Page 80 - BusinessWest April 27, 2026

COMPANY NOTEBOOK>>
Adams Community Bank,
Pittsfield Cooperative Bank
Announce Merger
ADAMS, PITTSFIELD — Julie Fallon Hughes, CEO of
Adams Community Bank, and Michael Daly, CEO
of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, announce that their
boards of directors have unanimously approved a
strategic merger estimated to be completed late
fall 2026. This combination reflects a strategic part-
nership between two community banks coming
together with a shared vision to better serve the
Berkshires. The combined institution will operate
as a mutual banking organization with approxi-
mately $1.5 billion in assets, nearly 200 employees,
and 15 full-service branches serving communities
throughout the county. The combined institution
will be positioned as a centrally located, locally
focused community bank dedicated to serving the
businesses, individuals, and families of the region. A
new name and brand are being developed to honor
the values, history, and distinct contributions of
both organizations. This merger of equals will bring
together two boards of directors, creating a unified
governance structure that represents both institu-
tions. The merged bank will retain Adams Com-
munity Bank’s mutual holding company, with the
current chairmen of each bank’s board of directors
— Jeffrey Grandchamp of Adams Community Bank
and John Martin of Pittsfield Cooperative Bank —
serving as co-chairs. Hughes will remain CEO. Exec-
utive leadership of the new institution will include
lifetime Berkshire residents Gregg Levante as presi-
dent and Andre Charbonneau as COO, working in
partnership to drive growth and long-term success
while aligning talent from both organizations and
maintaining strong regional insight. The merged
bank will locate its headquarters and a full-service
branch at 99 West St. in Pittsfield, a building recent-
ly purchased by Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Upon
completion, the combined institution will remain
a locally focused community bank with decisions
made in the Berkshires. The bank will continue to
invest in local businesses and nonprofit organiza-
tions to support its customers and communities. All
customer deposits will continue to be fully insured
through the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance
Fund. The merger is subject to customary state,
federal, and governance regulatory approvals. Addi-
tional details, including timing, branding updates,
and executive and senior leadership, will be shared
as the process moves forward. Nutter McClellan &
Fish LLP served as legal counsel for Adams Commu-
nity Bank. Luse Gorman, P.C. served as legal counsel
to Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. Piper Sandler pro-
vided strategic consulting for both institutions.
Hideaway Inns Launches
Third Property in Lenox
LENOX — Hideaway Inns announced the open-
ing of its third property, Hideaway Inn Lenox. This
property also marks the brand’s first franchise
agreement and the introduction of Hideaway Inns
into franchise partnerships. Developed by Hideaway
Inns and managed by Revival Hotels, the 24-room
hotel is the third property under the Hideaway Inns
brand, launching less than six months after the
company’s first opening in Mount Sunapee, N.H.
With several additional franchise opportunities
already in the works, Hideaway Inns plans to partner
with strong ownership groups to transform proper-
ties into thoughtfully designed, experience-driven
destinations. The brand prides itself on delivering
a hospitality experience that combines friction-
less technology, design-forward guest rooms, and
fun communal spaces in scenic regional destina-
tions. Located in the historic downtown of Lenox
and within walking distance to Tanglewood Music
Center, the hotel is well-positioned to serve leisure
travelers. The facility is powered by Revival Hotels’
proprietary Invisible Hospitality model, enabling
seamless direct-to-door check-in. Each guest
room is uniquely designed (no two are alike), and
comes equipped with a Hideaway-branded Crosley
record player, a rainfall showerhead, a white noise
machine, and amenities from La Bottega. The hotel
also offers access to the HI Innsider Guide, a mobile
app that serves as a personal concierge, provid-
ing curated recommendations, local insights, and
on-property information. The hotel offers a range
of shared spaces suitable for guests of all ages. The
living room includes a vinyl library, board games,
and a fireplace in a relaxed, BYOB-friendly setting.
The Hideout is a retreat for children, giving fami-
lies a chance to relax. The Commons offers indoor
recreation with ping pong, vintage game tables,
and foosball. Guests also have access to a compli-
mentary 24/7 specialty coffee bar, curated vending
machines, and a co-working space called Work
from Hideaway.
Beacon Bank Invests $2.6 Million
in Local Nonprofits in 2025
PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foun-
dation invested more than $2.6 million in its com-
munities in 2025 through grants to more than 650
nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont. “When we
support our communities close to home, the impact
is personal,” said James Morris IV, president of the
bank’s Berkshire & Capital Region. “Our charitable
giving reflects our belief that lasting change starts
locally, where it can make the greatest difference.”
Beacon Bank invests in the success and vibrancy
of its local communities by supporting programs
and organizations that focus on one of three areas:
neighborhood revitalization and preservation, edu-
cation, and critical services.
BFAIR, UCP Boards
Discuss Possible Merger
PITTSFIELD, NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR and UCP of
Western Massachusetts announced they are explor-
ing the possibility of a future merger. The organiza-
tions emphasize that no final decisions have been
made and that this process is in an exploratory
phase. Discussions formally began in June 2025,
with a shared goal of determining whether a com-
bined organization could strengthen services,
improve long-term sustainability, and enhance
impact across the region. Over the past eight
months, board members from both organizations
have participated in a structured and collaborative
process, supported by an external consultant, to
guide planning and evaluation. As part of the pro-
cess, both organizations conducted a comprehen-
sive due diligence review of operations, governance,
compliance, and risk. Financial records and assets
were also closely examined to better understand
opportunities and challenges. No significant con-
cerns were identified. Following this work, both
boards of directors approved and signed a non-
binding resolution of intent to merge, reflecting
36 << DEPARTMENTS >>
APRIL 27, 2026
a shared commitment to continue evaluating the
opportunity. Further updates will be shared as the
exploration continues.
TRE Olive Releases
Custom UMass Bottle
EAST LONGMEADOW — UMass Amherst alumni
and TRE Olive owners Joe and Michael Maruca
announced the new release of a custom UMass
500-mL bottle of extra virgin olive oil. The UMass
bottle features the award-winning TRE Olive Select,
a well-balanced extra virgin olive oil that is slightly
sharp and has a peppery finish. It’s made with 100%
Carolea olives that are selected when the olives are
perfect for making olive oil. The Maruca brothers
are UMass Amherst alumni, graduates of the Isen-
berg School of Management, and members of the
family behind TRE Olive, a business with deep roots
in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. For genera-
tions, their family has been producing high-quality
extra virgin olive oil, and in 2010, the TRE Olive
brand was launched in the U.S. TRE Olive’s UMass
bottle is available for purchase at the UMass campus
store, the TRE Olive store in East Longmeadow, and
online at www.treolive.com.
Hogan Technology Invited
to National Convention
EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology participated
in the 25th annual Technology Assurance Group
(TAG) Convention on April 26-28 in Las Vegas —
one of the technology industry’s premier events
focused on innovation, collaboration, and the
future of business technology. This year’s theme,
“AI: Embrace, Capitalize, Dominate, Profit,” reflects
a pivotal moment for business innovation. Artificial
intelligence is no longer a future concept — it is
actively reshaping how companies operate, serve
customers, and compete. For Hogan Technology,
attending this milestone event is about one thing:
bringing back real-world strategies and technolo-
gies that directly improve outcomes for customers.
Throughout the convention, Hogan Technology
participated and provided insight during sessions
focused on how AI can be applied across service
operations, cybersecurity, and internal workflows.
Berkshire Heart & Mind
Therapy Opening in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Heart & Mind Therapy
will host its grand opening and ribbon cutting on
Thursday, April 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. at its new office
located at 34 Depot St., Suite 303, Pittsfield. The
event is open to the public and will include a ribbon
cutting ceremony, tours of the new therapy space,
family-friendly activities, and opportunities to meet
Executive Director Colleen Passetto, a licensed
independent clinical social worker, and her team.
Light refreshments will be available. Berkshire Heart
& Mind Therapy is a group private practice offering
traumainformed, inclusive mental health services
for children, adolescents, teens, adults, and seniors.
The practice provides inperson therapy in Berkshire
County and telehealth services throughout Mas-
sachusetts, expanding access to care for individuals
and families statewide.
Business W est