Company Notebook

CitySpace Receives $3.5 Million in Congressional Funding

EASTHAMPTON — CitySpace announced it has been granted a $3.5 million congressionally directed spending award to support the restoration of Easthampton’s historic Old Town Hall, marking a major milestone in the long-term effort to transform the landmark into a fully accessible, multi-level center for arts, culture, and community life. The funding will advance the next phase of work to restore the building’s second floor as a 350-seat performing arts venue, dramatically expanding public access and cultural opportunity in the heart of downtown Easthampton. The federal funding was secured through the leadership and advocacy of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, with particular recognition of U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren, whose offices worked closely with CitySpace and local partners to advance the project. Located at the heart of Easthampton’s Main Street Historic District, Old Town Hall is one of the city’s most prominent civic buildings. Owned by the city and stewarded by CitySpace through a 40-plus-year lease, the building is being restored and activated as a center for the arts through a public-private partnership that has kept the space in active use while undergoing phased improvements. Celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year, CitySpace has brought new energy to the first floor of Old Town Hall, transforming the historic space into a vibrant hub for exhibitions, performances, workshops, markets, and community gatherings. Since its founding, CitySpace has led the thoughtful reuse and restoration of the building, providing affordable and accessible space for artists, nonprofits, and small businesses. Since 2014, CitySpace has led a series of restoration efforts to stabilize and improve Old Town Hall, including the current project to add an elevator serving all four floors, dramatically expanding accessibility in the 157-year-old building. The granted federal funding will advance the restoration of the second floor, creating a 350-seat performing arts venue in the space that once served as the building’s historic meeting hall.

The Drake Announces Gift to Endow Director Position

AMHERST — The Drake, a live performance and music venue in downtown Amherst, announced a transformative $250,000 donation that will allow the organization to hire and endow a new director position, marking a significant milestone after four successful artistic and financial years. The search for the director will begin immediately. The gift was made by Amherst residents who have supported the Drake’s capital campaign and annual giving efforts since its founding. Their passion for the arts and commitment to the economic vitality of downtown Amherst inspired this investment to ensure the Drake’s sustainability for decades to come. Founded by the nonprofit Downtown Amherst Foundation, the Drake was created to foster economic viability, sustainability, and vibrancy in downtown Amherst through arts and culture. Since opening, the venue has hosted thousands of artists from across the globe and from the local community, establishing itself as a cornerstone for live performance in the region. The Drake has built enduring collaborations with Amherst College’s Music Department and faculty, the UMass Amherst Fine Arts Center and Music Department, and performing arts programs at Amherst regional public schools. Together, these partnerships have created unique performance series and educational opportunities that enrich both students and the broader community. The newly endowed director position will work alongside the Drake’s small staff to expand donor engagement, strengthen development efforts, and oversee the financial stewardship of the growing nonprofit organization. Until now, the Drake’s board of directors has managed finances and development entirely on a volunteer basis.

Country Bank Marks 175 Years by Giving More Than $1 Million

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., marked its 175th anniversary in 2025, a milestone year that served as both a celebration of history and a reaffirmation of the bank’s long-standing commitment to the communities it has served since 1850, a legacy built over 175 years and grounded in relationships, trust, and service. Throughout its anniversary year, Country Bank contributed more than $1 million in community donations and sponsorship to nonprofit organizations, supporting essential programs and services across Central and Western Mass. This investment reflects Country Bank’s belief that community banking is about consistently showing up for the people and organizations that strengthen the region. Giving during the bank’s 175th year focused on key areas including food insecurity, housing stability, education, youth development, health and human services, and financial literacy, causes that have long aligned with Country Bank’s mission and values. In addition to financial support, Country Bank employees demonstrated a deep personal commitment to service. During the year, team members contributed 1,826 volunteer hours across 846 community initiatives, with 171 employees actively participating. This collective effort reinforces the bank’s belief that meaningful impact extends beyond financial contributions to include time, talent, and hands-on involvement.

Volvo Cars West Springfield to Construct New Facility

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Volvo Cars West Springfield, part of the Fathers & Sons family of dealerships, announced plans to demolish its current building and construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art Volvo facility. As the only Volvo retailer serving the entire Pioneer Valley, Fathers & Sons continues to invest in providing a premium ownership experience for the region. Beginning March 2, operations have temporarily relocated during construction. Volvo service operations will move to Fathers & Sons Volkswagen, 434 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The Volvo sales department — offering both new and certified pre-owned vehicles — will operate just east of the former facility, located at 931 Memorial Ave. The new facility, expected to be completed in the fourt quarter of 2026, will feature seven new service bays, advanced diagnostic and service equipment, and a modern environment reflective of Volvo Cars’ Scandinavian design aesthetic.

Transformation Fitness WMA Opens in Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG — Transformation Fitness WMA, a new, locally owned fitness business offering personal training, recently launched services in Williamsburg. The business provides inclusive, personalized fitness coaching designed for individuals seeking a supportive alternative to traditional gyms. Founded by J Oien, a NASM-certified personal trainer and registered nurse, Transformation Fitness WMA delivers evidence-based fitness programming tailored to each client’s goals, abilities, and lived experience. Services are available to residents throughout Western Mass., with options for in-person and virtual training. Oien is committed to safe, affirming coaching for all bodies — especially for transgender and gender-diverse clients seeking an inclusive training environment. Transformation Fitness WMA offers one-on-one personal training in-person in Haydenville; small group fitness classes in Williamsburg and remotely from anywhere in the U.S.: virtual personal training (synchronous or asynchronous) from anywhere in the U.S.; and individualized programming with weekly coaching check-ins. Training sessions are held in private studio spaces.

Crooked Stick Pops Awarded $40,000 Grant

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton-based Crooked Stick Pops, a woman-owned business founded in 2016, has been awarded a grant for $40,521.82 by MassDevelopment’s Biz-M-Power Grant Program. The grant supports an expansion of the company’s commercial kitchen to some three times its current size through capital investments in equipment. Increased production will help the company expand its wholesale reach from the Hudson Valley to Metro West Boston and Cape Cod. The company will focus on developing existing markets in Southern New England and increasing its presence from Boston to the Albany Capital Region. The new kitchen space will hold a second, larger walk-in freezer, the equipment investment made possible by the MassDevelopment grant. The new kitchen space will also allow for more efficient venting of popsicle machines and the large freezers, which generate a great deal of heat — doubly ironic for a company that makes frozen treats and does most of its work during the already hot and humid summer months. The business remains based in the Keystone Building of Easthampton, but now on a ground floor location that allows for more efficient loading of vehicles headed to farmers’ markets, music festivals, civic gatherings, weddings and parties, and all the other events Crooked Stick Pops is known for. It will also help Marty’s Local, wholesale distributor since 2023, load its trucks without dealing with freight elevators and competing for loading dock space.

6 Brick’s Supports Square One

SPRINGFIELD — 6 Brick’s Cannabis Dispensary recently concluded its “Shop for a Cause” initiative, raising nearly $7,500 to support Square One’s programs and services. During the month of January, $1 from every 6 Brick’s-branded product sold was designated as a donation to Square One. “What makes this especially meaningful is that it wasn’t just a corporate contribution — it was a collective effort with our customers,” Shubrick added. “Our community chose to participate. Many of them expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support a trusted local organization while shopping with us. That level of engagement reinforces that Square One’s mission resonates beyond its direct service population.”

Springfield College Program Awarded Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College announced that its bachelor of science in sport management program has been awarded accreditation from the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), which extends until February 2033. The purpose of COSMA accreditation is to promote and recognize excellence in sport management higher education. Upon reviewing a college’s sport management program, COSMA evaluates how well the program educates students and prepares them for a career in the sport management industry. The Springfield College sport management program provides students with the opportunity to develop expertise in the rapidly advancing world of sport. The program leans into its history of innovation in the classroom and within the sport industry. The broad-based sport curriculum is combined with the sport lens for the administration and management of a variety of sport and athletic careers. Currently, 90% of Springfield College sport management graduates are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Of those employed, 93% are within sport.

Steeple City Social Celebrates First Year

NORTH ADAMS — From farmers market beginnings, Steeple City Social, a North Adams bakery, bar, and community space, celebrated its one-year anniversary with Birthday Week festivities from Feb. 25 to March 1. Meghan Daly, a self-taught baker and chef, is the brains behind the cuisine. She grew up in Bennington and ran Daly Pies, a pie bakery in Brooklyn. After moving to North Adams in 2020, she became a farmers market manager and now serves on the board of directors of the North Adams Chamber of Commerce and the Farmers Market Committee. Andrew Fitch, public official and first-time entrepreneur, works front of house and focuses on community engagement through events and collaborations. He grew up in the Boston area and moved to North Adams in 2021. He serves on the North Adams City Council and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and is running for state representative for the 1st Berkshire District. In the past year, Fitch and Daly, the co-owners of Steeple City Social, have served up coffee, pastries, pies, sandwiches, and brunch items during the day and appetizers, pot pies, and cocktails in the evening. They have paired their culinary work with myriad free events open to the entire community.

International Language Institute Launches New English Program

NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) has launched a newly approved, part-time English program, expanding its educational offerings while strengthening its role in the regional economy and community. The program offers flexible morning classes designed for international visitors and residents who want to improve their English while balancing professional and personal commitments. Founded in 1984, ILI attracts students from around the world, contributing to the local economy through housing, dining, transportation, and retail spending. The school also partners with local employers to provide workplace language training. As a nonprofit organization, ILI uses tuition revenue to support its free English program for immigrants and refugees, which serves hundreds of residents annually and helps strengthen the regional workforce.