Page 13 – BusinessWest

Amara Barbiero

SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley (PSRB) announced the appointment of Amara Barbiero as an associate attorney.

Barbiero graduated from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting prior to obtaining her juris doctorate from Western New England University (WNE) School of Law. As a law student, she was awarded the prestigious CALI Award in Workers’ Compensation, given to the highest-scoring student in each law-school class. She also worked as a clinician for the WNE Small Business Clinic in Springfield.

Barbiero spent four years working as a legal assistant in Connecticut before joining PSRB as a law clerk in 2021. That immersion into the practice of law has helped her develop an experience-based sensitivity to issues of equity and justice across diverse communities.

“I am excited to be a part of the PSRB family. The incredible breadth of experience of its attorneys and their team approach to helping injured people makes PSRB the type of firm that’s a perfect fit for me,” she said.

Barbiero is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and awaits her admission to the bars of Connecticut and New Jersey.

“We’re thrilled to have Amara in the firm. She is bright, enthusiastic, and possesses excellent people skills. She’s a terrific addition to PSRB,” Managing Partner Charles Casartello Jr. said.

AIC to Host Second Annual Pathway to Higher Education Forum Today

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Springfield community are invited to attend the second annual Parents as Partners on the Pathway to Higher Education forum, presented by American International College (AIC) in collaboration with the Coalition of Experienced Black Educators Inc. and the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership.

The event will be held today, Jan. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at AIC’s Schwartz Campus Center Auditorium, second floor, 1000 State St., Springfield.

The partnership between AIC and the two community groups is designed to empower parents to support their children’s academic success. At last year’s inaugural event, organized by state Rep. Bud Williams, many families gained valuable insights into how those who have navigated similar paths can greatly impact a young person’s future potential.

This year’s forum will provide a data-driven exploration of the pathway to college. AIC President Hubert Benitez, alongside educators and students, will share insights into how various factors from grades K-12 can shape a student’s journey toward higher education. Attendees will also have an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the higher-education process and the crucial role parents play in their children’s college experience.

The event is free to attend, there is no cost for parking, and dinner will be provided. Registration is strongly suggested by calling AIC at (413) 205-3201; however, walk-ins will be welcome.

Dean’s Beans CEO Named to International Women’s Coffee Alliance Board

ORANGE — Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Co. announced that its CEO, Beth Spong, has been appointed to serve on the board of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), a global organization dedicated to empowering women in the coffee industry, fostering gender equality, and promoting the inclusion of women at all levels of the coffee supply chain.

Now in its 20th year, IWCA is committed to creating an equitable coffee industry by empowering women in chapters serving 33 countries around the world through leadership development, strategic partnership, and amplified market visibility.

Spong brings a wealth of experience with nonprofit boards and a passion for promoting equity to her new role. Under her guidance, Dean’s Beans continues to be at the forefront of advocating for fair-trade practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility within the specialty coffee industry. As a board member, she will contribute her expertise to further IWCA’s mission and initiatives supporting women coffee farmers, exporters, importers, roasters, and entrepreneurs.

“IWCA is thrilled to welcome Beth to our board of directors,” said Sharon Riecher, IWCA board president. “Dean’s Beans has been a longtime supporter of IWCA, and Beth’s commitment to making a positive impact aligns perfectly with IWCA’s mission. Her insights and wealth of experience will be valuable in helping to guide IWCA toward achieving its goals.”

Added Spong, “it’s an honor to serve on the board of such an impactful organization. IWCA has a 20-year track record of empowering women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful work and sustainable incomes. Providing leadership training, technical assistance, and support to 33 chapters across the globe makes a big difference. Dean’s Beans is 100% aligned with IWCA’s vision and goals.”

Sen. Gomez Announces Grants for Apprenticeship Programs

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez recently joined the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) in announcing grant awards of $275,000 for the Hampden County Workforce Board and $128,239 for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board.

“Whether for trades, tech, healthcare, or finance, apprenticeships give people the opportunity to earn money while learning highly specialized skills,” Gomez said. “Although some apprenticeships can offer course credits for college, a higher education is not necessarily the path to success for everyone, so I am pleased to see these apprenticeship programs will serve as a viable alternative for Hampden County residents seeking jobs.”

These apprenticeship expansion and opportunity grants will support various healthcare apprenticeships in Western Mass., serving 55 apprentices for the Hampden County Workforce Board and covering operating costs for existing grants and 10 additional healthcare apprentices for the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. As part of EOLWD, the Division of Apprentice Standards administers this initiative to expand registered apprenticeships to priority industries, diversify the existing apprenticeship workforce, and enhance apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts as part of the Commonwealth’s apprenticeship expansion plan.

BusinessTalk with MiraVista Behavioral Health Center’s Shelley Zimmerman, hospital administrator, and Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development

By BusinessWest Staff January 29, 2024

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 198: January 29, 2024

Joe Interviews MiraVista Behavioral Health Center’s Shelley Zimmerman, hospital administrator, and Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development

Mental-health awareness is on the rise — partly because more people are willing to talk about it, and that’s a healthy development. But it’s also because the needs in society are greater too, even as we move further away from an isolating pandemic. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks to MiraVista Behavioral Health Center’s Shelley Zimmerman, hospital administrator, and Kimberley Lee, chief of Creative Strategy and Development, about what the Holyoke facility is doing these days to meet those needs, from reopening its renovated adolescent unit to supporting families in crisis and, yes, continuing to fight the stigma too-often associated with mental health. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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MCLA Professor Featured Among Top 10 Physics Breakthroughs of 2023

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA Physics Professor Emily Maher, one of 65 scientists in the MINERvA collaboration at Fermi National Accelerator Lab (Fermilab), has published work that has been chosen as one of the “Top 10 Physics Breakthroughs of 2023” in Physics World.

Over a 10-year span, the MINERvA detector recorded the interactions of neutrinos and antineutrinos, the antimatter partners of the neutrino. The physicists working on the MINERvA experiment used the data to make a groundbreaking new measurement, which was published last February in Nature.

“We work to uncover and understand nature’s smallest building blocks,” Maher said. “I am repeatedly amazed at how we use particle accelerators that span miles to shoot invisible particles at multi-story detectors to ‘see’ something as small as a proton. No human has even been able to make this measurement before, and I am delighted that this science is not merely interesting to specialists in my field, but also recognized by the larger world as a real contribution.”

To be featured on the list of physics breakthroughs, research must have been published within the last year, generate significant advances in knowledge or understanding, and show the importance of work for scientific progress and/or development of real-world applications.

The study, led by Tejin Cai at the University of Rochester in the U.S. and Canada’s York University, shows how information about the internal structure of a proton can be gleaned from neutrinos scattering from a plastic target. The team focused on isolating the signal from neutrinos scattered off lone protons within the background of those scattered off protons bound in carbon nuclei. Their innovative approach involved simulating and subtracting the carbon-scattered signal from experimental data. This provides insights into proton structure and enhances the understanding of how neutrinos interact with matter.

Maher has spent more than 20 years studying neutrinos. She began her work at Fermilab in 2000, studying the tau neutrino for her thesis work. This experiment, called DONuT (direct observation of nu tau), made the world’s first direct observation of the tau neutrino. Maher said she enjoys studying neutrinos because “neutrinos continually surprise us and point us to new physics.”

Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley Seeks Applications for Award, Scholarship

BELCHERTOWN — The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley is now accepting applications for the Young Women in Public Affairs Award and the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship.

Young women (ages 16-19) who have demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes are encouraged to apply for Zonta International’s Young Women in Public Affairs Award. The deadline is March 8. For details, visit www.zontaqv.org/scholarships.

Zonta International’s Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship is open to women of any age who are pursuing a business program at an accredited university, college, or institute with specialization in accounting, economics, finance, business management, business technology, information technology, marketing, operations management, human-resources management, international business, or entrepreneurship; demonstrate outstanding potential in the field; and are living or studying in a Zonta district/region. The deadline is June 15. For details, visit www.zontaqv.org/scholarships.

Real-estate Licensing Course Begins in March

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, March 4, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will host a 40-hour, 14-class sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Thursday, April 4.

Tuition is $425, including the book and materials. For an application, call (413) 785-1328 or visit www.rapv.com.

BusinessWest Calls for 40 Under Forty Nominations

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2023. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 16.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be as detailed and thorough as possible, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online at businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form.

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges, and the selected individuals will be announced and profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala in June. Event sponsorship opportunities are available.

Country Bank Appoints Mary McGovern President, Chief Operating Officer

Mary McGovern

WARE — The board of trustees of Country Bank announced the appointment of Mary McGovern as president and chief operating officer, effective April 1. She will oversee the bank’s operations and drive its strategic growth initiatives. Paul Scully, who has been the president and chief executive officer, will remain the CEO.

McGovern brings more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, making her a valuable asset to Country Bank. She holds degrees from Emmanuel College and Babson College, and her extensive knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in the bank’s success. Mary joined Country Bank in 2011 as its chief financial officer and has since been an esteemed member of the bank’s Leadership Group.

McGovern recently attended the American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) Wharton Leadership Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, earning an ABA Wharton Leadership Certificate. This accomplishment further solidifies her commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.

“We are thrilled to announce Mary’s appointment as the next president of Country Bank,” said James Phaneuf, board chair. “Mary’s proven track record, dedication, and strategic vision make her the ideal candidate for this role. We are especially proud to break the proverbial glass ceiling by appointing the first female president in Country Bank’s 174-year history.

“The board is confident that Mary’s leadership will drive the bank’s continued success and growth,” Phaneuf continued. “With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to excellence, Mary is poised to lead the bank into a new era of innovation and customer satisfaction while maintaining its position as one of the most highly capitalized financial institutions in the region.”

New England Public Media Promotes Elizabeth Román

SPRINGFIELD — New England Public Media (NEPM) promoted Elizabeth Román into the role of managing editor – daily and digital news. Although her title did not dramatically change, her responsibilities have evolved, and she will now take the lead on delivering daily news programming on the radio, NEPM’s website, and social-media channels.

“As a lifelong Springfield resident and Western Massachusetts native, I’m excited to continue working with our skilled news department to bring you even more stories that highlight the needs, concerns, and successes of the people living and working in this community,” she said.

Among those needs, Román is continuing to focus on expanding the diversity of sources in news coverage and opportunities to create more Spanish-language news content. As the daughter of Puerto Rican parents who migrated to Massachusetts more than 40 years ago, she has intended throughout her career as a journalist to provide accurate representation of communities of color in Western Mass. She has felt empowered to do this at NEPM, and in this new role, with the addition of supervisory responsibilities, she looks forward to sharing her expertise with other journalists.

Román is a graduate of Holyoke Community College and UMass Amherst. Prior to working at NEPM, she was a reporter at the Republican for almost two decades, edited El Pueblo Latino, co-founded Colectivo de Medios Latinos, and appeared as a panelist on NEPM’s “The Short List” and “Connecting Point.” She joined NEPM in 2022.

“I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since Elizabeth joined the NEPM news team,” said Sam Hudzik, NEPM news director. “She is a joy to work with and brought with her a high level of regional knowledge, local connections, and journalistic skill that’s helped NEPM fulfill its role as an essential news source for Western Mass. I’m so excited she’s moving into this new position, where she can further put her stamp on stories in NEPM’s newscasts and on our website.”

Bay Path University Recognized Among Top Online Women’s Colleges

LONGMEADOW — The American Women’s College (TAWC), Bay Path University’s online college for adult women, has been recognized by the business-media outlet Forbes as one of the top three online women’s colleges in the nation. The ranking cited TAWC’s strong retention rate and called out Bay Path’s WELL (We Empower Learners and Leaders) program, a three-course leadership curriculum unique to the college, designed to equip women with the leadership skills and experience to excel in any career path.

“We are excited to add this recognition to our growing list of accolades and achievements,” said Maura Devlin, dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation at Bay Path. “The American Women’s College takes an innovative, intentional approach to women’s education that’s designed around the realities faced by women who are looking to advance in their careers, while balancing a full work/life load. It’s a uniquely supportive and empowering educational experience that women thrive in.”

Forbes uses 16 data points to evaluate colleges in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience, and application process. Bay Path, along with Simmons College and Brenau University, made the top three.

“Currently, 74% of all college students have a non-traditional characteristic, meaning they work, have dependents, are transfer students, or are first-generation students. These situations make attending a traditional, four-year, residential college a challenging undertaking,” Devlin noted. “Bay Path was one of the first colleges to recognize this, and we created the American Women’s College to accommodate and support these learners.”

Teach Western Mass Awarded $950,000 to Expand Teacher Retention

SPRINGFIELD — Teach Western Mass (TWM) has won a $950,000, two-year grant from the Barr Foundation. This generous award will enable TWM to implement a new strategic vision and focus on strengthening and diversifying the local education workforce by licensing, supporting, and retaining powerful teachers reflective of their students’ life experiences and identities. Launched in 2016, Teach Western Mass is a nonprofit organization running a post-baccalaureate residency licensure program, approved by the state.

“We have thoughtfully spent the last six months redesigning our organization and our programming to better meet the needs of the 850+ teachers working in Western Mass. classrooms whose emergency licenses are set to expire this year,” said Pema Latshang, founding executive director of Teach Western Mass. “Now is the time to invest in the teachers who want to stay and are making a positive impact on our students using a culturally responsive approach.

“To do that, we need to create and implement pathways like the Teach Western Mass residency for our educators to move from emergency to more permanent licensure,” she went on. “If we don’t, we risk losing these teachers. Change can be expensive, and we are so appreciative of the Barr Foundation’s trust and support in our vision and leadership on this important issue at this pivotal time.”

This month, Teach Western Mass welcomed its first cohort of emergency licensed teachers to the newly redesigned residency program. Over the next 18 months, residents will earn their initial license in either English learner education or moderate disabilities – special education. Residents currently teach in Holyoke Public Schools, the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, or Libertas Academy Charter School. They were selected by both TWM and their school leaders.

“The Barr Foundation is excited to continue to learn alongside Teach Western Mass as they work with partner schools to support, develop, and license diverse early-career educators ready to equip students to lead the life they dream,” said John Travis, senior program officer at the Barr Foundation.

Springfield Chamber Players Launches Education, Outreach Concerts

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Chamber Players (formerly MOSSO) announced the inauguration of a new program to bring education and outreach programs into the community.

According to Beth Welty, chair of Springfield Chamber Players, Quartetto Mosso (using the Italian term mosso, for moving rapidly forward) performed an educational concert at Berkshire School in Sheffield in early January. This performance will be repeated at the Community Music School of Springfield, 127 State St., Springfield on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. The concert, like the January performance, is free to the public.

In Springfield, Quartetto Mosso will perform William Grant Still’s “Lyric Quartette,” Florence Price’s “String Quartet No. 1 in G Major,” and Antonin Dvorak’s “String Quartet No. 12, Opus 96, American.”

“This program introduces audiences to a variety of classical music genres and styles, and we hope to bring this program to schools, senior centers, assisted-living facilities, and other venues,” Welty said.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra musicians performing with the Springfield Chamber Players’ Quartetto Mosso include violinists Welty and Ronald Gorevic, violist Carol Hutter, and cellist Yoonhee Ko.

To book a Springfield Chamber Players education or outreach program, contact Welty at (339) 368-2996 or [email protected].

Braman Termite & Pest Elimination Promotes John McCarthy to Sales Director

AGAWAM — Braman Termite & Pest Elimination, a family-owned and operated business serving residential and commercial customers across Southern New England since 1890, announced the promotion of John McCarthy from account manager to sales director.

“John has been with us for over a year now and quickly proved himself ready for additional responsibilities,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. “With his extensive experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, he’s the perfect choice to lead our sales team.”

In his new role, McCarthy is directly responsible for leading and developing Braman’s sales team while cultivating customer relationships for long-term customer satisfaction and growth. This includes developing long-range sales goals and objectives, as well as sales plans and tactics to meet and exceed those goals.

McCarthy joined the Braman team in 2022 with 22 years of experience in a variety of leadership roles within the pest-control industry, including sales and service manager, branch manager, and district manager. He is a member of the National Pest Management Assoc.

Country Bank Donates $10,000 to Quaboag Valley CDC

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. (QVCDC) to support various programs to help local communities in the region.

“The Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation is grateful for this generous donation from Country Bank,” said Melissa Fales, QVCDC executive director. “We appreciate Country Bank’s support for our initiatives and its investment in the economic growth and stability of the Quaboag Region.”

To learn more about the various support programs the QVCDC offers, visit www.qvcdc.org.

MassDevelopment Issues Bond for MHA Headquarters Project

CHICOPEE — MassDevelopment has issued a $6,543,000 tax-exempt bond on behalf of Mental Health Assoc. Inc. (MHA), which will use the proceeds to buy and renovate a 78,378-square-foot building at 350 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee, where it will relocate its headquarters from Springfield and house its mental-health programs and residential and support services.

The building originally housed the Charles River West Psychiatric Hospital and most recently served as the MassMutual Learning and Conference Center. The move will allow MHA to keep pace with growth and locate its staff in one office.

Renovations to the building will include interior wall reconfiguration, office construction, HVAC and sprinkler-system updates, added reception-area security, and painting, flooring, and information systems improvements. Construction began in November and is expected to be complete by February 2024. MHA expects to create 45 full-time jobs and 20 part-time jobs over the next three years. Florence Bank purchased the tax-exempt bond, which helped MHA achieve a lower cost of capital.

“Mental Health Association Inc. will soon be able to seamlessly transition its headquarters and programs into a renovated space in the gateway city of Chicopee, expand services for the community, and create dozens of new jobs,” MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera said. “Access to mental healthcare is an essential part of helping people thrive personally and professionally, and this leading nonprofit has a long history of delivering services for individuals and families across Western Massachusetts.”

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity added that “we were pleased to partner with MassDevelopment on the purchase of a $6.5 million tax-exempt bond to assist Mental Health Association Inc. with the purchase and renovation of a 78,000-square-foot building in Chicopee that will serve as their new headquarters. Mental Health Association is a longtime and highly valued customer who plays a pivotal role in providing behavioral-health services in the communities we serve.”

Founded in 1960, MHA provides access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities, and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming; and more. MHA serves more than 3,000 people, from ages 5 to 90, each year.

“We are thrilled to announce our move to this new facility,” MHA President and CEO Cheryl Fasano said. “This move represents a significant investment in our mission and demonstrates our commitment to providing quality services to the people in our care.”

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Announces New CEO

HOLYOKE, WORCESTER — Following an extensive and thorough search process, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts announced the appointment of Theresa Lynn as its new CEO.

Lynn brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, having most recently served as senior vice president of the United Way of Central Massachusetts, where she focused on fundraising, communications, and some large grant-making opportunities. Her dedication to community engagement is evident through her roles as executive director for Back on My Feet, addressing homelessness and job insecurity in Boston, and executive director for ReadBoston for 14 years. She currently serves as a board member for the Worcester Education Collaborative and BioBuilder Education Foundation.

“I’ve long been a fan of Girl Scouts’ legacy experiences — from outdoor adventure to the iconic cookie program — and an admirer of the cutting-edge STEM initiatives that create one-of-a-kind experiences,” Lynn said. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts and work alongside the staff, adult volunteers, and community supporters who are deeply committed to serving today’s members in exciting, future-focused ways, because the need for female leadership has never been greater.”

Lynn holds a master of public administration degree from the Harvard Kennedy School, an MBA from Boston University, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of Holy Cross. Her contributions in the community have been recognized by the Boston Celtics, who presented her with a Heroes Among Us award, and by the Boston Business Journal, which acknowledged her as a Top 40 Under 40 leader in Boston.

“We are so proud to welcome Theresa to the Girl Scouts family,” said Nicole Messier, GSCWM board chair. “Her proven leadership, innovative vision, and unwavering commitment to empowering young people align seamlessly with the values that define our organization. We are confident that, under her guidance, GSCWM will continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of leaders.

“We’re thankful to the search committee for their diligence in selecting a leader who shares our commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for the members we serve,” Messier continued. “We look forward to the positive impact Theresa will undoubtedly make as she leads us in fulfilling our mission of developing girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Commits $10,000 to Victoria Bismark Farm Project

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced a $10,000 sponsorship of Habitat for Humanity’s Victoria Bismark Farm project. This initiative will see the construction of three single-family homes on Burts Pit Road in Northampton, which will be built by hundreds of community volunteers alongside three future homebuyers with low income.

“At Greenfield Cooperative Bank, we believe in the power of homeownership to build strong communities,” said Tony Worden, president and CEO of GCB. “The Victoria Bismark Farm project embodies this principle perfectly, offering families a chance to achieve stability, prosperity, and a sense of belonging within the Northampton community.”

Jane Wolfe, executive vice president of Residential Lending, added that “we are honored to contribute to this impactful project and look forward to witnessing the positive transformation it will bring to these families and the neighborhood.”

The Victoria Bismark Farm project aligns with GCB’s core values of community engagement and financial empowerment. By sponsoring this project, GCB hopes to make a lasting difference in the lives of local families while demonstrating its dedication to building a brighter future for Western Mass.

“The housing crisis is real and happening now. Habitat’s response can only succeed with the help of strong community partners,” said Megan McDonough, executive director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. “We are grateful to Greenfield and Northampton Cooperative Bank for joining us in creating three opportunities for affordable homeownership for local families with low incomes who are ready to make their dreams of owning a home a reality.”

State Launches Inaugural Funding for Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) launched the Immediate Needs Grant Program, which will provide financial assistance from the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund. The first of its kind in Massachusetts, this new grant program will make financial assistance available for cannabis entrepreneurs from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement. The program aims to increase equity and opportunity within state’s regulated marijuana industry.

This inaugural funding round will make $2.3 million available to support qualified cannabis business license holders with urgent financial needs. It will be the first of several programs, which will launch as additional resources become available in the trust fund.

“The Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund was created to ensure that communities that have been disproportionately harmed by marijuana regulations have an equal opportunity to engage in this new industry,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “The programs enabled by this fund highlight our commitment to supporting social-equity businesses and will help strengthen the industry and our economy.”

The Legislature enacted the enabling law for this program in August 2022. As part of the FY 2023 closeout supplemental budget enacted in November 2023, the Healey-Driscoll administration partnered with the Legislature to resolve technical issues affecting the funding mechanism.

EOED is charged with administering the fund in consultation with the Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board. The board met five times in 2023 to help inform trust-fund regulations and program development.

“For the past year, I’ve had the honor of working alongside my fellow board members to educate, advise, and discuss the important, strategic, and beneficial topics and areas that we believed should be captured in regulating the fund and application process,” said Keisha Brice, chair of the Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board.

“The Social Equity Trust Fund will play a crucial role in upholding the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ promise to support people and communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs,” she went on. “In partnership with the EOED, I believe what we have drafted is a reflection of a fair process that is equitable, commits to our fiduciary responsibilities, and still allows room for growth as the industry evolves and we learn from this initial process. I look forward to our ongoing commitment to making an impact on what social equity in cannabis looks like in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and I encourage everyone to continue advocating for change as there’s more work to be done.”

Added state Sen. Adam Gomez, “as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy, I recognize the importance of reframing the narrative around cannabis policy in the Commonwealth. Despite being a fairly new industry, the upsides of the cannabis market are evidenced by the state’s tax revenue and the thousands of families who have a newfound hope after choosing cannabidiol as an alternative. Now our focus must be on acknowledging the lack of representation in the marijuana industry by the very people who were disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement. The launch of the inaugural round of the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund is encouraging news as the fund will seek to right many wrongs.”

Big Y Picks Up Three New Supermarket Locations, One Gas and Convenience Store

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire the leasehold interests for three supermarket locations within the chain’s marketing area. These locations are 290 Turnpike Road in Westborough, 1076 Post Road East in Westport, Conn., and 14 Candlewood Lake Road in Brookfield, Conn.

“All of us at Big Y are excited about the opportunity to enter into these communities with our unique fresh and local foods along with our exceptional and knowledgeable employees,” Big Y president and CEO Michael D’Amour said. “These locations fit nicely within our current store footprint.”

Each location has been carefully scrutinized by Big Y teams in order to assess how soon they can take over these spaces to convert and remodel them into Big Y supermarkets, which could start as early as within four to six months, depending upon equipment lead times. These new locations tie in with Big Y’s current growth strategy, which includes a new supermarket currently under construction in Middletown, Conn. and one that is planned for Uxbridge. In all, these locations will bring Big Y’s total number of supermarkets to 77 stores.

Big Y also announced it is acquiring a gas and convenience store at 342 Washington Ave. in North Haven, Conn., across the street from the Big Y supermarket there. This location will mark the chain’s 18th Big Y Express.

The Markens Group Earns 2023 Great Place to Work Certification

SPRINGFIELD — The Markens Group Inc. (TMG) has been certfied by Great Place to Work for the ninth consecutive year. The award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at TMG. This year, 95% of employees said it’s a great place to work — 50% higher than the average U.S. company.

Great Place to Work is a global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

“Great Place to Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of Global Recognition at Great Place to Work. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that the Markens Group stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

Emily Leonczyk, executive vice president of the Markens Group, added that “it’s more than just a title to us. We owe our continued growth to our dedicated team at TMG, and we honor that our culture reflects the heart and talents of each team member. This designation represents a commitment to growth, leaning into challenges together, and creating a community that empowers our team both personally and professionally. I am so proud of our team and the effort required to earn this recognition. We don’t always get it right, but we’re all committed to learning and growing together. We believe that focusing on delivering a positive experience for our teammates also stimulates our productivity and overall collaboration, allowing us to provide the best service to our association clients.”

According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are four and a half times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits, and have a fair chance at promotion.

According to the Trust Index survey taken by the staff, many noted the company ‘fundamentals’ — a set of valued behaviors within TMG — are one of the biggest reasons employees enjoy working at the Markens Group. “Having been in business for over 35 years, we continuously evaluate our in-place work-culture practices to gauge their effects on our team accurately, and as a result, I’m proud to say that our fundamentals have remained a stable piece of TMG culture,” said Ben Markens, president and CEO of the Markens Group. “The mission of the Great Place to Work certification is to help every place become a great place to work for all, and the Markens Group commends this goal to the fullest.”

Bay Path Receives National Security Agency Approval for MS Degree in Cybersecurity

LONGMEADOW — The master of science degree in cybersecurity at Bay Path University has received a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Program of Study Validation from the National Security Agency (NSA). This designation extends through 2028.

The Program of Study Validation confirms that the MS in cybersecurity program has met the rigorous academic standards set by the NSA in curriculum, faculty qualifications, and commitment to continuous improvement.

“The NSA Program of Study Validation for our MS in cybersecurity degree speaks directly to the quality of courses and the experiences we provide to our students,” said Thomas Loper, associate provost and dean of the School of Management and Technology at Bay Path. “We are particularly excited to partner with the Union Station/Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, where CyberTrust Massachusetts will offer to the region and the Commonwealth access to a globally recognized cyber range, a simulation-based platform of technology and networks that offers hands-on, all-in-one training and experiences for beginners to experts to build knowledge and confidence; a security operations center (SOC) for our municipalities; and paid internships for cyber students at the SOC, among other initiatives planned at this state-of-the-art facility.”

In January 2022, Bay Path’s BS in cybersecurity: digital forensics & incident response received Program of Study Validation from the NSA. One month later, the university was designated as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense, resulting in cyber programs at the graduate and undergraduate level earning this recognition.

With the launch of the MS in cybersecurity in 2012, Bay Path was one of the first institutions of higher education and the first women’s college to establish cyber programs that address the critical need for women and diverse candidates for the cyber talent pipeline. According to Statista, there are currently more than 20,000 job openings in Massachusetts for the cybersecurity profession.

Sen. Gomez Announces Grant for Springfield Public Schools

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez joined the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Monday in announcing a grant award of $20,000 for the Springfield Public Schools as part of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY 2024 Strengthening Family-School Partnership Grant.

Having served as Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities last session, Gomez had this to say on the grant: “I am pleased to see the release of these funds to the Springfield Public School system, where they may be used to strengthen our response to issues at home and facilitate better results in the classroom. Home and community life play a large role in academic performance, and this grant reflects the administration’s attention to these issues and willingness to provide the needed resources to strengthen engagement.”

The Strengthening Family-School Partnership grant aims to allow school and districts leaders to make a clear and transparent commitment to equitable family engagement. School and district leaders will encourage school staff and families to build and strengthen authentic and trusted relationships, bringing families and educators together for dual capacity building while leveraging the strengths of both.

Tighe & Bond Names Bill Mertz Transportation Business Line Leader

WESTFIELD — Bill Mertz has been appointed Tighe & Bond’s next Transportation Business Line leader.

Mertz joined the firm in 2023 with the acquisition of WorldTech Engineering. He has nearly 30 years of experience on a wide variety of roadway, bridge, transportation, and utility infrastructure projects. Throughout his career, he has overseen the financial performance, project management, and technical delivery of transportation and infrastructure projects. Additionally, he has worked on notable projects for state agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and MassDOT, as well as local communities throughout New England.

Mertz is based out of Tighe & Bond’s Woburn office. Outside of work, he serves as a member of the American Public Works Assoc. and the American Society of Civil Engineers, as well as local boards.

BusinessTalk with Elms College President Harry Dumay

Business Talk Podcast

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 197: January 22, 2024

BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks to Elms College President Harry Dumay

Colleges and universities have had to deal with a host of challenges in recent years, from demographic pressures on enrollment numbers to recovery from a pandemic that challenged the main role of colleges: delivering access to quality education. Elms College has emerged from those years on a mission: to reshape its strategic plan, launch a capital campaign to help implement it, and better prepare students for a changing work world. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar talks to Elms College President Harry Dumay about these developments, as well as an intriguing regional higher-ed partnership with Springfield Public Schools to improve literacy in area kids. It’s must listening, so tune in to BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

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Fuss & O’Neill Announces Strategic Growth Partnership with Trilon Group

SPRINGFIELD — Civil and environmental engineering firm Fuss & O’Neill announced a strategic partnership with Trilon Group, a family of infrastructure consulting businesses. The partnership gives Fuss & O’Neill additional capital and resources to expand its services and markets in the Northeast, while better serving its clients.

Founded in 1924, Fuss & O’Neill is a leading provider of engineering services, with offices in each New England state and New York.

“Fuss & O’Neill’s strategic growth goals can be better achieved with a strong, well-resourced partner that shares our core beliefs, culture, and vision,” CEO Kevin Grigg said. “Our organizations share a close alignment on many important items, such as shaping career paths for our employees, serving clients, and setting ambitious growth targets, while committing the time, resources, and hard work to make them happen.

“What resonated with us is Trilon’s shared business approach with Fuss & O’Neill,” Grigg continued. “Partnering with Trilon serves as a pathway to drive our firm into the next century of design and technology, all the while upholding our core values and reinforcing our respected, 100-year-old brand.”

Fuss & O’Neill was selected by Trilon Group to be a part of the company’s vision to build the next top-10 design firm in North America. Trilon will support Fuss & O’Neill to accelerate the growth and careers of its employees with additional investment in talent, technology, and targeted mergers and acquisitions.

“Trilon looks to partner with firms that provide infrastructure solutions to address complex challenges of sustainability, resiliency, social equity, and constructability,” said Mick Renshaw, CEO of Trilon. “It’s hard to find a partner that better fits that description than Fuss & O’Neill. Trilon is excited by Fuss & O’Neill’s committed mission, its deep expertise, and its track record of impact on the communities it serves.”

Employment-law Breakfast Briefing to Discuss Wage-and-hour Developments

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. will host a breakfast briefing on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel in Springfield. Attorneys from the firm will discuss strategies for defending and avoiding costly wage-and-hour lawsuits.

The briefing, titled “Wage and Hour Law Update: Navigating 2024 and Beyond,” will highlight recent significant state and federal cases involving wage-and-hour issues; the proposed salary increase to the ‘white-collar’ overtime exemption minimum salary threshold and the impact of the proposed changes; common mistakes by employers; and suggested action steps for businesses, including the use of arbitration agreements.

The cost for the briefing is $35 per person, which includes a continental breakfast and parking. For more information or to register, click here or email [email protected] with the attendee’s name and company.

Health New England Appoints Two New Vice Presidents

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England announced the recent appointment of two vice presidents: Sarah Morgan, vice president of Human Resources, and Shawn Thamert, vice president of Sales and chief growth officer.

Sarah Morgan

Morgan has been promoted from within the organization, where she had been serving as director of Human Resources since 2021. In her new role as vice president of Human Resources, she leads and oversees Health New England’s human-capital and organizational-development operations, ensuring that business strategies, plans, and initiatives are developed and implemented in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies, and procedures. She is also responsible for identifying and implementing long-range strategic talent management goals.

Morgan joined Health New England in 2019 as assistant general counsel. She was previously a litigation associate at Bulkley Richardson in Springfield. Morgan is a graduate of UMass Amherst and earned her juris doctor degree from the Western New England University School of Law. She is currently a master’s-degree candidate in diversity, equity, inclusion & justice leadership at Tufts University.

“We are thrilled to promote Sarah to the role of vice president,” said Richard Swift, president and CEO of Health New England. “Since joining the HR team, she has been recognized for her important work leading the development of our COVID response plans and managing the transition of Health New England to a mostly remote workplace. Sarah has long championed our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs for our more than 400 associates, and she is committed to advancing health equity and social justice within the communities we serve.”

As vice president, Thamert is responsible for the strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for all sales, product-development, and marketing programs, including the Medicare line of business. He is also responsible for Health New England’s partnerships with brokers, employer groups, and community nonprofit organizations.

Shawn Thamert

Thamert joined Health New England as interim vice president, Sales and Marketing, in February 2023. Since then, he has focused on strategic membership growth across all lines of business. He has nearly 25 years of healthcare leadership experience, including as vice president, Market Development for Commonwealth Care Alliance, as well as senior sales positions with MultiPlan, Geisinger Health System, Jackson Health System, Humana, Highmark, and Coventry. He received his bachelor’s degree from Penn State University.

“We are excited to welcome Shawn to this position of vice president and chief growth officer,” Swift said. “As we look to 2024 and beyond, Shawn will serve an important role in strengthening our strategic growth potential in the market. We look forward to his collaborative leadership and the continued success of our commercial and Medicare lines of business so we can continue to uphold our commitment to our employer groups and members and deliver on our mission to improve the health and lives of the people in our communities.”

Morgan and Thamert are members of Health New England’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to Swift, and they join the Baystate Health leadership team as part of the health system.

bankESB Donates $50,000 to United Way

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB and its employees recently donated $50,000 to the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region.

Employees pledged nearly $23,000 of their own funds in the bank’s United Way workplace campaign. Combined with the bank’s dollar-for-dollar match and additional corporate contribution, the campaign total of $50,000 will be donated to the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region. The campaign lets employees donate and direct funds, advocating for causes that are most important to them.

As a longtime contributor, the bank and its employees have donated more than $690,000 to United Way organizations in Western Mass. over the last 12 years. The United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that serves residents through its own programs and services as well as those of its partner agencies. The organization works to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.

“bankESB and our employees are proud to support the United Way in its mission to unlock the full potential of our friends, neighbors, and communities in need throughout Western Massachusetts,” bankESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik said.

PeoplesBank Announces $1.6 Million in 2023 Donations to Local Causes

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced its final total for 2023 philanthropic grants to area nonprofits and causes was $1.6 million, for a cumulative total of $14 million over the past decade.

“Community support, whether it be financial support or volunteer efforts from our associates, is in our DNA and is a large part of both the mission of the bank and a competitive differentiator for us, both in serving our customers and communities and also in attracting and retaining associates who want to be part of an organization with such a commitment,” explained Brian Canina, president and COO of PeoplesBank. “We are a mutual bank, chartered to serve our customers and the communities they live in. As a mutual bank, we do not have stockholders who would divert profits. Therefore, we are able to significantly support nonprofits and other community causes.”

Canina added that, as a large regional employer whose values include community service, PeoplesBank is able to increase its support to the community and social-service organizations through volunteerism. “We have a lot of talent in our organization, and because of that, we have a significant presence on area nonprofit boards of directors. We also look for opportunities to roll up our sleeves and serve, and we spend thousands of hours each year doing that.”

The $1.6 million was donated to more than 550 area nonprofits, making the average grant just under $3,000. With a philosophy of giving a little to a lot of groups, PeoplesBank is able to support a wide variety of causes, although most are within the bank’s funding focus areas of housing, food insecurity, literacy, economic development, and social services.

More information on PeoplesBank corporate responsibility and how to apply for a donation, including a link to the 2024 grant application, can be found at www.bankatpeoples.com/community.

Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley Installs 2024 Leadership

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Ruffini was installed as the 2024 president of the Realtor Assooc. of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association with more than 1,800 members. The 108th annual installation of officers and directors was held on Jan. 11 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.

A Realtor since 1996, Ruffini is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Connections and has made a long-term commitment to RAPV and the Realtor family. Since 2021, he has served on the local board of directors at RAPV, including as secretary in 2022 and treasurer in 2023. He is involved in several committees at the association, including the government affairs, mediator & ombudsman, professional standards, bylaws & policy task force, and finance. The RAPV named him Realtor of the Year in 2015 and 2021.

Ruffini served as president of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors (MAR) in 2014. In addition to serving in leadership, he has been a member of the MAR board of directors since 2006. He received the MAR Private Property Rights Award in 2019 and the MAR Milton H. Shaw Distinguished Service Award in 2020. He also currently serves as chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons and holds 11 professional designations and certifications.

The following individuals were installed as 2024 officers: Sue Drumm of Coldwell Banker Realty as president-elect, Brenda Cuoco of Brenda Cuoco & Associates Real Estate Brokerage as treasurer, and Lori Beth Betterton of LAER Realty Partners as immediate past president. Directors include Carrie Blair of Keller Williams Realty, Shawn Bowman of Trademark Real Estate, Janise Fitzpatrick of Jones Group Realtors, Judy Nevarez of BHH Realty Professionals, Kelly Page of Trademark Real Estate, Erica Swallow of Coldwell Banker Realty – Western MA, Jennifer Tetreault of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Realty Professionals, Don Thompson of NextHome Elite Realty, and Vinny Walsh of Coldwell Banker Realty – Western MA.

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Victor Rodriguez Sr.

Victor Rodriguez Sr.

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced the appointment of Victor Rodriguez Sr. as assistant vice president, mortgage loan officer. In this role, he intends to leverage his extensive experience and expertise to guide borrowers through the homeownership journey with personalized care and local market knowledge. He will be based at the bank’s South Hadley branch.

“We are excited to welcome Victor to the GCB team,” said Tony Worden, president and CEO. “His proven track record of success, deep understanding of the mortgage industry, and commitment to personalized service make him an invaluable asset to our bank and our community. We are confident that Victor will play a key role in helping our neighbors achieve their dreams of homeownership.”

Rodriguez brings more than 20 years of banking experience. Throughout his career, he has earned accolades such as the 2022 Realtor Affiliate of the Year from the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. Rodriguez’s passion for mortgage lending extends beyond client transactions, as evidenced by his recent role as a guest speaker at the NEFMA fall conference, where he presented on the topic “Opportunities Await: Developing a Diverse Mortgage Customer Source.”

“Victor’s passion for fostering diversity in homeownership is deeply impressive. His NEFMA presentation clearly demonstrated his commitment to expanding access to mortgage opportunities for underserved communities,” said Jane Wolfe, executive vice president of Residential Lending. “We fully expect Victor to become a leading voice in this area, not only within our bank, but across the region.”

Hyundai Hope on Wheels to Donate $20,000 to Local Nonprofits