BusinessWest

Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies: What Do I Try Now
2018-12-04 09:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | La Quinta Inn & Suites
Dealing with conflicts between employees? Ineffective supervisory relationships? Teams not working well together? Workplace conflict can harm relationships, reduce productivity, increase costs and decrease a team’s effectiveness. One study found that an average workplace conflict eats up to three hours a week! In this workshop we’ll explore the range of conflict resolution tools available, including one-on-one communication strategies, conflict coaching, mediation, and larger group processes. Together we’ll identify circumstances which may make one approach work better than others, steps we can take to ensure better success with the techniques we choose, and ways to combine various strategies to deal with challenging workplace dynamics.

The Inaugural Women of Impact Awards
2018-12-06 11:00 - 13:45 | Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel
BusinessWest has consistently recognized the contributions of women within the business community and has now created the Women of Impact awards to honor women who have the authority and power to move the needle in their business; are respected for accomplishments within their industries; give back to the community; and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within the field of influence. Nominees can be high-level executives, entrepreneurs, leaders of a non-profit organization, business owners, volunteers, or mentors: any inspirational woman, at any level in her career, who is doing remarkable things.

SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT COMES TO SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
2018-12-08 14:30 - 20:30 | TechSpring – The Baystate Health Technology Innovation Center
Co-op Power along with a number of local organizations have organized a Sustainability Summit in Springfield, MA on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
Co-op Power’s Annual Sustainability Summit is a great opportunity to share ideas with like-minded people on topics from green business development and community finance to grassroots activism and social justice.
We expect vibrant discussions about our society and our environment centered around our theme, “Energy Democracy”, with two keynote speakers and workshops throughout the day. If you are passionate about the environment and social justice then you have a place at the Summit to add to the excitement and expertise!
Highlights are two keynote presentations: Denise Fairchild, President of Emerald Cities Collaborative, who works to green our cities, build resilient local economies and ensure equity inclusion in both the process and outcomes of a new green and healthy economy. Sandra Steingraber — Biologist, author, and cancer survivor — speaks about climate change, ecology, and the links between human health and the environment.
Features include a tour of Wellspring Harvest, a quarter acre hydroponic greenhouse in Indian Orchard growing greens and herbs and information about Wellspring Cooperative a non-profit that is building a network of worker-owned co-ops to provide jobs and wealth building opportunities in Springfield’s underserved communities. Workshops will take place on worker co-ops and how they are key to the solidarity economy, a hands-on workshop on how to talk about our changing climate effectively, and a workshop on how communities can use the concept of “community energy aggregation” to secure energy efficiency and renewable energy generation services for everyone within their town.
The Sustainability Summit is being presented in collaboration with Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, Climate Action Now, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Wellspring Cooperative, ARISE for Social Justice, and The Energy Democracy National Tour 2018.
Co-op Power is a decentralized network of Community Energy Co-ops (CEC) organized to to build a multi-class, multi-racial movement for a sustainable and just energy future. It has raised $10M in tax equity to finance solar for non-profits and community solar projects across New York and New England. They have been awarded a competitive bid for 2MW of low-income community solar in NYC and and have an 8 MW pipeline of solar projects under development. In a time of climate crisis and economic disparity, this network of Community Energy Co-ops is making a difference.
Join us at TechSpring, 1350 Main Street, 5th Floor, Springfield, MA on Saturday, December 8, 2018 from 2:30-8:30 pm.
Registration is free. Donations are accepted to offset the cost of the meal.
For more information or to RSVP call 413-772-8898 or toll free 877-266-7543, or email olive@cooppower.coop

Island Hopper Beer Dinner
2019-01-17 18:00 - 21:30 | The Student Prince & The Fort Restaurant, 8 Fort Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Anyone looking for an entertaining evening in Springfield, MA can attend the Island Hopper Beer Dinner on Thursday, January 17, 6 pm at the Student Prince and The Fort Restaurant, 8 Fort Street. Corporate Chef Zachary B. Shuman will prepare six island-inspired courses that will be paired with six beers from six different brewing companies. It’s a wintertime dining experience and a taste of paradise for Springfield-area adults who are looking for something to do on a January night.

Job Fair
2019-02-05 11:00 - 18:00 | Hadley Farms Meeting House
Pioneer Valley Hotel Group is hosting a job fair for our brand new Homewood Suites by Hilton property in Hadley, MA. We will be conducting interviews at the job fair on February 5, 2019.
Positions Available Part Time and Full Time
Front Desk Agents, Housekeepers, Breakfast Attendants, Evening Social Attendant, Laundry Attendants, and Houseman

BBB Seminar on Word-of-Mouth Referrals
2019-02-26 08:30 - 10:00 | Better Business Bureau of Central New England, 400 Grove St., Worcester, MA, 01605, United States
Better Business Bureau of Central New England is hosting a Business Builder Seminar on word-of-mouth referrals on Tues., Feb. 26 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at its office at 400 Grove Street, Worcester. Most businesses want more of those golden nuggets, the word-of-mouth referral, but struggle to get them in a systematic way. Join Matt Ward, author of the book “MORE…Word of Mouth Referrals, Lifelong Customers & Raving Fans,” to learn how to cut through the noise, say thank you in a genuine way and ensure you’re your business becomes top of mind for referrals. Reserve your place today by calling 508-552-0366 or emailing membership@cne.bbb.org. Registration and refreshments begin at 8 a.m. Learn more at cne.bbb.org.

BBB Exit for Success Workshop
2019-03-12 08:30 - 10:00 | Better Business Bureau of Central New England, 400 Grove St., Worcester, MA, 01605, United States
Better Business Bureau of Central New England is hosting a Business Builder Workshop on business exit planning on Tues., March 12 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at its office at 400 Grove Street, Worcester. Join business consultant Rita Coco to begin or enhance your exit strategy. So much of your future depends on the preparations to leave the business successfully. Recommended for business owners, “solopreneurs,” partners, family business members part of a succession plan, franchisees, and husband/wife co-owner teams within seven years or less of an exit. Cost: $49 per person; fee waived for BBB Accredited Businesses as a benefit of accreditation. Reserve your place today by calling 508-552-0366 or emailing membership@cne.bbb.org. Registration and refreshments begin at 8 a.m. Learn more at cne.bbb.org. Registration and refreshments begin at 8 a.m. Learn more at cne.bbb.org.

BusinessWest's 11th Annual Difference Makers
2019-03-28 17:00 - 18:30 | The Log Cabin Banquet and Meting House
Thursday, March 28, 2019
5 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The Log Cabin, Holyoke
This program, initiated in 2009, is a celebration of individuals, groups, organizations, and families that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley and are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. As previous classes have shown, there are many ways to do this: through work within the community on one or many initiatives to improve quality of life; through success in business, public service, or education; through contributions that inspire others to get involved; through imaginative efforts to help solve one or more societal issues; or through a combination of the above.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Family Services 3rd Annual Social Justice Awards Luncheon
2019-04-06 11:30 - 14:00 | Chez Josef
Thank you for your support of the Martin Luther King Jr., Family Services, Social Justice Awards Luncheon. We are honored to have such outstanding individuals in our community, going above and beyond. We are pleased to honor the following individuals:
Ben Swan, Lifetime Achievement; Ray Berry, Entrepreneurship; Paul Robbins, Race Relations; and Frank Robinson, Health Disparities, we are fortunate to be able to honor two organizations, ACTS (Action Centered Tutoring Services), Education and New North Citizens Council, Economic Development. This year we are pleased to introduce a new category, Changemakers and those recipients are, Joyce Calhoun, Big Will Express; Kathryn Kirby, MassHire REB; Teka Jones, I Am Me; Lenny Underwood, Underwood Photography & Upscale Socks and Rosemary Tracy Woods, Art for the Soul Gallery.
Please consider attending this great event and showing your support for these outstanding and dedicated individuals.

Community Action Awards
2019-04-10 18:00 - 22:00 | Springfield Marriott
Springfield Partners for Community Action is celebrating 55 years in action with a celebration to recognize the work being done by individuals and organizations within their community.
Springfield Partners for Community Action is hosting the Community Action Awards on June 13th, 2019 at 6:00 PM at the Springfield Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. This year’s event will hold a silent auction to raise funds to help keep programs and services free to the community. There will be keynote speakers that have witnessed the change and growth in Hampden County, and awards presented to individuals working hard for a future to better their lives and that of their community. We will also be awarding scholarships to our Community Scholarship recipients and rolling out a new project that we have been in the works.
Please join us for this night of celebration by registering at https://communityactionevent.eventbrite.com.

Media & How to Get It
2019-04-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Friends of Northampton Meeting House, 43 Center Street, 2nd Floor, Northampton, 01060, United States
Join us for a Peer2Peer conversation to discuss and learn from local media and communications experts on how to build relationships with press, use social media to get your stories out, and create a media strategy to reach your target audience!
Our small group facilitators are local communication and media experts Hillary Hoffman, LPV board member and Director of Marketing and Communications for Stoneleigh Burnham, and Alfonso Santiello, Founder/ CEO of Creative Strategy Agency, Inc.
Free for Leaders OnBoard members, $15 for non-members.

Catholic Women in the United States: Values and Vision
2019-04-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Elms College Veritas Auditorium
Elms College will hold the inaugural Rev. Hugh Crean Annual Distinguished Lecture at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in Veritas Auditorium. A reception will follow.
This year’s featured speaker will be Springfield, MA, native Sr. Mary Johnson, SNDdeN, Ph.D., whose talk will be titled “Catholic Women in the United States: Values and Vision.” Johnson is a distinguished professor of sociology and religious studies at Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. She holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in sociology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Emmanuel College.
This lecture series honors the legacy of Fr. Crean, who passed away in 2015. He was a pastor, professor, theologian and advisor who devoted his life to the pastoral care and education of thousands of Catholics in the Diocese of Springfield. He taught theology at Elms from 1973 to 1979.
Free and open to the public. Register at www.elms.edu/hughcrean. More info: Trudy Laramee, larameet@elms.edu, 413-265-2448.

Marketplace Sip and Shop
2019-04-30 17:00 - 19:30 | The Ranch olf Club, 65 Sunnyside Rd, Southwick, MA, 01077, United States
A multi-town tabletop business business show. An annual Southwick, Westfield and surronding towns event. A Southwick Economic Development Commission and Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce event. Free to the public with food samples and area businesses exhibiting.

Pioneer Valley Cappella Spring Concert
2019-05-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Grace Episcopal Church
Pioneer Valley Cappella presents “Of Love and Loss,” a program of choral delights spanning five centuries, from Josquin to Brahms to Geoffrey Hudson’s setting of a poem in memory of longtime member Pat McDonagh. Saturday, May 4, 7:30 PM, Grace Church, Amherst. Free-will donations accepted.

Pioneer Valley Cappella Concert
2019-05-05 19:30 - 20:30 | Edwards Church
Pioneer Valley Cappella presents “Of Love and Loss,” a program of choral delights spanning five centuries, from Josquin to Brahms to Geoffrey Hudson’s setting of a poem in memory of longtime member Pat McDonagh. Sunday, May 5, 7:30 PM, Edwards Church, Northampton. Free-will donations accepted.

LGBTQ Kickoff Dance Party!
2019-05-11 19:30 - 23:59 | Union Station Grand Ballroom; 125 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060, 125 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA, 01301, United States
Hors D’oeuvres, Free Dance Lesson, Door Prizes, Cash Bar, Irresistible Dance Music
Join us for a wonderful night out on the town with friends and community to kickoff Out! For Reel’s spring season! Everyone is welcomed! 200+ Guests (buy tix early!)

Lesbian Film Premiere: RAFIKI
2019-05-18 18:00 - 22:00 | Academy of Music
RAFIKI is a beautiful love story and an award-winning film about two bright young Kenyan women who fall in love and support each other’s dreams to go to college and have careers. Shown at the Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews, RAFIKI is currently banned in Kenya by the homophobic government due to fears that it “overtly promotes lesbianism.” Join us in watching this wonderful film in honor of all LGBTQ people in Kenyan who are denied the right to watch RAFIKI and the right to love who they want to love. Our global fight for LGBTQ equality continues. RAFIKI is on more powerful step.

Second Chance Animal Services' 7th Annual Golf Tournament
2019-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Leicester Country Club, 1430 Main St, Leicester, MA, 01524, United States
Second Chance Animal Services is having their 7th Annual Golf Tournament on July 13th, 2019 at the Leicester Country Club to benefit pets in need. Registration: 7:30 AM/Tee off 8:00 AM. Foursomes will play 18 holes using scramble format. Tickets cost $100, includes golf and a buffet style lunch, along with a cart and goodie bag. If you don’t golf, no problem! Meal only tickets are available for $35. Visit secondchanceamimals.org to buy your tickets today! Sponsorships available – email development@secondchanceanimals.org or visit our event page for more information.

Western New England University
2019-05-22 07:00 - 17:00 | MA
SPRINGFIELD, MA…More than 350 professionals from throughout Western Massachusetts will gather on the campus of Western New England University on Wednesday, May 22 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the 37th Annual Social Work Conference.
Special keynote speaker will be Jen Falcone, LCSW, director of Businesses Against Human Trafficking. A survivor of child sexual abuse and trafficking as an adolescent, she will discuss her experiences and how utter devastation kick-started the healing that drives her life choices and professional work. Falcone will focus on launching a movement within the Springfield-area business community to address human trafficking.
Frank C. Sacco, Ph.D. will be honored with the Jim Quinn Human Service Award at the conference. In addition to a celebrated career nationally and internationally in the fields of social work and psychotherapy, Dr. Sacco has spent his life researching and authoring books and articles on bullying, teacher bullying, and building a successful anti-bullying structure within a school. He has consulted for the FBI after the 1999 Columbine shooting as well as Internet sexual exploitation and domestic violence.
The daylong conference, sponsored by Western New England University’s Bachelor of Social Work Program, the Social Work Advisory Council, and the Office of Enrollment Management, will also feature more than 30 exhibitors from throughout the region.
The conference fee is $150 until May 7 and includes registration, luncheon, and six credit hours for full (100%) attendance. Registrations received after May 7 will have a fee of $165. Lower student rates are also available. To register online, visit wne.edu/prodev, or call 413-796-2173.

Lighthouse Clubhouse Open House
2019-05-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Lighthouse, 1401 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01109, United States
Lighthouse is a program of Viability, Inc.
Lighthouse Clubhouse
Open House
1401 State St, Springfield
May 22: 10am To 2pm
Click here for flyer
In celebration of mental health awareness month, come join us at lighthouse and find out what we’re all about! Together we can create a better, more inclusive society.

Food/Drink
50/50 Raffle
Basket Raffle
Guest Speakers

Driven by a belief in recovery through work, clubhouses provide members with a supportive environment to increase their vocational, educational, and social skills.

Ed Begley, Jr: "Live Simply So Others Can Simply Live"
2019-05-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
One of America’s most sought-after speakers on eco-living, Ed Begley, Jr. will offer an inspiring speech on eco-consciousness in an accessible, humorous message on what it means to lead a sustainable life. Sponsored by: Title Sponsor Columbia Gas and Presenting Sponsor MGM Springfield.

Chihiro Makio Jewelry Trunk Show at dmg
2019-05-25 11:00 - 2019-05-26 17:00 | dmg (Don Muller Gallery Inc.)
Local gallery to host jewelry showcase with local jeweler.
Handcrafted using silver, gold, gemstones, and diamonds, Chihiro Makio’s jewelry is full of intricate pattern, luster, and effortless design. Join us this May and discover Chihiro’s extended collection of handcrafted silver and gold jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets. Meet the artist during this two day event and learn about her unique creative process. Revel in Chihiro’s creativity, find handcrafted treasures, and enter to win a special giveaway from the jeweler. Free and open to the public!
This two day event will take place May 25th from 11am-7pm, and May 26th from 12-5pm.Don Muller Gallery Inc

Hopped Up for Health
2019-06-15 | big elm brewery, 65 Silver St, Sheffield, MA, 01257, United States
Registration is now open for Hopped Up for Health, a fund-raising bike, run, and walking event to benefit Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires. Join us June 15th on four tailored routes through scenic Southern Berkshire County. The bike routes are 50 and 20 miles and the walk/run routes are 5K or 12K.
Hopped Up goes on all day at Big Elm Brewery, 65 Silver Street, Sheffield with a brass band and fresh food from local vendors. Prizes, free beer*, and a massage-tent will be available at the end of the events. T-shirts available for the first 200 registrants.
Michael D. Andelman, course co-designer and former USAC racer, says there will be changes to last year’s biking route: “We listened to your raves and rants. New route – Not Bash Bish! Food stop is at Cantina229; sorry, no PB&Fluff. Beautiful views, open roads, support and friendly competitions.”
• To register to run or walk, please go to: https://bit.ly/2XAbiNM
• To register to bike, please go to: https://www.bikereg.com/hopped-up-for-health

BusinessWest's 40 Under Forty
2019-06-20 17:30 - 20:30 | The Log Cabin Banquet and Meting House
When BusinessWest launched a program in 2007 to honor young professionals in Western Mass. — not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community — there was little concern that the initial flow of nominations might slow to a trickle years later.
We were right. In fact, 40 Under Forty has become such a coveted honor in the region’s business community that the flow has turned into a flood, with more than 180 unique nominations arriving this past year. They hail from a host of different industries, from law to banking; from education to healthcare; from media to retail, just to name a few. Many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others, with an entrepreneurial bent, created their own opportunities instead of waiting for them to emerge.
2019 40 Under Forty
Thursday, June 20, 2019
5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The Log Cabin
500 Easthampton Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040

Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Band Nite
2019-06-22 18:30 - 21:30 | The Wherehouse?, 109 Lyman Street, HOLYOKE, MA, 01040-6604, United States
Holyoke Medical Center along with Presenting Sponsor, Marcotte Ford are delighted to present the 1st Annual Laughter is the Best Medicine Comedy Night featuring World Gone Crazy Comedy Band – a night of stand-up comedy with a rock n’ roll soundtrack! We’ll be hosting this event at The Wherehouse? in Holyoke. The show consists of rapid fire song parodies, stand-up comedy, hysterical impressions, commercial spoofs and more! Doors open at 6:30pm. Ticket price includes dessert/coffee and a fun photo booth. Cash bar. Tickets will not be available at the door. The goal is to bring together our community, employees, supporters, and friends for a night of laughter and fun. Funds raised will go towards the many programs and services provided by Holyoke Medical Center. Please join us!
Event Details:
• Ticket Price: $30 per person
• Ticket includes dessert & coffee, photo booth
• Door Open: 6:30PM
• Comedy Band: 8:00-9:30PM
• Cash Bar
Purchase tickets here: https://www.holyokehealth.com/laughter

LGBTQ Comedy Show: The El-Salomons!
2019-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Academy of Music
Talented comedians Jess Salomon and Eman El-Husseini are a Jewish-Palestinian, lesbian,
feminist, married couple who entertain with laugh-out-loud, politically savvy humor. Bashing
stereotypes with smart wit and clever jokes, the El-Salomons’ mission is to inspire love across
differences and open hearts with laughter.
Social Hour: 6:00-7:00 pm
Info & Tickets: https://OutForReel.net

Out! For Reel Presents Lesbian Film Fest
2019-06-22 19:00 - 21:30 | Academy of Music
In celebration of National Pride Month, Out! For Reel presents “This American Lesbian Life: Uplifting Stories in Short Films.” Five inspiring and entertaining films capture common life experiences – dating, friendships, parenting, aging, and speaking your truth – all from a lesbian point of view. With delightful humor and clever storytelling, these films offer both an enjoyable and enlightening cinematic experience. Film descriptions: OutForReel.net. Social Hour 6:00-7:00pm. Everyone is welcome!

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Outside Mullingar
2019-06-22 20:00 - 22:00 | MA
rom the Pulitzer, Tony and Oscar Award-Winning author of Doubt and Moonstruck comes a romantic comedy set in rural Ireland. Outside Mullingar is the unlikely story of Anthony and Rosemary, two middle-aged farmers who haven’t got a clue when it comes to love. As Anthony struggles to prove his worth to his father, Rosemary copes with an aging mother and familial grief. With the years slipping away, these eccentric souls will need to overcome a bitter land feud, family rivalries and their own romantic fears to find happiness. Their journey is heartbreaking, funny, and ultimately wonderful. Directed by Karen Allen (Film: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Scrooged; BTG: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Moonchildren, Extremities), this tenderhearted story reminds us it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story
2019-06-27 20:00 | 111 South Street · PITTSFIELD · MA 01201
Featuring Tony Award-nominated Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard) as Alan Freed and multiple-Emmy Award-nominated George Wendt (Norm from Cheers) as J. Edgar Hoover
In the summer of 1954, in a small radio station in Cleveland, an unknown disc jockey heard the sound that would change America. And the rest is music history.
Rock and Roll Man is the new musical about the incredible rise and fall of Alan Freed, the man who coined the phrase rock and roll and brought its sound to the world. He discovered black artists—and got them record deals. He traveled the country—and got them heard from coast to coast. He spoke to the younger generation—and brought them to their feet. By the dawn of the ’60s, he was the biggest name in music—until scandal made him the biggest target in America.
This high energy musical highlights the greatest rock and roll legends of all time such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Screamin’ Jay, just to name a few. Also, featuring original songs and some of the biggest hits of a decade, including “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Ain’t That a Shame” and many more, Rock and Roll Man takes you behind the scenes and behind the music of one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in pop music history.
