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A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts August 8, 2016. Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to
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Income Statements

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JA) and Moriarty & Primack teamed up to bring JA’s Economics for Success program to all the eighth-graders at M. Marcus Kiley Middle School in Springfield in June. “To be able to teach students how to budget their income, and what getting an education after your high-school diploma can mean for your income, is a valuable lesson for everyone,” said Dahimeli Mercado, Moriarty & Primack staff accountant. Mark Laurenzano, guidance counselor at Kiley Middle School, added that “the students are eager to learn more about JA and business. Many of our students have participated in JA job-shadow experience. They are excited to work with the JA volunteers in the classroom today and learn about creating a budget.” Pictured, from left, are Moriarty & Primack’s Christopher Walker, Rebecca Connolly, Phillip Giguere, Jessica Putnam, Dahimeli Mercado, Jonathan Normand, Isaiah Odunlami, Roger Conklin, and Puja Karki.


Breaking Barriers

Berkshire Bank representatives

Berkshire Bank representatives recently visited the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) Disability Resources program to present a donation of $2,500. The bank’s gift supports CHD’s efforts to provide barrier-free recreational and competitive adaptive sports opportunities, as well as social gatherings and educational events for youth and adults with disabilities. Pictured, from left, are Luke Kettles, senior vice president of Commercial Lending for the Pioneer Valley, Berkshire Bank; Jennifer Bogin, vice president, Developmental Services, CHD; Rachel Keyworth, director, Disability Resources, CHD; Jim Goodwin, president and CEO, CHD; and Tim Hussey, assistant vice president of Commercial Lending, Berkshire Bank.


Global Lessons

Springfield College Professor of Management and U.S. Fulbright grant recipient Robert Fiore

Springfield College Professor of Management and U.S. Fulbright grant recipient Robert Fiore recently traveled to China to collaborate with faculty and students at Hong Kong Baptist University in the academic area of entrepreneurship. Fiore assisted in the development of research and curriculum in China’s new initiative mandating the development of entrepreneurial courses to be offered at all universities. “The collaboration was exciting because it allowed us to exchange ideas on modes of entrepreneurial company formulation specifically dedicated to elevate geographically focused poverty and enhance economic growth within low-income regions by the use of micro-financing and village-based cooperative entrepreneurship,” said Fiore. As part of the program, Fiore presented biographical material of notable entrepreneurs to highlight their use in teaching and fostering entrepreneurship among students by analysis of the successful entrepreneur’s attitudes and behavior. He discussed lean entrepreneurial start-up procedures and methods as taught in the U.S., the U.S. perspective on crowd-funding financing sources, and legal issues of intellectual-property development.

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Banking on Cancer Care

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Calling it an “important project for the local community,” bankESB recently donated $75,000 to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The gift will support the recently completed $15 million dollar expansion of the Cancer Center that added 26,000 square feet of clinical space on two floors. “The Sister Caritas Cancer Center has a strong reputation for providing high-quality cancer care with a compassionate touch,” said Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB. The recent expansion of the center brings radiation-oncology and medical-oncology services together under one roof, creates the ability to conduct 30,000 treatments per year, increases patient privacy, and provides added convenience for patients undergoing treatment. Dr. Scott Wolf, president of Mercy Medical Center and the Sisters of Providence Health System, called bankESB “a longtime supporter of Mercy Medical Center and our efforts to meet the healthcare needs of the local community. We are grateful for this generous contribution that underscores the vital role of the cancer center as one element of our mission to serve as a transforming, healing presence.” Pictured, from left, are Sr. Mary Caritas; Thomas Brown, executive vice president, Retail Banking, bankESB; Sosik; and Dr. Philip Glynn, director of Oncology, Sister Caritas Cancer Center.

Teeing Up for Kids

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield was recently honored by Big Y Foods Inc. as a beneficiary of the 35th annual Paul & Gerald D’Amour Memorial Charity Golf Outing. Over the past 35 years, this event has raised more than $2 million for local charities. Wayne Walsilefsky (right), store director, and Barbara Lavoine (left), employee services representative of the St. James Avenue Big Y store, presented Lee Kirk (center), hospital administrator, with a check for $10,000, to be directed to the hospital’s EOS imaging campaign. EOS imaging is a safer alternative to traditional X-ray technology, using 91% less radiation. “Congratulations on the great work of your organization in meeting the needs of our community,” said Clare D’Amour-Daley, vice president of Corporate Communications at Big Y. “We look forward to supporting your efforts.”

Star-spangled Summer

Spirit of Springfield

New Jersey native Jeremy Antivo barely had his diploma in hand from American International College (AIC) when he began an internship with Spirit of Springfield. Producing numerous major events throughout the year with a full-time staff of only four people, President Judy Matt believes in giving interns significant responsibility and a lot of opportunity. Matt tapped Antivo to work closely with Social Media Coordinator Bridget Delaney to broaden Spirit of Springfield’s social-media presence in an effort to reach younger audiences. Immediately after graduation, Antivo was thrown right in to the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic held at Franconia Golf Course followed by the Star Spangled Springfield event at Riverfront Park on July 4. “He’s learned by osmosis what it takes to put on these events,” Matt said. She also asked Antivo to share his social-media expertise and ideas for event marketing with the organization’s board members at a recent meeting. “Jeremy was able to explain social-media strategy exceptionally well. His knowledge of the product and confidence in his presentation gave him the ability to impart information in an understandable manner to our board members.” Antivo added, “I’m learning about how great these opportunities are as well as learning how social media impacts marketing and advertising.”

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A photo essay of recent business events in Western Massachusetts July 11, 2016

Developers Conference

The Western Mass. Developers Conference, sponsored by the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., was staged on June 23 at the MassMutual Center. The event featured an address from Gov. Charlie Baker (top photo); an announcement from Lawrence Curtis (middle), president and managing partner of WinnDevelopment, that his firm intends to build market-rate housing, retail, and office space at the iconic clock tower building at Ludlow Mills; and a host of programs and seminars. The event drew hundreds of area developers and business leaders, including (bottom, from left) Maura McCaffrey, president and CEO of Health New England; Ashley Allen, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Health New England; Carol Campbell, president of Chicopee Industrial Contractors; Carol Leary, president of Bay Path University; and Dianne Fuller Doherty, director of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network.
Photos by Ed Cohen

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Accelerating the Process

Valley Venture Mentors staged its second annual Accelerator Awards banquet on May 26 at the MassMutual Center. The event, which celebrates entrepreneurship across the region, spotlighted companies that took part in the second accelerator program, and presented checks (as determined by a panel of judges) to this year’s finalists to help them advance their venture. A total of $252,000 was awarded to 12 finalists. From top to bottom: Devin (left) and Kevin Murray, the father-son team behind better.bike, stand beside one of their prototypes; Scott Foster, co-founder of VVM, addresses the audience of more than 500 people; the team at Any Café, which is trying to market a product that will allow the user to brew a cup of coffee any time, anywhere, poses with its concept; Lora Fischer-DeWitt, founder of Scout Curated Wears, a maker of jewelry, proudly displays her check for $32,000; Raymond Berry, founder of White Lion Brewery and a finalist in the first accelerator cohort, addresses the audience. With him is the company’s mascot. The top prize winner, Marcelia Muehlke, founder of fair-trade wedding-dress maker Celia Grace, talks about her company and what she plans do with the capital she won in a story HERE

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Giving Back

Robinson Donovan, a law practice based in Springfield and Northampton, is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The firm’s founder, an important political figure and instrumental businessman for the town of Chicopee, was a true public servant. As such, the firm will be donating to a nonprofit each month this year. The first few recipients have been chosen, including Providence Ministries Service Network, Friends of the Homeless Inc., the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Bay Path University.

From left, James Martin, partner at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Bourque, vice president at Bay Path University; and Michael Giampietro, CFO at Bay Path University

From left, James Martin, partner at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Bourque, vice president at Bay Path University; and Michael Giampietro, CFO at Bay Path University


Shawna Cobb, accounts payable/receivable at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Lamoureux, legal secretary at Robinson Donovan; Andrew Morehouse, executive director at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; and Michael Simolo, partner at Robinson Donovan

Shawna Cobb, accounts payable/receivable at Robinson Donovan; Kathleen Lamoureux, legal secretary at Robinson Donovan; Andrew Morehouse, executive director at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; and Michael Simolo, partner at Robinson Donovan


Karen Blanchard, left, executive director at Providence Ministries Service Network, and Carla Newton, partner at Robinson Donovan.

Karen Blanchard, left, executive director at Providence Ministries Service Network, and Carla Newton, partner at Robinson Donovan.

Donut Day Doings

National Donut Day was June 3. The Salvation Army uses that day to bring attention to its programs and encourage contributions to help it carry out its mission. Among the local offices visited by donut-bearing representatives of the Salvation Army was BusinessWest, represented here by senior writer and donut enthusiast Joe Bednar (far right). Representing the Salvation Army are, from left, Laura Stopa, Market Mentors; Elaine Massery, Salvation Army board member; Keith Barrow, Salvation Army staffer, and Amanda Moyer, Market Mentors and Salvation Army board member.

National Donut Day was June 3. The Salvation Army uses that day to bring attention to its programs and encourage contributions to help it carry out its mission. Among the local offices visited by donut-bearing representatives of the Salvation Army was BusinessWest, represented here by senior writer and donut enthusiast Joe Bednar (far right). Representing the Salvation Army are, from left, Laura Stopa, Market Mentors; Elaine Massery, Salvation Army board member; Keith Barrow, Salvation Army staffer, and Amanda Moyer, Market Mentors and Salvation Army board member.

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Pleasant Encounters

The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau


The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau honored 11 individuals from the region’s hospitality sector on May 16 at the 21st annual Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence. They are, in alphabetical order: Monique Ball, desk clerk, Hampton Inn & Suites, Greenfield (category of accommodations); Silvana Cardaropoli, server, Palazzo Café, Springfield (food – casual); Andrew Demers, server, Bertucci’s, West Springfield (food – tableside); Michael Gabis, merchandise manager, Springfield Falcons (attractions); Carmine Manzi, bartender, Villa Napoletana, East Longmeadow (People’s Choice winner); Alicia Ralph, Visitors Center associate, Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (public service); James Saul, motorcoach operator, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Springfield (transportation); Tom Savage, sales associate, Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield (business/retail); the Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Spotlight winner); Gina Stevens, bartender, Atlas Pub, Chicopee (beverage); and Rebecca Whiteford, event planner, the Log Cabin, Holyoke (banquet and meetings).

Appreciating the Military

National Military Appreciation Month

In conjunction with National Military Appreciation Month in May, Lee Premium Outlets unveiled two reserved veteran/military parking spaces with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 20. Front row, from left: State Rep. William Pignatelli, VFW Post #448 Commander Arnie Perras, American Legion Post #68 Commander Bernie LaFramboise, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Aaron Pierce, and Lee Premium Outlets General Manager Carolyn Edwards.

Wild Success

Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts’ Creative Awards

“Make. Believe.” was the theme of the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts’ Creative Awards, the club’s annual recognition of creative excellence. The event was held May 19 at Open Square in Holyoke, and the judges included Kevin Grady, global head of design and communication for brand strategy firm Siegel + Gale, and Nikita Prokhorov, a freelance designer, author, and professor based in Brooklyn, N.Y. Among the winners was Wild Apple Design Group, which won a bronze award for designing and building the website for the 2015 Western Mass. Business Expo, the annual event presented by BusinessWest.

 

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Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visited the ongoing Ludlow Mills development on May 24 to announce a $429,500 MassWorks grant to the Ludlow Mills Riverwalk project, located behind the mill complex. The funding will boost pedestrian safety and education on the 3,500-foot trail along the Chicopee River, including lighting, benches, signage educating walkers about the history of Ludlow’s mills, and other improvements. The Riverwalk — funded initially with $600,000 from HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital and Westmass Area Development Corp. — opened up a previously inaccessible area of the riverfront with a paved walkway. Westmass bought the 170-acre Ludlow Mills complex five years ago with the intention of developing a mixed-use complex in the old mills, including Mill 8 with its iconic clock tower (pictured). It has since attracted $75 million in public and private investment, including the $26 million HealthSouth facility and a $24.5 million, 75-unit senior housing project by WinnDevelopment. Ludlow Selectman William Rooney (pictured bottom, with Polito and State Rep. Thomas Petrolati) praised the partnerships forged between the town, state agencies, and private interests in building momentum at Ludlow Mills. “Because of these partnerships, the future of Ludlow, especially the downtown area, are bright.”

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visited the ongoing Ludlow Mills development on May 24 to announce a $429,500 MassWorks grant to the Ludlow Mills Riverwalk project, located behind the mill complex. The funding will boost pedestrian safety and education on the 3,500-foot trail along the Chicopee River, including lighting, benches, signage educating walkers about the history of Ludlow’s mills, and other improvements. The Riverwalk — funded initially with $600,000 from HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital and Westmass Area Development Corp. — opened up a previously inaccessible area of the riverfront with a paved walkway. Westmass bought the 170-acre Ludlow Mills complex five years ago with the intention of developing a mixed-use complex in the old mills, including Mill 8 with its iconic clock tower (pictured). It has since attracted $75 million in public and private investment, including the $26 million HealthSouth facility and a $24.5 million, 75-unit senior housing project by WinnDevelopment. Ludlow Selectman William Rooney (pictured bottom, with Polito and State Rep. Thomas Petrolati) praised the partnerships forged between the town, state agencies, and private interests in building momentum at Ludlow Mills. “Because of these partnerships, the future of Ludlow, especially the downtown area, are bright.”

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Up for the Challenge

The BusinessWest News Challenge is a program designed to engage students in the world of business, communication, journalism, and media. It was created by Westfield State University (WSU) Professor Janine Fondon and judged by BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien, who recently visited Fondon’s “Writing for the Media” class to announce the winners as well as lecture on the topic of journalism and news writing. Pictured, from left, are Fondon, Tom Lyon (honorable mention), Ian Flannery (third place), Meaghan Jablonski (second place), and Nate Barnes (first place).

The BusinessWest News Challenge is a program designed to engage students in the world of business, communication, journalism, and media. It was created by Westfield State University (WSU) Professor Janine Fondon and judged by BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien, who recently visited Fondon’s “Writing for the Media” class to announce the winners as well as lecture on the topic of journalism and news writing. Pictured, from left, are Fondon, Tom Lyon (honorable mention), Ian Flannery (third place), Meaghan Jablonski (second place), and Nate Barnes (first place).

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Time to ‘Thrive’

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More than 2,000 attendees packed the MassMutual center on April 29 for Bay Path University’s 21st annual Women’s Leadership Conference. The day-long event, themed ‘Thrive,’ featured a number of keynote speakers and informative breakout sessions. From top to bottom: Arianna Huffington, chair, president, and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, delivers the closing keynote address; a packed house listens to one of the breakout sessions; Bay Path President Carol Leary, left, with Robyn Glaser, vice president of the Kraft Group, an inductee into the 21st Century Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame, class of 2016; and Academy Award-winning actress, author, and social activist Marlee Matlin delivers the morning keynote address.

 

 

Derby Doings

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On May 7, Square One staged its annual Kentucky Derby Party, a fund-raising event that brought more than 130 people to the Colony Club. Top to bottom: from left, Joan Kagan, president and CEO of Square One, Maureen and Jules Gaudreau of the Gaudreau Group (presenting sponsor for the event), and Kristine Allard, vice president of Development for Square One; from left, event hosts Jeff and Laura Lomma, with guests Jenna and Chris Papadapolous and Matt Cowles; Allard with event sponsors Joel Mollison and Brian Sullivan of Northeast IT Systems; from left, Patti Vachon, her daughter, Monique Vachon, and WWLP’s Ashley Kohl. Monique Vachon is an educator at Square One and was recently crowned Miss Bay State.

 

 

Grinspoon Banquet

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On April 27, more than 500 people gathered at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke for the annual Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative Awards Ceremony & Banquet. The event featured displays from dozens of Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winners, representing 14 area colleges and universities, a pitch contest, and a dinner featuring keynote speaker Brendan Ciecko, founder and CEO of Caseum, a technology startup. From top to bottom: Harold Grinspoon with two of the award winners; Nicolette LaPierre, COO of HemoFlux, a prenatal genetic-testing company; and Ashley Olafson, co-founder of MOVE, a company designed to help young women gain self-confidence and develop positive body image through workshops and summer programs.

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Travel into the Past

Wistariahurst, the Holyoke-based historical museum, and Brick Coworkshop, a collaborative art and design space in the Holyoke Innovation District, teamed up this spring to produce a traveling museum experience, comprised of installation space, protective cases for artifacts and objects, and a recording area where members of the community can document and share their memories. “We have a fantastic collection of objects, documents, photographs, maps, and multi-media pieces that we want people to be aware of,” said Wistariahurst Director Kate Preissler. “Our goal here is to physically take this material out into the city and use it to engage people the same ways we would at the museum. We want to interact with people who’ve never heard of Wistariahurst, those who can’t get here, and maybe even get some folks excited about history who would never before have thought that a museum was a place that would interest them.” Wistariahurst is working with several community partners and organizations to set up a schedule for the traveling museum after its debut this spring. Pictured at right: Holyoke City Historian Penni Martorell holds a ‘dandy roll’ once used to watermark paper products. At left: examples of some museum items that may travel.

Fit to Be Healthy

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The annual Springfield College Fit Fest, held last week at the college’s Field House, recognizes National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day, an annual event of the National Intramural-Recreation Sports Assoc. More than 40 exhibits and activities representing Springfield College groups and area businesses addressed wellness topics including mental health, skin safety, nutrition, emergency preparedness, and healthcare. Attendees had the opportunity to receive a free chair massage, measure their body fat, participate in a functional movement screening, and learn about self-defense. Exhibitors included the Springfield North WIC Program, the Melanoma Foundation of New England, the American Cancer Society, the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, the Boston Ski and Sports Club, and more. Pictured: 2016 Fit Fest organizers Kate (McMahon) Luscombe and Kristen Brosius, with a couple of canine companions, prepare for the festivities in the Field House.

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‘A Night of Passion’

Link-to-Libraries_016Link to Libraries hosted “A Night of Passion” on April 5 at the Log Cabin, promoting childhood literacy with an evening of fine food and beverages. A host of area celebrities and business leaders — including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and COO; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; and Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., among others — served up their favorite food or drink, all donated by the Log Cabin and its owner, Peter Rosskothen (left, with Link to Libraries co-founder Susan Jaye-Kaplan). More than 500 people attended Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raiser, which benefits the organization and celebrates what it has accomplished since 2008, including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations, and how it intends to expand its mission in the years to come.

 

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Community Links

Link to Libraries

MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis recently visited the Link to Libraries warehouse in Hampden to see what the literacy program is doing and how effective it is in the Western Mass. community. Pictured, from left, are Mathis; Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries president; and Andrew Anderlonis, president of Rediker Software and Link to Libraries executive board member. “Having Michael come to view our organization and learn what we do in this community was an honor,” Jaye-Kaplan said. “We know the children in our community will benefit from having more corporate partners in their schools, and MGM is already vested throughout the Valley in community endeavors. We were honored to have this meeting.”

 

Radiothon Record

Radiothon

The 2016 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital broke an all-time record last month, raising $343,377 over the three-day event. “I’m so proud of the team,” said Cumulus Springfield Vice President Craig Swimm. “We’ve been doing the Radiothon since 2002, and since then have raised $3,096,424. The entire community came together to make sure local kids in the Springfield area have top-notch medical care. 94.7 WMAS would like to thank the entire community for their gracious support.”


 

Outlook 2016

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About 700 people attended last week’s Outlook 2016 luncheon at the MassMutual Center, presented by the Springfield Regional Chamber in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. Among the speakers were Gov. Charlie Baker (top), whose keynote address touched on economic development, the potential for east-west rail service in Massachusetts, and strategies for tackling the state’s opioid epidemic, among other topics, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (middle), who discussed a number of issues facing Congress.

About 700 people attended last week’s Outlook 2016 luncheon at the MassMutual Center, presented by the Springfield Regional Chamber in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce. Among the speakers were Gov. Charlie Baker (top), whose keynote address touched on economic development, the potential for east-west rail service in Massachusetts, and strategies for tackling the state’s opioid epidemic, among other topics, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (middle), who discussed a number of issues facing Congress.

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Celebrate Springfield

DevelopSpringfield recently presented its fifth annual Celebrate Springfield dinner at the MassMutual Center.

Photos by Ed Cohen

This year, its Partner in Progress Award, recognizing the contributions of individuals toward revitalization in Springfield, was given to, (from left) Brian Connors, Springfield’s deputy director of Economic Development; Maureen Hayes, president of Hayes Development Services; and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College

This year, its Partner in Progress Award, recognizing the contributions of individuals toward revitalization in Springfield, was given to, (from left) Brian Connors, Springfield’s deputy director of Economic Development; Maureen Hayes, president of Hayes Development Services; and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College

 

Vincent Maniaci, American International College; Mary Kay Wydra, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau; Michelle Goldberg, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority; and Judy Matt, Spirit of Springfield

Vincent Maniaci, American International College; Mary Kay Wydra, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau; Michelle Goldberg, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority; and Judy Matt, Spirit of Springfield

 

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Some of the more than 500 attendees at the dinner

Some of the more than 500 attendees at the dinner

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Community Pride

Community Pride Pride Stores

Pride Stores recently donated $25,000 to the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) MaryAnne’s Kids Fund, which was established to provide opportunities for children in foster care that would otherwise be unavailable to them. This donation will help continue to provide these children the means to pursue special interests in music, dance, art, sports, summer camps, and extracurricular education, and an overall positive influence that will remain with them throughout their lives. “Pride does so much for MaryAnne’s Kids, helping foster children have opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them,” said Jim Williams, CHD’s Children and Families Program director. “We are grateful to have such a great partner in the community.” Every year, Pride Stores sells $1 ornaments in each of its 30 locations during the holidays to support MaryAnne’s Kids. “We are grateful to all the Pride customers who support this important fund-raiser,” said Marsha Del Monte, president of Pride Stores. Pictured among CHD staff and volunteers are Karen Nystrom, Pride’s director of marketing (second row, third from left), Del Monte (fourth from left), and Williams (fifth from left).

 

 

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Taking a Stand Against Bullying

A grant proposal that Westfield Bank

A grant proposal that Westfield Bank submitted to the Mass. Bankers Assoc. Charitable Foundation on behalf of Rachel’s Challenge has resulted in a $2,000 award to that organization, which provides intervention programs designed to provide a safe, caring, and supporting learning environment and is named in honor of Rachel Scott, who was killed in the Columbine school shooting in Colorado in 1999. The award will help fund local anti-bullying efforts in the Greater Westfield area, and is in addition to the $3,500 Future Fund grant Westfield Bank awarded Rachel’s Challenge in 2015. “Bullying, harassment, and violence have no place in society — and especially not in our schools,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. Pictured with Westfield Technical Academy students are (from left) Stefan Czaporowski, the school’s principal; Stacy Waite, branch manager, Westfield Bank; Westfield Police Sgt. Eric Hall; and Kristine Hupfer, Rachel’s Challenge advisor.

 

 

 

Hoophall Classic Leadership Award

Springfield College and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Springfield College and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame presented the fourth annual Hoophall Classic Leadership Award to Springfield College sport management students Brooke Fairman and Gregory Weigert (second and third from left). Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper (left) and Hall President and CEO John Doleva (right) made the formal presentation during the 2016 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena. Both Fairman and Weigert were key contributors during the Classic, the leading high-school basketball tournament in the country. Fairman and Weigert helped lead more than 75 student event-staff workers and more than 30 student liaisons during the event. They created and conducted training sessions for volunteers of the event; collaborated with Springfield College Office of Conferences & Special Events, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and ESPN to ensure schedules of events; and supervised all event operations during the five-day tournament. They were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Opening Pitch

Farmington Bank

Former Red Sox knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield (back row, center) joined Farmington Bank executives and employees during the grand-opening celebration of the bank’s new branch at 61 North Main St., East Longmeadow. Wakefield — Farmington Bank’s new celebrity spokesperson — signed baseballs and posed for photos as part of the bank’s Family Day of activities. The East Longmeadow branch is the second office Farmington Bank has opened in Western Mass., following 85 Elm St. in West Springfield.

 

 

A Cut Above

Modern Salon

Modern Salon recently named the 2015 class of Excellence in Education honorees in its sixth annual program recognizing leadership and best practices among cosmetology schools, and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology was chosen to represent excellence in the category of Community Involvement, Marketing Innovation, School Culture. “We received applications from cosmetology schools across the country and look forward to celebrating all the 2015 Excellence in Education honorees and sharing their stories. It is truly a great time to pursue a beauty education and career, and the program at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology exemplifies that fact,” said Modern Salon Editorial Director Michele Musgrove. Paul DiGrigoli, president and CEO of the DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, added, “I’m so grateful to have such a stellar faculty and team. They have supported and created an environment of positivity and energy that constantly and continuously helps take our students’ minds and careers to another altitude. I am proud to say that the future professionals who graduate from the DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology have received jobs from some of the best salons in our area. We will continue to reach for greater heights to provide all of our students with higher education, and we are so honored to be receiving this prestigious award for the fourth year in a row.”

 

 

 

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40 Under Forty Reunion

Springfield Country Club hosted the most recent 40 Under Forty reunion on Dec. 2, as honorees from the past nine years came out to mingle, network, and enjoy the season.

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Left to right: Amanda Huston (class of 2010) and Sean Wandrei (’10).


Jeremy Casey

Left to right: Jeremy Casey (’13), Michelle Desmarais, and Gregg Desmarais (’15).


Kristi Reale

Left to right: Kristi Reale (’09), Alfonso Santaniello (’14), and Bill Trudeau (’08).


Jeremy Leap

Left to right: Jeremy Leap (’13), Samalid Hogan (’13), Michael Gove (’07), and BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien.


Jeff Fialky


Left to right: Jeff Fialky (’08), Liz Rappaport (’14), and Sarah Tsitso (’07).

Date with Destiny

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Continuing a tradition of celebrating local talent in its marketing and community-outreach efforts, Florence Bank invited the public to meet renowned artist/photographer Ellen Augarten at a reception on Dec. 4 at the bank’s main branch in Florence. Augarten is a Northampton photographer and artist whose career spans more than three decades and whose body of work includes children and family portraits, and compelling Pioneer Valley images shown through the prism of double-exposure photography to add a dramatic look to each scene. Her work appears throughout each month in the bank’s 2016 calendars, which will be available shortly at each of the Florence Bank branches.

Another Exciting Chapter

Link to Libraries

The Link to Libraries Business Book Link program has a new sponsor at the Coburn School in West Springfield. Steve Mitus, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Balise Auto Group, and his wife, Moira, are sponsoring and reading to grade 4 students. Link to Libraries donates books to more than 400 sites in Western Mass. and Connecticut each year. More than 79,000 new books were distributed this fiscal year. For more information, visit www.linktolibraries.org.

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Government Reception

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The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce staged its annual Government Reception on Nov. 19 at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern. More than 200 area elected officials and business leaders gathered for networking and updates on current initiatives. Top to bottom: state Rep. Angelo Puppolo (right)chats with Springfield Regional Chamber President Jeff Ciuffreda; Robert Ziomek, assistant vice president for Development at Western New England University and the chair of the chamber’s legislative steering committee, addresses the audience; state Rep. Stephen Kulik (right) talks with Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of the Western Mass. Economic Development Council.

 

Pynchon Award Winners

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The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts recently honored the 2015 Pynchon Award winners at ceremonies at the Museum of Springfield History. The honorees are, from left: Harold Grinspoon, Sue Ellen Panitch, Ronn and Donna Johnson, and Gary Bernice.

A ‘Top Place to Work’

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For the fourth year in a row, the Boston Globe has named PeoplesBank a “Top Place to Work.” The bank competed with companies around the state for the honor and attributes its continued success to its “high-performance culture.” Pictured here with the awards are Douglas Bowen, president and CEO, and Janice Mazzallo, executive vice president and chief Human Resources officer.

 

Habitat Guatamala

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Volunteers and friends of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) traveled to Tecpán, Guatemala recently to support the efforts of Habitat Guatemala, including local residents, in reaching 75,000 housing solutions. Top: Jennifer Schimmel (GSHFH executive director), Walt Tomala (GSHFH board president), Amy Scott, Ellen Moorhouse, Rose Vigdal, Susan Austin, Marg O’Conner, Aimee Giroux (GSHFH operations manager), Mark Rogerson, Stephen Messier, and Kim Rexford with other volunteers. Bottom: from left, Vigdal, Jillian Severinski, and Liz Persch are into their work.

 

Cutting the Ribbon

Pic This 8Marcotte Ford in Holyoke recently cut the ribbon on its new Marcotte Commercial Truck Center on Main Street. A host of city leaders, customers, and key stakeholders were on hand for the grand opening of the state-of-the-art facility, which the company believes will enable it to bring customer service to a new and even higher level.

Branching Out

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Farmington Bank recently announced its newest branch office in Western Mass. at 61 North Main St. in East Longmeadow amid a host of events and promotions, many of them involving the bank’s new spokesperson, former Red Sox hurler Tim Wakefield. The branch follows the opening of its first office in Massachusetts at 85 Elm St. in West Springfield in October. The new East Longmeadow office features an open floor plan with approximately 2,000 square feet of space, allowing customers to interact with Farmington Bank’s personal bankers without teller lines. The branch will also offer a drive-up window and a 24-hour drive-up ATM. To mark its entry into East Longmeadow, Farmington Bank is hosting a month-long grand-opening celebration at the branch from through Dec. 19.  A highlight is the Dec. 12 appearance of Wakefield, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the Bank’s Family Day event. Seen here with a likeness of the new spokeperson are, from left, Ken Burns, executive vice president and director of Retail Banking and Marketing; Collen Phelps, assistant branch manager; Steven Gardner, vice president and branch manager; and Michael Moriarty, senior vice president and Commercial Team leader.

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Men of the Year

As part of the Together is Better Campaign, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts celebrated its inaugural Men of the Year Award recipients and finalists at an event last month at Twin Hills Country Club. The award honors men from the region who, in their professional or personal lives, have made significant contributions to ensure economic and social equity for women and girls.

BusinessWest Associate Publisher Kate Campiti

BusinessWest Associate Publisher Kate Campiti presents the award in the ‘Legacy’ category to Robert Perry, retired partner for Meyers Brothers Kalicka

Waleska Lugo-DeJesus

Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, director of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley, presents the award in the ‘mid-career’ category to David Sullivan, Northwestern district attorney

State Auditor Suzanne Bump

State Auditor Suzanne Bump presents the award in the ‘emerging’ category to Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney

Buffy Mayo

Buffy Mayo, widow of Lifetime Achievement Award winner York Mayo, talks with Sullivan, left, and Edward Nunez, assistant vice president of Business Development for Freedom Credit Union, and a finalist in the ‘mid-career’ category





Noble Ball

Baystate Noble Hospital


Baystate Noble Hospital held its 51st Noble Ball on Oct. 17 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The Motown-themed event was co-chaired by the Queenin Family (pictured at left, from left): Jon and Lisa, Kevin and Barbara, Janine and Jay.

700 guests attended the black-tie event

More than 700 guests attended the black-tie event, which featured live entertainment from two bands, silent and live auctions, a formal dinner, cocktails, dancing, and more. The 2016 Noble Ball chairs (pictured at right, from left) were Ali and Mandana Salehi, 
Serena and Marc Lichwan, and Julie and Nabil Hannoush.





Grand Old Game

The Western Mass. Relics’ Softball League is a summer recreational slow-pitch league founded in 1994 with the idea that playing ball is fun, healthy, and a good way to maintain friendships. The Relics “80s Team,” sponsored by Savage Arms, competed in the Cape Cod Senior Softball Classic in September

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Standing, left to right: Ken Cook, Frank Sousa, Leo Quinn, Phil Thibodeau, Art Brockelman, Dick Hastede, Coach Ed Gagnon, and Bob Brennan; in front, left to right: Lou Massoia, Frank Bernini, Bob Schoolcraft, and Don Holcomb.

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And the Winners Are …

HRU2HRU3HRUHRU1Human Resources Unlimited recently staged its annual employer recognition and fundraising event, which featured awards to several area businesses that help HRU carry out its multi-faceted mission.Top to bottom: HRU’s 2015 Employer of the Year Award went to Harrington Hospital.  Seen from left are: Sally Irvine of HRU’s Tradewinds program; Harrington Hospital President and CEO Edward Moore; Brittany Walker, program manager of Tradewinds; and Donald Kozera, President and CEO of HRU;  HRU’s 2015 Rookie Employer of the Year Award went to Plastipak Packaging. Front row (from left): ETS Career Services Senior Employment Coordinator Guss Ofori; Edgardo Antonmarchi, Karl Treat, and Rich Schroll, all with Plastipak Packaging; Pedro Martinez-Cruz, HRU’s ETS Career Services program; and Kozera. Back Row, from left: Paul Willridge, ETS Career Services, and Dean Kimber and Maryann Ayala of Plastipak Packaging; HRU’s 2015 Sheldon B. Brooks Employer Lifetime Achievement Award Winner was the YMCA of Greater Westfield. From left: Dan Flynn, COO for Wholesale Banking, United Bank; Dave Wunch, maintenance director, YMCA of Greater Westfield; Andrea Allard, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Westfield; and Ashley Ethier of HRU’s Forum House program; HRU’s 2015 Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year Award Winner was John Ernst. From left: Timothy Marini, HUB International New England (formerly FieldEddy Insurance); John Ernst, Ernst Financial Group; Carol Tourangeau, wife of the late Armand Tourangeau; and Kozera.

 

 

Branching Out

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Farmington Bank celebrated the opening of its first branch in western Massachusetts at 85 Elm St. in West Springfield on Oct. 15  with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by area business, municipal and community leaders. As part of the ceremony, the Farmington Bank Community Foundation announced donations to four area nonprofit organizations, which included a $2,500 contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield. Seen here, from left, are: Mike Moriarty, Farmington Bank senior vice president, commercial team leader, and Boys & Girls Club of Springfield board member; Dan D’Angelo, Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield executive director; John Patrick, Farmington Bank chairman, president, and chief executive officer; and John O’Farrell, Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield director of development. The Farmington Bank Community Foundation also announced donations to West Springfield Partnership for Education, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; and Cancer House of Hope.

 

Downtown Arrival
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Springfield College hosted an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Oct. 21, in recognition of its new office space at 1350 Main Street in downtown Springfield. Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper joined Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno in leading the ceremony. Both Cooper and Sarno highlighted the college’s strong and rich commitment to the city of Springfield. Tours of the new office and conference room space were available for the individuals in attendance. The downtown office will assist the college in working more closely with city officials, organizations, and schools. It will provide new opportunities for experiential learning and collaborative planning. Here, from left, Springfield College Trustee Emeritus Lyman Wood, current Springfield College Student Trustee Jonathan Reidy, Cooper, Sarno, and Springfield College Trustee James Ross III help cut the ribbon.

 

 

Super 60 Celebration

Super60AwardSuper60DiasThe Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce staged its annual Super 60 Awards Luncheon on Oct. 23. The event recognizes top-performing companies in two categories: Total Revenue and Revenue Growth. Top, Wonderlyn Murphy, center, president of City Enterprise Inc. (No. 1 in the Growth category), receives her honor from Jody Gross, director of Business Development for Health New England, and Luke Kettles, senior vice president and chief lending officer for Berkshire Bank. Bottom, keynote speakers Emily and Oliver Rich, a.k.a. the Tea Guys, talk about their Whately-based venture.

 

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Focus on Manufacturing

Focus on Manufacturing
State Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) recently hosted a visit to Western Mass. by the Commonwealth’s Joint Legislative Manufacturing Caucus, which Lesser co-chairs. The group toured Menck Windows in Chicopee, Excel Dryer in East Longmeadow, and Hasbro/Cartamundi in East Longmeadow. Pictured at Menck Windows are Lesser and company Chairman Bodo Liesenfeld (left and right), flanked by state Rep. Brian Ashe and state Sen. James Welch (far left and far right).

Designs on Reading

Designs on Reading
The West Springfield Public Library announced a $10,000 capital-campaign contribution from Caolo & Bieniek Associates, the lead architectural firm for the library’s renovation and expansion project. The firm’s donation will be permanently recognized in a section of the new library’s greatly expanded children’s area. The campaign has now received more than $1.4 million in contributions and pledges, about 70% of its $2 million goal. Pictured, from left, are capital campaign committee representative Katie Harrington, West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan, library Director Toni Golinski-Foisy, architect Curtis Edgin of Caolo & Bieniek Associates, library trustee Carol Hegeman, and campaign committee member Karen Simpson.

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Cutting the Ribbon

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Balise Motor Sales staged a ribbon cutting and South End Celebration on Sept. 24 at its recently opened Hyundai dealership on Columbus Avenue in Springfield. At top, at the official ribbon cutting, from left: Brian Houser, general manager of Balise Hyundai; Leo Florian, president of the South End Citizens Council; Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno; Jeb Balise; Dylan Balise; Isabelle Balise; Mike Balise; Kateri Walsh, Springfield City Councilor; state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez; Dave O’Brien, Hyundai regional marketing manager; Kim Bucci, Hyundai regional parts & service manager; and Bill Peffer, president and COO, Balise Motor Sales. At bottom, from left: Dave Zucowski, president of Hyundai North America; Mike Balise, vice president of Balise Motor Sales; and Jeb Balise, CEO of the company.

 

A New Chapter

LTLkaplanLTL-groupLink to Libraries recently passed two significant milestones — 400,000 books donated to area schools and agencies, and 100 readers in the reading programs at those schools and organizations. A number of area elected officials and LTL officers and volunteers gathered at the company’s headquarters at Rediker Software in Hampden to mark the occasion. Top: Link to Libraries co-founder Susan Jaye Kaplan with state Sen. Eric Lesser. Bottom, from left: Stephen G. Kaplan, LTL board member; Gail Baquis, LTL Read Aloud Project director; Amy Rediker Anderlonis, marketing and public relations director for Rediker Software; Andrew Anderlonis, president of Rediker Software; Susan Bennett, the 100th LTL reader; Lesser; state Rep. Brian Ashe; Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh; and Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos.

 

Succeeding at Succession

Mike Vann
Mike Vann, a principal with the Springfield-based Vann Group, addresses those gathered at the Student Prince & the Fort on Sept. 30 for the second installment in an ongoing lecture series sponsored by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News. Presented by Vann and his father, Kevin, also a principal with the company, the program, titled “Heading for the Exit: Business Succession Planning Realities & Process,” provided a wealth of information on the issues involved with transitioning a business. The program will be repeated on Oct. 7 at the Smith College Conference Center. Registration is at 7:15 a.m., with the program beginning at 7:30. To register, visit www.businesswest.com.

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Fantastic Pour

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On Sept. 10, the Springfield Boys & Girls Club partnered with the Student Prince/the Fort in a celebrity bartending event. All tips and a portion of the proceeds from sales benefited the club and its services. From top to bottom: from left, celebrity bartenders Nick Tokman, cast member on Deadliest Catch; former NBA players Travis Best and Lou Roe; former UMass basketball coach Bruiser Flint; and current UMass basketball coach Derek Kellogg share a moment with Fort partner Andy Yee.  Peter Picknelly, partner at the Fort and president of Peter Pan Bus Lines, chats with patrons. From left, celebrity bartenders George O’Brien, BusinessWest editor; Brittany Decker, reporter for Western Mass News; and radio personality Mike Baxendale from Rock 102 with Yee. From left, celebrity bartenders Malcolm Getz, retired CPA and serial entrepreneur, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno with Picknelly and Fort bartender Matt Dessereau.

 

 

All Aboard

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Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Gov. Charlie Baker (center) joined a host of local and state officials and representatives of CRRC USA Rail Corp. recently for a groundbreaking ceremony (above) at the city’s former Westinghouse site on Page Boulevard, where the company will build its first North American plant — a project that promises 100-plus construction jobs from the building of a 220,000-square-foot facility, and more than 150 new manufacturing positions. Among the company officials on hand was Weiping Yu, vice president of CRRC Corp. Limited in Beijing (bottom). “We have an exciting road ahead as we embrace this unique opportunity to partner with Massachusetts on our first transportation project in the United States,” he said, adding that the company sees potential for significant growth in the U.S., and has increased overseas investments by 61% over the past year. “We have a focused vision and a strong commitment not only to being the best, but understanding the infrastructure needs of our global partners and working together to achieve them.” Others sharing thoughts at the ceremony included Yi Lu, general commercial counselor for the New York Chinese Consulate; Chuanhe Zhou, president of CRRC USA Rail Corp.; Jay Ash, the state’s secretary of Housing and Economic Development; and Stephanie Pollack, the Commonwealth’s Transportation secretary. See page 60 for more extensive comments from the event.

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Drink Up

Beer enthusiasts packed Court Square in Springfield on Aug. 29 for the first annual Valley Fest, which featured offerings from more than 50 breweries, plus food and live music. The event also featured a home-brewing competition; the winners were Black & Blue Brews (judges’ choice) and Footbridge Brew (people’s choice). Also paying a visit (below left, center of photo) was celebrity chef Marc Stroobandt, Stella Artois’ master beer sommelier.

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Distinguished Citizen Award

Al Kasper

Al Kasper, right, vice president of Savage Arms, recently received the 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Western Mass. Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Kasper was honored for his longstanding community involvement, leadership, and dedicated service to others. “It’s very humbling,” Kasper said of receiving the prestigious award. “The Western Massachusetts Boy Scouts are an important part of this community, and to be recognized by them is such an honor.” The Western Mass. Council presented Kasper with the Distinguished Citizen Award at a gala honoring area scouts. Pictured with Kasper is Gene Cassidy, CEO of the Eastern States Exposition, and a previous recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award.

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Open for Business

MedExpressOpeningMedExpress Urgent Care opened a new office in Chicopee on July 14. The facility, located at 1505 Memorial Dr., offers a wide range of medical services, including X-rays, minor surgery, occupational health, physicals, immunizations, medical evaluations, and treatment of colds, flu, infections, breaks, sprains, cuts, allergic reactions, and other conditions. On hand for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremonies were Chicopee Mayor Rich Kos and Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Director Eileen Drumm (center); Elizabeth Toner, aide to state Sen. Jim Welch; Ernesto Cruz, aide to state Rep. Jose Tosado; and Richard Kosiaka from Citizens Bank, as well as a host of MedExpress employees, including Becca Deleporte, Viktoriya Gladysh, Angela Faulkner, Amy Biela, Ashleigh Ouimette, Mindi Richardson, Sandy Cyr, Zuleyka Dube, Kristine Laurin, Sarah Moses, Kristina Hawley, Ed Casaldi, and Dr. Dheeraj Taranath.

Banking on College Success

2015-CSB-ScholarshipThe Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation recently announced its ninth annual scholarship award program. This program replaced the Chicopee Savings Bank Medallion Scholarship Program, which was established in 1976 in conjunction with the nation’s bicentennial celebration. This year, the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program awarded seven scholarships, each in the amount of $3,000, to graduating seniors from high schools within the bank’s market area. Pictured here with William Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, at the presentation ceremonies on July 23 are, from left, Juliana Vadnais, Ware Junior/Senior High School; Emily Doiron, Chicopee Comprehensive High School; Taylor Guertin, South Hadley High School; Krystian Jurkowski, Chicopee High School; Samantha Cross, Cathedral High School; Emily Sevigne, Ludlow High School; and Mihaela Sousa, Ware Junior/Senior High School.

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Capital Contributions

Balise Donation GroupCancer-Center Steelworkers Donor GroupTransforming Cancer Care — the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center — gained some additional momentum recently with two donations — one of $500,000 from Balise Motor Sales, and $5,000 from the International Assoc. of Iron Workers Local 7. The cancer center is in the midst of a $15 million expansion that will bring all cancer services together in one location and meet increasing demand for outpatient cancer services. At top (from left), Philip Glynn, MD, director of Oncology, Mercy Medical Center; Mohamed P. Hamdani, MD, chair of the Cancer Center Capital Campaign; Jeb Balise, CEO of Balise Motor Sales; Mike Balise, Vice President of Balise Motor Sales; and Daniel P. Moen, President and CEO, SPHS. Bottom, Moen thanks Fiore Grassetti (second from right) for the local’s donation. Also pictured are Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the SPHS, and Daniel Keenan, senior vice president of Government and Community Service.

Celebrating Community Day

Whittlesey&HadleyThe accounting firm Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C., hosted its 7th annual Community Day on July 10. This year, employees of the firm and its subsidiary, The Technology Group LLC, reached out in the Greater Hartford area and Springfield, and devoted their time and talents to community-based organizations primarily focused on providing academic, behavioral, and human services to the disabled and families and children. Here, employees are seen at the Boys & Girls Club Family Center on Acorn Street in Springfield, where they painted the boys and girls locker rooms. Seen here are: (front row, from left), Linda Wosko, O’Rita Swan, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club, Amy Richards, Danielle Dupont, and Lisa Zunis. (Second row, from left): Drew Andrews, managing partner of Whittlesey & Hadley, Michael Flaherty, Tim Gaines, and Peter Kravetz.

Coming to Springfield

df861e3d99The City of Springfield and Falvey Linen Supply Inc. recently announced a plan for the Rhode Island company to open a new Springfield facility at 100 Brookdale Dr. in the East Springfield neighborhood, with an expected investment of $7 million and the creation of more than 100 new jobs. Falvey Linen Supply is based in Cranston, R.I., with facilities in the Hartford area as well as Eastern Massachusetts. The family owned and operated company was founded in 1929.  Seen here at a press conference to announce the expansion are, from left, Springfield City Councilor Orlando Ramos; Ernesto Cruz, aide to State Rep. Jose Tosado; Kathy Brown, East Springfield Neighborhood Council; Mayor Domenic J. Sarno; James O’Hara, president of Falvey Linen; Kait O’Hara, manager of Falvey Linen; and Kevin Kennedy, Springfield’s chief development officer.

Raymond James Open House

Ribbon CuttingOn July 16, Raymond James staged an open house for clients and local dignitaries at its offices in Tower Square in downtown Springfield. Speakers included Tash Elwyn, president of Raymond James & Associates (RJA) Private Client Group, Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield, and Vincent Petrangelo, Raymond James’ Springfield branch manager. Here, from left, Elwyn, Petrangelo, and Minkarah cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Scholarship Winners

CosenziThe Tom Cosenzi Scholarship recently announced the three students that each received the $1,000 scholarship for demonstrating excellence in the classroom. The winners of the award, established in memory of Thomas E. Cosenzi, are (from left, as seen with Thomas Cosenzi’s daughter, Carla): Cienna Harris, a senior at Hopkins Academy who will be attending Salve Regina University; Justyna Sudyka, a senior at Shepard Hill Regional High School, who will attend the University of Connecticut; and Francois Venne, a senior at Northampton high School, who will attend Holy Cross.

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Welcome to the Family

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Leaders from Baystate Health and Noble Hospital gathered last week to celebrate Noble officially becoming part of the Baystate family. The Westfield-based hospital will now be known as Baystate Noble Hospital and joins Baystate’s team of community hospitals in Greenfield, Palmer, and Ware. At right, Ronald Bryant (left) — who had been president and CEO of Noble Hospital and will continue as president of Baystate Noble Hospital — joins Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, in officially launching the affiliation. Noble has about 750 employees who will join Baystate Health’s team of 11,500 across Western Mass. The new Baystate Noble Hospital name and logo will be integrated into all signage and materials in the weeks to come.

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Team Effort

Team Brielle’s Brigade, which raises money for pediatric cancer treatment and research in memory of Brielle Laplante, recently held a gala to celebrate a year in which it raised more than $50,000 for the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. More than 400 sponsors and guests attended the event at Monticello-Somers.

Bill Laplante, president, Laplante Construction; Prestley Blake, co-founder, Friendly Ice Cream Corp

From left, Bill Laplante, president, Laplante Construction; Prestley Blake, co-founder, Friendly Ice Cream Corp., and owner, Monticello-Somers; and Ray Laplante, founder, Laplante Construction.

From Monson Savings Bank

From Monson Savings Bank, from left, Michael Rouette, senior vice president, Commercial Lending; Janet Warren, vice president, Marketing; Rob Chateauneuf, vice president, Commercial Lending; Corinne Sawyer, vice president, Business Development; Steve Lowell, president and CEO; and Dan Moriarty, senior vice president and CFO.

Joe Tanguay, director of Business Development, Clarke Distribution

From left, Joe Tanguay, director of Business Development, Clarke Distribution; Lisa Vartanian, vice president, Vartanian Custom Cabinets; Aram Vartanian, president, Vartanian Custom Cabinets; and Vincent Salemi, president, Salemi Appliance.

Helen Blake, wife of Prestley Blake

From left, Edgardo Abello, owner, Artistic Visions; Helen Blake, wife of Prestley Blake; Frank Antonacci, President, U.S.A. Hauling & Recycling, with his wife, Becky Antonacci; and Susan Abello, wife of Edgardo Abello.

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LTL-2LinkToLibraries

Exciting Chapters

The nonprofit group Link to Libraries (LTL) continues to expand its presence in the region and write new chapters in its success story. Above, students at Bowie School in Chicopee and librarian Joyce Hogan thank LTL for a literacy and technology grant the agency awarded to the school. It will be used to purchase library programs and headphones for the students at the school. Meanwhile, on June 4, LTL celebrated its end of year with a volunteer ice-cream social and make-your-own-sundae party. More than two dozen volunteers turned out to enjoy a sweet evening of social fun. Included were volunteers from Westfield, West Springfield, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Monson, Springfield, Hampden, and Holyoke.

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UTCA Celebrates Milestone

Unemployment Tax Control Associates Inc. (UTCA), a national unemployment-insurance service provider based in Springfield, with offices in Boston and Houston, recently celebrated a quarter-century in operation with an Anniversary and Client Appreciation Party on May 27. The event, held at One Financial Plaza in Springfield, included a distinguished guest list comprised of clients, business owners, presidents, and CEOs of several local and national companies. At right, Suzanne Murphy (left), founder and CEO of UTCA, celebrates with her first client, Barbara Pilarcik, executive director of the Assoc. for Community Living in Springfield.

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Common Cents

PeoplesBank sent two Chicopee High School teams to Boston recently to compete in Common Cents, a program hosted by the Mass. Banking Assoc. (MBA). The bank supported participating students from Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School at the statewide competition last fall at the State House. At top, the Chicopee Comprehensive High School team is seen with, from left, Mary Paleologopoulos, teacher at Chicopee Comp; Jermaine Wiggins, former New England Patriots player; Jeffrey Fuhrer, executive vice president, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; Ashlee Feldman, radio personality, JAM’N 94.5; Karen Volpe, branch manager, PeoplesBank Fairview office; Latoyia Edwards, anchor, NECN; and Donna Wiley, regional manager, PeoplesBank. Below, the Chicopee High School Team with, from left, Wiggins; Shavon Diaz, teacher, Chicopee High School; Fuhrer; Feldman; Edwards; Volpe; and Wiley.

PictureThisMercy

Transforming Care

Mercy Medical Center announced that ProShred Security and Convergent Solutions Inc. (CSI) have joined together to pledge a gift of $25,000 to Transforming Cancer Care — the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The campaign was launched to support the $15 million expansion of the Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. These funds will be used to consolidate all cancer services into a single, unified space and meet the increased demand for outpatient cancer services. The $25,000 contribution reflects a joint gift from two Wilbraham-based companies: ProShred Security, owned and operated by Joseph Kelly and Barry Sanborn, and Convergent Solutions Inc., owned and operated by their wives, Arlene Kelly and Kim Sanborn. Both couples are longtime supporters of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) and Brightside for Families and Children. From left, Daniel Moen, president and CEO, SPHS; Barry and Kim Sanborn; Joseph and Arlene Kelly; and Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development, SPHS.

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Breakfast Is Served

Pic This June 1, 2015 APic This June 1, 2015 BPic This June 1, 2015 CPic This June 1, 2015 DThe Spirit of Springfield recently presented its World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast in downtown Springfield, marking the event’s 25th anniversary. Pictured top to bottom: Attendees wait for their pancakes on Main Street. From left, MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis, the event’s honorary chairman; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Kelley Tucky, MGM Resorts vice president of Community and Public Affairs, Eastern Region; and businessman Paul Picknelly. Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt and Springfield Police Sgt. John Delaney (third and fourth from left) with Sarno, Mathis, and members of the Springfield Police K9 Unit. Bottom left: from left, John Sjoberg, president of New England Business Machine Co.; state Sen. Eric Lesser; and Jane Albert, vice president of Development for Baystate Health.

Woman of the Year

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The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC) recently named Anne Paradis, CEO of MicroTek Inc. in Chicopee, as its 2015 Woman of the Year. The award, given annually since 1954, is presented to a woman in the Western Mass. area who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community. A celebration in Paradis’s honor, co-sponsored by BusinessWest, was held recently at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield. Top: from left, Paradis receives honorary gifts from PWC board members Laurie Cassidy and Nancy Mirkin. Bottom: Paradis (top) celebrates with a group of MicroTek employees. The company provides custom cable and wire configurations, control panels, and enclosures for customers in the medical equipment, scientific test and instrumentation, life sciences, industrial, and retail industries. Since taking the reins in 1987, Paradis has guided Microtek to 15% annual growth, on average, as well expanding the company’s product lines and client base and creating more than 80 jobs.

Noble Cause

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The 31st annual Noble Hospital 5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause was held last month at Stanley Park. More than 600 participants walked and ran the 5K route through Stanley Park and the surrounding area. Individuals, teams, wheelchair racers, and school groups participated. Teams included students from Westfield Elementary Schools, Westfield State University, local foundations and nonprofits, businesses, and families and friends. The top male finisher in the 5k run was Robbie Crossman (15:46), while the top female time was posted by Annie Paredes (19:13).

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Manufacturing the Future

IMG_3203IMG_3199IMG_3207IMG_3202More than 12,000 business owners, engineers, designers, production managers, and purchasing executives gathered at EASTEC, the East Coast’s premier manufacturing event, last week at the Eastern States Exposition. In its 34th year, the event showcased the latest manufacturing technologies and provided access to industry experts sharing insights on how to foster innovation, increase productivity, and improve profits. This year, more than 300 new products were highlighted at the show. Among the 650 exhibitors were many from Greater Springfield, including (from top to bottom) Ray Jack, senior sales representative, Steve Atkins, technical sales, and Don Quinn, inside sales manager, Lenox in East Longmeadow; Melinda Mitton, treasurer and management representative, Advance Welding in Springfield; Alex McGill, vice president, McGill Hose & Coupling Inc. in East Longmeadow; and Kathleen Trudeau, vice president, sales and marketing, Hayden Corp., West Springfield.

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Entrepreneurial Spirit

Grinspoon Spirit 1Grinspoon Spirit 2Grinspoon Spirit 3Grinspoon Spirit 4Grinspoon Spirit 5From top to bottom: Laura Whiteley, a Holyoke Community College student, took first place at the elevator-pitch competition at the annual awards ceremony and banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative, held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. She pitched the Scorpion, a small wallet with the ability to protect itself with thumbprint recognition and tracking capabilities. The evening also honored 75 area college students for launching businesses or well-developed business concepts, such as UMass Amherst student Erun Fernando with U-Pro Test Prep, and Amherst College students Sarah Jordan, Meghan McDonough, and Khalil Flemming with Pioneer Creative Filmmaking; Grinspoon (third from left) recognizes the work of Bay Path University student entrepreneurs and their adviser; Lauren Way (second from right), with Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards; Aaron St. John, CEO of HitPoint Studios, delivered the night’s keynote address.

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Groundbreaking Event

MGMGroundbreakingShovelLowMGMGroundbreakingThe casino era officially began in Springfield on March 24, as ground was broken for MGM Springfield, an $800 million resort casino that will take shape in the city’s tornado-ravaged South End. Top, with the tornado-damaged Zanetti School in the background, Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO, offers remarks to the hundreds in attendance. Above, the confetti canons go off as dignitaries handle the official groundbreaking duties.

Impactful Gift

PicThis1Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Cynthia and William Lyons of Wilbraham have made a $1 million challenge gift to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The Lyons’ gift will support the 26,000-square-foot expansion of the center and reflects the largest single gift for the campaign from members of the community. “We have been inspired by the high level of care and compassion that runs throughout the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Cynthia Lyons. “The work being done at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center is especially exciting.” Under the leadership of Dr. Philip Glynn, director of Oncology, staff at the cancer center has expanded significantly to meet patient need; by 2022, demand for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%. The $15 million expansion will also bolster the center’s capabilities by enhancing communication among oncology providers and facilitating ease of access to existing services. The design of new infusion bays will increase privacy for patients, as well as for a supporting family member or friend. Sr. Mary Caritas, SP, is a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) board of trustees, was president of the former Mercy Hospital, and was a driving force behind the initial effort to build the cancer center that now bears her name. Pictured at right, Caritas and Daniel Moen, president and CEO of SPHS, display a photo of Bill and Cindy Lyons at the news conference announcing the gift.

Celebrating Sisterhood

2-BayPath159749-BayPath159746-BayPath1597414-BayPath1597410-BayPath15974More than 1,600 people packed the MassMutual Center on March 27 for the 20th annual Women’s Leadership Conference, presented by Bay Path University. The event, with the theme “Celebrating Sisterhood,” featured three keynote speakers — Angelique Kidjo, the ‘undisputed queen of African music’; Kathy Giusti, cancer survivor, philanthropist, and founder of two melanoma research foundations; and Cuban-born singer Gloria Estefan — as well as a host of breakout sessions on a wide range of topics. From top to bottom: Bay Path President Carol Leary present Estefan with a school sweatshirt; a group of Bay Path students enjoy the conference; Kidjo entertains the audience during her morning keynote address; Bay Path alumni represent the theme of the conference; and Sheila Heen, founder of Triad Consulting Group and author of Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback: the Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well (Even When It’s Off-base, Unfair, Poorly Delivered, and Frankly, You’re Not in the Mood), solicits comments during her breakout session, “Thanks for the Feedback.”

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Celebrating Springfield

DScrowdReceptionMore than 700 people flocked to the MassMutual Center on March 12 for DevelopSpringfield’s Celebrate Springfield Annual Dinner. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to spurring economic development in the city’s many neighborhoods, honored three individuals — Springfield Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy; Jerald Jay Griffin, co-founder of the Stone Soul Festival; and Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin — for their efforts to stimulate growth and vitality in the city. Pictured: the crowd during networking hour.DavisSilvaBeanStephens
From left, Steve Davis, senior trustee of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation; Paul Silva, executive director of Valley Venture Mentors; Delcie Bean, founder and CEO of Paragus Strategic IT, and Bob Stevens, president of Stevens & Associates, P.C.Award-Recipients
From left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield; Armando Feliciano, DevelopSpringfield board member and event chair; Kennedy, Griffin, and Plotkin; and Jill Monson-Bishop, mistress of ceremonies.

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Fresh Outlook

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker was the keynote speaker at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s annual Outlook luncheon on Feb. 27 at the MassMutual Center. He hit on many points during his address to the more than 800 business and civic leaders gathered, including a need to close the skills gap impacting the state’s employers and the appointment of a task force to address the state’s opioid-addition crisis.

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Driving for the Cure

For six years, the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $480,000 to support Dr. Patrick Wen (left) and his team of researchers in the Neuro-Oncology Department at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This year, the four-player scramble held at Crestview Country Club included 144 golfers and 175 banquet guests, raising $76,300. The annual tournament was started by Carla and Tommy Cosenzi (right and center) in memory of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who succumbed to a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2009.

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Transforming Cancer Care

Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Westfield Bank and the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to Transforming Cancer Care, the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, located at the hospital. From left, Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System; and James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, check on the progress of the $15 million project to expand the cancer center.





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Thirty Years and Still Growing

TSM Design, a brand-development, marketing, and design firm located in the historic Stearns Building in downtown Springfield, recently celebrated 30 years in business. Owner Nancy Urbschat has been with the agency for all but three months of the 30 years, and 2015 also marks the anniversary of her purchase of TSM Design 10 years ago. Urbschat said 2014 was a banner year for the company, with the opening of a second office in the historic G. Fox building in downtown Hartford and a host of new clients, including the city of Hartford, the Insurance Center of New England, White Lion, and Fathers & Sons. “I know it’s early in the year, but I think 2015 will be even stronger,” she added. Top: Urbschat, right, with Janet Bennett, marketing director, and Brittany Arita, designer, of TSM Design. Middle: Janet and Mark Bennett. (Photos by Chris Marion)

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Hoophall Honors

From left, Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper, sport management major Emily Vance, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President and CEO John Doleva, and sport management major Eric Pouliot take part in the 2015 Hoophall Classic Leadership Award ceremony on Jan. 19 at Blake Arena on the college campus.  Both Vance and Pouliot were named the 2015 Hoophall Classic Leadership Award recipients, an honor that recognizes both a male and female junior majoring in sport management who has demonstrated a combination of service to Springfield College and the Hoophall Classic, and who has maintained a successful grade point average.

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PV Financial Group teamed up with Hasbro to provide the children of Parkside Early Learning Center, a division of Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, a holiday to remember. The Advising team delivered toys to Parkside’s three classrooms of children ages 3 to 5, including 27 girls and 21 boys. PV Financial Group has been working with the organization for more than a decade. Pictured, from left, are Chuck Myers, Peter Leonczyk, Lou Curto, Carole Bolduc, Ed Sokolowski, and Joe Leonczyk of PV Financial Group with the children from Parkside Early Learning Center.

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Recently, a group of 11 students from the Student Assoc. for Entrepreneurship at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany visited Springfield-based Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) for some tips on digital marketing for startups.  The students were on an innovation tour of the Northeast which GCAi helped facilitate, which included several stops in New York City and Boston as well as the VentureWell in Amherst and GCAi in Springfield. Attorney Scott Foster, founder of Valley Venture Mentors, also presented to the group, describing his organization’s support of both startups and innovation. John Garvey, president of GCAi, later hosted the group for dinner at the Munich Haus in Chicopee. Pictured with the students are, from left, Mary Fallon, media director at GCAi; Jamie Duncan, accounts analyst at GCAi; and Garvey.

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Holiday Party

Christmas-PresentsChristmasBookPartyThe annual children’s party held by WTCC 90.7 FM, the community radio station at Springfield Technical Community College, provides gifts (including books donated by Barnes & Noble), games, and a visit with Santa Claus for area children in need. Held on Dec. 20, the party also featured a visit by STCC Professor F. Davis Johnson, a member of the WTCC board of directors, who donated copies of the children’s book he wrote.














Meeting of the Minds

FamilPorttraitSpringfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper recently hosted a holiday gathering at her residence on campus for the presidents of the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield (CCGS). Pictured, from left, are Springfield Technical Community College President Ira Rubenzahl, Cooper, Holyoke Community College President William Messner, Elms College President Sr. Mary Reap, Westfield State University Interim President Elizabeth Preston, Bay Path University President Carol Leary, and American International College President Vincent Maniaci. Due to a prior commitment, Western New England University President Anthony Caprio was unable to attend. The CCGS, formed in 1971 by the presidents of its eight member institutions, is an educational consortium that fosters the sharing of programs, talents, and facilities in an effort to bring to the Greater Springfield area the educational resources of a university while retaining the initiative and vitality of independent institutions.

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Meet the Leaders

VW5L3708VW5L3635useVW5L3693VW5L3654VW5L3702The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield held its annual Government Reception on Nov. 19 in the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield. Sponsored by Baystate Health and Comcast, the reception provided business and community leaders with the opportunity to meet socially with local, state, and federal officials. From top to bottom: state Sen. Don Humason, state Rep. Aaron Vega, and Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mary Kay Wydra; PVTA Chief Financial Officer Patricia O’Leary, Agawam Town Clerk Richard Theroux, and PVTA Administrator Mary MacInnes; Springfield Technical Community College President Ira Rubenzahl and Mike Knapik, executive director of Advancement at Westfield State University; Mayors Ed Sullivan of West Springfield, Domenic Sarno of Springfield, Richard Cohen of Agawam, and Richard Kos of Chicopee; Davis Foundation Project Director Sally Fuller, Western Mass. Economic Development Council President Allan Blair, and Square One President Joan Kagan.

(Photos by Driscoll Photography)


Legislative Symposium

DaleJohnstonEileenDrummRobertDeLeoRichardNealKathyAndersonKatePhelonTonyCignoliThe Greater Westfield, Greater Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce recently staged the CheckPoint 2014 Legislative Symposium at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. A number of elected officials attended, ranging from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal to Bob DeLeo, speaker of the state House of Representatives, to the entire House and Senate delegation from the chambers’ communities. Seen here, from left, are Dale Johnston, executive director of the South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce; Eileen Drumm, president of the Greater Chicopee Chamber; DeLeo; Carlos Gonzalez, president and CEO of the Mass. Latino Chamber of Commerce; Neal; Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber; Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber; and Tony Cignoli, a political consultant who moderated the event.


Farmington Bank Reception

2014MA-EventMore than 200 area business leaders were on hand Nov. 13 as Farmington Bank, which recently entered the Western Mass. market with branches in East Longmeadow and West Springfield, staged an elaborate reception at the Springfield Sheraton. During the reception, John Patrick, the bank’s chairman, president, and CEO, announced the bank’s donation of $2,500 to Open Pantry Community Service in Springfield. Seen here is the bank’s Massachusetts team, from left: Patrick; Joe Kulig, vice president, Commercial Lending; Catherine Turowsky, vice president, Cash Management Services; Joe Young, vice president, Commercial Lending; Candace Pereira, assistant vice president, commercial loan officer; and Mike Moriarty, senior vice president, Commercial Lending.

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Entrepreneurship Conference

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The 10th annual Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Entrepreneurship Conference was staged Nov. 7 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. More than 650 people representing 14 area colleges and more than 55 local businesses and organizations took in a full day of programming, including hands-on workshops, entrepreneur exhibits, a Shark Tank competition, and keynote speaker Parker Holcomb, founder of All College Storage Inc. and Research Habits Digital. Organized by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, the Entrepreneurship Conference is held annually to inspire, motivate, and support college students to turn their ideas into small businesses. Students began the day collaborating on teams representing several colleges and universities for the “Change-It-Up” competition. They identified contemporary problems they see emerging on their campuses and aimed to create solutions based on rapidly changing technology and the expectations of students. From top to bottom: Audra Quintin (a Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award alumna) and Blake Bryan, co-founders of East Coast Taps; Greg Lewis of Nudger presents the story of building his business as part of the Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award panel; a student presents her business concept to the Shark Tank judges; Patrick Burr, principal with Feat Socks and Promo Lacrosse, and a Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner, was one of 32 exhibitors at the conference.

March of Dimes Awards

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The annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction was held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on Oct. 23. The event featured the presentation of several awards to people who have served the organization in various ways. At left, Dr. Glenn Markenson of Baystate Medical Center, left, receives the March of Dimes Citizen of the year Award from Western Mass. March of Dimes Board Chairman Ken Albano, an attorney with Bacon Wilson, P.C. Above, Nancy Mirkin, a vice president and commercial loan officer with Florence Savings Bank, receives the March of Dimes Charitable Leadership Award from Albano.

Halloween Costume Walk

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The Chicopee Pumpkin Patch Party & Halloween Costume Walk was staged on Oct. 28. The well-attended event featured something for people of all ages. Here, from left, are Mauren Buxton, city Treasurer Marie Laflamme, Chief executive officer of Sunshine Village Gina Golash Kos, and Carol Campbell, President of Chicopee Industrial Contractors.