Page 48 - BusinessWest February 7, 2022

Webber & Grinnell Insurance Joins Alera Group
NORTHAMPTON — Webber & Grinnell Insurance announced that it has joined a national network
of insurance agencies called the Alera Group. The Alera Group was formed by 24 agencies similar to Webber & Grinnell in 2017. Since then, it has added many others across the country and is now one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the U.S. Joining Alera allows Webber & Grinnell to tap into
Dietz & Co. Architects Designated as Emerging Professional Friendly Firm
SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Co. Architects Inc. has been designated by AIA New England as a 2021 Emerging Professional (EP) Friendly Firm. This program recog- nizes architecture firms that promote the advance- ment of emerging professionals through professional development and personal-growth opportunities. “Here at Dietz & Company, investing in the profes- sional growth of our staff is the foundation of our
Camby’s goal is to help open new markets throughout New England and beyond, as well as release his own portfolio of beer brewed by White Lion. “White Lion continues to expand its community reach,” President Ray Berry said. “We have a proven track record and incredible community partners like the Naismith Bas- ketball Hall of Fame, the AHL Springfield Thunder- birds, and MGM Springfield, to name a few. I remem- ber when Marcus electrified the region — just think- ing about it brings back so many great memories. He loves our brand and what it represents. We are very excited and think we have a game winner.” Added Camby, “I am extremely impressed by the brewery’s commitment to the community and its approach
to diversifying the craft-beer trade. I look forward to being a part of expanding the brand throughout the New England and Tri-State region. This is my home, and to be able to have a quality beer named after me, and be able to tell its story, is something I’m truly excited about.”
MassDevelopment Bond Boosts Springfield College Projects
Company Notebook
firm culture,” Principal Jason Newman said. “We want our people to achieve their per- sonal and professional goals, and we want them to feel sup- ported and encouraged as they
a wealth of best practices and insurance resources, enabling the company to better serve its diverse cli- entele. Examples include more insurance-carrier choices, the ability to converse with subject-matter experts, and having more resources to help hire and train employees. Joining Alera also provides a per- petuation plan for the agency. The agency’s staff and their roles are staying exactly the same, so clients will continue being serviced the same way they have been all along. Grinnell will also continue to lead the agency at the local level.
People
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Pathlight’s executive direc-
tor, Ruth Banta, announced her retirement after almost 20 years with the organization. Pathlight, established in 1952 and headquartered in Spring- field, is a pioneer in services for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the four
counties of Western Mass. Banta came to Pathlight in 2003 and served 14 years as its chief financial officer and vice president of Administration. She was named executive director in 2016. In her tenure as executive director, she has led Pathlight through a period of growth, as well as steering it through the rocky waters of a global pandemic. Some of the highlights of her tenure as director include revenue growth of 14% and 22% growth in net assets, leaving Pathlight in a strong financial position. Under her leadership, Pathlight created the first program in this part of the state to serve an individual in a community residence who needed full-time ventilator support. Pathlight also acquired 13.5 acres of previously state-owned land
to replace two antiquated community homes with three modern, five-bedroom homes for people with intellectual disabilities. The Milestones day program, located in Hadley, grew by 55%, while there was a 100% increase in adult services through Family Sup- port and Autism Connections. Banta also supported the development of an innovative sexuality and relationship curriculum through Whole Selves. Most recently, she oversaw the purchase of a new building in Northampton to house programs in Hampshire County, including Whole Children, Milestones, and Family Empowerment. She also supported infrastruc- ture developments for remote services and work, electronic health records, and online training.
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Country Bank announced that Jessica McGarry has been promoted to first vice president, team lead for its Commercial Lending division in the East. McGar-
pursue them. This philosophy not only builds the confidence and the skills of our team, it helps us keep them as well.” Dietz & Co. Architects has been award- ed this designation each year since 2019.
Hoops Star Marcus Camby Partners with White Lion
SPRINGFIELD — UMass and NBA star Marcus Camby has joined White Lion Brewing Co. in a stra- tegic partnership. White Lion currently distributes a small independent portfolio of artisan brands in Mas- sachusetts, primarily in the western part of the state.
ry, who joined Country Bank in 2017, has more than 20 years of experience in financial services focused on commercial lend- ing. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Nich- ols College, was a recipient of the Forty Under 40 designation in 2014 from Worcester Business Journal, and was a member of
the Leadership Worcester class of 2015-16. •••••
The Diocese of Springfield hired Jonathan Van Beaver
as the new director of Devel- opment. Van Beaver will be responsible for all diocesan fundraising efforts, including overseeing the Annual Catho- lic Appeal (ACA), which funds ministries that help the elderly; mothers and families in crisis;
the homeless; and youth. He will also oversee the Foundation Grants, which support Catholic schools, the Newman Catholic Center at UMass Amherst, and lay and social ministries. A graduate of Providence College and convert to Catholicism, Van Beaver most recently worked for Guidance in Giving, which pro- vides fundraising services to Catholic dioceses and schools nationwide. He has worked with the Diocese of Providence, helping to raise more than $2 million. He also helped the Diocese of Worcester, raising $6 million during the pandemic. In addition to working with the diocese, Van Beaver will assist parishes.
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Cheryl Malandrinos was installed as the 2022 presi- dent of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV ), a non- profit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The installation of officers and directors was held on Jan. 14 at the RAPV headquarters and was also livestreamed on
Facebook. Malandrinos started her professional real-
SPRINGFIELD — MassDevelopment has issued a $106,675,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Spring- field College,
which will
use proceeds Notebook Continued on page 49
estate career in 2014 and quickly became involved
in RAPV. She has served on the board of directors for three consecutive years and has been involved in sev- eral committees. The RAPV named her Realtor of the Year in 2019. In addition to her association involve- ment, she devotes her time to other community- outreach programs such as Rick’s Place in Wilbraham, Christina’s House in Springfield, and as treasurer
for WriteAngles Inc. The following individuals were installed as 2022 officers: Lori Beth Chase of LAER Realty Partners as president-elect, Arlene Castel- lano of Maria Acuna Real Estate as treasurer, Peter Ruffini of RE/MAX Connections as secretary, and Elias Acuna of Maria Acuna Real Estate as immedi- ate past president. Directors include Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates, Peter Davies of Borawski Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Luci Giguere of Landmark Realtors, Sharyn Jones of Executive Real Estate, Michelle Stegall of Property One, and Clinton Stone of Property One.
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The Loomis Communities announced that John Anz, for- mer director of Development and interim executive director for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), has joined Loomis as director of Develop- ment and Community Engage- ment. He will be responsible for fund development and
outreach to the three Loomis-affiliated senior-living communities: Applewood in Amherst, Loomis Vil- lage in South Hadley, and Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing in Springfield. Anz joined the SSO as Devel- opment director in 2019 and served as interim execu- tive director of the organization from April through December 2021. He has a 20-year career in develop- ment that includes independent schools, the YMCA, and music and the arts. Prior to joining the SSO, he worked as director of Development at Berkshire Hills Music Academy in South Hadley.
JESSICA MCGARRY
RUTH BANTA
JONATHAN VAN BEAVER
JOHN ANZ
CHERYL MALANDRINOS
48 FEBRUARY 7, 2022
DEPARTMENTS
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