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Alumni Achievement Award Nominations

Through April 9: BusinessWest is accepting nominations for its 12th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award. Nominations are due by Thursday, April 9. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/alumniachievementaward. The Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in BusinessWest, and the winner will be announced at the 40 Under Forty awards gala, presented by PeoplesBank, on Thursday, June 11 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 to identify and celebrate rising stars across our region who are excelling in business and involved in the community. Launched in 2015, the Alumni Achievement Award was created to honor the 40 Under Forty honorees who have most impressively continued and built upon their track records of accomplishment.

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 2: Bay Path University announced that award-winning journalist Gayle King will serve as the keynote speaker at the 29th annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. Since joining CBS News in 2011, King has interviewed world leaders, political figures, and cultural icons, ranging from Barack Obama to Billie Eilish to Elon Musk. Her work exploring social issues, politics, pop culture, history, and race has earned her three Emmy Awards, induction into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame (2018), and inclusion on TIME magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People (2019). The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Michelle Poler, an entrepreneur and brand strategist whose motivational philosophy, Hello Fears, has inspired thousands to step outside their comfort zones and unlock their full potential. She has presented to organizations including TEDx, Google, Facebook, Wells Fargo, ESPN, P&G, and Microsoft. Breakout sessions throughout the day are led by top business experts and coaches. Tamilla Triantoro, associate professor at Quinnipiac University, will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership, helping leaders to deploy AI responsibly. She has been featured in BBC, Forbes, and Fast Company. Melissa Majors, a business advisor and coach, will lead a session that draws on her leadership experience to address the challenges of modern work, such as burnout, disconnection, groupthink, and more. Additional breakout speakers include Erin Stafford, who will share lessons on maintaining balance through the lens of a self-described “recovering Type A overachiever,” and Sheree Cain-Jones, who will draw on her lived experiences as a teen mother, adult college student, and TEDx coach to offer strategies for rising above perceived limitations. Visit www.baypath.edu/events-calendar/womens-leadership-conference for more information on the conference, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales.

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 7: Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2026 — profiled in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — includes Ryan Alekman and Robert DiTusa, partners, Alekman DiTusa, LLC; Rachelle Hannoush, director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western Massachusetts; Jess Miller, comedian and founder, the Kind Squad; Darby O’Brien, owner, Darby O’Brien Advertising; Julie Quink, managing principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.; Edward Sokolowski, managing partner and wealth advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group; Margaret Tantillo, executive director, O’Dell Women’s Center; and Zeno Temple, founder, Just Us Movement. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 or 12 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-2026-tickets. The 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

 

EANE Leadership Summit

April 9: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE) announced that its annual Leadership Summit supporting organizational learning in the New England region will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MGM Conference Center in Springfield. Today, being a people leader is harder than ever. The theme for this year’s Leadership Summit is “Elevate Your Impact,” and the team from Radical Candor will present the opening keynote session. Kim Scott’s book has been a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller for years, and her guiding principles around caring authentically and challenging directly is widely embraced by leaders around the world as an effective leadership strategy. Radical Candor coach Stephanie Sage will share these insights with the audience. The conference also features lunchtime keynote Arel Moodie and a day full of high-impact workshop sessions. To learn more or register for this event, visit www.eane.org/event/leadership-summit-2026 or email Allison Ebner at [email protected].

 

Splash-A-Thon Fundraiser

April 11: Berkshire South Regional Community Center (BSRCC) will host its 16th annual Splash-A-Thon fundraiser beginning at 8 a.m. in its Norris Aquatics Center. The community-wide event supports Berkshire South’s Adaptive Aquatics programs, which provide inclusive swim instruction and water-based therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities. Event participants may sign up to swim laps or choose from two special-edition adaptive swim classes offered throughout the morning: Aqua Thrills (for adults ages 18 and up) at 10 a.m., or Swim Jam (for children ages 0-17 with adaptive needs) at 11 a.m. With the addition of these adaptive classes, the Splash-A-Thon fundraiser is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive event. This year’s Splash-A-Thon fundraising goal is $20,000, which will directly support Adaptive Aquatics programming. While Berkshire South’s Splash-A-Thon fundraising goal is $20,000, the Adaptive Aquatics program costs more than $50,000 annually to operate. While additional grant support helps offset costs, the fundraiser remains essential to sustaining and expanding the program. For more information, to register, or to donate, visit www.berkshiresouth.org/splashathon.

 

Three County Fair Food Drive

April 11: The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society, the nonprofit organization that manages the Three County Fair and fairgrounds, will conduct its annual food drive outside of its main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton. The Three County Fair has collected more than 2,000 pounds in food donations each year to contribute to local food banks. The fair is seeking non-perishable, non-expired foods such as canned fruit, soup, tuna, and vegetables, plus cereal, pasta, sauce, and peanut butter, for area food pantries that have partnered with the fair, including the Northampton Survival Center, the Easthampton Community Center, the Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry at BUCC in Belchertown, and the Westhampton Food Pantry at the Westhampton Congregational United Church of Christ. Vehicles can donate at least 10 non-perishable and non-expired food items in exchange for a pair of complimentary tickets to the 2026 Three County Fair, Sept. 4-7. Donations can be dropped off at the fair’s main office at 54 Fair St. in Northampton on April 11 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fair requests that donations be compiled in disposable bags or boxes for volunteers to easily accept them from vehicles.

 

BCDA Roundtable on Stewardship Best Practices

April 14: The Berkshire County Development Alliance (BCDA) will host a roundtable on stewardship best practices from 4:45 to 6 p.m. at Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker St., Lenox. This informal session will focus on practical, real-world approaches to donor stewardship. Attendees are invited to bring their favorite tips, tools, and tricks and participate in an open discussion to share resources, strategies, and ideas with fellow development professionals and volunteers from across Berkshire County. Seasoned fundraisers, those newer to development work, and people simply interested in strengthening relationships with supporters are invited to learn from peers, exchange ideas, and build community in a relaxed, collegial setting. The event is free to attend, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. RSVP by April 10 at [email protected].

Agenda

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Agenda

Mother’s Day Brunch, Concert

May 14: Judd’s Restaurant at Gateway City Arts has a full schedule of events planned for Mother’s Day, beginning with its Sunday brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following brunch at 2 p.m. will be a benefit concert for Safe Passage, featuring “Fantasie for Flute and Piano,” performed by Mosaic, the flute/piano duo of Sue Kurian and Meg Kelsey Wright. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will feature a kaleidoscope of unusual pieces: two fantasies by Gabriel Fauré and Albert Franz Doppler; two tangos by Astor Piazzolla and Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth; a folk-like, jazzy theme and variation by New Hampshire composer Gwyneth Walker; a haunting nocturne for alto flute and piano by Norwegian composer Johan Kvandal; and flute and piano solos by Arthur Honegger and Clara Schumann. The concert is part of the classical-music series at Gateway City Arts sponsored by GLC, the venue’s nonprofit arm. Donations for Safe Passage will be accepted at the door. Safe Passage provides survivors with the support and information to keep themselves and their children safe and to rebuild their lives in the wake of domestic violence. Learn more at safepass.org. Visit tableagent.com/springfield/judds-restaurant to make Mother’s Day brunch reservations.

 

Great Golf Escape

May 15: The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will host its 15th annual Great Golf Escape event starting at 10 a.m. at the Country Club of Wilbraham. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. The cost for this event is $125 for individual YPS members, $500 for a YPS member foursome team captain, $150 for individual non-members, and $600 for a non-member foursome team captain. There will be prizes, a hole-in-one contest with a cash prize, a poker challenge, and more. Registration includes lunch, post-golf dinner, and giveaways. Visit www.springfieldyps.com/events.html#!event/register/2023/5/15/great-golf-escape-2023 to register. This event is open to the public, so there is no need to be a YPS member to play. However, members will receive a free mulligan, entry into the door-prize raffle, and more. The event’s presenting sponsor is PeoplesBank. Other sponsors include Beauty Batlles Lounge, Brown and Brown Insurance, Caring Medical Staffing, Chikmedia, DDS Acoustical Specialties, HUB International, Kyle Sullivan, LiftTruck Parts & Service, LUSO Federal Credit Union, Monson Savings Bank, Raymond James, UMass Dining, and Visual Sound Production.

 

‘A Journey of Hope and Recovery’ Walkathon

May 21: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI-WM) will hold its 23rd annual Walkathon Celebration, “A Journey of Hope and Recovery,” at the Stanley Park Beveridge Pavilion Annex starting at 11 a.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The event is suitable for all ages and abilities and will directly benefit the organization’s continuing efforts to help improve the lives of those individuals living with mental-health conditions and their families. The festivities will include guest speakers, fun activities, raffles, and more. People can help NAMI-WM continue its mission by participating in this walkathon as an individual or team and/or sponsoring the event. For more information, call (413) 786-9139 or visit www.namiwm.org/events for pledge and sponsorship forms. Volunteers are needed.

 

You Ball Fundraising Gala

June 1: The Springfield Pride Parade organization announced the inaugural You Ball Fundraising Gala, taking place at 6 p.m. in MGM Springfield’s Aria Ballroom. With a Met Gala-inspired Fabergè egg theme, the You Ball will celebrate the diverse beauty, uniqueness, and prestige of the LGBTQIA+ community. The gala will feature music, dining options, performances, and conversations with parade organizers and Springfield city officials. Proceeds from the You Ball Fundraising Gala will directly support the Springfield Pride Parade organization’s Safe Space program, which provides Springfield public-school students with a safe environment to effectively communicate, build self-confidence, work on their social and emotional skills, develop healthy relationships, and focus on community engagement. Sponsored by MassMutual, MGM Springfield, Springfield Technical Community College, and the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, the event aims to be an inspirational evening to celebrate and honor the region’s LGBTQIA+ and ally business owners, professionals, and community leaders. For more information on You Ball tickets, table sponsorships, and gala program marketing inquiries, visit www.springfieldprideparade.org/youball.

 

Free Shred Days

June 10, Sept. 23, Oct. 14: Monson Savings Bank will once again host free community shred days in 2023. As in previous years, Monson Savings Bank is partnering up with PROSHRED of Wilbraham for this series of events welcoming the public to discard their documents in a safe and secure manner. This is an ideal opportunity to dispose of unwanted documents such as tax returns, bank or credit-card statements, bills, and medical records. Pre-packaged refreshments and giveaways will be available while supplies last. Shred days are scheduled for Saturday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hampden branch, 15 Somers Road; Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ware branch, 136 West St.; and Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wilbraham branch, 100 Post Office Park.

 

40 Under Forty

June 15: BusinessWest will host the annual 40 Under Forty Gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. One of the most anticipated events of the year, the gala will celebrate the class of 2023, which is announced and profiled in this issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The gala will feature a VIP hour for the honorees and sponsors, networking, the presentation of the Alumni Achievement Award, and introduction of members of the class of 2022. For more information or to purchase tickets, go HERE. This year’s 40 Under Forty presenting sponsor is PeoplesBank, and the 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award presenting sponsor is Health New England. Partner sponsors include Comcast Business, Live Nation, the Markens Group, MGM Springfield, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management, and Webber & Grinnell Insurance.

 

Hooplandia

June 23-25: Registration for Hooplandia, a 3×3 basketball tournament and festival, is now open at www.hooplandia.com and includes levels of play for all ages and divisions. The tournament, presented by the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will take place on the grounds of ESE in West Springfield June 23-25, with special games at the Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event is expected to attract thousands of fans and players as hundreds of games take place across more than 70 courts. Divisions of play have been created to provide an all-inclusive environment for players of all ages and playing abilities. With brackets that include veterans, first responders, youth, wheelchair athletes, college elites, and many more, there’s a spot on the court for everyone. Players are invited to build teams of four, create their own unique team name and uniforms, and register at www.hooplandia.com. Team fees range from $75 to $190, with children under 8 and participants in the Special Olympics category being free of charge. Anyone interested should email [email protected]. Hooplandia welcomes participation from youth team referees, scorekeepers, Fan Village contest facilitators, and volunteers for myriad duties to help make this inaugural year a success. Those interested in participating in this groundbreaking event can fill out the volunteer form at www.hooplandia.com.

 

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE
www.1berkshire.com
(413) 499-1600

•Nov. 14: Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Berkshire Country Day School, 55 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge. Cost: free. Register at www.1berkshire.com.
• Nov. 17: Berkshire Young Professionals Holiday Festive Brunch and market, time to be determined. Businesses, send your young employees to this connecting event where they can enjoy brunch with other young professionals and then head over to Greylock WORKS for the second annual Fall FESTIVE, a handmade holiday market celebrating local food and design from the Berkshires and beyond. Cost: $5 for event entry, food and drink separate. Register at www.1berkshire.com.
• Nov. 20: Entrepreneurial Meetup, 8 a.m. Meet, greet, and make things happen at these free networking events. Meetups bring entrepreneurs together on the last Tuesday of the month for coffee or drinks. Location to be determined. Cost: free. Register at www.1berkshire.com.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• Nov. 15: Holiday Bazaar & Raffle, 5-8 p.m., hosted at Portuguese American Club, Exchange Street, Chicopee. Sponsored by Polish National Credit Union, PeoplesBank, Westfield Bank, Insurance Center of New England, and the Arbors Kids. Holiday Tree Raffle sponsored by Health New England. For more information on this event, visit chicopeechamber.org/events.
• Nov. 21: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Summit View Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. Sponsored by United Personnel, Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, Polish National Credit Union, Gaudreau Group, Spherion Staffing Services, PeoplesBank, Veteran Services Office – City of Chicopee, Prosthetic & Orthotic Solutions, and First American Insurance Agency. Chief greeter: Stephanie Shaw of the Chicopee Veteran Services Office. The keynote speaker will be Jack Downing of Soldier On. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Veterans will be admitted free of charge. Sign up online for this event at chicopeechamber.org/events.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• Nov. 14: Hampshire County Business Bash, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. This tri-chamber networking event is being presented by the Greater Easthampton, Greater Northampton, and Amherst Area chambers of commerce. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is suggested. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
• Dec. 7: Snow Ball, 6-11 p.m., hosted by the Boylston Rooms, 122 Pleasant St., Easthampton. A buffet will be served curtesy of Meyers Catering, and DJ Lori Bolanger will provide music for dancing. This event, sponsored by bankESB, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, Finck & Perras, Richards Fuel & Heating Inc., Taylor Real Estate, and Freedom Credit Union, is an ideal opportunity for an office holiday party. Cost: $75 per person. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• Nov. 2, 6, 13, 27: “Maintaining a WorkPress Website,” 9:15-11:15 a.m. (Nov. 2, 6, 27); 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (Nov. 13). Hosted by Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This class is intended for people who are currently maintaining or building a WordPress website. The class will meet for four sessions, and part a each session will be devoted to working on your own website, with assistance from the instructor. Participants are asked to bring their own laptops, as well as login credentials for their websites. Cost: $120 for members, $150 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. To register, visit goo.gl/forms/RBdkeCbXPwGIoH6G2.
• Nov. 8: “Advertising with Facebook for Beginners,” noon to 1 p.m., hosted by Coldwell Banker, 112 Main St., Northampton. Presented by Pam Sclafani, Marketing director of Coldwell Banker Realtors. If you’ve been thinking about online advertising but are reluctant to pull the trigger, Sclafani will show you how to grow your audience, reach the right people, and manage and measure the results within the largest social-media platform in the world. Cost: free.

• Nov. 14: November Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst. Three-chamber event. Sponsored by Kuhn Riddle Architects. Cost: $10 for members.

•Dec. 5: December Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Thornes Marketplace, downtown Northampton. Sponsors: Christopher Heights of Northampton, Keiter Builders Inc., and the Lusteg Wealth Management Group – Merrill Lynch. Cost: $10 for members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• Nov. 5: November Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m. hosted by Andrea York Photography, 16 Union Ave., Suite 1A, Westfield. Please join us for our monthly Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events, or call the chamber at (413) 568-1618 to register so we may give our host a head count.
• Nov. 14: November After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served, and a 50/50 raffle will benefit the chamber scholarship fund. Bring your business cards and make connections. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door). Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• Nov. 28: November Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, 5:30-8:30 p.m., hosted by Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. Join us as we gather to celebrate our 2018 award winners, including Business of the Year: Armbrook Village; Nonprofit of the Year: the Westfield Athenaeum; and Lifetime Achievement Award: Ann Lentini of Domus Inc. Sponsored by Westfield Bank. Dinner tickets cost $45 for members, $60 for non-members. Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• Dec. 7: Holiday Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Platinum sponsor: Staples; silver sponsor: Easthampton Savings Bank; bronze sponsors: PeoplesBank and Westfield Center. Cost: $25 for members, $40 for non-members. Sign up online at www.westfieldbiz.org/events. For sponsorships or more information, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• Nov. 8: “Discover Your Power Voice,” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Springfield Country Club. Presenter Angela Lussier will show attendees how to discover the power of their voice through her interactive presentation. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members. Registration will be available soon. Visit www.professionalwomenschamber.com for more information.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• Nov. 7: Rise and Shine Business Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Springfield Sheraton, Monarch Place, Springfield.
• Nov. 7: Networking Night with West of the River Chamber, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Ronald McDonald House, 34 Chapin Terrace, Springfield. Free for members who bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable item; $10 general admission.
• Nov. 8: Professional Women’s Chamber Headline Luncheon, “Discover Your Power Voice,” with Angela Lussier, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members, $25 for students.
• Nov. 15: Government Reception, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Cost: $60 for members in advance, $70 general admission in advance.

Reservations for all Springfield Regional Chamber events may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com, e-mailing [email protected], or calling (413) 755-1310.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
• Nov. 7: Night of Networking, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Ronald McDonald House, 34 Chapin Terrace, Springfield. This event, co-presented with the Springfield Regional Chamber, is a networking event bringing the two chambers together for a great cause. Bring an unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item, and your entrance fee is free. Take a tour of this facility, learn about all they provide for communities in need, and network with fellow business people from all over Western Mass. For more information and to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

YPS OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
springfieldyps.com
• Nov. 14: Professional Breakfast Series: “Trumps Taxes and What It Means for You,” 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by MassLive, 1350 Main St., fourth floor, Springfield. Join us for breakfast as Amanda Garcia, CPA reviews what’s to come as part of President Trump’s tax plan for 2019. This breakfast is part of a series sponsored by the MBA Program at Elms College. Register at springfieldyps.com.
• Nov. 15: YPS November Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Student Prince, Fort Street, Springfield. Networking event. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Register at springfieldyps.com.