BusinessTalk with LaunchSpace President and CEO Brianna Drohen

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Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

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

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 230: March 17, 2025

Joe Bednar Interviews Brianna Drohen, President and CEO of LaunchSpace

In the eight years since LaunchSpace was … well, launched from the Orange Innovation Center, it has grown its impact while staying true to its mission of supporting economic development in some intriguing, interconnected ways, including supporting craftspeople with workspaces, operating a training center and partnering with local educational leaders, and providing incubator space and resources for entrepreneurs. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, President and CEO Brianna Drohen talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about how this mission is still evolving — an upcoming shared-use space for food producers and processors at a converted school, for instance — the challenging landscape for nonprofits these days, and much more. It’s must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

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Dietz & Company Architects Welcomes Three New Employees

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the recent addition of three new employees to the firm.

Norell Ferguson

Norell Ferguson has joined Dietz & Company as an interior designer and is excited to explore hospitality design and dive deeper into housing and community-based projects. She comes to Dietz with more than 10 years of experience in interior design and urban planning and policy from her work at architecture firms and with local and regional governments.

In addition, Ferguson is an adjunct professor at the University of Hartford and University of New Haven, where she teaches architecture, lighting, and interior-design courses. She holds a master’s degree in interior architecture from Philadelphia University and a bachelor’s degree in art history with a minor in architecture from the University of Hartford. She also earned a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Connecticut.

Ethan Cattanach

Ethan Cattanach joins the firm in the role of architectural staff. He specializes in utilizing BIM programs and their integration into the project workflow and most recently used those skills while working for another local architecture firm with a focus on commercial manufacturing and retail. In his role at Dietz, he will be helping to manage local projects and developing project documents and detailed 3D models.

Cattanach holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from UMass Amherst and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in architecture at the Boston Architectural College.

Maryam Javanmard

Maryam Javanmard also joins the firm in the role of architectural staff, bringing more than 15 years of experience as an architect and construction manager and specializing in sustainability and regenerative design. At Dietz, she will be assisting on projects throughout all phases of design. She has an impressive academic background, with two PhDs in architecture and a master’s degree in structural engineering from universities in Italy and Iran. A certified architect in Iran, she is currently pursuing professional architecture licensure in the U.S.

In addition to her work as an architect, Javanmard worked as a professor, teaching courses in architecture, sustainable design, and visual arts at Zarand Industrial and Mining College and the University of Applied Science and Technology in Iran. Most recently, she worked for a Boston architecture firm and continued to expand her expertise in life-cycle assessment and sustainable design as a Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellow at Northeastern University. She is also currently a lecturer at Roxbury Community College, teaching classes on architecture and sustainability.

Dulye Leadership Experience Offers Chance to ‘Get Unstuck and Start Moving Forward’

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Got goals? Lost momentum? Get unstuck with the help of an accountability partner by attending the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) in-person meetup on Monday, April 7 in downtown Pittsfield.

“Get Unstuck and Start Moving Forward” is the theme of this interactive program, which will help attendees gain new perspectives and approaches to identify what’s stopping them from achieving an important goal; take small, actionable steps to make changes; and keep progress going.

There is no fee to attend, but registration is required by clicking here. The program runs from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the DLE office, 100 North St., Suite 402, Pittsfield.

DLE meetups are designed to grow who and what attendees know in a fun and supportive environment. The program features breakouts and group discussions for meeting professionals from diverse companies and organizations.

Paragus IT to Host Recycling Drive on April 22 to Benefit Dakin Humane Society

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Daily News

HADLEY — Earth Day is right around the corner. For individuals and companies looking to get rid of their old computer equipment and do some good, Paragus IT is hosting a technology recycling drive to promote sustainability on Earth Day to benefit Dakin Humane Society.

“This is our fourth time doing this drive,” Paragus Marketing Manager Mary Seabury said. “It’s a great opportunity for local businesses and individuals to recycle their old technology while doing our part to protect our planet and its creatures.”

On Tuesday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., those looking to recycle old, unwanted computers, laptops, printers, and other equipment can drop them off at Paragus, 122 Russell St., Hadley. Paragus will prepare them for reuse or make sure they’re properly disposed of. In exchange, they will collect $5 per piece of equipment, all of which will benefit Dakin Humane Society. Some items may have additional fees. More details about those items — and other information about the recycling drive — can be found at paragusit.com/earthday.

BFAIR Promotes Katrina Cardillo to Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR (Berkshire Family & Individual Resources) announced the promotion of Katrina Cardillo to senior director of Marketing and Public Relations. In her new role, she will not only continue to lead marketing and PR initiatives, but also play an important role in advancing BFAIR’s fundraising activities.

Cardillo brings a wealth of experience in marketing, management, and community engagement to her expanded responsibilities. Since joining BFAIR, she has been instrumental in amplifying the organization’s mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and autism. Her innovative strategies and leadership have significantly contributed to brand awareness and community outreach.

“Katrina’s exceptional dedication, creativity, and strategic vision have made a profound impact on our organization,” said Rich Weisenflue, CEO at BFAIR. “Her expanded role will enhance our fundraising efforts, enabling us to support even more individuals and families in need.”

Cardillo’s career began with @utoRevenue, where she quickly ascended to the management team and contributed to the company’s marketing and operational strategies. Following an acquisition by Dominion Enterprises, she transitioned to the corporate marketing team within the Dominion Dealer Solutions automotive division, overseeing marketing initiatives for multiple business units.

After her tenure in the corporate world, Cardillo shifted her focus to the human-service sector. Over the past 12 years, she has been dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in Berkshire County. She holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Bus Tour Revives Tradition, Puts Libraries in Spotlight

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From left, Rachel Gravel, Marilyn Sutin, Jeanne Fontaine, and Erica Swallow at the bust of Andrew Carnegie inside Springfield Central Library.
Features

Pages of the Past

The original Springfield Library

The original Springfield Library has been lost to history, but the planned bus tour is designed to generate appreciation for the libraries still standing.

 

Kate Benson says she doesn’t know why the original Springfield Library, opened in 1871, was eventually torn down.

The impressive, Gothic-style structure was only 40 years old when its replacement, the central library that still stands on State Street today, was opened, she said, adding that it was moved a few hundred yards to make way for the new library and serve the city while it was being built. And, in theory, it could have been moved again to another location

“We don’t really know why it came down — and there’s no real record of why,” said Benson, a special-education team chair in Chicopee by day, and also a member of the Springfield Preservation Trust (SPT) and self-described “history addict,” adding that it doesn’t really matter why the landmark was demolished. What does matter is that a piece of the city’s past and an architectural treasure can now be seen only in grainy photos and color postcards, which were very popular in the day.

It is a desire to enable the public to fully appreciate similar structures — and to perhaps ensure that they don’t suffer the same fate as the original library — that has prompted the SPT and several partnering organizations to come together to create a bus tour (set for Saturday, April 12, with Benson as the tour guide) of the central library and several branches, including four structures known simply as the Carnegie libraries.

These are the central library, the Forest Park branch, the Indian Orchard branch, and the former Memorial Square branch, now the Greek Cultural Center — four of the 2,509 libraries built between 1883 and 1929 with money donated by Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Built in the early 1900s, those four libraries, and the others on the tour, are blasts from the past that can still be enjoyed today. And so, in many respects, is this bus tour, called “Pages of the Past,” said Erica Swallow, president of the SPT.

“The library went from being a membership-only establishment to being open to the public, open to the community. To have four of those buildings in Springfield that really symbolized access to knowledge, and access to betterment, is really special.”

Indeed, the once-annual Bus Tour of Historic Springfield, a partnership between the SPT and Peter Pan Bus Lines, is back after a nearly 30-year hiatus, and with many goals in mind, said Swallow, adding that this endeavor is a collaboration between several groups, including the SPT, the Springfield Museums, the Springfield City Library, and Peter Pan.

As for goals, she listed everything from showcasing those libraries to cultivating the next generation of preservationists in Springfield.

“The trust has been trying to bring in the next generation of preservationists,” Swallow explained, adding that new programs like the libraries tour, as well as existing initiatives such as house tours and walking tours (more on them later), are effective ways to bring people into Springfield’s past, while also celebrating the present and getting them involved.

Danielle Veronesi, senior director of Marketing at Peter Pan Bus Lines, who was approached by Swallow about resurrecting the bus tour, agreed, noting that Peter Pan, which has a lengthy history in Springfield and this region, is enthusiastic about its role in the partnership presenting the tour.

Springfield’s Central Library will be among the highlights of the bus tour.

Springfield’s Central Library will be among the highlights of the bus tour.

“We’re proud to be part of Springfield history, and also proud of the role we’ve played in enabling others to learn that history and better appreciate the city and many of its architectural landmarks,” she told BusinessWest. “That’s why we wanted Peter Pan to be a partner in this initiative.”

 

Chapter and Verse

Rachel Gravel, manager of Adult & Youth Information for the Springfield Libraries, said the building of the Carnegie libraries represented a major shift in how libraries were perceived — and used by the public.

“The library went from being a membership-only establishment to being open to the public, open to the community,” she said, noting that, until that time, most libraries, including Springfield’s, were private. “To have four of those buildings in Springfield that really symbolized access to knowledge, and access to betterment, is really special.”

This shift will be among the many talking points on the tour, said Swallow, adding that the program is designed to provide insight into Springfield’s most historically and architecturally significant libraries, offering a glimpse into their storied pasts and lasting impact on the city’s cultural and educational landscape.

Benson agreed, noting that her research into the libraries that will be showcased on tour — seven in all, including the four Carnegie libraries — has been an intriguing and rewarding experience.

“I was unaware that we had Carnegie libraries, and I have a minor obsession with Carnegie libraries in New York City because they had hidden apartments, which, unfortunately, the Springfield ones don’t, because they were not 24-hour libraries, like New York’s,” she explained. “It was interesting to do the research to figure out how they made the decisions to create branch libraries, who got one first, and how they funded it — and also how they took the original Springfield Library, which was a private library, and made it something that was open to the public; it’s an incredibly interesting history.”

Jeanne Fontaine, travel coordinator for Springfield Museums, a partner on many SPT initiatives, agreed, noting that the upcoming bus tour dovetails effectively with the Springfield Museums’ own program of monthly day trips to other museums and destinations, such as the Newport Flower Show and the Metropolitan Opera.

From left, Rachel Gravel, Marilyn Sutin, Jeanne Fontaine, and Erica Swallow at the bust of Andrew Carnegie inside Springfield Central Library.

From left, Rachel Gravel, Marilyn Sutin, Jeanne Fontaine, and Erica Swallow at the bust of Andrew Carnegie inside Springfield Central Library.

The most recent such trip was to the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, where visitors can explore the nation’s conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to today.

Swallow said the bus tour is another initiative undertaken by the SPT to bring attention to city landmarks and encourage preservation of sites with historic or architectural significance, or both.

Others include its popular Second Saturday Walking Tours, which originate at the Museums and focus on the downtown area, an annual walking tour of Springfield Cemetery, and a winter lecture series.

There’s also the annual Historic Homes Tour. Previously a bus tour that took participants to different corners of the city, it is now a walking tour focused annually on a specific neighborhood; this year it will be McKnight, said Swallow, adding that the homes tour is how many long-time SPT members first became engaged with the organization.

 

History Lessons

That was the case with Marilyn Sutin, who first went on the tour in 1979, became heavily involved with the Springfield Preservation Trust, and is still volunteering for the group 45 years later.

Like Swallow, she said the libraries tour is another way to bring Springfield’s past into the present and encourage others to get involved in preservation efforts.

Tickets for the bus tour can be purchased on Eventbrite; the cost is $20 for SPT and Springfield Museums members, and $25 for non-members. All proceeds go toward the trust’s mission of historic preservation in Springfield.

Emma deVillier Creates Memories Through Event Planning

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Emma deVillier says the small details of an event add up to big impact.
Women in Businesss

Something to Celebrate

Emma deVillier says the small details of an event add up to big impact.

Emma deVillier says the small details of an event add up to big impact.

Emma deVillier has been around the hospitality industry for a long time, starting at age 14 working at a country club, first busing tables, then as a beer-cart girl, then as a waitress.

“I was always learning the steps of hospitality, treating people how they should be treated. The service industry is a tough industry, but I always loved it,” she told BusinessWest.

“I grew up in a family with my mom setting up all of our birthday parties at home, and I always added my two cents: ‘no, we’re going to set up this way.’ I grew up going to my grandma’s house and seeing her set up the tables, and they looked like they were coming from Homes & Gardens magazine. So setting up was always super important to me.

“Then, as I evolved and started doing more banquets and weddings at the country club where I worked, I was always trying to add my two cents and my touches, and the members there started recognizing my talents,” she went on. “I never thought I was that good, but one day, a member asked me to plan her daughter’s baby shower.”

“My number-one goal is to make sure that my clients are creating memories and feeling that all their needs are being taken care of, and that, at the end of the day, every guest involved is going to enjoy their time and look back on it and say, ‘wow, that was amazing.’”

Not long after, she was opening her own business, called deVillier Designs.

“My company specializes in creating memorable experiences,” she said. “It doesn’t really matter how big or small the event — my number-one goal is to make sure that my clients are creating memories and feeling that all their needs are being taken care of, and that, at the end of the day, every guest involved is going to enjoy their time and look back on it and say, ‘wow, that was amazing.’”

In the six years since deVillier launched the company at age 19, she has grown it into a well-known name on Greater Springfield’s event-planning scene, not just for private clients planning weddings and showers, but some major companies as well.

For example, a few years ago, she planned the Howdy Awards at the MassMutual Center, an event presented by the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau to recognize top performers in the hospitality sector.

“That was a huge opportunity for me because not only am I in the hospitality industry, but I was also recognizing all of the top people in the hospitality industry,” she said. “Since it was the 25th anniversary, they gave me a little bit of leniency with running with my own ideas. So we did a Great Gatsby theme, which was so much fun. It was a lot of work, but looking back, that was probably one of my favorite events, just because it was a whole different kind of event for me to plan.”

She also handles all events for MGM Springfield; has planned corporate events at Springfield Country Club, the MassMutual Center, and a host of other major area venues; and has a long-running relationship with Naples Realty Group.

“They plan a corporate event every single year, and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” deVillier explained. “They call it their Naples Summit, and that recognizes not only their successes, but other Realtors in the area, and just brings everyone together. They’re one of my favorite companies to work with. That event is always so much fun to plan.”

Emma deVillier has handled events for many notable businesses, including this one for Naples Realty Group.

Emma deVillier has handled events for many notable businesses, including this one for Naples Realty Group.

Whatever the event, she added, “the goal has always been to do things the right way the first time. That’s the mantra I live by, and I make sure my clients are always feeling that way.”

 

All in the Details

The first meeting with a client, either in person or over Zoom, typically hashes out big-picture details like budget, venue, and type of event.

“If they don’t have a theme or specific ideas in mind or don’t even know what goes into planning an event, I’ll walk them through all of those steps,” deVillier said. “People think an event is pretty simple to put together, but it’s not. Obviously, there are many, many factors that come into play, so I’ll help them through picking out all of those factors, and then I’ll create a custom vision board with them, just to pull everything together.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m almost too much for my clients because I love to be so involved with them,” she added, “but I want them to always feel that I’m going to hold their hand through the entire process, and they’re never going to be alone.”

That hand-holding especially applies when a client gets anxious about some detail — not an uncommon occurrence.

“A minor thing can come up, and it kind of triggers them a little bit, but it’s my job, at the end of the day, to be like, ‘listen, it’s going to be OK.’ Like the weather, for example. I’ve had several close calls with clients, and it’s like, ‘listen, you can’t control the weather, you can’t control the little things, you can only control the bigger picture.’ It’s my job, obviously, to help them get through that.”

That doesn’t mean she’s not human, of course. “Deep down, I’m thinking, ‘oh God, what are we going to do?’ But I can never show that because my client trusted me and hired me, so I need to be there to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch.”

“There’s no better feeling than taking a step back right before the event’s about to start, and you’re just like, ‘wow, we did this.’”

Sometimes a client will come in with a distinct vision, and other times deVillier will have more leeway in guiding the process.

“Some come to me, and they’re like, ‘listen, I want a baby shower. You figure out a theme and run with it.’ Those are really fun because I get to use my creative ideas,” she said. “But then I obviously love the clients that have a strong vision because we can collaborate and work together. That’s the best of both worlds. I love both parts of it, but at the end of the day, I’m always going to put my creative spin on it to make it better than they could have thought.”

A successful event is all in the details, she added.

“With an event, you have the theme, and that’s great, but you have to master and bring in every component of the event to make it make sense. For example, dessert tables are my favorite thing to set up at an event. And those are colored — they’re themed to the overall aesthetic. My cocktail napkins match the aesthetic. I think it’s the little details that make people say, ‘wow, I never would have thought to do that,’ but it makes everything make more sense.”

deVillier calls herself a perfectionist, which can be personally challenging when she has to let go and let her team take charge, especially as she expands her footprint to the Boston, Cape Cod, and Newport, R.I. areas.

“Some days, I have events where one’s in Boston and one’s in Springfield. And I can’t spread myself too thin, so I have to trust my team back home and be like, ‘listen, you have to handle this. I’m just a phone call away.’ That’s probably my biggest challenge, just because I have a hard time letting go.”

 

Positive Influences

deVillier isn’t surprised she wound up succeeding in a competitive event-planning industry, considering all her influences and how far back they go.

“I admire so many people in this industry. When I was a little girl, I would watch Martha Stewart, and I would watch all the wedding shows. I’ve always been super into it, and I’ve just admired people who do this work,” she said. “There are so many talented people that I look up to, and I’ve studied their work, and I’m like, ‘OK, how can I do better?’

“It is very challenging, but I think, in this area, I’ve made a name for myself, not just through my work, but also how I present myself. I think you have to be a good person. At the end of the day, your clients always must come first. So I think having those core values not only makes my company stronger, but also gives my clients trust in me, which I think is super important in owning a company.”

She also appreciates how every day is different, and that she gets to meet many different vendors and clients.

“Overall, it’s a very happy industry to be in. We’re celebrating life’s most precious moments, whether it be a wedding or a company success or a new baby on the way. It’s just a very happy company, which makes my life a lot better.

“I’m very lucky to have flourished into where I am now, but there’s always room for growth,” deVillier said, adding that there’s also room for gratitude. “There’s no better feeling than taking a step back right before the event’s about to start, and you’re just like, ‘wow, we did this.’”

Take These Essential Steps to Secure Your Retirement

By Contributor
Wealth Management

Planning for the Future

By Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP

 

Is your retirement savings on track?

If you’re like most people, you may feel it’s not. In fact, concerns about running out of money in retirement are very common.

Andrew R. Beaudry

Andrew R. Beaudry

Ryan T. Cummings

Ryan T. Cummings

Many people today believe they’ll need at least $1.5 million saved to retire comfortably. But is that number right for you? The real ‘magic number’ varies widely depending on your current savings, future goals, and lifestyle plans.

A clearer picture of retirement readiness starts with understanding some general rules of thumb, strategies for calculating your personal magic number, and practical tips to help build a reliable nest egg for your future.

 

Five Retirement-savings Milestones

Setting retirement-savings milestones can help you determine what to save monthly and annually to stay on track. While these targets may vary, here are some helpful benchmarks to consider.

Age 30 = your salary. By age 30, aim to save at least one year’s worth of your salary for retirement. Hitting this goal allows you to start benefiting from the power of compound growth.

Age 40 = three times your salary. Though expenses may grow as families do, keeping pace with retirement-savings goals may mean saving at least three times your salary by roughly age 40.

“Are you dreaming of frequent travel, a quiet life filled with hobbies, or something in between? The more you can clarify your lifestyle goals, the better you’ll understand the financial resources you’ll need to enjoy your future comfortably.”

Age 50 = six times your salary. As you get closer to retiring, look at ways to pay down debt to enter retirement with minimal liabilities and maximize retirement contributions to reach about six times your salary by age 50.

Age 60 = eight times your salary. As you approach retirement, think about how and when you might transition to retirement and whether a part-time role could be part of your plan, while aiming to have at least eight times your salary saved by age 60.

Age 67 (average retirement age) = 10 times your salary. If you plan to retire around age 67, which is the full retirement age for Social Security benefits, aim for about 10 times your annual salary. For instance, a salary of $100,000 would suggest a target of $1 million by retirement.

Keep in mind that these recommendations provide broad estimates for guidance and tracking progress. As you gain experience and your salary grows, these milestones may shift as your income changes. These benchmarks may not fit everyone’s personal retirement plans and should be adapted to individual goals.

 

Five Factors That Impact Savings Goals

While general savings milestones provide helpful guidelines, personal factors can greatly influence your actual retirement needs. Here are five key considerations to help you define your unique retirement target:

When do you want to retire? What age do you envision for retirement? Deciding when to retire can dramatically affect how much you’ll need, especially if you plan to stop working before becoming eligible for full Social Security benefits.

What lifestyle do you want in retirement? Are you dreaming of frequent travel, a quiet life filled with hobbies, or something in between? The more you can clarify your lifestyle goals, the better you’ll understand the financial resources you’ll need to enjoy your future comfortably.

Where will you live? Do you plan to stay put, downsize, or relocate? Your choice of location impacts cost of living, taxes, and potential housing expenses, including maintenance if you own a home. These variables can influence how much you should save.

Will you retire with debt? Are there ways to limit the debt you’ll retire with? Ideally, entering retirement with minimal or no debt allows more flexibility with your income. The more debt you carry, the more challenging it may be to cover expenses comfortably in retirement.

What about healthcare when you retire? Healthcare and long-term care can be significant expenses. The average retiree may need upwards of $157,000 for healthcare alone, and those costs typically rise with age and inflation.

While these may not be the only factors to consider, they’re valuable starting points for refining your magic number and setting a solid foundation for retirement planning.

 

Seven Actionable Ideas for Retirement Savings

Reaching your retirement goals often requires more than knowing general milestones or understanding personal factors. Here are seven tips to help you stay on course and save strategically.

Start saving early and maximize compound growth. The earlier you start saving, the more time your investments will have to grow. Even small contributions early on can balloon over time.

Maximize employer contributions. If your employer offers a match on your 401(k) or another retirement plan, aim to contribute enough to capture the full match. It’s essentially free money for your retirement.

Set aside a percentage of your salary. Commit a portion of your salary directly to retirement savings — ideally, around 15% of your annual income, including any employer match. Hitting this target can keep you on track toward long-term goals.

Diversify your investments. Balance your portfolio with a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets. Diversification can better insulate your retirement savings from volatility, especially as you get closer to retiring.

Reassess and adjust savings regularly. As life changes, you may need to reassess your savings plan and retirement contributions. That’s why it’s important to regularly revisit your retirement-savings strategies to make sure they still work for you and are the best options for achieving your objectives.

Plan for unexpected expenses. Life is full of surprises. Setting up an emergency fund can help you deal with any unexpected expenses, so you don’t have to dip into your retirement savings prematurely.

Keep track of your retirement income sources. Estimate your monthly retirement income from Social Security, pensions, and personal savings. Then, compare this with projected monthly expenses in retirement to see if your income will meet your needs. This will give you a clearer picture of your future financial landscape.

 

Next Steps for Achieving Your Ideal Retirement

Building the retirement you envision takes careful planning and a steady commitment to saving. It requires understanding how retirement savings work, clarifying your goals, and adopting smart strategies to secure your future.

The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with an experienced financial professional can provide valuable guidance, helping you discover effective strategies tailored to your unique retirement goals.

 

Andrew R. Beaudry is the registered principal, and Ryan T. Cummings is a financial advisor, at Private Financial Design, LLC in South Hadley.

Country Bank Strengthens Its Presence in Springfield

By
Mary McGovern says the location at 1350 Main St. gives Country Bank great visibility in downtown Springfield.
Commercial Real Estate

Down on Main Street

Mary McGovern says the location at 1350 Main St. gives Country Bank great visibility in downtown Springfield.

Mary McGovern says the location at 1350 Main St. gives Country Bank great visibility in downtown Springfield.

 

Mary McGovern says Country Bank has been looking to create a stronger presence in downtown Springfield for at least five years now.

The institution, which has a lending office on the 17th floor of Tower Square, has considered several sites for a banking center with strong visibility, she said, including the space in Monarch Place that would eventually become home to the corporate offices of New Valley Bank.

“We were looking strongly at that site, but we were beaten out for it,” she said, adding that other players were as well.

Undeterred, the Ware-based bank kept looking in Springfield while shifting its immediate focus to Worcester and establishing a stronger presence there (Country now has three locations in that city), said McGovern, the bank’s president. But the search in Springfield entered a new phase late last year with a call from Evan Plotkin, co-owner of the 1350 Main St. tower.

That call concerned the long-vacant space last occupied by Santander Bank, and … fast-forwarding a little, this large space will soon be sporting a Country Bank sign.

The bank’s move into that large, ground-floor location, likely to happen in the third quarter of this year after a comprehensive build-out, will give Country a much more visible presence downtown and, by that time, its second banking center in the western part of Hampden County. Indeed, the bank is finalizing a lease on a space in Longmeadow close to the Enfield line, said McGovern, adding that expansion in this region has emerged as one of the bank’s key strategic initiatives.

“We’ve been focused on branching out both in the Worcester area and in Springfield. Overall, 2024 was more eastern-focused, and in 2025, we’ll be focusing more on our western market.”

“We’ve been focused on branching out both in the Worcester area and in Springfield,” she said. “Overall, 2024 was more eastern-focused, and in 2025, we’ll be focusing more on our western market.”

As for the location in 1350 Main St., it continues a strong comeback for that property, which has seen many of its long-vacant spaces absorbed in the past 24 months, while it also continues a movement by the banking sector into the central business district; in addition to New Valley, Chase recently established a branch on the ground floor of 1391 Main, known to most as Harrison Place.

Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin as well as co-owner of 1350 Main, said the space being taken by Country has been vacant for about a dozen years now. Over that span (most of which the first five floors were owned by a separate party; Plotkin and partners gained control in 2023), there has been interest of varying degrees from a broad range of businesses.

White Lion Brewing Co. took a long look at the space before eventually settling on a site in Tower Square, he noted, adding that a few restaurants and retailers have looked at it as well.

Banks … not so much, said Plotkin, adding that Country apparently sees what others haven’t, and that is an emerging corner, if you will, in downtown Springfield, with the MassMutual Center diagonally across Main Street, a new parking garage behind that, a revitalized Court Square across Court Street, and the new apartments at 31 Elm St. just beyond the park.

Mary McGovern and Evan Plotkin

Mary McGovern and Evan Plotkin say 1350 Main St. is an emerging corner in downtown Springfield.

“That’s one of the best corners in the city,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s next to City Hall, it’s across from the MassMutual Center … it’s where the life and the heart of the city is. The center of gravity has moved to this block.”

Plotkin categorized Country’s arrival as a win-win. It’s a win for the bank, which gains a highly visible location in the city, and it’s a win for all those at 1350 Main, because a long-dark space will see the lights go back on again.

“To have a dark space on the ground floor of a building of this stature is an impediment, if not from an economic basis, but from a visibility standpoint,” Plotkin said. “To have the lights on in there, with the activity of a bank, transacting business, changes the building quite a bit.”

Like most other downtown bank branches, the location lacks parking and a drive-thru lane, but it will be convenient for people working or doing other business in that area, and will provide additional support for the bank’s many customers in the Greater Springfield and Northern Connecticut markets, said McGovern, adding that, while most banking customers visit a branch infrequently, some, including small-business owners and mortgage customers, prefer that level of service.

“To have the lights on in there, with the activity of a bank, transacting business, changes the building quite a bit.”

As noted, the space at 1350 Main is large, around 4,000 square feet, much larger than most branches being built or moved into today. She noted that one portion of the space will be devoted to the banking center, with the rest put to other uses, such as hoteling other bank employees doing business in Springfield or attending events there.

Meanwhile, the location will give Country much greater visibility in the 413’s largest city, an important consideration in ongoing efforts to grow the institution and build its brand.

“Some people know we’re in Tower Square, but sometimes it feels that not many people know because there isn’t a sign at street level,” McGovern said. “There’s nothing like a sign on a banking center to let people know you’re there.”

—George O’Brien

Whittlesey Named 2025 Regional Leader, Firm to Watch by Accounting Today

By
Daily News

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, the largest Connecticut-based accounting firm, has been named a 2025 Regional Leader in New England and a Firm to Watch by Accounting Today. With $40.2 million in revenue, three offices, and a team of 175 professionals, Whittlesey continues to provide assurance, advisory, tax, and technology services to businesses and individuals across the region.

“Whittlesey’s commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and exceptional client service remains at the forefront of everything we do,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to delivering value-driven solutions and helping our clients succeed in an evolving business environment.”

Accounting Today’s annual rankings highlight firms demonstrating strong financial performance, industry leadership, and forward-thinking strategies. As the only Connecticut-based firm named to the Firms to Watch list, Whittlesey remains dedicated to helping businesses and individuals navigate complex financial challenges with expertise, innovation, and personalized service.

Holyoke Community College to Present 26th Annual Jazz Festival March 28-29

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — The annual Holyoke Community College Jazz Festival returns for its 26th year on Friday, March 28, with pianist, composer, and educator Earl MacDonald joining the Amherst Jazz Orchestra and members of the HCC jazz faculty for a big-band concert.

The Friday show begins at 8 p.m. in HCC’s Leslie Phillips Theater in the Fine & Performing Arts building on the main HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave.

MacDonald, the former musical director and pianist for trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, is director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut and teaches annually at the Jazz in July program at UMass Amherst.

“I met Earl MacDonald at the Jazz in July program at UMass and worked with him there in the summertime,” said HCC Jazz Professor Bob Ferrier, the festival organizer. “He’s a great educator, great piano player, and, on top of it, a great guy.”

The concert is free for HCC students, faculty, and staff, and $10 for the general public. Led by trombonist David Sporny, the Amherst Jazz Orchestra has been a mainstay of the HCC Jazz Festival since the first in 1998.

On Saturday, March 29, starting at 10 a.m. in the Fine & Performing Arts Building, MacDonald and members of the HCC Jazz Festival faculty will lead improvisation clinics, demonstrations, and jam sessions for area high-school and college musicians. Saturday events are free and open to the public.

As a bandleader, MacDonald has released seven albums. His accolades include a 2022 Covenant Award from GMA Canada, the Connecticut Office of the Arts’ 2020 Artistic Excellence Award, the Sammy Nestico Award for big-band arranging, and two JUNO Award nominations for Jazz Album of the Year.

The Winnipeg, Canada native earned degrees from McGill University and Rutgers, where he apprenticed with jazz master Kenny Barron. MacDonald has been called “a magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids” by the Hartford Courant and “a major force in the world of jazz composition” by Dan Bilawsky on allaboutjazz.com.

Freedom Credit Union Asks Community to Support Shriners Children’s New England

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — During March, Freedom Credit Union is inviting the community to donate money at any of its branches throughout Western Mass. to Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield, which provides spinal-cord and orthopedic care, cleft-lip and palate repair, sports medicine, and urology care.

“Shriners performs miracles every day, treating children and their families with compassion as they experience unimaginable challenges,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “We’re proud to support their transformative work.”

Shriners Children’s helps children overcome medical challenges and reach their full potential, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.

Every month, Freedom Credit Union collects donations for a different charity as part of its Month of Giving campaigns. Money collected through the end of March will support the Shriners Children’s mission to provide life-changing care for children and their families.

“We’re always grateful to have such a generous community,” Welch said. “Every contribution makes an impact.”

Springfield Thunderbirds to Host Sensory-friendly Game on March 16

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in conjunction with the Center for Human Development (CHD) and Springfield College’s Department of Occupational Therapy, will host their fifth annual sensory-friendly game on Sunday, March 16 at 3:05 p.m., when the Thunderbirds host the Providence Bruins.

Since 2020, the Thunderbirds and CHD have partnered to host an annual sensory-friendly game, designed to make the excitement of professional hockey accessible to fans who may be sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, and sudden changes in atmosphere. This initiative was born from a shared commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities can experience the joy of live hockey in a comfortable, welcoming environment. By reducing sensory triggers, the aim is to create a gameday experience where everyone can feel safe, engaged, and part of the Thunderbirds community.

“We’re filled with gratitude to once again deliver a significant and inclusive experience to T-Birds hockey fans who may not have had this opportunity previously,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “Our partners at CHD have long established themselves as exceptional community leaders, offering an abundance of resources for our region’s residents. Their unwavering support, coupled with Springfield College’s Occupational Therapy department, enriches our organization and the families who attend the sensory-friendly Sunday game each year. We are so pleased with the growth of this game every year, and we’re excited to unveil some exciting new features to make inclusivity possible at all T-Birds games in the future.”

The game presentation will feature decreased stimulation, including low goal horn and noise meters, decreased microphone and music volume, no strobing lights, consistent lighting throughout the game and pregame, two ‘cool down stations’  — quiet areas on the concourse and main entry level of the MassMutual Center, away from the seating bowl — and a ‘sensory story’ booklet and other supportive items for guests.

“Now, in our fifth year of partnering with the Thunderbirds and Springfield College in making the great game of hockey accessible to everyone, CHD is delighted to once again be a part of this special event,” said Ben Craft, vice president of Community Engagement for CHD. “Helping people of all abilities enjoy positive life experiences is a big part of fulfilling CHD’s mission. Efforts like these are what true inclusion is all about.”

Since 2016, the Springfield Thunderbirds and CHD have built a meaningful partnership centered on a shared commitment to uplifting the Western Mass. community. Each home game serves as an opportunity to honor Springfield-area residents making tangible impacts in the community through the Game Changer award. Students from Springfield College’s Occupational Therapy program get to be game changers on sensory-friendly Sunday, as they receive valuable hands-on experience working with patients who deal with sensitivity concerns.

“The Occupational Therapy program at Springfield College is once again thrilled to be part of this wonderful initiative with the Thunderbirds and CHD,” said Lori Vaughn, professor of Occupational Therapy. “The sensory-friendly game allows individuals with sensory sensitivities to be present and engaged in Thunderbirds hockey, which might otherwise not be possible. Along with the modifications the Thunderbirds have implemented, the Student Occupational Therapy Association Club at Springfield College will be volunteering in the cool-down stations with various sensory-friendly activities they have planned to support children and families.”

Fans with questions regarding the sensory-friendly game can call the Thunderbirds front office at (413) 739-4625 or visit www.springfieldthunderbirds.com.

Amherst Cinema Aims to Be ‘Catalyst for Community’

By
Executive Director Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer
Cover Story

Screen Time

Executive Director Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer

Executive Director
Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer

As Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer gave BusinessWest a tour of Amherst Cinema, some of the contrasts were striking.

Like the original, century-old exposed brickwork in the upper-level projection room juxtaposed with three high-tech projectors, upgraded just last year, and the brand-new screens in the theater rooms below.

“Once you have a projector that is so precise with color and picture, then suddenly your screens that are 20 years old start looking very dated,” said Eisenhauer, now in her fifth year as executive director of the downtown landmark.

And landmark is the right word; this is a building with plenty of history within its walls, and impact beyond them.

The original building dates back to 1879, when a livery was erected on the site of the former Amherst Academy. After a major downtown fire in 1926, the structure was sold, renovated, and operated as a single-screen cinema until 1999, when it closed after years of neglect and deterioration.

Soon after, a group of arts lovers decided to save the historic structure from the auction block, raising nearly $3 million to build the new, nonprofit Amherst Cinema, which reopened in 2006 as a state-of-the-art, three-screen cinema. In 2013, a fourth screen was opened at the intimate Studio Theater, located steps away from the main cinema building.

That’s a lot of evolution, but what hasn’t changed — especially over the past two decades — is Amherst Cinema’s impact on the arts and cultural landscape of this region.

“We’re a catalyst for community. We are a place that feels very reflective of the greater community of moviegoers,” Eisenhauer said as she settled down in one of the empty theaters for an in-depth talk about the facility’s history, offerings, and future.

“When you think about what the greater community needs at this time, it’s an opportunity to come in, share the film experience, clap and laugh and applaud and cry and process and grieve.”

“We have 5,500 members, and our members and supporters were essential in terms of getting us through the pandemic. If you look around, all of these seats in our theaters are named,” she continued, pointing out patrons’ names engraved on tiny plates on the front of each seat. “People in the community have very deep investments in this place that they see as a cinema, but really their cinema. And they want to see it survive and thrive.”

The program of offerings on any given day appeals to a wide demographic, she added, from kids to college students to older lovers of film history.

“We have our Exhibition on Screen, which is our art-history films. We also have National Theatre Live, which are filmed recordings of performances from London’s West End. But then we have The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We have many, many filmmakers who come on stage through our Bellwether: New Voices in Film Series, as well as first-run and specialty films.”

The renovated, three-screen Amherst Cinema was reopened in 2006

The renovated, three-screen Amherst Cinema was reopened in 2006.

Recently, as part of a James Earl Jones retrospective, Amherst Cinema began screening all three original Star Wars movies.

“When A New Hope was here, we had a sold-out house of Star Wars fans who had seen it originally, but also a new generation being able to watch that on a large screen for the first time; that was really, really fun,” she said.

“And when you think about what the greater community needs at this time, it’s an opportunity to come in, share the film experience, clap and laugh and applaud and cry and process and grieve. We do all of that across our screens. That’s why we’re a catalyst for community: we’re here for the community, serving up programs and experiences that are meaningful and memorable.”

 

From Darkness to Light

Eisenhauer’s first day on the job after accepting the executive director’s role at Amherst Cinema was Jan. 6, 2021 — a meaningful day in the U.S., for sure, but a very quiet one at the movies.

“Our screens were dark, closed to the public,” she said of those early days, almost 10 months after COVID shuttered public gatherings. “We were doing streaming films, but it was very, very clunky. We are not, nor do we aspire to be, a streamer, but it was a group of arthouse theaters who launched a venture to be able to showcase independent films. At the time, we were also doing private theater rentals, one group at a time. People were paying $300 for a theater experience.

“That’s where we were when I came in. Our front-of-house team had been furloughed. Our managers and board were totally burnt out because the pandemic really upended theaters and theatrical exhibitions,” she recalled.

“After a screening, we might have the filmmaker on stage, or a faculty member from one of our institutions who has a deep expertise on a certain subject or topic of the film, and the discussions that happen in this room are incredible.”

“So one of the first things that I did when I came on board was to try and experiment: let’s do away with private theater rentals because they’re really expensive. It’s a pandemic, when many people in our community are suffering in all kinds of ways. So let’s take the model, but we’ll rename it small-group screenings, and we’ll charge regular ticket prices and include our member discounts. It’s still no more than 10 at a time, but we got to open up all of our screens.”

Those shows sold out — fast. “Everybody started coming back. It was amazing. It reminded you of why these places were here. Everybody was confined to their home. Now they could come back, get up and close and personal with stories, and just be moved,” Eisenhauer said.

Participating in a Q&A after a screening of The Longest Goodbye

Participating in a Q&A after a screening of The Longest Goodbye are, from left, Amherst Cinema’s George Myers; Jamey Simpson and his mother, astronaut Cady Coleman; and director Ido Mizrahy with his son.
Photo courtesy of Amherst Cinema

“There was a woman who was undergoing chemotherapy, and her children said, ‘you may not leave the house.’ And she said, ‘I left it to come here to see a movie because I really, really needed to see a movie.’ And she was just moved to tears to be able to return and feel alive. We have a lot of very transformative moments like that, where people understand the value of the movies as an art, as essential.”

Since then, ticket sales have crept back up, but they’re still about 20% below pre-pandemic levels, and Eisenhauer said that’s a difficult gap to close because moviegoers’ habits have changed dramatically since the pandemic began. Specifically, there’s more content (including the small, independent firms Amherst Cinema is known for) at home.

“That gap that the streamers filled is a reality for theaters nationwide. Pre-pandemic, we had a steady supply of arthouse films. We had more films than screens, and it was vibrant in terms of the landscape and the film supply. Post-pandemic, we struggled with two things. One is that streamers had fundamentally changed moviegoing habits. Second is the film supply that was available to us. But in those four years, we’ve steadily recovered.

“The advantage of Amherst Cinema as a local nonprofit is the community of members and supporters,” she added. “We survived the pandemic. I mean, that is not a small feat. There are a lot of cinemas that didn’t survive.”

To continue the momentum, as noted earlier, the facility recently invested in its projector technology, sound, and screens, as well as replacing all its seats during the pandemic. “So when you’re here, you’ve got a really modern and fully immersive experience.”

But the top factor in bringing people in is simply curating movies that people want to see and can’t get elsewhere, whether it’s first-run independent and arthouse films (for example, several of this year’s Oscar nominees, including all the nominated documentary, animated, and live-action shorts), the $5 family film program (E.T., The Lion King, and a Mary Poppins sing-along are all on the docket this spring) or Friday-night cult favorites (the next few selections are Conan the Barbarian, Sleepaway Camp, and The Doom Generation).

“Then we curate all these retrospectives and repertory cinema, and we eventize them,” Eisenhauer explained. After a screening, we might have the filmmaker on stage, or a faculty member from one of our institutions who has a deep expertise on a certain subject or topic of the film, and the discussions that happen in this room are incredible.

“Janet Planet was a big one because that was a local filmmaker, Annie Baker, and what was really fun about that was seeing Western Massachusetts on the screen. People would sit through all the credits because so many of the folks who participated in the making of that are from the local community.”

Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer says Amherst Cinema is important to the town not only culturally and socially, but economically as well.

Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer says Amherst Cinema is important to the town not only culturally and socially, but economically as well.

Another program that pairs a movie with a discussion is called Science on Screen. Upcoming features include The Silence of the Lambs, which includes a lecture by Erik Charles, a UMass Amherst professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Don’t Look Up, with Ethan Zuckerman, a UMass Amherst professor of Public Policy, Information, and Communication; and The Pod Generation, with Carrie Baker, a Smith College professor of the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality.

 

Hearts, Minds, and Economics

While advocating for Amherst Cinema as an important cultural institution, Eisenhauer was quick to note its place as an economic multiplier in the community.

“We employ locally; it’s a small team, but they’re all from here. We also prioritize local vendors, from our IT providers to our printers to many products here. We look for hyper-local vendors — Dean’s Beans is our coffee supplier. We do as much as we can locally.”

When people come to the movies from out of town, she added, they often dine in Amherst and even stay in hotels, if the movie outing is part of a broader vacation. “So when the cinema is up and running, it drives a lot of traffic to the town and really amplifies businesses.”

The local element is a critical one to many such arthouses, she added. “We are not a corporate chain that is doing something from the middle of the country that gets spread all over. The labor is here, and that’s our priority.”

Thinking back to the early days of her leadership, with the pandemic in full swing, and how Amherst Cinema has recovered and continues to rebound, Eisenhauer noted her love of post-apocalyptic movies and books.

“Many of them are, of course, naturally very grim and frightening, but many of them are about discovering humanity — what remains when everything is lost? And one of the things that I’ve noticed in post-apocalyptic films is that, at the end, what survives is art and the arts,” she said.

“I’ve always loved movies. We’re fundamentally telling stories that are relevant and important to the human experience, particularly at a time when we feel like many things are being lost, including from the pandemic and being afraid to come out, or getting out of the habit of coming out,” she went on. “And then, when people return, they get this experience, and they’re moved. So when I think about why we’re here and what we do, it’s kind of changing hearts and minds, one film at a time.”

Tanzi Cannon Aims to Cultivate Better Workplaces

By
Tanzi Cannon
Special Coverage Women in Businesss

Beyond the Courtroom

Tanzi Cannon

Tanzi Cannon

Tanzi Cannon knows litigation. And she enjoys litigation.

But there’s something she found she likes even more, which is why she built a law practice around it.

Backing up a bit, in her previous role, Cannon was the chief litigation officer at the Royal Law Firm. “We were obviously heavy on litigation, but we also did a lot of advice and counsel,” she recalled. “Litigation is strategic, and there’s competition, and every case is different, and I’m a certified investigator, so I got to use those investigation skills.

“But I found that the enjoyable part was actually when the litigation was over and I could go back to the business and say, OK, ‘here are the things that could have prevented litigation for you. Here are some things that we can do to improve this department.’ I’m a business person, so I also had some business advice,” she added.

Unfortunately, once litigation was over, clients were typically tired of talking about legal matters — and tired of spending money on them. “Consequently, those preventive conversations were the short conversations, and I really wanted those to be the long conversations.”

That’s why she decided to leave Royal and launch her own firm, General Counsel by Cannon, which specializes in business law for small businesses — focusing not on litigation, though she will handle that if need be, but on the nuts and bolts of helping businesses avoid the courtroom and create healthier, safer, more successful companies.

“ I found that the enjoyable part was actually when the litigation was over and I could go back to the business and say, OK, ‘here are the things that could have prevented litigation for you.’”

“When I left the firm, it was to start this model of business advice and counsel — that’s why it’s General Counsel by Cannon, a fractional general-counsel law firm,” Cannon told BusinessWest. “I felt like I wanted to not only do litigation, but to focus on prevention, and also be able to add some of that business advice in there as well.”

Many clients, she explained, have business contracts that need be renegotiated, reviewed, or drafted anew, or need assistance with human-resources law. She also assists with organizational development, succession planning, change management, and writing a company’s standard operating procedures.

“Having a fractional general counsel is kind of a one-stop shop for many legal issues that impact businesses,” she said. “I want to be the go-to person for my clients — if they even think they may have a concern, I want them to call me without having to watch the clock because they are concerned about the billables. I want to be the person they trust. I want to be a part of the team without adding a full-time employee.”

Tanzi Cannon stands in the brewery she co-owns with her husband, Joe Eckerle

Tanzi Cannon stands in the brewery she co-owns with her husband, Joe Eckerle, which shares a building with General Counsel by Cannon.

The reason they don’t have to worry about cost is the model Cannon has put in place, charging a monthly fee — there are different subscription levels — that clients pay for whatever services they might need, including advice and counsel, regulatory audits, training … essentially, whatever issues are within the scope of their service contract.

“Essentially, they have a general counsel on call without having to hire an attorney every time they need something, and it also costs less than hiring an attorney to be on staff,” she explained. “What I have found is that it allows me to better defend people when they do get audited or they get a case because I have become familiar with the business. Because they just pay that monthly fee, they’re not really worried about how often I call them.”

They’re also not concerned with how often she stops by and spends time with the staff, as it’s all in the service of preventing problems down the road.

“I help people grow and become better businesses and prevent a lot of litigation. One of my clients actually told me that, since I did training for them, their litigation has gone down by 90%.”.”

“I become a part of their team, kind of. They see me, and I know a lot about the business. So when I do have to defend them, I already know that stuff. I already know who the managers are, what they do, I’ve probably seen the complainant, and I can see red flags when not all the managers are seeing those red flags — and I can train to those red flags.”

In short, Cannon said she and her clients are both gratified by this work.

“The pivot was just natural. And it makes me happy. I help people grow and become better businesses and prevent a lot of litigation. One of my clients actually told me that, since I did training for them, their litigation has gone down by 90%.”

 

Brewing Up Solutions

Cannon noted that Western Mass. is home to many labor and employment law firms, but she aims to stand out from them through her focused service model.

“They’re really good, but it’s mostly litigation. Then, if they’ve got a long-standing client, they’re going to call and get some advice and counsel. I’m hoping to flip that model; I’ll do litigation if my clients want me to, but I really want them to call me before that happens.”

For example, she noted, “I have the ability to understand when someone might need an ADA accommodation. I can walk into a place and see a management practice or a business practice that might not be good, like inconsistent application of the rules or blatant safety concerns.

“If it’s a sales floor and there’s a chair that’s in the way of the fire extinguisher or if there’s a mat in front of the door that’s getting stuck and nobody knows anything about it, that tells me they probably need some OSHA training because those are safety issues, and they don’t know that it’s not OK for that to happen, or they don’t realize it’s their responsibility,” she elaborated. “Lots of managers don’t realize that they could be on the hook and be sued personally for the conduct of the people they’re supervising. And when I tell them that, their ears perk up.”

“Sometimes, when you have small businesses, especially in family businesses, it’s so close and they’re so friendly that it’s difficult to draw boundaries and set the expectations and hold people accountable. And that is a recipe for disaster.”

Relationships in the workplace can be another red flag, and sometimes those become evident when Cannon visits a site.

“Sometimes there’s a lot of resistance about what it’s OK to say, or there being too close of a relationship between an owner and a manager. Not that it’s a sexual relationship or any sort of love relationship, but I think sometimes, when you have small businesses, especially in family businesses, it’s so close and they’re so friendly that it’s difficult to draw boundaries and set the expectations and hold people accountable. And that is a recipe for disaster.”

Cannon’s knowhow in maintaining a healthy workplace comes not just from her law experience, but from working in a broad variety of jobs in her life. She’s waited tables, cleaned hotel rooms, flipped burgers, owned an apartment building, and owned a cleaning service, as well as working at a golf course, in event planning, at a marketing firm, at a financial brokerage firm, as an HR director, and as an internal investigator.

“I’ve done so many jobs, I know what it takes to start a business. I know what it takes to keep a business going,” she said, and all that certainly applies to her current side business, Brew Practitioners, a brewery she and her husband, Joe Eckerle, have owned for the past decade.

After he took up craft brewing, the couple embarked on an educational brewery tour in Germany, and Cannon took a course at the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, which is a brewing school.

“By the time we got back here, I was like, ‘you know what? We have so much beer, and we’re just giving it away; we might as well start a business.’ So we did — we started it in Florence, and then moved here after COVID,” she said of the East Longmeadow property that houses both Brew Practitioners and General Counsel by Cannon, as well as a small library she uses as a meeting and community space.

“We have remained small. We’re self-funded,” she said. “We haven’t grown bigger, but we’ve maintained a profitable business for going on 10 years now. And we love it. It’s our happy space.”

Putting her law hat back on, she added, “because I’m an entrepreneur, I understand where the needs are, and I understand the pain points. Especially in the brewery industry, I understand that there’s the feds, there’s the state, there’s the local licensing, and I know how much time these things take. So I can walk the walk with my brewery clients. I know exactly what they’re going through. I know that, if I’ve dealt with something in my business, the rest of these breweries are dealing with this too; let me see if I can help them. And wineries and distilleries are similar.”

 

Constant Learning

Cannon emphasized more than once that, while litigation is exciting, challenging and all-consuming, so, too is being a fractional general counsel.

“I have a growth mindset,” she said. “I spend a good deal of time on continuing education and keeping apprised of new trends and issues in the corporate world. I have to be on top of all the legislation, all the regulations, all the cases that come out, in addition to new business endeavors and new trends.”

As one example, she is now taking a 12-week leadership class at Western New England University where she’s learning about AI and how businesses should strategically manage that trend. “My clients need that information; my knowledge is for their use.”

Because she represents only corporations and businesses, not individuals, Cannon sometimes refers business to colleagues at other firms. That narrower focus keeps her busy as a solo practitioner, though she’s looking to hire an attorney or two in the coming year.

One example of what keeps her on her toes is the changing regulatory environment brought on by a new federal administration — especially one so aggressive about changing workplace rules and guidance.

“Regulations, by definition, are supposed to be purposeful and narrowly tailored to meet that purpose. I will say over the years that ‘narrowly tailored to meet that purpose’ has been broadened, very much so. So, I agree with regulations if they are purposeful, and if that purpose is a sound purpose. That has gone to the wayside for years, and I think we’ve all just gotten used to it.

“Now, I do believe that there will be some narrowing. I think they’re doing it with a sledgehammer, and it shouldn’t be done that way, but I do think some of the fallout will lessen. And what remains will get built back up when it needs to be.”

That said, some of the regulations that could be loosened are safety regulations, which were put in place to create better workplaces.

“If you’re a good business and you have best practices, you’re not doing it just because the regulators tell you to,” Cannon noted. “You’re doing it because it’s a good way to do business. If some of these regulations go by the wayside, but it’s going to hurt your business, or it’s just not a good ethical way to do business, then I’m going to counsel you to continue on with this.”

One major discussion in HR and employment-law circles is the topic of civility in a fiercely divided political climate.

“I do train for that as well. How do we maintain our authentic selves but still be civil to other people, to someone who may not have your same belief set?” she said. “I tell people all the time, ‘I can’t control how you feel inside.’ However, when you walk into the workplace, I can set the expectation of what is appropriate conduct and what’s acceptable and what we expect here at our company and the vision and the mission that we have.

“You bring your true self to work. And we want you to bring your true self, your authentic self, to work. That’s why they hired you,” she went on. “But you need to be civil with everyone else’s true self, too.”

 

Playing the Long Game

Speaking of unpleasant interactions, Cannon also counsels employers on how to discipline and, if necessary, terminate difficult employees.

“Many employers are walking on eggshells around their employees; they are afraid to say or do anything to upset them out of fear that they will get sued, even if the employee is a toxic employee. But it doesn’t have to be that way,” she explained. “You can’t control who goes down to the courthouse to sue, but if you do it right, set the stage for a proper defense, you don’t have to tiptoe.

“When you’re managing employees, you must play the long game,” she added. “You must be consistent with the application of company rules and policies and provide continuous training, especially manager trainings. I can assist with that. I can team up with an employer to implement a strategy over the long haul that will benefit the company and keep their staff happy, too. That is what I do. It’s what I love to do.”

Why Tariffs Are Fueling Concern Among Large Retailers

By Contributor
Special Coverage Wealth Management

The Big Box Barometer

By Jeff Liguori

Walmart and Costco might be two of the most important businesses in the U.S. today. Costco, the bulk retailer, sells nearly $255 billion worth of products annually, ranging from patio furniture to olive oil to diamond rings. It is arguably the most diverse outlet in terms of product mix and customer base. Walmart, the largest retail chain, holds about 20% share of the U.S. food and beverage market, serving 240 million customers weekly, with stores located within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. population.

In a recent Trusted & Liked Companies Survey of 14,000 consumers by the Caliber Group, Costco ranked second in quality of reputation, slightly behind Amazon, on a list of the 30 most trusted retailers in the U.S., while Walmart ranked 10th.

During Costco’s last quarterly earnings conference call, CFO Gary Millerchap discussed the company’s plan to deal with tariffs and the potential effect on their customers. Predicting the impact is a challenge, he said, because of the “uncertainty around the timing and scope” of the tariffs. As part of its plan, Costco has been pulling inventory forward — in other words, adding excess inventory in anticipation of prices rising in the future.

The tariffs being levied on exporting countries by the Trump administration are a headwind for many businesses and routinely discussed by CEOs and CFOs of major companies. A tariff is a tax on a foreign country, a tactic to help generate greater tax revenue for the U.S. from countries where there is either a trade imbalance, an adversarial relationship, or — in the case of our neighboring states, Canada and Mexico — to curb illegal drug trafficking.

Most economists agree that tariffs will ultimately result in higher prices for the consumer. Walmart issued a cautious outlook on its last conference call. John Rainey, the CFO, told analysts there are too many uncertainties related to consumer behavior and global economic and geopolitical conditions to give clear guidance to analysts — a nice way of saying “we have no idea what the tariffs might mean for the global economy.” The stock price fell nearly 11% following the earnings report.

“When companies like Walmart and Costco import, the tariff gets passed on to them, which gets passed on to the consumer. The Trump strategy is tricky at a time when inflation remains stubborn.”

When companies like Walmart and Costco import, the tariff gets passed on to them, which gets passed on to the consumer. The Trump strategy is tricky at a time when inflation remains stubborn. At the last meeting of the Federal Reserve in January, the Federal Open Market Committee left interest rates unchanged, pausing the rate-cutting cycle that started last September because inflation remains elevated. Continuing to cut rates would put additional upward pressure on prices. Tariffs may exacerbate that dynamic further.

The Tax Policy Center, an independent think tank, estimates that tariffs would reduce imports by $9 trillion over 10 years. Currently, imports are at the highest level in history; the U.S. imported about $4.1 trillion in goods in 2024, up 20% from 2021, and have increased by 6% annually, on average. A decrease of $9 trillion, spread over a decade, would be about a 25% decrease in imports per year. Presumably, goods produced domestically would replace those that are imported, but such a transition doesn’t occur overnight.

So, what does this mean for the U.S. economy? Increasing inventories by retailers, as a measure to protect against higher prices related to tariffs, might be coming at the exact wrong time. From Costco’s conference call, the CFO noted that recent shopping habits have trended more toward lower-priced groceries, and the company saw a shift to more food eaten in the home. The CEO, Ron Vachris, suggested that customers have been making more pragmatic choices in recent months.

Jeff Liguori

Jeff Liguori

“Increasing inventories by retailers, as a measure to protect against higher prices related to tariffs, might be coming at the exact wrong time.”

Such behavior is consistent with recent consumer surveys, which illustrate more cautious spending by individuals and families. Higher inventories, or supply, and weaker demand will soften inflation without any help from the Fed’s monetary policy.

Prices matter. The most Googled economic term in 2024 was ‘inflation.’ Costco and Walmart have the wherewithal to manage through uncertainty, but we, as consumers, may not. What we spend accounts for 70% of GDP; what we import accounts for 14%. It is not difficult to see how the U.S. economy could tip into recession if those two categories contract.

At a recent meeting of the Economic Club of Chicago, Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart, told an audience he expects the situation to worsen with increased price pressure ahead amid shoppers already experiencing “frustration and pain.”

Time will tell if that pain will be worth it for the long-term financial well-being of our country.

 

Jeff Liguori is managing partner and chief investment officer of Napatree Capital, with offices in Longmeadow and Westerly, R.I.

Cesar Ruiz Intends to Rewind the Clock at Wyckoff Country Club

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Cesar Ruiz bought Wyckoff with a sports complex in mind
Commercial Real Estate Special Coverage

Back to the Future

Cesar Ruiz bought Wyckoff with a sports complex in mind

Cesar Ruiz bought Wyckoff with a sports complex in mind, but his intention now is to keep it a country club and grow both membership and events.

 

Cesar Ruiz says it was only a few hours after he wrapped up a well-attended press conference in early February 2024, announcing his plans to bring a large sports complex to Holyoke, when his phone first pinged with someone offering some real estate for the initiative.

“He texted, ‘I’m a Holyoke boy. I’ve got five and half acres in downtown Holyoke. I’d like to do my part,’” Ruiz said. “So we followed that thread, but it was nothing we were interested in.”

The second time it pinged … well, that was a little different.

“It was a text sent to the mayor and forwarded to me, saying, ‘I have 100 acres in Holyoke, and you may be interested in looking at it,’” Ruiz recalled. “I was thinking to myself … ‘where is there 100 acres in Holyoke?’”

Some quick research revealed that the parcel in question was Wyckoff Country Club, and its beleaguered owners were looking to sell.

And Ruiz, anxious to gain some momentum for his project and unwilling to be “outflanked,” as he put it, by other potentially interested parties, was willing to not only listen, but enter into a purchase-and-sale agreement.

Fast-forwarding our story a little, the Wyckoff site, bordering a thickly settled residential neighborhood off already-busy Route 141, was essentially deemed impractical for Ruiz’s plans for a sports complex that might become the new home to the Volleyball Hall of Fame but also include fields and courts for several other sports.

“This change in management has generated interest and some real momentum, I believe.”

But Ruiz, who closed on the property late last month for $2.8 million, is now committed to a different future for Wyckoff — its past, specifically the more distant past.

Indeed, the Donald Ross-designed course and its clubhouse and other facilities have fallen on hard times recently, with Wyckoff not fully enjoying the post-COVID surge many clubs are experiencing.

“There’s been no real work done on this place in 50 years,” said Ruiz, referring to both the course and the facilities, adding that this has led to a decline in both play and events staged at the club.

Ruiz, a serial entrepreneur with experience in everything from formalwear to healthcare, has started making investments — everything from chemicals for the course (little, if any, fertilizer was applied last year) to new golf carts to needed renovations within the clubhouse — and plans to keep making them to facilitate a comeback for the club, now 92 years old.

Cesar Ruiz says the plan is to make the needed investments to return Wyckoff Country Club to prominence.

Cesar Ruiz says the plan is to make the needed investments to return Wyckoff Country Club to prominence.

“This change in management has generated interest and some real momentum, I believe,” he said, adding that he hopes to use his connections in the business world and the Latino community to bring more events — from weddings to wine tastings; from bingo to quinceañeras (sweet-15 birthday parties for Latinas) — to the property.

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, we talked with Ruiz at length about his acquisition of Wyckoff and his plans to return the facility to something approaching its former glory.

 

Course of Action

When asked if there would be a steep learning curve for him when it comes to running a golf club, Ruiz offered a light laugh and then a slight shrug.

Both gestures were might to acknowledge that, while he doesn’t have any experience running a club, he does have considerable experience — and quite a bit of success — in business.

And, as noted earlier, it has come in several different fields. These include men’s fashions — he was a franchisee of Gingiss Formal Wear, with a location in the Riverdale Shops, before opening his own store, Cesar’s Formal Wear, in Springfield’s X neighborhood — then financial services (specifically the mortgage business), and then healthcare, opening the hugely successful Golden Years, a home-care company that developed a staffing division as well, which he sold last fall.

Golf and events management are new and different businesses for him, Ruiz acknowledged, but the basics are … well, the basics.

And they include understanding the consumer and what they’re looking for; providing consistent, quality service; and making the necessary investments in people, technology, systems, and infrastructure.

Ruiz is focused on all three, especially, at this critical juncture, the needed investments. And there are many of them, starting with the property, where crews are working, or soon will be, on the roof, foyer, bathrooms, ballroom walls and ceiling (complete with new chandeliers), bar area (which will mirror the foyer), and more.

“We certainly have an opportunity to expand membership locally and perhaps beyond our borders to Worcester and Hartford, and we’re optimistic on that.”

The intent is to have this and other projects done for some upcoming events, including one on March 15, both to improve the experience for those gatherings and to showcase the improvements for potential future clients.

Meanwhile, on the course, Ruiz said he intends to make it green again — aerial photos from last year revealed too much brown from the lack of fertilizer — while also doing some work on the cart paths and other areas in need of work.

When asked about the planned initial investments, he said it’s a moving target — now about $300,000 and expected to move higher.

The initial investments, and talk of those to come, has generated interest and momentum, said Ruiz, adding that, since last April, with the announcement of the purchase-and-sale agreement, there was widespread speculation about the club’s future and whether it even had one.

The more recent announcement — that not only would it remain a golf course, but there would be significant reinvestment in the course and property — has spurred interest in membership and future events alike.

On the golf side, he intends to leverage his investments in the course and grounds; market aggressively to women, young people, Hispanics, and other constituencies; and try to take full advantage of the surge that many courses are still enjoying.

“They lost a lot of the women members, and we’d like to bring them back,” he said. “We’d like to bring youth back. We certainly have an opportunity to expand membership locally and perhaps beyond our borders to Worcester and Hartford, and we’re optimistic on that.”

Overall, Ruiz said he intends to rely on another of those business basics — creativity — when it comes to maximizing the potential of both the course and the facilities.

By that, he meant looking at other opportunities, from cross-country skiing and even snowmobiling to generate revenue during the winter months to staging different kinds of events, from an already-planned bridal showcase to quinceañeras and other types of events involving the Hispanic community.

 

 

Next Big Swing

While Ruiz will still be leading the efforts to bring a sports complex to Holyoke, his immediate focus is on those 100 acres first brought to his attention in that text just over a year ago.

In fact, his office has officially moved from the Golden Years complex to the back of the clubhouse at Wyckoff.

There, he’s planning the next stages in what he believes will be a true comeback story, one in which this Holyoke landmark strides confidently into the future by first turning back the clock.

 

Holyoke Continues to Ride a Green Wave

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Hagop Toghramadjian stands outside phase one of the Residences on Appleton, which features 88 units of mixed-income housing.
Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Hagop Toghramadjian stands outside phase one of the Residences on Appleton, which features 88 units of mixed-income housing.

Hagop Toghramadjian stands outside phase one of the Residences on Appleton, which features 88 units of mixed-income housing.

Aaron Vega calls them ‘meet and greets.’

And they are, well … just what that name suggests. They’re meetings between city officials and small-business owners, many of them representing ventures in the emerging ‘climate tech’ sector who have heard about Holyoke and the companies that now call it home, and want to hear more with an eye toward following them.

“They’re hearing about Clean Crop, they’re hearing about Sublime Systems, they’re hearing about Simple Pack, and they want to know what’s going on,” said Vega, director of the city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, referring to three cutting-edge businesses we’ll get to back to later that are either already in Holyoke or advancing plans to locate there.

As city leaders listen to these business owners, a common thread — and a real challenge for the community — emerges.

“The biggest challenge for these companies that want to come to Holyoke as they move from their startup space is that there’s no built, ready space for them,” Vega noted. “There’s no white-box office space to move into. These guys don’t want to get involved in a rehab project; they want to be able to move in and get to work.”

“The biggest challenge for these companies that want to come to Holyoke as they move from their startup space is that there’s no built, ready space for them. There’s no white-box office space to move into. These guys don’t want to get involved in a rehab project; they want to be able to move in and get to work.”

Holyoke’s meet and greets and other aspects of its efforts to bring more small businesses to this former manufacturing hub — and early-stage efforts to create more spaces for them to move into — are just a few of the many converging storylines in Holyoke.

Others include:

• New housing projects, including a WinnDevelopment initiative at the former Farr Alpaca Co. complex — a $60 million endeavor that will create 88 units of mixed-income housing for adults 55 and over in phase 1 and another 70 in phase 2, while preserving a huge piece of the city’s past — and another project at Open Square that will create 80 units of market-rate housing;

• A cannabis cluster in flux: Holyoke welcomed the cannabis industry with open arms, and for a time, it looked like a large cluster of different businesses, from growers to dispensaries, would settle there. Some have, but as the sector faces growing pains and overall contraction, the city faces challenges, including businesses that are fighting to survive and one large grow facility, Trulieve, that has closed, with its huge plant sitting idle;

• New businesses and greater energy downtown. The city continues to ride a wave of entrepreneurship that has generated several new restaurants and storefronts in and around High Street, Vega said, adding that the new housing units coming online should generate more new-business activity;

• Those aforementioned companies in the green-energy and climate-tech sectors, headlined by Sublime Systems, which will manufacture environmentally friendly concrete at a plant on Water Street;

• A sports complex that is still in its early stages, with a site identified on Whiting Farms Road and other properties being assembled, as well as new ownership of Wyckoff Country Club (see related story on page 31).

• A reinvigorated Holyoke Community College, which has received a huge boost from MassEducate, the state’s free community-college program, and is making adjustments in the wake of a 24% rise in enrollment over the past two years;

• A new strategic plan for the city now being prepared, which is expected to help create a road map for continued progress in a city that has seen momentum on several fronts in recent years; and

• Existing businesses and traditions, especially the upcoming Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race.

Slicing through all that, Mayor Joshua Garcia, the Holyoke native now in his fourth year in the corner office, said the city is achieving progress with many goals and on several fronts, but there is still considerable work to do and projects to bring to the goal line.

These include everything from the sports complex to renovation of the historic Victory Theatre, a project now 40 years in the making. Those behind the effort are still struggling to close a significant gap between the funding that’s been raised and what will be needed to revitalize the landmark.

Mayor Joshua Garcia, left, and Aaron Vega

Mayor Joshua Garcia, left, and Aaron Vega say Holyoke continues to pursue — and add — new businesses in the broad realm of climate tech.

Garcia described economic development in the city as an ecosystem, one including manufacturing, small — and often very small — businesses, hospitality, the arts, food, and sports.

“The question is, how can we get all the boats to rise together so we’re establishing sustainability in our city?” he asked, adding that the answer to that question is the ongoing priority of his administration.

 

Not Your Run-of-the-mill Project

“Daunting.”

That’s the word Hagop Toghramadjian, a project director and development counsel with Boston-based WinnDevelopment, settled on as he was asked to describe the ongoing work at Appleton Street at the former Farr Alpaca complex.

Elaborating, he said he considers the project, called the Residences on Appleton, now far more than a decade in the making, to be the most challenging building-conversion initiative that WinnDevelopment has undertaken. And that’s saying something.

Indeed, the company has taken on many complex projects locally, including 31 Elm St. (Court Square) in Springfield and several buildings in the Ludlow Mills complex, and in numerous other communities as well.

But this conversion of the 125-year-old former mill complex into housing is on another level, said Toghramadjian as he talked with BusinessWest in the kitchen of one of the nearly finished units. He noted that there are several reasons why — from the extremely poor condition of the mill to the need to assemble property for parking and a three-story amenities building, to simply securing access to a building bordered on one side by a canal and the other by the Pioneer Valley Railroad.

As with all projects of this nature, there was also the challenge of pulling together the requisite pots of money, which, in this case, included everything from state and federal historic tax credits to state and federal low-income housing funds.

“We want to keep these small businesses local; we want to keep them here and give them an opportunity to grow their business.”

“Where we’re standing now … there was thin air, the floor had rotted through, the roof had rotted through — only the brick walls were still standing,” he said. “It was very dark, the air quality was bad … you would never dream that this could become comfortable, beautiful housing.”

But the various groups involved have persevered because this project is as important as it is difficult, he noted.

“Given its location and given how blighted it was, it cast a shadow on the whole downtown — it was a top priority for the city,” said Toghramadjian, noting that the site sits between Main and High streets, the city’s two main commercial districts, and directly across from Holyoke Heritage State Park and the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. “Because of that, they’ve been really good partners, and that’s why Winn came to Holyoke and made this investment here — it’s because the city knew what it took to make this kind of project happen.”

Jim Lavelle

Jim Lavelle

“We’ve been trying to promote not only the lower utility rates here, but the clean energy that customers can promote with their products and hopefully help with sales.”

As phase 1 continues, with leasing to commence and tenants due to start moving in this fall, Toghramadjian and others we talked with said that, while these 88 units will make a welcome addition to the landscape and help spur economic development in the area, they represent a drop in the bucket when it comes to the city’s overall housing needs.

Indeed, Garcia said a recent report put that need at roughly 1,600 units of new housing over the next 20 years across the broad spectrum of income levels, which is another key element in the equation because different types of housing, including market-rate and homeownership, enables residents to stay in the city as their financial situation improves.

“The Appleton Street project doesn’t address the magnitude of the problem, but we’re chipping away at it,” said the mayor, noting that there may be as many as 600 units already in the pipeline.

That includes phase 2 of the Appleton Street initiative, he said, noting that WinnDevelopment is currently assembling the required pots of money for that initiative, as well as the market-rate units planned for Open Square and other ongoing housing initiatives.

There are several smaller housing initiatives taking place, said Vega, including many involving the upper floors of properties along High Street, projects that provide a few or a few dozen units, all of which help meet growing need.

The problem, he went on, is the immense competition for limited state and federal support for such initiatives, with seemingly every community in the Commonwealth in need of housing.

“All the developers are going for the same pots of money, whether they’re in Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, or West Springfield,” he said, adding that, in this environment, having a solid mix of projects, large and small, in the pipeline is a must.

 

Current Events

As noted earlier, there are several projects in various stages of development in Hoyoke, and many converging storylines.

One of the most intriguing involves new-business development, especially in green energy and related sectors, where a cluster is emerging as companies eye Holyoke for location, available and relatively inexpensive real estate, and, especially, its lower-cost, clean electricity, said Jim Lavelle, general manager of Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E), which provides that energy.

“We’ve been trying to promote not only the lower utility rates here, but the clean energy that customers can promote with their products and hopefully help with sales,” said Lavelle, adding that Sublime Systems is just one of many businesses, large and small, that have chosen Holyoke for that reason, among others.

As an example, he cited Simple Pack, a company now located in Open Square that manufactures green food packaging to restaurants, schools, hospital cafeterias, and food distributors. Being able to say such products are produced with clean energy, in this case hydropower, is important to the company’s mission and a strong selling point with its clients, he said.

There are several similar examples, said Lavelle, who will gain a different title in a few days — grand marshal of Holyoke’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

While his father served in that role decades ago, Lavelle never expected to wear that hat himself because, while he’s long been somewhat involved in the parade, he has never served on its committee.

He considers the honor a nod to HG&E’s important role in the city, and is enthusiastic about fulfilling the many duties of grand marshal, including attendance at myriad events and, in accordance with tradition, responsibility for parade-day weather.

“I have a much greater appreciation for the effort that goes into all these different events that the parade committee puts on,” he said. “And I have a much greater appreciation for how strong a regional collaboration exists between the different communities’ parade committees and other civic organizations and the sponsors; they really work hand-in-hand on all these different events that happen across Western Mass.”

Putting his HG&E hat back on, figuratively if not literally, Lavelle said Sublime Systems, which he believes should be ready to starting building its facility later this year or early next, will soon become the utility’s largest customer, with 10 to 12 megawatts of demand. That’s a huge draw, but one it can easily absorb thanks to transmission-system upgrades, he went on, adding that the HG&E has the capacity to attract several more large users and dozens of smaller ones.

Attracting these businesses is one of many priorities for the city, said Vega, noting that there have been a steady volume of meet-and-greets in recent years, and more are on the schedule.

Many of these sessions involve early-stage companies, many of them in green-energy or green-manufacturing ventures, he said, adding that, in addition to city officials, the leaders of companies like Clean Crop, which uses electricity to revolutionize food safety, are often in the room to discuss Holyoke and its many selling points.

“If they’re a little further along and they have specific questions, we’ll bring in Holyoke Gas & Electric to talk about the energy portfolio they can provide,” the mayor went on. “We’re on people’s radar — we just need to put the package together to bring them in.”

Holyoke at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1786
Population: 38,247
Area: 22.8 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $17.46
Commercial Tax Rate: $38.54
Median Household Income: $37,954
Median Family Income: $46,940
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke Community College, ISO New England Inc., PeoplesBank, Universal Plastics, Marox Corp.
* Latest information available

Which brings him back to that ongoing challenge of offering them spaces that are ready to move into. There aren’t many of them in the city, but he’s in discussions with some building owners about possibly partnering with the city to develop co-work, start-up, or innovation space.

“That’s a direction we want to go in,” he told BusinessWest. “We want to keep these small businesses local; we want to keep them here and give them an opportunity to grow their business.”

 

Bottom Line

As for businesses already growing in Holyoke, there are many in the cannabis sector, which, while it is experiencing strong growing pains, remains a force in Holyoke, Garcia said.

He noted that social consumption, or so-called cannabis cafés, constitutes the next frontier for this industry — the Cannabis Control Commission is taking up regulatory reforms on such facilities — and for some establishments in Holyoke, it could be a real lifeline in this time of growing challenge.

“In Holyoke, we want to be among the first communities to adapt and implement that opportunity for on-site consumption,” he said, likening these establishments to bars and restaurants in the sense of attracting people to the community. “If we can bring people into our city to spend money, that’s a plus.”

With cannabis, as with many of the other storylines unfolding in Holyoke, Garcia said he remains a “glass-full leader.”

That means he’s optimistic, but also realistic. It means he understands that, while much has been accomplished, there’s still much to do, and on many fronts.

It means he’s more bullish on his hometown than ever.

Urban Co-Works Expands to Holyoke with New Facility

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Urban Co-Works, a co-working space provider, announced the opening of its newest location at 98 Lower Westfield Road in Holyoke. This expansion marks the third location for Urban Co-Works, which began in 2017 in Schenectady, N.Y., and opened its second location in downtown Scranton, Penn., in 2023.

“Holyoke is a vibrant city with a growing community of professionals and entrepreneurs in need of flexible, collaborative spaces to work and thrive,” said Jeff Goronkin, CEO of Urban Co-Works. “Our team is excited to bring the Urban Co-Works experience to Massachusetts. We look forward to contributing to the city’s economic development and offering a space that inspires creativity and connection.”

The new Holyoke facility offers a state-of-the-art co-working environment featuring 55 private offices, three meeting rooms, an expansive event area with a fully equipped kitchen, and a co-working section with 20 workstations. Members will enjoy 24/7 access with a keyless entry system, free onsite parking, printing services, and complimentary beverages including coffee and tea. Conveniently located near shopping and dining options, the space is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

“Our goal is to create an environment in Holyoke that mirrors the success we’ve had in Schenectady and Scranton,” Goronkin said. “We want to be a hub for business development, networking, and professional events. Urban Co-Works has always been about building strong communities, and we’re excited to bring that mission to Holyoke.”

Ned Barowski, owner of the building at 98 Lower Westfield Road, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re thrilled to welcome Urban Co-Works to our space. Their presence will foster a vibrant professional community in the region, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll have on Holyoke’s business ecosystem.”

Junior Achievement Welcomes Nicole Baltazar as Education Pathways Director

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Daily News

Nicole Baltazar

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) recently welcomed Nicole Baltazar as its new Education Pathways director. In this role, she will be overseeing traditional, experiential, and entrepreneurial learning experiences, guiding their alignment with JAWM’s mission and objectives to meet the needs of the community.

Baltazar’s responsibilities will include a particular emphasis on stakeholder engagement, especially coordinating volunteer and educational partners. This will involve recruiting, training, supporting, and recognizing these contributors. She will also manage administrative programming procedures to uphold quality standards for the organization, ensuring adherence to program models and evaluating impact to deliver high-quality educational experiences.

“I’m thrilled that Nicole has joined our team,” said Amie Miarecki, JAWM president. “She comes with more than 20 years of experience in the field of early education and care, is a strong advocate for youth, and enjoys mentoring and coaching.”

Baltazar is director I and II qualified through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst’s University Without Walls Program, with a concentration in early education and administration. In her previous role, she served as center director for Valley Opportunity Council in partnership with Holyoke Public Schools’ Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative.

HCC Foundation’s Single-day Giving Campaign Raises More Than $181,000

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College Foundation raised more than $181,000 for scholarships and student-support programs during its “Together HCC” one-day giving campaign on March 4.

The fifth annual “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” campaign exceeded its goal of 500 donors, receiving donations worth $181,285 from 504 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college during the 24-hour fundraising drive.

“For the fifth straight year, our network of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends continue to show how much they care about HCC students,” said Julie Phillips, HCC’s director of Development. “With so many people giving what they can, it shows our students that we are invested in their success.”

All of the money raised goes directly to six areas that support HCC students: academic excellence and innovation, scholarships, the Thrive Student Resource Center and Food Pantry, the President’s Student Emergency Fund, the President’s Fund for Opportunity, and the HCC Foundation’s general, unrestricted fund.

HCC alumni made up the majority of donors at 37%, followed by 30% from HCC faculty and staff, 19% from friends of the college, 5% from parents, and 5% from students. Together, they unlocked $130,000 in challenge pledges, including $5,000 from campaign partner Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke and a member of the HCC Foundation board of directors.

“Every gift to the ‘Together HCC’ campaign matters,” Phillips said. “When we remove barriers for one student, we’re not just changing their life; we’re transforming their family’s future and strengthening our entire region.”

Anyone who missed this year’s day of giving and still wants to contribute to the HCC Foundation can do so at hcc.edu/give.

Ethel Altiery Appointed Interim CEO of BFAIR

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Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — BFAIR (Berkshire Family and Individual Resources) announced the appointment of Ethel Altiery as iterim CEO, effective March 28.

Altiery, who has served BFAIR for 25 years, brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. She has played a pivotal role in BFAIR’s operations, most recently as chief operating officer. Her longstanding dedication to the organization, along with her comprehensive understanding of BFAIR’s programs and services, make her an ideal leader to guide the agency through this transition period.

“Our board of directors is thrilled to appoint Ethel as interim CEO,” said Pete Mirante, BFAIR board chair. “Her unwavering commitment to our mission, staff, and the individuals we serve ensures strong and stable leadership as we continue our search for a permanent CEO.”

The board and senior management team are confident that, under Altiery’s direction, BFAIR will continue to excel in delivering high-quality services to individuals and families.

For more than 30 years, BFAIR has been providing adult family care, residential, employment, and day services for adults and children with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, and autism. BFAIR is a member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.

Tickets on Sale for 2025 Difference Makers Awards Gala

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are on sale for the 17th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Click here to purchase tickets.

The class of 2025, profiled in the Feb. 17 of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, includes Jennie Adamczyk, executive director of Providence Ministries; Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services; Andrea Bordenca, CEO of DESCO Service; Mychal Connolly, CEO of Stand Out Truck; John Delaney, director of Ride to Remember; John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; the Michael J. Dias Foundation; and Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank.

The 17th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

The Difference Makers program was launched in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley. As our winners have shown, there are many ways to make a difference within our community: through work on initiatives to improve quality of life; through success in business, public service, or education; through contributions that inspire others to get involved; through imaginative efforts to help solve one or more societal issues; or through a combination of the above.

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

Picture This

By
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley, unveil the Girl Day flag
Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

 

Girls Week

Girls Inc. of the Valley hosted Girl Day 2025 on Feb. 20 at Holyoke City Hall as part of Engineer Week celebrations. This event aimed to inspire and empower girls to explore STEM careers through engaging activities, mentorship, and educational experiences. Girl Day aligns with DiscoverE’s nationwide initiative to spark interest in engineering and encourage girls to imagine their futures in these fields. 

 

Girls Inc. of the Valley participants and staff come together in the City Council chambers.

Girls Inc. of the Valley participants and staff come together in the City Council chambers. (Photos by Hilary Lynn Photography)

 

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley, unveil the Girl Day flag

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and Suzanne Parker, executive director of Girls Inc. of the Valley, unveil the Girl Day flag. (Photos by Hilary Lynn Photography)

 

 

 

Power of Play

Wellpoint and Playworks New England hosted a lively recess event on Feb. 24. Teachers at White Street School in Springfield engaged in an interactive recess session for their students led by Playworks professionals, highlighting the profound benefits of quality recess on children’s development.

Pictured, from left: David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint; Miranda Foisy, assistant principal of White Street School; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Max Fripp and Murat Emmanuel, executive director and site coordinator, respectively, at Playworks New England; and White Street School teachers Tommy Hyjek and Lisa Rahilly.

Pictured, from left: David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint; Miranda Foisy, assistant principal of White Street School; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Max Fripp and Murat Emmanuel, executive director and site coordinator, respectively, at Playworks New England; and White Street School teachers Tommy Hyjek and Lisa Rahilly.

 

Promoting Financial Empowerment

Greenfield Cooperative Bank announced its continued partnership with Community Action of Pioneer Valley to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which provides free tax-preparation services to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. Several bank employees attended the VITA kickoff event at Greenfield Community College on Jan. 31, highlighting the bank’s commitment to financial empowerment and community support.

Pictured, from left: Mary Rawls, Siobhan Tripp, Jackie Charron, Clare Higgins, Jess Thompson, Sweeney, and Alyssa Ranker.

Pictured, from left: Mary Rawls, Siobhan Tripp, Jackie Charron, Clare Higgins, Jess Thompson, Sweeney, and Alyssa Ranker.

Agenda

By
Agenda

For more events, or to submit your upcoming events, visit BusinessWest’s event calendar online: https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar

 

Bingo Night Fundraiser

March 21: The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce announced its Handbag & Hand Tool Bingo Night fundraiser will take place at 6:30 p.m. at AMVETS Post 74 in Three Rivers. Doors open at 6 p.m. The chamber will produce 10 bingo rounds, each with a grand prize featuring one of seven designer handbags or one of three premium tools up for grabs. Tickets can be purchased on qhma.com. The registration fee is $40 per person and includes 10 bingo cards, a bingo dauber, snack platters, a bonus raffle ticket, and a cash bar. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce and its ongoing mission to assist its more than 200 member businesses succeed and grow with programs and initiatives throughout the year.

 

Second Chance Auction Gala

March 29: Second Chance Animal Services will host its 26th annual Auction Gala at the AC Marriott in Worcester. This is Second Chance’s most important fundraiser of the year, raising critical funds to help provide life-saving services to more than 56,000 pets in need. The evening will feature hundreds of silent auction items, raffles, and a small but exclusive live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences. With a relaxed cocktail and dressy-casual dress code, the event is designed to be an enjoyable evening for all, combining great company with opportunities to make a meaningful impact. All proceeds will support Second Chance’s mission to transform the lives of pets by providing affordable veterinary care, keeping pets with their families, and finding loving homes for animals in need. Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged. Businesses and individuals can also support the event by sponsoring, which includes recognition in event materials, highlighting their commitment to supporting pets in need. Donations to the auction are another way to get involved, with unique goods, services, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences being especially popular. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate auction items, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction or email [email protected].

 

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 3: Bay Path University announced that award-winning journalist, author, and television personality Hoda Kotb will be the keynote speaker at the 28th Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC), taking place in Springfield. Most well-known as the former co-anchor of NBC News’ Today and co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, Kotb joined Today as a co-host of the fourth hour in 2008, alongside Kathie Lee Gifford, and recently retired from the show after 17 years, during which time she received several Emmy Awards for her work. A New York Times bestselling author, Kotb has written eight books and continues to host the popular podcast “Making Space with Hoda Kotb.” The WLC will also feature lunchtime speaker Amelia Rose Earhart, a pilot, author, and reporter who, inspired by her namesake, circumnavigated the globe in a single-engine aircraft. Earhart has 15 years of experience as a helicopter and breaking-news reporter in Denver and Los Angeles, has sent numerous teenage girls to flight school during her 10-year tenure as president of the Fly with Amelia Foundation, and hosts a tech podcast focused on the future of AI in business. This year’s conference will also feature breakout sessions led by business experts and coaches, including Shira Abel, a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley, who taps into her experience working with companies such as Siemens, Samsung, AXA, and Allianz to speak about navigating the complexities of modern business and the impact biases and expectations have on success. In addition, the WLC will welcome Jackie Glenn, former chief diversity officer at Fortune 500 EMC Corp. and founder and CEO of Glenn Solutions, where she partners with executives to reimagine organizational practices and implement strategies such as cultural assessments, executive coaching, and advisory services to foster thriving, innovative workplaces. An instructor at Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education, Glenn continues her mission to equip leaders with the tools to succeed through her work in the school’s Women Leaders: Advancing Together program. For further information on the conference, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales, visit baypath.edu/wlc.

 

Sip, Bid & Boogie

April 3: The WillPower Foundation, a source of support for Western Mass. individuals and families with different abilities, announced its new spring fundraiser, Sip, Bid & Boogie. This event will take place at the Jupiter Club in Easthampton mill building, offering an evening of entertainment, community, and philanthropy. Sip, Bid & Boogie will be a swanky soirée featuring handcrafted cocktails from the Jupiter Club, elevated bites by Blue Door Gatherings, live music by Mister Brilliant, and a silent art auction showcasing a diverse collection of artwork from artists of all abilities. The event will be emceed by the legal duo Ryan Alekman and Rob DiTusa, corporate donors who have supported WillPower since its inception. They will guide guests through an evening of fun, surprises, and a celebration of community. The art auction is a reflection of the WillPower Foundation’s mission to celebrate unique talents and different abilities. The collection will feature paintings, sculptures, digital art, mixed media, and more. Tickets cost $60 per person, $100 for two tickets, or $400 for a party pack of eight. Sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $15,000, offering local businesses the opportunity to align their brand with a nonprofit making a tangible impact.. To purchase tickets, donate art, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willpowerfoundation.org or email [email protected].

 

WTrades Career Expo

April 9: River East School to Career will present WTrades, Your Present is Your Future, a skilled trades career-exploration day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Students in grades 9-12 from school districts in the Greater Springfield and Greater Palmer areas are invited to attend. This program aims to showcase strategic, exploratory resources and hands-on opportunities to about 200 student attendees to enrich their knowledge about prospects for future employment and how to achieve a skilled trades career. River East is seeking skilled trade exhibitors, including those with heavy machinery, to participate in the WTrades career fair. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to speak directly with students, sharing insights about their careers and the skills required to succeed in their industries. By attending WTrades, exhibitors will connect directly with students to inform them about job opportunities and training programs that can lead to fulfilling careers. For more information on the event, visit rivereaststc.org/wtrades or call Amy Scribner, partnership director, at (413) 283-5051 or [email protected].

 

Difference Makers Gala

April 9: Tickets are now on sale for BusinessWest’s 17th annual Difference Makers awards gala at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025, profiled in the Feb. 17 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, are Jennie Adamczyk, executive director of Providence Ministries; Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services; Andrea Bordenca, managing partner of Generative Leadership Consulting; Mychal Connolly, CEO of Stand Out Truck; John Delaney, director of Ride to Remember; John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; the Michael J. Dias Foundation; and Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-tickets. The 17th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

 

UMass 5K Dash & Dine

April 26: UMass Dining Services invites the community to participate in its 14th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine, with the goal to promote health and wellness at UMass Amherst while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center. UMass Dining’s focus is on quality ingredients and meals, customer service, student health and wellness, customization options, and appreciation of global influences. Over the past 13 years, UMass Dining has raised more than $50,000 that has been donated to the Amherst Survival Center. Check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe will begin at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., a free Fun Run begins for children 8 years old and under. At 11 a.m., the race begins, followed by an awards ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon in the Berkshire Dining Commons. The race fee is $15 for all Five College students, $25 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $30 for the general public. Children 8 and under may participate free of charge. The race fee includes registration and lunch. Donations can be made and participants can register at runumass.com/about. Online registration will end April 24. Walk-up registration will be available on race day.

 

Link to Libraries Gala

May 8: Link to Libraries announce its biennial gala, an evening that celebrates the organization’s transformative impact in the community while raising vital funds to ensure children have access to the books and programming they deserve. This year’s gala, taking place at the Basketball Hall of Fame, will feature a Swifty-themed evening inspired by Taylor Swift’s celebrated Eras Tour. Guests will enjoy an elegant night filled with cocktails, dinner, an auction, and the opportunity to connect with others passionate about the power of reading to transform lives. All proceeds from the gala go directly to Link to Libraries, a nonprofit committed to fostering literacy by providing books and programming for children in underserved communities. Tickets cost $90 per person, or $250 for VIP tickets that include a pre-gala VIP cocktail reception. Tickets are available at www.linktolibraries.org.

 

 

People on the Move

By
People on the Move
Ariana Williams

Ariana Williams

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc. (MLKFS) announced the appointment of Ariana Williams as the organization’s first-ever chief of Public Health Strategy and Innovation. Williams’s journey with MLK Family Services began in 2018 as a part-time community health worker after earning her bachelor’s degree in public health from American International College (AIC). Within nine months, she was promoted to director of Public Health, spending three years leading initiatives that strengthened community health, public-health programming, and youth development. After a brief period away, she returned in February 2023 as a grants consultant. In her new position, Williams will integrate public-health strategies into the organization’s core mission, develop new community-driven initiatives, and strengthen strategic partnerships that advance health equity. A Springfield native, she is also the CEO and founder of Catalyst for Equity Consulting, where she helps nonprofits strengthen their position in the public-health ecosystem by aligning with public-health funding, developing evidence-based programs, and driving systemic change. She has led community-based initiatives in problem-gambling prevention, gun-violence prevention, food insecurity and nutrition, and mental-health advocacy. In 2019, she led a cohort of junior community health workers, whose advocacy efforts played an instrumental role in raising the tobacco-purchase age from 18 to 21 in Springfield. Their work later contributed to the movement to eliminate flavored tobacco products, a tactic used by the tobacco industry to target youth. In 2020, she co-led Springfield’s first-ever youth mental-health advisory board, Beat the Odds, creating a safe space and platform for young people to support one another, share lived experiences, and influence mental-health policies and resources. Williams earned her master of public administration degree from Westfield State University in 2024. She is also an adjunct professor at AIC, teaching in the same public health program she graduated from. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Rise LEAP & Achieve Foundation Inc. and the board of Anti-Racism Community Organizers.

•••••

James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announced the promotions of Tom Donnelly, Colin Dunn, and Craig Lacey to assistant vice president, commercial loan officer. They will continue to be responsible for managing middle-market commercial loan portfolios and driving new business-development opportunities in Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Donnelly joined Westfield Bank in 2020 as a commercial loan administrator with 10 years of experience with business development and account management. He graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree, followed by completing his master’s degree in management at Springfield College in 2013. He serves as a member of the Economic Development Council and St. Joseph Society. Outside of work, he volunteers by coaching youth sports. Dunn joined Westfield Bank in 2019 as a commercial loan administrator and quickly worked his way up to commercial loan officer. He graduated from Westfield State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He also completed a credit analyst apprenticeship with the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. in 2022. Outside of work, he serves as a member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield and the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Assoc. Lacey joined Westfield Bank in 2019 as a commercial loan administrator and was then promoted to commercial loan officer. He graduated from Bryant University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Outside of work, he serves as an ambassador for the Office of Manufacturing for Connecticut along with being a member of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce.

•••••

The W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom & Democracy announced the appointment of John Lloyd as its interim director. A seasoned executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Lloyd brings a wealth of expertise in organizational strategy, financial management, and community engagement to this role. As interim director, he will oversee the center’s strategic initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and continue to advance the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois by promoting scholarship, civic engagement, and social-justice advocacy. Lloyd is the principal of Agile Consulting Group, a management consulting practice specializing in nonprofit strategy, financial management, board development, and executive-transition services. Throughout his career, he has successfully guided numerous organizations through periods of transformation, stabilizing leadership teams and fostering sustainable growth. His interim leadership roles at organizations such as Community Healing Network, InReach, and Domestic Violence Ended have showcased his ability to enhance operational efficiency and advance mission-driven objectives. His leadership approach is deeply rooted in fostering collaboration, driving mission-driven impact, and enhancing operational efficiency to support long-term organizational success. A Massachusetts native, Lloyd holds a doctorate in organizational learning and development from the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from Bentley University, and a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bentley, where he teaches strategic management and human dynamics in organizations. His commitment to education and leadership development is further reflected in his extensive experience in training and facilitation for nonprofit boards and executives.

•••••

Kevin Engel

Kevin Engel

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy, P.C. announced that the firm has hired a new attorney, Kevin Engel, to serve as an associate in the business practice. Engel joined the firm in October after graduating from the University of Maine School of Law, and is admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Bar of the State of Maine. He is also a member of the Hampden County Bar Assoc. and the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Engel’s law practice includes general business and corporate law, business formation and planning, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and a variety of other business and real-estate matters. While in law school, he worked at Jackson and MacNichol, a law firm in South Portland, Maine, with a main practice in veterans’ disability law. Prior to law school, he attended Syracuse University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports management. While at Syracuse, he worked for a soccer team in the United Soccer League in business development.

•••••

Elizabeth Román has been promoted to executive editor for NEPM News. Román joined New England Public Media (NEPM) as managing editor in 2022 after reporting for nearly two decades at the Republican. In her new role, she will oversee NEPM’s award-winning local newsroom, ascertaining community needs, setting editorial priorities, and supervising journalists, local program hosts, freelancers, and interns. Sam Hudzik, who has led the NEPM newsroom for over a decade, will leave NEPM and the world of public media for a position in housing law in March. As executive editor for news, Román will assume oversight of the newsroom, reporting to NEPM’s vice president for content and audience strategy. Román is a graduate of Holyoke Community College and UMass Amherst. In recent years, she has also edited El Pueblo Latino, co-founded Colectivo de Medios Latinos, and appeared as a panelist on NEPM’s “The Fabulous 413” and “The Rundown with Carrie Saldo.”

•••••

Olivia O’Connor

Olivia O’Connor

Monson Savings Bank recently announced the promotion of Olivia O’Connor to assistant Monson branch manager. In that role, she will provide support to her entire team and be the ‘encyclopedia’ of the Monson branch. She will also be responsible for assisting customers with banking transactions, including account and HELOC openings. O’Connor has worked in customer service for more than eight years. Prior to joining Monson Savings Bank a little more than three years ago, she worked at Rice Fruit Farm and Springfield Technical Community College as a tutor. O’Connor holds an associate degree in general studies from Springfield Technical Community college, where she earned a near-perfect grade point average. Her career in banking began in 2021 when she was hired as a customer service associate at the bank’s Hampden Branch. From there, she quickly proved herself to be a trusted and capable team member. She excelled in the bank’s branches and was promoted to CSA supervisor, then briefly served as the East Longmeadow branch’s assistant branch manager before her most recent role.

•••••

The Big Y board of directors announced the appointment of Michael Pashko as director of Pharmacy. As director, he will be responsible for setting overall direction and goals for the Pharmacy division and the development and execution of programs, promotions, services, and operational excellence for Big Y’s 33 in-store pharmacies. He reports to Nicole D’Amour Schneider, senior vice president of Retail Operations and Customer Experience. Pashko was born into the profession of pharmacy as the son of a pharmacist, spending many days during his childhood in independent pharmacies. He was introduced to drugstore and retail operations in 2002 as a service clerk for Walgreens and, two years later, moved into pharmacy operations as a pharmacy technician. After graduating from pharmacy school in 2012, he had a strong desire to learn more about business growth and moved into pharmacy and field management. In 2022, he was promoted to director of Pharmacy and Retail Operations for 84 Walgreens locations in Massachusetts. Pashko earned a doctor of pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston in 2012. He is a registered pharmacist in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Illinois, along with being a certified immunizer since 2012.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook

UMass Amherst Maintains Top Research Status

AMHERST — UMass Amherst has maintained its designation as a R1 research institution, a top-tier national ranking by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education that recognizes universities with the highest level of research activity and doctorates awarded. As an R1 institution, UMass Amherst is among colleges and universities that spend an average of at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates per year. UMass Amherst’s research covers a wide range of disciplines and areas of expertise, including outstanding contributions to food science and agriculture, the study of human diseases and interventions to improve human health, issues of justice and public policy, and computational sciences and engineering. According to data collected by the American Council on Education, in FY 2023, UMass Amherst research expenditures were $268.6 million, and it awarded approximately 300 research doctorates from 2020 to 2023. In FY 2024, UMass Amherst was the recipient of $251.3 million in research awards and placed top in New England for public universities in awards from the National Science Foundation.

 

Country Bank Celebrates 175 Years Serving Region

WARE — Country Bank is marking a milestone of 175 years of service to its communities. Since its founding in 1850, the bank has grown from a small local institution into a regional financial leader. To commemorate this milestone, Country Bank is launching an anniversary celebration to give back to the communities that have contributed to its success. The campaign will include 175 gifts to community members and initiatives designed to champion local businesses and nonprofits throughout the region. The campaign will also highlight inspiring customer stories, showcase the bank’s community contributions, and reaffirm its commitment to excellence. Country Bank invites everyone to join the celebration, share their experiences, and participate in unique giveaways and community events throughout the year, ensuring that this milestone is shared with those who have made it possible.

 

Delaney’s Market Opens Store in West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The fifth Delaney’s Market store opened located at 334 Park St. in West Springfield on Feb. 25. Delaney’s Market is an independent company offering fresh, local, chef-made, heat-and-serve meals for individuals or families who want to eat a quality lunch or dinner at their home or office without the hassle of long prep times and high costs. It is the latest venture of Peter Rosskothen, former owner of the Log Cabin and Delaney House. The original Delaney’s Market, located at the Longmeadow Shops, has been open since 2016. Wilbraham and Westfield locations opened in 2019, and a South Hadley location, which features the chef’s kitchen, opened in 2023.

 

Common Capital Receives Two Awards from SBA

SPRINGFIELD — Common Capital was recently recognized as the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage Lender of the Year for Massachusetts, and the Highest Dollar Value Lender in Massachusetts for the SBA Microloan program. SBA Community Advantage loans provide funding for almost any business need, including startup costs, working capital, equipment purchases, and more. Loans can be up to $300,000 and are designed to support businesses operating in underserved areas, such as rural or low-income communities. In the last fiscal year, ending June 30, 2024, Common Capital worked with nine borrowers to lend more than $1 million to help finance their business’s growth and success. Participants included Carefree Cakery, Rozki Rides, and Bridge2Homecare, among others.

 

bankESB Donates $50,000 to United Way

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB and its employees recently made donations of $50,000 to the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region. Employees pledged more than $15,000 of their own funds in the bank’s United Way workplace campaign. Combined with the bank’s dollar-for-dollar match and additional corporate contribution, the campaign total of $50,000 will be donated to the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region. The campaign lets employees donate and direct funds, advocating for causes that are most important to them. As a long-time contributor, the bank and its employees have donated more than $740,000 to United Way organizations in Western Mass. in the last 13 years. The United Way is a volunteer-driven organization that serves residents through its own programs and services as well as those of its partner agencies. The organization works to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.

 

Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative Receives Grant

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative (BFMC) has been awarded a $9,000 operating grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The funding will help the Western Mass. nonprofit strengthen its operations, expand programming, build new partnerships, and continue to support the growing film and media industry in Western New England. In addition, Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative has moved its offices into 1Berkshires’ new space in the Crawford Square Building at 137 North St., Suite 200, Pittsfield.

 

Rocky’s Round Up for Kids Fundraiser Brings in $91,687

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers with 50 locations in nine states, raised a grand total of $91,687.19 with its Round Up for Kids fundraiser. During two periods in 2024, one in the spring and another in November and December, customers rounded up their purchase totals to the next dollar. The difference was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospital nearest to each store. Baystate Children’s Hospital received $18,130.83 through the campaigns in 2024. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the eight stores in Western Mass, with 100% of the money raised in those locations benefiting Baystate Children’s Hospital. Since 1983, CMN hospitals have helped fill funding gaps by raising more than $9 billion. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

 

Bradley Introduces Two New Non-stop Routes

HARTFORD, Conn. — Low-fare carrier Frontier Airlines has launched non-stop service from Bradley International Airport to Miami International Airport. The service, operating twice per week, brings the airline to five destinations served non-stop from Bradley. To celebrate, the airline is offering fares as low as $49. Meawhile, Breeze Airways is adding a new summer seasonal route from Bradley to Greensboro-Winston-Salem, N.C., starting June 6. The flight will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.

 

Andrew Associates Marks 40 Years in Business

ENFIELD, Conn. — Andrew Associates, a certified woman-owned direct-marketing company, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this quarter. Founded in 1985 by Judith Knapp in Wilbraham, the company started in a garage with just one employee. Today, Andrew Associates has grown into a respected leader in the direct-marketing industry, partnering with Fortune 100 companies, nonprofit organizations, higher-education institutions, and government agencies. From its state-of-the-art, 45,000 square-foot sustainable facility in Enfield, Conn., Andrew Associates employs 45 dedicated professionals who provide clients with a full suite of services, including data management, modeling and analytics, direct mail, printing, fulfillment, and creative marketing solutions. In 2008, recognizing the unique needs of nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, Andrew Associates launched a specialized nonprofit division focused on enhancing fundraising and communication efforts. This division has since helped local, regional, and national nonprofits improve their donor database management, annual giving campaigns, planned giving initiatives, and capital campaigns.

 

Excel Dryer Wins Two Sustainability Awards

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer Inc. was recently recognized as a double winner in the 2024 Sustainability Awards, hosted by Business Intelligence Group, which honors organizations worldwide that make sustainability a core part of their business practices. The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync hand dryer was recognized as a Sustainability Product of the Year, and Excel Dryer’s Healthy Office Oasis received the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award. Excel’s ThinAir hand dryer with electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA) filtration was also selected as a finalist in the Sustainability Product of the Year category. The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync hand dryer with eHEPA is a collaboration between commercial product designer D|13 Group and Excel Dryer, integrating the elements of proper hand washing and drying in a cohesive, 30-inch unit.

Incorporations

By
Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AGAWAM

Free Grace Academy Ltd., 46 Monroe St., Agawam, MA 01001. Mariya Vasilchenko, same. Providing education, including homeschooling.

BELCHERTOWN

St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 19 North Washington St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Brian Marsh, 21 Sherwood Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. To establish and maintain a place of worship and teaching; to buy, sell, hold, build, lease, or rent a church and other buildings and furnish and maintain the same; and to carry on educational and charitable work in the furtherance of such goals.

EASTHAMPTON

Serenity Spa L Inc., 87 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Yaoming Lin, same. Spa service.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Classic Association Management Inc., 180 Denslow Park, Suite 6, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Marcus Mayo, same. Property management.

GREENFIELD

Friends of the Greenfield Police K9 Unit Inc., 49 Lunt Dr., Greenfield, MA 01301. Patrick Merrigan, 216 Green River Road, Greenfield, MA 01301. Charitable organization to support the costs of the Greenfield Massachusetts Police K9 Unit by paying for dog food, veterinary bills, training, equipment, kennels, doghouses, and replacement dogs, as necessary.

HAYDENVILLE

The Veery Foundation Inc., 81 Depot Road, Haydenville, MA 01039. Mary Ann Cofrin, same. Charitable organization established to promote climate justice and environmental movement building; the health and well-being of underserved populations; the lives of Black, Indigenous, and people of color; access to food and fair housing; the prevention of poverty; LGBTQ+ advocacy; and charitable, educational, and/or scientific causes, and to engage in such other lawful activities.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Virginia Retailer Inc., 71 Chestnut St., Apt 15, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Muhammad Tahir, same. E-commerce retailer.

LONGMEADOW

Valley Pulmonary and Medical Associates, P.C., 112 Twin Hills Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. K.V.R. Mohan Rao, 260 Inverness Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Pulmonary medical services.

NORTH ADAMS

North Adams Pie Inc., 1 River St., North Adams, MA 01247. Celal Gokdag, 162 Weston St., Waltham, MA 02453. Pizza delivery and takeout.

PITTSFIELD

Cascade Wealth Management Solutions Inc., 5 Cascade St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Online retail sales for formal clothing.

Gaia Wellness Corp., 25 Jason St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Victoria Zacharewicz, same. Focuses on connecting people with nature using modalities including guided walks in nature, meditation practices, and yoga.

Litas Applied Arts Consulting Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Yoonju Choi, same. To plan and host competitions related to art, design, architecture, creative writing, etc.

Pittsfield Pie Inc., 321 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Celal Gokdag, 162 Weston St., Waltham, MA 02453. Pizza delivery and takeout.

Titan Truck Repair Corp., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Joseph Adams, same. Automotive repair and restoration and associated services.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Sun Consulting Management Inc., 82 Stillwater Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373. Sarah Yi, same. Management and consulting services.

SPRINGFIELD

Al Omda Logistics Inc., 137 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Sam Al Sanaa, same. Trucking.

Flourish Together Inc., 91 Pilgrim Road, Springfield, MA 01118. Jammie Glenn, same. To engage in mental-health awareness initiatives, offer workshops and trainings, and host community events that promote well-being and empowerment.

Jordan Auto Sales Inc., 167 Magazine St., Springfield, MA 01109. Abdullah Alazzam, same. Auto sales.

OMG Painting Inc., 16 Kay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Jason Brooks, same. Painting services.

Safe & Reliable Staffing Inc., 235 Chestnut St., Unit 16, Springfield, MA 01103. Mariam Kabbout, 15 Piquette Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Staffing agency.

WESTFIELD

CGM Trucking Inc., 44 Crown St., Westfield, MA 01085. Cristian Montero, same. Trucking, transportation, and hauling services, including hauling of demolition debris.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

PPNG Inc., 61 Appaloosa Lane, West Springfield, MA 01089. Hasmukh Gogri, same. Liquor store.

WILLIAMSTOWN

KJS Property Management Inc., 115 Luce Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Kevin Stant, same. Purchasing and selling real estate with other investors.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2025.

AMHERST

Adventure Trips
6 Cranberry Lane
Alberto Ortiz

Alléchant Macarons
121 North Pleasant St.
Taylor Lapatofsky

Compassion Speech-Language Pathology
44D Southpoint Dr.
Melanie Bitely

Facetrace
21 Hallock St., Apt. 17
Kevin Gomez

F.L. Roberts
399 Northampton St.
Tony El-Nemr

Fresh Side
39 South Pleasant St.
Xiaojia Huang

J Cori Chandler, LMHC
48 North Pleasant St., Suite 201
Jennifer Chandler

Little Light Farm
132 Pelham Road
Emily Smela

Spend Time with Caren
409 Main St., Unit 115
Caren Figliolini

Wheelhouse Farm LLC
383 Main St.
William VanHeuvelen, Jake Mazar

EASTHAMPTON

Bethlehem House Inc.
33 Knipfer Ave.
Pamela Hibbard

Evergreen Hair Co.
122 Pleasant St., Suite 130
Michelle Denis

Finality Undivided LLC
40 Maine Ave.
Filene Bedrick

Kim O’Leary Photography
28 Holly Circle
Kim O’Leary

GREAT BARRINGTON

Berkshire Baby
8 Stockbridge Road
Andrea Lysy

Berkshire Corporate Retreats
7 Meadow Lane
Sabrina Jaffe

 

Chelsea & Co. Antiques and Decorative Arts
434B Stockbridge Road
Katherine Hold

Christina Lane Photography
12 Barrington Place
Christina Lane

Community Busk Inc.
6 Knob Hill Road
Eugene Carr

Divining Beauty
7 Forest Row
Mary Campbell

Dunkin’ Donuts
494 Main St.
David Cafua

Gallery SGD
198 Main St., Unit 1
Stephen Donaldson

The Glass Shop
968 Main St.
Brendan Toole

Great Barrington Dispensary
454 Main St.
Krishna Ganghi

Home Love
7 Railroad St.
Emily Irwin

Honey Sharp Garden Design
296 Division St.
Honey Sharp Lippman

Karen Allen Fiber Arts
8 Railroad St.
Karen Allen

KMF Books
19 Lewis Ave.
Kathleen Favaloro

Mattress Firm Inc. #181006
336 Stockbridge Road
Mattress Firm Inc.

Moho Designs
13 Lake Ave.
Molly Howitt de St. Andre

North Plain Farm LLC
343 North Plain Road
Sean Stanton

One Sacred Space
8 Stanley Dr.
Sherri Waggoner

Roger Trucking
11 Roger Road
Roger Brownson

Stanton Home
205 North Plain Road
Peter Stanton

Timberlyn Heights Nursing & Rehabilitation
320 Maple Ave.
Thomas Doyle II

Universal Supply Group
20 Maple Ave.
Daikin Comfort Technologies Northeast Inc.

Vitaly Chiropractic
204 East St.
Kristine Olsen

HOLYOKE

Bermudez Tax Services
619 South Summer St.
Maria Bermudez

Complex Painting Services
24 Labrie Lane
Paul Whelihan

De la Luz
92 Race St.
Lighthouse Personalized Education for Teens

Fairfield Inn & Suites
229 Whiting Farms Road
66 Holyoke LLC

Hawk Renovations
12 Lorraine St.
Linee Perroncel

J & Sons Holdings
15 Longwood Ave.
Jason Gerace

Tina Studio
171 High St.
Cristina Caez

T-Mobile Northeast LLC
50 Holyoke St., Unit D263
T-Mobile USA Inc.

Valley Mart
4 North Bridge St.
Andrea Stanley, Christian Stanley

PITTSFIELD

All Berkshire Insulation
100 Richard Dr.
Jason Arseneau

Angel Black Hypnotherapy
222 South St.
Angelica Black

Audi Pittsfield
600 Merrill Road
Sean and Michael Berkshires AV LLC

Berkshire BMW
600 Merrill Road
Sean and Michael Berkshires AV LLC

Berkshire VNA
165 Tor Court
Berkshire Medical Center Inc.

C:\\Studios
82 Wendell Ave.
Richard Shepardson

CCLI
82 Wendell Ave.
CC Legacy Investments

Creative Minds Bookkeeping Services LLC
72 Reuter Ave.
Wendy Calkins

DLGNT HND
82 Wendell Ave.
Kyrylo Necheporenko

Domino’s Pizza
321 Elm St.
Pittsfield Pie Inc.

Domino’s Pizza
1229 North St.
North Pittsfield Pie Inc.

Eastern Body Works and Reflexology
765 Tyler St.
Su Yan

Embodied Strengths
99 Wendell Ave.
Christopher Temkin

Figgy Tree Engraving
28 Highland Ave.
Ian Tyrell

Flynn’s Pharmacy & Home Medical
173 Elm St.
T&C Flynn’s Pharmacy Inc.

FSI Logistics Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
FSI Logistics Inc.

Home Staging Associates
75 Appleton Ave.
Ingred Lewis, Guy Lewis

I’m Meraki
135 Chapel St.
Claudia Ocampo Villamil

Inquisivis Research
82 Wendell Ave.
Parker Visual LLC

IZTAC
156 North St.
Columna LLC

JJ Lock
758 Tyler St.
Todd Most

Kay Creative Solutions
61 Hull Ave.
Kaustub Prajapati

Little Flower Wellness
71 Maplewood Ave.
Victoria Fiorini

Lulu’s Tony Grocery
137 North St.
Somalupe LLC

Manifest Medical MA PLLC
5 Meadow Ridge Dr.
Manifest Medical MA PLLC

Meyers Exterior Services & Junk Removal
161 Newell St.
Jacob Meyers

nailsxamandaa
337 Elm St.
Amanda Lamberti

OpenField Organizing
82 Wendell Ave.
OpenField Co

PHS Latin Club
300 East St.
PHS Latin Club

Q Mortgage
82 Wendell Ave.
Quintessential Mortgage Group LLC

R&T Roofing
30 Putman Ave.
Robert Turner

Roach
850 Tamarack Road
Hayden Burke

Salvo Creative
288 Tyler St.
Salvo Creative LLC

Sanctuary
5 Cheshire Road
Laura Harbin-Waters

SCJ Commercial Financial Services
82 Wendell Ave.
Red Target LLC

Tyler St Arcade
214 Tyler St.
Robert Williams

Volkswagen Pittsfield
600 Merrill Road
Sean and Michael Berkshires AV LLC

WGI Consulting Inc.
82 Wendell Ave.
WGI Inc.

SOUTHWICK

Andrew’s Sports Cards
8 Harvest Lane
Andrew Morris

Best Auto Service
582 College Highway
Lynn Grant, Russell Grant

Calabrese Farms
249 Feeding Hills Road
Thomas Calabrese

Consolini Plumbing & Heating
41 Reservoir Road
Mark Consolini

Jeffrey M. Hathaway
61 Granville Road
Jeffrey Hathaway

John LaBelle Plumbing & Heating
17 Kimberly Dr.
John LaBelle

Lakeview Tavern
141 Congamond Road
Demyam Volkov

Melloni Construction
822 College Highway
Jeremy Melloni

Responsible and Compliant Southwick
681 College Highway
Mark Dupuis

Serenity Anesthesia Services Inc.
6 Pearl Brook Road
Julia Millay

Uplifting Art
627 College Highway
Tracey Miller

William Gore Wood Crafts
27 South Longyard Road
William Gore

Zuber Landscaping
642 College Highway
Jonathan Zuber

WESTFIELD

Andrii Sereda
27 Montgomery St.
Andrii Sereda

Becky’s Beauty Salon
345 Birch Bluff Dr.
Becky Bannish

Blue Chip Branding & Design
20 Rachael Ter.
Nicholas Bacopoulos

CJR Home Improvement
15 Cranston St.
Christopher Roit

Danny Captures Photography
19 Oakdale St.
Danny Nesen

DJ’s Productions
83 Court St.
Douglas Sweeney

HTM Energy
135 Eastwood Dr.
Howard McClure

J.A.N. Woodworks & Renovations
61 Bowdoin St.
Joseph Muto

Jeff Lynch Music
12 Oak Ave.
Jeffrey Lynch

Kamyk Engraving
9 Grandview Dr.
Steven Kamyk

Lacross Exteriors
24 Cranston St.
Kathleen Lacross

Newnova Media Group
665 Montgomery Road
Alexander Barouxis-Kroll

Profound Home Improvement LLC
183 Main St.
Ilya Katykhin

Susan’s Dog Services
50 Fairfield Ave.
Susan Childers

Trademark Construction
125 Feeding Hills Road
Travis McIntire

True Craft Construction
34 Dickinson Place
David Lepak

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Arillotta, Dominic L.
a/k/a Arillotta, Nick L.
63 West Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118-0000
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Arooth, Jill M.
95 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057-0000
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/13/2025

Barrett, Andrew C.
58 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/04/2025

Bedore, Amy L.
37 Endicott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/13/2025

Breault, Kenneth J.
36 Bluebird Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/03/2025

Chipman, Matthew Robert
34A Wildwood Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/03/2025

Chloe’s Petals
Radle, Clement J.
Radle, Judith M.
288 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/12/2025

Ciprian, Arsenia Suero
32 Ruskin St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/07/2025

Coolong, Allan M.
a/k/a Coolong, Mark
155 South Monson Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/05/2025

Diaz, Enid S.
45 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/11/2025

Figueiredo, Celso T.
Figueiredo, Soledade L.
50 Pond St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/11/2025

Figuero, Ivonne Hernandez
Caez, Ivonne, M.
215 Fort Pleasant Ave., Apt. E9
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2025

Frodema, Mark D.
42 Rita St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/04/2025

Gonzalez, Roberto Ricardo
88 Waldo St., Apt. 1-A
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/13/2025

Kadlewicz, Kelly M.
618 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/11/2025

Kai, Andari
a/k/a Kochaniec, Anna
a/k/a Gardner, Anna
866 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/12/2025

Kelley, Donna
82 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/11/2025

Miner, JoEllen
P.O. Box 481
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/10/2025

Montague, Susan
33 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01072
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/12/2025

Mulero, William Cotto
70 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2025

Mulford, Ward T.
281 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/14/2025

Nuno’s Trucking, LLC
Machado, Nuno
15 Bellevue Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/03/2025

O’Neill, David C.
O’Neill, Maria L.
15 Overhill Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Patterson, Emma F.
51 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/06/2025

Pineda, Yasser Emilio
140 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/08/2025

Porter, Joseph A.
7 Sibley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/04/2025

Pouliot, Anna P.
204 South St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/05/2025

Ray, Marlaina
269 Stoney Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 02/07/2025

Rosemond, Joel D.
36 Stratford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/14/2025

Sena, Rebecca J.
a/k/a Racine, Rebecca J.
345 New Boston Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 02/05/2025

Wright, Gary L.
Wright, Gary Lee Adolphe
6 Kimberly Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/31/2025

Real Estate Transactions

By
Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

229 Creamery Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Brianna Dupree
Seller: Stuart Harris
Date: 02/04/25

BERNARDSTON

12 Harwood Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: Kellyanne L. Adams
Seller: Carrie E. Graham-Ellis
Date: 02/07/25

Merrifield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $1,600,000
Buyer: Town Of Bernardston
Seller: Christopher Raymond
Date: 02/06/25

167 Northfield Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $1,600,000
Buyer: Town Of Bernardston
Seller: Christopher Raymond
Date: 02/06/25

ERVING

5 Goodell Place
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Accurate Property Investments LLC
Seller: Niedzwiedz, Sandra J., (Estate)
Date: 02/07/25

GILL

479 Main Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Alec Goodwin
Seller: Lea Banks
Date: 02/07/25

GREENFIELD

316 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Adam J. Provost
Seller: Bond Int.
Date: 02/07/25

116-120 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nh Jjc 2024 LLC
Seller: Terry H. Veber
Date: 02/03/25

15 Knapp Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Veteran Stan LLC
Seller: Heidi Gidius
Date: 02/12/25

105 Laurel St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Joseph Zeni
Seller: Troy Santerre
Date: 02/14/25

32 Peabody Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Michael Reed
Seller: Walter K. Boas
Date: 02/11/25

51-53 Place Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Emerson Properties LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 02/07/25

198 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $321,000
Buyer: Mary H. Kratt
Seller: Barbara A. Kievenaar
Date: 02/07/25

HEATH

51 Bray Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jay A. Ouellette
Seller: Union Evangelical Church
Date: 02/03/25

MONTAGUE

7 Avenue C
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Abraham Klein
Seller: Eds Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/10/25

9 Union Ave.
Montague, MA 01347
Amount: $236,775
Buyer: Sierra Dickey
Seller: Enoch O. Jensen
Date: 02/14/25

NORTHFIELD

15 North Lane
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Mahon
Seller: Bedard Int.
Date: 02/05/25

ORANGE

28 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $291,400
Buyer: Steven Wazal
Seller: Francis D. Hickey
Date: 02/06/25

66 Marjorie St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $383,900
Buyer: Samantha Bridgman
Seller: Barkley Enterprises LLC
Date: 02/03/25

SUNDERLAND

243 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Keith L. Berman
Seller: Harlin S. Hegeler
Date: 02/12/25

North Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Loretta Laurenitis
Seller: Veronica Laurenitis
Date: 02/07/25

Plumtree Road (off)
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Loretta Laurenitis
Seller: Veronica Laurenitis
Date: 02/07/25

WHATELY

346 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Gitsit Real Property
Seller: Virginia C. Allis
Date: 02/03/25

261 River Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Cynthia J. Tonucci RET
Seller: Olszewski Realty LLC
Date: 02/10/25

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

231 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Artem Mosiichuk
Seller: Charlotte C. Venturini
Date: 02/14/25

48 Carmen Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Siarhei Vashchylka
Seller: David Vilkhovoy
Date: 02/14/25

56 Edward St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jennifer Epaul
Seller: Nicole E. Rosario
Date: 02/13/25

28 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Steven Lemoine
Seller: Sareen Properties LLC
Date: 02/07/25

33 Forest Ridge Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Heather A. Zielenski
Seller: Ashlee N. Montessi
Date: 02/13/25

14 Leonard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Brian R. Gaouette
Seller: Wissam Tarek
Date: 02/12/25

118 Moore St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: John Martin
Seller: William M. Cavanaugh
Date: 02/10/25

325 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $364,000
Buyer: Adianeris P. Rolon
Seller: Richard H. Sanderson
Date: 02/10/25

654 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Lindrit Bajrami
Seller: Timothy C. Stowers
Date: 02/07/25

1022 North St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Gerard Clark
Seller: Edward J. Drowns
Date: 02/05/25

209 Silver Lake Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Brian McCabe
Seller: Jeffrey Neilsen
Date: 02/13/25

890 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Patricia M. Hebert
Seller: Christine G. Gendron
Date: 02/10/25

BLANDFORD

14 Russell Stage Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $132,459
Buyer: Ronnie Armany
Seller: Secretary Of Housing & Urban Development
Date: 02/04/25

BRIMFIELD

22 Hollow Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Matthew F. Landry
Seller: Yawen Hin
Date: 02/13/25

CHICOPEE

109 9th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Roberto R. Negron
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assoc.
Date: 02/12/25

29 Albert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Christian Wiernasz
Seller: Dan J. Lagasse
Date: 02/04/25

54 Ames Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Dieusauveur Mathieu
Seller: Walter J. Palasz
Date: 02/07/25

184 Asselin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Harry B. Ingles
Seller: Kenneson Jr., Vinal W., (Estate)
Date: 02/12/25

67 Beaudry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Rayan C. Abdulbaki
Seller: Joshua L. Gray
Date: 02/06/25

14 Dorothy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $269,500
Buyer: Marguerite I. Catuogno
Seller: Methuselah RT
Date: 02/11/25

Empire St., Lot 3
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Denys Smyrnov
Seller: Chicopee Property Management LLC
Date: 02/10/25

43 Falmouth Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christian R. Pagan
Seller: Castle Bay Holdings LLC
Date: 02/10/25

320 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: TM Realty II LLC
Seller: Kemm LLC
Date: 02/05/25

135 Joy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Kathryn Loranger
Seller: Michael J. Redmond
Date: 02/10/25

131 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Justin J. Sicard
Seller: Lafleur FT
Date: 02/03/25

206 Newbury St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: As2a Holdings Inc.
Seller: Pma Real Estate Management LLC
Date: 02/07/25

206 Newbury St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Riyyaan II LLC
Seller: As2a Holdings Inc.
Date: 02/07/25

63 Olea St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Philip Stockton
Seller: R Squared Realty LLC
Date: 02/13/25

99 Orchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Cassandra Guild
Seller: Woishnis FT
Date: 02/05/25

845 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Jjn Realty LLC
Seller: Chester Szetela
Date: 02/14/25

14 Wiley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Sara Boron
Seller: Timothy D. Zantrofski
Date: 02/03/25

EAST LONGMEADOW

8 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Courtney Reyes
Seller: Brian Goldrick
Date: 02/06/25

71 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher Rattray
Seller: Kennedy Acquisitions LLC
Date: 02/03/25

HAMPDEN

8 Andrew Circle
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Victor Martins
Seller: Martin R. Wright
Date: 02/06/25

HOLLAND

10 Pine Tree Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $227,620
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Hollie L. Flannery
Date: 02/05/25

HOLYOKE

46 Davis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $394,500
Buyer: Charlotte E. Pascal
Seller: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Date: 02/14/25

233 Easthampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $2,660,000
Buyer: Wyckoff Estates LLC
Seller: Arment & Vanzandt Realty Inc.
Date: 02/14/25

14 Field St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Babcock
Seller: Christopher S. Savino
Date: 02/07/25

148-154 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: June Ventures Inc.
Seller: Aad LLC
Date: 02/12/25

58 Longwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Hector R. Burgos
Seller: Hector R. Rosado
Date: 02/12/25

636 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $863,000
Buyer: As2a Holdings Inc.
Seller: Pma Real Estate Management LLC
Date: 02/07/25

636 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Riyyaan I LLC
Seller: As2a Holdings Inc.
Date: 02/07/25

7 McLellan Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Zachary Laroche
Seller: Sandra L. Fitzgerald
Date: 02/07/25

54 Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Timothy Zantrofski
Seller: Harry S. Vulopas
Date: 02/03/25

1177 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $308,500
Buyer: Margaret Dixon
Seller: Gail M. Cauley
Date: 02/14/25

47 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Tirrell
Seller: Jessica M. Ryan
Date: 02/05/25

31 Sherwood Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $309,500
Buyer: Jessica Marrero
Seller: Weary Travelers LLC
Date: 02/14/25

311 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Virgilio Property Mgmt. Inc.
Date: 02/13/25

645 West Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $486,000
Buyer: Laura M. Buchanan
Seller: Maureen E. Moriarty
Date: 02/03/25

LONGMEADOW

Barrington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: H&F Properties Inc.
Seller: Quercus Properties LLC
Date: 02/14/25

237 Concord Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $474,000
Buyer: Tarun K. Ohri
Seller: Brian S. Weinberg
Date: 02/03/25

52 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Paula Desroberts RET
Seller: Krista Murphy
Date: 02/12/25

LUDLOW

Balsam Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Konstantin Gut
Seller: Brandon M. Quiterio
Date: 02/06/25

88 Barna St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Alexander Nelson
Seller: Mhi Properties LLC
Date: 02/11/25

12 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $1,300,000
Buyer: Raval LLC
Seller: Idalina C. Rodrigues
Date: 02/07/25

Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Fernanda Gomes
Seller: Halama FT
Date: 02/07/25

106 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: R. M. Blerman LLC
Seller: Diane P. Adams
Date: 02/11/25

73 McKinley Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Evelyn H. Cote
Date: 02/14/25

623 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Shelida B. Pinto
Seller: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Date: 02/06/25

MONSON

12 Homer Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Joshua J. Beardsley
Seller: Congamond Management LLC
Date: 02/07/25

287 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $529,000
Buyer: Michael A. Chamberlain
Seller: Antonio Carvalho
Date: 02/11/25

PALMER

2112 Baptist Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Chance J. Plant
Seller: Samuel A. Baral
Date: 02/03/25

1018 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Zachary T. Pacunas
Seller: Jeffrey Comeau
Date: 02/04/25

2041-2043 High St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: 2041 High Street LLC
Seller: Asw Fund 1 LP
Date: 02/13/25

39 Knox St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Cristian J. Jara
Seller: Jinxiang Ren
Date: 02/13/25

1313 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Ams Realty LLC
Seller: Stephen Stathis
Date: 02/07/25

231 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Cody A. Crossman
Seller: Ronald M. Ziemba
Date: 02/11/25

RUSSELL

Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Nexamp Free Holdings LLC
Seller: Anthony J. Scapin
Date: 02/07/25

434 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Carla Boyd
Seller: Saje Home Services LLC
Date: 02/11/25

SPRINGFIELD

123 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Anthoney Lomax
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 02/07/25

141 Arvilla St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Anthony A. Dimaio
Seller: Loryanna Dimaio
Date: 02/11/25

63 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Hadley Pellegrino
Seller: Joseph Pellegrino
Date: 02/06/25

47 Bangor St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jeff Jean-Baptiste
Seller: Kelly Grennan
Date: 02/12/25

1424 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $246,500
Buyer: Melissa Ruffin
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 02/05/25

165 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Deborah Belsinger
Seller: Isaac Gomez
Date: 02/06/25

171 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: William Rivera
Seller: Gerald F. Lewis
Date: 02/05/25

62-64 Bryant St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Ryan Deland
Seller: Harrington Investments RT
Date: 02/13/25

230-232 Centre St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Jane Vernalia
Seller: Brvs LLC
Date: 02/10/25

122-124 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Kinney
Seller: Cvc TR
Date: 02/06/25

47 Eckington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Sydney Harrison
Seller: Stephanie H. Moore
Date: 02/05/25

100 Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $612,500
Buyer: Judith Moskal-Kanz
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 02/12/25

367-369 East Columbus Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Pierre B. Fleurant
Seller: Jose A. Lopez
Date: 02/14/25

229 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Anyira A. De Jesus
Seller: William Soto
Date: 02/10/25

411 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Christine S. Humel
Seller: Couchiaftis, George J., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/25

17 George St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Eliane Niyonkuru
Seller: Isidoro Sanchez
Date: 02/10/25

11 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Rodriguez, Sandra L., (Estate)
Date: 02/07/25

80 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Kristin A. Lynch
Seller: Mark R. Spengler
Date: 02/03/25

206 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Shavonne Morris
Seller: Emtay Inc.
Date: 02/13/25

11-13 Longview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Polonia M. Ogando
Seller: Michael A. Glenn
Date: 02/07/25

212 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Saje Home Services LLC
Seller: Azusa RT
Date: 02/13/25

20 Montrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: J&R Homes Corp.
Seller: Cascade Funding Mortgage TR
Date: 02/03/25

69 Notre Dame St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Sudan A. Curiel
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 02/14/25

114-116 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Shakenna Williams
Seller: Shaneeta Cathey
Date: 02/05/25

4 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Kok-Kin Properties LLC
Seller: Shre Holding Co. LLC
Date: 02/11/25

74 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Olmstead RT
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 02/07/25

34-36 Ruskin St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $417,500
Buyer: Chribs Home Improvement
Seller: Steven Hayes
Date: 02/04/25

Saint George Road
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,400,000
Buyer: AG-AF Pioneer Springfield
Seller: Arhc Pssgdma01 LLC
Date: 02/05/25

1250 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $5,000,000
Buyer: Onyx Springfield Cinema LLC
Seller: Albany Road – St.James Ave. LLC
Date: 02/06/25

102 Saint Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jose G. Pacheco
Seller: Lyon, Maureen A., (Estate)
Date: 02/06/25

11 Sherbrooke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $208,359
Buyer: John J. Baker
Seller: B. T. & Doreen B. Baker TR
Date: 02/05/25

1240 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $1,276,000
Buyer: Arrha Credit Union
Seller: PeoplesBank
Date: 02/13/25

79 Talbot Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kenny Nguyen
Seller: Susan A. Albrecht
Date: 02/10/25

125 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Angel R. Rodriguez
Seller: Courageous Lion LLC
Date: 02/03/25

70 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Caroline Torres
Seller: Johnny A. Perez-Mendez
Date: 02/13/25

42 Wilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $429,895
Buyer: Leslie Ly
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/14/25

156 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Cynthia Baral
Seller: Brian P. Kapinos
Date: 02/03/25

8 Woodstock St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Emid Properties LLC
Seller: Woodstock Street RT
Date: 02/13/25

WALES

10 Ainsworth Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Robert Luby
Seller: Michelle M. Dionne
Date: 02/03/25

WEST SPRINGFIELD

47 Apple Ridge Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $501,700
Buyer: Edward Santaniello
Seller: Daniella Tirone
Date: 02/13/25

67 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Valiantsin Zhmaidziak
Date: 02/04/25

110 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Sergey Shalypin
Seller: Alvin Weaver
Date: 02/14/25

92 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC
Seller: Anthony T. Bushey
Date: 02/04/25

120 Hampden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $254,625
Buyer: Aaia Rml LLC
Seller: Alycar Investments LLC
Date: 02/10/25

444 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $427,500
Buyer: Mason Jacoby
Seller: Argiro, Bernadette P., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/25

874 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,561,000
Buyer: Pingree 2000 Real Estate Holdings LLC
Seller: Rindels Realty LLC
Date: 02/10/25

132 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Aem Property Investments LLC
Seller: Susan C. Dibble
Date: 02/06/25

43 Pebble Path Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $392,000
Buyer: Ryan T. Eldridge
Seller: Edward Santaniello
Date: 02/13/25

73 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Adam Jaber
Seller: Donald C. Pinkerman
Date: 02/07/25

81 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Win L. Bo
Seller: No Limit Assets LLC
Date: 02/10/25

72-74 Summit St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Gerard S. Filip
Seller: Jenna Rosado
Date: 02/14/25

Western Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $6,100,000
Buyer: Ag-Af Pioneer West Springfield
Seller: Arhc Pswsgma01 LLC
Date: 02/05/25

 

 

WESTFIELD

9 Bartlett St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Knox Trail Properties LLC
Seller: J. & F. Management LLP
Date: 02/11/25

62 City View Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Allan W. Freeman RET
Seller: Renee A. Sanders
Date: 02/06/25

103 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,550,000
Buyer: Knox Trail Properties LLC
Seller: J. & F. Management LLP
Date: 02/11/25

241 Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Knox Trail Properties LLC
Seller: John P. Morizio
Date: 02/11/25

83-1/2 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Knox Trail Properties LLC
Seller: J. & F. Management LLP
Date: 02/11/25

89 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Knox Trail Properties LLC
Seller: John P. Morizio
Date: 02/11/25

9 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Bal Darjee
Seller: Foucher, Homer Joseph, (Estate)
Date: 02/07/25

162 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Rga Properties LLC
Seller: Lagoditz FT
Date: 02/05/25

5 Leonard Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Alex Delgado
Seller: Christopher M. Robare
Date: 02/14/25

288 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Collin Williams
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 02/03/25

47 Saint Dennis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Philip L. Arendt
Seller: Gregory Foulkes
Date: 02/07/25

20 Sherwood Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $234,200
Buyer: Carlos Suarez
Seller: 20 Sherwood Avenue Land TR
Date: 02/12/25

383 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: 383 Southampton Road LLC
Seller: Gerald A. Bovat
Date: 02/06/25

44 Stuart Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $381,000
Buyer: Colin M. Berry
Seller: Keith Watson
Date: 02/14/25

WILBRAHAM

2703 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Pietras Group Inc.
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 02/06/25

11 Brookside Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Gail E. Healy
Seller: Prartt FT
Date: 02/07/25

5 Brookside Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Michael J. Sarage
Seller: Ckj Realty LLC
Date: 02/07/25

9 Primrose Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Rachel M. Wolfe
Seller: Sheila M. Commisso
Date: 02/14/25

80 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Minahan
Seller: M. Roncarati-Fortin RET
Date: 02/14/25

106 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Paulo Villegas
Seller: Barbara L. Lyons
Date: 02/11/25

19 Westernview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: 19 Western View RT
Seller: Kathleen A. Czupryna TR
Date: 02/07/25

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

20 McClellan St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Douglas A. Evans
Seller: Simon P. Alciere
Date: 02/03/25

373-375 Montague Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Junior Henriquez
Seller: Junaid Ijaz
Date: 02/04/25

Odd Meadow St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Peter Laznicka
Seller: Stone Free LLC
Date: 02/12/25

BELCHERTOWN

425 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Pacheco Property Holdings LLC
Seller: Debra Cole
Date: 02/05/25

245 Cold Spring Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Alexander C. Alvarado
Seller: Helen O. McConnell
Date: 02/14/25

38 Cordner Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Stephanie Moore
Seller: Ronald R. Beaver
Date: 02/05/25

468 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: James E. Mileski
Seller: Sandra A. Tolpa IRT
Date: 02/07/25

CHESTERFIELD

Bissell Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Stuart Brisson
Seller: Charles Valencik
Date: 02/06/25

Sugar Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Stuart Brisson
Seller: Charles Valencik
Date: 02/06/25

EASTHAMPTON

6 Boylston St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Valery Raymond
Seller: Joseph E. Reopel
Date: 02/13/25

5 Carol Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Roland L. Thomas
Seller: Alexander J. Pompei
Date: 02/06/25

26-28 Exeter St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jahmai Hill
Seller: Raymond W. Sliz
Date: 02/07/25

48 Oliver St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Carrie A. Laird
Seller: Hildegard Sauter
Date: 02/07/25

10 Pine St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Joanne Winsor
Seller: Violet Clark
Date: 02/05/25

HATFIELD

Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Ian Lauder
Seller: Stephen J. Herbert
Date: 02/07/25

HUNTINGTON

40 Allen Coit Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Peyton O’Connor
Seller: Shelley A. Wilton
Date: 02/07/25

MIDDLEFIELD

266 Skyline Trail
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Noel W. Keeney
Seller: Kozynoski, Jonn J., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/25

NORTHAMPTON

43 Bates St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: BAZ-4 Properties LLC
Seller: Harris, Judith A., (Estate)
Date: 02/05/25

554 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Joejoe Properties LLC
Seller: Tina M. Thornton
Date: 02/07/25

76 Marian St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,025,000
Buyer: Jonathan Moosekian
Seller: Gail L. Perlman
Date: 02/14/25

766 North King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $3,500,000
Buyer: Ag-Af Pioneer Northampton
Seller: Arhc Psnhtma01 LLC
Date: 02/05/25

352 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Lior Alon
Seller: Christopher B. Kent
Date: 02/03/25

PELHAM

24 Gulf Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $657,500
Buyer: Karleen Vollherbst
Seller: Mill River Renovations LLC
Date: 02/12/25

SOUTH HADLEY

8 Carew St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Deer Run Realty LLC
Seller: Marc A. St.Pierre
Date: 02/06/25

94 Charon Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $356,700
Buyer: Jacob Poirier
Seller: Miele, Teresa M., (Estate)
Date: 02/03/25

124 College St., Lot E3
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $313,500
Buyer: Adam J. Tocci
Seller: Lee A. Pellegrini RET
Date: 02/13/25

136 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: 136 East St. LLC
Seller: Celeste A. Pelissier
Date: 01/02/25

250 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Elijah Charteris
Seller: Garrett Postema
Date: 02/06/25

9 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Larissa Schwartz
Seller: Elaine R. Savard
Date: 02/12/25

132 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: Kmak LLC
Seller: Krystyna Sulek
Date: 02/13/25

33 Pershing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Lcr Builders LLC
Seller: Natiostar Mortgage LLC
Date: 02/12/25

36 Red Ledge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $766,000
Buyer: Anne Meijers
Seller: Declaration Of Trust
Date: 02/07/25

SOUTHAMPTON

3 Sophie Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Lindsay N. Mounce
Seller: Patrice Mackey
Date: 02/13/25

WARE

75 East St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: As2a Holdings Inc.
Seller: PMA Real Estate Management LLC
Date: 02/07/25

75 East St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Riyyaan III LLC
Seller: As2a Holdings Inc.
Date: 02/07/25

32 Highland St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Benjamin J. Koziol
Seller: William W. Gravel
Date: 02/12/25

95 Maple St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Brendan A. Shunaman
Seller: Rafaat A. Geres
Date: 02/11/25

14-18 Park St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Park Otis LLC
Seller: Joel Pentlarge
Date: 02/11/25

8-10 Prospect St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Park Otis LLC
Seller: Joel Pentlarge
Date: 02/11/25

12 Richfield Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Megean L. Weidman
Seller: Heidi L. Ploskonka
Date: 02/06/25

32-34 South St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: CC REIT SUB II LLC
Seller: Adc100 LLC
Date: 02/11/25

WILLIAMSBURG

14 Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Allison Cwalinski
Seller: Dwight V. Badhdoyan
Date: 02/13/25

22 South Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Edward A. Anderson
Seller: Marianne Watling
Date: 02/07/25

WORTHINGTON

14 Harvey Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Courtney Stutz
Seller: Robert N. Brodrick
Date: 02/13/25

74 Thrasher Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $727,000
Buyer: Allen Barstow
Seller: Evelyn Voorhees
Date: 02/14/25

 

Building Permits

By
Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2025.

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
110 Church St.
$180,000 — AT&T to co-locate nine antennas, 12 radios, two surge arrestors, one antenna mount, two fiber lines, and five DC cables on existing monopole tower; one walk-up cabinet and one propane generator within existing compound

Isabel Donuts LLC
820 Memorial Dr.
$165,000 — Remodel Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant interior, including ceilings, floors, and walls

Kaali Huang LLC
1979 Memorial Dr.
$65,000 — Interior demolition; existing space to be turned into ice-cream parlor with seating

RT Commercials LLC
185 Grove St.
$4,000 — Erect wall

EASTHAMPTON

Jo Roesseler
84½ Cottage St.
$2,500 — Replace existing basement stairs

HADLEY

Joseph Boisvert
8 Stockwell Road
N/A — Mechanical for HVAC

Pearson Hadley LLC
380 Russell St.
N/A — Alter existing plaza ground sign

Valley Building Co. Inc.
101 East St.
N/A — Build new commercial building

Valley Werks Realty LLC
173 Russell St.
N/A — Build out sushi-bar-style hut

W/S Hadley Properties II LLC
355 Russell St., Suite 10
N/A — Retail fit-out for J.Crew Factory store

LEE

David DelGrende, Anne DelGrande
135 Housatonic St.
$2,000 — Vinyl picture window with double-hung flankers

LENOX

Chabad of Berkshire County Inc.
17 West St.
$3,000 — Install pre-engineered commercial kitchen hood fire-suppression TANK system

Chucky’s LLC
90 Main St.
$3,848 — Install new fire warning system

David Joseph, Molly Joseph
80 Church St.
$19,500 — New stairs, second-floor framing, update finishes

Lenox Club
111 Yokun Ave.
$14,765.63 — Install fireplace liner and two dampers

MRG CRW Holdings LLC
55 Lee Road
$196,700 — Roofing

PITTSFIELD

CW Acquisitions LLC
1685 West Housatonic St.
$11,330 — Install fire warning system

Light Holdings LLC
12 Betnr Industrial Dr.
$158,998 — Remove three existing interior walls, relocate bathroom doors, remove one closet

The Salvation Army of Massachusetts Inc.
298 West St.
$787,000 — Renovate existing building; renovate toilet rooms, replace fixtures, replace all lighting fixtures and ceiling tiles, replace portions of interior doors, new finishes and flooring

SPRINGFIELD

276 Bridge LLC
270 Bridge St.
$151,600 — Interior fit-out for new office area on second floor

1277 Liberty St LLC
1377 Liberty St.
$30,000 — Verizon Wireless to remove 15 roof-mounted cellular panel antennas and install 12 new roof-mounted cellular panel antennas

Behavioral Health Network Inc.
5 Madison Ave.
$23,500 — Build handicap ramp to existing front porch

Behavioral Health Network Inc.
385 Maple St.
$18,800 — Build handicap ramp to existing front porch

Belmont Burlington LLC
481 Belmont Ave.
$20,000 — Upgrade and install fire-alarm system

East Springfield Industrial Buildings Co.
211 Carando Dr.
$40,500 — Alter lower-level basement area of Crocker Building for office use

Fontaine Investment Corp.
504 Cottage St.
$606,371 — Alter interior office space at Stratum Dermatology for use as medical office suite

Gogri Bros. LLC
572 St. James Ave.
$65,000 — Alter interior space for mercantile use as liquor store

Greater Springfield Senior Services
66 Industry Ave.
$14,000 — Install fire-alarm system

HR Twenty Corp.
1387 Boston Road
$934,777 — Alter interior space, add canopy to left side of building for drive-up teller, add ATM, and install new windows and doors for Community Bank

Jewish Community Center
1160 Dickinson St.
$12,000 — Install fire alarm

M&A Circle LLC
9 Rimmon Ave.
$4,400 — Attic insulation at City Line Cafe

Mittas Holdings LLC, DGP Properties LLC
1550 Main St.
$45,000 — Alter interior tenant office space on fifth floor

NHP Springfield Business Trust
215 Bicentennial Highway
$29,000 — Verizon Wireless to remove and replace 12 roof-mounted cellular antennas, remote radio heads, surge suppressors, and hybrid cables

Onyx Springfield Crossing LLC
1655 Boston Road
$2,482,886 — Interior fit-out of retail tenant space in Unit 820 for PetSmart

Razzak Building LLC
39 Mulberry St.
$8,000 — Alter first floor and basement into after-school program

The Salvation Army of Massachusetts Inc.
170 Pearl St.
$841,625 — Renovate interior space

Springfield Investors LLC
1105 Boston Road
$30,400 — Modify existing fire-alarm system and install new devices at Walmart

Springfield Partners for Community Action Inc.
721 State St.
$100,000 — Install three or four partition walls to existing rooms, install eight doors, and remodel bathroom at Playful Minds

State 305 LLC
305 State St.
$55,094 — Bathroom renovation

Wesley Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church
741 State St.
$21,502 — Attic insulation at Wesley United Methodist Church

Challenging Times for a Screen Gem

By
Opinion

Editorial

While extolling the benefits of Amherst Cinema in this issue’s lead feature story, Executive Director Yasmin Chin Eisenhauer didn’t mince words when it came to the challenges faced by the facility and other independent, nonprofit moviehouses like it.

One is the fact that ticket sales have never totally recovered from the COVID years. That’s true across the industry, but in the case of Amherst Cinema, while the 84,260 tickets sold in 2024 represented the continuation of a strong recovery from 21,150 in 2020, it was still only about 80% of the 108,000 sold in the average pre-pandemic year.

At least the facility survived; many theaters did not. The National Cinema Foundation reported that there were more than 39,000 movie screens in the U.S. in 2022, down from 41,000 in 2019, and more screens have been lost since then.

The main problem may be that more content is available to stream at home. The Atlantic reported last month that the average adult sees three films at the movie theater per year but consumes nearly 19 hours of television — the rough equivalent of eight movies — on a weekly basis.

“Combined with significant industry disruption and rising costs, the cinema has experienced three years of financial losses,” Eisenhauer told BusinessWest. “This is an unsustainable trend.”

Which is why Amherst Cinema is implementing measures to reduce costs as part of a broader, organization-wide sustainability plan, directing resources where they can have the greatest impact and safeguarding the nonprofit’s ability to deliver on its mission. (These decisions were finalized in the days following our interview with Eisenhauer, and related to us just before we went to press with this issue.)

Specifically, the facility has discontinued some of its least-attended showtimes (Sundays at 9 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.). In mid-May, it will permanently shutter its Studio Theater, a space it leases rather than owns; after significant cost-benefit analysis, Eisenhauer said, reducing operations from four to three screens is the most sustainable path forward. Unfortunately, these measures will also necessitate a reduction in staff.

“That said, two things can be true at once,” she told BusinessWest. “While we’re experiencing the impacts of a disrupted film exhibition landscape, our commitment to advancing film arts and culture has never been stronger. We will continue to program critically acclaimed films and artfully created and educational film experiences. As we like to say, there is something for everyone at Amherst Cinema.”

As the article on page 4 makes clear, this is very true. From classic kids’ films to Friday-night cult films; from indie films difficult to find on other big screens to movies paired with lectures by filmmakers and topical experts, Amherst Cinema has certainly created and deepened a niche over the past two decades of, as Eisenhauer put it, catalyzing community. And, as we would put it, being an essential part of this region’s cultural landscape.

Which is why we encourage everyone to check out a movie — or many — there, and to consider becoming a member. Not every region has a resource like this one, offering an experience you just can’t find on a living-room couch: real community connection. It’s an institution worth supporting.

DPU Prioritizes Energy Affordability

By Contributor
Opinion

Opinion

By Penni Conner

Eversource commends the Department of Public Utilities for listening to customer concerns about affordability and taking the difficult action on Feb. 28 to order a reduction in the proposed 2025-27 Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan. This is the most immediate step the state can take to provide long-term rate relief to customers and ensure that the pace of the energy transition in Massachusetts is affordable and attainable.

To be clear, we are steadfastly committed to the Mass Save programs, which are essential to meeting the Commonwealth’s decarbonization goals and provide significant benefits to customers and the state as a whole, but this winter’s higher-than-normal natural-gas bills make a revision to this plan imperative at this time.

This is how the collaborative process is intended to work — a wide variety of diverse stakeholders come together to develop a plan aimed at achieving Massachusetts’ ambitious clean-energy targets, and that plan then receives a thorough regulatory review to ensure all aspects of the program respond to customer needs and strike a balance between meeting statewide climate goals, establishing program affordability, providing robust access for customers, and enhancing reliability.

We appreciate the invaluable collaboration of the wide variety of diverse stakeholders on the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council who unanimously supported the proposed plan, as well as the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, the Attorney General’s Office, and countless other community, business, and labor stakeholders who provided their input through this process — and we look forward to our continued work together to deliver the nation-leading energy-efficiency programs that reflect our broad support of efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, improve air quality, and advance electrification while also driving down energy usage for customers.

At the same time, this winter’s bills have posed serious challenges and concerns for our customers that reinforce the critical need to maintain affordability and reliability as top priorities in our collective pursuit of the Commonwealth’s energy transition. We will be closely reviewing this order with those priorities top of mind as we work collaboratively to develop a revised plan that best serves all customers and communities.

Massachusetts has been number one in the nation for energy efficiency under previous plans that had lower budgets for these programs, and we’re confident that we can keep the Commonwealth at the national forefront of energy efficiency and decarbonization with a revised plan.

Moving forward, we’re as committed as ever to the collaboration and hard work that will be required to provide impactful, long-term rate relief to customers while also advancing a clean-energy future that addresses climate change. Energy efficiency is just one of many important pieces on that broader path to decarbonization, and collective buy-in is essential for the various solutions that will be needed to achieve our shared goals, including addressing the region’s energy-supply challenges.

Along with a 10% reduction to the total bill through the local distribution adjustment charge that Eversource proposed late last month, customers began seeing lower rates effective March 1. Total estimated bill impacts through the off-peak months for customers as a result of these adjustments are not yet available and will be provided in upcoming regulatory filings. 

Eversource encourages customers to take advantage of the many options available to help them manage their energy bills with financial assistance, flexible payment plans, and energy-efficiency programs.

 

Penni Conner is executive vice president of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy for Eversource.

State Launches $75 Million TechHubs Program to Boost Regional Innovation

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration has launched the $75 million Massachusetts TechHubs Program, a new initiative to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems across the state through strategic investments that foster technology development, advance high-growth industries, and drive equitable economic growth.

Created by the Mass Leads Act, the nearly $4 billion economic-development bill signed by Gov. Maura Healey in November 2024 and administered by the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), the TechHubs program aims to address regional disparities in economic opportunity and ensure all regions of the state can participate in and benefit from Massachusetts’ innovation economy.

“Massachusetts has long been a global leader in innovation, but we must ensure that opportunities for success extend to every corner of the state,” Healey said. “The Massachusetts TechHubs Program represents a strategic investment in our future, supporting regions across Massachusetts as they build dynamic innovation centers that can compete on a global scale while creating opportunities for all our residents.”

Through the program, regions can apply to become a ‘TechHub,’ a designation that will provide them with increased visibility and credibility that will in turn help them attract talent and investment, as well as offer these regions access to grant programs that support strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and innovation infrastructure.

TechHub designation will also allow regions to elevate their profile as a leader in innovation-driven economic growth, while membership in the TechHub network will provide them with access to collaboration, resource sharing, and the exchange of best practices with others in the program, helping each region strengthen its ecosystem and advance Massachusetts’s reputation as a global innovation leader.

“The Massachusetts TechHubs Program represents a strategic investment in Massachusetts’ innovation economy,” Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said. “Through this program, we’re making targeted investments in physical infrastructure, R&D capabilities, and scaling companies that will strengthen our competitive advantage in emerging technologies and high-growth industries.”

MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk added that the program “builds on Massachusetts’s strong foundation of public-private collaboration. By creating a network of designated TechHubs across the state, we’re strengthening connections between regional innovation ecosystems and providing the resources they need to compete in the global innovation economy.”

The TechHubs program offers three tracks tailored to meet the needs of regions at different stages of ecosystem development:

• Designation Only: This track provides an official TechHub designation for regions that already demonstrate or have the potential to develop significant innovation capacity. The TechHubs designation offers these regions increased visibility, credibility, and recognition, which will help them attract partners, investment, and talent.

• Strategy Development Grants: In addition to the TechHubs designation, this track supports regions in developing or refining their strategic plans for innovation-driven economic growth. Regions in this track are eligible for grants of up to $100,000 for activities such as stakeholder engagement, ecosystem assessment, and the development of strategic plans.

• Transformation Grants: In addition to the TechHubs designation, this track supports regions ready to execute transformative, large-scale projects aimed at enhancing their innovation ecosystem. Regions in this track are eligible for grants of up to $5 million for initiatives that enhance innovation infrastructure; support local, high-growth businesses and scaling companies; catalyze technology commercialization; and foster workforce development.

The program is open to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, including economic development agencies, local governments, colleges and universities, incubators, accelerators, and other community-based organizations. Lead applicants must build diverse partnerships that bring together various innovation and economic-development stakeholders. The TechHubs program aims to support priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, artificial intelligence, bioindustrial manufacturing, cybersecurity, digital health, fintech, marine technology, photonics, quantum, and robotics.

Applications for the Designation Only and Strategy Development Grant tracks are due by Friday, March 28. Organizations applying for the Transformation Grant track must submit a concept paper by Friday, March 28 and a final application by Monday, May 19. Interested organizations can learn more and apply by clicking here.

HCC to Celebrate Women’s History Month with Leadership Panel on March 12

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College (HCC) will celebrate Women’s History Month on Wednesday, March 12 with a panel discussion titled “Women Who Lead,” featuring three HCC staff members, including two alumni.

“Women Who Lead: A Panel of Empowerment and Inspiration” will run from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Campus Center cafeteria. Panelists include Anne Morales Medina (’13), associate director of Recruitment and Enrollment; Amy Woody (’09), coordinator of the Marieb Adult Learner Success Center; and Chaitali Brahmbhatt, academic counselor for TRIO Support Services. The panelists will share stories of leadership, empowerment, and challenges they’ve overcome.

The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. To learn more about Women’s History Month events at HCC, visit hcc.edu/whm.

Stephen Duval Achieves Circle of Success Recognition at Ameriprise Financial

By
Daily News

SOUTH HADLEY — Stephen Duval, a private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, has qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2025.

To earn this achievement, Duval established himself as one of the company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.

Duval has more than 30 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial. As a private wealth advisor, he provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients.

Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament Breaks Record

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The 16th annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, held on Sept. 26, 2024 at Twin Hills Country Club, exceeded all expectations by raising $176,500, the largest amount ever raised in the tournament’s 16-year history. This brings the total raised over the years to more than $1.8 million, all in support of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s neuro-oncology research.

“We are beyond grateful for the incredible support we received this year. It’s thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and the generous participants that we’ve reached this significant milestone,” said Carla Cosenzi, president and co-owner of TommyCar Auto Group.

The tournament featured a day of golf alongside various activities, including a raffle, silent and live auctions, hole-in-one contests, on-course pop-up events, cigar bar, whiskey tasting, champagne tower, and live entertainment by Noah Lis. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie as golfers and supporters came together to raise critical funds for cancer research.

The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament was founded in memory of Tom Cosenzi, the founder of TommyCar Auto Group. The annual event has become a major force in supporting Dana-Farber’s life-saving work, especially in the fight against cancer.

The 17th annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, Sept. 8 at Twin Hills Country Club. For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation, visit www.tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com.

Feast in the East Slated for April 29

By
Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — The ERC5 announced that Feast in the East 2025 will take place on Tuesday, April 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Starting Gate at Great Horse, 128 Wilbraham Road, Hampden.

This event will bring together more than 40 local vendors, including restaurateurs, confectioners, breweries, and wineries, creating an atmosphere for networking and community engagement. Attendees can indulge in diverse culinary experiences while enjoying the view overlooking the Pioneer Valley.

PeoplesBank is the premier sponsor for this event, and Square One is the spotlighted nonprofit organization for this year’s Feast in the East.

In an effort to be more impactful and mindful, event organizers have also welcomed back Rachel’s Table, which will ensure that food not served during the event will be collected and distributed to local organizations and shelters.

“We are excited to bring the community together for this fabulous evening,” said Grace Barone, executive director at the ERC5. “The Feast in the East not only highlights the amazing culinary talents in our area but also strengthens our community as we work together to uplift and support one another.”

With more than 300 guests expected, the event is an opportunity to connect with fellow food enthusiasts and network with industry professionals. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.erc5.com.

Westfield Bank Promotes Heather Zielenski, Nicole Kirk

By
Daily News

WESTFIELD — James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, announce the promotion of Heather Zielenski to vice president, branch manager, and the promotion of Nicole Kirk to assistant vice president, Deposit Operations manager.

Zielenski will continue to be responsible for overseeing customer service, retail and business product sales, business development, and community outreach. Other responsibilities include managing general operations and employee development within the branch. She joined Westfield Bank 26 years ago and is experienced with many different roles, including being a branch manager at the Feeding Hills location in prior years.

Zielenski is a graduate of American International College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Active in her community, she serves as a member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce education committee, and the West of the River Chamber foundation. She also volunteers with Action Centered Tutor Services (ACTS) in Springfield.

Kirk will continue to be responsible for managing her department and external vendors to ensure compliance and quality control. She joined Westfield Bank in 2010 as a part-time teller in the Park Street branch, working her way up to head teller and later to Better Banking specialist. In 2021, she transitioned into the main office Operations department as the Deposit Operations manager.

Kirk obtained an accredited ACH professional certification from Nacha, recognizing her advanced knowledge of all ACH systems and processes.