40 Under Forty Nominations

Through Feb. 24: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards. The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in in the region, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries; many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities. Nominators help BusinessWest identify young professionals in the four counties of Western Mass. who have stories that deserve to be told. Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, Feb. 24. They can be submitted at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Michael’s Café Reopening

Feb. 19: JGS Lifecare, a healthcare system serving seniors and their families and an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare, announced the grand reopening of Michael’s Café, the nonprofit organization’s popular dining venue, at 2:30 p.m. Michael’s Café is named in honor of Michael Frankel, past board chair, cherished friend, dedicated leader, and longtime supporter of JGS Lifecare. Following his sudden passing in 2013, the café was designed as a centerpiece of the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation — a kosher eatery to serve residents, families, staff, and volunteers, while also welcoming members of the broader community. Donations to build the café were raised through the Project Transformation Campaign. Following its reopening, Michael’s Café will offer a refreshed menu featuring seasonal weekly specials, rotating sandwich options, and daily homemade soups. Additional offerings include convenient grab-and-go items, a full salad bar with specialty sides, snacks, and a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. The grand reopening event will include light refreshments, welcoming remarks, and a lively social hour. A spring reception is also being planned to celebrate all donors who made Michael’s Café possible. Located at 770 Converse St. in Longmeadow, Michael’s Cafe will be open five days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., staffed by volunteers working with café Manager Vivian Hatwood.

Springfield Leadership Institute

Feb. 19 to April 30: The Springfield Regional Chamber recently announced that applications are open for the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute, an exclusive program designed to empower emerging and established leaders with the advanced skills and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. The program will run on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. This year’s program features a cutting-edge curriculum delivered by professors from Western New England University (WNE). Participants will develop advanced skills in strategic thinking, decision making, and change management while honing their abilities in effective communication and team building. The curriculum covers emerging issues such as AI, digital media, and business analytics in leadership, and helps leaders to develop an organizational culture and personal mindset that fosters innovation and collaboration while promoting ethical business practices. This program is designed to empower executives to lead with confidence, vision, and integrity in increasingly complex and competitive environments. Participants in the 2026 Springfield Leadership Institute will also receive an invitation to enroll in a complimentary graduate course at the WNE College of Business upon completing the program, a benefit available only to institute graduates. Visit business.springfieldregionalchamber.com/eventcalendar to apply.

Celebrity Bartending Event

Feb. 26: Coming together to support the next generation, leaders from business, government, media, and the nonprofit community will gather in Springfield to benefit Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) and its work preparing young people for economic success. The gathering takes place as part of JAWM’s annual Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser starting at 5 p.m. at Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant, 110 Island Pond Road, Springfield, with all tips raised supporting Junior Achievement programs serving students across the region. Now entering its ninth year, the event has become a well-known community tradition that pairs an engaging, social atmosphere with a meaningful purpose. While participants take on a fun, unconventional role for the evening, the focus remains on advancing Junior Achievement’s mission of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education for young people throughout Western Mass. Proceeds from the event help Junior Achievement deliver hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world careers and essential personal finance skills. More information about the event, a list of celebrity bartenders, and advance tipping opportunities are available at westernmass.ja.org/events/ja-s-celebrity-bartender-event-2026.

Shining Stars Gala

Feb. 27: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2026 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contributions strengthen and inspire their community. This year’s honorees are Al Picard as the Ernest Laflamme Jr. Citizen of the Year, HB Real Estate as Business of the Year, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry as Nonprofit of the Year, and Heather Leclerc at Volunteer of the Year. The 41st annual Shining Stars Gala takes place from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. Tickets cost $75 per person and are on sale now. To purchase tickets or inquire about sponsorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

She Decides Women’s Empowerment Brunch

March 1: At a time when women are balancing rising economic pressure, caregiving responsibilities, and increasing burnout, the Becoming Initiative is bringing women together for something many say they rarely experience: a moment to pause, reconnect, and be supported. The Becoming Initiative will host the She Decides Women’s Empowerment Brunch at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke. The event is expected to serve more than 200 women from across Western Mass. and launch a year-long series of empowerment and personal development programming. She Decides was created in response to what organizers describe as a growing need for spaces that support women beyond the workplace. Many women are leading families, contributing to the workforce, and holding communities together while quietly carrying emotional, financial, and personal burdens. The brunch creates a space where women can be seen, supported, and reminded of their value. This year’s event will serve as a cornerstone fundraiser for the Becoming Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing skill-based training, personal development, and transformational experiences for individuals at all stages of life. Funds raised will directly support workshops, community gatherings, and leadership-focused initiatives throughout the year. Tickets are now available. For more information, visit www.thebecominginitiative.org/events.

Real Estate Sales Licensing Course

March 2 to April 6: The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) will offer a live, in-class, 40-hour, 16-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. Tuition is $425 and includes books and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the RAPV office, 225 Park St., West Springfield. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 20. For an application, visit www.rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at (413) 785-1328, ext. 5, or [email protected].

Outlook 2026

March 6: The Springfield Regional Chamber announced that Susan Collins, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, will serve as the keynote speaker for Outlook 2026, taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Collins contributes to the Federal Open Market Committee’s deliberations on U.S. monetary policy and brings timely insight into the economic forces affecting businesses and communities across New England and the nation. Since taking office in 2022, she has led the Boston Fed’s work in economic research, financial stability, community development, and financial innovation. A nationally respected macroeconomist, Collins previously served as dean and provost at the University of Michigan and as a professor at Georgetown University and Harvard University. She was recently recognized by thr American Economic Assoc. as one of its Distinguished Fellows for 2025. Outlook 2026 will bring together business leaders and policymakers to explore what lies ahead from local, state, and federal perspectives. Visit business.springfieldregionalchamber.com/eventcalendar to register.

First Saturdays at the Print Shop

March 7, April 4, May 2: The Print Shop Makerspace in downtown Holyoke invites families, creatives, and curious community members of all ages to explore hands-on art and design through First Saturdays at the Print Shop, a free, monthly workshop series running February through May. Held on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Print Shop Makerspace, 62 Main St., the series offers welcoming, drop-in workshops that introduce participants to the tools, technology, and creative possibilities of a working print shop and classroom space. No prior experience is required, and all materials are provided while supplies last. Each First Saturday features a different make-and-take activity designed to spark curiosity and build creative confidence. Upcoming workshops include custom sticker printing, wearable art using heat transfer vinyl, and a Print Day in May open house on May 2, part of an international celebration of printmaking and creative production. That event will feature expanded activities and demonstrations, inviting the public to circulate through the space, try multiple creative processes, and celebrate Holyoke’s long history as the Paper City while connecting to a global printmaking movement.

Women Making a Difference Award Dinner

March 9: Each year in March, the global community recognizes women for their achievements regardless of national, ethnic, linguistic, economic, or political divisions. The Zonta International community also celebrates Zonta Rose Day, a time to reflect and give tribute to the women who have empowered us. In this spirit, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley announces its Women Making a Difference Award dinner at the Ludlow Country Club. The theme of this year’s International Women’s celebration, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” calls for inclusive legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, and addressing structural barriers to justice and opportunity for women and girls. The honorees for 2026 are champions for this theme: Jacqueline Velez, lead organizer for Holyoke’s Neighbor to Neighbor and community project coordinator for Live Well Springfield, drives campaigns for criminal justice reform, climate action, and housing justice. Samantha Hamilton, director of Coalition Building and Community Engagement at the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and co-founder of A Queen’s Narrative, leverages more than 22 years of experience to advance health equity, address environmental and social disparities, and empower women and girls. Marianne Winters, who has forged a career dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault, held executive leadership roles at Jane Doe Inc. and the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts prior to her nearly 15-year tenure as executive director of Safe Passage. Darlene Elias, a social worker, writer, activist, and long-time advocate in child welfare and community organizing, is a co-founder of the Writing Sisters collective and a board member of Alianza and the Straw Dog Writers Guild. The event will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. and the program to folow. RSVP by March 2 at [email protected]. Attendees can pay at the door for the buffet ($35 for an individual or $30 each for a table of eight) or pay online. For more information, visit www.zontaqv.org.

Difference Makers Gala

April 7: Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025 will be announced in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 or 12 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-2026-tickets. The 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli and Westfield Bank. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. The Difference Makers program was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley. For more information on tickets or sponsorships, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].