Page 26 - BusinessWest February 20, 2023

Introducing the FClass of 2023
or 15 years now, BusinessWest has been recognizing 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 2023, like the 14 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 30 are sure to enlighten and also inspire others to find their own ways to make a difference.
These stories convey a desire to help others, go above and well beyond, and set the bar higher when it comes to what people can accomplish when they work together. That’s true whether we’re talking about Steve and Jean Graham, owners of Toner Plastics, or Claudia Pazmany and Gabrielle Gould, dynamic leaders in Amherst. Or Gary Rome, the charismatic local auto dealer recently named TIME magazine’s Dealer of the Year. Or Nate Costa, whose hockey team, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and his staff working behind the scenes are changing the dynamic in downtown Springfield and beyond. Or the Springfield Ballers, a nonprofit helping to get young people in the game.
You can read these stories and three others, all compelling, on the pages ahead. All of the 2023 Difference Makers have made an impact — real, tangible, often life-changing impact — in this region that we call home.
Please consider coming out to celebrate these honorees
in person on Thursday, April 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets cost $85 and can be ordered at businesswest.com. The sponsors for this year’s program are Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C., the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.
Go Online for more info:
https://businesswest.com/difference-makers
#DM23
Nathan Costa
President, Springfield Thunderbirds
Page 30
Steven and Jean Graham
Owners, Toner Plastics Group
Page 34
Claudia Pazmany
Executive Director, Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; Gabrielle Gould Executive Director, Amherst Business Improvement District
Page 45
Gary Rome
President and CEO, Gary Rome Auto Group Page 50
Helix Human Services
(Formerly the Children’s Study Home)
Page 38
Burns Maxey
Board President, CitySpace
Page 42
Springfield Ballers Page 57
Henry Thomas
President and CEO,
Urban League of
Springfield
Page 61
26 FEBRUARY 20, 2023
BusinessWest