Page 38 - BusinessWest May 26, 2025

COMPANY NOTEBOOK>>
V-One Vodka Celebrates
20 Years in Business
HADLEY — V-One Vodka, the Polish vodka brand
founded by Paul Kozub, is proud to celebrate its
20th anniversary in 2025. From humble beginnings
in Kozub’s Massachusetts basement to becoming
internationally recognized, V-One has remained
committed to crafting the finest vodka using 100%
organic spelt grain. Over two decades, the brand
has expanded its reach across New England and
beyond, earning numerous awards and accolades
for its innovative flavors and dedication to quality.
The milestone highlights V-One’s journey from sell-
ing its first cases in 2005 to establishing a state-of-
the-art distillery in Kamień, Poland, which enables
full control over production and a capacity to scale
up to 1 million cases annually. As part of its commit-
ment to growth, V-One plans to continue expand-
ing into new states and countries, with a focus on
sharing its story and products with more consumers
worldwide. To mark the 20th anniversary, V-One
Vodka will host celebratory events across its key
markets later this year, featuring exclusive tastings
of its award-winning vodka flavors and opportuni-
ties for attendees to learn about the brand’s rich
history and innovative production process. In addi-
tion, Kozub is targeting new markets, such as Flori-
da and New York, in the coming months.
Mill Town Capital Drives
$132 Million in Economic Impact
PITTSFIELD — Impact investment platform Mill
Town Capital has delivered a total economic impact
of $132 million across Berkshire County from 2017
to 2023, according to a new independent analysis
by the UMass Donahue Institute (UMDI). The study
highlights how Mill Town’s investments in local
businesses, real estate, and infrastructure, along
with philanthropic programming, are generating
lasting economic impact and revitalization in the
region. Mill Town, founded in 2016 by Dave Mixer,
strives to improve quality of life in the community
through sustainable projects and investments. Using
the IMPLAN economic modeling system, UMDI
quantified the direct, indirect, and induced effects
of Mill Town’s activity. Key findings include $132
million in total economic impact, with $107.3 mil-
lion (81%) in Pittsfield alone; an economic multiplier
of 1.42, with every $100 generated by Mill Town
spurring an additional $42 in local economic activ-
ity; 672 workers connected to Mill Town activity in
2023, up from just three in 2017; and $5.1 million
in local tax revenues driven by investment and job
creation.
NextLevel Cowork Opens
New Space in Agawam
AGAWAM — NextLevel Cowork, a cutting-edge co-
working space, announced the opening of its new
co-working community. Located in the Industrial
Park in Agawam, NextLevel Cowork offers a range
of flexible workspaces designed to foster creativity,
collaboration, and growth for freelancers, entre-
preneurs, startups, and remote teams interested in
elevating their work experience. NextLevel Cowork
offers a variety of membership options, from open
desks to private offices, each thoughtfully designed
to create an optimal work environment that nur-
tures productivity and well-being. Features include
workspaces equipped with high-speed internet,
ergonomic furniture, modern meeting rooms,
and fully equipped conference areas and train-
ing rooms; community engagement opportunities
including member networking events, workshops,
and seminars designed to cultivate connection and
professional growth; and flexible membership plans
tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and
teams, with no long-term commitment required.
Lee Bank Foundation Awards
$69,800 in Latest Grant Cycle
LEE — The Lee Bank Foundation awarded $69,800
in grant funding to 13 Berkshire-based nonprofits
as part of its first funding cycle of 2025. This invest-
ment underscores the foundation’s ongoing com-
mitment to supporting programs that meet vital
community needs and promote equity and oppor-
tunity across the region. Grants range from $2,500
to $10,000 and support initiatives across a variety
of sectors, including education, economic develop-
ment, health services, and the arts. The 2025 first-
round grant recipients are Berkshire Coalition for
Suicide Prevention, Berkshire Community Diaper
Project, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative,
Berkshire Innovation Center, Berkshire Nursing
Families, Community Recreation Assoc., Construct,
Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Assoc., Hilltown Vil-
lage Inc. d/b/a It Takes a Village, Literacy Network of
South Berkshire, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center,
Sonrisas, and the Railroad Street Youth Project.
Florence Bank Supports
#GreenNFit Rebuild
FLORENCE — Florence Bank supported Revitalize
CDC’s 2025 #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild
event on April 26 with a $10,000 block sponsorship
and a record number of bank volunteers lending a
hand. For several years, the bank and its employees
have supported the organization and its mission to
improve homes, neighborhoods, and lives through
preservation, education, and community involve-
ment. Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer
Joe Kulig, a Revitalize CDC board member for more
than 25 years, and Nikki Gleason, vice president and
manager of the West Springfield branch, are house
captains for the bank’s project, inspiring other bank
employees to take part. On April 26, hundreds of
community volunteers made critical repairs and
modifications to the homes of low-income fami-
lies with children, elderly, military veterans, and
people with special needs in the Calhoun Park area
of Springfield’s North End. Fifteen Florence Bank
employees took part. Work included yard cleanup,
exterior painting, and fixing decks and stairs. Revi-
talize CDC was founded in 1992 as an all-volunteer
agency that raised roughly $40,000 each year and
assisted about five families annually. Today, it serves
more than 800 families a year with a $5 million
annual budget. Revitalize CDC serves Hampden,
Hampshire, and Franklin counties, with its primary
reach in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. The
goal of #GreenNFit is to make homes more energy-
efficient, safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.
Freedom Credit Union
Donations Support Nonprofits
SPRINGFIELD — Every month, Freedom Credit
Union collects donations for different charities as
part of its Month of Giving campaign. This year,
Freedom asked its members to nominate their
favorite charities as beneficiaries. During January,
February, and March, Freedom Credit Union col-
38 << DEPARTMENTS >>
MAY 26, 2025
lected and donated more than $2,738 to three local
organizations. In January, nearly $703 was raised for
the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. In
February, donations added up to more than $1,091
for the Foundation for TJO Animals in Springfield
and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter in
Turners Falls. In March, more than $944 went to
Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield.
Money collected through the end of May will sup-
port A Bed for Every Child, an organization that pro-
vides beds for children who don’t have appropriate
sleeping arrangements.
bankESB Supports Riverside
Industry’s Annual Auction
EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced its spon-
sorship of the Riverside Industries annual auction,
which took place on May 2. As part of a $15,000,
multi-year commitment to support Riverside’s mis-
sion of empowering people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, bankESB recently met
with representatives from Riverside to present them
with this year’s contribution. Riverside Industries’
annual auction is a cornerstone fundraising event
that directly supports essential services, vocational
training, and community programs that help indi-
viduals live more independent and fulfilling lives.
bankESB’s ongoing commitment underscores its
dedication to strengthening the communities it
serves. This year’s auction brought the community
together for an evening of celebration, generosity,
and connection, all while raising critical funds for a
meaningful cause.
Helix Human Services
Celebrates 160 Years
SPRINGFIELD — Helix Human Services, formerly
known as the Children’s Study Home, is celebrating
160 years of dedication to individuals and families
affected by trauma. Founded on April 27, 1865 in
the wake of the Civil War, Helix stands today as one
of the state’s oldest human services organizations
and as Springfield’s oldest nonprofit, anchored by
its enduring mission to help people find strength
in the face of adversity. From its beginnings as the
Springfield Home for Friendless Women and Chil-
dren, Helix was established by a visionary group of
women who saw the urgent need to support young
women emerging from incarceration and children
orphaned by war. What began as temporary shelter
became a lasting commitment to care — one that
grew with the help of community leaders and con-
tinues to evolve with the times. Today, Helix Human
Services provides a continuum of trauma-informed
care for children, youth, adults, and families across
Massachusetts. With core locations in Springfield,
Holyoke, Richmond, and Hyannis, Helix is best
known for supporting children and youth referred
by state agencies, while also expanding its impact
to include community-based adult and family
programs.
Holyoke Chicopee Springfield
Head Start Marks 60 Years
SPRINGFIELD — This month marks 60 years since
the inception of Head Start, the nation’s most com-
prehensive early-childhood education program.
Notebook
Continued on page 39 >>Business W est