Senator Jake Oliveira Speaks at 91st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar, Welcomes District Participants
BOSTON — On Wednesday, State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) addressed participants at the 91st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS) at the Massachusetts State House, while also welcoming invited attendees from across his district for the two-day program focused on the state legislative process.Among those representing the district were Library Directors Joe Rodio of South Hadley and Stephanie Maher of Palmer, who attended the seminar at Senator Oliveira’s invitation. The program included two days of
Monson Savings Bank Announces the Promotion of John G. Williams to Wilbraham Branch Manager
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of John G. Williams to Branch Manager of the Wilbraham Branch. Williams, who previously served as Assistant Branch Manager at the Bank’s East Longmeadow location, brings over 11 years of banking and financial services experience, strong leadership abilities, and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service. In his new role, Williams will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Wilbraham Branch, guide and develop branch staff,
American International College Relaunches The Yellow Jacket (1934) as Digital Magazine/Virtual Newsroom - with Arts, Media and Design Division
Members (Partial list) of The Yellow Jacket student magazine team posed during the publication’s relaunch. Pictured, left to right, Camden MacDonald, Jeyralee Santiago, Lorelei Reynolds, Samej Hill, Fenna Voll, Otstile Maphosa, and Victoria White. (photo by Leon Nguyen) Springfield, MA — American International College (AIC) proudly announces the relaunch of its historic student publication, The Yellow Jacket, now redesigned in a digital magazine-style format with virtual newsroom that highlights
Brand Refresh on a Budget: What Actually Works for Small Businesses in Western Massachusetts
Most small businesses in the East of the River Five Town communities don't have a large agency retainer to call on. Industry research shows that 71% of businesses with annual revenue under $500,000 spend under $500 monthly on branding — confirming that a meaningful refresh has to fit the reality of lean operations. The good news: the highest-impact moves often cost nothing.The Myth of the Big Marketing Budget If you've been putting off a brand refresh because it seems expensive, that assumption is
Country Bank supports Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation with a $10,000 Donation
March 23, 2026 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) to support programs that strengthen local businesses and promote economic development throughout the region.QVCDC plays an important role in supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community members by providing access to resources, technical assistance, and business development services. Through
Monson Savings Bank Announces 2026 President’s Award Winners
Monson Savings Bank’s Employee Recognition Committee andDan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank’s President and CEO (center), present the President’s Award to Terry Poloski, VP Residential Lending Officer, NMLS # 23405 (center right,) and Melanie Garcia, Senior Commercial Loan Administrator (center left). Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2026 President’s Award, the highest honor presented by the Bank. This prestigious award recognizes employees who
StratAI Event Brings Practical AI Strategies to Manufacturing Companies
SPRINGFIELD —BusinessWest, in partnership with Innovate413, presents the StratAI Series, designed to help businesses develop practical AI strategies, smarter operations, and stronger growth. The first event in the series will focus on the manufacturing industry and will take place on Thursday, March 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Brian Corridan Center at STCC Technology Park. Register for free at https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar/stratai-series-one-manufacturing/. The March 26 event will be moderated
Country Bank Welcomes Ryan Stepalavich as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Country Bank Welcomes Ryan Stepalavich as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology OfficerMarch 12, 2026 - Country Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Stepalavich as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Stepalavich will lead the Bank’s technology strategy and oversee initiatives that support secure, efficient, and innovative banking experiences for both customers and team members.Stepalavich brings more than 26 years of information technology experience, including 14
TRE Olive Earns Two Medals at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition
Recognition from the world's most respected olive oil competition affirms TRE Olive's commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices East Longmeadow, MA (March 12, 2026) — TRE Olive, a producer of premium extra virgin olive oils, announced it has been awarded two Silver Medals at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for its TRE Olive AO Extra Virgin Olive Oil and its TRE Olive Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The honor places TRE Olive among a select group of producers recognized
Monson Savings Bank Announces Annual Scholarships Available for Local High School Seniors
Monson, Ware, Hampden-Wilbraham, and East Longmeadow School Districts’ graduating seniors can contact their Guidance Department to apply for the Monson Savings Bank Scholarship. Monson, MA – Every year Monson Savings Bank proudly offers $28,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. The Bank aims to support the attainment of higher education for students who live within the communities that the Bank serves. Monson Savings Bank’s 2026 Scholarships are now available to high school seniors
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Polish National Credit Union Hosts Collection Drive for Alianza at Front Street Branch
Chicopee, Mass. – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) is proud to host a community collection drive in support of Alianza, an organization dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence. The drive will take place now through April 30, 2026, with donations being accepted at PNCU’s Front Street Branch, located at 923 Front Street in Chicopee. Community members are encouraged to donate new, unused items from Alianza’s wish list. Requested items include personal care products, household essentials, baby
Senator Oliveira, Law Enforcement Leaders Renew Push to Update 75-Year-Old Heart Law
BOSTON — State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) stood alongside law enforcement officers and union leaders at the State House last week to renew the fight to update Massachusetts’ 75-year-old Heart Law and extend protections to hundreds of police officers currently excluded under state law.Originally enacted in 1950, the Heart Law provides disability retirement protections for police officers disabled by cardiac disease. However, it does not cover officers serving in agencies that did not exist in their
Racing to Support: Attorney Kate Garvey of Garvey Law Takes the Lead as Triple Crown Sponsor for Th
The MJK Foundation is thrilled to share exciting news as we prepare for our May 1st Kentucky Derby–themed launch party for The CJ Cronin Memorial Mentorship Program. It is our honor to announce that Garvey Law has committed to serving as our Triple Crown Sponsor for this special evening at Great Horse Country Club. With over 13 years of experience serving clients in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Kate Garvey is a trusted professional in residential and commercial real estate, as well as probate and estate
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52 Sumner Keeps the Energy Going with Music, Community Events, and Summer Announcements
Springfield, Mass. – The stage lights continue to shine at 52 Sumner as the popular Springfield venue announces another exciting series of performances and special events. Known for bringing together diverse musical experiences and community driven programming, 52 Sumner’s upcoming lineup offers everything from Irish pop and rock nostalgia to classical chamber music and lively community celebrations. With additional summer events already on the calendar, audiences can look forward to a vibrant season of
American International College Honors the Life and Legacy of Alumnus John Buonani
The West Wing Gallery at AIC is featuring the work of celebrated artist and alumnus John Buonani(photo by Leo Pilares) SPRINGFIELD, MA — Throughout March, American International College (AIC) will showcase the work of alumnus John Buonani, Class of 1972, in a special exhibit in the College’s West Wing Gallery. The exhibit celebrates the life and legacy of the accomplished artist, writer, musician, and dedicated supporter of the arts who passed away in October 2025. “John Buonani was a true renaissance
ERC5 Senior Alliance Team to Present “Do I Stay or Do I Go?” at Pleasant View Senior Center, East Longmeadow
East Longmeadow, MA - The ERC5 Senior Alliance Team is excited to announce an informative presentation “Do I Stay or Do I Go?” at the Pleasant View Senior Center in East Longmeadow.This engaging event will take place on Thursday, March 12th at 6 PM. As part of our commitment to empowering seniors and fostering community connections, this presentation addresses important questions about housing options for seniors.Attendees will explore current market trends, financial implications, signs it’s time to
Resilient by Design: Practical Risk Management for Small Business Owners
When Smart Isn’t Enough — Why Risk Still Rules Even the sharpest founders can lose their footing when uncertainty strikes. Markets pivot. Regulations tighten. A key employee vanishes just before launch. Risk management isn’t about paranoia—it’s about precision. It’s the discipline of knowing what could go wrong and ensuring it doesn’t derail what’s going right.Snapshot If you only read this part, remember this: smart founders manage risk through structure, not instinct. The most resilient businesses do
Drive Growth with These Intelligent Workflow Adjustments
In the relentless pace of today’s business world, the ability to refine and enhance workflows is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Businesses that prioritize strategic workflow improvements can achieve remarkable gains in productivity and growth. By integrating advanced tools and methodologies, companies can streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and empower their teams to focus on high-impact tasks. Below, this article delves into innovative strategies that can transform your business processes,
Bouncing Back: Proven Strategies for Businesses to Survive and Thrive in Adversity
Join the ERC5 Chamber of Commerce today and be part of a thriving business community dedicated to fostering economic growth in East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow, and Wilbraham. When your business hits a rough patch, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The pressure to stay afloat, maintain morale, and find a way forward can be overwhelming. However, tough times are often the catalyst for innovation and resilience. By taking deliberate and strategic steps, you can
Marketing Excellence: Creating Sales Pitches that Resonate and Convert
Creating an effective sales pitch and marketing strategy is crucial in today's competitive landscape. By employing strategic techniques, you can enhance engagement and improve your chances of success with potential customers. Mastering these essential aspects of your business will set you apart and drive your initiatives forward. Here's a helpful guide on how to excel in these critical areas.Establishing Trust with Customer Endorsements Building trust is essential, and leveraging customer testimonials
