Page 35 - BusinessWest September 1, 2025

COMPANY NOTEBOOK>>
Berkshire Hills Bancorp,
Brookline Bancorp Adopt
New Name After Merger
BOSTON — Berkshire Hills Bancorp and Brookline
Bancorp announced their merged entity will oper-
ate as Beacon Financial Corp. and Beacon Bank
following completion of their merger of equals
expected in the third quarter of 2025. The com-
bined holding company will trade on the New York
Stock Exchange under ticker symbol BBT. The legal
name of the merged bank will be Beacon Bank
& Trust, commonly referred to as Beacon Bank,
according to the press release statement. Paul Per-
rault, chairman and CEO of Brookline Bancorp, who
will serve as CEO of the combined company, said
the merger will create a financial institution with
local roots and a broad footprint. David Brunelle,
chairperson of Berkshire Hills Bancorp who will
continue as chairperson of the combined entity’s
board, added that the new name honors both
legacy institutions while looking toward the future.
The merger remains subject to regulatory approvals
and normal closing conditions. Berkshire Hills oper-
ates with $12.0 billion in assets and 83 branches,
while Brookline Bancorp holds $11.6 billion in assets
with locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and
New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. Following the
merger’s completion, customers will continue to be
served under the existing Berkshire Bank, Brookline
Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank brands
operating as divisions of Beacon Bank & Trust. The
companies plan a full transition to the Beacon Bank
brand alongside banking systems integration in the
first quarter of 2026. Both companies’ boards of
directors unanimously approved the Beacon Bank
name and logo design, which incorporates navy and
gold colors representing each institution’s legacy
branding.
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin
Named a Legacy Law Firm
SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.
announced its inclusion in Massachusetts Lawyers
Weekly’s first-ever “In the Lead: Legacy Law Firms”
list, honoring firms that have thrived for 25 years or
more while continuing to demonstrate excellence.
Founded in 1969 by former legal services attorneys,
the firm has established a strong regional presence
with 18 attorneys offering deep experience in busi-
ness planning, estate planning, commercial and
tax-exempt financing, real estate development and
permitting, litigation, bankruptcy, and more. Shatz,
Schwartz and Fentin represents individuals, family
enterprises, nonprofits, and multi-national busi-
nesses throughout Western New England and East-
ern New York. Known for its practical, cost-effective
approach, the firm frequently employs advanced
legal strategies, such as grantor-retained annuity
trusts and ESOP buyouts, to help clients achieve
their long-term goals. A hallmark of the firm has
been its work in government-assisted housing pro-
grams, not-for-profit law, and other complex regu-
latory matters, along with a commitment to serving
underserved communities. Each attorney actively
contributes to charitable and economic develop-
ment initiatives, reflecting the firm’s deep-rooted
connection to the region it serves.
Liberty Bank Foundation
Supports Revitalize CDC
SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize Community Develop-
ment Corp. (CDC) announced a $10,000 grant from
the Liberty Bank Foundation to support its annual
#GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild program. This
investment underscores Liberty Bank’s ongoing
commitment to building stronger, healthier com-
munities throughout Western Mass. and Con-
necticut. The #GreenNFit program brings together
volunteers, corporate partners, and community
organizations to repair and rehabilitate homes for
low-income families, veterans, seniors, and people
with disabilities, all in a single neighborhood over
the course of one day. In addition to this financial
contribution, Liberty Bank employees also roll up
their sleeves and volunteer at #GreenNFit events,
making a direct and lasting impact on the lives of
local residents. In addition to Liberty’s support of
Revitalize CDC, Dawn Creighton, Community Out-
reach officer at the bank, serves on Revitalize CDC’s
board of directors.
Farm Credit East Awards
$76,500 to Farmers Markets
ENFIELD, Conn. — In conjunction with National
Farmers Market Week, Farm Credit East announced
its recent awarding of $76,500 in small grants to 141
farmers markets and farmers market organizations
across the Northeast. Farm Credit East recognizes
that farmers markets are an important channel for
many of the region’s producers to distribute farm-
fresh produce to both rural and urban consumers.
Collectively, the farmers markets receiving grant
funds support more than 2,000 producers. The
recipient farmers markets will use grant funds to sup-
port marketing efforts, complete market enhance-
ments, or support participating farmers. Additionally,
many markets will use funds to improve access to
fresh, local food for those in underserved communi-
ties and supplement funds from programs such as
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Business W est MassMutual Foundation
Donates $275,000 to Nonprofits
SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Foundation has
awarded $275,000 to eligible nonprofit organiza-
tions across the U.S. through its annual Community
Service Award (CSA) program. These charitable con-
tributions — which include two $25,000 awards, 15
$10,000 awards, and 15 $5,000 awards — are given
in honor of financial professionals who demonstrate
outstanding commitment to nonprofit organiza-
tions in their local communities. Last year, partici-
pating financial professionals in the CSA program
donated more than 8,000 hours of service to non-
profit organizations across the country. One of this
year’s two $25,000 CSA donations is being awarded
to Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts in honor
of Jessica Holloway with the Jamrog Group. At
Girls on the Run, trained volunteer coaches lead
dynamic, research-based programs that combine
physical activity with critical life skill development.
Through fun, interactive lessons, participants build
confidence, set goals, and learn to manage emo-
tions while forming healthy friendships, preparing
them to thrive in school and beyond. More than
400 donations totaling more than $4.2 million have
been donated to nonprofit organizations through
the Community Service Award program since its
inception in 1997.
Country Bank Grants
$20,000 to Revitalize CDC
WARE — Country Bank recently continued its long-
time support of Revitalize Community Development
Corp. (CDC) with a $20,000 donation. Revitalize
performs free critical repairs, modifications, and
rehabilitation on the homes of low-income families
with children, the elderly, veterans, and individuals
with disabilities; helps bridge food insecurity gaps
through delivery of fresh foods; and positions com-
munity members toward healthier lives through
education and support for chronic conditions like
asthma and diabetes. Since its founding in 1992,
Revitalize CDC has served about 30,000 individuals,
investing more than $52 million into Western Mass.
Braman Acquires
Fusion Pest Management
AGAWAM — Braman Termite & Pest Elimination
announced its acquisition of Springfield-based
Fusion Pest Management, effective Aug. 1. This
strategic move marks a significant milestone in
Braman’s ongoing growth strategy. Fusion Pest
Management, also a family-owned company with a
strong residential expertise, brings a loyal customer
base and deep local roots to the Braman portfolio.
With this acquisition, Braman expands its residential
footprint by an estimated 10% in key suburban and
rural markets where Fusion had established a pres-
ence. Fusion customers can expect their service to
continue seamlessly, with no immediate changes to
pricing or agreements. During a brief transition peri-
od, clients may see both brand names in commu-
nications, but all services and correspondence will
ultimately be unified under the Braman brand. The
acquisition also supports Braman’s long-term oper-
ational goals by improving service efficiency and
expanding technician coverage. Fusion customers
can expect to benefit from Braman’s broader range
of services, including commercial pest control and
wildlife solutions.
People >>Continued from page 34
each year; Bob Perry, who, since retiring from
Myers Brothers Kalicka, has devoted his energy and
dedication to serving the Greater Springfield area
through the nonprofit he co-founded, Friends on a
Mission, and whose practical approach and genu-
ine commitment have made a meaningful impact
on the community; Ruth Griggs, the driving force
behind the Northampton Jazz Festival, reflecting
the broader impact she’s made since retiring from
her marketing firm and her ability to turn vision
into reality; Sabra Ramsdell, the driving force
behind the Springfield Rescue Mission and a tireless
advocate who sees the potential in everyone and
serves with heart, grace, and unwavering commit-
ment; the first caregiver recipient, Betty Alban, a
devoted mother, grandmother, and caregiver to her
97-year-old mother, as well as a lifelong teacher, an
unsung hero, and a story of resilience and strength;
and honorary recipient Rick Sullivan, chosen in
recognition of his 11 years as president and CEO
of the Western Massachusetts Economic Develop-
ment Council. The class of 2025 is being honored
on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at the Springfield Country
Club. To purchase tickets, visit glenmeadow.org/
age-of-excellence-awards.
<< DEPARTMENTS >>
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
35