BusinessWest

Target Archery Clinic Symposium
2017-01-14 09:45 - 14:45 (America/New_York)
A combination of clinics and seminars make up this hands-on, informative, and inspiring day of classes. Sign up for the entire day, or for individual clinics. CLINICS: Arrow Making & Arrow Repair, Bow String Making & Bow String Repair, Basic Recurve Bow Tuning, What to Consider When Purchasing a Target Recurve Bow. Youth archers must be at least 13 years old to participate. $30 per clinic. REGISTRATION: www.amherstarchery.com Space is limited. Advanced registration required.

Coffee & Donuts: A FREE Info Session to Grow Workplace Innovation, Collaboration, and Productivity Through Improv
2017-01-11 04:00 - 17:00
You are invited to a free info session on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 4:00-5:00pm at 104 Russell St (downstairs), Hadley, MA for Laughter & Donuts, where you’ll get the skinny on the Through Laughter Program, which provides professional development workshops to build your organization’s efficacy and productivity through powerfully effective, easy-to-learn improv training exercises specifically applied to the professional setting.
This workshop will help you learn how your workplace can
*Achieve Next Level Communication Skills: Quiet the judgmental voices so the team can hear each other’s voices!
*Collaborate Like Rock Stars – Break down those silos!
*Increase Confidence to Manifest Great Ideas – Innovation through improvisation!
*Foster Bendier Colleagues – Adapt more easily to changes in the plan!
*Have More Fun and Happiness at Work and Grow Productivity in the Process – If the staff ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!
*Enjoy free donuts! (In the wise words of Homer Simpson, Donuuuuuts.)
Interested? This info session is for you!
Whether you’re a business owner, manager, employee, or you just want to see why how improv training is great business training, this free info session will highlight the benefits of Pam Victors THROUGH LAUGHTER Program. In this hour-long session, participants will learn about the value of improv training for professional development through exercise demonstrations, a Q&A session, and a case study in how the program has benefitted a local business. (Plus free donuts.) Learn how your business can gain a whole new perspective on achieving stronger productivity, collaboration, and innovation in a positive and astoundingly effective way.
Presented by Pam Victor, founder and president of Happier Valley Comedy where she runs the Through Laughter program and a multi-level improv comedy school as well as produces regular improv shows in Western Massachusetts. Pam is the author of Baj and the Word Launcher: A Space-Aged Asperger Adventure in Communication and, along with legendary improvisers TJ Jagodowski and Dave Pasquesi, co-author of Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book. Pam is a nice person. She would like you.
Register here to let us know youre coming! (Be sure to say what kind of donuts you like best.) http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2724928
For more information, contact:
Rich Vaden
General of Gaiety
Happier Valley Comedy
info@happiervalley.com
www.happiervalley.com

XPX New England Exit Palooza
2016-12-14 17:00 - 19:30
XPX New England (XPX NE)
XPX will toast 10 years of exit planning highs and lows at their annual holiday networking event, Exit Palooza, on December 14, 2016 at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton, Massachusetts.
Over the past decade, XPX NE members have taken part in hundreds of business transactions across New England, including mergers & acquisitions, buyouts, ESOPs and more. While big brands and company names usually grab the headlines during these deals, XPX NE recognizes it is the CPAs, attorneys and many other business advisors who drive the deals through to completion.
To help celebrate this milestone, XPX NE is opening its membership to interested business owners curious about the exit planning process, as well as other transition professionals who have yet to explore the benefits of being an XPX NE member. Exit Palooza will provide a fun, casual atmosphere for new, old and prospective members to gather and share their stories.
XPX NE members have also been invited to submit their best deal stories in advance of the event for a chance to win the first annual “The Big Exit” award. The top five submissions will present their exit story at the event, and the winner will be chosen by crowd participation. After the vote, attendees will have the opportunity to network with business, finance and transition professionals, participate in Q&A, and gain valuable tips for their own businesses.
What: XPX New England Exit Palooza
When: Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Where: Brae Burn Country Club, 326 Fuller St., West Newton, MA 02465
Time: 5:00pm to 7:30pm
Attendees: XPX NE community and guests
Details: Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
Registration Click here to register link – https://exitplanningexchange.com/event-2361729
Cost: $45 for Members; $65 for Non-Members
This program is made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: Broadreach Public Relations, Morse Barnes-Brown Pendleton, Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, ROCG business exit & transition specialists, Webster Bank, Rockland Trust, AAFCPAs and Mirus Capital Advisors.
About XPX New England
XPX New England is a multi-disciplinary community of professional advisors and business owners who work collaboratively throughout New England to build valuable businesses and prepare and execute successful transitions. XPX NE members work in the best interest of their clients by offering perspective from a variety of transition stages and expertise.
XPX NE is a locally-controlled non-profit chapter of XPX Global, organized by national and regional leaders in the private company market. XPX has chapters in Boston, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. For more information, please visit https://exitplanningexchange.com/New-England

FREE WEBINAR: The Importance of Being Entrepreneurial- Innovation in Nonprofits
2016-12-14 12:00 - 13:00
Women who think like entrepreneurs will be more successful in leading tomorrow’s nonprofits.
Many nonprofits are launching entrepreneurial ventures in order to increase earned revenue, rather than relying only on philanthropic gifts. These leaders find ways to look and act like a for-profit entity, by using entrepreneurial techniques to generate mission-driven revenue that inspires community and individual action, engagement and financial support.
This webinar will bring together innovative women who understand how nonprofit leaders need to think and act differently. They will share what works and what is not a fit for nonprofits to explore.
Co-sponsored by Bay Path University and The Alliance for Nonprofit Growth and Opportunity.

FREE WEBINAR: Negotiating Your Way to Success
2016-12-12 12:00 - 13:00
One of the biggest challenges people face in negotiation is how to strategically approach the process and how to follow a sequential progression that will guide them through ebbs and flows.
In this webinar, participants will be introduced to negotiation methods they can apply to real workplace scenarios.
Session led by Dr. Joshua Weiss, Program Director, MS Leadership and Negotiation, Bay Path University

The Nutcracker
2016-12-11 00:00 - 23:59, 2016-12-10 00:00 - 23:59, 2016-12-09 00:00 - 23:59
Join Pioneer Valley Ballet in its 39th Nutcracker. Performances December 9th at 4:00 and 7:30pm, December 10th at 1:00pm and 4:30pm, December 11th at 1:00 and 4:30pm. Prices range based on performance. Senior, child and group discounts available. Ticket available through the Academy of Music box office at aomtheatre.ticketfly.com

Open House & Clinican Meet-up
2016-12-09 16:00 - 19:00
Health Care Providers, Psychotherapists, Alternative Care Providers are invited to an Open House in the newly renovated building at 40 Center Street. An opportunity to meet other providers & schmooze, see the space and consider whether you might be interested in renting the large group room for a training/workshop/class, or perhaps an office.

FREE WEBINAR: Tools for First-Time Managers
2016-12-07 12:00 - 13:00
This workshop will provide participants with tools that will help first-time managers navigate their efforts in supervising others. Topics addressed include how to hold a meeting with an employee about a performance issue, how to gain commitment from your team, how to delegate responsibility and develop employees.
Session will be led by Norma Rist, President, CEO Consulting, Inc.

A Spa Day for the Sole: Rediscovering Yourself Through Play.
2016-12-06 08:00 - 14:30, 2016-11-30 08:00 - 14:30
Spend a day polishing your communication skills, rediscovering who you are, and building the future YOU! The day is designed to have fun and rediscover what is important for your personal journey going forward. Use your learnings for your upcoming annual review, for building your resume or creating your development plan.
We will use facilitated exercises & hands-on play with LEGO® bricks to unlock your potential. No LEGO® building experience required. Let’s have some fun rediscovering your creativity, remembering how to laugh, collaborating with others and building the future YOU!

Speaker Sisterhood Info session/light breakfast
2016-12-06 08:00 - 09:30
Do you want to be a better speaker when presenting your ideas, be a better facilitator in meetings, or just improve your public speaking skills overall? The Sisterhood is a global network of speaking clubs that provide women a safe space to cultivate their voice, share their truth, and build confidence to get on stage. Membership is free for all of 2016!
Come to our information session! Enjoy a light breakfast and check out what the Speaker Sisterhood is all about!

FREE WEBINAR Women Who Count! - Numbers that Tell Stories
2016-12-05 12:00 - 13:00
Take a closer look at women successfully using numbers to tell stories that drive organizational success.
The difference between an interesting story and one that others can embrace is the data that provides a foundation for the ‘reason to believe’. Women who can use numbers to substantiate their ideas, have a better chance of being involved in organizational decision making.
This session is for women in, or exploring, careers in accounting, fundraising, strategy and data analysis.Co-sponsored by Bay Path University and The Alliance for Nonprofit Growth and Opportunity.

AUTHOR SIGNING/BOOK LAUNCH “TALK TO ME”
2016-12-03 13:00 - 15:00
Tumblehome Learning is very pleased to present the second edition of Sonia Ellis’ TALK TO ME, a middle-grade adventure about Sadina, a strong female protagonist who uses teamwork and engineering to solve a mystery and help her little sister overcome struggles with selective mutism.
Sonia Ellis is an author of middle grade and young adult fiction. She is a former chemical engineer who now haunts libraries, rescues stray dogs, and believes that every young person has the potential to save the world. Sonia lives in Massachusetts with two unruly dogs named Chase and Bleu.
The second edition of TALK TO ME (USD$9.95) has full color, new layout and supplemental materials. Meet the author on Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 1pm to 3pm, at Barnes & Noble, Holyoke (7 Holyoke St. Holyoke, MA 01040, tel: 413-532-3200).

FREE WEBINAR: Millennials as Managers
2016-11-30 12:00 - 13:00
Millennials are the organizational leaders of tomorrow. Research shows that companies with women leaders yield higher performing companies.
This webinar allows attendees to hear from Millennial managers about their experiences as organizational leaders early in their careers. They will share their stories of success, challenges and advice for those in new management positions or those looking to move from the front line to roles with more responsibility.
Co-sponsored by Bay Path University and The Alliance for Nonprofit Growth and Opportunity.

FREE WEBINAR Peer Problem Solving-Curiosity Before Solutions
2016-11-29 12:00 - 13:00
Participants will get a brief introduction on how to craft problems that are manageable to solve, how to ask questions that uncover the underpinnings of a situation, how to move from curiosity to solutions and how to commit to action. Session will be led by Dr. Stephen Brand, Executive Director of Global Learning and Development at Bay Path University.

U.S. Premiere Event of "The Answer" (which was filmed in the Valley)
2016-11-25 18:30 - 21:30
This Thanksgiving season, honor the men in your life by seeing a locally-made, award-winning film about them…and the friendships they have…
6:30pm: Red Carpet / Meet the Cast & Crew
7:30pm: Film
PLEASE JOIN OUR CAST AND CREW for the U.S. Premiere of “The Answer”, a film about friendship. Northampton was home base for the production, so local writer/director Wade Wofford wanted its U.S. Premiere to be in the community that made it possible. From Noho-based fundraising, to shooting on location in the area, the Pioneer Valley played a pivotal role to the making of the film. Winner of the Rising Star Award at Canada International Film Festival, this red-carpet event marks the first time the film will be shown on U.S. soil.
The Story:
Gavin loses his wife to a sudden car accident. He falls apart, and finds his teaching career in jeopardy. His younger brother Harry organizes five of Gavin’s closest friends from different eras of his life – and the ensemble sets off to hike a 60-mile leg of the Appalachian Trail. Personalities clash. These men, after all, have only one thing in common: their friendship to Gavin. As they get deeper into the forest, each man finds his own inner demons rising to the surface.
Trailer:
http://www.aomtheatre.com/event/the-answer-u-s-premiere/
Our cast and crew will be gussied up, but feel free to dress casually. Bring your mother, your cousins, your friends. This is a film filled with humanity to conclude your giving of thanks with art, humor and humanity.
Local Landmarks Featured in the film:
Smith College
UMass Amherst
South Street & Bridge Street Neighborhoods
Amherst Books
Pasta E Basta
Mount Tom
Czelusniak Funeral Home
…and featuring countless Pioneer Valley residents as extras!

Western Mass Business Expo
2016-11-03 09:00 - 17:30
Join us for this year’s Western Mass Business Expo!
The region’s best one-day business event! More than 150 exhibitors and 2,500 attendees are expected for a show that is packed with a number of special programs, speakers, and learning opportunities. Be a part of this incredible day!

Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016

Time: Show Floor OPEN 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. & Expo Social 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location: MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103

Cost: FREE ADMISSION with a Business Card

Show Parking – only at Civic Center Garage.

$7 to park. Come and go throughout the day.

http://springfieldparkingauthority.com/event/western-mass-business-expo/

Sheraton Springfield Hotel is offering a rate of $139 plus parking & taxes for exhibitors. Identify yourself as an exhibitor of the Western Mass Business Expo. Call 413-781-1010 by 10/16/16 for discounted reservations.

http://www.sheratonspringfield.com/

Baldrige Conference Can Help Your Organization Go From Average to Excellent
2016-11-03 07:00 - 16:15
Learn the stories of how award-winning organizations were able to become more competitive and effective at the “Charting the Path to Excellence” conference, offered by Partners in Performance Excellence. With many presenters who are Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipients, you will gain insights and ideas from diverse industries that you can apply right away. Our speakers represent the healthcare, banking, education and retail sectors, and their stories will inspire your own journey to performance excellence.
The conference will be held on November 3, 2016, from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Bryant University, Smithfield, RI. For registration information, including session descriptions and pricing, please visit www.partnerspex.org or email info@partnerspex.org.

Halloween Brew-Haha
2016-10-29 13:00 - 20:00
Kick off your Halloweekend with a spooky celebration at Fort Hill Brewery! Featuring:
*Live music by brewery band fave Tone.Wolf *Delicious food from Wheelhouse Farm Truck *Special cask offerings *Costume contest – 1st prize wins a $50 gift certificate to the brewery *More tricks and treats to come!
Free admission. Children under 21 allowed when accompanied by adults. Don’t forget your costume!

Poet Sandra Simmods to Give Reading at The Blue House
2016-10-25 19:00 - 21:00
The Blue House at the College of Our Lady of the Elms will host a reading by poet Sandra Simonds at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. A pre-reading reception with the poet will begin at 7 p.m. The Blue House is located at 147 Grape St.
Simonds is the author of five books of poetry: Further Problems with Pleasure, Steal It Back, The Sonnets, Mother Was a Tragic Girl, and Warsaw Bikini. Her poems have been included in the Best American Poetry anthologies in 2015 and 2014, and have appeared in many literary journals, including Poetry, the American Poetry Review, The Chicago Review, Granta, Boston Review, Ploughshares, Fence, Court Green, and Lana Turner.
Further Problems with Pleasure won the 2015 Akron Poetry Prize. In 2013, Simonds won a Readers’ Choice Award for her sonnet “Red Wand,” which was published on Poets.org, the Academy of American Poets website. She lives in Tallahassee, Fla., and is an assistant professor of English and Humanities at Thomas University in Thomasville, Ga.

Lectures Series: How to Leverage Technology to do More with Less
2016-06-15 07:15 - 09:00
Sponsored by Comcast Business
Join us and learn “How to Leverage Technology to do More with Less”
Influential minds in the field will talk about a topic that every business IT department is being forced to deal with:
• Increased demands to make changes to existing systems
• Increasing efficiency and improving security
• How budget restrictions impact IT
7:15 a.m. Registration
7:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast and Panel Discussion
RSVP by: Tuesday, June 7th
Register online at https://businesswest.com/lecture-series/lecture-series-wednesday-june-15-2016/
Complimentary Admission. Pre-Registration Required

A Night of Laughter
2016-04-30 17:00 - 22:00
Come join us for “A Night of Laughter,” featuring Chris Zito and Tony V – brought to you by Smith & Wesson! The proceeds from this wonderful evening full of fun and entertaining comedy benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House, both located in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Chris Zito has spent his entire adult life making people laugh all over the country. He became a mainstay of the Boston Comedy scene and made quite a few appearances on Comedy Central, USA Network, A&E and NESN. He has been listened to on a New England radio station for over 20 years, and currently Zito and Kera can be heard on weekday mornings on Mix 93.1 FM. His clean, funny and upbeat approach will have you constantly laughing out loud.
Tony V started his comedy career in 1982 in Boston. His street-wise humor and genuine feel for the human condition quickly got him the headliner status on the national comedy club circuit. In 1986 he was named “Funniest Person in Massachusetts” by Showtime television. He also had several performances on HBO, the Arts and Entertainment Network, Comedy Central and MTV. Tony’s big screen performances include State and Main, Celtic Pride, Housesitter, One Crazy Summer and Shakes the Clown.
Tickets are on sale now at a cost of $35 per person, which includes an evening of laughs, cash bar, raffles and more! Make sure to arrive early and enjoy the hot and cold hors d’oeurves. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:15 p.m.
To purchase tickets, please visit Eventbrite.

Leadership 2.0: The Art of the Shmooze
2016-03-29 17:30
This event held by Leadership Pioneer Valley featuring presenter Robbie Samuels, will teach the valuable skill of successful networking, and how to fix common pitfalls while connecting with potential partners, donors and collaborators.
The event will include dinner.

Loomis Lakeside -Open House
2016-03-19 10:00 - 14:00
Enjoy special creations prepared by our in-house chef. Tour new model apartments in both independent and assisted Living
RSVP to 413 355 5803

Visiting Writers Series: Glaser, Landman, Powers
2016-03-15 19:00 - 21:00
The Blue House at Elms College will present a reading by writers Rachel B. Glaser, Seth Landman and Ted Powers at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15. A reception will precede the event at 7 p.m. This free event will be held at the Blue House, located at 147 Grape St., and the public is invited.
Glaser studied painting at Rhode Island School of Design and fiction at UMass Amherst. Her books include the novel Paulina & Fran, the story collection Pee On Water and the poetry collection MOODS. Her work has appeared in journals including McSweeney’s and American Short Fiction, and in the anthologies 30 Under 30 and New American Stories. She lives in Northampton, Mass.
Landman is the author of Confidence (2015) and Sign You Were Mistaken (2013). His work can be found in Boston Review, iO, Jellyfish, Lit and elsewhere. He received his Ph.D. in creative writing and literature from the University of Denver (2013) and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts (2008).
Powers is the author of Please Light Up (2015). He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst MFA Program for Poets and Writers. He is a contributing editor for jubilat. He edits Basketball. His work can be found in Jellyfish, Big Lucks, Sixth Finch, Vinyl and elsewhere.

7th Annual Leprechaun Plunge
2016-03-13 10:30 - 15:00
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, teams of fearless individuals will take a chilly dive into the frigid waters of the Connecticut River at Brunelle’s Marina in South Hadley, Massachusetts, for the 7th Annual Leprechaun Plunge. Participants raise pledges for their selected charity in the weeks leading up to the event, and last year over $85,000 was raised to support Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield! Once the brave participants complete their task, they can warm up in a hot tub and enjoy a delicious Irish dinner, which includes raffles, music and fun for the whole family!
The Springfield Shriners Hospital is thrilled to yet again be one of the charities represented by the Leprechaun Plunge. Thank you to those who participate, plunge, pledge and cheer us on each year! GO TEAM SHRINERS!
To learn more about the Leprechaun Plunge, please visit: http://leprechaunplunge.org/

Successfully Starting Your Own Business
2016-03-08 18:00 - 21:00
HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Non-Credit Course Offering
Successfully Starting Your Own Business
Course Number: BUSN 001.51
CRN Number: 15046
Price $209.00
5 Tuesday sessions; Time: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Dates: Mar 8, Mar 15, Mar 22, Mar 29, April 5
Description: Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart…now learn what it takes. We’ll cover core issues of planning, legal structures, start-up, financing, marketing, advertising and building your venture. You’ll develop a business plan which will give you direction, focus, credibility and demonstrate to lenders that you’ve done your homework. Instructor David Litchfield is the owner of two wildly successful, large businesses and is a certified SCORE mentor.

"Selma" Film Screening
2016-02-29 19:00 - 21:00
In honor of Black History Month, the Elms College Office of Diversity and Inclusion will hold a free screening of the movie “Selma” at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, in the Alumnae Library Theater.
The Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning 2014 film, directed by Ava DuVernay and written by Paul Webb, is based on the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights marches: In 1965, James Bevel, Hosea Williams, Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis set out from Selma, Ala., marching toward the state capital of Montgomery. They were leading more than 600 peaceful protesters; their goal was to demonstrate the need for voting rights in Alabama. But as the protesters started across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, state troopers halted them with an attack so brutal it became known as Bloody Sunday. Worldwide media coverage, including broadcasts and published photographs of the attack, led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
