Education Archives - Page 18 of 68

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff October 18, 2016

Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Oct. 19: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Hitchcock Center, 845 West St., Amherst. Sponsored by Encharter Insurance and UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. Join the chamber and celebrate the new, 9,000-square-foot Hitchcock Center opening. This will be New England’s first public environmental education center to meet the Living Building Challenge. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

• Oct. 27: Chamber Legislative Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. Sponsored by Eversource. The annual legislative breakfast brings together legislators, local officials, and business leaders to network and discuss current and upcoming policy issues. Guest speakers: Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and state Reps. Ellen Story and John Scibak. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

FRANKLIN COUNTY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Oct. 18: Free Legal Clinic, noon to 3:30 p.m., at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield – Masonic Hall Condominium Building. The Western Mass Regional office of the MSBDC announced that the law firms of WMassBizLaw have offered to hold a free legal clinic. Individuals, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one for 30 minutes with attorney Sarah Willey to discuss general legal questions such as corporate structure, leases, contracts, insurance, employment, franchising, and various other business-related issues. Cost: free. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

• Oct. 28: October Chamber Breakfast with Francois Nivaud, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Greenfield Community College Dining Commons, 1 College Dr., Greenfield. Nivaud was recently appointed executive director of the Mass. Office of Travel & Tourism. He has spent his career in the world of hospitality by operating hotels and consulting with groups and businesses in this field. He will share his plans for marketing Massachusetts to both domestic and international visitors, as well as new initiatives that his department will undertake. He is committed to partnerships and strengthening relationships with the 16 Regional Tourism Councils, as evidenced by his visits to all regions within weeks of his appointment. Cost: $13 for member, $16 for non-members. Register by Oct. 21 at www.franklincc.org or by calling (413) 773-5463.

• Nov. 18: November Chamber Breakfast with John B. Jurst, 7:30-9 a.m., at Greenfield Country Club, 171 Country Club Road, Greenfield. The speaker will be John Hurst, President of RAM, the Retailers Assoc. of Massachusetts. RAM is a trade association that represents some 3200 retail stores by advocating for them in this changing retail climate. RAM voices concerns about potential legislation, labor laws and rights, compensation, loss prevention, and other factors related to retailing, whether a megastore or the mom-and-pop shop downtown. What is the future of retailing? This discussion is a timely one just before holiday shopping begins. Cost: $13 for members, $16 for non-members Register by Nov. 11 at www.franklincc.org or by calling (413) 773-5463.

• Dec. 16: Annual Holiday Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Deerfield Academy, 7 Boyden Lane, Deerfield. A bountiful buffet will be presented by the Academy chefs. The program will be sponsored by the Recorder, and tributes will be offered to the recipient of its Citizen of the Year award. A selection committee pores over the many nominations that are received and makes the difficult choice just prior to the event. Awardees are recognized for their volunteer work in their community, as well as many acts of kindness during their lives. There are also gift bags for those attending. Register early at www.franklincc.org or by calling (413) 773-5463.

GREATER CHICOPEE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Oct. 19: October Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Summit View Banquet & Meeting House, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 26: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Arbors at Chicopee, 929 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Oktoberfest theme with band, food, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Nov. 1: Multi-Chamber Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Mill 180 Park, 180 Pleasant St., Easthampton. Cost: $10 members, $15 for non-members.

• Nov. 16: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Collegian Court restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Oct. 19: Medallion Speaker Forum Fall, noon to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Innovative Business Systems, 161 Northampton St., Easthampton. State Rep. John Scibak joins the forum and gives his insight on how you can be most effective when you need to be. Cost includes boxed lunch from Riff’s Joint. Space is limited. For additional information, e-mail [email protected]. Cost: $20. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or by calling the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Nov. 9: Hampshire County Business Bash, 5-7 p.m., at the Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst. A tri-chamber business-expo networking event. Enjoy business building, networking, complementary appetizers, cash bar, and local brewery beer tasting. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or by calling the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Nov. 10: Checkpoint Legislative Summit, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hosted by the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. The Chamber of Greater Easthampton joins in presenting a multi-chamber event with the Chicopee, Hadley, Holyoke, and Westfield chambers. Bring your questions or concerns to this open forum with area legislators, featuring keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Karen Polito. Cost: $45 for members registering before Oct. 31, $55 for non-members. After Oct. 31, all registration will be $55. For more information or to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org, or call (413) 527-9414.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Oct. 28: 2016 New Member Orientation, 3-4 p.m., at the chamber offices, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. This is the chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you. Meet other new members and learn how to make the most of your chamber membership. Cost: Free. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].

GREATER WESTFIELD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Nov. 7: Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan, 8-9 a.m., at Netlogix, 48 Court St., Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register.

• Nov. 9: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express located at 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Sponsored by It’s PAWSible! Dog Training Center. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Cost: free for members, $10 cash for general admission. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• Nov. 16: 56th annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Congratulations to 2016 award winners: Firtion Adams, 2016 Business of the Year; Westfield Technical Academy, 2016 Nonprofit Business of the Year; and George’s Jewelers. Inc., 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. The event sponsor is Staples, and the registration table sponsor is the Gaudreau Group. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Cost: $50 for chamber members, $60 for general admission. RSVP by Nov. 11 appreciated, but no refunds after that date.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Nov. 3: PWC Expo Headline Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Featuring Andrea Haslet-Davis, ballroom dancer, runner, and Boston Marathon bombing survivor. Cost: $40. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• Oct. 19: Economic Forum Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Willits-Hallowell Conference Center at Mount Holyoke College. James Hartley, professor of Economics, will speak on the economy. A buffet breakfast will be provided. Cost: $22 members, $27 for non-members. E-mail [email protected] to RSVP.

• Nov. 3: Spotlight on South Hadley Businesses, 7-9 p.m., at South Hadley High School. After leaving BusinessWest’s Western Mass. Business Expo, have dinner, then go to Spotlight on South Hadley Businesses. Know Your Town and the South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce are partnering to host a free program featuring your business. It’s like a chamber table-top or craft-fair event, but it’s free to businesses and the public. It’s free to have a table with your business information and promotion (posters, takeout menus, job applications, handouts, business cards, etc.). E-mail [email protected] to RSVP or to have questions answered about this opportunity.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Oct. 28: Springfield Regional Chamber Super 60, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Celebrating the 60 fastest-growing, privately held companies in the region. Presented by Health New England and sponsored by Farmington Bank. Presented in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $50 for members, $70 for non-members. RSVP deadline: Oct. 19. Reservations may be made online at www.professionalwomenschamber.com.

• Nov. 3: Springfield Regional Chamber Expo Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Featuring Laura Masulis, MassDevelopment fellow, speaking on “The Rise of Innovation.” Cost: $30 for members in advance, $30 for general admission, and $35 for walk-in admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 9: Springfield Regional Chamber Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Colony Club, 1500 Main St., Springfield. “The New Overtime Law and the Pay Equity Law — Their Impact to You” will be presented by John Gannon, attorney with Skoler Abbott & Presser, P.C. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 15: Springfield Regional Chamber Speed Networking, 7:15-9 a.m. Location to be determined. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 17: Springfield Regional Chamber Government Reception, 5-7 p.m., at the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. An evening of informal conversation with local and state leaders. Cost: $50 for members in advance, $70 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Oct. 18: Multi-Chamber Lunch & Learn, noon-2 p.m., at the Storrowton Tavern/Carriage House, West Springfield. Enjoy a buffet lunch while networking with fellow business people. John Regan, AIM’s executive vice president for Government Affairs, will discuss the matters that passed on Beacon Hill, those that didn’t, and what may be in store for the next legislative session that begins in January 2017. Cost: $35. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

• Oct. 26: Food Fest West, 5:30-8 p.m., at Crestview Country Club, Agawam. The event will feature the foods of area restaurants including Chez Josef, Crestview Country Club, Partner’s, and many more. Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing-education needs. Cost: $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• Nov. 1: Coffee with Mayor Cohen, 8-9:30 a.m., at the Agawam Senior Center Coffee Shop, 954 Main St., Agawam. Join us for a cup of coffee and a town update from Mayor Richard Cohen. Questions and answers will immediately follow. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

• Nov. 15: Coffee with Mayor Reichelt, 8-9:30 a.m., at the West Springfield Public Library Community Room, Park Street, West Springfield. Join us for a cup of coffee and a town update from Mayor Will Reichelt. Questions and answers will immediately follow. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

Elms, WNEU College of Pharmacy  Forge Admissions Partnership

By BusinessWest Staff October 17, 2016

Daily News

CHICOPEE, SPRINGFIELD — A new linkage agreement between Elms College and Western New England College of Pharmacy will make it easier for Elms students to forge a career in pharmacy.

Elms College’s Janet Williams, professor of Biology, and WNE College of Pharmacy’s Evan Robinson, dean and associate provost for Academic Affairs, formalized the link between the two colleges by signing the agreement on the Elms campus. Going forward, qualified Elms students will be guaranteed admission interviews for WNE College of Pharmacy.

“Having a college of pharmacy in the vicinity of Elms College is a wonderful pathway for our students because a lot of our students are local. This will give them opportunities to not only get their education in pharmacy, but also possibly continue to practice in the area,” Williams said.

The agreement will directly impact healthcare in Western Mass. by helping to keep pharmacy students and graduates in the area, where they can work to improve the lives of local residents.

“One of the reasons an agreement like this makes so much sense and is so practical is that, when you look at where individuals want to practice healthcare, they always say, ‘I want to be local.’ Well, local isn’t where the school necessarily is — local is the hometown and the heart,” Robinson said. “If we can get Springfield-area students to stay in the Springfield area and be pharmacists, I think we’ve got a much better chance of trying to impact some of the care issues that are going on right in our yards. We need students to stay. We need to retain them in Western Massachusetts.”

Elms currently has a range of agreements in dozens of programs with more than six institutions throughout the region.

Employers Challenged by Religious Discrimination, Appearance Issues

By BusinessWest Staff October 15, 2016

Employment Sections

Crosses to Bear

By Karina L. Schrengohst, Esq.

Karina L. Schrengohst

You have an employee, Jack, who says he belongs to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. He practices the religion of ‘FSMism’ and, pursuant to this practice, he requests, as religious accommodations, an exception to the dress code and a schedule change.

Specifically, he wants to dress like a pirate and wear a ‘colander of goodness’ on his head. In addition, he wants every Friday off because every Friday is a religious holiday for ‘Pastafarians.’ Jack has been preaching to his co-workers that they should join his church because Pastafarian heaven has a stripper factory and a beer volcano.

What would you do?

The Nebraska State Penitentiary was faced with precisely this request from an inmate. When prison officials refused to accommodate the inmate’s purported religious beliefs, he filed a lawsuit. Because the plaintiff in this case was an inmate and not an employee, this case does not involve reasonable accommodations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But the case is an interesting illustration of how requests for religious accommodations can arise.

Title VII and Massachusetts state law prohibit discrimination based on religion in the workplace. In addition, state and federal law require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. Unlike disability discrimination law’s high burden, in the context of religious discrimination law, an accommodation constitutes an undue hardship if it would impose more than a de minimis cost on the employer. A reasonable accommodation is simply an adjustment to the work environment, such as an exception to dress code or schedule requirements, that will allow the employee to practice his or her religion.

But what exactly is religion for purposes of employment discrimination law? Defining ‘religion’ is difficult, as we have a growing, religiously diverse population. Title VII defines religion as including all aspects of religious belief, observance, and practice. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines religion to include moral and ethical beliefs that are sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views.

Religious beliefs typically involve deep and imponderable ideas, including existential matters, such as humankind’s sense of being; teleological matters, such as humankind’s purpose in life; and cosmological matters, such as humankind’s place in the universe. Religious beliefs are typically comprehensive and broad in scope.

Religion typically has some formal or external signs, including, for example, services, ceremonies, and rituals; writings, structure, or organization; holidays; clothing; and propagation. However, beliefs grounded solely in political, economic, or social ideology are not religious.

For example, courts have found that the Ku Klux Klan is not a religion protected by Title VII, but instead is a political and social organization. In addition, personal preferences are not religious. For instance, a district court in Florida found an individual’s purported ‘personal religious creed’ that eating Kozy Kitten cat food was contributing significantly to his state of well-being and therefore his overall work performance by increasing his energy to be a mere personal preference and not a religion protected by Title VII.

With this in mind, is FSMism a religion? The Nebraska federal court came to the conclusion that FSMism is not a religion. The court found that FSMism is a satire, intended to advance an argument about science, the evolution of life, and the place of religion in public education. FSMism, which originated as a response to intelligent-design theory, argues that it is just as likely that God set the universe in motion as did a great Flying Spaghetti Monster.

The court, however, was not questioning the validity of the plaintiff’s beliefs. Religious beliefs do not have to be acceptable, logical, consistent, or comprehensible to others. In fact, religious beliefs can be preposterous to others.

Now consider you have an employee, Sally, who refuses a mandatory flu shot. She requests an exemption from the requirement. Sally says that, because she is vegan, it is against her religious beliefs to take the flu shot because it contains animal byproducts. What would do you?

An Ohio hospital was faced with this very request from an employee. After the hospital denied the request and terminated her employment for refusing the flu shot, this employee filed a lawsuit in an Ohio federal court arguing that she was denied a religious accommodation.

The employer argued that veganism is not a religion, but rather a dietary preference or social philosophy. The employee argued that her practice constitutes a moral and ethical belief, which is sincerely held with the strength of traditional religious views. The employer in this case ended up settling after the court denied its motion to dismiss.

Finally, consider you have an employee, Jill, who comes to work one day with facial piercings. Your dress code prohibits facial piercings. Jill’s supervisor sends her home for violating the company’s dress code. Jill tells her supervisor that she belongs to the Church of Body Modification. She requests a blanket exception to the policy. What would you do?

In our own backyard, Costco was faced with precisely this request. When Costco would not give the employee the requested accommodation, she filed a lawsuit in federal court in Springfield. In this case, the district court left the question of whether the Church of Body Modification is a religion unanswered. Costco argued, and, on appeal, the First Circuit found, that permitting the employee to display her facial piercings was an undue hardship because it would adversely affect Costco’s public image and efforts to present a professional workforce.

What if Jill had come to work with a visible tattoo on her arm? She does not express that her tattoo has any religious significance. She simply considers her tattoo to be an individual expression. What would you do?

Under these circumstances, you can require Jill to cover her tattoo while working, assuming that is consistent with your policies. Generally, private employers can set whatever dress, grooming, and appearance standards that they think are appropriate for their businesses as long as the standards are not discriminatory or based on religion or any other protected categories (sex, race, disability, etc.). The question remains, however — do you want Jill to cover her tattoo?

Some employers are adopting more flexible appearance standards. This is driven, in part, with an eye toward employee retention. There is a generation of workers currently in the workforce who value individual self-expression and who are changing workplace culture related to acceptable appearance. In fact, there is a growing trend across the country at large, with national companies allowing employees to visibly display tattoos.

Whatever the appearance standards you decide are appropriate for your business, whether you have a conservative dress code or you allow employees to dress like pirates with visible tattoos and facial piercings, it is important to remember that policies should be consistently and uniformly applied to all employees, and exceptions to these policies should be considered for religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

Karina L. Schrengohst, Esq. specializes exclusively in management-side labor and employment law at Royal, P.C., a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm, which is certified as a women’s business enterprise with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office and the National Assoc. of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

SPARK Holyoke Announces Crowd-funding Event to Be Held Oct. 26

By BusinessWest Staff October 13, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — SPARK Holyoke, a program of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Centennial Foundation, announced its fourth community-based crowd-funding event, Holyoke Soup, scheduled to take place Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Waterfront Tavern, 920 Main St., Holyoke.

Holyoke Soup is a dinner celebrating and supporting creative projects in Holyoke. For $5, attendees receive soup, salad, and bread while listening to presentations on business ideas, art, urban agriculture, social justice, social entrepreneurship, education, technology, and more. The food is prepared by culinary arts students from Dean Technical High School.

Several local entrepreneurs — all of whom have completed the SPARK entrepreneurship program — will also showcase their businesses beginning at 5 p.m. Each presenter has four minutes to share their idea and answer four questions from the audience. Attendees will then vote on the project that would be most beneficial to the city of Holyoke. At the end of the night, the ballots are counted, and the winner goes home with all the money raised to help fund their project. Winners come back to a future Holyoke Soup dinner to report their project’s progress. At the Oct. 26 event, the previous cash winner, Anna Rigali, from Holyoke High School, will share a brief report on how her winnings were used to further her project.

There is no admission charge to the event, but a minimum $5 donation is requested. All proceeds go to the presenter who receives the most votes. Anyone interested in presenting an idea at Holyoke Soup may apply at www.holyokesoup.com.

Elms College to Offer Graduate Education in Financial Planning

By BusinessWest Staff October 13, 2016

Daily News

CHICOPEE — The College of Our Lady of the Elms has registered with Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) to provide new financial-planning education in both master’s and graduate certificate programs.

Thanks to this new partnership, Elms College now offers an MBA degree with a concentration in certified financial planning, an master of science degree in accounting and financial planning, and a graduate certificate in financial planning. These offerings are all CFP Board registered.

“We are enthusiastic and proud to represent these new educational opportunities at Elms College,” said Amanda Garcia, director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Elms.

Added Kim Kenney-Rockwal, the college’s MBA program director, “Elms College is the only Western Massachusetts institution offering a live classroom setting for financial-planning education.”

An independent certifying organization, CFP Board owns the CFP and Certified Financial Planner certification marks, which it awards to individuals who meet its education, examination, experience, ethics, and other requirements. The CFP Board partners with more than 360 programs at more than 225 institutions.

“The CFP Board is pleased to approve the program at Elms College as a CFP Board- registered program,” said Mike Greene, chair of CFP Board’s board of directors. “As student interest in financial planning as a career continues to grow, we anticipate that the Elms College programs will contribute significantly to the number of qualified candidates seeking to attain the CFP certification, the standard of excellence for competent and ethical financial planning.”

Students who complete the financial planning program at Elms College will have met the education requirement for the CFP Certification Examination, administered by CFP Board.

“I applaud Elms College for its use of learner-centered competency identification in each course,” said Charles Chaffin, director of academic programs and initiatives at CFP Board. “I further applaud that assessment measures are indicated, with objectives and assessments integrated with the schedule. Both faculty and students should clearly understand student expectations and how content directly relates to the role of the personal financial planner.”

Freedom Credit Union Welcomes Gina Noblit, Charlene Smolkowicz

By BusinessWest Staff October 12, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union recently welcomed Gina Noblit and Charlene Smolkowicz to its management team.

Noblit joined Freedom as director of Human Resources, managing the HR activities for the credit union, which employs a staff of about 130. Noblit has more than 31 years of HR experience in both healthcare and manufacturing. She comes to Freedom from Baystate Health, where she was a senior Human Resources consultant. She earned her master’s degree in human resource technology from American International College and her bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.

Smolkowicz joined Freedom as commercial credit manager, member business lending. Her primary responsibility is to assure the consistent application of and adherence to commercial credit policy and current regulations, strengthen commercial underwriting standards, monitor portfolio risk, as well as develop and maintain sound commercial credit quality. Smolkowicz has 18 years of experience in the finance industry, including expertise in credit/financial analysis, business development, and relationship management. Most recently, she was associate vice president, portfolio/relationship manager with People’s United Bank for nine years, where she specialized in nonprofit, healthcare, and higher education, in addition to commercial and industrial lending. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from Bay Path University.

LEEF to Celebrate 15th Anniversary with Black and White Gala

By BusinessWest Staff October 12, 2016

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) will host its 15th annual fund-raising gala on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club. The event, which will feature a black and white theme, includes food, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and raffles. This year’s entertainment will be provided by Boston’s premier party band, the Marsels.

Funds raised through the gala are used to provide grants to Longmeadow teachers, providing opportunities for innovative educational and enrichment programs that go beyond the tax-supported budget. Since its founding in 2001 by a group of dedicated parents, LEEF has funded 330 teacher grant requests, totaling more than $1.2 million, to Longmeadow public schools. LEEF maintains both a sustaining fund and a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

“It is only through the generous support of our sponsors and donors that we are able to supply these grants that enhance our students’ education,” said Whitney Harrington, LEEF board member and co-chair of the gala.

The platinum sponsor of the 2016 LEEF gala is North Star Recycling. Gold sponsors are Bay Path University and Green Earth Energy Photo Voltaic Group. Long-time supporters Advanced Vein Care and Collins Pipe are silver sponsors, with Playful Minds, Bacon Wilson, and Harry Grodsky & Co. as bronze sponsors.

Tickets are available at $85 each. Donations for the live and silent auction are still being accepted. To donate or sign on as a sponsor or volunteer, e-mail Harrington at [email protected]. To purchase gala tickets, visit www.goleef.org or mail checks to LEEF, P.O. Box 60782, Longmeadow, MA 01106-0782.

Film and Media Exchange to Be Presented Oct. 19

By BusinessWest Staff October 7, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative will present the third annual Western MA Film and Media Exchange on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. This year’s exchange, titled “How To Tell Your Story Using Video,” is a one-day conference dedicated to helping nonprofits and small businesses de-mystify the video-production process.

“In today’s world, effective videos are key to a company’s ability to tell their story in their digital marketing, branding, and social-media campaigns,” said Diane Pearlman, executive director of the Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative. “Workshops at the exchange will cover a variety of topics, including an explanation of the video-production process, how to write a creative brief (i.e. what’s the message of your video), how to make a video to fit your budget, and how to effectively send your video message into the world.”

Workshops will be led by area filmmakers and video professionals who will share their expertise and answer specific questions from attendees. Local filmmakers will have the opportunity to display their reels and make potential business connections. Attendees will leave with an expanded knowledge of video production as well as access to area resources that can help them create their own videos.

The keynote speaker at this year’s exchange is Michael Hoffman, CEO of See3 Communications, a digital marketing agency for nonprofits based in Chicago. He is a leading authority on online video for nonprofits and a long-time consultant to nonprofit leaders on digital fund-raising, advocacy, and community-engagement strategies. Hoffman founded See3 to bring together his belief in the power of the web and his passion and experience with nonprofit fundraising, advocacy, and education.

Pearlman and Jonathan Barkan, executive producer/director and founder of Communications for Learning, a full-service communications firm in Arlington, Mass., will present a morning session, “Video Production: An Overview.” The workshop will explain all aspects of production (pre-production through post-production) as well as discuss legal issues, insurance, and local resources.

Darcy Fortune and James Garvey of Garvey Communication Associates in Springfield will present a workshop on “Innovative Video Best Practices for Social-media Marketing and Digital Branding.” They will talk about the best way to utilize video in today’s digital marketplace.

A panel featuring local professionals working in the industry will focus on local resources for making videos. Panelists include Tony Dunne, executive director of WGBY’s Connecting Point, P. Al Williams, executive director of Northampton Community Television, and Chris Landry of Landry Communications. The panel will be moderated by Patrick Berry, president of Westfield News Group.

The exchange includes breakfast and lunch, and will culminate with a networking cocktail party.

Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite at this link. Group and student rates are available. For information on programs, tickets, and more, visit www.berkshirefilm.org or call (413) 528-4223.

Sponsors to date include Baystate Health, Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Economic Development Council of Western MA, MassLive, WGBY Public Television for Western New England, New England Public Radio, Westfield News Group, Vitec Videocom, PeoplesBank, Springfield Business Improvement District, Mark G. Auerbach Public Relations, Maureen Sullivan Media Group, Imagine magazine, and Jx2 Productions.

Kate Phelon Named to Mass. Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative

By BusinessWest Staff October 5, 2016

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, was appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker to the Mass. Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) in September. This appointment is one of three by the governor; the other two are representatives of advanced-manufacturing companies. Phelon will be part of a commission looking at the future of manufacturing in Massachusetts.

“I am very honored and excited about this appointment and appreciate the state’s leadership in recognizing the role a chamber of commerce representative can have in not only formulating agenda’s for particular industries, but the outreach we have with our membership,” Phelon said.

The purpose of the AMC will be to develop and implement the Commonwealth’s manufacturing agenda with the goal to foster and strengthen the necessary conditions to promote growth and innovation of manufacturing within Massachusetts. The AMC will focus on four areas: workforce development and education; technical assistance, innovation, and access to capital; enhancement of competitiveness, easing cost of doing business, and regulatory review of SMEs; and promoting manufacturing, which will include attracting a talented workforce, and expansion of in-state marketing of the supply chain.

In addition, the AMC works in conjunction with President Obama’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, as well as with seven additional states through the National Governors Assoc. Center of Best Practices Policy Academy on Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation.

Phelon attended her first full meeting of the collaborative in mid-September and learned first-hand what the subcommittees have been working on.

“Right now, the subcommittees are working on a five-year strategic-planning process to develop a strategy to keep manufacturing growing, exciting, inclusive, and innovative,” she said. “I was amazed at the work that has been done by these subcommittees and am very excited to work with stakeholders in the public and private sectors.”

As she gets more involved and acclimated to the work this collaborative is conducting, Phelon will share information as it becomes available and will be in contact with local manufacturers as necessary.

Berkshire Theatre Group Wins Grant from TD Charitable Foundation

By BusinessWest Staff October 5, 2016

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Theatre Group announced it is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, to support the BTG PLAYS! year-round education program.

BTG PLAYS! contains 10 individual programs. Of the 16,000 schoolchildren in Berkshire County, BTG PLAYS! serves 13,000. This means 81% of all Berkshire County schoolchildren participate in this education program.

By offering in-school, after-school, and summertime programs, it reaches a wide cross-section of youth. After-school activities help low-income families by extending the school day, thus providing a safe place for their children to spend their after-school hours. The program also provides a safe place for children during the summer with its summertime classes and its annual community-theatre production.

“We’re deeply thankful for TD Charitable Foundation’s grant to BTG PLAYS!” Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire said. “With this support, we may continue to serve Berkshire County schoolchildren, showing students how to be a part of a creative, thriving community. We are grateful that TD Charitable Foundation supports the transformative work we do through our education program.”

Retiring Glenmeadow President, CEO Honored for 23 Years of Service

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the Glenmeadow community will bid farewell to Timothy Cotz, who has served as president and CEO for the past 23 years.

This week, in advance of the celebration, Cotz learned that $16,000 has been raised in his honor by staff, residents, and community members for the Glenmeadow Staff Education Fund, which makes scholarship funds available for employees returning to school. In addition, the largest gathering room, formerly known as Great Hall, has been renamed Timothy V. Cotz Hall.

Reflecting on his time at Glenmeadow, Cotz said much has changed in the industry since he began, noting that residents are coming to the life plan community later in life, they expect more in terms of quality, and they are healthier and more active.

Cotz also noted that the nonprofit itself, known for its holistic mission and innovative programs and outreach to the wider community, has greatly expanded. Once offering services only to residents, the organization now provides services to people living across the Greater Springfield area. Through such innovations as Glenmeadow at Home, the Lifestyle Pass, and Glenmeadow Learning — all programs Cotz helped found — area residents have access to services from transportation and care management to education.

“We serve more people who don’t live on site than we do who live on site,” he said. “By expanding the number of people we’re serving, we’re better able to fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of elders. That’s been a real positive.”

What has not changed over several decades, Cotz said, is Glenmeadow’s mission, vision, and values. “Our mission of providing premier services and meeting the needs of the whole person has not changed, and the organization’s values of caring, compassion, quality, integrity, and stewardship remain very much in place.”

These guiding principles, coupled with the longevity that’s evident in the staff team and a committed board of directors, will provide consistency and stability as Glenmeadow transitions to a new president and CEO, Cotz said.

“The 200 employees of Glenmeadow are diverse in so many ways, but they all share one commonality — genuine compassion and kindness,” he said. “Our board members are so willing to share their talent and expertise. They bring such a depth of knowledge and talent in areas that are not my areas of expertise.”

Glenmeadow has always operated from a strategic plan, and the board recently approved a new, two-year strategic plan that offers a guideline for the organization through October 2018.

“The plan is focused on further expansion of community services, staffing levels, because we know that, if you look at projected numbers of elders compared to projected numbers of available workers, there’s an ever-growing gap between the two,” Cotz said, adding that “we are also going to be looking more closely at how we provide services to people with cognitive loss. As people live longer and longer, the older people live, the odds of developing cognitive loss increase.”

Cotz said his work over the past 23 years has been both a passion and a joy. “The absolutely enriching part of this job is getting to know both the people we serve and the people we employ. It’s been a real gift to me to share the life’s wisdom of the people we serve — they’re role models for me on how they deal with loss, how they age with dignity.”

Cotz plans to spend the next three months traveling with his husband, Ken Moffett. He continues to sit on the board for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and he is a lay reader and member of the altar guild at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke, where he also serves as a trustee of the church’s investment portfolio.

Shining a Spotlight on Manufacturing

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Opinion

Editorial

For many of the young people now becoming a force within this region’s business community, the area’s manufacturing sector is generally something to be talked about, and heard about, using the past tense.

This is what is required when referencing some of the companies that were the backbone of the region’s economy for decades and a source of countless stories from fathers, but now, mostly grandfathers and great uncles: the Springfield Armory, American Bosch, Uniroyal, Diamond Match, Chapman Valve, Westinghouse, General Electric, and countless others.

Yes, were. Most all of those companies are gone now, and their names come up far more in reference to what’s happening with the land and facilities where they once operated. That’s especially true of the last two companies on that list.

But while the manufacturing sector is certainly much smaller than it once was, it is still an important part of the region’s economy, and one that has considerable growth potential moving forward.

This is one of the points that organizers of the Western Mass. Business Expo will attempt to drive home during its day-long slate of programming (see story on page 13).

Indeed, while attention will be focused on the region’s ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and mentor startups, as well as specific trends and issues facing today’s businesses — from Big Data to social media to using drones in one’s marketing efforts — manufacturing will also be in a bright spotlight.

Specifically, the Expo will focus on the companies currently generating stories within the manufacturing field, but especially on the issues facing this sector, including the huge issues of replacing retiring Baby Boomers and closing an almost-frightening skills gap staring at this industry.

And this is an important focus because, as we said above, this sector has enormous potential (CRRC’s selection of Springfield as the site for its subway-car-assembly plant is direct evidence of this), but only if the region can show it is capable of providing a large, talented, and reliable workforce for decades to come.

For this to happen, young people must not only be made aware that manufacturing is still a viable, attractive career option (many of those aforementioned grandfathers and great uncles have probably advised them otherwise because of what they’ve seen happen in their lifetime), but they must also be properly educated and trained for jobs in this profession.

Expo organizers, who have long made education a primary focus of the day-long event, will accomplish this through a number of initiatives. They include displays and demonstrations involving area technical schools and robotics programs aimed at people of all ages; exhibits featuring agencies and institutions committed to promoting economic development, and, specifically, the region’s manufacturing sector; and seminars on issues ranging from recruiting and retaining top talent to coping with multiple generations in the workplace.

The goal behind all these initiatives is to generate momentum to move many of these initiatives forward, and to drive home the point that the region’s manufacturing sector cannot and should not be relegated to the past tense.

Instead, the discussion should be about the present and especially the future, and how we can make that future as robust as possible given the intense, truly global competition for manufacturing jobs.

If the Expo can accomplish just some of this, then the time and energy spent to deliver the message will be well worth those investments.

Westfield Development Being Whipped into Shape

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Kate Phelon and Joe Mitchell say the new Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority Intermodal Center will add to the revitalization of downtown and the Gaslight District when it opens next March.

Joe Mitchell says critical components of the Elm Street Urban Renewal Plan that was approved in 2013 by the state and Westfield City Council are finally coming to fruition.

“The plan is something that had been considered in one form or another for the past 20 years, but we’re finally making tangible and visible progress,” said the city’s advancement officer.

The plan is focused on revitalizing 4.88 acres in a two-block area in the heart of downtown Westfield that runs along both sides of Elm Street, which is the main commercial thoroughfare. There has also been a major effort made to revitalize the Gaslight District adjacent to it.

The efforts are critical because neglect and disinvestment has plagued the downtown area since 1986 when a fire destroyed the J.J. Newberry Department Store on the west side of Elm Street. Over the years, there were several attempts to redevelop the parcel and adjacent sites, but they failed, and additional buildings were vacated or torn down.

But the scene is changing rapidly. The city has spent $6 million over three construction seasons on infrastructure improvements to make the area attractive to shoppers and people dealing with area businesses.

In addition, the City Council recently allocated $509,000 to Westfield Redevelopment Authority to purchase four parcels that adjoin the new Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority’s Intermodal Center in the Gaslight District. The funds will also pay to demolish an old bowling alley on one of the sites, as well as legal fees associated with the purchases.

When that is done, a request for proposals will be issued for the construction of a four- to six-story, multi-use building on Elm Street. The first floor of the building will have space for retail establishments and a restaurant, while the upper floors will contain office space and market-rate housing. The final phase of the project will involve construction of a smart parking lot near the building, which is part of the Urban Renewal Plan.

The Gaslight District has also undergone dramatic change, and Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, took BusinessWest on a tour of the district, where she pointed out new pillars with the words ‘Gaslight District’ engraved on them, new sidewalks, lighting, signage, reconfigured parking lots that contain islands with trees and brightly colored plantings, and pocket parks with fountains, large concrete planters, and other streetscape enhancements that are expected to be finished before winter hits.

Mitchell said business owners are taking more interest in their properties as a result of the enhanced infrastructure. “In the past, they didn’t have any incentive to make improvements because the area was blighted, but the Urban Renewal Plan is expected to increase property values and encourage investment.”

Construction on the new, $6.6 million PVTA Intermodal Center is also underway, and when it opens next March, it is expected to increase the use of public transportation and spawn related economic development. The state-of-the-art center will include parking space for four buses with bicycle racks, as well as a bicycle-repair station, which are important because the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is only a block away.

Phase I of the rail trail has been completed, and Phase II will be finished next June, but at this point, bicyclists can access the trail from Main Street and ride all the way to New Haven, Conn.

However, it’s a complex project because the elevated, 3.5-mile trail will cross seven bridges when it is finished.

“But the economic impact will be significant; we expect tens of thousands of travelers to use it, including cyclists on multi-day trips and organizations that plan bicycling vacations,” Phelon said. “Retail stores and eateries will benefit, and the area will become a perfect spot for bed-and-breakfast operations.”

She added that the city has joined forces with Don Podalski of Horizon Sports to get funding for bicycle racks in the shape of black squirrels installed throughout the area. (Westfield is known for its large population of the rodents.)

Mitchell said the PVTA design team incorporated infrastructure elements and materials that are identical to the Gaslight District accents, such as matching pavers and lampposts that will make the revitalization of both areas appear seamless.

Indeed, the city and chamber are both on an upward trajectory in terms of growth and have a number of other projects on the drawing board to help existing businesses, attract new ones to Whip City, and advance workforce-development efforts.

Broad Base of Expansion

A ribbon cutting was staged Sept. 20 for a new, $6 million solar farm at 219 Russell Road that was developed by ConEdison and sold to Westfield Gas & Electric.

The new facility, which features 8,864 solar panels and is capable of producing 3 megawatts of power that will be consumed by the community, is set on 10 reclaimed acres of a 30-acre site that was a former sand pit and dumping ground for construction debris.

Mitchell said the city worked to help make the project possible by providing a 20-year tax incentive; ConEdison will pay Westfield $10,000 a year for the first 10 years of operation, then pay $26,000 a year for the following 10 years in lieu of taxes.

The property was once home to Kohls Construction Co., but had been vacant for 10 years and contained environmental hazards due to construction debris.

“The solar farm is a win-win for an underutilized piece of real estate,” Mitchell said, adding that it allowed a former liability to be turned into an asset.

Another ribbon cutting was held the week before at Prolamina Corp., a division of ProAmpad that manufactures packaging for the food and medical industries, including individual sugar packets.

“The 31,000-square-foot expansion allowed them to keep 256 jobs in Westfield,” Mitchell said, adding that another special tax agreement was formed to make the expansion possible, which included signing a new, 20-year lease with the landlord, and adding $2.9 million of state-of-the-art equipment, which will lead to 12 new jobs.

“Every city wants to grow, but we’re looking at smart growth that fits in well with the community,” he noted, explaining that Westfield is the third-largest municipality in the state in terms of geography, and is a gateway city composed of urban, industrial, residential, and agricultural sections.

“We’re at the intersection of the Mass Pike and Interstate 91, have rail service, and are home to Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, which we see as an economic engine for the city,” he continued.

Westfield has a 66-acre industrial park and is in the process of creating a second industrial park on city-owned land adjacent to Barnes Regional Airport.

“We’re doing permitting activities to advance it to a shovel-ready site,” Mitchell said, explaining that he receives two to three phone calls every week from people looking for buildings or land to build on, and since the city doesn’t have a large inventory of buildable industrial land, the new, 40-acre industrial park will provide property developers and large companies with the space they are seeking in the Whip City.

Mitchell says it would be an ideal site for industrial or aviation tenants, but at present, city officials are working with the state’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species program to determine if there is sensitive habitat on the property.

In addition, many businesses are expanding. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., which is a unit of Virginia-based General Dynamics, has completed a $23 million expansion in Westfield Industrial Park, which will lead to the creation of more than 100 new jobs.

Meanwhile, Jarvis Surgical is planning to almost double the size of its facility, and Advance Manufacturing and Tell Tool number among the city’s precision manufacturers that have expanded or have plans to do so.

Coordinated Efforts

Phelon has worked hard to retain and grow the number of businesses who are members of the chamber of commerce. Although she says this is a problem that every chamber faces, the executive director has taken a proactive stance to help members and work with the city to support them.

For example, Phelon and Westfield Public School Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski have met numerous times to discuss workforce-development initiatives and a gap in technical skills noted by chamber members.

The former Westfield Technical Academy principal, who was named superintendent in July, wants to develop a task force composed of representatives from each school as well as business leaders, who would work together to identify areas where collaboration can take place.

Czaporowski said many businesses already participate in a cooperative education program at Westfield Technical Academy, which allows 60 seniors to alternate a week of academics with a week of internship at local firms, but he would like to expand programs for middle- and high-school students that would allow them to get an inside look at how businesses operate and gain real-world experiences.

He noted that 38% of students from the academy go directly into the workforce after graduation, while 7% of students from the high school choose that path.

“The task force will allow us to find out what schools need to do to prepare students to work in local businesses,” he said.

Phelon said the idea has generated enthusiasm and endless possibilities. “If we can keep the dialogue going, our businesses and our school department can help each other,” she told BusinessWest, adding that the academy was recently named one of three high schools in the country that have a program certified by the Federal Aviation Assoc. Gulfstream donated $200,000 to advance the school’s airframe and power-plant program several years ago, and recently donated an additional $100,000.

Gov. Charlie Baker recently appointed Phelon a member of the Mass Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, which is a statewide initiative aimed at increasing advanced manufacturing in the Commonwealth.

“Westfield has more than 40 manufacturing companies, and I’m excited to do my part to keep the initiative moving forward so we can remain competitive globally,” she said.

Phelon also just completed the first four-year Institute of Management program for executives who run nonprofit organizations, which will increase her skill base and help her to develop programs to benefit membership in the chamber by increasing its value.

To that end, the Greater Westfield Chamber has already begun implementing practices identified in a Horizon Initiative: Chambers 2025 report.

The chamber’s 2017 calendar has two new dinners, but two fewer breakfasts, and the board of directors now meets quarterly instead of nine times a year.

“We realize that people’s time is valuable, and although the board sets policies, much of the work has shifted to committees,” Phelon explained.

In addition, there is no longer a charge for members to attend After 5 networking events, and the number of them has increased: one will be added in December, and two will be held for the first time next summer.

The chamber also plans to work with the city on the Shop Small American Express Small Business Saturday event, which is held on the last Saturday of November.

Phelon has been named a Neighborhood Champion each year, and as a result, small participating businesses will receive free doormats, shopping bags, balloons, banners, bandannas for animals, and pins to give out.

“Our tagline used to be ‘To Inform, Educate, and Advocate,’ but we have changed it to ‘We Focus on the Most Important Economy. Yours,’” Phelon noted. “We want to be viable, valuable, and vibrant in the year 2025.”

Promising Future

Real progress is taking place in the Whip City, and efforts to promote the growth of new businesses as well as the success of existing ones will continue.

“We’re on the cusp of great change, and the potential for the future is unlimited,” Phelon said, adding that Westfield is great place to live, work, and play.

Mitchell agreed. “Westfield has a bright future. We have many resources and attributes that are attractive to businesses as well as residents, and expanding our industrial base will help to keep the local economy vibrant,” he said.

All this has involved a tremendous amount of time and effort that is finally resulting in concrete change.

Robinson Donovan Celebrates 150 Years by Giving Back

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Law Sections

Firm in Its Resolve

From left, five of Robinson Donovan’s partners: Jeffrey Trapani, Michael Simolo, Nancy Frankel Pelletier, Carla Newton, and Managing Partner Jeffrey Roberts.

Robinson Donovan has experienced plenty of changes in its 150-year history, from shifting economic cycles to constantly evolving laws, to the evolution of its home city of Springfield. But one thing has remained a priority since its founder, George Robinson — who was also a high-school principal, state legislator, and governor — hung out a shingle in 1866. That is a focus on community — not just in a business sense, but through charity and volunteerism. And that’s how the firm is choosing to mark this significant anniversary.

Attorneys who have been with Robinson Donovan for any amount of time are fluent in its history, which stretches back 150 years — an anniversary the firm chose to celebrate by giving back.

Specifically, the firm traces its roots back to former Gov. George Robinson, who began practicing law in the Springfield area prior to serving as a member of the state House of Representatives and then Senate.

His contributions to the Springfield region extended beyond his appointments to public office. He was also the principal of Chicopee High School and a founding member of Chicopee Savings Bank, in addition to his law practice, now known as Robinson Donovan.

As the anniversary approached, said Carla Newton, a partner with the firm, one topic of discussion was the importance of place — how Greater Springfield itself, and its network of residents, businesses, and nonprofits are critical to the Robinson Donovan story.

“George Robinson was a public servant himself, and certainly served the public in a very direct way, so we began thinking about how to give back, rather than just celebrate internally,” she told BusinessWest. “And we began looking around at all the different nonprofits, many of which have board members and volunteers within our office. We thought it was appropriate to go beyond our own personal commitments to the community, and be a little more demonstrative and provide actual contributions.”

We all live here. We all benefit from the nonprofits that operate here, whether it be Providence Ministries or an educational institution like Bay Path University. We’ve raised families in this community and benefit from the fact that these organizations exist and make our community a better place to live.”

In lieu of some grand party or other event, that’s precisely how the firm chose to celebrate its anniversary year — with a sizable donation each month to a local nonprofit.

“We solicited input from everyone at the firm,” said Partner Michael Simolo. “As Carla said, a lot of us are involved in these organizations, and we know very well the people involved in them. It was kind of a collective effort from everyone to choose the organizations we donated to.”

“We all live here,” Newton added. “We all benefit from the nonprofits that operate here, whether it be Providence Ministries or an educational institution like Bay Path University. We’ve raised families in this community and benefit from the fact that these organizations exist and make our community a better place to live.”

Besides those two organizations, the firm has also donated to Friends of the Homeless, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Cutchins Center for Children, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Legal Aid, Dakin Humane Society, and the Gray House — with three more to be chosen before the calendar turns.

Looking Back

That calendar has turned 150 times since Robinson first set up shop, and Newton acknowledged that it’s difficult to determine all the reasons it has survived so long. But she had a few theories.

One is simply pride among the attorneys in how the firm does business. She recalled arriving at the firm — at the time much smaller than its roster of 17 lawyers — and getting the sense they cared about leaving the firm in good hands when they were gone — which involved not only treating clients with professionalism, but mentoring the younger lawyers. “There was a culture of continuation, and people like me ended up getting adopted into that culture.”

Nowadays, she added, growth comes from meeting specific needs. “We bring in someone to support a particular area, and we inculcate them into the culture, and it continues on. There’s no reason to believe this isn’t going to keep going, as the younger lawyers coming in here realize, ‘hey, someday this will be our firm.’”

Managing Partner Jeffrey Roberts added that longevity requires a strong reputation in the community as well. “Ultimately, there has to be some recognition of quality. People want service, they want value, and they want to feel they’re getting the best product available.”

That reputation translates into referrals, he added. “They say your clients come from your clients. Other lawyers say, ‘I don’t do that kind of work, but you should go to that lawyer.’ In the end, it’s a small community, and if you don’t carry your practice properly and honestly, word gets around. If people understand who we are, we’ll have no shortage of business.”

That culture, again, extends to its community outreach, Newton said. “We’re not a firm that says to people who come in, ‘you must find a place to volunteer.’ Everyone here, whether it’s administrative assistants, lawyers, paralegals, they all do volunteer work because it’s important to them. That just seems to be the type of individual who comes to work at Robinson Donovan. Our people are really committed to doing volunteer work.”

Karen Blanchard, left, executive director at Providence Ministries Service Network, receives a check from Carla Newton, partner at Robinson Donovan, earlier this year as part of the law firm’s year-long series of donations to mark its 150th anniversary.

Partner Nancy Frankel Pelletier agreed. “It’s definitely part of the culture of the firm,” she said. “We encourage people to be active in things they have an interest in or a passion for. It’s never imposed on anyone or done out of obligation, but it’s what everyone does.”

Roberts noted that community involvement isn’t a one-way street, and firm members reap benefits beyond feeling good about themselves. “If you contribute to an organization, they benefit; on the other hand, you benefit because you learn about what the organization does, and you meet a lot of different people, and you get invested more in the community, rather than just getting in your car, going to work, taking care of your client matters, and going home. There’s a networking component that can lead you to other organizations.”

New hires, especially those coming from outside the area, are encouraged to find organizations that speak to them, as a way to get a real sense of what’s happening outside the walls and glass windows high above Main Street in Tower Square.

“Then it tends to build,” Roberts said, “because you’re recognized, and then someone else might ask you to help out at a function or support a cause or go to a dinner, and it builds on itself. It’s part of your education in the community.”

Looking Ahead

A general-practice firm, Robinson Donovan specializes in a number of legal niches, including corporate and business law, commercial real estate, estate planning and administration, divorce and family law, employment law, and litigation. After a period of rapid contraction — more than 30 lawyers worked there as recently as 15 years ago, when it was known as Robinson Donovan Madden & Barry — business has been steadily growing in virtually all those specialties, and the practice is on the rise again, hiring eight attorneys over the past several years, bringing the current roster to 16, with plans to possibly expand further.

“The firm is very dynamic and forward-thinking,” Simolo said. “We are celebrating our 150th, but at the same time, the firm is making some big investments in the future.”

Partner Jeffrey Trapani said the fact that economic development has been on the rise in Springfield, and the surrounding region is a quality-of-life draw, are added enticements when hiring.

“People get down on Springfield, but this region, I think, attracts people,” he told BusinessWest. “People enjoy coming to this area. We have city centers, things to do, you can see art, hear music, get outside, and still be close to Boston and New York.”

Trapani and Simolo count themselves among the former newcomers mentored by Roberts and his peers, but are now part of a middle generation rising to leadership and taking on much of that mentoring responsibility for new attorneys. That perpetuates the firm’s constant evolution, with some of the more recent hires chosen to match growth fields, including trusts and estates, corporate transaction law, labor and employment, domestic relations, and subspecialties like green energy.

“There’s such a broad scope of experience in this office,” Newton said. “So I can go to one of the associates and talk to them about something. They’ll learn from me, but I’ll also learn from them. When I sit in Jeff’s office or Nancy’s office, cross-learning takes place. Every single day, there are opportunities to sit down and talk about an issue with someone else. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn some new nuance that’s helpful to something I’m working on.”

It’s an environment some find unusual at first, Frankel Pelletier said, “but it’s the only environment I’ve ever known my entire career. We are just an open-door, collaborative community of lawyers.”

In short, Robinson Donovan has come a long way since its early days, when it was best known for George Robinson’s successful defense of Lizzie Borden on double murder charges in 1892. These days, the firm is recognized in a host of ways, such as the citations many of its attorneys have received from organizations like Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.

“Unlike some other firms from the area, we really maintain a statewide presence,” said Frankel Pelletier, who was the firm’s first-ever female attorney. “We have always maintained that statewide presence and attained regional and, in some senses, national recognition. Our attorneys are constantly being recognized by organizations they belong to. That is who we are.”

Well, that and a law firm with a strong commitment to the community that has helped it thrive for 150 years.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Briefcase October 3, 2016

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Briefcase Departments

LIPPI Featured in National Storytelling Platform

EASTHAMPTON — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts’ Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) was one of several featured programs that launched Tuesday during the rollout of a new national storytelling initiative unveiled by the Women’s Funding Network (WFN) at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting. The uniquely interactive digital tool seeks to bring attention to a leading challenge facing women in the U.S. and around the world — economic security — and lift up the vital work of women’s foundations that are addressing this issue. “Telling the story of local women on a national scale is crucial to the work we do. If we want our communities to thrive, we must ensure the economic security of women,” said Elizabeth Barajas-Román, CEO, of the Women’s Fund. This year, Barajas-Román was invited to represent Western Mass. on the national board of the Women’s Funding Network. The launch highlights the story of the Women’s Fund LIPPI program, a unique leadership institute developed in response to a shortage of women in civic leadership positions, in public office, and serving on boards. The coursework equips women with the tools and confidence to become civic and political leaders. More than 250 participants are now leaders in their local communities; 22 have run for elected office, one received a gubernatorial appointment, one graduate is the first female police chief of Northampton, one ran a successful race for mayor of Pittsfield, and two graduates are serving in executive cabinet positions. Many more continue to serve on various boards and commissions, organizing grassroots campaigns, and raising their collective voices on issues that impact women and families. The Economic Security Digital Storytelling Platform is a data-driven, yet narrative, evidence of women’s foundations’ ongoing commitment to ensuring women’s economic prosperity. The platform gives users the opportunity to explore the data alongside the powerful stories of the women, programs, and organizations making an impact on this issue, breathing life into facts and figures. The responsive and flexible format encourages user engagement and learning by featuring links and downloadable files throughout, as well as links to social media to make these important stories easy to share. WFN’s Economic Security Digital Storytelling Platform can be previewed at economicsecurity.womensfundingnetwork.org.

State Nets $2.5M Grant to Help People with Disabilities Find Jobs

BOSTON — Massachusetts was one of only six states awarded $2.5 million this week by the federal government to help people with disabilities find employment. The grant will target youth and young adults, ages 14 to 24, in Hampden County and the Greater Lowell area by expanding access to credential-based education and training. The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday announced $14.9 million in grants to six states as part of the Disability Employment Initiative. “We know that, unfortunately, people with disabilities face much higher rates of unemployment, and we have been developing plans to tackle that problem for over a year now. One of the first executive orders I signed was to create a task force to look at ways to help people with barriers to employment find and keep jobs,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “This award from the federal government will help us continue that important work, and create more opportunities for young people with disabilities to find fulfilling careers.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people with disabilities make up only 19.8% of the nation’s workforce. In Massachusetts, it is estimated that 15% of people with disabilities are unemployed. The grant is expected to serve more than 350 youth and young adults with disabilities. In Massachusetts the funds will also be used to create partnerships with local employers to increase hiring opportunities for young people with disabilities, and expand short-term subsidized work programs. The grant will provide job-retention and placement services to young people who have difficulty finding work due to their disability. “This is the first initiative where we will completely focus on youth and young adults with disabilities in order to help them find and keep employment,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker II said. “We are thrilled to be one of only a few states to receive this grant, and it will enable us to continue the work started by the task force for people facing higher employment.” The other states to receive grants were Connecticut, California, Idaho, Minnesota, and Maryland. While Massachusetts’ unemployment rate is lower than the national average, at 3.9% in August, certain populations face chronically higher rates of unemployment, including African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, people with disabilities, Native Americans, and recently returned veterans.

Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.9% in August

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate dropped to 3.9% in August from 4.1% in July, and preliminary estimates show the state gained 5,900 jobs over the month, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. The last time the state’s unemployment rate hit 3.9% was in August 2001. At 3.9%, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is down 0.9% over the year from 4.8% in August 2015. There were 30,300 fewer unemployed residents and 73,000 more employed residents over the year compared to August 2015. Massachusetts’ unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 4.9% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state added fewer jobs over the month in July than the Bureau of Labor Statistics originally estimated, gaining 5,800 jobs compared to the previously published 7,300-job-gain estimate. Year to date, December 2015 to August 2016, Massachusetts has added 61,000 jobs. In August, the largest over-the-month job gains occurred in the leisure and hospitality, education and health services, and other services sectors. The state’s labor force participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — is 65.0%. Over the year, the labor-force participation rate has increased 0.2% compared to August 2015.

State Releases Detailed Report on Opioid Epidemic

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration released an in-depth analysis of the state’s opioid-related deaths from 2013 to 2014. The findings reveal that opioid-related deaths have increased by 350% in Massachusetts in 15 years and marks the first time data from multiple state agencies has been linked to give a comprehensive overview of deaths associated with the opioid epidemic. “We are pleased to unveil this report to combine state resources and aggregate data in an innovative way to better understand the drivers behind opioid and heroin-related overdoses,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “We are hopeful that new information will help us better understand the contours of this public-health crisis as we continue to work on prevention, education, and treatment in our communities to combat the opioid crisis in the Commonwealth.” Added Marylou Sudders, secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, “in 2013 and 2014 alone, opioid-related deaths were recorded for two-thirds of the cities and towns in Massachusetts. In the face of this crisis, we must continue our efforts to battle this epidemic that continues to take a record number of lives.” The analysis, performed by the state Department of Public Health, reviewed opioid-related deaths in 2013 and 2014 by analyzing data from multiple government entities including the Department of Public Health, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the Department of Correction, MassHealth, and the Center for Health Information and Analysis. The Commonwealth’s technology agency, MassIT, facilitated integration work to bring the various streams of data together. The report, which was released at a reconvening of the Governor’s Opioid Working Group, chaired by Sudders, is part of continued efforts to improve the collection and release of data examining the impact that opioids have on Bay State communities. Earlier this year, Baker signed landmark opioid legislation into law to address the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth. “Opioid-use disorder is a chronic disease, and this epidemic is a complex and persistent problem that will not be solved through a single solution,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel. “This data will be leveraged to allocate resources more efficiently and effectively to help us save lives.” In 2015, the Governor’s Opioid Working Group released recommendations and a comprehensive action plan aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. These short- and long-term recommendations focus on prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support. Approximately 93% of the initiatives in the governor’s action plan are complete or underway.

Five Colleges Inc. Breaks Ground for Library Annex

HATFIELD — At a brief ceremony on Sept. 15 attended by campus officials and developers, Five Colleges Inc. broke ground on for its Library Annex on a site it purchased in Hatfield. When complete, the 35,000-square-foot building will provide shelving for up to 2.5 million items from the libraries of the campuses of the consortium — Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith colleges and UMass Amherst — freeing up space for new materials and other academic needs. In addition, it will serve as a temporary home for much of the collection of Smith College’s Neilson Library while it undergoes a major renovation. “This facility will help Smith greatly in coming years. It’s a great example of how the institutions help each other,” said Susan Fliss, Smith College dean of Libraries. Added Chris Loring, the recently retired director of libraries at Smith College and a driving force behind the development of the annex, “this will become another library for us.” The 12-acre parcel is at the junctions of the Interstate 91 exit 22 ramp, West Street, and Plain Road in Hatfield. Five Colleges paid $925,000 for the property, which had been owned by Lynda, Martin, and Sharyn Holich. Site preparation work began on May 17, and work is expected to be complete in May 2017. With climate-controlled conditions for long-term preservation of print materials, the annex will house a part of the Five College library repository collection, which already preserves nearly 600,000 items for its member campuses.

Company Notebook October 3, 2016

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Company Notebook Departments

HCC Awarded $127,741 for EMT Training Program

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $127,741 Workforce Skills Capital Grant to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for its EMT Training Program. The grant, announced this week by the governor’s office, will allow HCC to expand the number of students served in its non-credit EMT classes and offer new training equipment and materials at the college’s new Center for Health Education, adjacent to the main campus on Jarvis Avenue. HCC was one of seven community colleges, vocational high schools, and educational collaboratives chosen to share in a total funding package worth $2.6 million. “This was a great opportunity for us to get some needed funding to replace outdated materials and equipment, which, because of the cost, is difficult to keep up to date,” said Ken White, dean of HCC Community Services. The grant will allow HCC to expand the number of students served in the non-credit certificate EMT classes, which are geared for firefighters and other emergency workers who need certification or continuing education, individuals interested in beginning careers as EMTs, and nurses or other heath professionals. “Students at all levels will have access to state-of-the-art technologies, including simulators that respond to student actions,” White said. Instructors for the enhanced program will be supplied by Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), White said. Together, HCC and STCC, through Training and Workforce Options, their collaborative workforce program, will work with area employers to provide customized EMT training opportunies at HCC’s Center for Health Education. “The goal of these grants is to expand the capacity of programs that build skills for Massachusetts residents,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “We already see the impact these grants are having at educational programs around the state, and we know these investments will strengthen the state’s economy for all residents.”

Springfield Museums Named Smithsonian Affiliate

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums have been formally accepted as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term, high-quality partnerships with museums and educational organizations in order to share collections, exhibitions, learning opportunities, and research expertise. The partnership has been made possible through the support of the MassMutual Foundation, which is providing a three-year, $145,000-plus grant to bring a wealth of resources and programming to Springfield. “For us to continue to develop a culturally rich community, it is important that all of us — especially our children — have access to some of the world’s most treasured art collections, artifacts, and perspectives of the most renowned experts in the country,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “The MassMutual Foundation’s support of the partnership between the Springfield Museums and the Smithsonian helps strengthen the cultural fabric of our community, and we are proud to do our share to provide opportunities that inspire people to never stop learning and growing.” Joining Crandall at an announcement ceremony hosted by the museums was Harold Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations; Springfield Museums President Kay Simpson; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal; and state Sen. Eric Lesser. The day also included a presentation titled “Driving Around Mars” by planetary scientist John Grant from the National Air and Space Museum. There are currently more than 200 institutions nationwide that have been selected to be Smithsonian affiliates. In identifying possible candidates for affiliation, the Smithsonian seeks out organizations that share a common mission, a commitment to education and public service, and the capability of bringing Smithsonian artifacts, exhibits, and programs to their venues. Candidates are subject to a rigorous application process involving all aspects of their organization, from their leadership and financial structure to a review of their collections-management and programming protocols. Those selected to be affiliates enjoy a range of benefits, from facilitated object and exhibit loans and discounted Smithsonian memberships for their patrons to custom-developed education, performing-arts, and public programs. Staff at the Smithsonian and the Springfield Museums have already commenced discussions of potential collaborative projects for the first three years of the affiliation, including object loans and additional visits from Smithsonian experts.

Johnson & Hill Launches Accounting, Finance Division

SPRINGFIELD — Johnson & Hill Staffing Services Inc. recently enhanced its service offerings to include a specialized Accounting & Finance Division. While Johnson & Hill has always placed accounting and finance professionals, this move signals an increased commitment to this area of expertise. The agency sees a growing demand for this skill set and an opportunity to assist clients more proactively. Tiffany Appleton has been appointed director, Accounting & Finance Division. Boasting more than a decade of recruiting experience in accounting and finance, she will provide direct-hire, contract-to-hire, and contract staffing, assisting clients in filling critical accounting and finance needs within their organizations. Roles range from clerk level up to CFO with a concentration on middle-management positions, including senior accountant, accounting manager, controller, financial analyst, manager of FP&A, internal audit, and public audit and tax. Her staffing experience crosses many industry sectors, spanning manufacturing, technology, nonprofit, professional service, and life science, with companies ranging from startup to publicly traded. Appleton will focus on developing and nurturing long-term relationships with both clients and job seekers, which are built on mutual trust, sincerity, and confidentiality. She is sought after by clients for her progressive ideas on acquiring talent and consistent ability to deliver quality candidates. Job seekers appreciate her willingness to provide career coaching, interview preparation, and résumé assistance. Prior to Johnson & Hill, her professional career included serving as client relations director for a large, regional CPA firm and principal and talent advisor for a boutique staffing firm specializing in accounting and finance placement. Johnson & Hill is an independent, regional, woman-owned staffing service offering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire employment opportunities, serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Johnson & Hill specializes in administrative, accounting, legal, and professional staffing services.

Springfield College Rises Again in U.S. News Rankings

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College has again moved up the list of highest-ranked colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s latest edition of “Best Colleges.” In the 2017 report, Springfield College is ranked 27th in the first tier in the category of Best Regional Universities – North. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Springfield College has moved up in the U.S. News rankings. This year’s ranking of the college is up two spots from 2016 and 40 spots from 2011. “I am extremely proud that Springfield College is being recognized for our outstanding academic offerings and a rich co-curricular life outside of the classroom,” said President Mary-Beth Cooper. “The rise in our ranking over the past six years demonstrates that the value proposition for a school like Springfield College, grounded in the Humanics philosophy, is well-regarded.” The college also ranked 12th in Best Value Schools for Regional Universities – North, the first year it has been listed in the Best Values category, which takes into account a college’s academic quality and net cost of attendance. According to U.S. News, the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal. Springfield College’s rise in the rankings is spurred by improved graduation rates and improved retention of first-year students. The college’s traditional, undergraduate enrollment for the fall of 2016 remained steady, with 550 first-year students enrolling again this year. The ratings are based on such variables as peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, student selectivity, class size, alumni giving, and student-faculty ratio. The college was ranked in a third category by U.S. News for 2017. It is ranked 14th in the North region in Best Colleges for Veterans.

CARF Accredits West Central Family and Counseling

WEST SPRINGFIELD — CARF International announced that West Central Family and Counseling has been accredited for a period of three years for its Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Adults) and Outpatient Treatment: Mental Health (Children and Adolescents) programs. This is the first accreditation CARF has awarded to West Central Family and Counseling. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows the organization’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer-review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. West Central Family and Counseling has been providing outpatient mental-health programs in the Greater Springfield area since 2008. CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served.

Berkshire Bank Named One of Top Charitable Contributors

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced it was named by Boston Business Journal as one of Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies at the publication’s annual Corporate Citizenship Summit in Boston on Sept. 8. The Boston Business Journal is one of the leading sources for business news, research, and events in the Greater Boston area. Each year it honors a select list of companies for their charitable work in the community. Berkshire Bank ranked 42nd for total financial contributions, with more than $1.27 million donated in Massachusetts alone and more than $2 million donated overall. Massachusetts-based bank employees also donated more than 27,000 hours of volunteer service. Berkshire Bank joined a select list of statewide, national, and international companies honored at the summit. The award recognized Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation’s philanthropic investments in the community through their charitable grants, corporate giving, scholarships, in-kind donations, and employee volunteerism.

Country Bank Participates in Habitat’s Operation Playhouse

WARE — A group of 14 Country Bank employees recently joined forces with Habitat for Humanity Metro West/Greater Worcester in a team-building exercise that ended with a local veteran family receiving a unique gift: a custom playhouse. Habitat’s Operation Playhouse is a program that brings groups together to create a custom playhouse in one day. The opportunity to work together and collaborate on design and construction of the house is wrapped up with the reward of seeing it turned over to a local veteran and their children. “Working with the Habitat staff was seamless, and the day couldn’t have been more rewarding,” said Deb Gagnon, the bank’s Corporate Relations officer. “Completing the playhouse gave us all a sense of accomplishment, and when the family arrived to receive their gift, there wasn’t a dry eye around.”

People on the Move October 3, 2016

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Departments People on the Move

Matthew Gilmore

Epstein Financial Services recently welcomed Matthew Gilmore to the firm as a Retirement Plan Consultant. The firm has grown substantially over the past several years with a recent upsurge in new clients due to the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary ruling. Over the coming months, Gilmore will work closely with founder Charlie Epstein to ensure the firm’s extensive services and mission statement are reflected in Gilmore’s continued growth within the firm. Gilmore gained extensive experience as a MassMutual business development consultant, meeting with business owners, plan administrators, advisors, and third-party administrators to review, evaluate, and discuss a business’ 401(k) retirement plan and/or defined-benefit pension-plan options. He is an accomplished retirement-services consultant with eight years of experience with MassMutual and the Hartford, with regard to 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans, investment and cost analysis, and participant education. He recently obtained his Accredited Investment Fiduciary certification and is a graduate of Western New England University with a bachelors degree in business administration.

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The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency announced the promotion of Melissa Cuzzone to Director of Employer Benefit Services. In her new role, Cuzzone will help keep clients compliant in today’s increasingly complex regulatory environment, in line with the firm’s focused approach on compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s regulations. The Gaudreau Group’s Employee Benefits division, which has the largest staff in the region, delivers results to clients with robust compliance programs and high-tech employer and employee software solutions to facilitate cost reduction, claims management, and employee wellness and communication. “The unique skillset Melissa brings to the table, in combination with the tools and services that she provides, such as ACA reporting guidance, benefit administration, and proprietary claims analytics, are extremely valuable to our clients,” said Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group. “Melissa helps our clients enhance their overall benefits programs, which results in an increased ability to attract and retain great employees. Results like these are the reason more and more businesses are trusting us with their accounts.” Cuzzone has been a member of the Gaudreau Group team since 2012, and has worked in the insurance and financial-services industry since 2004, gaining a broad range of experience, including employee benefit plans, life insurance, and personal insurance. She is a recent graduate of the Western New England University Mini-Law School and has co-chaired the Wilbraham Relay For Life.

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The Dowd Insurance Agencies announced that Jack Dowd will be joining the agency as an Account Executive. His addition represents the fifth generation of family to be employed at the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “It’s a real sense of pride that I feel welcoming my son, Jack, to the family business representing the fifth generation here at the Dowd Insurance Agencies,” said John Dowd Jr., president and CEO of the Dowd Insurance Agencies. “Not only is Jack continuing a legacy, but he has also spent several years working in the industry outside of the family business, gaining valuable skills and experience. I think he is a great fit for our company and will be happy in his new position. We’re all very excited to have him join our team.” Jack Dowd graduated from Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2011. He has held several positions with Goji Insurance in Boston, where he sold personal auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance. He was consistently ranked number one in sales throughout the entire company of over 120 salespeople, and was responsible for managing and training several sales teams. He is a licensed property and casualty insurance producer, has participated in the Quincy Mutual Group Commercial and Personal Underwriting Program, and is working to complete the Certified Insurance Counselors Program.

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Jean Deliso, CFP has been named a member of the 2016 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents in sales achievement. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement for five consecutive years. Deliso’s passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000. She began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance. She has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. Deliso serves on many boards in her community, including the Baystate Health Foundation and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Advisory Council at Bay Path University. Deliso Financial and Insurance Services is not owned or operated by New York Life Insurance Co. or any of its affiliates.

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Sports Traveland Tours recently hired two new team members. Len Lucien serves as Chief Operating Officer and a minority partner at the 20-year-old travel organization, and Anthony Incampo serves as Project Sales Coordinator. Lucien previously worked at Square One in Springfield, where he served as vice president of operations for the nonprofit and, previously, as its vice president of finance. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Salem State University and an associate’s degree from Newbury College in accounting and business. Throughout his career, he has worked in various aspects of finance and operations, managing businesses of different sizes, with an expertise in startups and efficiencies. For 12 years, he worked in the transit industry. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Long Island University, Incampo worked with the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, coordinating events, offering customer service, working with athletes, and planning the opening ceremonies. He also worked in the front office of the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2002, doing everything from driving players to physician appointments to handling budgets and expenses for the team. He previously worked with Sports Travel and Tours from 2005 to 2010. He left to teach school-age children and to coach, but missed the traveling.

Chamber Corners October 3, 2016

By BusinessWest Staff October 4, 2016

Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Oct. 19: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Hitchcock Center, 845 West St., Amherst. Sponsored by Encharter Insurance and UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. Join the chamber and celebrate the new, 9,000-square-foot Hitchcock Center opening. This will be New England’s first public environmental education center to meet the Living Building Challenge. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

• Oct. 27: Chamber Legislative Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. Sponsored by Eversource. The annual legislative breakfast brings together legislators, local officials, and business leaders to network and discuss current and upcoming policy issues. Guest speakers: Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and state Reps. Ellen Story and John Scibak. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Oct. 6: Business Basics Workshop, 9-11 a.m., at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield – Masonic Hall Condominium Building. This free workshop, presented by Allen Kronick, senior business advisor, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Western Regional Office, will focus on business fundamentals, from startup considerations to business-plan development and funding sources. It is designed for owners of existing businesses as well as those who are planning to start one. Cost: free. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

• Oct. 7: “Grow Your Business with E-mail & Social Media,” 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Greenfield Community College Downtown Center, 270 Main St., Greenfield. Join Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact, as she helps you learn how to create a marketing strategy that combines e-mail and social media for maximum results. Cost: $5. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

• Oct. 18: Free Legal Clinic, noon to 3:30 p.m., at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield – Masonic Hall Condominium Building. The Western Mass Regional office of the MSBDC announced that the law firms of WMassBizLaw have offered to hold a free legal clinic. Individuals, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one for 30 minutes with attorney Sarah Willey to discuss general legal questions such as corporate structure, leases, contracts, insurance, employment, franchising, and various other business-related issues. Cost: free. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Oct. 4: Table Top Expo & Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Hosted by the Greater Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, Greater Westfield, and Springfield Regional Chambers of Commerce. With approximately 120 businesses represented and 400 visitors, the Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event is an excellent marketing tool for area businesses. Cost: $125 for an exhibitor table (includes two tickets), $5 for pre-registered admission. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 14: Auction/Wine & Beer Tasting, 6-9 p.m., at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Country chic theme with entertainment by Sarah the Fiddler. Cost: $40, or $35 each for two or more. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 19: October Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Summit View Banquet & Meeting House, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 26: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Arbors at Chicopee, 929 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Oktoberfest theme with band, food, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Oct. 13: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., at Fort Hill Brewery. Sponsored by Advanced Restoration Group. An evening of connecting and business building. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org, or by calling the Chamber of Greater Easthampton at (413) 527-9414.

• Oct. 19: Medallion Speaker Forum Fall, noon to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Innovative Business Systems, 161 Northampton St., Easthampton. State Rep. John Scibak joins the forum and gives his insight on how you can be most effective when you need to be. Cost includes boxed lunch from Riff’s Joint. Space is limited. For additional information, e-mail [email protected]. Cost: $20. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or by calling the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Nov. 9: Hampshire County Business Bash, 5-7 p.m., at the Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst. A tri-chamber business-expo networking event. Enjoy business building, networking, complementary appetizers, cash bar, and local brewery beer tasting. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or by calling the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Oct. 12: Chamber Business Development / Salute Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Slainte, 80 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke. Sponsored by PeoplesBank, Holyoke Gas & Electric, and Northeast IT Systems Inc. Join emcees Steven Grande of the Holyoke Mayor’s Industrial Development Association Committee and Dawn Creighton of Associated Industries of Massachusetts as they present area staffing agents and job trainers to discuss means of future workforce education and job readiness. Speakers include David Gadaire of CareerPoint, Tricia Canavan of United Personnel, and Kevin Smith of U.S. Tsubaki. Salutes include Expert Staffing, the Neari School, Skoller, Abbott & Presser, GBS Brows, the 99 Restaurant, the Jamrog Group, Applebee’s, Arte Sana, and KnoxworkX Multimedia. Tickets include a buffet breakfast. Cost: $25 for members with advance reservations and $30 for non-member guests and walk-ins. Reservations may be made online at holyokechamber.com.

• Oct. 19: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Westfield Bank, 1642 Northampton St., Holyoke. The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening of casual networking. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.holyokechamber.com.

• Oct. 21: Leadership Holyoke, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., presented by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, PeoplesBank, and Holyoke Community College. Meet at PeoplesBank corporate offices, 330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. A leadership series with HCC faculty members participating as instructors and facilitators. Community leaders will participate as speakers.

• Oct. 26: Holyoke Chamber Business Person of the Year/Volunteer of the Year Award Dinner, 6-8 p.m., hosted by Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. A celebratory dinner honoring the 2016 Business Person of the Year and the Henry A. Fifield Volunteer of the Year. Networking and cocktails at 6 p.m. with full-course dinner and awards to follow. Cost: $60. Register online at holyokechamber.com or call the chamber at (413) 534-3376

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Oct. 5: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., sponsored by Innovative Business Systems Inc., Pioneer Training, and Florence Bank. This the networking event you don’t want to miss. More than 300 attendees are expected, with food donated by our member restaurants and cold brews donated by the Northampton Brewery. Call chamber for location. Cost: $10 for members. To register, visit www.explorenorthampton.com, call (413) 584-1900, or e-mail [email protected].

• Oct. 28: 2016 New Member Orientation, 3-4 p.m., at the chamber offices, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. This is the chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you. Meet other new members and learn how to make the most of your chamber membership. Cost: Free. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Oct. 3: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at the American Inn, One Sawmill Park, Westfield. Join us for our monthly Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count.

• Oct. 12: Oktoberfest After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Bring your business cards for our annual speed connecting. Refreshments will be served. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call (413) 568-1618. As this event gets closer, an online registration will be made available.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• Oct. 19: James E. Hartley, PhD, professor of Economics at Mount Holyoke College, speaks at 7:30 a.m., at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center at Mount Holyoke. Hartley will speak on the economy. A buffet breakfast will be provided. Cost: $22 for members, $27 for non-members. E-mail [email protected] to RSVP.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
413-426-3880

• Oct. 5: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Cyber Exchange, West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• Oct. 26: Food Fest West, 5:30-8 p.m., at Crestview Country Club, Agawam. The event will feature the foods of area restaurants including Chez Josef, Crestview Country Club, Partner’s, and many more. Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing-education needs. Cost: $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

SC Breaks Ground on Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement

By BusinessWest Staff October 3, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College officially kicked off the renovation of the Springfield College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, located at 235 Eastern Ave. in Springfield, with a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 29.

The center will match the needs of the community with areas that are most aligned with institutional priorities, skills, and talents — predominantly around the themes of education and health/wellness. Perhaps most importantly, the center will link the issues Springfield College students care about with the things they believe they can change, providing a platform to develop students as leaders in service to humanity.

The center will provide an environment where the community can participate as equals in the creation and development of strong community bonds. The center also has the potential to provide resources for students to take action on the issues they care about, providing a platform to develop students as leaders in service to humanity.

“I’m not surprised by this initiative; it’s in Springfield College’s DNA,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. “I commend Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, the board of trustees, staff, and students for their continued outreach in enhancing and building community of one. This most recent effort helps us all better understand, respect, and learn from one another. Especially to our youths, this center will increase educational and career opportunities.”

MBK Welcomes Emily Klassanos, Brian Benson to Firm

By BusinessWest Staff September 30, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. recently welcomed Emily Klassanos and Brian Benson to the firm as part of its next generation of talent.

Klassanos comes to the firm from Elms College, with previous experience as an accounting intern with a local public accounting firm. She earned a dual bachelor’s degree in accounting and marketing from Elms, where she graduated magna cum laude, with a foundation in both technical work and the creative and strategic applications of marketing and market development. Additionally, she is currently pursuing her master’s degree in accounting and financial planning, also at Elms. She is a member of Mass. Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In May 2015, she was the recipient of the William Donovan Award in Accounting Excellence at Elms College.

Benson began his career at MBK as an audit and accounting intern and has also earned a position as an audit and accounting associate. He also graduated from Elms College, with degrees in accounting and business management. He will begin his journey to an MBA at Elms this fall with a concentration in financial planning, followed by a graduate certificate in public accounting. His goal in pursuing a diversified graduate education is to position himself to offer a broad range of expertise to his clients as he progresses through his career. He is a member of the AICPA and MSCPA.

“The culture of the firm grows and evolves with each new addition of talented young people such as Emily and Brian,” said MBK Partner Howard Cheney. “They bring vital energy to a staff that is on the precipice of evolution. As a partner, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing our next generation come into their own.”

West of the River Chamber Presents Annual Food Fest West Oct. 26

By BusinessWest Staff September 30, 2016

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced its Annual Food Fest West to be held Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Crestview Country Club in Agawam.

The event will feature the foods of area restaurants including Chez Josef, Crestview Country Club, Hofbrauhaus, LPVEC, Main Street Deli, Partner’s Restaurant, Pintu’s, Storrowton Tavern, Tekoa Country Club, and more. Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing-education needs.

Tickets are on sale now and are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting WRC’s website at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Sponsors for the event include bronze sponsor OMG Inc. and media sponsor BusinessWest. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for Food Fest West. Call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 for more information.

Berkshire Museum Board of Trustees Elects New President

By BusinessWest Staff September 28, 2016

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The gavel was passed to a new president at the annual meeting of the Berkshire Museum’s board of trustees. Elizabeth Hayes McGraw is taking the reins as president; she has been a trustee since 2008 and has served as vice-president since 2013. William Hines Jr. will resume his role as a trustee after serving as president for 5 years; he joined the board in 2007.

“There are great things happening at the Berkshire Museum, and I am honored to step up and lead the board as we continue with our strategic master-planning process,” said McGraw. “The master plan is an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the way the museum fulfills its mission and serves the wider Berkshire Community, and it is a privilege to participate in this very important transformation. Bill Hines has done a magnificent job initiating the planning process. Those of us on the board are so grateful for all he has done for the museum.”

During his tenure as president of the board, in addition to overseeing the launch of the master planning process, Hines was instrumental in working with the board and staff to achieve significant improvements to the museum, including new architectural access for museum visitors made possible by the installation of a passenger-operated elevator, and upgrades to its energy and fire safety systems. During the same time period, the Museum was named a Smithsonian Affiliate and was able to widely expand its educational programs, serving record numbers of students each successive year.

McGraw has more than 20 years of experience as a science educator. She taught biology, chemistry, environmental science, and physical science at Berkshire School, headed the high school’s science department at Berkshire Country Day School, and taught biology at Miss Hall’s School. She is currently working with students at Indian Mountain School and Salisbury School. She also held education positions with the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., and Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.

With a shared commitment to serving the community, McGraw and her husband, Robin, administer the Black Rock Foundation, which supports education and healthcare programs in the Berkshires. She holds a master’s degree in forest science from Yale University and a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in studio art from Hamilton College.

Enrollment at UMass Reaches Record 74,678 Students

By BusinessWest Staff September 28, 2016

Daily News

AMHERST — Continuing a decade-long surge, enrollment at the University of Massachusetts is projected to surpass 74,000 students for the first time, rising to 74,678 students enrolled across the five campuses, President Marty Meehan announced.

“When it comes to the quality and excellence of a UMass education, what you see now is a consistency of acclaim that we can only regard as heartening — and well-earned,” Meehan said at a board of trustees meeting held at UMass Lowell. “UMass continues to grow as more and more students and their families recognize the value that our university provides.”

Over the past decade, student enrollment at UMass has risen almost 27%, from 58,939 in the fall of 2006 to the current 74,678, making UMass one of the fastest-growing universities, public or private, in the nation.

In the recently released U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” rankings, the four UMass undergraduate campuses for the first time are all represented in the magazine’s top category, making UMass one of the few systems in the nation to have each campus so recognized.

The flagship campus in Amherst rose two spots to be named the 27th best public university in the nation, and UMass Lowell continued its rapid rise, jumping to 78th among public universities. The UMass Boston and UMass Dartmouth campuses tied at 220th among all national universities. Roughly one in 10 degree-granting four-year colleges and universities in the country made the national universities listing this year.

“Rising enrollment reflects what we constantly hear from students and their parents across the Commonwealth — that UMass was the best decision they ever made,” Meehan said.

Projections show a 1.3% increase to 74,678 undergraduate and graduate students in the system this year.

Victor Woolridge, chairman of the board of trustees, noted that enrollment gains in the UMass system were especially impressive considering the continued decline in the number of high-school students graduating from the Commonwealth’s high schools. “At UMass, every campus strives for and achieves excellence. Word is out about the excellent value a UMass education provides.”

The total number of undergraduate students in the UMass system rose 1.2% to a projected 56,927 students, up from 56,258 in the fall of 2015. The number of graduate students in the system rose 1.5% to a projected 17,751 students from 17,486 students last year.

Enrollment at UMass Medical School, which is strictly at the graduate level, increased 2.3% to a projected 1,104 students, compared to 1,079 students last year. Applications rose 119.2% to a projected 4,126 this year, which is the first year the medical school opened a limited number of seats to out-of-state students. Last year, UMass Medical School received 1,882 applications.

Springfield College Unveils Environmental Science Major

By BusinessWest Staff September 28, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College unveiled its new environmental science major this fall, led by Assistant Professor of Environmental Biology Justin Compton and Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Eileen McGowan.

The environmental science major at Springfield College provides more than a traditional classroom education. With innovative course offerings, frequent in-field experiences, and an interdisciplinary format spanning a variety of programs and areas of interests, this major will help prepare students for careers in nonprofit, government, compliance, environmental law, or other related industries.

Students will learn how human activity impacts the environment, and they will obtain the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to contribute to solutions to global environmental issues. Designed to help students become leaders in both natural and manufactured environments, the environmental science major will assist in developing the skills needed to confront challenges faced by citizens, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations.

Gaudreau Group Welcomes Tracy Goodman

By BusinessWest Staff September 28, 2016

Daily News

WILBRAHAM — The Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency of Wilbraham welcomes Tracy Goodman, personal risk specialist, to its personal insurance team. Using the agency’s access to dozens of carriers to ensure a customized experience for each client, Goodman designs personal risk-management plans for individuals and employer groups, helping protect what’s important to them. She specializes in coverages including life, home, auto, renters, and umbrella.

“Tracy takes pride in completing a thorough coverage analysis with each client, helping them to understand their coverage, feel financially comfortable, and know what to expect if they ever have a loss. She’s a valuable addition to our remarkable personal insurance team, and our clients will benefit from her unique skillset and perspective,” said Jules Gaudreau, president of the Gaudreau Group.

Goodman has been in the insurance industry since 2008, with prior experience in human resources and recruiting. She is co-chair of programs for the Women Business Owners Alliance, is a volunteer and mentor with Girls Inc., conducts community outreach for the Springfield JCC’s J-Art program, and is a member of the Professional Women’s Chamber. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware and completed a semester abroad at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheba, Israel. She is continuing her insurance education in the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor program.

Springfield College, BCC Sign Agreement for Exercise Science

By BusinessWest Staff September 27, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College and Berkshire Community College (BCC) have entered into an academic agreement allowing qualified BCC physical fitness graduates to transfer to Springfield College’s applied exercise science program with junior standing.

“Springfield College is very excited to collaborate with Berkshire Community College on this articulation agreement,” said Tracey Matthews, Springfield College’s dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. “Exercise Science is a growing and a much-needed field. In an era where obesity is on the rise from children to adults and our society is becoming more health-conscious, we will be preparing outstanding leaders in the field of exercise science to help individuals live healthier lifestyles. Students will be receiving quality educational experiences at two outstanding institutions. The relationship between us will allow for a seamless transition for students to continue their educational pursuits.”

Springfield College was one of the first institutions in the U.S. to develop the applied exercise science major. The major emphasizes that physical activity is inextricably linked to good health, and focuses on preventing health problems. The curriculum has a strong science base, including courses in exercise physiology, exercise prescription for normal and special populations, measurement, nutrition, and management. The program is designed to assist students in their preparation for nationally recognized certifications, including those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Assoc., and the YMCA.

BCC’s physical fitness degree option was created in 2001. The program, which is endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), offers instruction in nutrition, muscular strength and aerobic conditioning, group exercise instruction, and personal training. The program also explores the human body and its relationship to exercise and fitness and covers such topics as mind/body connection, injury prevention, and sports psychology.

“This agreement promotes degree completion and facilitates the transfer process, ensuring that BCC graduates enter Springfield College with junior standing,” said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. “This important partnership is the result of the hard work of Sherry Scheer, who has tirelessly led BCC’s physical fitness program for the past 34 years. This agreement demonstrates not only the quality and rigor of the education our students receive, it shows that they are up for the challenge of continuing their education at one of the top programs in the country.”

Bacon Wilson Welcomes Attorney Lee Dawn Daniel

By BusinessWest Staff September 27, 2016

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Bacon Wilson announced that attorney Lee Dawn Daniel has joined the firm as of counsel. Daniel is a litigator with more than 30 years of experience representing the citizens of the Pioneer Valley on matters of personal injury and medical negligence.

Managing Partner Stephen Krevalin welcomed Daniel to Bacon Wilson, noting that “Lee’s approach to her legal practice is perfectly in line with Bacon Wilson’s — clients come first. Lee has spent three decades working to help clients understand their rights and guide them through intricate legal processes while also serving as their voice and protector, both in and out of the courtroom. Bacon Wilson is thrilled to add attorney Daniel to our roster of exemplary lawyers.”

Daniel joins Bacon Wilson from the firm of Daniel and Fontaine and is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York; the U.S. District Courts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York; and the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a graduate of the Boston University School of Law and the State University of New York at Binghamton with honors.

Daniel has been a repeat presenter at professional-development events for the Mass. Academy of Trial Attorneys and Mass. Continuing Legal Education Inc., instructing her peers on topics such as evidence, case evaluation, discovery procedures, and trial tactics and techniques. Over the course of her career, she has secured multiple million-dollar-plus settlements and verdicts on behalf of her clients, including a top-10 verdict in the Commonwealth for 2003. She sits on the board of governors for the Mass. Academy of Trial Attorneys. Daniel will work primarily from Bacon Wilson’s Northampton location, serving clients throughout Western and Central Mass.

Consolidated Health Plans Launches Accident-, Health-insurance Entity

By BusinessWest Staff September 26, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Consolidated Health Plans (CHP), a Springfield-based, third-party administrator and Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, announced this week it is in the process of launching a new student accident- and health-insurance entity to meet the needs of the dramatically changing student health-insurance marketplace.

“For over two decades, CHP has provided comprehensive, flexible, and affordable student health-insurance solutions to colleges and universities across the country,” said Drew DiGiorgio, CHP president and CEO. “These solutions — combined with our proactive risk management, efficient claims processing, and low-cost operations — have created a win-win for our customers and for our health-insurance company partners. As a full-service TPA, CHP will continue to provide great service and solutions to a variety of insurance companies for all their administrative service needs, and launching this new insurance entity will allow us to serve the higher-education market even more comprehensively for years to come.”

CHP and its new insurance entity are in the process of working with state regulators across the country to complete state rate and form filings, as well as with A.M. Best to secure financial ratings. CHP is committed to providing colleges and universities nationwide with student health-insurance solutions for the 2017-18 academic year and beyond.

HCC Awarded $127,741 for Enhanced EMT Training Program

By BusinessWest Staff September 23, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) has been awarded a $127,741 Workforce Skills Capital Grant to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for its EMT Training Program.

The grant, announced this week by the governor’s office, will allow HCC to expand the number of students served in its non-credit EMT classes and offer new training equipment and materials at the college’s new Center for Health Education, adjacent to the main campus on Jarvis Avenue.

HCC was one of seven community colleges, vocational high schools, and educational collaboratives chosen to share in a total funding package worth $2.6 million.

“This was a great opportunity for us to get some needed funding to replace outdated materials and equipment, which, because of the cost, is difficult to keep up to date,” said Ken White, dean of HCC Community Services.

The grant will allow HCC to expand the number of students served in the non-credit certificate EMT classes, which are geared for firefighters and other emergency workers who need certification or continuing education, individuals interested in beginning careers as EMTs, and nurses or other heath professionals.

“Students at all levels will have access to state-of-the-art technologies, including simulators that respond to student actions,” White said.

Instructors for the enhanced program will be supplied by Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), White said. Together, HCC and STCC, through Training and Workforce Options, their collaborative workforce program, will work with area employers to provide customized EMT training opportunies at HCC’s Center for Health Education.

“The goal of these grants is to expand the capacity of programs that build skills for Massachusetts residents,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “We already see the impact these grants are having at educational programs around the state, and we know these investments will strengthen the state’s economy for all residents.”

Survey: Children Expect Parents to Cover College Costs

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Retirement Planning Sections

Hard Lesson

T. Rowe Price’s 2016 Parents, Kids & Money Survey, which sampled 1,086 parents nationally and their 8- to 14-year old children, found that many kids (62%) expect their parents to cover the cost of “whatever college I want to go to.” Yet, most parents (65%) will only be able to contribute some to the cost of college.

The results also suggest that student loans can lead to increased anxiety and financial stress. Parents with their own student loans are more likely to lose sleep over college costs (49% vs. 40%) and are significantly more likely to have credit-card debt (67% vs. 54%) and payday loans (19% vs. 7%).

There are positive findings, however, as most parents are indeed saving for their kids’ college (58%) and recognize the need to begin saving when their kids are young, with 68% saying under age 10, including 47% who say under age 5. And while some parents may not be using the most appropriate type of account to save for college, which include low-interest savings accounts (42%) and retirement accounts that penalize savers for withdrawing money before retirement (27%), a significant percentage of the parents who are saving are getting it right by using a tax-advantaged 529 plan (37%) to save for their kids’ college.

Preparing for college entails more than studying for the SATs and should begin before kids have even started kindergarten. It starts with saving for college in a 529 account and having regular money conversations at a young age, so they’ll later be able to conceptualize the financial tradeoffs involved in selecting a college.”

“Preparing for college entails more than studying for the SATs and should begin before kids have even started kindergarten,” said Judith Ward, a senior financial planner at T. Rowe Price and mother of two college graduates. “It starts with saving for college in a 529 account and having regular money conversations at a young age, so they’ll later be able to conceptualize the financial tradeoffs involved in selecting a college.

“The benefits of a college education can become overshadowed by the burden of debt if parents haven’t saved towards a college education and had money conversations with their kids to manage expectations of how much of their college costs they can cover,” she added. “It’s surprising that most kids expect their parents to cover whatever college they want to go to — and presents a real opportunity to discuss family finances and make sure everyone is on the same page.”

T. Rowe Price encourages parents to invest in their kids’ futures by talking to them about money matters weekly and saving for their college. The survey found that parents who discuss financial topics with their kids at least once a week are nearly twice as likely to have kids who say they are smart about money (68% versus 36%). To help, the firm created MoneyConfidentKids.com, which provides free online games for kids and tips for parents that are focused on financial concepts such as goal setting, spending versus saving, inflation, asset allocation, and investment diversification, as well as lessons for educators.

Among the other survey results:

• Some kids think their parents are saving for their college when they are not: 67% of kids say their parents are saving for their college. But, nearly a quarter of those (23%) have parents who said that they actually are not saving for their college.
• That makes many parents feel guilty: 63% of parents agree with the statement, “I feel guilty that I won’t be able to pay more for their college.”
• Parents are willing to work more to cover college costs: 76% of parents would be willing to delay their retirement and 68% would be willing to get a second or part-time job to pay for their kids’ college education.
• Parents tend to underestimate college costs. While the total cost of a four-year education at an in-state university is currently about $80,000 on average, according to the College Board, only 35% of parents think that the total cost of a four-year education at an in-state university is $80,000 or more.
• Some parents are willing to take on considerable student-loan debt: 57% of parents are willing to take on $25,000 or more in debt to pay for their kids’ college education, with 19% willing to borrow $100,000 or more.
• They are also willing to let their kids take student loans: nearly half (47%) are willing to let their kids borrow $25,000 or more, with 14% willing to let their kids take out $100,000 or more in student debt.
• Parents who have their own student debt are more willing to take on higher levels of debt. Parents who are paying back their own student loans are more willing to borrow $100,000 or more themselves to pay for their kids’ college (24% vs. 18%).
• More parents have money saved for their kids’ college than their own retirement. While 58% of parents said they had money saved for their kids’ college education, only 54% indicated they had money saved for their retirement.

The eighth annual T. Rowe Price Parents, Kids & Money Survey, conducted by MetrixLab Inc., aimed to understand the basic financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of both parents of children ages 8 to 14 and their kids. The survey was fielded in February 2016, with a sample size of 1,086 parents and 1,086 kids. The margin of error is +/- 3 percentage points.

Founded in 1937, Baltimore-based T. Rowe Price Group Inc. is a global investment management organization with $776.6 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2016.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Departments Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.
AGAWAM

Executhech Inc., 168 Elm St., Suite A8, Agawam, MA 01001. Andrew R. Serenho, same. Sales and service of copiers, printers and supplies.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Hegel America Inc., 38 Baldwin St., Suite 4, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Bent Holter, Ankerveien 26C, Oslo 0785. Sale of electronic equipment and components.

NORTHAMPTON

Green Geek Inc., 122 Grove St., Apt. A, Northampton, MA 01060. Robert Staples, same. Nonprofit organization that refurbishes computers to provide them to low-income individuals, low-income families and senior citizens in need.

PITTSFIELD

Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Inc., 20 Bryant St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. John L. Barbarotta, 17 Washington St., Trumbull, CT 06611. The mission of the corporation is to actively serve the youth of Berkshire County by building charitable capital, making philanthropic grants, and providing services that contribute to the health and education of youth in the community.

SPRINGFIELD

Anycafé Inc., 1215 Wilbraham Road, P.O. Box 1572, Springfield, MA 01119. Logan Carlson, same. Marketing and distribution of Anycafé products and intellectual holding company.

Friends of Libertas Academy Charter School Inc., Once Federal Street Building 101, Springfield, MA 01105. Modesto Montero, 27 Lyman St., Springfield, MA 01103. Assist in all lawful ways in the establishment, development, improvement and expansions of educational opportunities, facilities and programs of Libertas Academy Charter School and to assist attending students and teachers in realizing their educational goals and objectives.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Delco Industries Corp., 59 Kelso Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. John Delica, 622 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Manufacturing of machine parts and any other act or activity permitted under the Massachusetts act.

WESTFIELD

Dagis PC, 53 Bailey Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Mitesh Brahmbhatt, same. Dentist.

WHATELY

American Myalgic Encephalomyelltis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society Inc., 124 Haydenville Road, Whatley, MA 01093. Erica Verrillo, same. Serving the needs of Myalgic Encephalomyelltis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients and caregivers through support, advocacy and education.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Allfaze Mechanical Inc., 2908 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Kevin L. Brazee, same. Plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration services.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Briefcase Departments

Employer Confidence Falls for Third Consecutive Month

Confidence among Massachusetts employers fell for a third consecutive month during August as companies remained uncertain about the vigor and durability of the economic recovery.
The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined one point to 54.1 last month, leaving it three full points lower than in August 2015. The confidence reading remained above the 50 mark that denotes an overall positive economic outlook, but optimism dimmed sharply on current economic conditions and employers’ outlook on their own companies. The employer confidence readings are consistent with a recent weakening of consumer confidence in Massachusetts. The Mass Insight Consumer Confidence Index slid 10 points during the third quarter. “The national and state economies continue to improve, but without the kind of momentum we have seen in previous recoveries. So employers remain confident overall, but circumspect,” said Raymond G. Torto, Chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Design. “One potential red flag is the degree to which employer confidence in their own companies has weakened during the past several months.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The index has remained above 50 since October 2013.

More Than 1,100 Volunteer for Annual Day of Caring

PIONEER VALLEY — On Sept. 9, the United Way of Pioneer Valley launched its annual fund-raising campaign with the Day of Caring, when more than 1,100 volunteers from more than 40 area businesses volunteered across the region to help local nonprofits. Starting with a kickoff breakfast in Court Square in downtown Springfield, participants traveled to towns across the Valley, contributing in myriad ways to support programs and organizations that support the community. Projects included lawn work, painting projects, light construction, gardening, and trash removal. The day was ideal for team building, but it was also a chance for both nonprofits and area businesses to learn more about each other’s work. “I participate in the Day of Caring because I believe that giving back to the community is a central part of promoting unity,” said Sharon Dorsey, an executive assistant from Health New England. “The past few years I participated in the Day of Caring, I loved seeing how appreciative and grateful the beneficiaries were.” This year’s Day of Caring sponsors included Baystate Health, MassMutual, Health New England, Comcast, Excel Dryer, UTC Aerospace Systems, IAMAW Local 743, Harry Grodsky & Co., Mestek Inc., Monson Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, Peoples United Bank, Quabbin Wire & Cable Co., TD Bank, Gulf Stream, the Springfield Community Music School, and Sodexo.

Springfield Regional Chamber Debuts New Dental Benefit

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber has teamed up Altus Dental to offer to its chamber members a new employee benefit to enhance their employee-compensation package. Administered through American Benefits Group, dental insurance provided by Altus Dental is now available for companies with as few as one employee. Altus Dental offers the state’s largest preferred-provider (PPO) dental network with more than 6,200 participating locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire, and national access through CONNECTION Dental, with more than 108,000 dentist locations nationwide. Three coverage options are available at competitive rates. Plus Plan 1 is basic coverage available to employers with one or more participating employees. Plus Plan 2 is an enhanced coverage option available to those with 10 or more participating employees, and Plus Plan 3 is an enhanced coverage option for companies with 20 or more participating employees. Each option includes 100% diagnostic and preventative services with no deductible, 80% for basic restorative care with a $50 single or $150 family deductible, and a low benefit maximum per year. Plus Plan 2 and Plus Plan 3 include major restorative care such as crowns and dentures. Plus Plan 3 includes orthodontic services. To be eligible, a business must be a member of the Springfield Regional Chamber and contribute at least 50% of the monthly premium. Coverage is open to active, full-time employees.

ServiceNet Wins Grant to Boost Work with Homeless Individuals

NORTHAMPTON — To further combat the continuing challenge of homelessness in communities across Western Mass., ServiceNet’s Shelter & Housing division has been awarded a three-year grant, totaling $1.2 million, by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Returning Home, the program funded by this grant, is specifically focused on the needs of chronically homeless individuals and homeless veterans who also have a serious mental illness and/or substance-use disorder. The SAMHSA grant is one of 30 recently awarded nationwide, and it is the only one awarded in Massachusetts. Returning Home has a two-fold goal: to successfully move individuals from homelessness to permanent housing, and to improve their overall health and well-being. It does so through a combination of intensive case-management services and evidence-based clinical care. Increased funding will enable ServiceNet to assist an additional 112 individuals in the three-year period, and to expand its community outreach to meet with people on the streets, in outdoor camps, and elsewhere in the community. Returning Home will accept referrals from service providers throughout Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, as well as from ServiceNet’s own network of emergency shelters. “This award reflects SAMHSA’s trust in the outstanding work our team has done to date in housing individuals who are chronically homeless,” said Jay Sacchetti, ServiceNet’s vice president of Shelter & Housing, Vocational, and Addiction Services. “We are proud of the work they do, and this funding further stabilizes and preserves our Returning Home program.” Sacchetti also cited ServiceNet’s longstanding commitment to applied research as an advantage in securing the national grant. “When we say something works, we have the data to prove it; and when something doesn’t work, we understand why,” he said. “Our research team will continue to track the impact of Returning Home’s expanded services as we move forward.” ServiceNet is partnering with the Hilltown Community Development Corp. — administrator of the federal continuum of care which oversees area initiatives related to homelessness — to serve as steering committee for the grant. “This grant is going to help a lot of people a lot,” said Jack Tulloss, a former Marine and now clinical case manager with ServiceNet’s Shelter and Housing division. Increased case-management efforts will be underway by Oct. 1.

State Awards $2.4 Million in Workforce-training Grants

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration awarded more than $2.4 million in workforce-training fund grants to 25 companies to train current or newly hired workers. This round of grant funding will help train 2,162 workers, and is expected to create 263 new jobs. “We have made workforce development a priority for Massachusetts residents to get the skills they need to prosper and for companies to have a talented pool of workers to expand,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “The training and career-building skills provided by these investments will help bolster economic prosperity and success throughout the Commonwealth.” The Workforce Training Fund assists Massachusetts businesses in becoming more competitive by investing in the skills of their workers. The Workforce Training Fund is also a key resource to thousands of Massachusetts workers who wish to advance their skills to achieve promotional opportunities and higher wages. It also acts as a catalyst for job creation. “The Workforce Training Fund is a vital tool for many companies to upgrade employees’ skills and increase productivity,” Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said. “The training helps both the workers and the companies compete in a global environment.” The Workforce Training Fund provides grants of up to $250,000 to companies in Massachusetts, to pay for workforce training over a two-year period. Grants are awarded to projects that will upgrade workers’ skills, increase productivity, and enhance the competitiveness of Massachusetts businesses. Grants are matched dollar-for-dollar by the award recipients. The Workforce Training Fund is a program of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and administered by Commonwealth Corp., a quasi-public state agency that fosters partnerships between industry, education, and workforce organizations to strengthen skills for youth and adults in order to help them thrive in the state’s economy. Locally, Freedom Credit Union in Springfield was awarded $126,175 to train 133 workers. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership was awarded $151,016 to train 93 workers, with nine additional jobs expected by 2018. This grant was awarded to a consortium of businesses, including Universal Plastics Corp. of Holyoke, Advanced Welding of Springfield, Duval Precision Grinding of Chicopee, Metronic of Chicopee, and Millitech Inc. of Northampton.

Study Details Spending of Consumer-driven Health Plan Enrollees

WASHINGTON, D.C. — People with consumer-driven health plans (CDHPs) had lower total per-capita spending on healthcare, driven in part by using less healthcare overall, than people with traditional non-CDHP commercial health plans, finds a new study from the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI). At the same time, spending out of pocket by CDHP consumers was 1.5 times higher on average than non-CDHP consumers. For example, people enrolled in consumer-driven health plans paid an annual average $58 more out of pocket on visits to the doctor and $50 more on emergency room visits than their non-CDHP counterparts, while using roughly 8% and 10% fewer visits, respectively. The study, “Consumer Driven Health Plans: A Cost and Utilization Analysis,” examines healthcare use and spending from 2010 to 2014 for people covered by employer-sponsored insurance and under 65 years of age who are enrolled in CDHPs. Enrollment in CDHPs has been steadily increasing within HCCI’s employee-sponsored insurance population; more than one-quarter had a CDHP in 2014, compared to just 15% in 2010. Overall, the study found that that fewer total dollars were spent on healthcare for people with CDHPs, in part because people with CDHPs tended to use fewer healthcare services. However, people with CDHPs had higher spending out of pocket on deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance (excluding premiums). This higher out-of-pocket spending meant people enrolled in CDHPs were responsible for nearly one-quarter of their medical costs on average, compared to 14% for those enrolled in non-CDHPs. “As the costs of healthcare increase, consumer-driven health plans try to balance lower premiums with higher deductibles and higher limits on out-of-pocket spending,” said HCCI Senior Researcher Amanda Frost. “As these types of plans grow in prevalence, it is important to look beyond premium dollars and also consider dollars spent directly on healthcare services.”

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Company Notebook Departments

PeoplesBank Earns Accolades

HOLYOKE — Eighty-five Massachusetts companies were honored at the Boston Business Journal’s 11th annual Corporate Citizenship Summit on Sept. 8 at the EpiCenter at Artists for Humanity in Boston. For the ninth time, PeoplesBank was among the companies included, this year finishing 48th on the statewide list and third for companies headquartered in Western Mass. Meanwhile, AdvisoryHQ has named PeoplesBank to its list of “The Top Ten Banks in Massachusetts” after an extensive review. “The contributions these companies make to Massachusetts are incredibly impressive and go a long way toward helping strengthen the communities we live in,” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones at the Sept. 8 event. Matthew Bannister, vice president, Corporate Responsibility at PeoplesBank, accepted the award at the summit on behalf of the bank’s associates. “Our mutual charter supports everything we do and why we are succeeding as a community bank,” he said. “Because of our mutual charter and related values, we have a unique ability to help the communities we serve through volunteer efforts and millions of dollars in donations to charitable and civic causes.” The Boston Business Journal’s “Top Corporate Charitable Contributors” list is composed of companies that gave at least $100,000 to Massachusetts-based charities in 2015. According to Advisory HQ, “the names on this list of banks in Massachusetts are all very distinctive from one another, yet all have many advantages, benefits, and value-creating products and services that make them excellent choices for consumers seeking the very best in financial services.” The bank’s corporate values were highlighted by AdvisoryHQ in its announcement of the list, which noted, “the corporate philosophy of PeoplesBank is a commitment to customers, maintaining corporate responsibility, creating a great place to work, and always striving to improve their environment.” Added Thomas Senecal, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, “AdvisoryHQ has accurately identified the values we are proud of. As a mutual bank, we strive to serve our customers and the community as well as support the environment and our associates’ growth and development. These are also the qualities that we believe separate us from other financial institutions and truly make us a top bank.” PeoplesBank was recently highlighted by the Assoc. for Customer Loyalty for the bank’s commitment to customers, was named a Top Place to Work by the Boston Globe, and an Employer of Choice by the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and has received environmental-sustainability awards from the city of Springfield (the first-ever GreenSeal Award), BankNews (Green Leaf Award), and the American Bankers Assoc. (Sustainable Banking Award). AdvisoryHQ also suggested that the bank’s mobile app was one of the reasons it made the list of Top Ten Banks in Massachusetts. PeoplesBank was one of the first community banks in the nation to launch a mobile app and mobile deposit.

Baystate Hospitals Merge Under One License

The Mass. Public Health Council approved Baystate Wing Hospital’s application to merge Baystate Mary Lane Hospital with Baystate Wing Hospital and combine the two facilities and their respective satellite facilities under one license. The last day of inpatient services at Baystate Mary Lane was Sept. 9. As of Sept. 10, Baystate Mary Lane became a satellite of Baystate Wing. Inpatient care at Baystate Mary Lane transitioned to Baystate Wing, while all outpatient services will continue at Baystate Mary Lane. Baystate Mary Lane Emergency Department will now operate as a satellite emergency facility of Baystate Wing Hospital. Patients will get the same level of 24-hour emergency care delivered by the same caregivers. Those who need to be admitted for hospital care will be transported to Baystate Wing, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, or another appropriate medical facility depending on their care needs. The Ware facility will be known as the Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center. “We appreciate the Public Health Council’s recognition that this transition is an important step toward providing the best possible quality and value in services for the communities we serve,” said Michael Moran, president and chief administrative officer for the Baystate Health Eastern Region. “Our priority now is to work to ensure that the transition goes smoothly, and to continue to engage our local community on the many health issues that we face together. Baystate Mary Lane will continue to play a vibrant role in improving health in our communities.” Patients should not expect any disruptions in services related to the transition, and may call their doctor’s office if they have any questions about the effect of the change on any scheduled appointments.

AIC Granted Reaffirmation of Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been granted reaffirmation of accreditation of business and management programs offered through its schools of Business, Arts, and Sciences and the School of Graduate and Adult Education by the board of commissioners of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The IACBE is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and is a leader in mission-driven and outcomes-based programmatic accreditation in business and management education for student-centered colleges, universities, and other higher-education institutions throughout the world, The IACBE has hundreds of member institutions and campuses worldwide and has accredited more than 1,300 business and business-related programs in the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Central America, and South America. According to the IACBE, “the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences and the School of Graduate and Adult Education at American International College have undertaken a rigorous self-evaluation, have undergone a comprehensive independent peer review, and have demonstrated compliance with the following nine accreditation principals of the IACBE: outcome assessment, strategic planning, curriculum, faculty, scholarly and professional activities, resources, internal and external relationships, international business education, and educational innovation.” In addition, the organization noted that AIC’s School of Business, Arts, and Sciences and the School of Graduate and Adult Education “have demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in business education, and advancing academic quality in their business programs and operations.”

ILI Earns Highest Ranking from Accreditation Authority

NORTHAMPTON — The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) has certified the International Language Institute (ILI) of Massachusetts through 2021. This five-year accreditation is the highest level bestowed by ACCET, which since 1978 has been officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority regarding the quality of education and training provided by the institutions that ACCET accredits. ACCET first accredited ILI in 1984, and has continued its recognition of the school’s excellence since then. “We are proud to earn ACCET’s highest accreditation,” said Eric Wirth, ILI board president. “It underscores the extraordinary creativity and dedication of our teachers and administrative staff. And ACCET accreditation helps assure prospective students from around the world and right here in Western Massachusetts that they will receive top-notch service.” Operating for 32 years, ILI is a nonprofit language school in Northampton that partners with 12 colleges and universities (locally, Bay Path University, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Springfield College, Western New England University, Westfield State University, and UMass Amherst graduate school) to teach academic English skills to international students planning on enrolling at these schools. The school also trains instructors in effective ways to teach English to non-English speakers in the U.S. and abroad. In addition, ILI offers French, German, Italian, and Spanish courses for English speakers who travel for pleasure and business or “who simply want to learn another language,” said ILI Executive Director Caroline Gear. “We are especially proud of our free English classes for refugees and immigrants,” she added. “For more than 30 years, these classes have helped change lives thanks to support from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the generosity of hundreds of local businesses and individual donors.” ACCET personnel paid a site visit to ILI in July and completed extensive research as part of the accreditation process. Among the strengths pointed out in the ACCET assessment are ILI’s professional relationships within the Northampton community; the school’s short- and long-term business plans; the extensive tenure of ILI faculty and staff, which results in a collaborative environment that supports out-of-the-box thinking; student-centered classes, including free English classes for refugees and immigrants; the school’s exemplary teaching and the teachers’ qualifications that exceed ACCET requirements; and the fact that students enjoy their time at ILI and are making significant progress in language development.

Aegis Energy Services Announces Strategic Alliance with Yanmar

HOLYOKE — Aegis Energy Services Inc., a provider of co-generation technology, announced a strategic alliance with Yanmar, a 100-year-old Japanese diesel engine and equipment manufacturer and cogeneration provider. The Aegis and Yanmar relationship will broaden the reach of combined heat and power (CHP) systems by offering a wider product line to serve facilities of all sizes — from hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings with large footprints to smaller facilities, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, apartment complexes, boutique hotels, restaurants, and more. “For more than 30 years, Aegis has designed, manufactured, and installed combined heat and power systems equipped with world-class remote monitoring and service across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic,” said Aegis President Lee Vardakas. “The alliance with Yanmar not only increases our CHP product offerings, but our geographic reach. Together, we can provide modular systems for facilities of any size to generate sustainable, clean power options that reduce energy costs and emissions on a wider scale.” According to the U.S. Energy Department, CHP captures energy that would normally be lost in power generation and uses it to provide heating and cooling, making CHP 75% to 80% percent efficient. While most central power plants create steam as a byproduct that is then expelled as wasted heat, a CHP system captures the thermal energy that would normally be lost in power generation and uses it to provide on-site heating and cooling to factories, multi-residential housing and hospitality facilities, breweries, athletic facilities, and other applications requiring thermal load. In 2012, legislation was enacted which set a national goal for increasing CHP capacity. “Aegis has already demonstrated a commitment to Yanmar’s cogeneration product line by successfully completing our training courses designed for these systems,” said Arne Irwin, Energy Systems Business Unit manager at Yanmar America. “They will be able to provide a high level of service in their market for Yanmar’s CHP products.”

OMG Roofing Opens Two New Warehouses

AGAWAM — To support its goal of accelerating international sales growth in Asia and Europe, OMG Roofing Products has established new warehouses in Rotterdam in the Netherlands as well as in Shanghai, China. The two new warehouses are centrally located within their regions to enable OMG to rapidly supply products to roofing contractors and OEM partners in each of these critical markets. Both warehouses will stock a wide range of products sold locally, including OMG fasteners and plates, RhinoBond tools and plates, OMG telescopic tubes, OlyBond500 insulation adhesives, OlyFlow drains, and EverSeal roof repair tape. “OMG Roofing Products has continued to grow and expand beyond U.S. borders,” said Web Shaffer, vice president of Marketing. “By adding these warehouses, we are building a stronger foundation on which to accelerate our international growth by improving our service and expanding our distribution into new countries throughout Europe and Asia.”

Berkshire Bank Named a Top Charitable Contributor

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced it was named by Boston Business Journal as one of Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies at the publication’s annual Corporate Citizenship Summit in Boston on Sept. 8. The Boston Business Journal is one of the leading sources for business news, research, and events in the Greater Boston area. Each year it honors a select list of companies for their charitable work in the community. Berkshire Bank ranked 42nd for total financial contributions, with more than $1.27 million donated in Massachusetts alone and more than $2 million donated overall. Massachusetts-based bank employees also donated more than 27,000 hours of volunteer service. Berkshire Bank joined a select list of statewide, national, and international companies honored at the summit. The award recognized Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation’s philanthropic investments in the community through their charitable grants, corporate giving, scholarships, in-kind donations, and employee volunteerism. Annually, Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation provide more than $2 million to community organizations, as well as scholarships to high-school seniors with a record of academic excellence and financial need. In addition to financial support, XTEAM, the bank’s employee-volunteer program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours. In 2015, more than 70% of Berkshire Bank’s employees donated over 40,000 hours of service to benefit community organizations across the bank’s service area.

Inspired Marketing Gains WBENC Certification

SPRINGFIELD — Inspired Marketing Inc. announced it has been certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and also announced several promotions and hires in the company. “This designation is something I have longed to receive, and this year was thrilled to have accomplished the goal,” said Jill Monson-Bishop, chief inspiration officer. “I am even prouder of this certification because I have incredible women on my team who celebrate it with me.”

Berkshire Theatre Group Receives $29,000 Grant

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Theatre Group announced it is the recipient of a $29,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Investment Portfolio (CIP), which provides unrestricted general operating support grants and project support grants to nonprofit organizations that provide public programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities in Massachusetts. “We’re deeply thankful for the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s CIP grant to BTG. As ticket sales only cover half of our expenses, outside funding is vital to maintain our educational and transformative programs and productions. We are grateful that the MCC supports the valuable work we do.” The CIP recognizes that organizations with an established record of programmatic service and administrative stability should have access to funds to support their organizational goals and objectives, and to maintain their ongoing programs, services, and facilities without special emphasis on new initiatives as justification for funding.

Springfield College Rises Again in U.S. News Rankings

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College has again moved up the list of highest-ranked colleges in U.S. News & World Report’s latest edition of “Best Colleges.” In the 2017 report, Springfield College is ranked 27th in the first tier in the category of Best Regional Universities – North. This marks the sixth consecutive year that Springfield College has moved up in the U.S. News rankings. This year’s ranking of the college is up two spots from 2016 and 40 spots from 2011. “I am extremely proud that Springfield College is being recognized for our outstanding academic offerings and a rich co-curricular life outside of the classroom,” said President Mary-Beth Cooper. “The rise in our ranking over the past six years demonstrates that the value proposition for a school like Springfield College, grounded in the Humanics philosophy, is well-regarded.” The college also ranked 12th in Best Value Schools for Regional Universities – North, the first year it has been listed in the Best Values category, which takes into account a college’s academic quality and net cost of attendance. According to U.S. News, the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal Springfield College’s rise in the rankings is spurred by improved graduation rates and improved retention of first-year students. The college’s traditional, undergraduate enrollment for the fall of 2016 remained steady, with 550 first-year students enrolling again this year. The ratings are based on such variables as peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, student selectivity, class size, alumni giving, and student-faculty ratio. The college was ranked in a third category by U.S. News for 2017. It is ranked 14th in the North region in Best Colleges for Veterans.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Departments People on the Move

Inspired Marketing recently announced several promotions and additions to the company:

Heather Ruggeri

Kristen Carlson

Lauren Mendoza

Cara Cole

Jenifer Esile

• Heather Ruggeri, the company’s Chief Events Officer, was recently promoted and adds Vice President to her business card. She joined Inspired Marketing in 2015 and previously worked as the conference service manager and sales manager at the Springfield Sheraton for nine years. In addition, she was recently named to the board of the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is one of only a few certified meeting professionals in the area and one of only about 13,000 worldwide;
• Another team member, Kristin Carlson, was recently named Senior Marketing Visionary Partner. She started with Inspired Marketing as an apprentice right out of college in 2014. She has continued to evolve into a valued team member, creating innovative, successful media campaigns for several clients with outstanding results;
• Lauren Mendoza, who was with Inspired Marketing in its infancy before leaving for tech startup Waterdog, has rejoined the team and is now the Office Manager. Her organization keeps the team on track and helps communication, meetings, and schedules to run smoothly;
• Cara Cole recently joined Inspired Marketing as a Marketing Visionary Partner, serving on the front line with client creative implementation. She came to Inspired Marketing from the Center for Human Development and previously from Square One; and
• Jenifer Esile joined Inspired Marketing as On-staff Graphic Designer after having been a freelance partner since the company’s inception. In addition to 20 years of diverse design experience, she brings copywriting and social-media skills to the team to provide greater value to clients.

•••••

Karen Bechtel

MassMutual announced the election of Karen Bechtel to its board of directors. Bechtel is managing director of global alternative asset manager the Carlyle Group. “I’m extremely pleased to welcome Karen Bechtel to MassMutual’s board of directors. She brings both a sterling reputation and keen business acumen built on more than 30 years of investment management and corporate development expertise, and we look forward to her contributions,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO. “Importantly, as part of MassMutual’s unwavering commitment to best-in-class corporate governance, we are focused on ensuring that our board reflects diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.” Bechtel joined Carlyle in 2005 as the head of the Global Healthcare team and currently is focused on corporate buyout opportunities within the private equity market. Prior to her role at Carlyle, for 28 years, she held a variety of leadership roles within Morgan Stanley & Co., including as managing director of its Private Equity Group. During her career with Morgan Stanley, she was also co-head of the Financial Sponsors Group and head of the Corporate Restructuring Group, with a strong focus on healthcare investments as well as mergers and acquisitions. She was also a member of the firm’s Investment Banking Operating Committee. In addition to her role as a new MassMutual director, Bechtel serves on the boards of Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, HCR-ManorCare, and Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC. She is also a former board member of Healthscope Ltd., Grupo Qualicorp, Multiplan Inc., and LifeCare. Mergers & Acquisitions magazine in 2015 named her one of the Most Influential Women in mid-market M&A. She received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin and earned her MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business.

•••••

Philip Johnson

OMG Roofing Products promoted Philip Johnson to the position of Key Account Manager, the company announced. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing several strategic accounts with a high level of responsiveness and customer service. Johnson started with OMG in 2012 as a field sales representative in Texas, and was promoted in 2014 to the position of regional sales manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland. He will report to Josh Kelly, vice president and general manager. “Phil is a dedicated and talented manager, who has shown a commitment to helping the company grow,” said Kelly. “He excelled as a field sales representative in Texas and as a regional sales manager in the UK and Ireland. I’m confident that Phil will continue to thrive in this new account management role for the roofing products team.” Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark. Headquartered in Agawam, Mass., OMG Roofing Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial roofing products, featuring specialty fasteners, insulation adhesives, drains, pipe supports, emergency repair tape, edge metal systems, and productivity tools.

•••••

Richard “Kick” Sullivan III

Crevier & Ryan, LLP announced the addition of a new associate to the firm, attorney Richard “Kick” Sullivan III. Sullivan works primarily for attorney Michael Ryan. Collectively, Ryan, Sullivan, and fellow associate Rebecca Moran have a practice devoted to residential real-estate transactions, commercial lending, commercial real-estate acquisitions and sale (including 1031 tax-free exchanges), corporate governance, buy and sell agreements for closely held businesses, contract analysis and negotiation, civil litigation, and pre-litigation disputes (including conflicts involving trusts and estates). Sullivan graduated from Bates College in 2012, then enrolled in Western New England University School of Law, graduating earlier this year. During his legal education, he completed concentrations in estate planning, real estate, and business law. Eager to expand his education beyond the classroom, he completed the WNEU Law Small Business Clinic, Real Estate Practicum, and an estate-planning drafting course. These experiences have provided him with an advanced handle on transactional skills as well as a specialized knowledge in these practice areas. While most experienced in these legal fields, he aims to expand the practice and his expertise. Sullivan was previously employed during law school for Westfield Bank, as a law clerk for Fitzgerald, Attorneys at Law in East Longmeadow, and as a legal intern for the city of Springfield Law Department, Code Enforcement. Active in the community, he serves on the Westfield Zoning Board of Appeals.

•••••

Cynthia Shaw

The Gove Law Office announced that Cynthia Shaw has joined the firm as a Paralegal focused on civil and criminal litigation and real-estate transactions. “Cindi Shaw will provide experienced and active support to our attorneys working in the diverse practice areas which Gove Law offers our clients,” said Michael Gove, founding partner of Gove Law Office. Shaw has more than 20 years of experience as a paralegal, holds a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Elms College, and is a member of the Western Mass Paralegal Assoc. and the National Federation of Paralegals. The Gove Law Office, with offices in Ludlow and Northampton, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who provide guidance to clients in the areas of business representation, criminal and civil litigation, personal-injury law, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, immigration, and bankruptcy.

•••••

Katisha Woods-Johnson

Katisha Woods-Johnson, director for the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) Terri Thomas Girls Program, has received a Department of Youth Services (DYS) Commissioner’s Award for 2016. The Terri Thomas Girls Program is a secure, residential treatment program operated by CHD at the DYS facility on Tinkham Road in Springfield. Woods-Johnson was recognized for her work leveraging community connections to touch the lives of many youth in CHD custody and care, as well as their families. For example, she built a partnership with Home Depot that began with the company’s commitment to visit the Tinkham Road campus to do some projects with the youth. That blossomed into an ongoing monthly program in which the youth have hung doors and installed windows, learned basic wiring and put in outlets, built Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, and installed tile. Home Depot has donated all the materials and their employees’ time for the projects. Woods-Johnson also connected with Suit Up Springfield, a nonprofit organization that donates suits and dresses to people in need so they have proper attire for job interviews. Every young person in the programs at Tinkham Road received such an outfit and wore it to a semi-formal Thanksgiving banquet also attended by their families. Woods-Johnson paid for the banquet — the first most of the youth had ever attended — with donations and a fund-raising event. The youth served their families dinner, and a professional photographer volunteered to take pictures of each family as a keepsake. Woods-Johnson has brought local poets, painters, Zumba instructors, hip-hop artists, and more to the DYS campus to volunteer their time running groups with the youth.

•••••

Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, P.C., a community-centered cosmetic surgery and non-invasive practice serving Western Mass. and Northern Conn., announced that Dr. Glen Brooks participated in a prestigious preceptorship program hosted by Dr. Charles Randquist, a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience. For the last decade, Randquist has been a speaker around the world on various cosmetic procedures, while his main focus has been on primary, secondary, and reconstructive breast surgery. The preceptorship was held in Sweden, and gathered a small group of U.S. physicians. “I felt like this was a great opportunity to continue my education and ensure a world-class experience and results for my patients,” Brooks said. “Dr. Randquist is renowned for his knowledge, emphasizing a natural appearance with less short- and long-term complications, which is always a focus at my practice.” Learning alongside Randquist was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Brooks said, featuring live surgery and follow-ups as well as techniques and practice management. “The best practices and higher-level understanding I have about new products and devices are credible, authentic, and valuable.”

Chamber Corners

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Oct. 19: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Hitchcock Center, 845 West St., Amherst. Sponsored by Encharter Insurance and UMassFive College Federal Credit Union. Join the chamber and celebrate the new, 9,000-square-foot Hitchcock Center opening. This will be New England’s first public environmental education center to meet the Living Building Challenge. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

• Oct. 27: Chamber Legislative Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. Sponsored by Eversource. The annual legislative breakfast brings together legislators, local officials, and business leaders to network and discuss current and upcoming policy issues. Guest speakers: Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and state Reps. Ellen Story and John Scibak. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Oct. 6: Business Basics Workshop, 9-11 a.m., at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield – Masonic Hall Condominium Building. This free workshop, presented by Allen Kronick, senior business advisor, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Western Regional Office, will focus on business fundamentals, from startup considerations to business-plan development and funding sources. It is designed for owners of existing businesses as well as those who are planning to start one. Cost: free. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

• Oct. 7: “Grow Your Business with E-mail & Social Media,” 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Greenfield Community College Downtown Center, 270 Main St., Greenfield. Join Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact, as she helps you learn how to create a marketing strategy that combines e-mail and social media for maximum results. Cost: $5. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

• Oct. 18: Free Legal Clinic, noon to 3:30 p.m., at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield – Masonic Hall Condominium Building. The Western Mass Regional office of the MSBDC announced that the law firms of WMassBizLaw have offered to hold a free legal clinic. Individuals, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one for 30 minutes with attorney Sarah Willey to discuss general legal questions such as corporate structure, leases, contracts, insurance, employment, franchising, and various other business-related issues. Cost: free. Register online at www.franklincc.org.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Oct. 4: Table Top Expo & Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Hosted by the Greater Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, Greater Westfield, and Springfield Regional Chambers of Commerce. With approximately 120 businesses represented and 400 visitors, the Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event is an excellent marketing tool for area businesses. Cost: $125 for an exhibitor table (includes two tickets), $5 for pre-registered admission. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 14: Auction/Wine & Beer Tasting, 6-9 p.m., at Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Country chic theme with entertainment by Sarah the Fiddler. Cost: $40, or $35 each for two or more. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 19: October Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Summit View Banquet & Meeting House, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Oct. 26: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Arbors at Chicopee, 929 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Oktoberfest theme with band, food, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Oct. 13: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., at Fort Hill Brewery. Sponsored by Advanced Restoration Group. An evening of connecting and business building. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org, or by calling the Chamber of Greater Easthampton at (413) 527-9414.

• Oct. 19: Medallion Speaker Forum Fall, noon to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Innovative Business Systems, 161 Northampton St., Easthampton. State Rep. John Scibak joins the forum and gives his insight on how you can be most effective when you need to be. Cost includes boxed lunch from Riff’s Joint. Space is limited. For additional information, e-mail [email protected]. Cost: $20. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or by calling the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• Nov. 9: Hampshire County Business Bash, 5-7 p.m., at the Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst. A tri-chamber business-expo networking event. Enjoy business building, networking, complementary appetizers, cash bar, and local brewery beer tasting. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or by calling the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Oct. 19: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Westfield Bank, 1642 Northampton St., Holyoke. The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening of casual networking. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.holyokechamber.com.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Oct. 5: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., sponsored by Innovative Business Systems Inc., Pioneer Training, and Florence Bank. This the networking event you don’t want to miss. More than 300 attendees are expected, with food donated by our member restaurants and cold brews donated by the Northampton Brewery. Call chamber for location. Cost: $10 for members. To register, visit www.explorenorthampton.com, call (413) 584-1900, or e-mail [email protected].

• Oct. 28: 2016 New Member Orientation, 3-4 p.m., at the chamber offices, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. This is the chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you. Meet other new members and learn how to make the most of your chamber membership. Cost: Free. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Oct. 3: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at the American Inn, One Sawmill Park, Westfield. Join us for our monthly Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count.

• Oct. 12: Oktoberfest After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Bring your business cards for our annual speed connecting. Refreshments will be served. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call (413) 568-1618. As this event gets closer, an online registration will be made available.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• Sept. 27: Ribbon cutting for the new South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce Office, 5 p.m. Join the chamber as it cuts the ribbon for its new office location at 2 Lyman St., South Hadley, next to the new Plains Elementary School. The chamber is now co-located with ERA Laplante Real Estate. There will be light food, beverages, a tour of the new office, and prizes. Cost: free. RSVP to Executive Director Dale Johnston at [email protected] so the appropriate amount of food and beverage is available.

• Oct. 19: James E. Hartley, PhD, professor of Economics at Mount Holyoke College, speaks at 7:30 a.m., at the Willits-Hallowell Conference Center at Mount Holyoke. Hartley will speak on the economy. A buffet breakfast will be provided. Cost: $22 for members, $27 for non-members. E-mail [email protected] to RSVP.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Sept. 28: PWC Headline Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Munich Haus, 13 Center St., Chicopee. Featuring psychic medium Angelina Diana. Cost: $30 for PWC members, $40 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.professionalwomenschamber.com. The Professional Women’s Chamber is a division of the Springfield Regional Chamber.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
413-426-3880

• Oct. 5: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Cyber Exchange, West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• Oct. 26: Food Fest West, 5:30-8 p.m., at Crestview Country Club, Agawam. The event will feature the foods of area restaurants including Chez Josef, Crestview Country Club, Partner’s, and many more. Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing-education needs. Cost: $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

State Nets $2.5M Grant to Help People with Disabilities Find Jobs

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Daily News

BOSTON — Massachusetts was one of only six states awarded $2.5 million this week by the federal government to help people with disabilities find employment.

The grant will target youth and young adults, ages 14 to 24, in Hampden County and the Greater Lowell area by expanding access to credential-based education and training. The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday announced $14.9 million in grants to six states as part of the Disability Employment Initiative.

“We know that, unfortunately, people with disabilities face much higher rates of unemployment, and we have been developing plans to tackle that problem for over a year now. One of the first executive orders I signed was to create a task force to look at ways to help people with barriers to employment find and keep jobs,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “This award from the federal government will help us continue that important work, and create more opportunities for young people with disabilities to find fulfilling careers.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people with disabilities make up only 19.8% of the nation’s workforce. In Massachusetts, it is estimated that 15% of people with disabilities are unemployed. The grant is expected to serve more than 350 youth and young adults with disabilities.

“We look forward to partnering with employers to create jobs, training, and education opportunities for people with disabilities,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “The Commonwealth is fortunate to be one of six states to receive this grant, and will use these funds to increase the access to our growing economy for disabled workers in Massachusetts.”

In Massachusetts the funds will also be used to create partnerships with local employers to increase hiring opportunities for young people with disabilities, and expand short-term subsidized work programs. The grant will provide job-retention and placement services to young people who have difficulty finding work due to their disability.

“This is the first initiative where we will completely focus on youth and young adults with disabilities in order to help them find and keep employment,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker II said. “We are thrilled to be one of only a few states to receive this grant, and it will enable us to continue the work started by the task force for people facing higher employment.”

The other states to receive grants were Connecticut, California, Idaho, Minnesota, and Maryland.

While Massachusetts’ unemployment rate is lower than the national average, at 3.9% in August, certain populations face chronically higher rates of unemployment, including African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, people with disabilities, Native Americans, and recently returned veterans.

Recognizing the Impact of Opioid Abuse

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Opinion

By Jim Goodwin

Used properly, the prescription pain pills known as opioids can be highly effective. They are also highly addictive. Recently, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., sent a letter to more than 2 million U.S. physicians asking for their help in solving our nation’s opioid-addiction epidemic.

Murthy pointed out that, nearly two decades ago, physicians were encouraged to be more aggressive about treating pain. Many were even taught — incorrectly — that opioids are not addictive when prescribed for legitimate pain. The consequences have been devastating: an epidemic of opioid use that continues to impact communities large and small, rich and poor, around our region and across our nation. No social, racial, gender, age, or demographic group is immune.

According to the surgeon general, opioid prescriptions have increased markedly in the past two decades, and now nearly two million people in America have a prescription opioid-use disorder. This is also contributing to increased use of heroin, which is essentially the same chemically as opioid pain pills, and to the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. Nationally, opioid overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1999. Here in Massachusetts, four people die every day from overdose.

The Center for Human Development (CHD) is pleased that the surgeon general recognizes the opioid epidemic as a national health crisis. We hope that leaders everywhere in the health profession, law enforcement, education, and government will join us in fighting the opioid crisis from its foundation:

• We must learn more about pain management and effective treatment options that minimize or remove the risk of addiction;
• We must all acknowledge, as the surgeon general does, that addiction is a chronic illness, not a moral failing; and
• We must work to remove the stigma that too many people attach to addiction so no one feels too ashamed to seek treatment for themselves or loved ones.

Treating addiction as a disease is critical, but the long-term solution is prevention. Considering the costs of addiction — in lives shattered and resources consumed, and to individuals, families, communities, and our economy — serious prevention efforts will pay for themselves, over and over.

For help with opioid treatment or prevention, call CDH at (844) 243-4357.

Jim Goodwin is president and CEO of the Center for Human Development.

STCC’s Youthful New President Embraces His Stern Challenge

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Education Sections

A New Test

John Cook

John Cook, who only recently became ineligible for BusinessWest’s Forty Under 40 program, took the reins at Springfield Technical Community College last month. Beyond youth — he’s not that much older than many students on this historic campus — he brings energy and a leadership style grounded in being a good listener.

As one passes through the ornate main entrance to Springfield Technical Community College, to the right is a small parking lot with a few reserved spaces. John Cook’s name is on one of them.

Well, not literally, but there is certainly a spot set aside for the president of the institution, a title Cook assumed just a few weeks ago. But he has made up his mind that he won’t be using it.

Instead, he might, like some of the college’s students themselves, try to find a spot reasonably far up the steep Pearl Street hill, several hundred yards away from that choice space, and walk through the campus to the main administration building.

He fully understands that this is a symbolic gesture, and one that certainly won’t impact the school’s persistent parking issue/challenge/problem — whatever one chooses to call it — in any significant way.

But he nonetheless considers it an important gesture because it indicates how he intends to manage — by listening closely and responding to what he hears. Far more meaningful answers to the parking situation will eventually become reality, he told BusinessWest, and in the meantime, he intends to be part of the solution is some small way — and also do some more listening while getting from Pearl Street, or wherever he finds a spot, to Garvey Hall.

“During the interview process, people asked about my style, my approach, and for me that’s a very difficult question,” he said while answering essentially the same question when put to him by BusinessWest. “Because for me, a lot of that approach is demonstrating appreciation for others and being a good listener. And it’s hard when you’re asked the question and are asked to respond, because what I really want to do is go around and ask questions of other people and give them a chance to be heard.”

The young Cook — he only recently became ineligible for BusinessWest’s Forty Under 40 program — has been doing plenty of listening for the past six months or so, through that interview process and then during his first few weeks on the job, and he’s intent on continuing that habit.

In fact, he has already put in motion some plans to open the lines of communication between himself and a host of constituencies — and keep them open. One involves blocking off time each week for open office hours — they started last week — while the other entails scheduling what he calls ‘town-meeting’ sessions.

The former, as the name implies, is time when his office door is open, literally and figuratively, to anyone who wants to go through it. That includes faculty, staff, students, and “the community,” he said, adding that he’ll make himself available from noon to 1, but also in the early evening (5:15-6:15) for those who would be on campus those hours.

From left, John Cook, state Sen. Eric Lesser, and STCC trustee Eric Hagopian, president of the Mass. Center for Advanced Design & Manufacturing, tour ‘Building 19,’ the future home of STCC’s Learning Commons.

As for the town meetings, these will involve the entire college community, he explained, and will feature an open, interactive format, one where he will share the microphone and welcome input.

“Rather than having me stand and deliver for a period of time,” he explained, “we’ll have our vice presidents up there giving updates on critical projects, and we’re going to take questions.”

Cook, most recently the vice president of Academic Affairs at Manchester (N.H.) Community College (MCC), takes the helm in Springfield during a milestone moment in the school’s history — a year-long 50th anniversary celebration. And while acknowledging that this might be a good time to look inward and set new goals, he said this occasion is better suited for reaffirming established goals and recommitting the institution to its simple, but at the same time complex, mission statement: ‘STCC supports students as they transform their lives.’

I didn’t look at many schools, and in my search, this was the only one where there seemed to be an early match, an early fit. I’m lucky that STCC and I found one another.”

Support comes in many forms, obviously, but mostly in the realm of helping students arriving at the historic campus — carved out of the Springfield Armory — see their way through to graduation or whatever goal they set when they enrolled.

For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest talked at length with STCC’s new president about new his career challenge and the start of the school’s proverbial next 50 years.

Setting the Scene

To say that Cook’s office on the second floor of Garvey Hall takes on a Granite State look and feel would a large understatement.

Parked against one wall is his first pair of skis (they’re wooden and considerably older than he is, although he doesn’t know exactly how old). Meanwhile, photos of snow-capped peaks adorn other walls, and a map of New Hampshire, where he had spent the sum of his professional career, hangs behind his desk.

“It provides a sense of place,” he said of this collection. “Where we went to college matters, and where we grew up matters. These are little reminders of where I’m from.”

But while his office speaks of where he’s been personally and professionally and provides that sense of place, he says he feels right at home with what he can see outside his windows, as well.

And by that, he was referring to everything from the community college atmosphere, to the similarities between MCC and STCC (more on those later), and even to the century-and-half-old buildings that give the school its unique flavor.

“I have a real healthy appreciation for historic structures,” he explained with a laugh, using those words in reference to both architecture and the high cost of upkeep. “Because I’ve helped to renovate two antique houses, both dating to the late 1700s. These buildings (at STCC), they’re oldies, but goodies; you just can’t build that kind of character any more.”

These were just some of the many motivating factors that prompted Cook to zero in on STCC as an attractive landing spot as he initiated his quest for a college president’s job — a search that began only a year ago, or just after the ink was dry on his doctorate diploma, earned at the University of New Hampshire. (A Ph.D. is considered almost a pre-requisite for presidents’ jobs today).

Elaborating, Cook said that while he wasn’t sure if his next career challenge would (or should) be a chief academic officer’s position at a larger institution or a presidency, he certainly felt qualified — and ready — for the latter.

Especially at a community college, because of work in everything from new-degree-program development to efforts to forge pathways — from high school to college, and then from MCC to four-year institutions.

Those are just some of the accomplishments listed on his resume, which notes that upon graduating from St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., and then earning a master’s degree in community/social psychology at UMass Lowell, Cook started his career at Granite State College, part of New Hampshire’s public university system, as a research and evaluation coordinator in 2000. He would later become faculty coordinator at the school, and eventually serve as assistant dean of Faculty.

In 2012, he became vice president of Academic Affairs at MCC, a small community college (at least when compared to STCC) with just under 3,000 students and 55 full-time faculty.

At MMC, he took a lead role in the development of a number of new dregree and certificate programs across several academic realms, including Health Science, Life Science, Robotics, and Cyber Security. He also collaborated with a number of parties to create early-college pathway programs for high schools, encouraged faculty to embrace STEM pathways, and worked to build a culture that, as he put it, “embraces data and an analytical approach to decision-making.”

With this background, buffeted by that aforementioned doctorate, as well as some strong encouragement from MCC President Susan Huard, Cook began looking at college president positions. And as things turned out, he didn’t have to look very long or hard before coming across an opportunity that seemed worthy of that adjective ‘perfect,’ both professionally and personally (this job allows him to remain very close to his two young children from a previous marriage, who are still living in New Hampshire).

“I feel very fortunate — people who have been there, people who have been presidents of multiple institutions tell me that often, you’re looking for months, sometimes years, for the right institution,” he told BusinessWest. “I didn’t look at many schools, and in my search, this was the only one where there seemed to be an early match, an early fit. I’m lucky that STCC and I found one another.”

By that, he meant that he identified the school as the focal point of his quest for a president’s job, and the search committee, following an intense, six-month exploratory and interview process, deemed him the best candidate to take it into the next half-century, following the 12-year tenure of Ira Rubenzahl, who succeeded Andy Scibelli, who spent 21 years in the president’s office.

Those two leaders have taken the school to new and lofty heights, said Cook, adding that he considers it his responsibility to continue and build upon this legacy.

Course of Action

Looking back on the lengthy search process for STCC’s next president, Cook said he was asked a number of intriguing questions during several interviews — and, as might be expected based on what he said earlier, he had several for those on the other side of the table.

John Cook takes the helm at STCC during its 50th anniversary, a time, he said, to recommit to its message of helping students succeed.

One of them was a rather direct query about what members of the search panel were looking for in the next leader of the school. Words and phrases that came back repeatedly were ‘accessible,’ ‘approachable, ‘forward-thinking,’ and someone willing to be a “champion” for the school and community colleges in general.

He intends to be all of the above with actions that go well beyond giving up his parking space.

For starters, he noted his open office hours and planned town meetings, as well as that leadership style of listening and demonstrating appreciation.

Through such initiatives, and with such skill sets, Cook feels he’s ready and able to lead efforts to address the many challenges facing the school moving forward and outlined in a recently drafted strategic plan. They include:

• That aforementioned parking problem. It’s not exactly a recent phenomenon, in fact the challenge is in many respects as old as the school. But it remains a constant and is always a consideration with the next item on the list;

• Enrollment. It soared during the Great Recession, as it did at all area public schools, but has retreated since, for reasons ranging from a vast improvement in the economy to smaller high school graduating classes;

• The ongoing restoration and renovation of the structure known as Building 19, a huge, 700-foot-long former storage house for the Armory that is being converted into a campus center that will host a wide array of offices and programs. Conceived and nurtured by Rubenzahl, the project will reorient the campus and shift most activity from the main administration building to ’19,’ as it’s called, on the north side of the campus;

• Continuing the collaborative efforts between STCC and Holyoke Community College, forged by Rubenzah and his counterpart at HCC (now also retired) Bill Messner. Formerly, and in many ways still, rivals (at least when it comes to enrollment and athletics), the schools have come together on many projects in recent years, especially the TWO (Training and Workforce Options) program that has helped area companies develop talented workers and close a recognized skills gap. Cook said it will be one of his priorities to continue the collaborative efforts and initiate new ones.

But the broader, overriding assignment will be to certainly carry out the school’s mission and help students succeed, he said, adding there are many elements to this equation.

Indeed, the college needs to not only help students with academics and put them on a track to success, but keep them on it.

“Some of it, in fact a big part of it, is life — how do we help students with those issues, not just education,” Cook explained, noting that many STCC students cannot be described with that industry term ‘traditional.’ “They’re working a lot, they’re raising families, there’s transportation issues; all those things influence our students, regardless of their age.”

Cook said that the recently announced Commonwealth Commitment program would certainly help with this assignment.

The initiative incentivizes individuals (through rebates on tuition and fees and a $30,000 cap on the cost of a four-year degree) to enter a community college, graduate in two and half years or less, move on to one of the state universities or UMass campuses, and wrap up a baccalaureate degree in no more than four and a half years.

“This really helps incentivize students to not just go part time,” he explained. “If you can find the wherewithal to go full time, you’re going to earn that associate’s in two years, tuition has been frozen for you, and that really helps see them through to that bachelor’s.”

Thus, the program also further escalates the role community colleges are playing in preparing individuals for today’s technology-based economy, he noted, adding that these institutions are ready for, and well-suited for, this heighted responsibility.

“One of the things community colleges, and especially STCC, have is the ability to respond quickly and nimbly to changing needs within the community,” he explained. “If a community college partner says ‘we have a need,’ we can help with that assessment, and sometimes, in a short time, have a training program ready for them.”

Hot Spot

Returning to the matter of where his car will reside, Cook acknowledged, again, that his gesture was not intended to solve the problem.

“We’ve got creative an innovative ways to put that spot to better use,” he explained. “It’s one spot for our hundreds of staff and faculty and thousands, but it’s not much for me to park on Pearl Street and walk on over.”

By doing so, he gets to demonstrate his sensitivity to the issue, and, more importantly, do something he likes much more than answering questions: Asking them.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Charter-school Debate Heats Up as Election Nears

By BusinessWest Staff September 20, 2016

Education Sections

Unequal Rights?

Bill Spirer says ballot Question 2 is about expanding charter schools in underperforming districts where students historically have had few options.

Todd Gazda stopped along the Riverwalk in Ludlow to admire the view a week ago and began talking with a senior citizen who was relaxing at the site.

“As soon as he found out who I was, he asked me what I thought of Question 2,” said the Superintendent of Ludlow Public Schools, adding that the gentleman was extremely interested in the issue.

Indeed, the question that will appear on the November ballot is significant because it is the first time in state history the public will have the opportunity to voice their opinion about school choice.

If passed, Question 2 would give the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education the authority to approve 12 new charter schools or expand existing charter schools as a result of increased enrollment every year beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Priority would be given to applicants in public-school districts that score in the bottom 25% on standardized tests two years before their application. In addition, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would establish standards by which annual performance reviews would be judged.

The question has generated strong feelings, heated arguments, and major fund-raising campaigns: when BusinessWest went to press, proponents had raised $18 million and opponents $12 million, most of which will be spent on TV ads.

The debate began in earnest last year after Gov. Charlie Baker, who is a strong a proponent of charter schools, introduced a bill to increase their number in the Commonwealth. The Senate revamped the proposal before passing it, but it was rejected by the House, which didn’t support the changes that had been made.

Lawmakers continue to be heavily divided on the issue, but after the House rejected the bill, the Mass. Charter School Assoc., Great Schools of MA, and Democrats for Education Reform led an effort to get the question on the ballot to increase options for the 32,000 students on charter-school waiting lists.

Both sides have powerful arguments. Opponents say charter schools don’t serve the same number of English-language learners (ELL) and students with profound special needs who require costly services; the admissions process is unfair to students whose parents are not interested in their education or don’t have the skills needed to seek information or enrollment in alternate schools; the state has failed to provide the level of reimbursement promised to public schools when a student leaves their district for a charter school; building and staffing costs don’t decrease when students leave; and charter schools are not subject to the same standards as district public schools, which makes it easy for them to eliminate students with behavior problems.

Todd Gazda says the amount of money Ludlow loses every year to charter schools is more than the amount allotted to run an elementary school.

Proponents argue that they admit students by lottery and serve a diverse population; their behavioral standards are strict but fair; their academic results are higher than urban and suburban schools; they offer students in low-performing districts a chance to get a high-quality education; the funding formula does not discriminate because money allocated to each student in a district simply follows them; and they are actually public schools that are open to all students and don’t charge tuition.

But both charter- and public-school directors and superintendents agree that money is an important issue because schools across the state are grossly underfunded.

“My fear is that the debate over charter schools will divert attention from the bedrock issue of school funding in general,” said Northampton School Superintendent John Provost, referring to a study conducted last year by the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which looked at the formula used to fund public schools and found a $1 billion deficit.

The Mass. Assoc. of School Superintendents thinks the amount is closer to $2 billion, and Provost argues that the ballot question is secondary to financial problems facing all public schools, which include charters.

“I feel it’s the wrong policy to be voting on at this time,” said Provost. “Charter schools were created when the education budget was growing, but in many communities funding has been stagnant since 2008, and it’s a matter of diverting money from a pie that is not growing.”

Karen Reuter says charter schools were founded to model innovation and specialization, and were not meant to replace public schools.

Sabis International Charter School Director Karen Reuter agrees that state funding for education is inadequate. “If we could raise the bar for every student, maybe we wouldn’t have to have such an oppositional agenda,” she noted.

But she says the issue comes down to access to quality education, which makes the ballot question important.

For this edition and its focus on education, BusinessWest looks at arguments on both sides of the question and what will be at stake when voters go to the polls.

Shortchanging Students

Barbara Mandeloni, president of the 110,000-member Mass. Teachers Assoc., says $450 million diverted from district public schools to charter schools has had considerable consequences, and some schools have had to cut support services to children with special needs, while others have cut teachers or language classes and other extra curricular programs.

“Public schools represent the best of who we are and contribute to the common good; they are not about individualism, but about a shared sense of purpose and something bigger than ourselves,” she said, adding that the New England NAACP is a leader in its coalition and Black Lives Matter has called for a three-year moratorium on charter schools because, critics say, they are creating a two-tiered system that is resegregating schools.

“We need to defeat this bill, then have a conversation about funding so we can give every child the opportunity to have a broad and rich curriculum and access to resources,” she said, adding that many charter schools have discipline standards that force students with behavioral issues out.

Daniel Warwick says charter schools have a large, negative impact on Springfield’s public schools.

Springfield School Superintendent Daniel Warwick says adequate funding for urban schools has always been a problem, and they barely make the minimum net school spending needed to educate each child. And the impact of charter schools on the Springfield district has been tremendous; they lose $41 million each year to charters and are reimbursed only $6 million, but still have to educate an extremely diverse population that includes many refugees who have undergone tremendous trauma in refugee camps, as well as a large number of students with profound special needs, including some who enter the ninth grade after never spending a day in a school.

“We have the most difficult students to educate. There are a lot of English-language learners and students with special educational needs who are the most difficult and costly to educate in terms of achievement results,” he said, noting that, although charter schools say they do outreach, the percentage of high-need special-education students they serve doesn’t rival that of the sending district, which is a nuance in achievement levels that hasn’t been addressed.

He thinks equal access to education would mean that charter schools hold lotteries that include all students in their district, not just those whose parents are motivated to fill out application forms, which is often prohibitive due to language and socioeconomic barriers.

“If we are going to continue the charter-school movement, there are issues that need to be addressed, and making sure their populations match their sending communities in every way is one of them,” he said, adding that, if charter schools are not educating the most needy students, their achievement results need to be called into question.

“It’s a lightning-rod issue on either side, but from the perspective of public-school funding and student-assignment structure, it is particularly troubling because once you go to a lottery system you are dealing with a different population,” Warwick continued, noting that the demographics in the city’s magnet schools also differ, especially in terms of parent involvement.

Springfield schools had to cut $13 million from a budget this year that was already underfunded by $10 million, and the loss was increased by a $3 million shortfall from the state’s failure to reimburse them appropriately for students lost to charter schools. Another $5 million was lost to school choice, which doesn’t account for the fact that Springfield has to provide transportation for these students.

“We have had to cut direct services to kids and 56 positions from our central office,” he said, “and class sizes will continue to grow if the funding stream isn’t changed.

“If we were funded according to the findings of the Foundation Review Commission’s recommendations, we would have $25 million more this year to adequately address the students we serve,” he went on, adding that this is a social-justice issue.

Gazda agrees, and says proponents argue that Question 2 comes down to school choice.

“But when you dig deeper, the facts below the surface reveal a different picture; we are one of relatively few districts who lose very few students to charter schools, but geography does make a difference,” he explained. “Charter schools are being held up as a better alternative, and that narrative is just not true; their students don’t perform remarkably better than most public-school students.”

The state is supposed to reimburse district schools 100% of the money they lose the first year a student switches to a charter school, and 25% for each of the following four years. But not only has it cut school funding in general, it has not come close to meeting those numbers.

Ludlow lost 19 students to charter schools in FY ’16, which cost $434,878, but was reimbursed only $122,467.

“It had a marked impact on us and the things we could do. In a school system the size of Ludlow, $300,000 can go a long way,” Gazda said, adding that there is no way for local school boards to judge whether charter schools are using funds efficiently.

In addition, charter schools were originally created to have the flexibility to be innovative in creative ways and share their best practices with local school districts, which Gazda says has not happened.

“The way the system is set up is competitive and almost adversarial, because of the flow of resources away from district public schools. It has the effect of creating a tiered education system, particularly in urban areas,” he continued, noting that parents in urban areas often cannot afford to move to towns with better school systems; Ludlow has a wait list of 350 students for school choice, and the vast majority are from Springfield.

He said a single mother who wants the best for her child often views charter schools as a place where the child can be saved. “But my answer is to fully support public schools so we can change the environment in all schools.”

Northampton recently commissioned a survey of charter-school parents to learn why they were opting out of their neighborhood schools.

“It showed the charter-school population is very unique in terms of demographics; 100% of the parents said they had a college degree, the majority had graduate degrees, and their household incomes were far above the incomes of local families,” Provost said.

Last year, Northampton Public Schools received about $644,000 less from the state than in 2010. The city has 200 students in charter schools, which equates to $2 million in lost revenue each year, and although none of their elementary schools is that small, $2 million is far more than the amount appropriated to each school.

“The main impact is the loss of programs we can provide,” Provost said, adding that more than 20% of their students have disabilities.

Different Agendas

Dominic Slowey says the governor modeled his original bill on a draft ballot question put together by charter advocates.

“The majority of charter schools are in urban districts that are underperforming, and the ballot question is their last resort,” said the spokesperson for the MA Charter School Assoc. “Springfield only has room for one more charter school with 400 to 500 seats, and many cities, including Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, and Fall River, have reached their cap. In many cities, parents don’t have enough high-quality public-school options, but charter schools have worked to fill that gap and put them on an even keel with communities like Longmeadow, Wellesley, and Amherst.”

He added that charter schools have reached out to low-income African-American and Latino families, and by every independent measure, the schools have outperformed not only urban schools, but suburban schools.

There are 72 charter schools operating in the state, and the approval process is difficult, so only three to four schools a year make the grade.

Proponents also explain that charter schools are heavily regulated by the state; their finances and academic progress are monitored annually and they must continue to set new goals. In addition, they are subject to a five-year review, and if they fail to live up to their charter, they can be placed on probation or closed, which has happened to two Springfield charter schools.

Sabis International Charter School in Springfield serves children in kindergarten through 12th grade who reside in the city. It has won national awards since it was founded in 1995 and has a waiting list of 2,900 that is rigorously combed every year to ensure it is accurate, which has been done in response to arguments that the waiting lists for charter schools are outdated and inaccurate.

As at other charter schools, admission at Sabis is by lottery for the 100 kindergarten seats each year, and since its retention rate is 90%, there are few backfills.

Sabis is housed in a beautiful facility backed by Sabis Educational Systems, but Reuter says some charter schools are financially challenged and have to engage in considerable fund-raising.

“But money doesn’t guarantee positive outcomes,” she said, noting that she has served in a variety of educational settings, including a stint as a union teacher in New York City. “Education is a changing landscape with new standards and assessments, and this bill is really about whether students can access quality education. But it’s a shame that we have gotten to a place where people have to vote, because we all want the same thing: to provide the best education possible for every student.”

Historically, the school’s population has been equally divided between Caucasian, Hispanic, and African-American students, but recently the number of Hispanic students has increased, and the Asian population is growing. Its ELL population is very small, and only 14% to 16% of those students have special-education needs, but Reuter said they are seeing an increase of students with profound special needs and had to create a separate classroom setting for them last year.

“We don’t serve the same range of special-education students as public schools, but charter schools were not meant to replace public schools,” she told BusinessWest. “They were meant to model innovation and specialization.”

Its sister school in Holyoke serves children in kindergarten through grade 8, and although parents would like to see it expand to the high-school level, the city has reached its cap.

However, Reuter says graduates outperform their peers in Holyoke High School, and it’s unfair that parents and students can’t continue their education at the school of their choice.

Springfield Prep Charter School opened in Springfield last year with a kindergarten and first grade. A second grade was added this year, and founder Bill Spirer’s hope is to expand to grade 8 by the 2022-23 school year.

There are two full-time teachers in every classroom, and the school has an extended day that runs from 7:50 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a slightly extended school year. All students come from Springfield, and outreach efforts are done in English and Spanish at Head Start programs by volunteers, who also knocked on doors in the city’s South End last January distributing flyers about the school, which has a one-page application.

“Massachusetts has one of the strongest records of charter-school performance in the county, and the data in this state is really clear; charter schools are very effective, especially in urban areas where there haven’t been many good options for parents,” Spirer said, adding that his facility’s demographics mirror those in Springfield Public Schools and nine out of 10 students are from economically disadvantaged families

Richard Alcorn, executive director of Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion School in Hadley, says it provides a unique curriculum and wants to expand to a fully articulated K-12 program.

“The charter schools in Hampshire and Franklin counties really serve as alternative schools,” he noted, adding that his school serves students from 30 districts and 17.5% are from low-income families, which is lower than urban centers, but higher than the school’s host community, where 13.2% of students fall into that category.

But he agrees that funding is inadequate for all schools. “People need to step back and look at what is going on in public education. The impact of charter schools is very small and has nothing to do with the real problem of funding and what is going in terms of demographics,” he told BusinessWest.

Far-reaching Implications

Charter schools all have different missions and leadership, and serve different communities, so Spirer says they can’t be classified with the same adjectives.

“It’s a very complicated issue that has different implications for districts of different sizes. But the ballot question is still about the most underperforming districts,” he explained.

Gazda says perception is reality, and right now the narrative coming from Boston and Washington is that public schools are failing, which is not true.

“However, we need new solutions rather than garnering old ones that don’t work,” he said.

These wide-ranging observations and opinions only scratch the surface when it comes to the high levels of debate and controversy that define ballot question 2. About the only certainty is that the matter is now in the hands of voters.

Epstein Financial Services Welcomes Matthew Gilmore

By BusinessWest Staff September 19, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Epstein Financial Services recently welcomed Matthew Gilmore to the firm as a retirement plan consultant.

The firm has grown substantially over the past several years with a recent upsurge in new clients due to the Department of Labor’s new fiduciary ruling. Over the coming months, Gilmore will work closely with founder Charlie Epstein to ensure the firm’s extensive services and mission statement are reflected in Gilmore’s continued growth within the firm.

Gilmore gained extensive experience as a MassMutual business development consultant, meeting with business owners, plan administrators, advisors, and third-party administrators to review, evaluate, and discuss a business’ 401(k) retirement plan and/or defined-benefit pension-plan options.

He is an accomplished retirement-services consultant with eight years of experience with MassMutual and the Hartford, with regard to 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans, investment and cost analysis, and participant education. He recently obtained his Accredited Investment Fiduciary certification and is a graduate of Western New England University with a bachelors degree in business administration.

Crosses to Bear

Editorial

Community Spotlight

Broad Base of Expansion

Coordinated Efforts

Promising Future

Firm in Its Resolve

Looking Back

Looking Ahead

LIPPI Featured in National Storytelling Platform

State Nets $2.5M Grant to Help People with Disabilities Find Jobs

Unemployment Rate Drops to 3.9% in August

State Releases Detailed Report on Opioid Epidemic

Five Colleges Inc. Breaks Ground for Library Annex

HCC Awarded $127,741 for EMT Training Program

Springfield Museums Named Smithsonian Affiliate

Johnson & Hill Launches Accounting, Finance Division

Springfield College Rises Again in U.S. News Rankings

CARF Accredits West Central Family and Counseling

Berkshire Bank Named One of Top Charitable Contributors

Country Bank Participates in Habitat’s Operation Playhouse

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hard Lesson

Employer Confidence Falls for Third Consecutive Month

More Than 1,100 Volunteer for Annual Day of Caring

Springfield Regional Chamber Debuts New Dental Benefit

ServiceNet Wins Grant to Boost Work with Homeless Individuals

State Awards $2.4 Million in Workforce-training Grants

Study Details Spending of Consumer-driven Health Plan Enrollees

PeoplesBank Earns Accolades

Baystate Hospitals Merge Under One License

AIC Granted Reaffirmation of Accreditation

ILI Earns Highest Ranking from Accreditation Authority

Aegis Energy Services Announces Strategic Alliance with Yanmar

OMG Roofing Opens Two New Warehouses

Berkshire Bank Named a Top Charitable Contributor

Inspired Marketing Gains WBENC Certification

Berkshire Theatre Group Receives $29,000 Grant

Springfield College Rises Again in U.S. News Rankings

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.amherstarea.com (413) 253-0700

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.franklincc.org (413) 773-5463

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.chicopeechamber.org (413) 594-2101

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.easthamptonchamber.org (413) 527-9414

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.holyokechamber.com (413) 534-3376

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.explorenorthampton.com (413) 584-1900

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.westfieldbiz.org (413) 568-1618

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.shgchamber.com (413) 532-6451

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER www.myonlinechamber.com (413) 787-1555

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.ourwrc.com 413-426-3880

A New Test

I didn’t look at many schools, and in my search, this was the only one where there seemed to be an early match, an early fit. I’m lucky that STCC and I found one another.”

Setting the Scene

Course of Action

Hot Spot

Unequal Rights?

Shortchanging Students

Different Agendas

Far-reaching Implications

Daily News

News

Contact

Departments

Events

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shgchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
413-426-3880