Meet the 2025 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award Finalists
SPRINGFIELD —The 11th annual 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award finalists have been announced by BusinessWest. This year’s finalists are:Jeffrey Fialky, Managing Shareholder, Bacon Wilson, P.C., 40 Under Forty Class of 2008Amelia Holstrom, Partner, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., 40 Under Forty Class of 2015James Krupienski, Partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., 40 Under Forty Class of 2010Ryan McCollum, Owner, RCM Strategies, 40 Under Forty Class of 2012Orlando Ramos, State Representative, 9th
Country Bank Announces Strategic Hire of John Jahne as SVP, Chief Technology Officer
June 5, 2025 - Country Bank a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, proudly announces the appointment of John Jahne as Chief Technology Officer, a key strategic hire to support the bank's continued growth, operational excellence, and digital transformation initiatives.John brings over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, vendor management, and enterprise operations. With a proven track record in managing high-performing technical teams and delivering
We Do Travel Right was Recently Given a Sneak Peek at Universal Orlando’s New Park, EPIC Universe
Longmeadow, MA – We Do Travel Right, a Massachusetts-based travel agency, was recently invited to Universal Orlando’s grand opening celebration of their newest theme park, EPIC Universe. This new park is thought to redefine immersive vacation experiences. Only top travel professionals and media were invited to the new park, EPIC Universe, for an exclusive first look at its attractions, themed lands, and entertainment offerings. We Do Travel Right (WDTR) is redefining the way clients experience travel by
Stephan R. Chiacchia Retires from Monson Savings Bank Board of Directors
Monson, MA - Monson Savings Bank proudly announces the retirement of Stephan R. Chiacchia from its Board of Directors, marking the conclusion of a distinguished chapter in the Bank’s history. Chiacchia’s retirement comes after nearly two decades of dedicated service, during which he played a pivotal role in guiding the Bank’s strategic direction and community-focused mission. A respected member of the community, Chiacchia brought a wealth of experience and insight to the Board. Chiacchia, an esteemed
Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty Honored as 2025 Difference Maker by BusinessWest
Dan Moriarty (center, standing) was presented with his Difference Makers award at the Log Cabin surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues. (Photo Credit: Lenny Underwood) Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce that President and CEO Dan Moriarty has been named a 2025 Difference Maker by BusinessWest, a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals who are making a lasting impact on their communities through leadership, service, and dedication. Moriarty was formally honored at the
American International College Appoints Nicolle Cestero as Its Thirteenth President
First woman to hold the presidency in the College’s 140-year history President Nicolle Cestero at American International College’s 2025 Commencement, held at the MassMutual Center. (Photo by Leon Nguyen) Springfield, MA - The American International College (AIC) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Nicolle Cestero has been unanimously selected as the thirteenth president of the 140-year-old institution. She began serving as interim president in March 2024, following her tenure as
Country Bank Receives Top Honors at 2025 NEFFIES Awards for Website Excellence and Community Partnership
June 2, 2025 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is proud to announce that it has received two awards at the 2025 NEFFIES Awards Show, hosted by the New England Financial Marketing Association (NEFMA). The Bank earned Gold in Website Design and Silver in Community Support, underscoring its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional digital experiences and fostering meaningful community partnerships. Country Bank received First Place – Gold in
Amber Messer Promoted to Monson Savings Bank Branch Manager
Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Amber Messer to Branch Manager of the Bank’s Monson Branch. In this role, Messer will lead the branch team in delivering exceptional customer service, while deepening relationships with customers and furthering the Bank’s community engagement efforts. “I feel very fortunate to be part of the MSB Family,” said Amber Messer, Monson Savings Bank Monson Branch Manager. “Throughout my eight years at the Bank, I have worked in our Hampden, Monson, Ware,
Oliveira Deeply Troubled by United States Department of Labor Decision to Close Job Corps
Boston and Chicopee – As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, I am deeply troubled by the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Labor's decision to close Job Corps centers across the country, including the vital site in Chicopee. This abrupt move not only jeopardizes the futures of students who depend on Job Corps for hands-on career training and economic opportunity but also threatens the livelihoods of dedicated staff who support their success. At a time when
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52 Sumner announces their Summer Line-Up
52 Sumner announces their Summer Line-Up Feel Like Makin’ Noise? Come Rock Out, Ska Rhythms, & Musical Theater Magic Springfield, Mass. – The summer season is almost upon us and 52 Sumner, Springfield’s premier live performance venue from Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. (“SPAV”), is turning up the volume. While the summer calendar includes several private rentals, there are still a few cannot miss public shows lighting up the stage. This July and August, audiences can look forward to a
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Foundation for TJO Animals Welcomes Janna Brown as New Executive Director
SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Foundation for TJO Animals has named Janna Brown as its new executive director. Brown served as the interim executive director for the past year. Prior to assuming the interim role, Brown served for five years as a member of the Foundation for TJO Animals Board of Directors. In addition, she volunteered weekly at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center on Cottage Street. Before joining the Foundation for TJO Animals, Brown spent twenty years as a meteorologist with
Unleashing good on National Dog Rescue Day
Unleashing good on National Dog Rescue DayYeti dog bowls & donation delivered to Dakine Humane Society Springfield, Massachusetts, May 20, 2025 — To celebrate National Dog Rescue Day, pet lovers in the Pioneer Valley who adopt a dog from the Dakin Humane Society will go home with more than a new best friend. They’ll also go home with Yeti dog bowls while supplies last, courtesy of Berkshire One, which additionally gave the shelter a donation to support its work in trying to find a forever home for
Country Bank Announces Promotions Across Key Departments
May 15, 2025 — Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank, is delighted to announce the promotions of several outstanding team members whose leadership and dedication continue to elevate the Bank and the communities it serves. These individuals exemplify the Bank’s iSTEP values through their exceptional service and impact—Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity.Jodie Gerulaitis has been promoted to First Vice President of Community Relations. With over 30 years of experience in
Press Release Oliveira: Regional Equity and Education Investments in Fair Share Supplemental Budget
Pioneer Valley — Building on his commitment to regional equity and strong public education, State Senator Jake Oliveira is proud to announce the successful securing of more than $750,000 in Fair Share Amendment funding for public schools across his district. These targeted investments were secured as part of a broader $1.33 billion statewide package funded through revenues from the Fair Share Amendment, which voters approved in 2022, providing targeted investments in public education and transportation
Monson Savings Bank Supports Ware/Monson Area Salvation Army Housing Assistance Program with $5,000
Monson Savings Bank’s Vice President BSA/Fraud Officer & Compliance Manager and Salvation Army volunteer Heather Arbour and President & CEO Dan Moriarty (right) proudly present the Bank’s contribution to Wilfred Leslie, Service Extension Director, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to continue giving back to the communities it serves by donating $5,000 to The Salvation Army’s Ware/Monson Area Housing Assistance Program. This generous contribution will
Senator Oliveira Honors Army Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph Slater at Inaugural Statewide Military Appreciation Day
BOSTON – Today, State Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) proudly honored retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Michael Joseph Slater of Granby as the inaugural honoree from the Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District for the first-ever Military Appreciation Day held at the Massachusetts State House. The Commonwealth’s first annual Military Appreciation Day was hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS). Held in the historic House Chamber, the event brought together lawmakers, state
Mary McGovern Elected to Massachusetts Bankers Association Board of Directors
May 22, 2025—Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association (MBA) at its Annual Meeting in May. Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only Association representing FDIC-insured community, regional, and nationwide banks serving consumer and business clients across the Commonwealth. "As a dynamic industry, it is crucial for the Association to incorporate the insights of banking leaders like Mary. Their expertise and
Nurse Advocates LLC Celebrates Seven Years in Business Ensuring People Have a Voice in Their Health
Longmeadow, MA — As the number of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2050, families are increasingly challenged by a fragmented and confusing healthcare system. The growing demand for care, coupled with a lack of coordination among providers, leaves many unsure of how to navigate critical decisions for themselves and their loved ones. That’s where Nurse Advocates LLC steps in. Celebrating seven years this month, Nurse Advocates has helped individuals and caregivers reduce stress
Senator Oliveira and Rep. Saunders to join EOHHS Undersecretary for Human Services Mary McGeown for
When: Friday, May 23rd, at 1:30 P.M. Where: Warner Pine Grove Memorial Cemetery in Belchertown https://g.co/kgs/Z1SSdPu What: On Friday, May 23rd at 1:30 PM, Senator Jake Oliveira and Representative Aaron Saunders will join the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Undersecretary for Human Services Mary McGeown for the annual Memorial Service at the Warner Pine Grove Memorial Cemetery in Belchertown. Each year, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health remembers all the individuals who lived
URGENT CARE OF LONGMEADOW OPENS IN THE LONGMEADOW SHOPS
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (May 27, 2025) – Urgent Care of Longmeadow is now open in the Longmeadow Shops at 688 Bliss Road, next to Max Burger. The center is open Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Care is provided by ER experienced providers and board-certified physicians. Patients can walk in at their convenience or reserve a spot online – offering the option to wait conveniently elsewhere. The urgent care center is equipped to handle a wide range of health-related
Oliveira: Outraged at Being Denied the Opportunity to Testify During Committee Hearing
Boston and Springfield – Today, the House Chair of a Joint Committee denied Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) the opportunity to testify at a public committee hearing. This effectively disenfranchised Oliveira’s more than 170,000 constituents in Western Massachusetts and raised serious concerns about democratic representation and regional equity. During a hearing held by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, which he serves on, Senator Oliveira sought to testify in
American International College Introduces New Programs in Computer Science & Information Technology
SPRINGFIELD, MA – The School of Business, Arts, and Sciences at American International College (AIC) will launch two new undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Information Technology (IT) beginning in fall of 2025. Offered as majors and minors, the programs were developed in collaboration with Google to prepare students for in-demand roles in the technology sector. With employment in technology-related fields projected to grow by approximately 22 percent over the next decade, AIC graduates of these
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The Polish National Credit Union Promotes Shane Hall to Vice President of Marketing
Chicopee, MA – (May 13, 2025) – The Polish National Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Shane Hall to Vice President of Marketing. Hall began his career with PNCU as a summer intern in 2016 and joined the team full-time in 2018 after completing his master’s degree. Hall will continue to lead the marketing department and oversee all facets of marketing strategy, communications, and community engagement.“Shane’s leadership and creative energy have elevated our brand presence across all
Paul Shepardson & Michael Sexton Named Monson Savings Bank President’s Award Recipients
President and CEO Dan Moriarty and EVP COO Michael Rouette along with the Employee Recognition Committee proudly presented the awards to Paul and Michael.Monson - Monson Savings Bank, a bank that has served local communities for more than 150 years, has proudly announced its third annual President’s Award recipients. This highly distinguished award has been presented to Assistant Vice President Operations Officer Paul Shepardson and Accounting Manager Michael Sexton. The Monson Savings Bank President’s
Tandem Bagel Brings Fresh Flavors to the Renovated Mills in Ludlow
Ludlow, MA - Local favorite Tandem Bagel Company announced the opening of their 6th location in Western Massachusetts along the riverwalk in Ludlow in the newly redeveloped mill buildings. The location offers great views of the Chicopee River and is within walking distance of the historic downtown and new housing development, the Residences at Mill 8 & 10. Tandem Bagel was established with the mission to support local producers and contribute to the economy. “When we learned about the opportunities at the
Monson Savings Bank Supports Aspiring Homeowners with Free “Homebuying 101” Event at Springfield's U
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to be a community bank consistently providing support, tools, and resources to help aspiring homebuyers prepare for and reach their homeownership goals. The Bank’s latest initiative to support homeownership will take place on June 7th with a free workshop, Homebuying 101: Your Path to Homeownership, being hosted by the Bank at the historic Union Station in Springfield, MA, 10am – 12pm. Pre-registration required. HOMEBUYING 101: YOUR PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP Saturday,
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
