Home Posts tagged West of the River Chamber of Commerce
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce will welcome its newest member, Cannabis Hut Dispensary, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1010 Union St. in West Springfield.

Cannabis Hut Dispensary is a locally owned and family-operated business committed to providing quality products, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming experience for adult consumers in the community. The new dispensary represents continued investment in West Springfield’s local business community and economic growth.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will bring together chamber members, local business leaders, community supporters, and elected officials to celebrate this new addition to the local business landscape.

“We are excited to welcome Cannabis Hut Dispensary to the West of the River Chamber of Commerce and celebrate the opening of this family-owned business,” said Robin Wozniak, executive director of the chamber. “Supporting local entrepreneurs is at the heart of our mission, and we look forward to their success as part of our business community.”

Community members are invited to attend the celebration, meet the Cannabis Hut team, and learn more about the business.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) and its 501(c)(3) foundation announced a charitable donation to the Partnership for Education in West Springfield, made possible through a portion of the proceeds raised at the chamber’s annual Food Fest West celebration held in November.

The donation reflects the chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational initiatives that strengthen the local community and create opportunities for students, educators, and families in West Springfield.

“Each year, Food Fest West brings together businesses, residents, and community partners to celebrate the vibrancy of our region,” said Robin Wozniak, executive director of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to extend the impact of this event by supporting the Partnership for Education and the important work it does to enhance learning experiences for students across West Springfield.”

The Partnership for Education provides funding, resources, and volunteer support for programs that enrich curriculum, foster innovation, and promote student success. Contributions such as this one help sustain initiatives that would otherwise be beyond the reach of traditional school budgets.

The chamber’s annual Food Fest West featured local restaurants, breweries, and food businesses, drawing strong attendance and community engagement. WRC and its foundation plan to continue supporting educational and charitable organizations throughout the region as part of their mission to strengthen the local business community and enhance quality of life in the West of the River region.

Daily News

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced the return of Food Fest West, a community culinary celebration, on Thursday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Crestview Country Club in Agawam.

This event showcases the region’s eateries, offering guests the opportunity to sample a wide variety of delicious dishes and vote for their favorite restaurant of the night. From savory bites to sweet treats, attendees will experience the best of Western Mass. cuisine, all under one roof.

In addition to food, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring a silent auction, raffles, photo booth, and cash bar. It’s an ideal way to connect with friends, colleagues, and community members while supporting local businesses and restaurants.

“Food Fest West is one of our most exciting community events of the year,” said Robin Wozniak, executive director of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a great opportunity to bring people together, celebrate our local dining scene, and have a great time doing it.”

Tickets are available through the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. For tickets, restaurant participation, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced the Western Mass Business Expo will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield, sponsored by Freedom Credit Union and AVZ Promotions.

This event brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the region for an afternoon of networking, connections, and opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to meet with local vendors, discover the diverse products and services Western Mass. has to offer, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen the business community.

“The Western Mass Business Expo is more than a showcase — it’s a celebration of the innovation, talent, and resources that make our region thrive,” said Robin Woziak, executive director for the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. “We invite business professionals and community members alike to join us and experience firsthand all that Western Mass. has to offer.”

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. For more information or to become a vendor, contact the West of the River Chamber of Commerce at www.ourwrc.com or (413)426-3880.

Daily News

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) announced its annual Food Fest West will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Supporting sponsors include Peoples Bank and OMG Inc. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 for more information.

The event features foods from area eateries, restaurants, food trucks, sweet shops, and more in Western Mass., like Murphy’s Pub, Partners Restaurant, Nadim’s Downtown, Joey’s Deli, the Buc, Crumbl Cookie, and many more. Vendors do not need to be chamber members to participate. The event gives local eateries the opportunity to showcase their cuisine to hundreds of local residents in Western Mass. Vendors can register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Attendees vote for their favorite cuisine, and the winner is announced at the end of the event and awarded a trophy. There is also a silent auction, photo booth, music, and raffle to round out the fun night of festivities.

Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the WRC Educational Fund, which provides support to businesses and for student ambassador programs.

Tickets are on sale now and cost $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will host an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration in partnership with the West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) at West Springfield’s Irish House Restaurant & Pub, 429 Morgan Road, on Wednesday, March 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Presented by event sponsors LiftTruck Parts & Service and Haselkorn Inc., the event will support and encourage networking among area young professionals while also celebrating the St. Patrick’s day holiday. The event will include complimentary appetizers, networking opportunities, and a cash bar.

“Events like this will help retain individuals who are enthusiastic about the future of the community and their personal endeavors,” YPS President Heather Clark said. “YPS is here to exchange ideas, share common interests, and cultivate membership to serve as local leaders of tomorrow. We’re hopeful that our networking events will make it easier to make meaningful connections that will help local young professionals thrive.”

Springfield YPS concentrates its efforts on business and career development, networking, social and cultural involvement, and community activism. Its diverse membership comes from a wide range of professions and backgrounds united by a commitment to make Springfield a better place to work, live, play, and stay.

Registration is free for YPS and WRC members and $10 for non-members. Click here to register.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — With government-mandated social-distancing restrictions in place, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) will hold its annual job fair virtually this year on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

“We feel we need to continue to move forward in this new environment and show our business community that we are here, active, and supporting our members during this time,” Executive Director Robin Wozniak said.

With the extra unemployment money individuals are receiving about to expire, and local businesses beginning to reopen, the WRC is looking to help its members in any way it can. The Zoom event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This is a free event for attendees, and vendors and attendees can both register online.

“Times are different now, and many businesses are struggling. We understand this and want to help,” Wozniak said.

Each vendor will have the opportunity to speak to the attendees as a whole group about their company and what positions they are looking to fill. At the conclusion of the group session, each vendor will have a breakout room where attendees can ask more detailed information and exchange contact information. The event is sponsored by Reminder Publications.

For more information and to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — With the government-mandated social-distancing restrictions in place, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and town updates will be a virtual event this year.

“We feel we need to continue to move forward in this new environment and show our business community that we are here, active, and supporting our members during this time” Executive Director Robin Wozniak said.

The Zoom event will take place on Tuesday, June 23 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Not only is this a free event this year, but the West of the River Chamber board of directors want to give back to its members by awarding three $500 business grants during the event.

“Times are different now, and many businesses are struggling. We understand this and want to give back,” Wozniak said.

The event will also feature a talk on “Cybersecurity and Beyond,” a guest speaker, and Agawam Mayor Bill Sapelli and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt giving town updates.

For more information and to register, visit www.westoftheriverchamber.com.