Saunders, Oliveira, Finn, and Local Officials Push for Passage of Water and Sewer Governance Reform
Springfield, MA — Lawmakers and local officials from across Western Massachusetts are calling for passage of legislation that would reform the governance of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission and ensure the surrounding communities it serves have a formal voice in its decisions. The legislation, H.2330, "An Act Relative to Regional Equity," filed by Representative Aaron Saunders (D-Belchertown), would restructure the Commission's board of directors to reflect the regional nature of its operations.
Country Bank recognizes the President’s Platinum Recipient
July 18, 2025 - Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank, proudly announced that Jodie Gerulaitis, First Vice President of Community Relations, has received the President's Platinum Award at its annual Difference Makers Celebration. This award is the highest internal recognition at Country Bank, presented through its Above and Beyond program.The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies the core values of the Bank: Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity. It also honors
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Polish National Credit Union Welcomes Joseph Kulig as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
Chicopee, MA – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) proudly welcomes Joseph Kulig as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. A lifelong Western Massachusetts resident and respected figure in the local business community, Kulig brings more than 30 years of financial experience and a deeply personal commitment to helping local businesses grow and thrive.Known for his collaborative approach and strong relationship-building skills, Kulig has spent his career focused on creating tailored financial solutions
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ArchitectureEL Welcomes Two New Team Members
East Longmeadow firm expands to meet growing demand with key hires East Longmeadow – ArchitectureEL, Inc. (AEL) is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members, Jack Hilgren and Ronell John, as the firm continues to grow to meet increasing demand for its services. These strategic hires reflect AEL’s ongoing expansion and commitment to delivering thoughtful and enduring architectural solutions across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Jack and Ronell each bring a diverse range of
VP joins Berkshire as assistant manager for new flagship private banking center in downtown Boston
BOSTON, July 7, 2025 — Berkshire Bank is pleased to announce that Dennis Staires has joined the bank as vice president, assistant manager at its newflagship private banking center at 1 Post Office Square in Boston. A resident of Framingham, Massachusetts, Staires is a seasoned financial services professional with a specialty in private banking who most recently served as private banking assistant office manager for First Citizens Bank in Wellesley, Massachusetts. “Delivering exceptional service means
Nearly $400,000 invested in local nonprofits by Berkshire Bank Foundation
“We’re committed to building a future where every community has the tools it needs to thrive,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “These investments reflect our belief in the power of local nonprofits to drive meaningful, lasting change.” The foundation supports the success of the communities the bank serves by investing in programs that aim to provide everyone with an equal opportunity at economic prosperity. Learn more about the Berkshire Bank Foundation. About
Monson Savings Bank Announces: Adriano C. dos Santos Promoted to Branch Manager, Retail Banking & Security Officer
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Adriano C. dos Santos to the position of Retail Banking & Security Officer. In addition to his new responsibilities, dos Santos will continue to serve as Branch Manager of the Bank’s Hampden branch. In his expanded role, dos Santos will oversee the safety and security of Monson Savings Bank customers, employees, and assets while he continues to manage the banking operations at the Hampden Branch. His dual responsibilities reflect his
Country Bank Expands to Longmeadow with New Banking Center
LONGMEADOW, MA (July 17, 2025) – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest banking center located at 919 Shaker Road in Longmeadow. The banking center officially opens to the public on Monday, July 28, 2025, with grand opening festivities planned for the week of September 8th.To kick off the opening of the bank’s 15th location, customers and community members visiting the Longmeadow Banking Center between
Foundation for TJO Animals Awarded $185,000 Grant from Wiederhold Foundation
Foundation for TJO Animals Awarded $185,000 Grant from Wiederhold Foundation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 15, 2025 Contact: Janna Brown, Executive Director, Foundation for TJO Animals 413.306.5161 SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Foundation for TJO Animals has been awarded a grant in the amount of $185,000 from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, a supporting organization of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. Funding from the grant will enable the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal
Monson Savings Bank Welcomes John G. Williams as East Longmeadow Assistant Branch Manager
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce the addition of John G. Williams to its team as Assistant Branch Manager of the East Longmeadow Branch. With over a decade of experience in the banking and financial services industry, Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to customer service and community engagement. In his new role, Williams will assist in the day-to-day oversight of the East Longmeadow Branch, supporting branch operations and contributing to its growth
Monson Savings Bank Donates $2,500 to South End Community Center
Monson Savings Bank EVP & COO Michael Rouette (left) and President & CEO Dan Moriarty (right) present the donation to South End Community Center Executive Director Wesley Jackson (center).Monson – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce a $2,500 donation to the South End Community Center in Springfield as part of the Bank’s 2025 Community Giving Initiative. The donation was presented to Wesley Jackson, Executive Director of the South End Community Center, by Monson Savings Bank’s Executive Vice President &
Country Bank Announces Stonier Graduates
June 26, 2025 - Country Bank, a full-service financial intuition serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to congratulate two of its team members, Jodie Gerulaitis, First Vice President of Community Relations and Jennifer Bujnevicie, Vice President of Retail Banking Regional Manager, on their recent graduation from the American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking.The ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking continues to lead the way as the industry's preeminent graduate
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52 Sumner Continues to Heat This Summer with New Shows Added
Rock Tributes, Musical Theater, and Soulful Legends Light Up the Stage Springfield, Mass. – The summer is in full swing, and 52 Sumner, Springfield’s premier live performance venue from Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. (“SPAV”), continues to deliver an exciting lineup of performances. From ska festivals to jazz classics and Broadway favorites, the stage at 52 Sumner is alive with rhythm, talent, and community. In addition to the dynamic performances already announced for this summer, two brand
Monson Savings Bank Donates $3,000 to Scantic Valley YMCA
Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President & CEO (left), and Michael Rouette, Monson Savings Bank EVP & COO and YMCA of Greater Springfield Board Chair & Chief Volunteer Officer (right), presented a $3,000 donation to Dexter Johnson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, and Debbie Kelder, Executive Director of the Scantic Valley YMCA Branch. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank President & CEO Dan Moriarty and EVP & COO Michael Rouette, who also serves as Board Chair & Chief Volunteer
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Polish National Credit Union Promotes Joe Pereira to Vice President of Information Technology
Chicopee, MA – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) is proud to announce the promotion of Joe Pereira to Vice President of Information Technology. In his new role, Joe will continue to lead all aspects of the Credit Union’s IT strategy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity initiatives.Joe brings over two decades of technology experience across higher education, enterprise consulting, and financial services. Since joining PNCU, he has played a critical role in advancing the Credit Union’s digital operations,
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Lots of Celebration for HCS Head Start Team Members
Annual scholarship recipient announced, staff promotion, a new hire, an award, and retirements Springfield, MA – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) has been providing high-quality early childhood education services for children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts since 1965. This single purpose organization is committed to providing qualifying families with a source of support for a brighter future including educating children, supporting families,
Senator Jake Oliveira names Karen “Jack” Magnus Commonwealth Heroine
Boston – Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities. These women, nominated by their elected officials, may not often make headlines, but they are the backbone of our neighborhoods, the ones quietly shaping a stronger Commonwealth. This year, Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) has proudly nominated Karen "Jack" Magnus of Chicopee as a 2025 Commonwealth
Monson Savings Bank Distributes $28,000 in Scholarships to Local High School Graduates
At the Monson Savings Bank scholarship reception, attending recipients were awarded their scholarships by Dan Moriarty, President & CEO (left), and Michael Rouette, EVP & COO (right). Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the communities it serves by supporting the next generation of leaders in Western Mass. This year, the Bank proudly awarded $28,000 in scholarships to 14 graduating seniors from local high schools in recognition of their academic
Monson Savings Bank Donates $2,000 to Springfield Ballers
Monson Savings Bank Executive Vice President and COO Michael Rouette (left) proudly presents the donation to James Gee, President of the Springfield Ballers, at the Bank’s Loan and Operations Center in Wilbraham. MONSON, MA — Monson Savings Bank recently donated $2,000 to Springfield Ballers as part of the Bank’s 2025 Community Giving Initiative. Each year, Monson Savings Bank invites community members to vote for local charitable organizations they would like the bank to support. The Springfield Ballers
BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for the 2025 Healthcare Heroes Awards
SPRINGFIELD —BusinessWest and HealthcareNews.com, are now accepting nominations for the ninth annual Healthcare Heroes awards. Nominations for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2025 are due by Thursday, July 17, 2025. They can be submitted at https://businesswest.com/healthcareheroes/nominations/ The Healthcare Heroes program was created in 2017 to honor the heroes working across the region’s wide, deep, and all-important healthcare and wellness sector. These leaders, innovators, and collaborators have
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
