Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin P.C. Welcomes Attorney Josh Levine

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Daily News

Josh Levine

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced the addition of Josh Levine as of counsel, bringing extensive experience in commercial real estate, land use, and business licensing to the firm’s growing practice.

Levine joins Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin after a distinguished career spanning more than 17 years. His experience includes serving as product liability defense counsel at a boutique litigation firm in Washington, D.C., trial counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, and partner at Levine Law, where he focused on commercial transactions and land use.

In his role at Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, Levine assists clients with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, secured financing, land use and zoning, business licensing, and purchases and sales. He represents clients extensively before local boards throughout Western Mass. and across the state for liquor licensing matters.

Levine has been actively involved in his community, serving on the Longmeadow Select Board since 2021, currently as chair, and previously on the Longmeadow Planning Board from 2019 to 2021. He earned his juris doctorate with honors and a bachelor’s degree in English from George Washington University.

“I am thrilled to join a firm with such a strong reputation and collaborative culture,” Levine said. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin to help clients navigate complex commercial and land use matters.”

Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to Present Free Kids’ Harvest Paint & Sip on Nov. 7

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host a free Kids’ Paint & Sip on Friday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the auditorium at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 East St., Pittsfield.

This harvest-themed event is best suited for ages 5 to 12, although younger and older children are welcome. All materials, instruction, snacks, and juice will be provided. There will be a bonus wooden ornament craft as well.

Children are welcome to drop in anytime over the course of the event, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The auditorium is on the second floor of the parish house, and the entrance is on Allen Street.

For more information, visit downtownpittsfield.com or call Downtown Pittsfield Inc. at (413) 443-6501.

Spectrum to Host WiFi, Digital Education Class for Seniors in Wilbraham

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Daily News

WILBRAHAM — Spectrum will host a digital education and smart devices workshop in collaboration with the Wilbraham Senior Center on Tuesday, Oct. 28 to provide seniors in Wilbraham with helpful tips for maximizing the WiFi experience in their home, staying safe and efficient online, and accessing additional resources available for digital learning.

During the workshop, seniors will build digital skills and learn to protect their identity and information online; use apps to access transportation, medical information, and food; and better connect online with family and friends. Attendees are asked to bring their own cell phone or tablet.

The training class will take from 1 to 3 p.m. at 250 Springfield St., Wilbraham.

“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education, and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, group vice president, Community Impact for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. “By hosting workshops like this, we are partnering with valued nonprofits like the Wilbraham Senior Center to empower seniors with the digital skills necessary to navigate today’s connected environment.”

Participants include Cherie Spinks, legislative aide to state Rep. Angelo Puppolo; Nick Breault, Wilbraham town administrator; Nancy Clark, director of Government Affairs, at Charter Communications; and Brendan Cahill, director of Government & Community Strategy at Charter Communications.

Whitney’s Farm, Second Chance Composting Partner on Pumpkin Smashing Event

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Daily News

CHESHIRE — On Saturday, Nov. 8, Whitney’s Farm and Second Chance Composting will team up to offer a free community event for people of all ages to bring their pumpkins after Halloween to smash them. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community members must bring their own pumpkins, as they will not be provided. Pumpkins must be unpainted, unbleached, and have any non-organic materials removed. Once smashed, pumpkins will be made into compost by Second Chance Composting.

For more fun, Whitney’s Farm will be opening the Haunted Corn Maze and giant slide for the day. Donations will be accepted. By donating, patrons will automatically be entered to win a gift card for a free three-month subscription to Second Chance Composting’s residential community composting program or a $50 Whitney’s Farm gift card. Two winners will be chosen.

In the U.S., more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are put in landfills each year, creating pollution via methane gas, taking up dwindling landfill space, and destroying the potential for new growth if they were instead composted.

This is the fourth year that Second Chance Composting has held the event.

“We are excited to again be partnering with Whitney’s Farm to make our yearly event bigger, better, and more fun for our community,” owner John Pitroff said, “all while keeping more pumpkins out of the trash and putting them back into our soil.”

Monson Savings Bank to Celebrate East Longmeadow Branch’s Fifth Anniversary

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Daily News

MONSON — On Thursday, Nov. 6, Monson Savings Bank’s East Longmeadow branch will commemorate five years of serving the local community.

To mark the occasion, the branch will host anniversary celebrations during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community members are invited to join the festivities, which will feature free refreshments and prize drawings at each location.

“We are incredibly proud of the East Longmeadow team and the strong relationships they’ve built over the past five years,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “This branch has become a true community hub, and we’re grateful to the residents and businesses of East Longmeadow for welcoming us.”

Bill Toth, East Longmeadow branch manager, added that “it’s been an honor to serve the East Longmeadow community. We’ve grown together, supported one another, and built lasting connections. We look forward to celebrating with our customers and neighbors who make this branch so special.”

Guests who attend the celebration at the East Longmeadow Branch, located at 61 North Main St., will enjoy complimentary refreshments while supplies last. Plus, visitors will have the chance to enter a drawing to win a gift card to one of these local businesses: TRE Olive, Tudor House Liquors, or East Village Tavern.

MCLA’s Sara Steele Receives Best Professor Honor

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced that Associate Professor of Psychology Sara Steele has been named Best Professor in the Berkshire Eagle’s Best of the Berkshires 2025 awards. The honor comes after a community voting campaign that saw just over 114,500 digital votes and more than 1,700 print ballots submitted across all categories.

The Best of the Berkshires awards celebrate excellence across numerous categories throughout Berkshire County, recognizing businesses, services, and individuals who make significant contributions to the region.

“It is such an honor to win an award like this, and it was an honor to even be nominated,” Steele said. “I really do care about my teaching and my students, so to win an award related to this is really exciting. MCLA is the place to teach and learn. I’ve worked at other schools, and it’s just not the same. The small class sizes here really let me do what I want to do in the classroom and allows me the opportunity to do demos or have deep discussions during class. The school is also set up well for student support. If you are struggling, there are lots of folks ready and willing to help.”

MCLA President James Birge added that “this recognition speaks to Professor Steele’s dedication to her students and her ability to make a lasting impact both in the classroom and throughout the community. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our faculty.”

Mark Hayden, a 2024 MCLA graduate who majored in psychology and currently works as a researcher at the Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, shared his experience as one of Steele’s students.

“Beyond being a gifted teacher, Dr. Steele was an instrumental mentor in my decision to pursue a career in psychology and ultimately a doctorate,” Hayden said. “She cares deeply about her students, offering wise and thoughtful guidance with an unparalleled level of passion and positivity that are both reassuring and inspiring. Her encouragement and deep knowledge of the field have had, and continue to have, a lasting impact on me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of her students.”

Opinion: Let the Courthouse Speculation Begin

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Daily News

Several weeks back, we opined that the ongoing search for a new courthouse site in Springfield has been much like the race to locate the Western Mass. casino more than a decade ago — an exercise packed with speculation, hope, and … more speculation.

Now that DCAMM (the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) has released the list of proposed locations and developers, we’d have to say this search is like the casino hunt on steroids.

In all, 11 proposals have been submitted, covering a wide range of properties across downtown Springfield, many of them vacant or underutilized to one extent or another — everything from Steiger Park to the building that was home to the closed Mardi Gras strip club; from the Springfield Newspapers property to the current courthouse itself; from the former YMCA building on Chestnut Street to office properties on Main Street, Maple Street, and State Street.

It’s quite a list, and together these proposals tell the story of just how much real estate downtown falls into the categories of ‘non-performing’ and ‘underperforming.’

Indeed, the quest for a new courthouse offers an intriguing answer to the question — and in some cases it’s been asked for years, if not decades — ‘what to do with…?’ Examples include:

• Steiger Park. Created after the demolition of the Steiger’s department store on Main Street, it was then called by some ‘a little park for a little while.’ That was nearly 30 years ago. Meanwhile, the park has become a popular gathering spot, home to a farmers’ market and at least one art exhibit. Many would like to see it stay a park.

• The Republican building. Built during a much different time for newspapers and for a staff exponentially larger than the one now working there, the property has been the subject of considerable speculation in recent years and was a big part of one of the proposed Springfield casino plans. In a few signs of the times, a considerable portion of the property is now being leased out to a cannabis dispensary;

• The Liberty Arts Building (125 Liberty St.). Built in the mid-’60s as part of comprehensive urban renewal in the North End (as was the Republican building), this property has certainly seen better days and now has a relatively high vacancy rate. It would be combined with another parcel to create the requisite space for a new courthouse.

• The Mardi Gras building (91 Taylor St.). The strip club has been closed for years, and the building that housed it has been mostly vacant. Housing has been proposed as a new use, but this would be an expensive retrofit.

• The existing courthouse site. It has long been considered a second development opportunity if and when a new courthouse is built elsewhere. It has some advantages as home to the new courthouse, but a temporary facility would have to be found while a new facility is being built, and that might prove problematic. The theater section of the former Eastfield Mall had been suggested for that role before it was torn down.

We can continue this exercise with the other properties on the list, including the former YMCA, the office building at 55 State St., and two mostly vacant office and medical buildings on Maple Street.

Unfortunately, the courthouse project will only solve one of these problems. It will be up to the city and the development community to solve the others.

Meanwhile, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is calling for a courthouse project that will be ‘game-changing.’ We interpret that to mean something that will do more than solve one of the above-listed problems, a project that could help transform a part of the downtown.

It remains to be seen if any of the projects actually fit that description. So let the speculation begin. Actually, it began a long time ago, so … let it continue.

PV Financial Group Recognized Among Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies

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Daily News

WILBRAHAM — The Boston Business Journal has named Pioneer Valley Financial Group an honoree in its annual 2025 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region’s top corporate charitable contributors. This prestigious honor highlights companies that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to giving back through both financial support and community involvement.

As one of Massachusetts’ most charitable companies in 2025, PV Financial Group earned recognition for contributing $100,000 or more to local nonprofits and charitable causes in 2024. These contributions reflect not just corporate giving, but also the generosity of the company’s charitable foundation and the hands-on involvement of its employees through volunteerism and in-kind support.

The Boston Business Journal annually publishes its Corporate Citizenship list to spotlight organizations that prioritize community impact and exemplify corporate responsibility.

“We believe in helping our clients and community live better,” PV Financial Group stated. “As a team, we are driven to offer excellent client experience, thoughtful financial plans, and caring advice. Our legacy is the people and the lives that we have touched.”

Country Bank Supports Local Schools with Back-to-school Donations

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Daily News

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced its recent donation of $250 Visa gift cards to 44 local schools, totaling $11,000. These schools have been long-standing partners in the bank’s financial literacy initiatives, and this contribution aims to support teachers and students as they head into the new academic year.

“At Country Bank, we remain passionate about helping students build confidence in managing their money and their future,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, first vice president of Community Relations. “Through our Money School program and partnerships with local schools, we’re proud to provide financial education that inspires lifelong learning and empowers the next generation to make informed financial choices.”

As part of its continued commitment to financial literacy, Country Bank’s Money School program offers engaging, age-appropriate lessons and resources to help students learn the fundamentals of money management, budgeting, and saving. From classroom sessions to interactive fairs, the program provides real-world financial experiences that make learning fun and practical.

Students and families are encouraged to visit any Country Bank location to learn more about Money School and how to get involved. The program’s goal is simple: to help young people develop the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions throughout their lives.

BusinessTalk with Aaron Vega, President and CEO, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

 

With new episodes airing every other Monday, BusinessTalk features in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders who offer thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachusetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running. BusinessTalk is sponsored and presented by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 245: October 27, 2025

George O’Brien talks with Aaron Vega, President and CEO, Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council: The EDC’s Next Phase

Aaron Vega calls it the next logical progression in a career that has taken him from freelance film editing to directing the Office of Planning & Economic Development in Holyoke. He was referring to the role of president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council after prevailing in a nationwide search that attracted more than 100 candidates; he will assume that role in January. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Aaron discusses his plans and goals with BusinessWest Contributing Writer George O’Brien. Among other things, he wants the region to do a better job of telling its story, grow the inventory of shovel-ready land for developers, create a blueprint for population growth, and make the EDC even more of a “convener and connector.” It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest on both audio and video platforms and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

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Tech Foundry, Comcast Collaborate to Expand Digital Opportunity in Springfield

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Representatives from Tech Foundry, a Springfield-based workforce development organization, and Comcast were joined by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and City Councilor Jose Delgado on Oct. 23 to celebrate a new initiative aimed at expanding internet adoption and digital skills training for Greater Springfield residents.

Through this collaboration, Tech Foundry will sponsor six months of Comcast’s Internet Essentials service for the first 25 individuals who complete 12 digital literacy classes. Additionally, Comcast will donate laptops to the first 50 individuals who complete six digital literacy classes through Tech Foundry’s program.

“I commend Tech Foundry and Comcast for their proactive leadership in addressing barriers to broadband adoption,” Delgado said. “This partnership is a meaningful step toward a more connected, informed, and resilient Springfield.”

This initiative is made possible through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership program, which enables community organizations to fund Internet Essentials (IE) service for qualifying households. Sponsored families receive all the benefits of IE: a high-speed internet connection at home, the option to purchase a low-cost computer, and access to free digital skills training online, in person, and in print.

“This collaboration between Tech Foundry and Comcast reflects the kind of community-focused leadership that uplifts Springfield,” Sarno said. “Providing resources like internet service and laptops to individuals working toward financial independence is not just a gift; it’s an investment in Springfield’s future.”

Tech Foundry offers free computer literacy and information technology certification programs to residents across the region.

“Comcast has been an incredibly generous and dedicated partner of Tech Foundry for many years, and their continued support has been instrumental in helping us expand our reach and deepen our impact,” Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan said. “By supporting our most engaged students, Comcast is removing financial barriers to getting connected at home, so they can apply and grow their skills. This will also encourage more Springfield residents to enroll in our classes so they can fully participate in technology for work, training, healthcare, and more.”

Comcast’s support is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the internet, create digital opportunity, and build a future of unlimited possibilities. This includes digital programs such as Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and Digital Navigators.

“Comcast is proud of its longstanding commitment to Springfield and the relationships we’ve built with local organizations like Tech Foundry, which are opening doors to transformative career pathways,” said Carolyne Hannan, senior vice president of Comcast’s New England Region. “We recognize the critical role that the internet plays in achieving economic mobility and personal growth, which is why we’re investing in partnerships that empower residents to shape their own futures.”

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 A+ Awards Dinner

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the A+ Awards Dinner, created to honor leaders in the Amherst area who have made a positive impact through their dedication in education, business, and civic engagement. The 2025 A+ Awards Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the UMass Student Union Ballroom.

Presented by PeoplesBank, the A+ Awards Dinner recognizes contributions to the community across Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland, as well as the broader Pioneer Valley. Attendees have the opportunity to network with business leaders in the community and enjoy a meal catered by award-winning UMass Dining. Following dinner, the A+ Award honorees are celebrated with custom videos that share their story.

“PeoplesBank is honored to support the chamber’s efforts to highlight the remarkable individuals whose visionary leadership and passionate commitment have made a profound impact on our community,” said Matt Bannister, senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank. “We stand with the chamber in celebrating these local heroes who inspire us all.”

The 2025 A+ Awards recipients include:

• Young Professional Award: Alyssa Petrides, owner of Nature & Nurture Preschool, recognized for her entrepreneurship in founding and operating an inclusive preschool;

• Community Service Award: Sarah Maroney, chair of the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee, recognized for her dedication to creating community engagement events and cultural projects in Belchertown;

• Leader in Sustainability Award: Weston Dripps, director of Sustainability at Amherst College, recognized for his leadership and development of campus and community sustainability programs;

• Chamber MVP Award: Robert Allingham, Marketing & Communications manager at the Amherst Business Improvement District, recognized for his creativity and commitment to the Amherst Area Chamber as an ambassador;

• Legacy Award: Clare Higgins, retired executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, recognized for her impact in the region throughout her 14 years of leadership; and

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Tullio Inglese, founder and principal architect of TIA Architects, recognized for his sustainable architectural projects and 50 years of mentorship to young architects.

“The A+ Awards Dinner is a signature event that highlights members of our community who deserve to be recognized for their efforts in making the Amherst area a vibrant, connected place to live and work,” said Jacob Robinson, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of our awardees and their meaningful impact on the area.”

Tickets to the A+ Awards Dinner are available now, and select sponsorship opportunities remain to recognize the 2025 A+ awardees. For tickets and more information, visit www.amherstarea.com/awards or email [email protected].

Whittlesey’s Partner Stacy Farber Recognized Among America’s Top 200 CPAs

By
Daily News

Stacy Farber

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey announced that Partner Stacy Farber has been named to Forbes’ “America’s Top 200 CPAs” list for 2025. This prestigious list honors the nation’s most accomplished and trusted CPAs across various specializations and regions, recognizing those with exceptional expertise, leadership, and community service. Forbes’ editorial team selected honorees through a rigorous process involving independent nominations, direct outreach, and comprehensive editorial review.

Farber joined Whittlesey in 2025 as an assurance partner, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public accounting. She provides assurance and advisory services to closely held entities in manufacturing, construction, retail, franchising, and employee benefit plans. Her prior roles as CFO and controller for privately held businesses give her an understanding of clients’ financial and operational challenges.

Her professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business (2023) and the CTCPA Women Distinguished Service Award (2024). She is active in the Assoc. of International CPAs and the Connecticut Society of CPAs, where she serves as chair of the employee benefit plan committee and a member of the advisory council. She also previously served as treasurer and board member at Gifts of Love, reflecting her deep commitment to community service.

“Stacy exemplifies Whittlesey’s core values of technical excellence, integrity, and dedication to clients and community,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “Her inclusion on Forbes’ list is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and impact in the accounting profession.”

Kathy Martin Elected to LeadingAge Massachusetts Board of Trustees

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Daily News

Kathy Martin

LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow Inc. announced that President and CEO Kathy Martin has been elected to a three-year term on the board of trustees of LeadingAge Massachusetts, an association dedicated to supporting the work of not-for-profit aging service providers. The appointment was made during LeadingAge Massachusetts’ 71st annual meeting of the membership and awards ceremony, held at College of the Holy Cross.

Martin’s election reflects her commitment to advancing the mission of not-for-profit aging service providers and her leadership in reframing perceptions of aging more broadly.

“Now more than ever, the role of nonprofit aging services is essential and deeply impactful,” she said. “LeadingAge Massachusetts stands as a steadfast champion for the diverse providers in our Commonwealth. I am honored to join the board and look forward to working together to elevate the lives of older adults throughout Massachusetts and beyond.”

Western Mass. is well-represented on the LeadingAge Massachusetts board. At the same ceremony, Margaret Mantoni, CEO of the Loomis Communities, was elected chair of the board, succeeding Walter Ramos, president and CEO of Rogerson Communities, who will continue to serve as immediate past chair.

State Releases List of 10 Potential Sites of New Springfield Courthouse

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The state has released a list of 10 possible sites to replace the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse in Springfield. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance will now review the proposals. The list of proposed developers and sites are:

• Greatland Realty Partners LLC, 1860 Main St.

• HYM Investment Group LLC, 50 State St.

• Iconic Real Estate Holdings LLC, 130 & 120 Maple St.

• Liberty Junction Team, 125 Liberty St.

• Park View South LLC, off Avocado Street

• Springfield 1550 LLC, 1550 Main St.

• Springfield Tower Square LLC, 275 Chestnut St.

• Springfield Tower Square LLC, 1515 Main St.

• State Street 55 LLC, 55 State St.

• USPB JV LLC, 413 Dwight St.

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru Enters Final Weekend of Season

By
Daily News

WINDSOR, Conn. — The fifth annual Great Halloween Drive-Thru, located next to Brown’s Harvest Family Farm, 1911 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, Conn., will be open for its final weekend of the season, Oct. 24-26.

Visitors stay in their vehicles and drive through the farm along a journey of spooky holograms, special effects, sounds, and projections. The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is not scary. There are no live actors and no jump scares. The animated hologram shows, projections, and special effects throughout the park are ideal for families and children.

Spooky fun without the scare, the Great Halloween Drive-Thru is family-owned, created, and operated, and draws visitors from all over Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and New York. Tickets cost $30 per car (cash only), paid at the entrance.

“We’ve had a busy season. People have come from all over New England and New York to experience this family-friendly event. We’ve had families coming every night we’re open saying their kids love it so much, it’s all they talk about,” said creator Frank Campiti, who runs Campiti Ventures, also responsible for the annual Suffield Summer Fair and Fireworks.

“Parents are always looking for fun things to do with their kids, and this is an experience the whole family can enjoy together,” he added. “We have no live actors and no jump scares, so visitors can celebrate Halloween without the scary factor. This is the kind of event people of all ages enjoy.”

The Great Halloween Drive-Thru is sponsored by AMP Electrical Inc. and WMAS-94.7 FM. For information, visit thegreathalloweendrivethru.com or www.facebook.com/thegreathalloweendrivethru.

bankESB Honored with Four 2025 Top Workplaces Awards

By
Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB announced it has been recognized as a Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces award winner and has received three additional Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards for fall 2025: Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-being, and Professional Development.

Presented by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools, these awards celebrate organizations that excel in fostering exceptional workplace cultures based on employee feedback and engagement. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee engagement survey, issued by Energage. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 culture drivers proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to our people,” said Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB. “We’re proud of the culture we have built together, one where appreciation, growth, and well-being are at the center of everything we do.”

The awards highlight organizations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to their employees’ success, health, and overall experience. bankESB’s achievement across all categories underscores its dedication to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow professionally.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” Energage CEO Eric Rubino said. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

Why Training, Investigations, and Fair Discipline Are Essential

By Contributor
Law

Strengthening the Workplace

By Kayla Snider, Esq.

 

Coldplaygate, from this past July, serves as a stark reminder that, in an era where the internet, social media, and memes reign supreme, businesses face heightened accountability and more scrutiny than ever.

Unfortunately, you don’t often hear about businesses doing right by their employees. Instead, employers typically make the news when things go wrong and the consequences become significant. And in this day and age, that could mean becoming the next big meme sweeping across the internet.

Between changing laws, evolving social norms, and rising employee expectations, businesses are under constant pressure to get things right. While having written policies and procedures on hand are important, what is more important is how employers practically handle and implement their policies and procedures. Does your employee handbook sit on the shelf and collect dust year after year? Or are you taking a proactive approach to employee relations that truly reveals the integrity of your organization?

Kayla Snider

Kayla Snider

“Does your employee handbook sit on the shelf and collect dust year after year? Or are you taking a proactive approach to employee relations that truly reveals the integrity of your organization?”

It is important to ensure that you handle processes effectively through the entire employee life cycle. This involves adequate training, robust investigations, and fair, business-based reasons for employee discipline.

 

Do Not Treat Training Like a Checkbox

It’s tempting for businesses to treat employee training like a one-and-done requirement, especially when it comes to harassment prevention or workplace ethics. But this line of thinking is dangerous. Training is almost always the first line of defense in preventing workplace misconduct. Moreover, being able to present evidence of proactive training in the workplace can bolster an employer’s defense if a business faces litigation.

Training isn’t just about legal compliance; it’s also about the culture of your business. It’s your first and best chance to set expectations, prevent problems, and show employees you take their rights and responsibilities seriously.

Training should not be limited to avoiding harassment claims. In today’s diverse workplaces, training on unconscious bias, workplace civility, and professional ethics can strengthen team cohesion, reduce conflict, and demonstrate your commitment not only to following the law, but also to being culturally aware and inclusive. Good training should be regular, interactive, and tailored to your workforce. Don’t just focus on what’s illegal — help your people understand what’s respectful, ethical, and expected in your business.

 

Investigations: Not Just a Legal Duty, But a Trust-building Opportunity

When something goes wrong, whether it’s a harassment complaint, bullying, or a policy violation, how an organization responds says a lot. Massachusetts courts have consistently emphasized the need for prompt and impartial workplace investigations when allegations of misconduct arise. But prompt and fair investigations aren’t just about protecting the business; they’re about protecting the people who show up to work for you and support your business day in and day out.

Whether you use an internal HR professional or an outside investigator, the process must be fair, objective, and well-documented. Above all, employees need to know their concerns will be taken seriously. If you address employee concerns promptly and fairly, then it is more likely that employees will feel confident in your reporting system. This helps ensure that employees bring issues to your attention — rather than suffering in silence until they cannot take it anymore and quit, then file a hostile work environment lawsuit in court.

 

Fair Discipline: the Overlooked Cornerstone of Integrity

Let’s talk about discipline. Now, I am sure you are all familiar with the ‘big stuff’ (the formal write-ups or terminations), but what I want to focus on, and what I think really matters, is consistency. Is everyone being treated the same way? If two employees break the same rule and only one is disciplined, that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Businesses should have a clear process for addressing misconduct and should give employees a chance to respond. This isn’t just best practice; it helps demonstrate that the business operates with integrity. Discipline should also be consistent, proportional, and grounded in clearly established policies. This means that anyone who is responsible for disciplining employees should know your policies.

If your business has a policy of progressive discipline, then you should follow that progressive process and, if you are going to skip steps, make sure that you have a good reason to do so that is well-documented.

This leads me to my next point: documentation is also key. Document, document, document. Strong documentation is important not only to create a record for the organization, but also for the employee because they may have questions that are harder to answer if you do not have a record of what happened and why.

 

Bottom Line: Get These Three Things Right

At its core, a strong workplace culture is one that aligns with legal compliance. Training, investigations, and discipline are the three pillars of a responsive and responsible employment environment. And while training, investigations, and discipline sound like dry HR topics, they’re anything but. These practices are where the law meets workplace culture, and they say more about your business than any mission statement ever could.

When employers commit to doing these things right — not just to avoid lawsuits, but because it’s the right thing to do — they create stronger, safer workplaces for everyone.

 

Kayla Snider is an associate attorney with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a Springfield-based law firm exclusively practicing labor and employment law for more than a half-century, focusing on litigation avoidance, employment litigation, and labor law and relations.

A Haunting Look at Unexpected Real Estate Problems

By Contributor
Law

Ghosts, Goblins, and Disclosure Laws

By Ryan K. O’Hara, Esq.

 

It’s 9:53 p.m. on Oct. 31. You’ve just shut off the porch lights after an evening of greeting trick-or-treaters. You’d have expected they’d be a bit more excited about the full-sized candy bars you have sprung for, but most kids seemed nervous to approach and quick to leave. One even mentioned he couldn’t believe you’d bought the old Carpenter place. What was that about? No matter — a successful first Halloween in the new neighborhood.

Bone-tired, you slump onto the couch with a sigh. What a week! Closing on a house and moving mid-week with kids and a cat in tow: now, that’s scary. But now, with the costumed hordes dispersed and your own little monsters comatose from the sugar-high crash, there’s nothing between you and some quality time alone with a good movie (and, of course, the leftover candy).

Why can’t you relax, then? Sure, there’s that nagging feeling of being watched you’ve had since you moved in. That’s just adjusting to a new place, though. So what if a lamp or two has turned itself on and off? Old homes have funky wiring. Granted, the rattling chains and heavy footsteps you’ve heard the first few nights have been … interesting, but surely, it’s just the house settling.

Ryan K. O’Hara

Ryan K. O’Hara

“Massachusetts law generally allocates these risks to the buyer. The rule of ‘caveat emptor,’ or ‘buyer beware,’ remains the driving principle in determining liability between buyers and sellers for undisclosed property issues.”

Having rationally dispelled childish thoughts of ghosts and goblins, you settle in to press play — just as a ghoulish apparition manifests, its pallid flesh inches from your face, its abyssal mouth moaning nine terrifying words: “what, the sellers didn’t tell you about the tenants?”

So, who’s to pay the Ghostbusters’ bill? As unlikely as this haunting scenario may seem, the Massachusetts Legislature has, in fact, enacted a statute to dispel any specter of doubt as to a seller’s potential liability for an undisclosed haunting. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 93, Section 114, “the fact or suspicion that real property may be or is psychologically impacted shall not be deemed a material fact required to be disclosed in a real estate transaction.”

As used in the statute, ‘psychologically impacted’ includes any suspicion “that the real property has been the site of an alleged parapsychological or supernatural phenomenon.” The statute prohibits any “cause of action … against a seller or lessor of real property or a real estate broker or salesman … for failure to disclose to a buyer or tenant that the real property is or was psychologically impacted.”

 

Ghost of a Chance

Though Massachusetts property buyers might not often confront this exact issue, unwelcome surprises with newly purchased real estate are unfortunately common. Disappointed purchasers facing unexpected (and often costly) problems with their property frequently ask who is legally responsible to fix the issue.

Massachusetts law generally allocates these risks to the buyer. The rule of ‘caveat emptor,’ or ‘buyer beware,’ remains the driving principle in determining liability between buyers and sellers for undisclosed property issues. Massachusetts common law puts the burden on prospective buyers to ask questions, seek inspection, and generally conduct whatever due diligence they desire before proceeding to purchase a property.

Sellers do not have an affirmative duty to disclose known or potential issues with property before selling, except in limited instances required by statute or regulation (such as the presence of lead or a septic system). And generally, sellers have no obligation to fix issues with a property that come up after closing (with notable exceptions such as the implied warranty of habitability for new homes sold by builder-vendors).

Of course, this does not mean sellers have carte blanche in selling a property with known issues. If asked a question about their property and choosing to answer, sellers must answer honestly. If a seller makes a representation of a material fact regarding the property that a buyer reasonably relies on in choosing to purchase, and that representation is false, the seller may be liable for negligent or intentional misrepresentation.

For example, if a seller is aware of a flooding issue, is asked about whether there is a history of flooding, and falsely states there is none, they may be liable for damages incurred to remedy future flooding. Sellers also cannot conceal issues and prevent prospective buyers from discovering them without exposing themselves to potential liability for doing so. And for sellers who are selling in the conduct of their trade or business (or for agents representing sellers), different obligations and liabilities could arise under the Massachusetts consumer protection law, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, if known issues are not disclosed.

Still, in the great majority of scenarios, the risk of undisclosed latent property issues lies with the buyer. Accordingly, it is incumbent on buyers to have appropriate caution in pursuing their purchases.

Buyers can take steps to minimize — but not eliminate — this risk. These include being clear on the inspections and due diligence to which they will be entitled, consulting with seasoned professionals (such as real estate agents, inspectors, and attorneys), ensuring material questions they have regarding the property are asked of sellers, and otherwise thoroughly investigating the property they are purchasing before entering binding agreements or proceeding to close.

 

Bottom Line

Every piece of real property is unique. So is every real estate transaction. If you are buying or selling real estate, or dealing with an issue post-closing, seek advice from trusted professionals to ensure your interests are protected. Otherwise, you may be in for a fright — no matter the time of year.

 

Attorney Ryan K. O’Hara is an associate in the Northampton Office of Bacon Wilson, P.C. He serves on the board of directors for the Hampden County Bar Assoc. and is a participating member of the Hampshire County Bar Assoc., and is licensed to practice law in the state of Massachusetts. The foregoing was presented for information purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Tighe & Bond Acquires Geosphere Environmental Management Inc.

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in engineering, design, planning, and environmental consulting, announced it has acquired Geosphere Environmental Management Inc., a New Hampshire-based hydrogeology and environmental firm.

As a trusted groundwater advisor with service offerings in hydrogeology, geothermal, and environmental science, Geosphere’s client base includes public municipal, utility, and private sector clients. Aligned with Tighe & Bond’s mission, Geosphere strives to create an economically feasible and environmentally responsible built environment.

Following a successful history of collaborating on projects, the addition of Geosphere complements Tighe & Bond’s capabilities in its Water Business Line, which offers clients full-service engineering and environmental expertise to support their drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, geotechnical, dam, and ecological restoration projects.

Geosphere’s water supply development and groundwater discharge capabilities enable Tighe & Bond to even more comprehensively support its clients’ drinking water and wastewater needs. Geosphere’s geothermal and ground heat exchange expertise also align with Tighe & Bond’s whole asset approach to the built environment, adding to site utility and building mechanical system design capabilities for high-performance building projects. The Geosphere team will now be based out of Tighe & Bond’s Portsmouth, N.H. office.

“We are excited to welcome Geosphere to our team,” Tighe & Bond President and CEO Bob Belitz said. “Their team’s technical expertise adds depth to our water, building, and sustainability-related services, strengthening our ability to deliver comprehensive solutions to our clients in New Hampshire and across the Northeast. We look forward to building upon our longstanding relationship and shared commitment to help communities protect and maximize natural resources, improve resilience, and support public health, both today and for future generations.”

PeoplesBank Expands Mortgage Options to Support First-time Homebuyers

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — With a commitment to expanding the possibility of home ownership for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers in the region, PeoplesBank announced an expansion of its mortgage offerings. Through a partnership with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), the new mortgage options are designed to give first-time homebuyers with low and moderate incomes greater access to affordable financing, helping more Massachusetts residents achieve the goal of owning a home.

The new mortgage offerings include ONE Mortgage, a program that offers an affordable mortgage option with a lower monthly interest rate and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement, designed for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers across Massachusetts; and ONE+, a mortgage program that offers the same lower monthly interest rate, no PMI requirement, as well as closing costs and down payment assistance. ONE+ is available to homebuyers currently living in 29 Massachusetts communities, including Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield, and Westfield.

To qualify for the ONE Mortgage and ONE+ programs, applicants must be first-time buyers who complete an approved homebuyer class, meet income and asset limits, and make a minimum down payment. They must also meet credit score requirements and agree to live in the property as their primary residence.

“While Massachusetts is one of the best states to live in the U.S., for too many, it’s also home to one of the most daunting housing markets in the country,” said Amber Coughlin, senior vice president, Consumer Lending at PeoplesBank. “We are dedicated to helping our community members enter the housing market, and the ONE Mortgage and ONE+ programs can help prospective homebuyers achieve their dreams.”

Follow My Steps Foundation Announces Annual Gala, Pioneers for Change Award

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Follow My Steps Foundation announced its annual gala, Stepping Into 2026, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This signature event will bring together community leaders, partners, supporters, and youth to celebrate the strides made over the past year and to rally support for future expansion of the foundation’s mentorship, career readiness, and financial literacy programs.

At the heart of this year’s gala is the introduction of an enhanced honors program: the Pioneers for Change Award. Designed to recognize exemplary changemakers whose actions resonate with Follow My Steps’ mission, this award will celebrate five individuals who have made a measurable impact while supporting the foundation in 2025.

Nominations for the Pioneers for Change Award are open through Oct. 31. Click here for the online nomination form. Eligibility requirements include demonstrated impact in youth-focused community initiatives aligned with the mission of Follow My Steps and demonstrated support of the foundation during 2025 (through partnership, engagement, or promotion).

An advisory board will review all nominations and recommend five finalists. Final approval of honorees will be made by the board of directors by Nov. 5.

Each honoree will have the opportunity to confer a $500 scholarship to be awarded live on stage to an ‘Explorer’ (a youth participant in foundation programs). Recipients may name the scholarship after themselves or choose another meaningful title. Follow My Steps will fully fund all five youth scholarships this year. Honorees are not expected to contribute, though they are welcome to do so if they wish. In future years, Follow My Steps will continue to fund scholarships annually; however, if an honoree chooses to keep their named scholarship active beyond this year, future funding would be provided by the honoree.

Guests at the Dec. 14 gala will enjoy a catered dinner, live entertainment, and uplifting stories about the youth served by the foundation. The evening is more than a celebration; it marks the launch of a community giving campaign, aiming to raise $10,000 in individual contributions that fuel mentorship, education, and empowerment initiatives throughout the year.

Early bird tickets (through Nov. 14) cost $55 for adults and $27.50 for children. General admission tickets (Nov. 15-30) cost $65 for adults and $32.50 for children. Final admission tickets (Dec. 1-14): cost $75 for adults and $37.50 for children. Click here to purchase tickets.

Businesses and community partners are also invited to join as sponsors of the Stepping Into 2026 Gala. Five tiered sponsorship levels — copper, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum — offer meaningful opportunities to align one’s brand with youth empowerment and community advancement. Each level includes a range of benefits such as brand visibility across digital and print channels, recognition during the event, logo placement, program ads, reserved tickets, and social media promotion.

Follow My Steps Foundation is dedicated to opposing socioeconomic inequities affecting youth in underresourced communities through mentorship, career skills development, and financial education. Its vision is resilient individuals and thriving neighborhoods, one step at a time.

Elms College to Host Screening of Award-winning Film ‘The Peasants’ on Oct. 26

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — To celebrate Polish Heritage Month, Elms College will host a showing of The Peasants, a 2024 Polish film nominated in the Best International Feature Film category of the 96th Academy Awards, on Sunday, Oct. 26. The screening, free and open to the public, is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Alumnae Library theater on the Elms campus.

The Peasants is inspired by Wladyslaw Reymont’s famed 1924 four-volume novel of the same name, which earned the Nobel Prize for Literature. Adapted by DK and Hugh Welchman into an animated film comprised of more than 40,000 oil paintings, the film has been described by reviewers as “awe-inspiring.”

The Peasants shows the life of Jagna, a young peasant girl in a small, rural village in Poland in the years before World War I. Determined to forge her own path in a community bound by tradition and patriarchy, she becomes entangled in a web of desire, gossip, and power struggles that ultimately lead to a tragic confrontation with the world around her.

The presentation is co-hosted by the Kosciuszko Foundation New England Chapter and sponsored by Polish National Credit Union.

Advantage Truck Group Diesel Technician Earns NEXT Top Talent Award

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — Advantage Truck Group (ATG) diesel technician Riley Sullivan has been named one of the 2025 NEXT Top Talent Award winners by the Next Generation in Trucking Assoc. This national recognition celebrates young diesel technicians and CDL drivers under age 30 who are setting a new standard for excellence, professionalism, and purpose in the trucking industry. Sullivan is one of 20 diesel technicians from across the country to be recognized with this award.

“Riley holds himself to the highest standards, consistently demonstrating professionalism and meticulous care in everything he does,” ATG Executive Vice President of Network Service Operations Christopher Pentedemos said. “Riley’s achievement reflects his commitment to learning and excellence and his dedication to our organization, customers, and industry.”

Sullivan joined ATG’s shop in Westfield in 2020, beginning his career as a diesel technician through the cooperative education program at Westfield Technical Academy. Today, he not only actively mentors and guides co-ops and apprentices, but has also completed more training hours than any other technician his age across all eight ATG locations.

Next Generation in Trucking Assoc. President and co-founder Lindsey Trent emphasized the broader importance of this initiative.

“So many young people are entering this industry with drive, discipline, and a desire to succeed,” Trent said. “The NEXT Top Talent Award allows us to not only highlight their individual achievements, but to elevate the industry-wide importance of building career pathways for Gen Z.”

Free Line Cook Training Classes at HCC begin Oct. 27, Nov. 5

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be running both daytime and evening editions of its popular, free line cook training program at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, beginning Oct. 27 and Nov. 5.

The six-week daytime program starts Monday, Oct. 27. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The five-week evening program runs Nov. 5 through Dec. 11 on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

“HCC tries to meet the needs of its students by offering multiple options for start days and times,” said Paul Sheehan, assistant project coordinator for Culinary Arts Programs. “Over the last few years, we have offered our free line cook training as separate day and evening programs to help students find the schedule that works best for them.”

The program is designed for those already in the restaurant industry who want to upgrade their skills as well as unemployed or underemployed individuals interested in starting new careers.

“We usually have a mix of young people entering the job market for the first time and people who are re-entering the job market, looking for a second career,” Sheehan said. “The course is perfect for anybody who’s looking for a job and has a passion for food and the dining industry.”

Participants will learn all the essential competencies they need to become successful line cooks: knife skills; how to prepare stocks, soups, sauces, desserts, poultry, fish, and meat; culinary math and measurements; moist and dry heat cooking methods; as well as workplace soft skills, such as building a résumé and searching for jobs.

Offered as part of HCC’s Business & Workforce Development division, the line cook course is free to qualifying applicants. All classes meet in person at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St., Holyoke. For more information or to fill out an inquiry form, visit hcc.edu/line-cook or call (413) 552-2500.

Veritas Prep to Host Springfield Community for Annual Harvest Fest

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — On Friday, Oct. 24, Veritas Prep Charter Public School will host its annual Harvest Fest for students, families, and the broader Springfield community. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at 225 Carando Dr., Springfield.

The celebration brings the community together for a safe and festive Halloween event, featuring free trunk-or-treat, a haunted hallway created by student ambassadors, food trucks, music, a photo booth, glitter tattoos and face painting, and raffle baskets.

Veritas will also host community partners to offer valuable resources and programs for families, and to promote the health and well-being of students and the Springfield community. The Community Resource Fair will feature Dress for Success, Behavioral Health Network, Hope for Youth and Families, the Drama Studio, Tech Foundry, New North Citizens Council, and more.

Veritas anticipates nearly 500 people will attend Harvest Fest. The event, sponsored by champion sponsor PeoplesBank and also by Mercedes-Benz of Springfield and Bacon Wilson, P.C., is free and open to the public. Costumes are encouraged.

Tickets on Sale for 2025 Women of Impact Awards

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are now on sale for the eighth annual Women of Impact awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Women of Impact class of 2025 will be introduced in the Oct. 27 issue of BusinessWest. This year’s honorees are:

• Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and Director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank;

• Ayanna Crawford, president of AC Consulting and Media Services;

• Tracy Friedenberg, executive director of Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Impact

• Rania Kfuri, vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at Glenmeadow;

• Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection;

• Angelina Ramirez, CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living;

• Amanda Sanderson, executive director of Resilience Center of Franklin County; and

• Sarah Rose Stack, lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst.

The eighth annual Women of Impact program is presented by Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group and sponsored by Bacon Wilson, P.C.

In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact to honor women in the region who are making an impact. There are so many different ways to create positive change in the world. The women honored through this program have been successful, inspiring, and, most importantly, impactful.

For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Whittlesey Wins ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award for Service Excellence

By
Daily News

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, one of New England’s leading accounting firms, has earned ClearlyRated’s 2025 Best of Accounting award for service excellence. The award is based entirely on client feedback and recognizes firms that consistently deliver exceptional client experience. ClearlyRated’s program provides statistically valid and objective benchmarks for the accounting industry, highlighting which firms deliver the highest levels of client and employee satisfaction.

Whittlesey received a Net Promoter Score more than twice the industry’s average. On average, clients of Best of Accounting winners are 60% more likely to be satisfied than those who work with non-winning firms — a testament to Whittlesey’s commitment to trusted guidance and personalized service.

“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do,” said Drew Andrews, Whittlesey’s managing partner and CEO. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, who work every day to build strong relationships and deliver value well beyond the numbers. We are honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to service excellence.”

ClearlyRated CEO Baker Nanduru added that “I’m delighted to present the winners of the 2025 Best of Accounting award. These remarkable organizations have set themselves apart through their relentless pursuit of service excellence and extraordinary client experiences. They exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, and I’m privileged to shine a spotlight on their outstanding achievements. Congratulations on continuing to transform our industry.”

Country Bank Welcomes David Gentleman as Retail Loan Officer

By
Daily News

WARE — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Mass., announced the appointment of David Gentleman as retail loan officer. With nearly 20 years of experience in the lending industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and customer-first values that align with Country Bank’s mission to make a difference in the communities it serves.

“We are excited to welcome David to the Country Bank team,” said Miriam Siegel, chief Culture & Development officer. “His deep experience in lending and his passion for providing exceptional customer service make him a tremendous addition to our retail lending team. David’s relationship focused approach, strong community ties, and unwavering commitment to helping people achieve their dream of homeownership align seamlessly with our core values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity.”

Throughout his 18-plus years in the financial industry, Gentleman has focused on helping customers navigate the often complex process of buying a home. He takes pride in making the experience as smooth and understandable as possible, especially for first-time homebuyers. His approach to lending is built on transparency, education, and trust, qualities that have earned him long-standing relationships and even generational referrals.

He also brings a strong sense of community to his work. He serves on the board of directors for North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity and the Worcester Children’s Chorus, organizations that align with his passion for affordable housing and youth development through music.

“Everyone deserves safe and affordable housing, and every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of music,” Gentleman said. “Both causes are deeply personal to me, and I’m proud to help make a difference through these organizations.

“Country Bank has a remarkable reputation for putting customers and communities first,” he added. “That’s how I’ve approached my entire career in lending, and I’m thrilled to be part of a team that shares those same values.”

Visual Sound Productions, Dazzle Dance Studio, Fitness First to Host Trunk or Treat

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Visual Sound Productions (VSP) announced its partnership with Dazzle Dance Studio and Fitness First for the fifth annual trunk or treat celebration. This year, the team is brewing up even more Halloween fun while supporting neighbors in need by collecting non-perishable items to benefit Rachel’s Table. Everyone is invited to join in for all treats (no tricks) and help make sure no one in the community goes hungry.

This family-friendly Halloween celebration takes place on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 60 North Westfield St., Feeding Hills, and is free to attend. Families can look forward to an afternoon filled with candy, music, games, food trucks, prizes, and plenty of spooky surprises.

VSP, an award-winning production company with four specialized divisions, has continued to grow and create memorable experiences for the community. Its downtown Springfield location, a once-vacant historic building, has been revitalized by local entrepreneur and VSP President Nicole Nell. The space is now a vibrant hub designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

Announcing the 2025 Women of Impact

By
Cover Story Women of Impact 2025

BusinessWest has long recognized the contributions of women within the business community and created the Women of Impact awards in 2018 to further honor women who have the authority and power to move the needle in their business, are respected for accomplishments within their industries, give back to the community, and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within their field of influence. 

Go HERE to view the 2025 Women of Impact Digital Section

The eight stories below demonstrate that idea many times over. They detail not only what these women do for a living, but what they’ve done with their lives — specifically, how they’ve become innovators in their fields, leaders within the community, advocates for people in need, and, most importantly, inspirations to all those around them. The class of 2025 features:

Tara Brewster

Vice president of Business Development and Director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank

Ayanna Crawford

President of AC Consulting and Media Services

Tracy Friedenberg

Executive director of Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Rania Kfuri

Vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at Glenmeadow

Chelsea Kline

Executive director of Cancer Connection

Angelina Ramirez

CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living

Amanda Sanderson

Executive director of Resilience Center of Franklin County

Sarah Rose Stack

Lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst


Photos by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Presenting Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

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Aaron Vega to Helm Western Massachusetts EDC as It Writes Its Next Chapter

By
Aaron Vega
Features Special Coverage

Taking the Lead

Aaron Vega

Aaron Vega

As Aaron Vega was reading last spring’s announcement that Rick Sullivan would be leaving his post as president of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (EDC) at the end of this year, he was already thinking that his various skill sets and this high-profile job were a good match — and that this was his next logical career challenge.

“The path that I’m on in economic development and municipal work … there are only a few higher-level jobs in this area — if you want to stay in Western Mass. and care about Western Mass. — and this one of them,” he explained. “And they don’t come along very often, so I decided early on that I should throw my hat in the ring.”

And he wasn’t alone in that thinking.

“I saw Mayor [Joshua] Garcia not long after, and he said, ‘you’re applying for this job, right?’” recalled Vega, referring to Holyoke’s chief executive, beside whom he’s been working for the past several years as director of Planning and Economic Development for the city. “He knew that this was a good fit.”

“The EDC is a connector and a convener.”

Vega did go for it, and, eventually, several teams of interviewers agreed that there was indeed a good match between this job’s demands and Vega’s diverse résumé, which also includes everything from entrepreneurship — he was a freelance film editor and then a yoga studio owner — to two terms as a Holyoke city councilor and then four terms as a state representative.

Thus, he ultimately prevailed in a lengthy, national search, and will take the helm on Jan. 2. Before then, and even moreso after, he said he’ll doing a lot of listening — to EDC board members, mayors, business owners, property owners, developers, and area economic development leaders.

The plan is to take what he’s heard and use his vast experience to blueprint what will be the next chapter for the EDC, a membership-based organization formed roughly 30 years ago with a broad charge of making the 413 more competitive, taking a more regional approach to economic development, and creating a stronger voice for this area statewide.

While Vega will develop a more formal set of goals and priorities in the months and years to come, he told BusinessWest he has some initial thoughts.

“We have not done a good job of marketing Western Mass.”

They include everything from creating regular, industry-based roundtables — similar to the ones he staged in Holyoke and that many attendees, including Sullivan, thought should be regional in nature — to more aggressive efforts to tell the region’s story and market the 413.

Not with newspaper and television ads, necessarily, he said, although that might be part of the equation, but through a multi-dimensional strategy that includes having a stronger presence in regional and even national gatherings, such as the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, which he attended several times as a Holyoke official.

“The last one was in St. Louis, and the one before that was in Chicago,” he said, adding that communities across the country gather to hear strategies about addressing vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties. “You hear these presentations from Chicago, Detroit, big cities and small towns, on how to reactivate these spaces. I’ve been to these conferences on vacant buildings and transportation — there’s so much networking going on at these events, and we need to be out there.”

Aaron Vega (right), seen here with Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, says the region needs to do a better job of promoting itself and its many assets.

Aaron Vega (right), seen here with Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, says the region needs to do a better job of promoting itself and its many assets.

Meanwhile, he said another priority is to work with area cities and towns to create more of the shovel-ready land that developers are increasingly demanding.

Still another priority is to increase awareness within the local business community of what the EDC is, how it functions, and what role it can play, if any, with the many pressing issues in this region.

“The EDC is a connector and a convener,” he said, settling on those two words to describe the agency, adding that he wants to put even more emphasis on regional collaboration on issues such as housing and east-west rail.

 

Pulling on the Same Rope

As noted near the top, Vega spent several years doing freelance film editing work for creators that included Ken Burns and his eight-part series on the history of jazz.

One project Vega worked on was “Race to the Moon,” an American Experience episode that told the story of Apollo 8, the first manned mission to the moon, in late 1968. He referenced it as he talked about his approach to his new job, problem solving in general, and one question during one of his final interviews (concerning policies relating to airports) that he didn’t have an answer to.

“Every single challenge they had putting together those Apollo missions … when they would encounter a new obstacle or challenge, they would bring in a person who could fix it — they kept expanding their team,” he explained. “If I don’t know how to do something, let’s bring in the person who does.

“If we do our job in Western Mass. of bringing in these companies that are coming out of UMass and elsewhere and they grow here and we create new housing opportunities … people are going to take the train to come out here to work.”

“If a group of people can come together and put us on the moon, a group of people in Western Mass. who are smart and have all these abilities can come together and figure out what we need to get done,” he went on, adding that this will be the organization’s mindset moving forward.

Overall, Vega has a broad, diverse background working in many different settings to call on as he approaches his next challenge.

Indeed, while editing films, he also opened his own small business, Vega Yoga & Movement Arts, operating it for more than 15 years. And in 2010 (the year he became one of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty honorees), the Holyoke native won an at-large seat on the Holyoke City Council, eventually serving two terms.

He then moved from City Hall to the State House, capturing the first of four two-year terms in 2013, before returning to Holyoke to become director of the Planning and Economic Development Office.

Vega told BusinessWest that, while each career stop provided invaluable experience that will help him with his latest career challenge, that is especially true of his time in Holyoke.

Indeed, over the past five years, he’s been part of several key initiatives, from the growth, and subsequent decline, of a cannabis cluster in the city to the emergence of new clean energy and food-tech companies, such as Sublime Systems and Clean Crop Technologies; from the designation of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center as state’s hub for artificial intelligence and quantum computing to the years-long effort to convert the long-vacant Farr Alpaca complex into 88 units of mixed-income housing for adults 55 and over.

“I understand how these things happen — how do businesses locate? How do housing developments happen? How do you put together a $40 million financial stack to make 88 units of housing together?” he said, adding that his experience on the ground, and the relationships he’s forged — with those in the State House, regionally, and locally — will also be assets in his new role with the EDC.

Returning to those thoughts about the EDC being a connector and convener, Vega said issues such as the housing crisis and the 413’s declining population require a regional approach and a high level of collaboration among area cities and towns. And that’s one example of how the EDC might be able to help identify key issues for the region, set goals, and develop strategies to meet them.

“If we want to think about Western Mass. as a hub, we need a population goal for Western Mass. because this region is bleeding population, especially among younger people, ages 24 to 45,” he said. “If we say we have a population goal for the region — 20,000, 30,000, whatever the number is — over the next 10 to 15 years, then every municipality is going to have a role in that.

“Our small towns are going to have to bring on four to 10 units of housing, while our Holyokes and Westfields are going to have to bring on hundreds of units of housing,” he continued. “How do we work together to make sure we’re pulling on the same rope? A lot of people say, ‘pull in the same direction.’ I’m saying that we need to pull on the same rope together.”

 

Selling the Region

And while getting communities to pull on that same rope, the EDC should also be continuing to stress a regional approach to economic development, Vega said, while spearheading better efforts to promote the region and its assets.

“We have not done a good job of marketing Western Mass.” he said. “We should be talking about the health systems we have and the education systems we have, and the idea that you can live in a farmhouse if you want and be in downtown Springfield or downtown Holyoke in 20 minutes, even without public transportation. I think we should talk about the fact that Western Mass. believes in science, believes in education, believes in opportunities.

“Maybe that story isn’t being told, but we need to make sure that, if the EDC is out there telling the story, the chambers are telling the story, the mayors are telling the story — everyone is telling the same story,” he said, citing the example of Lowell, which he acknowledged is a city and not a region, where there was a solid, consistent message about the ‘Lowell plan.’ “The message in Lowell was so strong that the barbershops were talking about it, as well as the mayor.”

He noted that, under Sullivan, the EDC has done a solid job of creating a strong voice for the region on a statewide level and making sure Western Mass. is part of statewide initiatives, and these efforts must continue as part of those broader efforts to promote the area and prompt businesses to look this way when considering expansion or additional locations.

“When those Boston-based firms are looking for R&D or prototyping, they don’t need to look any further than Western Mass.,” he said. “If they need a second location or warehouse space or their manufacturing done, it’s way too costly to manufacture inside the 495 belt. These firms should be creating partnerships and doing that manufacturing out here; we have great manufacturers and companies that can help with research and development. These connections need to be made stronger.

“People in Boston don’t know what we make out here,” he continued. “So when they look for service or they look for something, they look at the West Virginias; they look out of state before they look in-state. We need to change that.”

Summing up the challenge — and opportunity — for the EDC and the region, as well as perhaps his own job description, to some extent, Vega returned to the subject of east-west rail and what would be the best-case scenario.

“A lot of people talk about east-west rail coming and how that will be a benefit for people in Western Mass. to get on the train and go to Boston or Worcester and go to work,” he said. “But if we do our job in Western Mass. of bringing in these companies that are coming out of UMass and elsewhere and they grow here and we create new housing opportunities … people are going to take the train to come out here to work.

“That’s a shift in mindset that needs to happen,” he went on, adding that this just one of his goals as he takes on his next career challenge.

 

Celebrating Local Standouts

By
Special Coverage Super 60

Super 60 Honorees Impact Region in Many Ways

Dozens of area companies will be honored by the Springfield Regional Chamber in its 36th annual Super 60 Awards Program.

This year, the chamber received more than 100 nominations in five categories, one of the largest pools in the program’s history, showcasing the strength and diversity of the local business community.

The 2025 Super 60 winners represent industries across Western Mass., including healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, dining, and more. The program recognizes excellence in five core categories: Revenue, Growth, Start-Up, Give Back, and Non-Profit. Each category celebrates a distinct measure of success, from sustained financial performance and rapid expansion to community impact and innovation.

In addition, the chamber will present its first-ever Legacy Award, recognizing an organization with deep and lasting contributions to the region’s economic and community vitality. The inaugural honor will go to Balise Motor Sales Co., a family-owned business founded in 1919 when Paul Balise began repairing farm equipment and automobiles from his backyard garage in Hatfield.

What started as a small local operation grew into one of New England’s largest automotive retailers under the leadership of three generations of the Balise family. Now headquartered in Springfield, Balise employs more than 1,400 people across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Cape Cod.

“Super 60 is about more than business success; it’s about recognizing the people and organizations whose work uplifts our community and creates opportunities for throughout our region,” said Diana Szynal, president and CEO of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “This year’s honorees exemplify the strength and resilience that define Western Massachusetts. I’m especially proud to introduce our new Legacy Award, honoring Balise Motor Sales Co. for more than a century of adaptability, growth, and community impact.”

The 2025 Super 60 Awards Luncheon will take place on Friday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event will feature Jessika Rozki, founder of Rozki Rides LLC, as the keynote speaker, and the WWLP Morning Team — Kaelee Collins, Julia O’Keefe, and Chris Bouzakis — as emcees.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at springfieldregionalchamber.com/super60. The cost is $75 for members and $85 for non-members. Tables of 10 can also be reserved. The event attracts more than 500 business leaders each year.

2025
Revenue Winners


Baltazar Contractors Inc.
Braman Chemical Enterprises Inc.
Campora Construction Co. Inc.
The Dowd Agencies LLC
Edward F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc.
Fontaine Brothers Inc.
Freedom Credit Union
Harry Grodsky & Co. Inc.
Keiter Corp.
L&C Prescription Inc.
Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
Maybury Associates Inc.
Patriot Property Management Group
Saloomey Construction Inc.
Tighe & Bond Inc.

2025
Growth Winners


Baltazar Contractors Inc.
Braman Chemical Enterprises Inc.
Campora Construction Co. Inc.
The Dowd Agencies LLC
Edward F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc.
Fontaine Brothers Inc.
Keiter Corp.
L&C Prescription Inc.
Ludlow Eye Associates, P.C.
Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
Monty’s Motorsports LLC
Patriot Property Management Group
RE/MAX Connections
Saloomey Construction Inc.
Tighe & Bond Inc.

2025
Start-Up Winners


Caring Medical Staffing LLC
Gleason Realty Group
K. Ebner Creative
The Latest Kraez
Wash Works Laundry Services

2025
Give Back
Winners


413 Elite Professional Basketball Team
All States Materials Group
The Fontaine Community Foundation Inc.
Keiter Corp.
Lock and Key Realty
Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
MGM Springfield
Monarch Fore Charities
Realistic CEO
Springfield Hockey LLC

2025
Non-Profit
Winners


Access Care Partners
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield
Clinical & Support Options
Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Inc.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Forest Park Zoological Society Inc.
Hampden County Career Center Inc.
Hampden County Sheriff’s Workforce Initiative
Mental Health Assoc. Inc.
Rachel’s Table of Western
Massachusetts Inc.
Second Chance Animal Services
Springfield Partners for Community
Action Inc.
Sunshine Village Inc.
Work Opportunity Center Inc.
YMCA of Greater Springfield

REVENUE

Baltazar Contractors Inc.
83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-6160
www.baltazarcontractors.com
Paulo Baltazar, President
Baltazar Contractors is a heavy civil construction company with services in utility construction, roadway construction, site work and development, culvert and bridge construction, earth support and shoring, and trenchless technology. The company has remained family-owned over three decades in business.

Braman Chemical Enterprises Inc.
147 Almgren Dr., Agawam 01001
(413) 732-9009
www.braman.biz
Gerald Lazarus, President
Braman has been serving New England since 1890, using state-of-the-art pest-elimination procedures for commercial and residential customers, and offering humane removal of birds, bats, and other nuisances through its wildlife division. The company has offices in Agawam, Worcester, and Lee, as well as Hartford and New Haven, Conn.

Campora Construction Co. Inc.
43 Owens Way, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 610-1660
www.camporacc.com
Mario Campora, President
Campora Construction specializes in full-scale building construction and sidewalk, patio, and driveway installation for residential, commercial, and governmental projects. Services include custom home design and construction, complete home rebuilds from fire damage, home additions and sunroom installation, concrete demolition and infills, and commercial office fit-outs.

The Dowd Agencies LLC
14 Bobala Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-7444
www.dowd.com
John Dowd Jr., President
Founded in 1898, the Dowd Agencies is the oldest insurance agency under continuous family ownership, and one of the most long-standing, experienced insurance agencies in Massachusetts. Its staff includes fully licensed and certified insurance and financial services agents and brokers in Holyoke, Hadley, Southampton, Indian Orchard, and Ludlow.

Edward F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc.
5 Rose Place, Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 732-1462
www.efcorcoran.com
Brian Toomey, President
E.F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating is a full-service plumbing and HVAC contractor, offering 24-hour plumbing services, HVAC installation, gas piping, boilers, heat recovery, and more. It serves the commercial, industrial, medical, and institutional industries and has performed work for Baystate Noble Hospital, Springfield College, UMass, Mercy Medical Center, and Stop & Shop.

Fontaine Brothers Inc.
510 Cottage St., Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
(413) 781-2020
www.fontainebros.com
David Fontaine Jr., CEO
Family-owned and operated for 91 years, Fontaine Bros. offers services such as general contracting, with a focus on K-12 schools, higher education, commercial properties, historical renovations, and municipal work, as well as construction management. As one of New England’s original green builders, it has expertise in building sustainably and responsibly for all kinds of projects.

Freedom Credit Union
1976 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-6961
www.freedom.coop
Glenn Welch, President and CEO
Freedom Credit Union is a credit union that offers banking and loan services to businesses, the cannabis industry, and individuals. It also offers insurance plans for individuals and an investment-services division. The institution celebrated its centennial in 2022 and regularly involves customers and the community in philanthropic outreach.

Harry Grodsky & Co. Inc.
33 Shaws Lane, Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 785-1947
www.grodsky.com
Dave Streeter, President
Harry Grodsky & Co. delivers design; construction; service, repairs, and maintenance; energy solutions; and more, offering a full range of customized services and project delivery methods including traditional bid, design build, design assist, and integrated project delivery. It also maintains a workplace culture of community involvement, with employees actively and financially involved in a wide range of area nonprofits.

Keiter Corp.
1 Interstate Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 586-8600
www.keiter.com
Scott Keiter, President
Keiter Corp. is a construction-services company working with clients on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects of all sizes. The firm is divided into four divisions: Keiter Builders (commercial and institutional construction), Keiter Homes (residential construction), Hatfield Construction (excavation, site work, and structural concrete), and Keiter Properties (real estate and rental).

L&C Prescriptions Inc.
155 Brookdale Dr., Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 781-2996
www.medibubble.com
Dr. Kara James, President
L&C Prescription, the parent company for Louis & Clark Pharmacy, provides medication solutions to individuals, healthcare providers, and assisted-living, independent-living, and memory-care communities, and offers online prescription refills, MediBubble pre-packaged pills, blister packs to manage daily medications, vial synchronization, consultations with registered pharmacists, and a delivery service.

Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 536-1900
www.marcotteford.com
Mike Marcotte, President
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department, including a mobile service operation that comes to customers for basic maintenance and recall servicing. Marcotte has achieved Ford’s President’s Award multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

Maybury Associates Inc.
90 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow
(888) 629-2879
www.maybury.com
William Maybury, President
A one-source provider of quality industrial products and services to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing customers, Maybury Associates designs, supplies, and services a wide variety of handling equipment throughout New England and provides customers in a wide range of industries with solutions to move, lift, and store their parts and products.

Patriot Property Management Group
268 Cold Spring Ave., Suite B, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 707-4434
www.patriotpmg.com
Marc Murphy, President
Patriot Property Management Group is a real estate company that assists clients in the Western Mass. region with a variety of services, including buying, selling, rental assistance, property management, and more. President Marc Murphy also helms Lock and Key Realty, which is honored in this year’s Super 60 in the Give Back category.

Saloomey Construction Inc.
62B School St., Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 269-4360
www.saloomey-construction.com
Michael O’Brien, President
For more than 40 years, Saloomey Construction has built a strong reputation in both new construction and renovation work, including commercial and residential development, historic renovations, medical facilities, marijuana growing facilities, schools, student housing, senior housing, churches, and much more. The firm has also been part of many design-build projects that help clients achieve a highly customized result.

Tighe & Bond Inc.
53 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-1600
www.tighebond.com
Robert Belitz, President and CEO
Tighe & Bond offers engineering, design, planning, and environmental-consulting services, with focuses in building, transportation, water and wastewater engineering, coastal and waterfront solutions, environmental consulting, GIS and asset management, landscape architecture and urban design, civil engineering, and site planning.

GROWTH

Baltazar Contractors Inc.
83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-6160
www.baltazarcontractors.com
Paulo Baltazar, President
Baltazar Contractors is a heavy civil construction company with services in utility construction, roadway construction, site work and development, culvert and bridge construction, earth support and shoring, and trenchless technology. The company has remained family-owned over three decades in business.

Braman Chemical Enterprises Inc.
147 Almgren Dr., Agawam 01001
(413) 732-9009
www.braman.biz
Gerald Lazarus, President
Braman has been serving New England since 1890, using state-of-the-art pest-elimination procedures for commercial and residential customers, and offering humane removal of birds, bats, and other nuisances through its wildlife division. The company has offices in Agawam, Worcester, and Lee, as well as Hartford and New Haven, Conn.

Campora Construction Co. Inc.
43 Owens Way, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 610-1660
www.camporacc.com
Mario Campora, President
Campora Construction specializes in full-scale building construction and sidewalk, patio, and driveway installation for residential, commercial, and governmental projects. Services include custom home design and construction, complete home rebuilds from fire damage, home additions and sunroom installation, concrete demolition and infills, and commercial office fit-outs.

The Dowd Agencies LLC
14 Bobala Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-7444
www.dowd.com
John Dowd Jr., President
Founded in 1898, the Dowd Agencies is the oldest insurance agency under continuous family ownership, and one of the most long-standing, experienced insurance agencies in Massachusetts. Its staff includes fully licensed and certified insurance and financial services agents and brokers in Holyoke, Hadley, Southampton, Indian Orchard, and Ludlow.

Edward F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc.
5 Rose Place, Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 732-1462
www.efcorcoran.com
Brian Toomey, President
E.F. Corcoran Plumbing & Heating is a full-service plumbing and HVAC contractor, offering 24-hour plumbing services, HVAC installation, gas piping, boilers, heat recovery, and more. It serves the commercial, industrial, medical, and institutional industries and has performed work for Baystate Noble Hospital, Springfield College, UMass, Mercy Medical Center, and Stop & Shop.

Fontaine Brothers Inc.
510 Cottage St., Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
(413) 781-2020
www.fontainebros.com
David Fontaine Jr., CEO
Family-owned and operated for 91 years, Fontaine Bros. offers services such as general contracting, with a focus on K-12 schools, higher education, commercial properties, historical renovations, and municipal work, as well as construction management. As one of New England’s original green builders, it has expertise in building sustainably and responsibly for all kinds of projects.

Keiter Corp.
1 Interstate Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 586-8600
www.keiter.com
Scott Keiter, President
Keiter is a construction-services company working with clients on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects of all sizes. The firm is divided into four divisions: Keiter Builders (commercial and institutional construction), Keiter Homes (residential construction), Hatfield Construction (excavation, site work, and structural concrete), and Keiter Properties (real estate and rental).

L&C Prescriptions Inc.
155 Brookdale Dr., Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 781-2996
www.medibubble.com
Dr. Kara James, President
L&C Prescription, the parent company for Louis & Clark Pharmacy, provides medication solutions to individuals, healthcare providers, and assisted-living, independent-living, and memory-care communities, and offers online prescription refills, MediBubble pre-packaged pills, blister packs to manage daily medications, vial synchronization, consultations with registered pharmacists, and a delivery service.

Ludlow Eye Associates, P.C.
200 Center St., Suite 1, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 583-3600
Katarzyna Babinski, Owner
Ludlow Eye Associates provides comprehensive eye examinations, medical eye care, and contact lens fittings and examinations. Its optical staff is available to assist with new eyewear purchases, contact lens purchases, as well as eyewear adjustments and repairs.

Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 536-1900
www.marcotteford.com
Mike Marcotte, President
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department, including a mobile service operation that comes to customers for basic maintenance and recall servicing. Marcotte has achieved Ford’s President’s Award multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

Monty’s Motorsport LLC
1 Arch Road, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 642-8199
www.montysmotorsports.com
Monty Geer, Owner
Monty’s Motorsport is a parts, sales, service, and gear store for motorsport vehicles, such as four-wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles, electric bikes, street bikes, and more. It offers new and used vehicles, with financing options available, as well as services such as winterization, battery inspections, accessory installations, chain adjustments, oil and filter changes, and full engine rebuilds.

Patriot Property Management Group
268 Cold Spring Ave., Suite B, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 707-4434
www.patriotpmg.com
Marc Murphy, President
Patriot Property Management Group is a real estate company that assists clients in the Western Mass. region with a variety of services, including buying, selling, rental assistance, property management, and more. President Marc Murphy also helms Lock and Key Realty, which is honored in this year’s Super 60 in the Give Back category.

RE/MAX Connections
85 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA 01095
(800) 755-7595
www.remax.com/real-estate-offices/remax-connections-wilbraham-ma/100428112
Peter Ruffini and Dawn Ruffini, Brokers/Owners
RE/MAX Connections is a full-service real-estate brokerage servicing Massachusetts and Connecticut, with referral partners worldwide. Its services encompass buying, selling, and renting properties.

Saloomey Construction Inc.
62B School St., Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 269-4360
www.saloomey-construction.com
Michael O’Brien, President
For more than 40 years, Saloomey Construction has built a strong reputation in both new construction and renovation work, including commercial and residential development, historic renovations, medical facilities, marijuana growing facilities, schools, student housing, senior housing, churches, and much more. The firm has also been part of many design-build projects that help clients achieve a highly customized result.

Tighe & Bond Inc.
53 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-1600
www.tighebond.com
Robert Belitz, President and CEO
Tighe & Bond offers engineering, design, planning, and environmental-consulting services, with focuses in building, transportation, water and wastewater engineering, coastal and waterfront solutions, environmental consulting, GIS and asset management, landscape architecture and urban design, civil engineering, and site planning.

START-UP

Caring Medical Staffing LLC
235 Chestnut St., Unit B01, Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 435-0226
www.caringmedicalstaffing.com
Diana Preston, CEO
Caring Medical Staffing provides highly skilled nursing professionals across diverse healthcare settings, offering flexible, 24/7 staffing solutions tailored to meet each client organization’s short-term and long-term needs. Its team includes RNs (ADN, BSN, MSN), LPNs, CNAs, and HHAs. The business also offers CPR, first aid, and basic life support certification classes on a regular basis to healthcare providers and community members.

Gleason Realty Group
5 Industrial Parkway, Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 250-7937
Anthony Gleason, President
Anthony Gleason says of his growing company, “we believe that property management is about more than just buildings — it’s about people, community, and creating spaces where businesses can thrive. We are proud to serve our local community with a thoughtful, hands-on approach to property management.”

K. Ebner Creative
www.kebnercreative.com
Kayla Ebner, Owner
K. Ebner Creative is a growing photography and videography business with a wide range of clients, business and corporate photography — everything from restaurants and food to sports and fitness; from drone footage and video business cards to events of all kinds, including weddings. Ebner works locally but is also available for destination and travel work, and offers a range of packages to meet the needs of each client.

The Latest Kraez
469 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 384-2962
www.thelatestkraez.com
Rachael Kraez, Owner
Founded in 2020, the Latest Kraez is a woman-owned business serving Longmeadow and the surrounding areas. Owner and baker Rachael Kraez has an associate degree in baking & pastry arts as well as a bachelor’s degree in food and beverage entrepreneurship from Johnson & Wales University, and all her cakes and pastries are baked fresh with the best ingredients. She also services special events.

Wash Works Laundry Services
169 Hancock St., Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 889-3855
www.washworksma.com
Wash Works Laundromat is a family-owned business with multiple locations to better serve its customers. Services include self-serve wash and dry; drop-off wash, dry, and fold; pickup and delivery; commercial laundry services; and dry cleaning. Military and senior discounts are available.

GIVE BACK

413 Elite Professional Basketball Team
393 Belmont Ave., Unit 80347, Springfield, MA 01108
www.413elite.com
Charles Evans, Owner
The 413 Elite is a member of the American Basketball Assoc., whose goal is to provide quality, entertaining, and affordable professional basketball in a friendly, safe environment. Established in 2021, the 413 Elite is a part of the Northeast Division, alongside teams in Boston, Providence, New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Canada.

All States Materials Group
11 Interstate Dr., Suite 301, West Springfield, MA 01089
(800) 343-9620
www.asmg.com
Jean Azoury, President
All States Materials Group provides a diverse range of products and solutions for the liquid asphalt, paving, and road construction industries. Its construction material supply capabilities include liquid asphalt, asphalt emulsion, specialty additives, construction aggregates, hot-mix asphalt, and ready-mix concrete. The company also provides a broad range of pavement maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation treatment options.

The Fontaine Community Foundation Inc.
510 Cottage St., Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
(413) 781-2020
www.fontainebros.com/fontaine-community-foundation
Elizabeth Wambui, Director
An arm of Fontaine Brothers Inc., thr Fontaine Community Foundation develops partnerships with organizations focused on building stronger communities in New England. Its mission is to leverage resources to help solve problems and contribute to the common good. Key priority areas include children and youth, education, health, community support, and developmental expressions.

Keiter Corp.
1 Interstate Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 586-8600
www.keiter.com
Scott Keiter, President
Keiter Corp. is a construction-services company working with clients on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects of all sizes. The firm is divided into four divisions: Keiter Builders (commercial and institutional construction), Keiter Homes (residential construction), Hatfield Construction (excavation, site work, and structural concrete), and Keiter Properties (real estate and rental).

Lock and Key Realty
268 Cold Spring Ave., Suite B, West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 282-8080
www.lockandkeyma.com
Marc Murphy, President
Lock and Key Realty is a real estate brokerage launched in 2019, which has since grown to 60 agents and recorded $230 million in sales last year, with a portfolio of commercial and residential properties, including apartment complexes, commercial offices, and industrial sites. The firm gives back to the community through an annual golf tournament that raises money for Habitat for Humanity and the Hartsprings Foundation.

Marcotte Ford Sales Inc.
1025 Main St., Holyoke
(413) 536-1900
www.marcotteford.com
Mike Marcotte, President
The dealership sells new Ford vehicles as well as pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, and features a full service department, including a mobile service operation that comes to customers for basic maintenance and recall servicing. Marcotte has achieved Ford’s President’s Award multiple occasions over the past decade. It also operates the Marcotte Commercial Truck Center.

MGM Springfield
One MGM Way, Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 273-5000
www.mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com
Chris Kelley, President and COO
MGM Springfield recently celebrated five years of operation in downtown Springfield, offering a host of slot machines and table games, numerous restaurants, a hotel, and entertainment at Symphony Hall, Roar! Comedy Club, ARIA Ballroom, the MassMutual Center, and an outdoor plaza.

Monarch Fore Charities
One Monarch Place, 25th Floor, Springfield, MA 01144
(413) 746-4100
www.monarch-place.com
Paul Picknelly, President
Monarch Fore Charities is the philanthropic and charity-supporting arm of Monarch Enterprises, a leading commercial real-estate developer and hotel operator.

Realistic CEO
www.realisticceo.com
Mychal Connolly Jr., CEO
Realistic CEO aims to inspire and empower individuals, especially youth, to believe in their dreams and pursue them with unwavering determination. Through a book, podcast, vlog, speaking engagements, and more, Connolly aims to demystify the path to leadership and success, providing practical guidance, real-life examples, and motivational content to equip future leaders with the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world.

Springfield Hockey LLC
1 Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 02110
(413) 746-4100
www.springfieldthunderbirds.com
Nathan Costa, President
Springfield Hockey LLC, better known as the Springfield Thunderbirds, is the local affiliate of the St. Louis Blues and and the American Hockey League’s 2021-22 Eastern Conference champion. Playing its home games at the MassMutual Center since its inception in 2016, the team gives back to the community in multiple ways, like the Thunderbirds Foundation, Stick to Reading school programs, Hometown Salute, Frontline Fridays, and more.

NON-PROFIT

Access Care Partners
4 Valley Mill Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-9020
www.wmeldercare.org
Roseann Martoccia, Executive Director
This agency’s mission is to preserve the dignity, independence, and quality of life of elders and disabled persons desiring to remain within their own community. It offers services for elders, their families and caregivers, and people with disabilities. Programs and services include supportive housing, home care, options counseling, adult family care, nutrition programs, elder mental health, family caregiver support, and health-insurance counseling.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield
28 West Silver St., Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 562-2301
www.bgcwestfield.org
Bo Sullivan, CEO
The Boys & Girls Club aims to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Its programs for ages 2 to 18 are designed to support youth in achieving three priority outcomes: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

Clinical & Support Options
8 Atwood Dr., Suite 301, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 773-1314
www.csoinc.org
Karin Jeffers, President and CEO
CSO’s mission is to provide responsive and effective interventions and services to support individual adults, children, and families in their quest for stability, growth, and a positive quality of life. Services include crisis and emergency services; outpatient mental health; family-support programs; community-based programs; and shelter, housing, and homelessness efforts.

Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Inc.
78 Pomeroy Terrace, Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-1310
www.cutchins.org
Tina Champagne, CEO
Established in 1979, Cutchins aims to give children and families access to compassionate and transformative mental healthcare. Its mission is to help children and families transform significant emotional distress into increased resilience, hope, and quality of life, to support the healing and learning process with innovation and integrity, and to serve as a model for best and promising practices.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
25 Carew St., Chicopee, MA 01020
(413) 247-9738
www.foodbankwma.org
Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director
The Food Bank works to end hunger in Western Mass. by providing nutritious food, strengthening the region’s food-assistance network, and developing solutions to the causes of hunger. The Food Bank receives food from a number of different sources, including state and federal government, local farms, food businesses, and community organizations, and distributes it to member food pantries, shelters, and meal sites, as well as directly to families.

Forest Park Zoological Society Inc.
293 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 733-2251
www.forestparkzoo.org
Sarah Tsitso, Executive Director
The Forest Park Zoological Society governs the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, a non-profit organization that serves as home to more than 225 native and non-native animal residents. The zoo works with wildlife rehabilitators across the U.S. to provide care to animals that have been deemed non-releasable to the wild due to injury, illness, permanent disability, habituation to humans, or other factors, and offers a variety of educational programming for children and adults.

Hampden County Career Center Inc.
850 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-4900
www.careerpointma.com
David Gadaire, President and CEO
Since 1996, Hampden County Career Center Inc., now doing business as MassHire Holyoke Career Center, has been serving the workforce and economic-development needs of individual job seekers, social-service agencies, and the business community throughout Hampden County and beyond, offering a seamless service-delivery system for job seeking, career training, and employer services.

Hampden County Sheriff’s Workforce Initiative
627 Randall Road, Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 858-0000
www.hcsoma.org/workforce-initiative
Nicholas Cocchi, Hampden County Sheriff
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Workforce Initiative is an innovative program designed to empower justice-involved individuals, disenfranchised job seekers, and those experiencing homelessness by providing immediate, daily employment with same-day pay. Launched by Sheriff Nick Cocchi in 2022, the initiative aims to promote personal growth, self-sufficiency, and social inclusion, ultimately leading to full-time employment and community reintegration.

Mental Health Assoc. Inc.
350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020
(413) 734-5376
www.mhainc.org
Cheryl Fasano, President and CEO
Mental Health Assoc. helps people with a wide variety of mental health issues to live their best life by providing 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.

Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts Inc.
1600 Dickinson St., Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 733-0084
www.feedwma.org
Jodi Falk, Executive Director
The mission of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts is to alleviate hunger and reduce the waste of food resources in Western Mass. The organization takes a holistic and collaborative approach toward food security by supporting an inter-generational volunteer effort to feed and nourish local communities.

Second Chance Animal Services
67 Mulberry St., Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 739-2343
www.secondchanceanimalservices.org
Sheryl Blancato, CEO
Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that operates community veterinary hospitals in Springfield, North Brookfield, Southbridge, and Worcester; subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities. Every year, Second Chance helps tens of thousands of pets through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community and educational outreach programs, training, and a pet-food pantry.

Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc.
721 State St., Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 263-6500
www.springfieldpartnersinc.com
Paul Bailey, Executive Director
Springfield Partners for Community Action’s mission is to utilize and provide resources that assist people in need to obtain economic stability, ultimately creating a better way of life. It does so through home and energy services, income-tax assistance services, money-management services, transportation services, veterans’ services, and youth and family services.

Sunshine Village Inc.
75 Litwin Lane, Chicopee, MA 01020
(413) 592-6142
www.sunshine.us
Gina Kos, President and CEO
Sunshine Village serves more than 400 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders through a variety of innovative day supports. Programmatic sites are located at the agency’s main campus in Chicopee, as well as in Agawam and Three Rivers. The agency’s commercial cleaning company, Westover Maintenance Systems, employs an integrated workforce, while Sunshine Village supports individuals in their own jobs and within group settings at local businesses.

Work Opportunity Center Inc.
94 North Elm St., Suite 104, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 786-8830
www.wocinc.org
Mary Akers, Executive Director
Established in 1969, Work Opportunity Center is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Westfield, with various sites throughout Western Mass. WOC provides training, employment opportunities, and community-based day services to individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities.

YMCA of Greater Springfield
1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-6951
www.springfiedly.org
Dexter Johnson, President and CEO
The YMCA’s mission is to serve human needs in Greater Springfield by providing programs that promote lifelong personal growth and the balanced development of spirit, mind, and body for all. Its areas of focus include youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and it accomplishes this through learning centers, school-age programs, childcare, summer programs and camps, and the Y-AIM social intervention program for teenagers.

A Conversation on Workplace Speech

By Contributor
Law Special Coverage

After the Kirk Fallout, What the Law Protects — and What It Does Not

 

By Michael Lewis, Esq

After Charlie Kirk’s killing, workers across many sectors posted remarks that mocked or celebrated his death. Employers responded within hours. Some fired workers for policy violations; others suspended them pending review. Perhaps most notably, ABC temporarily pre-empted Jimmy Kimmel Live! after affiliates refused to carry the show and a federal regulator publicly criticized Kimmel’s on-air comments. Events moved quickly, and confusion spread just as fast.

The First Amendment restrains government. It does not create a job right to speak without workplace consequences. Private employers retain broad discretion, and public employers face a different constitutional test. Knowing where actual protection begins and ends will help you act quickly and lawfully.

 

What Counts as Protected Speech?

• Concerted activity under the National Labor Relations Act. Employees who speak with, or on behalf of, co-workers about pay, scheduling, staffing, safety, or other working conditions engage in ‘concerted’ activity. That protection covers many social media discussions directed to co-workers or seeking to start group action. It does not cover personal gripes, threats, disclosure of trade secrets, or harassing content.

• Anti-retaliation ‘opposition’ rights. Federal and state EEO laws protect employees who oppose or report discrimination in good faith, even if they are ultimately proven wrong on the facts. Crude insults and slurs fall outside that protection; specific, work-focused complaints usually fall inside it.

• State off-duty and political-activity laws. Some states protect lawful off-duty conduct or political activity outside work. New York protects many lawful off-duty political and recreational activities. California limits employer control of political activity. Colorado protects broad lawful off-duty conduct, subject to narrow exceptions. Connecticut’s statute extends free speech protections to private employees on matters of public concern, balanced against legitimate business interests. Multi-state employers should map these rules before disciplining off-duty posts.

Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis

“The First Amendment restrains government. It does not create a job right to speak without workplace consequences. Private employers retain broad discretion, and public employers face a different constitutional test.”

• Public sector balancing. Government employers must apply the Pickering/Garcetti framework. Speech by a public employee as a citizen on a matter of public concern can receive protection unless it impairs efficiency or disrupts operations, while speech made as part of job duties receives no constitutional protection.

 

What Does Not Count as Protected Speech?

• Policy-violating speech. Private employers may discipline speech that breaches social media, civility, confidentiality, or brand guidelines, so long as the rule and its enforcement do not infringe concerted activity rights or a state protection.

• Harassment and threats. Speech that targets protected classes or creates a hostile environment falls outside any protection and often requires prompt action.

• Disclosure of confidential or proprietary information. Revealing non-public business information, client data, or trade secrets invites discipline and potential legal remedies.

• Speech that predicts or causes disruption. Even in the public sector, officials may discipline speech that reasonably threatens operations, safety, or public trust after applying the required balancing test.

 

How the Rules Apply to Current Events

• Kirk-related terminations. Employers dismissed or suspended workers who posted content perceived as celebrating violence or taunting the victim. In private workplaces, the analysis turned on clear policy language, the connection to the employer’s brand, and whether the post involved co-workers or working conditions. Where a post targeted protected classes, anti-harassment duties reinforced the decision. Where a post was unrelated to working conditions and did not fall under state protection, at-will principles typically allowed discipline. Public employers had to apply the constitutional balancing test and document expected disruption before acting.

• The Kimmel pre-emption. ABC removed the show from its schedule after affiliates announced they would not air it and after public criticism from a federal regulator. While the network reversed course and reinstated Kimmel a week later, two practical lessons remain. First, business partners can force rapid action; affiliate refusals and advertiser pressure often shorten timelines and narrow options. Second, overt regulatory attention raises stakes for content decisions in media and adjacent industries. Employers should plan in advance for partner pushback and regulatory scrutiny, with ready playbooks and internal sign-offs.

• Other instructive precedents. Google’s termination of an engineer over a workplace memo survived a federal labor challenge because the content did not qualify as protected concerted activity and risked discriminatory impact. ESPN suspended an anchor for tweets that violated its social media rules, a reminder that brand and business relationships can justify discipline even when speech occurs off the clock. Franklin Templeton prevailed against a wrongful termination suit after firing an employee whose viral conduct damaged trust and reputation. Each example turns on the same themes: a clear policy, a documented business rationale, evenhanded enforcement, and — where required — a constitutional or statutory analysis.

 

A Clean Decision Path for Employers

When a post or clip surfaces, move in sequence and record the answers.

• Concerted or not? Does the speech seek to involve co-workers about working conditions or present a group complaint to management? If yes, treat it as potentially protected and consult counsel before acting.

• Harassment or threats? Does the content target protected classes, include slurs, or threaten harm? If yes, act under anti-harassment and safety policies.

• Public or private employer? If public, apply the citizen speech and disruption balancing; if private, proceed to the next step.

• State protections. Do any off-duty or political activity statutes apply? If yes, analyze the statute’s scope and exceptions.

• Contracts and past practice. Do CBA provisions, employment agreements, morals clauses, or progressive discipline rules constrain options, and have you enforced similar cases consistently?

• Confidentiality and brand risk. Did the content reveal non-public information or predict reputational harm with customers, partners, or regulators? If yes, incorporate that rationale into your file.

• Proportional response. Choose counseling, suspension, or termination based on the conduct, the role, and the risk, and issue a neutral, policy-based communication.

 

Policy and Training Steps That Work

Rewrite social media, civility, and confidentiality policies with concrete workplace examples. Cross-reference complaint channels and anti-retaliation language. Add explicit savings clauses for NLRA rights and any state-law protections. Train managers to escalate issues to HR and legal, and to avoid engaging in online arguments. Maintain a short internal script and an external statement template for high-profile events. Consistency across viewpoints reduces legal risk and public blowback.

 

Takeaway

Citizens hold broad speech rights against the state; employees do not gain broad job rights for speech in private workplaces. Your safest course is clear policy, measured triage, and disciplined, neutral enforcement, with special care for concerted activity, anti-harassment duties, state protections, and — if you are a public employer — the constitutional balancing test. When leaders understand what the law actually protects, they act faster and with less risk.

 

Michael Lewis is an attorney at the Royal Law Firm who helps employers resolve workplace challenges. He counsels and defends businesses across Massachusetts and Connecticut, handling matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour claims, restrictive covenants, and breach of contract. His practice includes litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies.

Ludlow Features Some Developing Stories

By
Marc Strange calls new and growing businesses “the economic engine that supports our budget.”
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Marc Strange calls new and growing businesses “the economic engine that supports our budget.”

Marc Strange calls new and growing businesses “the economic engine that supports our budget.”

 

It’s called Get Lost in Ludlow.

That’s the theme of a campaign — being promoted in many ways, including a website and streetlight banners — in this town of just over 21,000 residents, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the amenities of Ludlow, from local produce, baked goods, and craft beer to scenic outdoor spaces; from historical landmarks to Lusitano Stadium, home of the Western Mass Pioneers soccer team.

“We’re trying to let people know what Ludlow has to offer,” Town Administrator Marc Strange said of the grant-funded campaign, noting that each banner is also visibly sponsored by a local business, “which adds a little bit of placemaking to the area.”

With his deep background in economic development — he came to Ludlow Town Hall in the spring of 2022 following stints as director of Planning and Development in Agawam and selectman in Longmeadow — Strange has been focused on ways to boost business in town and especially draw new business.

One focus over the past few years has been development and infrastructure improvements around the ongoing Ludlow Mills project and along the nearby East Street corridor, as well as expanding the town’s District Improvement Financing area, which had previously covered just the footprint of the mills, to East Street.

“The plaza that I eventually purchased, as you’re crossing over the bridge, it’s just to your right. And it began to look a little outdated and not really well kept up. Businesses started leaving, and I started noticing that.”

“We have some really iconic businesses, but on East Street, we just need to make it welcoming for new businesses,” Strange said, noting, as one example, the arrival in 2024 of BarBurrito, a new eatery from Bill Collins of Center Square Grill fame in East Longmeadow. “We feel like, if we can redo the infrastructure and make it more aesthetically attractive for new businesses, people will come in from out of town.”

As for the ongoing work by Westmass Area Development Corp. and WinnDevelopment on Ludlow Mills — which has added 170 housing units to its mixed-use complex over the past couple of years — “one of the aspects that really attracted me to Ludlow, coming from an economic development background, was seeing the potential of the mills and everything that we can create in the downtown area,” Strange said. “That continues to be our future, and where my mind goes when we talk about economic development.”

Marco Vieira, in front of the new Grit 24 Fitness, says his plaza on East Street can be a key cog in building economic momentum in that area of town.

Marco Vieira, in front of the new Grit 24 Fitness, says his plaza on East Street can be a key cog in building economic momentum in that area of town.

Some of the destination spots in town, such as Randall’s Farm, Vanished Valley Brewing, and Sole Syndicate Brewing (formerly Iron Duke) — have been complimented by new businesses, like Tandem Bagel, which opened near Ludlow Mills last year.

“They’re doing well, and that adds a little bit more to the mills and to Riverside Drive,” Strange said, also noting success stories like the business park on Moody Street that’s typically fully occupied.

“So we have a lot going on. But certainly, any time we think about economic development, it always starts with the mills. It’s our future. It’s our economic engine that supports our budget.”

That’s a budget that’s constrained by Proposition 2½, which restricts how much a town can tax property. “Between the limitations of Prop 2.5 and limited state aid, you really need new growth. It’s really the buttress of our budget.”

“Our parks in town don’t have the best reputation, and I think that’s deserved. We really haven’t invested too much in our parks in terms of new equipment, the turf, the grass.”

Marco Vieira is one developer who sees potential in the area around the mills. That’s why he purchased the plaza on East Street near the Route 21 bridge connecting Ludlow to Springfield, which includes 39,000 square feet of commercial space and nine separate businesses.

“This side of town has struggled over the last decade. It used to be thriving back when the mills were open. Once they shut down, it started to look a little abandoned,” Vieira told BusinessWest. “The plaza that I eventually purchased, as you’re crossing over the bridge, it’s just to your right. And it began to look a little outdated and not really well kept up. Businesses started leaving, and I started noticing that.

“But then when Mill 8 and Mill 10 were built [at Ludlow Mills], they came out beautiful. And this side of town began to look like it was starting to wake up again — they rebuilt this whole riverwalk over here, too. So when that all came to life, it just so happened that the plaza came up for sale, and I jumped on the opportunity to purchase it with a couple of my partners.”

Tandem Bagel on Riverside Drive has been one of Ludlow’s recent success stories.

Anchored by a Walgreens and featuring an array of smaller businesses, the plaza used to be home to a gym, so Vieira’s largest improvement at the site was the design and construction of Grit 24 Fitness, a 24-hour gym that also offers personal training, which opened last year. Vieira said he wanted the atmosphere to evoke a gym that might be found in Miami or New York City in its elements of design, lighting, sound, and equipment.

“We’re trying to create something where we can bring the community together and gather — and it’s also going to help out the businesses in that plaza,” he explained. “East Street has about 20,000 vehicles passing through daily. So it’s not a dead zone. There’s a lot of potential there.”

 

Walk in the Park

The city is also planning infrastructure improvements downtown, including repaving, traffic calming elements, and new sidewalks.

“There’s also a new Select Board member who got elected in March, Anthony Alves, and he’s really prioritized the parks,” Strange said. “Our parks in town don’t have the best reputation, and I think that’s deserved. We really haven’t invested too much in our parks in terms of new equipment, the turf, the grass.

“So with Anthony’s leadership and the board’s support, we’re looking at improving Whitney Park and Veteran’s Park, and then Memorial Park. We really just need new equipment, to give them some attention. Those projects are going to be coming down the pike.”

Whitney Park, which is where the town’s summer camp has been held, includes a baseball field and a football field, he noted. “Years ago, it was very heavily used, but it’s not as attractive as it really needs to be, and the equipment is old; it’s not ADA-accessible. We’ve already gotten quotes for replacing all the equipment, so it can be a more exciting place for kids to go. Hopefully, when we replace the equipment, that’ll drive more traffic. We’re also looking at potentially redoing the tennis courts into something; we’re not quite sure what that’s going to look like yet.”

Meanwhile, “Vet’s Park is where the elementary school used to be, and right now it’s basically just open space, green space. There’s a soccer field there now, and a baseball field, but we’re working with Tighe & Bond on a redesign to put in a full, 11-on-11 soccer field and a 50-yard practice football field because the high school teams don’t really have any place to practice. And we’ll be redoing the softball field that’s over there, but also putting in pickleball and then some awesome playground equipment for the kids.”

In other municipal business, Strange noted that a recent town meeting approved the creation of a Finance Department and the hiring of Ludlow’s first Finance director, likely early next year. The same town meeting also allowed the town to create a capital stabilization fund and a Parks and Recreation stabilization fund.

Ludlow at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 21,002
Area: 28.2 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $17.35
Commercial Tax Rate: $17.35
Median Household Income: $53,244
Median Family Income: $67,797
Type of Government: Board of Selectmen, Representative Town Meeting
Largest Employers: Hampden County House of Correction; Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital; Massachusetts Air National Guard; Kleeberg Sheet Metal Inc.
*Latest information available

“That will allow us more transparency and more more predictability in terms of how we’re spending our money on capital projects in general, but also how we’re spending capital money in the parks. That’s important to us,” Strange said.

The town meeting also approved a noise bylaw, he added. “Throughout the year, we’ve gotten noise complaints about early trash pickups, noise from construction, noise from the pike, noise from some music venues. They were building up, so we felt like we had to do something. There was a lot of discussion on that, and it was a very close vote, but I think it’s necessary to give our Police Department more authority to enforce things.”

 

It Takes a Village

Vieira has always loved building.

“Creation was my big thing, even growing up. My parents didn’t have much money, so if I wanted a toy or something, I’d figure out a way to make it, build it — out of cardboard or paper mache, whatever. I just always loved to build.”

That passion carried over into adulthood, and in 2008, he opened his own building and remodeling company, Vieira Building & Home Improvement, in Ludlow.

“It eventually turned into a lot of additions and new construction, and I slowly got into commercial,” he told BusinessWest, noting that his purchase of the plaza and opening of Grit 24 is just the latest blending of his passions for building, creating, and his town.

“One year, my wife and I went to Florida, and what stood out the most was the gyms in Miami. You could walk in there, and you didn’t want to leave. So we ended up hiring a gym designer out of Miami.”

He said he takes pride in being just one piece of the puzzle downtown.

“In order to bring life back into a section of town, you can’t just depend on one person. You need to depend on the town leadership, the business owners, real estate owners, whether it’s just giving something a makeover or a facelift or opening up a small business — everyone needs to chip in. You can’t depend on WinnDevelopment or Westmass to improve the whole area.”

Strange agrees. “With respect to our downtown area, I feel like that’s the location with the most promise. And economic development is everything. You want an exciting space that people are going to go.”

That’s the idea behind the Get Lost in Ludlow campaign — to let people know there’s plenty to do, and stick around for.

“If you live in another town and you always come to Randall’s to do some pumpkin picking and stuff like that, but you don’t really know what else is in Ludlow, you can go to getlostinludlow.com, and there’s a calendar of events and a listing of businesses with pictures and links to the websites, so you can see what’s going on,” Strange added.

Vieira, for one, is grateful for that sense of connectivity. “It all goes back to everyone helping, helping pitching in and shining a light on the community, on this whole area.”

Sarah Rose Stack

By
Sarah Rose Stack
Women of Impact 2025

Lecturer of Public Relations, UMass Amherst

Grounded in the Arts, She’s Had Many Accomplishments of Note

Sarah Rose Stack counts several mentors and influencers in her life — from her sister, Theresa, to her husband, Ryan, who has supported her in everything she’s done, to the accountants at the firm she would work for. But she always starts those discussions by referencing two music teachers — one in middle school and the other in high school.

Both inspired a passion for the arts that lives on today and influences virtually every aspect of her life (more on this later), but they did more than that. In short, they helped convince her that her challenging life — being raised by a single mother at or just below the poverty line, and at times homeless — shouldn’t limit her ambitions.

“They started to make me realize that I could be capable of something beyond just surviving,” Stack recalled, adding that they became surrogate parents in some ways, providing her with everything from quiet space in which to study and escape that home life to invaluable lessons on how teachers need to support their students in any way they can — lessons she applies today as a lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst.

“That’s why there’s food here, there’s drinks here … I have a very, very, very open-door policy,” she said while talking with BusinessWest in her office at the Integrated Learning Center. “I have a student who’s not in any of my classes anymore, but she asked me to help her pick an outfit for an interview and do practice questions … that means a lot to me when students reach out to me like that, and I always try to be there for them.”

Stack has taken a circuitous route to her current position, putting aside music and the arts (at least as a profession) after coming up one credit shy of what she needed to graduate from UMass Amherst with a music degree as she tried to balance school and life, and thus being unable to speak at commencement, as she was chosen to do — although she would go back and do it later when she earned that degree.

This otherwise dark moment ultimately helped shape her in a positive way by taking her down a different career path — working first as an executive for the billion-dollar e-commerce company SHOP.COM, then for the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka (MBK) and, eventually, UMass.

Today, Stack balances life at home with work (including the Stack Group, the consulting firm she co-owns with Ryan), the arts (on many different levels), and involvement in the community, squeezing every hour out of every day — except Sunday, which is reserved for family.

Indeed, while providing guidance and support to her younger son, Ethan, with college applications and her older son, Jordan, as he pursues a legal studies degree at UMass Amherst, she teaches three courses at the university (four next semester) while also managing several interns.

“They started to make me realize that I could be capable of something beyond just surviving.”

Meanwhile, she’s teaching dance one night a week; choregraphing a production of Sweeney Todd at the Little Theatre of Manchester (Conn.) set for November; preparing to star in a theatrical performance she couldn’t name just yet, opting only for ‘razzle dazzle’; and laying the groundwork for the return of a program she created called Build a Prom, which provides prom dresses, suits, and accessories to those in need. And that’s just a partial list.

She’s also a consultant to MBK on marketing matters and serves as a role model and mentor to students, young professionals, and artists of all kinds. Katrina Arona, her successor at MBK, is one of them.

Sarah Rose Stack (pictured with her husband, Ryan) says she strives to be the kind of game-changing teacher she had while studying music in her youth.

Sarah Rose Stack (pictured with her husband, Ryan) says she strives to be the kind of game-changing teacher she had while studying music in her youth.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

“She plants the seeds with me, and I sprout from there,” Arona said, adding that advice has come on specific marketing initiatives as well as broad realms of working with people and solving problems. “She’s like that good player on a soccer team that enables everyone around her to play better.”

 

Sound Advice

When Stack says she couldn’t take anything for granted growing up in New Jersey, she means it.

And that includes having a place to live.

“I probably moved more times before I was in high school than most people do in a lifetime,” she recalled. “I Iived in a hotel for a little while, and in a church for a little while, with family, with friends.”

She said her mother worked three jobs to support her three children and, understandably, wasn’t around much.

Which brings her back to her music teachers. One of them, ‘Mr. Lorreti,’ got her started in music and gave her a euphonium, a close cousin of the trombone and tuba, which she would go on to play in several bands and focus on in her college major. Then, in high school, there was a teacher known to all as ‘Mrs. G,’ who helped her manage those difficult years.

“I consider myself an accomplished artist in music and dance, and I got a lot of my fundamentals from my music teachers with regard to technique,” she explained. “But they were there for everything. I remember being so stressed about getting homework done … the house was crazy, and I was allowed to go to the music room and work on things during off periods; she [Mrs. G] would never tell me to leave. I could go there for a quiet moment and work on an English paper.

“Those arts teachers … they give you so much than the lessons,” she went on. “My mother was a single mom raising three kids and working three jobs, so we rarely got to see her. She worked so hard, and she did her best. But it’s interesting how these arts teachers were like second and third parents.”

Stack had a few music scholarship offers, including one to Rutgers, but chose to pay to attend UMass Amherst for its strong faculty and institutions like its marching band, which she never did play in because she was involved in so much else.

She took on school in aggressive fashion, accruing far more credits per semester than the norm, while also meeting Ryan, also a music major. She became pregnant her junior year, took a year off to be with her son, Jordan, and then returned to school to finish, but, as noted earlier, came up one credit shy due to some challenges with balancing life and school.

“Things were different then — people weren’t so accommodating with non-traditional situations,” she explained. “One of my required classes started at 8 a.m., but childcare didn’t open until 8:30. That was problematic. Two times a week, I would drop Jordan off at 8:30, park in the football lot, and sprint to this class 40 minutes late.”

“They really showed me how to set boundaries for myself. They told me that if I don’t take care of my whole person, I’m not going to be a good employee. That was such a shift for me, and it stuck with me.”

She passed the class but, as noted, couldn’t take the final, in-person exam, and thus couldn’t speak at commencement and had to put aside her dream of playing euphonium with the ‘The President’s Own’ United States Marine Band.

“I took some time off, and that was when I just thought … ‘I hate music, I hate everything,’ and I started working for SHOP.COM,” she said, noting that she started in sales and worked her way up to director of Business Integration.

It was a job that took her around the world, and she enjoyed most aspects of it, but as her children grew older, she desired something more grounded. So she took the job at MBK as director of Marketing and Recruiting, thinking it would be the “the most boring job I ever had.”

But it wasn’t. It was another learning experience on many levels, and one where she would gain more confidence and life skills.

Sarah Rose Stack (in the pink cap) leads one of the many dance classes she teaches weekly.

Sarah Rose Stack (in the pink cap) leads one of the many dance classes she teaches weekly.

“They really showed me how to set boundaries for myself,” she noted. “They told me that if I don’t take care of my whole person, I’m not going to be a good employee. That was such a shift for me, and it stuck with me.”

 

The Next Stage

Always seeking new challenges professionally, Stack found one in the School of Journalism at UMass Amherst. There she teaches “Writing for PR,” “Research & Analytics,” “Social Media for PR,” and other courses while also trying the follow the lead set by the teachers who were so impactful in her life.

While her career has taken her to the corporate world and then academia, the arts remain a huge part of her life — performing, choreographing, teaching, mentoring, inspiring, and also playing in a few orchestras, including one featured in a recent performance of Shrek.

As noted, she teaches dance — everything from ballet and pointe to ‘Broadway jazz’ — one day a week at Nutmeg’s Dance & Theatre Co. in Southwick, where she’s taught for 20 years.

She also choreographs shows for several area groups, including the Little Theatre of Manchester, the Opera House Players, Renbrook Prep School, High Wire Acts, Seat of Our Pants Productions, and the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet. Specific performances include A Chorus Line, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Grease, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, and many others.

While work and the arts are separate worlds for Stack, they interconnect in many ways, especially with the way in which her training in the arts has made her better in her more recent career roles.

“All of my music and dance training played a huge role in all of my marketing and design choices,” she explained. “When you think about video design or storytelling, writing, or any of that stuff, the cadence of things … where there’s space, where things speed up, where things are longer than they need to be — all of that is very musical to me.

“When I write something, I’ll always read it out loud and say, ‘does this sing? Does it sound monotonous, or does it sing? Are there good pauses? Does it flow nicely?’” she went on. “It’s the same with video design when it comes to how things move, physical space, tempo … all those things play a huge role in how things are visually processed; I do think there are a lot of transferable skills.

“If I were to do a doctorate, this is exactly what my dissertation would be on,” she continued. “Dance and music as a universal language as it relates to behavior change.”

Pausing for a moment, Stack seemed to take that ‘if’ out of the equation, making it sound far more like ‘when,’ as in maybe a few years from now, when there might be a little more time.

That will be the latest challenge for someone who has never shied away from one, and, in fact, always looks for the next one.

That’s just one of the myriad traits that has enabled her to excel on many different stages — both figuratively and literally — and take a bow in December as a Woman of Impact.

Amanda Sanderson

By
Amanda Sanderson
Women of Impact 2025

Executive Director, Resilience Center of Franklin County

She Combines Innovation with Compassion, Authenticity

 

Amanda Sanderson says she owes a lot of who she is, what she does, and what drives her personally and professionally to her family, especially her mother.

“She’s a survivor of sexual and domestic violence,” Sanderson explained. “And each time she was in a situation that was unsafe, and her children’s safety was threatened, she had to find this store of extreme resilience to leave, support her children, rebuild her life, and make sure we were all safe.”

Elaborating, Sanderson said she grew up in a blended family with siblings and stepsiblings who had different needs, and she watched as her parents fought for their rights and the various forms of support they needed.

Such experiences — and the desire to help others find within them that same level of resilience her mother and stepfather exhibited — have taken Sanderson to career stops at nonprofits in Birmingham, Ala., Boston, and now Greenfield, where she serves as executive director of the Resilience Center of Franklin County (RCFC), formerly known as the New England Learning Center for Women in Transition (NELCWIT).

That’s a mouthful, and a name that needed to be changed, she said, to reflect that the organization serves survivors of all gender identities and sexual orientation and puts an emphasis on resilience.

And rebranding has been just one of many items on a large to-do list since she arrived nearly two and a half years ago.

Indeed, she has guided the agency — funded through the Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance — through might be called a period of renewal and transformation, handing internal challenges, enhancing its physical space, and expanding client services (including access to food, emergency assistance funds, and a welcoming visitation center), while also overseeing record-breaking fundraising and increased grant support.

Lainie DeCoursy, a board member with the RCFC who nominated Sanderson to be a Woman of Impact, described her as a “visionary nonprofit leader,” convener, collaborator, and a clear, strong voice when it comes to raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence.

“Amanda has been a key driver of regional coalitions of more than 40 nonprofits, amplifying the collective voice for health and human services across Franklin County and North Quabbin,” she wrote. “She is a strong advocate for the role of community-based organizations in fostering resilience, often emphasizing the ripple effect of nonprofit work — that thriving individuals and families are the foundation of strong communities.

“She combines bold innovation with compassion and authenticity,” DeCoursy went on, crediting Sanderson with providing strong leadership at a time of funding challenges and policy shifts and expanding holistic services to survivors and families by growing access to a basic needs and food pantry, introducing client transportation through a new agency van (helping meet a critical void in the county), and launching several innovative support groups. “A champion of equity, sustainability, and survivor-centered care, she has made services more holistic and more accessible, while engaging hundreds of community supporters.”

“A champion of equity, sustainability, and survivor-centered care, she has made services more holistic and more accessible, while engaging hundreds of community supporters.”

While Sanderson said much has been accomplished over the past few years, she’s looking ahead to the next challenges, both short-term — managing through serious threats to funding at the state and national levels — and long-term, including the need for different types of housing to effectively serve those in transition.

Amanda Sanderson has expanded access to a basic needs and food pantry, as well as other holistic services, at a challenging time for nonprofits.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

“I think of it as a three-phase problem — we need emergency short-term housing for people who need two, three, four days for the plan that they have to come to fruition; we need transitional housing, which is one to two years, for people who have left the situation they were in and now need a place where they can rebuild; and we need long-term permanent housing options,” she explained, adding that solutions will not come easily and will require collaboration among the region’s nonprofits.

This drive to keep looking ahead at the next challenges and finding needed solutions helps explain why she is a Woman of Impact.

 

Lessons from a Tiny Town

When Sanderson says she grew up in a small town in Northern Vermont, she puts extra emphasis on small.

“The town I grew up in was technically a town only because it had a post office,” she explained. “There were no schools, no general stores … we had to go down the mountain to get to the next town, which had a general store, but no gas station; it was 25 or 30 minutes to the nearest gas station, so you had to plan accordingly.

“And it’s still like that, although we now have a stoplight for the first time; we went from a four-way stop sign to a stoplight in 2019,” she went on, adding that, while such small towns have unique challenges, they share problems with communities of all sizes, and it was this knowledge, coupled with what she saw and experienced growing up, that inspired the career path she chose.

“All of those things that I witnessed or experienced instilled a lot of compassion — and a belief that, with the right support, people can accomplish the things they want to accomplish,” she noted. “And I think nonprofits are the glue, a bridge between what the government should be doing for people and what people want and need.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in arts, peace, and justice studies at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, she left the Northeast for Birmingham, serving as a AmeriCorps state volunteer for Impact America, working as a middle school debate coach, providing free vision screenings to children enrolled in daycare across 20 Alabama counties, and serving in the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program as a tax preparer and volunteer tax site manager in Selma and Montgomery.

“Through my studies, it became clear that the best way to learn about the world was to see a little bit of it,” she said. “And Birmingham is an excellent place to go if you’re curious about different parts of the country. And what I learned is that the problems are similar pretty much everywhere, and people are the same pretty much everywhere.”

“Everything we do has to be grounded in serving the survivors of sexual and domestic violence, building awareness in the community, and strengthening the quality of the culture here so people can do trauma work and be OK.”

Sanderson would spend four years in the Deep South, eventually serving as program manager for Impact America’s SpeakFirst program, supervising 17 middle and high school debate coaches while directly coaching 24 high school debaters and also expanding college readiness efforts through innovative programming and support initiatives.

In 2018, she joined City Year Inc., a Boston-based nonprofit focused on helping young people stay on track academically and graduate from high school ready for college. There, she managed and coached teams of six to eight AmeriCorps members who work with Greater Boston high school students.

While earning a master’s degree in higher education administration at Boston College, she served as a graduate resident director and also served as a sexual assault network advocate at the Boston College Women’s Center, working on call for its confidential hotline supporting survivors of sexual assault.

After earning that degree, she saw an opening for the co-executive director’s position at NELCWIT and decided this should be her next challenge. The job opportunity was part of it, and being just a few miles from Vermont and her family was another part.

She applied, got the job, and moved to Greenfield the same day she graduated, and was at work the following day.

Almost immediately, there were challenges that needed to be addressed internally, while also focusing on the mission and creating ways to better carry it out.

Indeed, the person hired to be the other co-executive director did not work out, she noted, and within a few weeks of being hired, Sanderson was named acting executive director, while soon also serving as acting program manager as well.

Amanda Sanderson, center, with Joan Featherman, left, one of the founders of the Resilience Center of Franklin County, and Pam Brown, a long-time director, as the agency recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Amanda Sanderson, center, with Joan Featherman, left, one of the founders of the Resilience Center of Franklin County, and Pam Brown, a long-time director, as the agency recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“In the first few months, I was just working on understanding what the staff needs were and understanding what our community relations were, where our priorities lay, and what we were doing to serve survivors,” she explained. “After I got that information, I really started to understand where our areas of improvement were.

“I was lucky enough to have someone on the staff I thought would be an incredible program director,” she went on. “I encouraged her to apply, and I started building a team of people that has the same priorities as I do.”

 

Building Resilience

When asked about those priorities, she said it comes down to meeting needs within the community, helping survivors tap that reservoir of resilience she believes is in everyone, and supporting staff members, most of whom are survivors of abuse themselves, in every way possible.

“Everything we do has to be grounded in serving the survivors of sexual and domestic violence, building awareness in the community, and strengthening the quality of the culture here so people can do trauma work and be OK,” she explained. “There was a lot of turnover when I started because people were getting burned out from hearing really difficult things and not having the support they needed.”

Elaborating, she said the agency became more thoughtful about pay, time off, and “making sure, if you come to do this work, that we’re being as supportive a workplace as we possibly can be.”

While doing that, Sanderson has been working to strengthen coalitions and collaborative efforts, knowing that, in rural areas, persistent problems cannot be solved by one agency.

In Franklin County, there are many such problems, including transportation, (or a lack thereof), substance abuse, a shortage of jobs and career opportunities, and, in many cases, a lack of understanding of the problems unique to rural areas on the part of many of the judges who come to serve in the county (most are from the Boston area) and even the state police that provide much of the public safety.

“The size of the communities can create more support for people, but it also makes it harder to fly under the radar and operate with anonymity,” she explained, adding that those who file restraining orders are far more likely to run into their abuser in a town with one grocery store than in a big city. “There are safety concerns that people do not consider if they’re not from a rural area.”

And then, there’s the housing issue.

“We need housing options that suit the area, and I’m looking into how nonprofits can work together to create supportive housing to answer some of that need and demand,” Sanderson told BusinessWest. “I’m not seeing any traditional solutions that meet our pipeline issue, and although there’s some backlash against housing-first policies, we’ve seen a lot of success once someone is rooted to a place — they have a place where they can give an address so they can get a job and enroll their children in school; DCF won’t be involved if they have a home. Those are just some of the aspects to the whole healing process.”

She noted that her mother recently earned a bachelor’s degree through Southern New Hampshire University.

“It’s something she always wanted to do,” Sanderson told BusinessWest, adding that her mother was one of the few in her own family to graduate from high school. “She wants to work with homeless youth because she was, at one time, a homeless youth.”

This new chapter in that story adds more emphasis to Sanderson’s comments earlier about how, if given the right support, people can accomplish what they need to accomplish.

It also helps explain why, when Sanderson thinks about the path she didn’t choose — a career in business, probably in a large urban center like Boston — she doesn’t think about it for long.

She’s quite content with the path she did choose, and what she’s done on that path — become a Woman of Impact.

Angelina Ramirez

By
Angelina Ramirez
Women of Impact 2025

CEO, Stavros Center for Independent Living

She Helps People with Disabilities Live the Life They Desire

 

When Angelina Ramirez went to work at Stavros Center for Independent Living as a secretary in 1990, it was supposed to be a transition plan to something else.

Thirty-five years later, she has certainly done plenty of transitioning, but all of it within this organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve independence — with roles including outreach, special programs, community relations, and development … all the way to CEO in 2019.

As for why she never left, it was a matter of simply connecting with a mission.

“I’m a person with a disability myself, and finding a job when you have a disability can be hard, and trying to get through life can be challenging. So the mission of Stavros really spoke to me because it’s making sure that, whatever your goal is, whatever your initiative in your life is, wherever you want to go, we will be there to support you.”

Whether it’s helping people with disabilities access housing, education, and benefits or helping them access personal care management services necessary to stay in their homes, Stavros has impacted countless clients over the decades. But they’re not just numbers; Ramirez can relate many individual stories.

Like young adults who have secured internships through Stavros. “One of my favorites is this kid whose school kept telling him, ‘no, you’re too disabled; you can’t do auto repairs.’ And we talked with an auto repair shop, and they said, ‘well, if he wants to do an internship, we’ll take him.’ And they ended up hiring him because he was so good at mechanical stuff.”

“The mission of Stavros really spoke to me because it’s making sure that, whatever your goal is, whatever your initiative in your life is, wherever you want to go, we will be there to support you.”

Or another client who arrived at Stavros homeless. “The police brought her in and said, ‘we need you to do something because we don’t know what else to do with her.’ And over the years, we helped her get medication, get the services she needed, get her an apartment, and eventually get a job. And now she’s retirement age. I mean, in 35 years, you see someone’s whole life. And when you see that, you say, ‘yeah, I made a difference.’”

Jason Montgomery, Stavros’ director of Development, repeatedly noted that passion for making a difference when he nominated Ramirez to be a Woman of Impact.

“No one in Western Massachusetts has done more to advance disability rights and equity than Angelina Ramirez,” he wrote. “Her leadership is both visionary and practical, driving systemic change while ensuring immediate, tangible results for people in need. She embodies the independent living movement’s core values: equity, self-determination, and community leadership.”

Angelina Ramirez (center) with some of the team at Stavros.Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Angelina Ramirez (center) with some of the team at Stavros.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

It’s a measurable impact, Montgomery went on. “Under her leadership, Stavros transitioned hundreds of people from institutional living into the community and provided thousands with durable medical equipment and home modifications. For decades, she has championed legislation ensuring equity and independence for all.”

One well-known Stavros program is called Home Sweet Home, Ramirez told BusinessWest. “Every year, we build around 60 to 80 ramps, depending on funds. That is a phenomenal program that has to raise a whole lot of money to be able to get all that done. But it’s thanks to partnerships in the community and a great team of people here that it happens.”

Another example of creative problem solving is a contract Stavros recently secured with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to repair wheelchairs. “One of the issues that we have seen over and over is that, for people with disabilities, their wheelchairs will not be fixed in a timely manner, so essentially they’re stuck at home,” she said.

“Her leadership is both visionary and practical, driving systemic change while ensuring immediate, tangible results for people in need. She embodies the independent living movement’s core values: equity, self-determination, and community leadership.”

In all, Stavros serves about 10,300 individuals across Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties at any given time, currently ranging in age from 4 to 89 — and it’s critical work, Ramirez noted.

“When people don’t know about our services, they end up in nursing facilities. Not to say that nursing facilities are not a good thing for some people, but say you’re 25 and you got into a car accident, and now you use a wheelchair. Do you want to spend rest of your life there? The answer is no.

“So one of the things that we do is help people to make sure that they don’t end up in situations like that. But also, a lot of people with disabilities want to go back to work, and they don’t have the resources or the peer support that they need to do that. So one thing we see over and over again is that, because we’re here, more people go back to college, and more people end up working.”

That’s real impact. And it explains why Ramirez, who has dedicated most of her life to this mission, is being recognized as part of the Women of Impact class of 2025.

 

Sharing the Spotlight

Under Ramirez’ leadership, Stavros has become one of the largest and most effective independent living centers in Massachusetts, Montgomery noted. It was named one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts by Boston Globe Magazine in 2022 — the same year the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce presented Ramirez with its A+ Lifetime Achievement Award.

She is quick to deflect such praise, however. “I feel like I don’t do anything half the time — it’s all the team, and I just get credit for all that they do. But it’s really gratifying.”

Angelina Ramirez says the mission of Stavros has always spoken to her — supporting people with disabilities and helping them succeed in life, no matter what their goals are.

Her impact only continues to grow. In 2024, the year she guided Stavros through its 50th anniversary, she secured a $153,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts to expand community-based mental health support across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. And this year, she launched Rock, Roll & Gather, a regional event blending music, art, and activism to celebrate disability pride, while building community support for access initiatives.

About 80% of Stavros’ income comes from contracts with the state, and many of those contracts originate with the federal government, so there is some long-term anxiety about shifting federal priorities — a concern shared by nonprofits across the U.S. — and short-term worries as well, from a government shutdown that had not abated as this issue went to press.

Still, in the Pioneer Valley, “a lot of the nonprofits help each other out,” Ramirez said. “Every year, we do this small breakfast with our legislators, and we bring in other nonprofits to talk about what issues are of concern right now and how we can address them.

“We have good relationships with the Amherst Survival Center and the Northampton Survival Center and other nonprofits in the area,” she went on. “Sometimes we get employees from them, from the people they serve who are looking for jobs, and they end up working here. And at the same time, our consumers go there and get the services and supports that they need.

“That’s one good thing about working here in the Pioneer Valley — even though there is some sense of competition, because there are not a lot of funds out there, there’s also camaraderie, and the main interest is serving people. That’s very different in this area. I talk with other people in other parts of the state that don’t have that.”

Montgomery noted that Ramirez’s leadership has been especially crucial during periods of crisis. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she oversaw the successful transition of more than 140 individuals from nursing facilities into community living and facilitated the construction of more than 100 ramps for accessibility. She also ensured that Stavros offices were kept open for the duration of the pandemic, and, at the height of pandemic shutdowns, facilitated meal deliveries for clients who couldn’t otherwise access them.

At the same time, Montgomery said, Stavros staff — 80% of whom are women — are empowered to lead, innovate, and serve as peer mentors. “She creates a culture where women’s voices are not only heard, but elevated.”

That’s an especially gratifying part of her job, Ramirez said.

“When people don’t know about our services, they end up in nursing facilities. Not to say that nursing facilities are not a good thing for some people, but say you’re 25 and you got into a car accident, and now you use a wheelchair. Do you want to spend rest of your life there? The answer is no.”

“It is a great opportunity to see people succeed, see people that came in like me as a secretary or as a skills trainer and now see them in supervisory positions or management positions. There’s one person in the building who started coming in here with her mom when she was a teenager, and now she is the assistant director of one of our programs. So there is opportunity for mentorship here. You get to do good while you’re doing good for yourself.”

 

A True Problem Solver

Ramirez also contributes to civic and professional organizations across the state. She serves on the board of Housing Navigator Massachusetts Inc., which works to expand access to affordable housing through user-friendly, publicly available tools. She is also a member of the Health Equity Compact, a coalition of 85 leaders of color dedicated to advancing health equity and dismantling systemic disparities throughout Massachusetts.

“I remember when the Housing Navigator approached me in 2019 — they had an idea to create this nonprofit to identify housing in the whole state and see where the gaps are. I said, ‘well, I want to be part of that.’ So they created a tool, and now we can see that, here in Western Mass., the availability of housing is minimal to nothing.”

It’s a major problem, especially for an organization trying to keep people in their own homes, but Ramirez is no stranger to tackling problems.

“Anyone can look around and see what is happening and what impact they can have, whether it’s health equity, housing, mental health, whatever it is. If there is a crisis, we need to meet it. That’s what I’m passionate about — when you look at what’s going on with the people that you serve and you start formulating plans. That’s what makes this organization and the teams here successful — they’re always looking forward.”

On its website, Stavros explains that, for the past 50-plus years, it “has worked tirelessly to remove barriers to accessibility and provide essential resources that support independent living. From advocating for disability rights and accessible housing to offering peer counseling, skills training, and vocational support, Stavros has been a trusted ally for thousands of individuals across Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

For Ramirez, the throughline across all that work has been identifying barriers people have to living the life they desire — and then identifying solutions to overcome those barriers. That’s a legacy befitting a Woman of Impact, but, again, she always seeks to share the credit.

“Surrounding yourself with a great team of people that can make it happen is the most important part of it because a lot of this stuff, you can’t do by yourself,” she said. “You have to make sure that the people around you are capable of doing it.”

Chelsea Kline

By
Chelsea Kline
Women of Impact 2025

Executive Director, Cancer Connection

She Brings Connectivity and a Punk Rock Ethos to a Scrappy Nonprofit

Two decades before Chelsea Kline took the reins at Cancer Connection, her mother was one of its early participants.

“It was such a relief to me that she had supports here at Cancer Connection that I could not provide,” Kline recalled. “I was young, I was a single mom, and she was going through such a terrible time, so I was grateful to have a place where people really understood and had connections to resources and were able to listen deeply and support in a way that that I couldn’t — which I think is the case for many caregivers. It’s hard to watch someone you love be in pain.”

The organization’s impact on Kline’s mother was so profound that her daughter emptied her piggybank on numerous occasions to donate to Cancer Connection because she knew how much

it had benefited her grandmother. And through her time working there, and especially since becoming executive director in 2022, Kline has come to appreciate that impact even more.

“When caregivers and people with a diagnosis come to us, they don’t have to put on a front; they don’t have to smile or brush it off — they can be real here. I saw that with my mom, that she had a place where she could just be real and honest with her fear or her pain or her anger, whatever it is. There are so many emotions that come along with a diagnosis.”

Kline, who earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and biblical literature at Smith College and a master’s degree in theological studies at Harvard Divinity School, spent several years overseeing leadership and organizational studies at Bay Path University before operating Chelsea Sunday Coaching for four years, a consulting business that helped many nonprofits in transition. In between, she ran for Massachusetts State Senate in 2018, garnering 41% of the vote.

But her interest all along was in supporting people who are struggling, and alleviating suffering. She found the perfect outlet for both at Cancer Connection.

During her graduate studies, “that’s where I really dug in with pastoral care and counseling and the whole concept of being present for people in hard times and in transition, and also the whole concept of the third space: we have our home, we have our work, and where’s the third space that we go? Is it a bar? Is it a church? Is it a community center? Is it a barbershop?”

Especially since COVID, she went on, those third spaces have become less robust and well-attended. But Cancer Connection can be a very particular kind of third space for people who need it.

“Our mission is very focused, but it’s a a really important community space where people can come and be held and be heard and feel connected and feel that they belong. And that, to me, is like magic,” Kline said. “That is so beautiful and so important. What could be more important?”

“Our mission is very focused, but it’s a a really important community space where people can come and be held and be heard and feel connected and feel that they belong. And that, to me, is like magic.”

When founders Jackie Walker and Deb Orgera launched the Northampton-based nonprofit in 2000, Kline said, their vision involved a concept known as befriending, which evolved out of the Samaritans model, which is a hotline for people in crisis. Essentially, Cancer Connection is a place to talk to someone, free of expectations or judgment.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit has evolved over the years to include support groups for different types of cancer and aspects of the cancer experience, from caregiving to self-care; integrative therapies like massage, acupuncture, Reiki, and energy balancing to treat cancer symptoms, boost comfort, and relieve stress; and programs that nourish the body, mind, spirit, and creativity, like Qigong yoga, mindfulness in nature, knitting, music and movement, equine therapy, and more.

Chelsea Kline is gratified that so many people find calm and courage during a difficult time in their lives through Cancer Connection.Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Chelsea Kline is gratified that so many people find calm and courage during a difficult time in their lives through Cancer Connection.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

“If people are hurting,” she said, “if people are feeling isolated, if people are feeling scared and alone, we have these open doors and this beautiful space, and we can say, ‘we understand, we want you to feel protected, we want you to feel cared for, and we’ll do our very best.’”

For her role in connecting people in need with a community that cares for them — and cultivating the support of a much larger community outside its doors — Kline can certainly be called a Woman of Impact.

 

Calm in the Storm

“I can breathe deeper, feel lighter, calmer.”

“The class was exactly what I needed. Being part of a community of other cancer survivors gave me a such a feeling of connection and courage.”

“I met amazing women at various stages of healing. The beauty and grace that each of them expressed helped me realize I am not alone.”

Those are some of the many quotes the team at Cancer Connection have collected from people who have accessed its services. They speak to a sense of calm in the storm, and that’s exactly what Kline intends.

“Every time someone has a massage or an integrative treatment here, we have a form where they fill out — how they’re feeling before and how they’re feeling afterwards. And it’s so moving to see someone who was in pain, they were exhausted, they were scared, they were uncomfortable, they were feeling like a 1 when they got here, really low on the scale, and after they work with the integrative therapist, whether it’s massage or acupuncture or Reiki, they’re feeling at an 8 or a 9. They’re feeling so much better; they say, ‘I’m feeling soothed. I’m feeling more hopeful.’

“And every time I read those forms, I send them out to the staff and I’m like, ‘look at how beautiful this is. Look at how important this work is.’ It keeps us all grounded.”

They’re doing the work with no federal grants — a comforting model at a time when such funds are being threatened across the nonprofit world. Instead, Cancer Connection relies on local corporate sponsors, a monthly giving program for individual donors, and a variety of events, from the annual Harvest Dinner to a Mother’s Day half-marathon that celebrated its 15th year this past spring. A new event, a ladies’ golf tournament, recently raised $20,000.

Other community groups have helped as well, from Crippled Old Busted Bikers putting on a comedy show to raise funds for Cancer Connection to a drag revue called Camilla’s Extravaganza that has taken the nonprofit on as a fundraising beneficiary, to the annual Bed In for Cancer Connection — launched by radio personality Monte Belmonte as Monte’s Camp Out for Cancer Connection, and how hosted by Greenfield Savings Bank’s Tara Brewster, one of this year’s other Women of Impact.

“We’re just lean and scrappy because the point is caring, and that’s counterculture to capitalism. This organization is kind of punk rock, in a way.”

Then there’s the Cancer Connection Thrift Shop on South Street in Northampton, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary.

“I often joke that the thrift shop is the fun part of Cancer Connection. There’s aways great music playing, friendly people, and treasures to be found,” Kline noted, adding that the shop is also in line with her belief in reusing and repurposing in an effort to have a lighter impact on the planet.

“I am profoundly grateful for the visionaries that came before me that dreamt up the shop and worked so hard to bring it life,” she added. “My oldest friends are all amused by the fact that I landed at an organization that has an awesome thrift shop, given that I am a lifelong diehard thrifter.”

In nominating Kline to be a Woman of Impact, Jean Einstein, co-president of Cancer Connection’s board of directors, noted that, “through her leadership and tireless energies in creative fundraising in the community and her talent to recruit talented development staff and board members to expand funding opportunities, Cancer Connection is well-positioned for the next 25 years to continue making a difference in the lives of with those with cancer, their loved ones, and caregivers. Chelsea Kline’s powerfully positive impact on Cancer Connection, and its ability to continue its legacy as a place to find strength, cannot be overstated.”

When Kline hears that, however, she immediately credits so many others who support the work, from staff to board members to volunteers.

Chelsea Kline (right) with Shelley Daughdrill of Florence Bank, which continues to be a sponsor of Cancer Connection’s Harvest Dinner — one of many examples of how the community supports the nonprofit’s work.

Chelsea Kline (right) with Shelley Daughdrill of Florence Bank, which continues to be a sponsor of Cancer Connection’s Harvest Dinner — one of many examples of how the community supports the nonprofit’s work.

“The thrift store alone has about 50 volunteers a year, people of all ages who show up and give their time to help support our mission,” she told BusinessWest. “The staff at the shop serve as amazing mentors for people of all ages in how they listen deeply and with profound compassion when shoppers and donors share their cancer stories.”

She also has an eye firmly on those who will take up the mantle in the future.

“Working in a nonprofit, it’s really important to think about how we’re going to be bringing in new generations of people who are going to be doing this work. Who are the helpers? How can you be a helper? How can you be a professional helper?

“That’s a really important career track,” she went on. “But it’s a counterculture career track for a lot of people because I think, in a capitalist society, it’s like, ‘money, money, money.’ And what’s so cool about Cancer Connection is we’re kind of outside of that; we don’t take insurance, we don’t charge people. We’re just lean and scrappy because the point is caring, and that’s counterculture to capitalism. This organization is kind of punk rock, in a way.”

 

Crank It Up

Kline doesn’t use that term lightly; she was deeply involved in the punk scene in Washington, D.C. back in the ’90s.

“I’d to all the shows that were free in D.C., and I was part of the Beehive Collective and zine publishing, and I had a shaved head. And the sweetest people I ever knew were all the punks at the shows. They would look out for each other. I was totally involved in Food Not Bombs. We would make huge meals from donated foods and give it away in the park,” she recalled.

“A huge part of my punk rock upbringing was, how do you take care of people that are hungry? It’s so basic and so essential, and it’s getting lost, and how can that be? How can we have so many hungry people? How can we have so many lonely people? How do we fix it? It drives me crazy.”

“I want people to see this work and grasp it and appreciate it and respect it and want to be part of it.”

She mentioned all that context to explain her listening choice while driving to the Florence Bank Customers’ Choice grant awards this past spring.

“It’s a bank event, right? Like, I’ve got to be buttoned up, to look like a professional lady, but I’m blasting Fugazi on the way. But there’s so much about the punk rock ethos that really does translate to working in nonprofits. It’s about just doing what you can with what you’ve got and living by your values, and not being fake and not being stuffy and not trying to hurt anybody else or try to take advantage. And I’m a little punk rock at heart.”

That punk ethos, she said, means authenticity, anti-consumerism, and helping others whenever possible, which also relates to being a social justice advocate, with an emphasis on anti-racism and LGBTQ+ rights.

And, of course, helping people through one of the most difficult journeys in life: cancer.

“I want people to see this work and grasp it and appreciate it and respect it and want to be part of it,” she said. “So my work is not work, per se; it’s an honor to be able to use my energy and my enthusiasm to bring people along and say, ‘hey, this is really important. Come and be part of this.’”

Rania Kfuri

By
Rania Kfuri
Women of Impact 2025

Vice President for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing, Glenmeadow

She Brings Energy, Positivity to Everything She Does

 

When asked about her basic approach to life and work — and, later, about her best advice to young people, and especially women — Rania Kfuri said that, in both cases, it comes down to the same two-word phrase: show up.

By that, she meant being ambitious, giving back, supporting others, effectively balancing work and life in a way that would yield success at both, and always reaching higher.

She also meant following a tradition of community involvement set by several generations of her family — on both sides, and especially the women, something we’ll hear more about in a bit.

And she also meant literally showing up, as she does, at gatherings of all kinds, including BusinessWest’s events. Indeed, Kfuri, a proud former introvert, spoke early and often about the power of networking and connectivity, and how, because of that, she counts many of BusinessWest’s Women of Impact, including several from this year’s class, as friends.

She’s joining their ranks … well, because she does show up, and always has, whether while working for the mayor of Chicago; or as an entrepreneur who developed a unique travel bag for young parents; or while working at Smith College, which she served in several roles; or as a Philanthropy officer for Baystate Health; or as a board member for nonprofits that include the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Stanley Park, Revitalize CDC, and Girls on the Run.

Or in her current role as vice president of Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at the Glenmeadow senior living in facility in Longmeadow.

That’s a broad title with many responsibilities that are all connected and represent some of her passions, especially philanthropy, she explained.

“There’s such an intersectionality between these three areas — I wish more organizations would see it that way,” said Kfuri, a first-generation Lebanese-American whose parents came to this country when her father, a physician, did his residency here, and stayed as war continued to rage in Lebanon. “Collaboration and communication are so important for an organization, and all three of these areas are very closely related.

“Sales, marketing, and philanthropy should all be communicating together, using the same streamlined language, and communicating the same mission,” she went on, adding that it’s her job to make sure they do.

But it’s not so much what she does within that broad job title that makes her a Woman of Impact, but how she does it — and what else she does.

“Her energy and positivity are contagious and help us all to see the benefits of collaboration and connectivity,” wrote Kathy Martin, president and CEO of Glenmeadow as she nominated Kfuri for this award. “She puts community first and is a quiet but impactful leader. From her service to a great many organizations and causes, she is often the nexus of an impressive web of overlapping relationships that, taken as a whole, move Western Mass. forward.”

“She puts community first and is a quiet but impactful leader.”

Dawn Creighton, a community outreach officer with Liberty Bank, who also nominated Kfuri, agreed, calling her an inspiration on many fronts.

“She is a beacon of positivity no matter what is happening in the world,” Creighton wrote. “I admire her tremendous balance of work and family life. Rania embodies engaging her girls in all she does so they understand what being a good steward to the community looks like. She is a walking judgment-free zone and will help anyone without explanation, requiring just a smile of gratitude. I love her passion for family, life, and our community.”

She’s far from alone in that sentiment, and this helps explain why Kfuri has been named a Woman of Impact.

 

Root Causes

Kfuri says she can thank family members for many of the traits she exhibits today.

Indeed, she said it was her brother, Kerim, a successful entrepreneur, who helped her overcome shyness and eventually become a dynamic networker and collaborator.

Rania Kfuri, right, counts Revitalize CDC as one of the many area agencies and causes to which she has donated time and talent.

“This is an acquired skill; I was not like this naturally … I was almost afraid of people when I was younger,” she recalled. “And my brother, who’s an extrovert, said, ‘you’re never going to have any fun, you’ve never going to get anything done if you don’t just go talk to people.’ He made me fearless to be social.”

Meanwhile, she said her parents and other members of her extended family going back several generations have served as effective role models when it comes to everything from giving back and helping others to being entrepreneurial.

“My parents’ home became a community hub for people who were also immigrating to the United States from Lebanon,” she explained. “And the nature of my parents being that way is because of the families they were raised by in Lebanon.

“He really instilled in my mom, who instilled it in me, the importance of being present in your community — being a doer.”

“My great-grandmother on my mother’s side was the head of the women’s group of the Greek Orthodox Church in Beirut,” Kfuri went on. “She was a very strong woman, a community-oriented woman who helped a lot of women who were widowed with employment opportunities and things of that nature. And that is how she identified my grandfather, my mom’s dad, who was also a family medicine physician, to be a great partner for my grandmother — because he also really believed in being a participant in community.

“He really instilled in my mom, who instilled it in me, the importance of being present in your community — being a doer,” she continued. “That’s in the fabric of my family, and the same goes for my father’s side, where my grandmother, in her earlier years in Lebanon … if you didn’t have a table to sit at and have dinner at, you were welcome at her table.”

These qualities, which she is now passing down to her children, helped shaped Kfuri as she grew up in Baltimore, and she eventually graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. with a political science degree and dreams of working in the State Department overseas.

Rania Kfuri continues a long tradition among several generations of her extended family when it comes to getting involved and giving back.
Photo by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

She entered law school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, but didn’t enjoy that experience and returned to American University to earn a master’s degree in ethics, peace, and global affairs and forge new dreams of returning to Lebanon and doing peace building.

All that changed when she met her husband, then doing his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, not through a dating website, as she recalled, but a ‘finding your roots in Lebanon’ website.

But that’s another story. Fast-forwarding this one, Rania and her husband eventually came to Western Mass. as he joined Baystate Health (he’s now chief of Gastroenterology there), and she starting writing new chapters in an intriguing career.

One of the first involved entrepreneurship, developing travel bags for parents with young children under the name Free Like Birdie, with Birdie being a nickname for her older daughter. The bags were a huge success — they were sold through Kohl’s, diapers.com, Amazon, and other outlets — but she eventually reached a critical crossroads.

“My younger daughter was about to start preschool five days a week, and my company was in a place where I was talking to QVC, and it either needed to grow, meaning I needed to build out a team, or it should close,” she recalled. “I decided that it had been a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it, but it was the right time to close.”

She then took a part-time position as an administrative assistant at the Solidago Foundation in Northampton and later worked at Smith College, first as assistant director of the Annual Fund and then as assistant director of International Alumni Relations.

She enjoyed her time at Smith, but was drawn to healthcare — many family members work in that broad realm — and took a job as a Philanthropy officer with Baystate Health in 2022.

“I wanted to help support the healthcare system because my dad used to teach public health at Johns Hopkins, and I know that regions can become healthcare deserts, and I don’t want that to happen to Western Mass.,” she said. “I’m always a cheerleader for Baystate.”

 

Connecting the Dots

Kfuri joined Glenmeadow a year ago, taking on a role that makes each day different and presents myriad opportunities to do what she perhaps does best — promoting and building community in all its forms.

“Community grows here, and in many different ways,” she explained, listing everything from the relationships between residents and staff to community gatherings (she calls them cocktail parties), to regular ‘town hall gatherings’ where residents can ask Martin questions and get answers.

Community also refers to connecting residents to the larger community, she went on, be it through trips to area attractions and institutions — there was one recently to the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne — to programs with partners such as the Community Music School and Square One. “We’re always looking to create spaces of joy,” she explained.

Reflecting on her approach to life and work, Kfuri summoned a phrase she attributes to an English teacher at the McDonogh School in Maryland: ‘you should care, you should dare, and you should share.’

“She would say that all the time,” Kfuri said. “And it re-emphasized that you shouldn’t be waiting for someone else to do the thing; you should be doing the thing. And that’s such an important part of whom I am as a person. Between my family and school, the culture was, ‘you have to show up.’

She continues to do so, and thus, there are many parts to who Kfuri is, starting with a strong work ethic and drive to succeed, a collaborative approach to her work, and a willingness to get involved in the community.

“In her work at Glenmeadow, she champions a person-centered approach to the functions she oversees and has transformed our organization by the outcomes and approaches to her work,” Martin wrote. “It’s about more than filling apartments; it’s about welcoming new members of our community in ways that honor the lives they’ve lived already and creating pathways for them to continue to thrive. She has made us better on every level.”

In the community, meanwhile, Kfuri has become involved with a wide range of groups and causes, from Revitalize CDC to Girls on the Run to the city of Westfield, where she served on a master plan committee.

But beyond that, she serves as a convener and a motivator, always seeking to broaden and strengthen the core of women leaders in the region. She hosts an annual dinner at her home, inviting those women leaders to gather and discuss ways to be empowered — and utilize that power to better the region.

“I don’t think that calling yourself an ambitious woman is a bad thing — ambition is not a dirty word,” she told BusinessWest. “I do, though, also believe that, as women, we need to support other women, and I would love to see more women genuinely support other women.”

With those efforts, as with other aspects of her life, it all comes back to where she started this conversation — with showing up … and being a Woman of Impact.