycle. The MassMutual Foundation has committed $1 million toward 2027 Flexible Funding grants, which will help address barriers to financial well-being in Springfield while expanding the total amount available for next year’s Flexible Funding recipients. The increase builds upon steady growth in philanthropic support from the MassMutual Foundation since 2024 and allows the Community Foundation to support nonprofits on a greater scale.

Brick Marketing Launches Chamber Discount Program

BOSTON — Brick Marketing announced its Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Discount Program, an initiative that makes senior level digital marketing easier to access for organizations across the Commonwealth. Effective immediately, any current member of any chamber of commerce located in Massachusetts will receive a 20% discount on all Brick Marketing digital marketing and AI marketing services. The program reflects Brick Marketing’s belief that strong local partnerships create stronger results. The agency serves clients nationwide while investing deeply in Massachusetts through mentoring, community support, and active participation in business associations. Any current member of any chamber of commerce in Massachusetts qualifies for the 20% savings. Businesses can confirm eligibility by mentioning their chamber affiliation when contacting Brick Marketing so the discount can be applied to a proposal. If a company is not yet a member, it can join a local chamber to support the community and unlock the 20% savings on all digital marketing services with Brick Marketing. For more information, visit www.brickmarketing.com/chamber-discount-program.

T-Birds Donate Hats, Gloves to Springfield Public Schools

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in conjunction with the organization’s charitable foundation and Springfield Public Schools, announced it will present a donation of approximately 3,000 winter hats and gloves to students in the school system. Representatives from the Thunderbirds made donations of supplies to Walsh Elementary School on Jan. 16 and South End Middle School on Jan. 23. “We are deeply grateful to the Springfield Thunderbirds for their continued generosity and partnership,” Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall said. “Meeting students’ basic needs is essential to their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. A warm hat or pair of gloves is not a small gesture. It sends a powerful message that the community cares about students, supports them, and believes in their success every single day.”

North Brookfield Savings Bank Celebrates Food, Toy Drives

NORTH BROOKFIELD — North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual holiday season food and toy drives, made possible by the generosity of its customers, community members, and employees. During the annual food drive, the bank’s communities came together to donate more than 950 non-perishable food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations to support families in need. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 in support of the food pantry operations. The drive benefited East Brookfield Baptist Church Food Pantry, Sharing Cupboard Food Pantry – First Congregational Church, St. Joseph’s Parish Food Pantry, First Congregational Church of North Brookfield, Trinity Episcopal Church – Jubilee Cupboard, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Food Pantry, and Palmer Food Share Inc. During the annual toy drive, community members, employees, and neighbors donated more than 430 toys for children in need, alongside more than $1,600 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,250 to bring joy to children in the communities it serves. The drive benefited North Brookfield Police Assoc. Toys for Joy Program, East Brookfield Toys for Joy Program, West Brookfield Police Assoc. Holiday Toy Program, Ware Police Department Christmas for Kids Program, Belchertown Firefighters Assoc. Adopt-a-Family Program, and Palmer Lions Club Holiday Toy Program.

Health New England Awards $176,000 to 49 Nonprofits

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England recently awarded $176,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that are creating more inclusive, accessible, and supportive communities across Western and Central Mass. The company’s Community Benefits Mini-Grants went to 49 organizations in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, all working to help people reach higher levels of health and well-being. Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants are part of the company’s commitment to improving community health by addressing disparities in health outcomes, access, and experience. This year’s grants focus on initiatives that address at least one social factor known to impact health, such as access to nutritious food, education, safe housing, healthcare, transportation, and opportunities for connection and belonging. Now in its sixth year, the Health New England Community Benefits Mini-Grants program has awarded $595,000 to local nonprofits addressing health equity in Western and Central Mass.