Page 22 - BusinessWest February 19, 2024

Introducing the FClass of 2024
or 16 years now, BusinessWest has been recog- nizing and celebrating the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through its Difference Makers program, with one goal in mind: to show the many ways one can, in fact, make a difference within their community.
The stories of the class of 2024, like the 15 cohorts before it, are all different, but the common thread is the passion and commitment exhibited by each honoree to improve quality of life for those in this region and make it a better place to live, work, and conduct business.
The stories that begin on page 6 are inspiring in many different ways, whether it’s Matt Bannister’s deep commitment to area nonprofits or Shannon Rudder’s lifelong pursuit of equity and access for all; whether it’s the work of Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin and the staff
of Rock 102 to fight hunger or the ways Delcie Bean and Scott Keiter use their business success to impact others; whether it’s Linda Dunlavy’s hard work on tough regional issues or the significant impact of Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players on the economic and cultural health of Western Mass.
We invite you to read these stories on the pages ahead. All of the 2024 Difference Makers have made an impact — real, tangible, often life-changing impact — in this region that we call home.
You can also help us celebrate the honorees in person on Thursday, April 10 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets cost $95 each, with reserved tables of 10-12 available. For more event details and to reserve tickets, visit businesswest.com/ difference-makers/difference-makers- tickets. or scan the QR Code:
Thank you to our sponsors — Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Keiter, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, the Royal Law Firm, and TommyCar Auto Group — for making this program possible.
Matt Bannister
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank Page A6
Delcie Bean
CEO, Paragus Strategic I.T.
Page A12
Scott Keiter
CEO, Keiter
Page A22
The Staff of Rock 102 Page 28
Linda Dunlavy
Executive Director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments
Page A15
Shannon Rudder
President and CEO, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services
Page A32
A2 2024
BusinessWest
Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin Co-founders, Feed the Kids Page A19
Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players Page A36