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COLLABORATIVE EVENT TO EMPOWER STUDENTS AND FAMILIES ON COLLEGE FINANCING.
The ERC5 Town Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce an upcoming collaborative event to demystify the college financing process for students, parents, and guidance counselors. This event will feature contributions from prominent community leaders, including Amie Miarecki, President of Junior Achievement of Western Mass, Dawn Creighton from Liberty Bank, and the dedicated team at American International College. The ERC5 is also a key partner in this initiative. Navigating the financial aspects of
Grand Reopening of Michael’s Café on the JGS Lifecare Campus
Thursday, February 19 at 2:30pm LONGMEADOW, Mass. – JGS Lifecare, a leading health care system serving seniors and their families and an affiliate of Legacy Lifecare, is excited to announce the Grand Reopening of Michael’s Café, the nonprofit organization’s popular dining venue. Michael’s Café is named in honor of Michael Frankel, past board chair, cherished friend, dedicated leader, and longtime supporter of JGS Lifecare. Following his sudden passing in 2013, the café was designed as a
American International College Expands Online EdD to Offer Greater Personalization with Academic Journey
SPRINGFIELD, MA - American International College (AIC) has relaunched its online Doctor of Education (EdD) program, expanding opportunities for personalization through leadership-focused specializations and flexible project options. Designed for experienced professionals, AIC's online EdD empowers educators, administrators, and organizational leaders to advance their careers while addressing complex challenges across education and organizational settings.The fully online EdD program reflects AIC's
Feb. 24 Deadline Set for 40 Under Forty Nominations
SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest, the business journal of Western Massachusetts, is accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards. Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, February 24, 2026. They can be submitted at https://businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form/. Candidates must be under 40 years of age as of April 1, 2026. The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in Western Massachusetts, not
Monson Savings Bank Donates $100,000 to Scantic Valley YMCA’s Capital Campaign
Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President & CEO (right), and Michael Rouette, Monson Savings Bank EVP & COO and YMCA of Greater Springfield Board Chair & Chief Volunteer Officer (left), presented a $100,000 donation to Dexter Johnson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank has announced a $100,000 pledge to support the Scantic Valley YMCA’s Capital Campaign, helping fund major facility renovations and enhancements. Monson Savings Bank President & CEO Dan
WooSox Foundation Honors Country Bank’s Jodie Gerulaitis for Leadership in Education and Community I
Worcester, MA — January 27, 2026 — The WooSox Foundation recognized Jodie Gerulaitis, First Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank, during its Fourth Annual WooSox Foundation Honors Gala. Jodie was honored for her outstanding contributions to the community, particularly in advancing education across Central and Western Massachusetts. Although Gerulaitis was traveling internationally at the time of the event, her devoted parents proudly accepted the award on her behalf, while she joined the
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Six Parents Graduate from HCS Head Start Career Readiness Program
Building Blocks for Future Careers supports economic mobility and family stability Springfield, MA – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) proudly celebrated the graduation of its sixth Building Blocks for Future Careers (BBFC): Career Readiness Program cohort. The program reflects HCS Head Start’s continued commitment to strengthening families through career development, economic mobility, and holistic support. The Building Blocks for Future Careers program began as a community
Berkshire Bank 2026 Volunteer of the Year spent 200+ hours supporting communities
BOSTON, Jan. 22, 2026 – Berkshire Bank is pleased to announce its 2026 Volunteer of the Year, an employee whose extraordinary dedication to our communities includes donating more than 200 hours last year to volunteering in Vermont. Killington resident Christina Campo, manager at Berkshire’s Rutland branch, was selected based on the number of hours she volunteered, the variety of organizations she works with, and because she actively participates in both company-sponsored events as well as personal
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Applied Mortgage’s Jessica LaMothe to be Honored with Rising Star Award by the Massachusetts Mortgag
Springfield, Mass. –The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage is proud to announce that Jessica LaMothe, Loan Partner and valued member of the Applied Mortgage team, will be honored with the Rising Star Award by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association at their Award Breakfast this month. This prestigious recognition celebrates emerging leaders in the mortgage industry who demonstrate exceptional performance, dedication, and promise for continued success. WHAT: Jessica LaMothe, Loan Partner of
Belchertown Community Food Drive to Support Amherst Survival Center and Light and Love Community Food Drive
BELCHERTOWN, MA — Community members are invited to take part in a Belchertown Community Food Drive on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Belchertown Town Hall. The drive will support the Light and Love Community Food Drive, benefitting the Amherst Survival Center, which serves Belchertown and thirteen additional communities across the region. The food drive aims to help address food insecurity during the winter months by collecting non-perishable food items and household essentials
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Riley Home Realty Highlights Commitment to Community Giveback Through Leadership and Service in 2025
Chicopee, MA – Riley Home Realty proudly recognizes the ongoing commitment to community involvement demonstrated by Kate Riley, Vice President, and the company throughout 2025. Giving back is a core value that continually guides how the team shows up for the communities they serve. Kate Riley has long believed that strong communities are built through active participation, meaningful relationships, and consistent service. In 2025, she continued to donate her time and leadership to a wide range of local
Michael J. Dias Foundation Appoints Patrick D. Carpenter New Executive Director to Lead Growth and Expansion
Springfield, MA – The Michael J. Dias Foundation, Inc., a leader in providing safe and supportive sober housing environments for people in recovery and family support groups, is proud to announce the appointment of Patrick D. Carpenter as its new Executive Director. Patrick brings over fourteen years of dedicated experience in institutional advancement, development, fundraising, and non-profit leadership as well as advocacy in the substance use disorder and addiction recovery field. In this pivotal
Nominate Today for the 40 Under Forty Class of 2026
SPRINGFIELD —BusinessWest, the business journal of Western Massachusetts, is now accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards. The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in Western Massachusetts, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries. Many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial
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52 Sumner’s 52 Sumner’s Winter Lineup Brings Powerful Storytelling and Iconic Music to Springfield
Springfield, Mass. – 52 Sumner, the vibrant arts and entertainment venue operated by Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc., continues its 2026 season with an exciting winter lineup that blends original theater, intimate candlelight concerts, and beloved tribute performances. Located in Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood, the historic venue remains a gathering place where artistry, music, and community connection come together. From an original musical rooted in American history to an audience
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
