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Even the Grinch Would Wag His Tail for This Celebration
The Good Dog Spot and Leadfoot Brewing team up for a festive (& furry) night for a good cause Chicopee, MA – The Good Dog Spot and Leadfoot Brewing are teaming up to spread holiday cheer with wagging tails and festive fun at this year’s Howliday Yappy Hour on Friday, December 19th. The community is invited to celebrate the season, sip local brews, and support pets in need, all in one joyful night. This event brings together two Chicopee favorites for a shared mission: giving local animal lovers and
Monson Savings Bank Proudly Donates $7,500 to Ludlow Boys and Girls Club
Monson Savings Bank President & CEO Dan Moriarty presents the donation to Josue Irizarry,President & CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club, and Cristina Jardine, the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club’s Director of Development. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank proudly announced a generous donation of $7,500 to the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club as part of the Club’s 75th Anniversary celebration, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local youth and community programs. The Bank served as a Project Sponsor for this
Honoring a Legacy of Giving: The Breck Family Supports American International College through Schola
Sandra and John Breck III SPRINGFIELD, MA — Continuing a family legacy that spans generations, the Breck family has renewed its enduring commitment to American International College (AIC) through both scholarship support and campus renewal. In 2023, siblings John Breck III and Sandra Breck established two scholarships in memory of their parents, John ’40 and Barbara Breck ’40, and their sister, Susan Breck Carpenter. The Barbara Breck and John Breck Annual Scholarship and the Susan Breck Carpenter Annual
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The Applied Mortgage Team Boldly Embraces Community The team continues impactful giving during fourth quarter
Northampton, MA – The Applied Mortgage Team, a branch of HMA Mortgage, wraps up 2025 with a fourth quarter filled with a series of community-focused events and initiatives, continuing their commitment to giving back and strengthening local connections. The quarter began with HMA Volunteer Day, during which the team organized and participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Build Day in Greenfield. Team members rolled up their sleeves to help provide safe and affordable housing for families in need,
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The Good Dog Spot Announces Partnership with Leaps & Bones Set to manage retail section and bring even more tail wagging fun to clients
Chicopee and Northampton, MA – The Good Dog Spot is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Leaps and Bones, a trusted pet company known for providing high quality treats, toys, and pet essentials. Through this collaboration, Leaps & Bones will now manage the retail section inside The Good Dog Spot in both the Chicopee and Northampton locations, offering a curated selection of treats, toys and pet products to clients and their furry friends. Leaps & Bones is built on a foundation of love, trust and
Country Bank Announces Promotions in Customer Experience, Community Development, Retail Operations, and Compliance
December 8, 2025 - Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank is pleased to announce recent promotions that reflect the Bank’s ongoing commitment to exceptional service, operational excellence, and community impact. These promotions recognize the outstanding work, expertise, and dedication demonstrated by Clare Ladue, Lucy Sanchez, Audra Chartier, and Nick Thompson.Clare Ladue, Vice President, Customer Care CenterWith more than 30 years of banking experience, Clare has consistently excelled in
Monson Savings Bank Proudly Announces the Retirement of Nancy Velozo, Assistant Vice President and Collections Officer
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank proudly announces the retirement of Nancy Velozo, Assistant Vice President and Collections Officer. Nancy joined Monson Savings Bank in January 2014 and has been an integral part of the Bank’s success for more than a decade. Through her knowledge and expertise, Nancy played a pivotal role in maintaining low delinquency rates, strengthening the Bank’s financial health and stability. Her efforts have safeguarded the institution while reinforcing Monson Savings Bank’s
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Foundation for TJO Animals to Host Designer Purrrse Bingo Event
Foundation for TJO Animals to Host Designer Purrrse Bingo Eventto Raise Funds for Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center Springfield, Mass. — On behalf of the Foundation for TJO Animals and proud event sponsor, The Good Dog Spot, the media is invited to Designer Purrrse Bingo – an event guaranteed to be a tail-wagging good time. DETAILS: What: Designer Purrrse Bingo is a signature event for the Foundation for TJO Animals. For the second year in a row, this pawsome holiday-themed event
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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Recognizes Leadership of both Board of Directors and Polic
Springfield, MA – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) is proud to acknowledge the dedicated members of its Board of Directors and parent-led Policy Council; as well as welcome new members to each. Everyone involved in these two leadership groups continue to show their deep commitment to the organization’s mission of providing high quality early childhood education and family support services. The HCS Head Start Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, fiscal management, and
Monson Savings Bank Hosts Annual Toy Drive to Benefit Local Children
The Bank is hosting five donation sites to collect unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12. Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is hosting their annual Toy Drive. The Bank has proudly partnered with multiple local toy collection programs to help bring joy to children this holiday season. Now through Saturday, December 13th, new and unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12 can be dropped off at any Monson Savings Bank branch during regular business hours. Monson Branch, 146 Main St, Monson, MA 01057Hampden
THE MAGNOLIA AGENCY EXPANDS TO MASSACHUSETTS WITH DANIEL DIAS AT THE HELM: A NEW ERA BEGINS
Daniel is ready to bring his passion for his clients to this new, exciting role. On Friday, December 19th, ERC5 will host a Grand Opening Ribbon-Cutting event for Daniel C. Dias, of The Magnolia Agency, located at 95 Post Office Park, Suite 9506, in Wilbraham. We are thrilled to celebrate another fabulous new business in our community! Small businesses are the lifelines of our community, and we are excited to welcome Daniel, who brings a long history in the insurance industry. With his extensive
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
The deadline to submit proposals for the Western MA Elder Care Conference (WMECC) 2026 in Holyoke, M
The RFP process serves to identify keynote speakers and workshop training facilitators for the 2026 Western MA Elder Care Conference (WMECC). Applicants may submit proposals for multiple topics. Presentation TopicsWe seek presenters to share leading-edge ideas, inspire enlightening discussions and convey the fundamentals for growing the field of care for older adults. Topics will be selected based on member surveys, success of past events, timeliness of topics, and relevance of topic to older adults. The
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We Do Travel Right, together with Disney, Hosts HCS Head Start Students and Families for a Private H
WDTR will host HCS Head Start students and families selected for this opportunity at MGM Springfield Springfield, MA – We Do Travel Right (WDTR), a leading Massachusetts-based travel agency, is excited to host a private screening of Disney’s new film, Zootopia 2,before its official release at MGM Springfield this holiday season! WDTR is thrilled to give these families a unique opportunity to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the magic of the holidays together. EVENT DETAILSWHAT: We Do Travel Right hosts
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52 Sumner’s December and January Lineup is Filled with Community Celebration and Powerful Performanc
Springfield, Mass. – 52 Sumner, the vibrant arts and entertainment venue operated by Springfield Performing Arts Ventures Inc., is ushering in the winter season with a festive and engaging lineup of events for December and January. This historic venue, located in Springfield’s Forest Park neighborhood, has become a welcoming space where music, theater, and community connection thrive. Guests can look forward to a dynamic mix of holiday celebration, classic storytelling, enchanting music, and an inspiring
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The Palmer Historical & Cultural Center (PHCC) Announces their 13th Annual Tree & Wreath Festival
Three Rivers, Mass. – The Palmer Historical & Cultural Center (PHCC), a former 1890’s Baptist and Union Evangelical Church now home to an event venue, has announced their 13th annual Tree & Wreath Festival. This festival is one of the largest events of its kind in the area and has grown tremendously over the past twelve years. The event aims to raise funds that will assist in the funding of various programs that include: live music, lectures and workshops, kids programs and other entertainment. EVENT
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The Log Cabin and Delaney House Announce a Full Lineup of Festive Holiday Events
HOLYOKE, Mass. — The Log Cabin and Delaney House are ready to spread holiday cheer across Western Massachusetts with a festive lineup of events designed to make the season bright. From family-friendly brunches to high-energy performances and elegant dinners, the two venues are offering something for everyone this December and into the New Year.The holiday season kicks off in December, starting with Comedy Night featuring Rafi Gonzalez on December 11 at The Log Cabin, promising a night of laughter, food, and
Country Bank Announces Key Leadership Promotions in Its Commercial Banking Division
December 1, 2025 — Country Bank is proud to announce several strategic promotions within its Commercial Banking Division, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to supporting business growth and expanding its commercial lending presence across Central and Western Massachusetts.The announcement was made by Tom Wolcott, First Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, who oversees its Commercial Banking & Retail Lending divisions focused on strategic relationship growth, superior client service, and
Polish National Credit Union Announces Key Branch Leadership Promotions
Chicopee, MA – December 1, 2025 – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) is proud to announce the promotion of eight dedicated team members to new leadership roles within its branch network. These promotions reflect PNCU’s ongoing commitment to developing internal talent, delivering exceptional member service, and strengthening its presence throughout the communities it serves. “We are thrilled to recognize the hard work, leadership, and member-first mindset these individuals have consistently
Senator Oliveira to present MTRAC with $75,000 Check
When: Friday, November 21st, 3:00 PM Where: Mill Towns Regional Animal Control Facility, 125 Palmer Road, Monson, MA 01057 https://share.google/6YJkkpHHhCwGVMtak What: Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) will join the Mill Towns Regional Animal Control, along with regional and local officials, for an Open House celebrating the completion and launch of their new animal control vehicle. The vehicle, now fully equipped and in service, was made possible through an allocation secured by Senator Oliveira in the
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
