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Celebrating a Legacy

Regional business and municipal leaders, colleagues, friends, and family gathered at MGM Springfield last month to honor Rick Sullivan, retiring president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC). During Sullivan’s 11-year tenure, the EDC has grown, programming has expanded, membership has doubled, and progress has been made developing new business sectors, such as food science, clean energy, and cybersecurity. At the start of 2026, Aaron Vega, former director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development in Holyoke, stepped into that role. 

Pictured: Sullivan and family members at the retirement celebration.

Community Support

Monson Savings Bank recently donated $2,500 to the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) to benefit programming for Springfield youth, reflecting the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that enrich the lives of local families and children. Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (left) and Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager (right), presented the donation to the JCC’s Mechilia “Chile” Salazar, chief Development officer. The Springfield JCC offers a wide range of programs designed to inspire and empower young people, promoting learning, creativity, and connection within the community.

Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty (left) and Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA/Fraud officer and Compliance manager (right),

Insuring Against Hunger

In response to the recent food crisis, the AXiA Charitable Fund provided support to local organizations serving families in need. AXiA donated more than 300 pounds of food to Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield and contributed more than $5,000 each to Lorraine’s Food Pantry in Chicopee and Parish Cupboard in West Springfield. These contributions were made in addition to AXiA’s ongoing charitable giving, as part of its commitment to helping the community during times of greatest need. 

Pictured: the West Springfield AXiA team with food donations for Open Pantry Community Services.

Helping Families in Need

Westfield Bank recently celebrated the success of a food drive as well as a toy drive. 

Pictured: from Oct. 20 through Nov. 17, all Westfield Bank branches collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations. Food items included those needed for Thanksgiving dinners as well as other staples to keep shelves stocked throughout the holiday season. Each branch donated to a food pantry or community kitchen local to their service area.

Pictured: from Dec. 1 to 15, all Westfield Bank branches collected new, unwrapped toys and books. Each branch donated to an organization or charity local to their service area, including the Gray House, Bloomfield’s Social & Youth Services Department, the Southwick Civic Fund, the Salvation Army, and the Springfield United Toy Drive.

Small Business Spotlight

UMassFive College Credit Union announced Amherst Cinema as the grand prize winner of its second annual Small Business Spotlight contest. Nominated by the community, the winner was revealed at the final UMass football home game of the season at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Nov. 25, ahead of Small Business Saturday. Amherst Cinema will receive a $10,000 UMass Athletics advertising package, featuring exposure across digital displays, radio reads, email campaigns, and tabling opportunities at the Mullins Center during UMass basketball and hockey home games for the remainder of the season. Two secondary winners — Masuda’s Cafe and InfinityEd — were awarded $500 cash prizes to support their ongoing community efforts.

UMassFive College Credit Union announced Amherst Cinema as the grand prize winner of its second annual Small Business Spotlight contest

Haulin’ 4 Hunger

Throughout December, Advantage Truck Group (ATG) employees, customers, and business partners delivered thousands of meals to food pantry organizations near its locations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, continuing its year-round effort to fight food insecurity in its communities through its Haulin’ 4 Hunger program. Employees from Advantage Truck Group in Westfield delivered non-perishable meals of canned chicken, ramen noodles, stuffing, canned peas, and cookies to Our Community Table Westfield Soup Kitchen. Since its inception in 2012, ATG’s Haulin’ 4 Hunger program has provided more than 98,000 meals to help those in need.

Employees from Advantage Truck Group in Westfield delivered non-perishable meals of canned chicken, ramen noodles, stuffing, canned peas, and cookies to Our Community Table Westfield Soup Kitchen