Local Businesses Strengthen Regional Economy

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Chamber Events SPRINGFIELD, MA Events Calendar & Reservation Form P. 20 PERMIT NO. 188 Celebrating Our Membe...
Author: Magnus Jacobs
0 downloads 4 Views 6MB Size
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Chamber Events

SPRINGFIELD, MA

Events Calendar & Reservation Form P. 20

PERMIT NO. 188

Celebrating Our Members

Featuring Royal P.C., Big Y, Western New England University, STCC, GCAi, PeoplesBank & more! P. 14-19

SEPTEMBER 2016 Local Businesses Strengthen Regional Economy

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E : 10 Tips to Maximize Your Table Top Success P. 3 PWC Welcomes New Officers P. 4 3 Lessons Learned From a Failed Jump P. 6

Chamber Says Goodbye to Jeff Ciuffreda P. 9-10

Photo by Ed Cohen Photography

The Springfield Regional Chamber has announced the honorees for its annual Super 60 award, presented by Health New England. Now in its 27th year, the program celebrates the success of the fastest-growing and privatelyowned businesses in the region which continue to make significant contributions to the strength of the regional economy. To be considered, companies must be based in Hampden or Hampshire counties or be a member of the Springfield Regional Chamber, have

revenues of at least $1 million in the last fiscal year, be an independent and privately-owned company, and be in business at least three full years. Companies are selected based on their percentage of revenue growth over a full three-year period or total revenues for the latest fiscal year. This year’s winners hail from 17 communities across the region and represent all sectors of the economy, including nonprofit, transportation, energy, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail and service. continued on page 5

Golfers Tee One Up at Springfield Regional Chamber Tourney P. 11-13

Multi-Chamber Table Top an Opportunity to Shine! The Springfield Regional Chamber is once again partnering with the Greater Chicopee, Holyoke and Westfield chambers of commerce on the 19th annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking event on October 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee. The Table Top Expo provides local vendors an affordable opportunity to exhibit products and services to a wide-ranging geography of consumers. Last year, over 100 vendors participated in the event, with vendors including photographers, marketing

Jeffrey A. Lomma Joins Springfield Regional Chamber as Member Services Director

page 4

Chamber Adds New Dental Benefit

continued on page 3

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER SEPTEMBER 2016

page 7

1

CHAMBER NEWS ANNIVERSARY M E M B E R S

NEW MEMBERS

Every month the Chamber honors those members who have continuously supported our mission throughout the years. The following members joined in the month of September. Happy Anniversary!

Companies and organizations listed here have made an important investment in their business and in the community by joining the Chamber. Do business with Chamber members--it's good business!

1 Year Anniversary

15 Year Anniversary

Town of Wilbraham

Turley Publications

Goodwill Industries of the Pioneer Valley Colony Care at Home Smiles and Faces Caroline Coley (PWC) Denise Fleming (PWC) Deborah J. Penzias (PWC)

Winstanley Partners

240 Springfield Street Wilbraham, MA 01095 Municipal Government

24 Water Street Palmer, MA 01069 Newspapers

25 Year Anniversary

Association For Community Living, The Community Foundation of Western MA Checkwriters Payroll, Inc.

5 Year Anniversary

Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute Boys & Girls Club Family Center Jeannie Miller (PWC) Lori Goodman (PWC)

35 Year Anniversary

Downey, Sweeney, Fitzgerald & Co., P.C.

10 Year Anniversary

Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, P.C. Marjorie J. Hurst (PWC)

50 Year Anniversary

Rocky’s Hardware, Inc.

VOL XXXV • NO.1 CHAMBER CHANNELS (USPS681-850)

M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T The Springfield Regional Chamber represents the region and its geographic hub of Springfield and more than 600 businesses of all sizes, industry and profession, providing leadership to promote, support and enhance the economic health of the business community and the region.

is published bimonthly with $5 of Chamber dues covering subscription costs.

2

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Chamber Channels, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA  01103-1449

CHAMBER STAFF & THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

Telephone: 413-787-1555

President: Nancy Creed • 755-1309

Fax: 413-755-1322

Manager – Events and Program Administration: Kara Cavanaugh • 755-1310

Email: [email protected]

Staff Accountant: Nancy Desmarais • 755-1308

Website: www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

Accounts Payable Clerk: Carrie Dzialo • 755-1307

News & Advertising Deadline: 10th of every month

Chief Financial Officer: Lynn Kucejko • 755-1306

Publisher: Springfield Regional Chamber

Member Services Director: Jeff Lomma • 755-1313

Editor: Nancy F. Creed, IOM

Send any staff member email: [email protected]

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

CHAMBER NEWS

MULTI-CHAMBER TABLE TOP AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE! CONTINUED—

firms, staffing firms, banks, entertainment venues, and health insurers. Sponsorships are available for all budgets, and benefits include promotion across all four chambers, including newsletter coverage, press coverage and email marketing. Additional benefits include event signage, marketing in program and registration materials, and complimentary tickets. Deadline for sponsorships is September 9, 2016. Exhibitor space is also available for $125, and entitles exhibitor to an eightfoot skirted display table and two complimentary entry passes. Electricity is limited but available upon request.

For information on sponsorships or to exhibit, contact Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected] or (413) 755-1310. The Table Top Expo is open to all chamber members as well as the general public for a nominal fee of $5 per person in advance, $10 at the door. Reservations may be made online on the Springfield Regional Chamber Web site at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

10 TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR TABLE TOP SUCCESS Statistics show that vendors only have an average of three seconds to capture the eye of a consumer. Here are some tips to be sure consumers don’t pass you by! 1. Be sure your table top display focuses on what you specialize in and have balance in your display – not too much, not too little. 2. Add technology to the mix. Use one or multiple tablets to show presentations, digital catalogs, videos of product demonstrations and more. 3. Use a large, attention-grabbing image. Rather than graphics full of text and product images, select an attention-grabbing image that is easy to understand at a glance. 4. Consider using a bold color. Many brands use soothing greens or professional-looking blues, but a bright, vibrant color can really draw attention. If your brand colors aren’t bold, one idea is to select a bold hue that complements your brand color. You can then use your brand color as an accent, such as on a table cover or in signage and marketing materials. 5. Light it up. Use spot or back lighting to draw attention to your display. 6. Pay attention to the details. Keeping your tabletop neat and clean is critical. You don’t want anything to distract from your display and your message. Keep the table surface as neat as possible and store all supplies, paperwork, bags, and other materials under the table and out of sight. 7. Arrange your display table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorter items in front of those, and even shorter items in front of those. 8. Be sure your display features your website and social media addresses. 9. Offer a show special, giveaway, snacks or drinks to attract consumers. 10. The most important tip: bring plenty of business cards!

Professional Women’s Chamber Board of Directors 2016 President: Laurie Cassidy, West Springfield Council on Aging Acting Vice President: Tracy Sicbaldi, Overland Solutions, Inc. Treasurer: Caron LaCour, Burkhart Pizzanelli, PC Assistant Treasurer: Jeannie Filomeno, Marcotte Ford Secretary: Liz Rappaport, Century Investment Company

Directors: Jacquelyn Bangs, EMC Sarah Chadwick, Bay Path University Deborah Chamberland, Mt. Holyoke College Jenny MacKay, The Gaudreau Group Marikate Murren, MGM Springfield Gillian Palmer, Eastern States Exposition Tania Spear, Silver Linings Home Care Kate Vishnyakov, Kate Gray Boutique Past President: Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

| SEPTEMBER 2016

3

CHAMBER NEWS

Jeffrey A. Lomma Joins Springfield Regional Chamber as Member Services Director The Springfield Regional Chamber has announced that Jeffrey A. Lomma of Longmeadow has joined the Chamber team as its Member Services Director, effective August 24. Lomma will be responsible for ensuring the continuous and steady growth of the Chamber’s membership by building and maintaining a comprehensive and aggressive membership recruitment, retention and service program. He will also develop and manage programs and services that grow member businesses, service member needs and increase the overall value offered to members. Lomma comes to the Chamber

with nearly 10 years of experience in sales, business development and customer service. As a former Springfield Regional Chamber Ambassador and past treasurer for the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Lomma is well versed in chamber management and member services. Lomma has been with Westfield Bank since 2007, most recently serving as a branch manager. Among his many client relationship responsibilities, he worked with local community members and nonprofits to support community reinvestment initiatives and played a pivotal role in growing the location’s portfolio.

Lomma also served as a business specialist for the bank where he helped lead the small business sales training program, managed its customer relationships and assisted in opening a new banking center in a new market in Enfield, CT. He earned the bank’s small business salesperson in retail honors in 2013. A former board member with the Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation, Springfield Hockey Heritage Society and committee member with the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield, Lomma currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Western

PWC Welcomes New Officers The board of directors of the Professional Women ‘s Chamber (PWC), a division of the Springfield Regional Chamber, has elected its officers to lead the division: Laurie Cassidy, as president; Tracy Sicbaldi as acting vice president; Caron LaCour as treasurer; Jeannie Filomeno as assistant treasurer; and Liz Rappaport as secretary. Janet Casey serves as past president. Cassidy is the executive director of the West Springfield Council on Aging/Senior Center and has served in that position since 2010. Prior, she served with the Greater Springfield Senior Services as its area agency on aging director and its regional ombudsman director. She has extensive volunteer experience, currently serving as a member of the Sisters of Providence Health System Board of Trustees, Mary’s Meadow Board of Trustees, West Springfield Commission on Disabilities, and West Springfield Garden Club. She is also the secretary and treasurer of the West Springfield Emergency Planning Committee and Medical Reserve Corps and associate member of the West Springfield Veterans Council. She has been a member of the PWC since 2011. Sicbaldi is an accountant with Overland Solutions Inc. and has more than 30 years of

4

Laurie Cassidy

banking experience and six years as a municipal treasurer. She joined the PWC in 2006 and has served as its treasurer, vice president and president. LaCour is a Certified Public Accountant working with Burkhart Pizzanelli PC. She focuses on taxation of individuals, businesses and nonprofit corporations. This is LaCour’s first term on the PWC board and is active on its scholarship, woman of the year and program committees. She is also actively involved with Rays of Hope and the Red Thread Network. Filomeno is the human resource manager at

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

Jeffrey A. Lomma

Massachusetts and on the Greater Springfield Senior Services Money Management Program Advisory Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University.

Marcotte Ford Sales, Inc., her family business where she has worked since graduating college. She has served on the PWC board for three terms, served as the co-chair of its mentoring program and is a member of its scholarship committee. Rappaport is a third-generation property manager at Century Investment Company. Prior to joining the family business, she served in a marketing and brand management role at WF Young. In addition to the PWC, Rappaport is actively involved with the Jimmy Fund taking a leadership role in several fund-raising activities each year. Casey, principal and founder of Marketing Doctor, served as the PWC president for the past two years. Board members Jacquelyn Bangs, senior account manager for EMC; Marikate Murren, director, training and workforce development for MGM Springfield; and Gillian Palmer, business development and group sales coordinator for the Eastern States Exposition, will round out the executive committee. The PWC supports the female professional through networking opportunities, provides scholarships for nontraditional students returning to the workforce and mentors students through a partnership with Springfield Technical Community College. Female professionals interested in membership or serving on the board, should contact Laurie Cassidy at [email protected].

| 413-787-1555

CHAMBER NEWS LOCAL BUSINESSES STRENGTHEN REGIONAL ECONOMY CONTINUED— “Small business is the backbone of our region and our continued growth engine, and the success of this year’s winners is a clear indication that our regional economy is strong,” said Springfield Regional Chamber President Nancy Creed. “What is interesting to see this year is the emergence of the digital world. Two of our honorees, 3BL Media and LavishlyHip – which also took the top spot in Revenue Growth - have a strong presence in the online community and do business primarily on the Web versus brick and mortar,” she said. “I think this might be first year we’ve had such honorees.” Creed noted that one-third of the Total Revenue winners exceeded $45 million in revenues, with all the winners combining for more than $1.3 billion in revenues.

In the Revenue Growth category, Creed said that all winners had growth in excess of 25% while one-third had growth in excess of 60%. Three companies in the Total Revenue category also qualified for the Revenue Growth category, while ten companies in the Revenue Growth category also qualified for the Total Revenue category. This year’s top honoree in Total Revenue is Amherst-based Stavros Center for Independent Living, one of the oldest independent living centers in the country. The organization came in at number two in Total Revenue in 2014. This year’s number one in Revenue Growth is Lavishlyhip, LLC, a 6-year old online retailer.

THE 2016 SUPER 60 WINNERS ARE: TOTAL REVENUE

Collaborative for Educational Services Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

Nominating firm in italics * Indicates qualified in both categories

Commercial Distributing Company, Inc. Westfield Bank

(1) Stavros Center for Independent Living, Inc.

Community Enterprises, Inc. and Subsidiary*

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

(2) Springfield College Cooley-Shrair, PC.

The Dennis Group

(3) Whalley Computer Associates

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Baltazar Contractors, Inc.

Filli, LLC. dba Con Test Analytical Laboratory

Aaron Smith, P.C.

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC

Behavioral Mental Health Network, Inc.

Grand Prix International

Chase, Clark, Stewart & Fontana, Inc.

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Braman Chemical Enterprises, Inc.

HAPHousing (HAP, Inc.)*

CohnReznick, LLP

PeoplesBank

City Tire Company, Inc.

Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start, Inc.

CohnReznick, LLP

Moriarty & Primack, P.C.

REVENUE GROWTH Nominating firm in italics * Indicates qualified in both categories

(1) Lavishlyhip, LLC

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Lancer Transportation & Sulco Warehousing & Logistics Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC

Marcotte Ford Sales, Inc. Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley, Inc. Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

Northeast Treaters, Inc. and Subsidiary Moriarty & Primack, P.C.

P.C. Enterprises, Inc. dba Entré Computer

Detector Technology, Inc.*

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Farmington Bank

(3) 3BL Media, LLC

Environmental Compliance Services, Inc.*

CohnReznick, LLP

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C. and Westfield Bank

Aegenco, Inc.

Fletcher Sewer & Drain, Inc.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Aegis Energy Services, Inc.*

Fun Dining, Inc. dba Center Square Grill

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC

Bart Truck Equipment, LLC

Gandara Mental Health Center, Inc.*

Farmington Bank

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

Baystate Crushing

GMH Fence Company, Inc. Aaron Smith, P.C.

The Super 60 Celebration event honoring this year’s class will be held October 28, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chez Josef, presented by Health New England, Zasco Productions and WWLP-TV 22, and in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5). Reservations are required for the event at $50 for members and

Specialty Bolt & Screw, Inc. Westfield Bank

Tighe & Bond, Inc.

CiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP

Troy Industries, Inc.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

United Personnel Services, Inc. J.M. O'Brien & Company, P.C.

Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

WestMass ElderCare, Inc. Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

S. Reichelt & Co., LLC

Farmington Bank

(2) City Enterprises, Inc.*

Westfield Bank

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Courier Express, Inc.

Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC

Sarat Ford-Lincoln

Kittredge Equipment Co., Inc.*

Knight Machine Tool Company, Inc.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Pathlight, Inc.

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

Charter Oak Insurance & Financial Services*

Gary Olszewski & Company, PC

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Human Resources Unlimited, Inc.

Powervestors II, LLC

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

M.Jags, Inc.

Rediker Software, Inc.* William J. Mahoney, Jr. CPA

Maybury Associates, Inc.*

Rodrigues, Inc.

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Gomes, DaCruz & Tracy, PC

Michael's Party Rentals, Inc.*

Tech Roofing Service, Inc.

MicroTek, Inc.*

Universal Plastics Corporation*

O'Connell Care At Home Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Webber & Grinnell Insurance Agency, Inc.

Orthotics & Prosthetics Laboratories, Inc.

Yankee Home Improvement

Lou Cadorette, C.P.A.

Whittlesey & Hadley, P.C.

S. Reichelt & Co., LLC

Aaron Smith, P.C.

Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC

Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC Greenfield Savings Bank

Paragus Strategic IT, Inc.

Farmington Bank and Burgess, Schultz & Robb, PC

members of the ERC5, $70 for general admission. Reservations may be made for either tables of 8 or 10. Deadline for reservations is October 19, 2016. No cancellations are accepted after that date and no walk-ins will be accepted. Reservations must be made in writing or may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by email to Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected].

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

| SEPTEMBER 2016

5

CHAMBER NEWS

3 Lessons Learned From a Failed Jump On April 5, 1988, an experienced skydiving videographer was filming an instructor and firsttime student as they skydived from approximately 10,000 feet. The videographer had made two successful jumps earlier that day. With technology what it was back then, the recording equipment the videographer used was a heavy VHS deck stored in a backpack that he wore. The camera was unlike the smaller GoPro style cameras used today but was nonetheless mounted to his helmet in order to capture all the action. The videographer was the first to jump from the plane followed by the instructor and student. All seemed to be in order. Shortly after filming the other skydivers for a brief period and hurtling toward the ground at 150 mph, the videographer attempted to deploy his parachute only to discover he wasn't wearing one. The videographer was a veteran skydiver who had made over 800 jumps in his career. Strapping on a parachute would only seem natural to the casual observer. By those who knew the videographer and those present that day, it is believed his preoccupation with the recording equipment, the weight of the equipment itself, and fatigue caused him to lose focus and fail to properly prepare. The videographer free fell nearly two miles and as a result of his improper preparation, he tragically lost his life. While most leaders and business people don't

6

find themselves in this kind of life and death scenario, there are some important lessons that can be learned from this story.

REPETITION CAN CREATE A LACK OF FOCUS When doing the same thing over and over again it's easy to lose focus on what's important. A skydiver with 800 jumps could almost fold and pack a parachute blindfolded. Strapping on a parachute before entering the plane is second nature to the veteran skydiver. Yet, from time to time, we learn of these unbelievable stories of someone failing to remember the most basic necessity of skydiving, the parachute. What is the repetitive action in your occupation or business that you run the risk of forgetting to do? Is it failing to simply "ask" for the sale assuming the potential buyer will surrender to you at some point? Is it failing to prepare for the presentation that you've done a hundred times before?

PREOCCUPATION CAN RUIN A GOOD OCCUPATION

The National Science Foundation estimates the average person thinks thousands of thoughts per day. With that much inner traffic, it's easy to become distracted. Business owners and operators have much to think about and prepare for.

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

CHAMBER NEWS

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Adds New Dental Benefit The Springfield Regional Chamber has teamed up with Altus Dental to offer Chamber members a new employee benefit to enhance their employee compensation package. Administered through American Benefits Group, dental insurance provided by Altus Dental is now available for companies with as little as one employee. Altus Dental offers the state’s largest Preferred Provider (PPO) Dental Network with more than 6,200 participating locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire and national access through CONNECTION Dental with more than 108,000 dentists’ locations nationwide. Three coverage options are available at very competitive rates. Plus Plan 1 is basic coverage available to employers with one or more participating employees. Plus Plan 2 is an enhanced coverage option available to those with ten or more participating employees; and Plus Plan 2 is an enhanced coverage option for companies having 20 or more participating employees. Each option includes 100% diagnotistic and preventative services with no deductible; 80% for basic restorative care with a $50 single/$150 family deductible and a low benefit maximum per year. Plus Plan 2 and 3 include major restorative care such as crowns and dentures. Plan 3 includes orthodontic services. To be eligible, Chamber businesses must contribute at least 50% of the monthly premium and the subscriber must be an active full-time employee. For more information, see the advertisement below or contact Richard Cahillane at (413) 727-7244 or [email protected].

SAVINGS! Brought to you by your Springfield Regional Chamber membership! Chamber members and EMPLOYEES can enjoy these cost-savings! 













Savings on health insurance through Health New England, the Chamber Health Coop Up to 20% savings on home/auto insurance through Arbella Insurance Group and Harrington Insurance Agency Affordable rates on dental insurance—even if your business only has one employee! A 10% discount on first-time advertising on WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM (not to exceed $1,000) Free annual subscription to BusinessWest, the bi-weekly business journal of western Massachusetts Up to 25% off Constant Contact email marketing tools Discounted reservations for Chamber events

For more information, contact Member Services Director Jeff Lomma at (413) 755-1313.

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

| SEPTEMBER 2016

7

CELEBRATING CHAMBER NEWS OUR MEMBERS 3 LESSONS LEARNED FROM A FAILED JUMP CONTINUED—

Photo credit: ©Can Stock Photo Inc. / STRANNIK9211

"Winging it might work every now and then, but to expect great results, one must prepare for success." With so much on their minds it's easy to become preoccupied with things that waste valuable time. It's critical to prioritize tasks to ensure the most important items get done first. To avoid becoming preoccupied with less important and irrelevant tasks, it's good to develop a daily plan of action. Whether one chooses to use an electronic planner, a written to-do list or a hybrid of both, developing a good system will ensure greater success.

BEING PREPARED IS NOT JUST FOR BOY SCOUTS Preparing for the task at hand is one of the most important aspects of successfully completing the task. Abraham Lincoln once said, "If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my ax." It's easy to take short cuts when it comes to doing things one has done over and over again. Winging it might work every now and then, but to expect great results, one must prepare for success. What's the goal of the event? What's the desired outcome for the meeting? What does a winning sales call entail? Proper vision, planning, and preparation will create higher rates of success. Reprinted with permission. Written by Mark Turner, president/CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. After 20 years of sales and marketing, he left the corporate world and served 12 years in the ministry as an Associate Pastor before accepting his current position with the chamber.

8

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber staff members celebrate Ciuffreda. From left are Ciuffreda; former staff members Kathleen Plante, Russ Denver, Cheryl Gorski, and Julie Yurgielewicz; Chamber President Nancy Creed; and former staffers Alta Stark and Roberto Nieves.

Chamber Says Goodbye to Jeff Ciuffreda PHOTOS BY MICHAEL EPAUL PHOTOGRAPHY Hundreds of former and current board members, staff and legislators gathered on August 4, 2016 at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History to wish Springfield Regional Chamber President Jeffrey Ciuffreda well on his retirement. Ciuffreda stepped down after 29 years with the Chamber

Ciuffreda and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno pose with the City proclamation proclaiming August 4, 2016 as Jeffrey S. Ciuffreda Day. Continued on page 10 Continued on page 10 CCOONNNNEECCTT 22 CCOOM MM MEERRCCEE SSPPRRI INNGGFFI IEELLDD RREEGGI IOONNAALL CCHHAAM MBBEERR | | SSEEPPTTEEM MBBEERR 22001166

9

CHAMBER CHAMBERNEWS NEWS JEFF RETIREMENT PARTY PHOTO GALLERY CONTINUED—

Ciuffreda celebrates with (from left) his wife MaryAnn and Gigi Kelaher, senior advisor to the clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives, with whom Ciuffreda worked during his days as an aide to Representative Silvio Conte.

Congressman Richard Neal takes a moment to share some memories with Ciuffreda. They have worked together since the Congressman took office.

State Representative Joseph Wagner presents Ciuffreda with a hug and Massachusetts resolution commemorating his tenure at the Chamber.

Ciuffreda poses with his family including (middle) his daughter-in-law and son Justine and Dominick Ciuffreda and his wife Mary Ann.

10

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

CHAMBER NEWS

Golfers Tee One Up at Springfield Regional Chamber Tourney Photos by Ed Cohen Photography

Florence Bank’s Nancy Mirkin, BarbaraJean Deloria and Maureen Buxton clearly are having a good time.

A sold-out field of golfers teed up at The Ranch Golf Club on July 28, 2016 for the Springfield Regional Chamber Annual Golf Tournament, sponsored by VHB, Inc. with support from Bacon Wilson P.C., MassLive, Inc., Skoler Abbott & Presser, P.C., Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Florence Bank, and Barr & Barr, Inc. Golfers enjoyed 18 holes of impeccably groomed fairways and greens, lunch sponsored by the MassMutual Center, contest holes including a putting contest for $5,000 sponsored by Chicopee Savings Bank. Fittingly enough, the Chamber team of retiring President Jeff Ciuffreda, Frank Capuano, Jim Morin and Jim Dowd took the title with a 58. Second place went to the MassLive team of Justin Roberts, Steven

Roberts, Dave Condon and Matt Johnson with a score of 61. The Bacon Wilson team of Joe Marullo, Jeff Fialky, George Williamson and Tom Richards rounded out the top three with a score of 64 after matching cards. The Tennis Pros honors went to MassMutual Center foursome of Nate Marris, Stacey Church, Scottie Griffith and Monique Messier with a round of 85. Wayne Kapinos of the Get Set Marketing team and Karin Jeffers of the Clinical & Support Options team took the long drive competition, and Matt Izzo of the Keller Williams team and Monique Messier took closest to the pin landing their balls 7 feet 10 inches and 22 feet 8 inches, respectively, on the fifth hole. New this year was the Duck Smash contest

where golfers attempted to outdrive each other using a yellow rubber duck. Men’s honors went to Justin Roberts and women’s honors went to Heidi Delisle from the Skoler Abbott & Presser team.

GOLFERS TEE ONE UP AT S P R I N G F I E L D REGIONAL CHAMBER TO U R N E Y G A L L E RY

Continued on page 12

CCOONNNNEECCTT 22 CCOOMMMMEERRCCEE SSPPRRI INNGGFFI IEELLDD RREEGGI IOONNAALL CCHHAAMMBBEERR | | SSEEPPTTEEM MBBEERR 22001 166

11

CHAMBER CHAMBERNEWS NEWS

GOLFERS TEE ONE UP AT SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER TOURNEY CONTINUED—

White Lion Brewing’s crew provides beer samplings to hydrate the golfers.

Bottom-line Bodyworks provides complimentary massages following a touch day on the course.

Despite coming in second, Justin Roberts was thrilled to win his first duck smash competition.

Despite the heat in the 90s, the winning foursome of (from left) Frank Capuano, Jim Morin, Jeff Ciuffreda and Jim Dowd, score well below – a 58.

The Chamber could not pull off such a tournament without the support of its volunteers, including Jeannie Miller and Roberto Nieves.

The MacDuffie School’s Alex Seymour is cheered on by MacDuffie parent Andy Deecher. Continued on page 13

12

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

CHAMBER NEWS

GOLFERS TEE ONE UP AT SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER TOURNEY CONTINUED—

2016 BOARD O F D I R E C TO R S Chair: Daniel Keenan, Sisters of Providence Health System Vice Chair: Patricia Canavan, United Personnel Treasurer: Barbara-Jean DeLoria, Florence Bank Secretary: David Parke, Bulkley, Richardson Paul Bailey, Springfield Partners for Community Action Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor Laurie Cassidy, West Springfield Council on Aging Stacey Church, MassMutual Center Karin Jeffers nearly perfect form earned her the women’s long drive honors.

Ellen Cummings, Verizon Jennifer D’Amour, Big Y Foods, Inc. John Doleva, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

MEDIA PARTNERS

Hayley Dunn, Eversource Jeffrey Fialky, Bacon & Wilson, P.C. Mark French, The Republican Ellen Freyman, Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. Daniel Glanville, Comcast Cable Communications, LLC James Goodwin, Center for Human Development, Inc. Tiffany Greene, Disability Management Services, Inc. Jody Gross, Health New England Art Jasper, Johnstone Supply Joan Kagan, Square One Donald Kozera, Human Resources Unlimited Christian Lagier, Baystate Health

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

Patrick Leary, Moriarty & Primack, P.C Dennis Lopata, Life Care Center of Wilbraham Mary MacInnes, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Joseph Marullo, Berkshire Bank Judith Matt, Spirit of Springfield, Inc. Bill Miller, Friends of the Homeless, Inc. Martin Miller, New England Public Radio Timothy Murphy, Skoler, Abbott & Presser P.C. William Pepin, WWLP-22 News Evan Plotkin, NAI Plotkin Alan Popp, Mason-Wright / Colony Care Dora Robinson, United Way of Pioneer Valley, Inc. Jeffrey Sattler, NUVO Bank & Trust Company Dr. Julie Siciliano, Western New England University Meghan Sullivan, Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, LLC Mike Suzor, Springfield Technical Community College William Trudeau, Insurance Center of New England Mary Walachy, Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation

| SEPTEMBER 2016

13

CELEBRATING CHAMBER NEWS OUR MEMBERS STCC’s Laser Technology Program Gets Boost from State Grant Springfield Technical Community College’s (STCC) laser technology program has been awarded a $499,785 state grant from the Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program to build a sophisticated laboratory with state-of-theart equipment and a laser materials processing certificate of completion program. The grant to expand the program at STCC – the only one in New England – was among the top three largest 2016 Skills Capital Grant Program awards given this year. With a boost from the award, students this fall will get hands-on experience working with these cutting-edge tools, which include sophisticated laser machining equipment, laser test and measurement equipment, and video inspection microscopes, among other equipment. Students in the college’s mechanical engineering technology (MET) program will also benefit from using the equipment. After students train with this equipment and graduate from the program, they will be ready to start on day one in the high-tech, advanced manufacturing facilities of many regional – and national – employers.

Eric Nelson Tapped as New Westmass President and CEO The Westmass Area Development Corporation Board has named Eric Nelson new president and chief executive officer of the private nonprofit industrial and business development corporation that offers masterplanned land resources at Chicopee River Business Park, Hadley University Business Park, Deer Park in East Longmeadow and at the historic Ludlow Mills. Nelson replaces Kenn Delude, who retired after 10 years as head of the organization. Nelson has over 30 years of experience in site development and design and has consulted on numerous industrial and commercial site development projects. His background also encompasses financing development and creating public-private partnership agreements. Having served as senior vice president of Westmass for the past 2 ½ years and with Westmass since 2011, Nelson has conducted regular meetings with industrial and business prospects interested in Westmass properties, conducted pre-development site analysis and research, headed the process of zoning and building permits, and was responsible for

Eric Nelson

project budgets and grant applications. Delude will continue to provide support to Westmass and the Ludlow Mills project through the transition in a consulting role as needed. Nelson is a Registered Professional Landscape Architect and holds US Green Building Council LEED AP Certification. He earned his master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Royal P.C. Adds Attorney

Gary J. Masciadrelli, left, professor and department chair for mechanical engineering technology, and Nicholas Massa, laser electro-optics technology professor and program coordinator, stand in front of new laser equipment at STCC. The machines include large format multi-axis CO2 and fiber lasers.

14

Attorney Timothy M. Netkovick has joined Royal, P.C. Netkovick has over 14 years of litigation experience and has tried nearly two dozen cases to verdict. His practice is focused in labor law and complex employment litigation. He also counsels companies on the multitude of state and federal employment laws impacting them, including wage and hour issues, disability and leave laws, workplace safety and OSHA compliance, affirmative action, and contract negotiations. Netkovick’s other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals, preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements, and conducting management training. Netovick is a graduate of American International College and Western New England University School of Law.

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

Timothy M. Netkovick

CELEBRATING CHAMBER OUR MEMBERS NEWS

Big Y Expands Big Y Foods, Inc. has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the operating assets of eight Massachusetts Hannaford Supermarkets being divested in connection with the proposed merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group. The agreement is subject to FTC clearance and formal completion of the Delhaize Group and Ahold merger. It is anticipated that this eight-store transaction will be completed this month. The stores are located in eastern Massachusetts: Kingston, Quincy, Norwell, Milford, Norwood, West Peabody, Saugus and Easton. Big Y intends to hire as many current Hannaford employees as possible. Following the closing of the transaction, these stores will close for a few days in order to make some minor renovations such as rebranding and signage, equipment upgrades, cleaning, painting, and re-stocking with fresh product. The stores will re-open under the Big Y banner. Once this transaction is completed, Big Y will have a total of 79 store locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 72 supermarkets, 39 pharmacies, Fresh Acres Market, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 5 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations. Big Y currently operates 2 locations in Eastern Massachusetts in Walpole and Franklin.

Big Y Store Director Wins National Award Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has chosen Big Y World Class Market Northampton, MA Store Director Piotr Soja as one of five top grand prize winners for 2015 in its 17th Annual Store Manager Awards. According to FMI, winners were chosen based on their ability to generate sales growth, provide exceptional customer service and/ or community relations, execute in-store innovation and demonstrate team leadership. Soja was chosen as the winner in the category representing supermarket chains with 50-199 stores. All winners each received a $1,000 prize and a crystal award. Soja has been employed with Big Y for 21 years. He started off as a front end service clerk while he was still in high school before transitioning to the meat department. He held positions as a meat department manager as well as a meat and seafood merchandiser/trainer before working his way up to his current position as store director.

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

| SEPTEMBER 2016

15

CELEBRATING CHAMBER NEWS OUR MEMBERS PeoplesBank Changes Bylaws to Strengthen Bank PeoplesBank recently made changes to its bylaws including the addition of a requirement that a supermajority of corporators vote in favor of any such change, as well as a nonenrichment provision that ensures the bank’s board of directors and senior officers would not benefit financially from such a change. The changes were made to make future conversion of the bank to a stockholder-owned company exceedingly more difficult.

GCAi Named Best Marketing – Advertising Agency in Reader’s Choice Poll Readers of the Daily Hampshire Gazette voted Garvey Communication Associates, Inc. (GCAi) “Best Marketing – Advertising Agency” in the 2016 Reader’s Choice poll. GCAi is an innovative digital marketing agency and independent Google Certified Partner agency which recently celebrated its 25 year anniversary.

Tighe & Bond Welcomes Human Resources Director Tighe & Bond recently welcomed Director of Human Resources Margo Armstrong to lead its human resources functions, as well as strengthen the firm’s staffing growth and employee programs. She brings with her more

Margo Armstrong continued on page 17

16

Western New England University Names New Trustees Philip “Bud” C. Beaudry and Janet Johnson Bullard have been named to the Western New England University Board of Trustees. Beaudry has been in the aerospace/defense sector for more than 30 years. Over the past 13 years, he has been the president/wwner of BTP systems, an engineering firm located in Ludlow, MA, which he started and has grown into a multimillion dollar company. As president of BTP Systems, Beaudry has led the company to the forefront of innovation and ingenuity with respect to design, maintenance, and sustainment of U.S. Navy, U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force EHF, and Satellite Communication hardware. BTP Systems regularly employs student interns and currently has Western New England University engineering graduates on staff. Bud and Jill Beaudry have established The BTP Systems Endowed Scholarship, an endowed scholarship at the University for Engineering students. The scholarship was established to help increase awareness in the career field of Radio Frequency/Microwave engineering, and to encourage students to pursue studies within this growing specialized discipline. Bullard ’69 is an alumna of the University, holding a bachelor’s in business degree in management. She is the owner, president and Registered Investment Advisor of A.T. Whitehead, Inc., an investment management firm headquartered in Tampa, FL with offices in Watertown, MA, and Bristol, RI. She previously spent more than three decades as a trust investment portfolio manager at Third National Bank Hampden County, Citizens Bank, Shawmut Bank, and Bank of New England. Bullard is past president of the Providence Society of Financial Analysts; a past director of the Boston Security Analysts Society, where she served on the Education Committee; and a past director of the Providence Rotary club. She has been an Amos House lecturer in the Graduate School of Business Administration of Northeastern University and a lecturer at Brown University. She has co-authored two books: Principles of Investment Management (1980) and Personal Financial Planning (1984). Bullard has established the Janet Johnson Bullard Annual Scholarship, the Janet Johnson Bullard Endowed Scholarship Fund, and has supported the College of Business Cohen

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

Philip Beaudry

Janet Johnson Bullard

Trading Room Technology Maintenance Fund. MGM, City of Holyoke Invest in HCC Center Holyoke Community College (HCC), MGM Resorts (MGM) and the city of Holyoke announced a new partnership designed to enhance the region's hospitality workforce and prepare students for jobs in the casino MGM is building in downtown Springfield. As part of this partnership, Holyoke will contribute $400,000 toward HCC's new center for hospitality and culinary arts from the $1.28 million the city will receive from MGM through neighboring community impact payments over 15 years. MGM is also contributing an additional $100,000 toward the center, which has been given a name that reflects this partnership -- the MGM Resorts HCC Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Holyoke. The 19,888-square-foot facility is now being developed on the first two floors of the Cubit Building on Race Street in Holyoke's Innovation District. Once completed, the center will house HCC's associate degree and certificate programs in hospitality management and culinary arts as well as its non-credit workforce training programs in hospitality and culinary arts. The new center will allow for increased capacity in HCC's credit programs from about 200 students now to nearly 350 when the center opens in 2017. HCC expects to enroll 400 students a year in workforce training courses. MGM officials have said they expect they will need to hire 800 workers for hospitality and culinary jobs at the Springfield casino, which is scheduled to open in September 2018. HCC's partnership with the city and MGM guarantees 50 free seats each year for Holyoke residents in HCC's non-credit hospitality and culinary arts workforce training programs at the new center.

| 413-787-1555

CELEBRATING CHAMBER OUR MEMBERS NEWS WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW TRUSTEES CONTINUED— The total cost of the center is estimated at $4.3 million. In addition to the $500,000 from the city and MGM, HCC was awarded grants from the state executive office of Housing and Economic

Development for $1.75 million and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce Economic Development Administration for $1.55 million. Another half million will be provided by the HCC Foundation.

Florence Bank Team Members recognized as “Top Ten” Loan Originators Florence Bank recently announced that Toby L. Daniels, vice president/branch manager at the bank’s Hadley location, and Susan M. Seaver, vice president/mortgage loan officer, have both been recognized by The Warren Group as among the “Top Loan Originators” for the Central and Western Massachusetts regions. The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman, compiled the list and rankings for the top loan originators statewide for the period

Toby Daniels

Susan Seaver

between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016. The originators were ranked by number of loans and volume of loans, statewide and by region. Seaver was listed as #8 in “Mortgage Volume” and #7 in “Number of Loans.” Daniels was listed as #9 in “Mortgage Volume.”

Dakin Humane Society Names New ED

Carmine DiCenso

Dakin Humane Society named Carmine DiCenso executive director of its organization. Dicenso took over the role last month following a national search after the departure of former Executive Director Leslie Harris. DiCenso has extensive experience in animal welfare program management and innovative project development, most recently as executive director for the Providence (RI) Animal Rescue League. Prior to that, he was a program director

at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and a manager at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. A former board member of the New England Federation of Humane Societies, he previously served as a board member for the Ocean State Animal Coalition, and as the Rhode Island State Representative for the Humane Society of the United States Companion Animal Advisory Council. As the executive director at Dakin Humane Society, DiCenso will oversee all aspects of the organization's work at its two locations in Leverett and Springfield, MA. Dakin has more than 50 employees and nearly 800 volunteers who shelter, treat and foster more than 20,000 animals annually. Dakin’s adoption centers find homes for more than 4,000 homeless pets each year. In addition, the Dakin Community Spay/Neuter Clinic, located in Springfield, recently conducted its 69,000th surgery since opening in 2009, making it New England's largest spay/neuter provider. The organization also provides a Pet Food Bank, dog training classes and pet-related workshops, plus humane learning programs.

CONNECT 2 COMMERCE SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

TIGHE & BOND WELCOMES HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR CONTINUED— than 20 years of high-level leadership experience in HR consulting, performance management, succession planning, and employee programs. Armstrong has held a variety of senior human resources and change leadership roles in several prominent and high performing businesses. This includes overseeing performance management, employee recognition and talent review/ succession planning, HR planning and analysis, as well as HR consulting. Known for possessing a strategic business focus and technical expertise, her knowledge base includes influencing and leading in complex and rapidly changing environments. Armstrong holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Alfred University, and a master of arts degree in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of New Haven. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management. She will work primarily out of Tighe & Bond’s Westfield office.

NAI Plotkin Makes Move to the Heart of Springfield NAI Plotkin has recently relocated to the MassLive building, 1350 Main Street, formerly known as One Financial Plaza. NAI Plotkin’s team of commercial real estate professionals will occupy 5,884 square feet on the 14th floor in the Class “A” office tower. The move brings a thirdgeneration family business and member of the world’s premier managed network of commercial real estate firms into the dynamic and changing heart of downtown.

Rare Complete Set of Kandinsky Prints Now On View at Springfield Museums The Springfield Museums unveiled an exhibit of prints by Russian artist Vassily Kandinsky titled Kleine Welten (Small Worlds), a portfolio of twelve works created in 1922 using a range of printmaking techniques. The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is one of only a handful of public museums to own the complete series - other such museums include the Metropolitan Museum Continued on page 18

| SEPTEMBER 2016

17

CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS RARE COMPLETE SET OF KANDINSKY PRINTS NOW ON VIEW AT SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS CONTINUED—

Image credit: Vassily Kandinsky, Kleine Welten V, 1922, Color Lithograph (transferred from a woodcut)

of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit is be on view in the Collins Print Gallery through January 15, 2017. Known as one of the pioneers of Abstract art, Vassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) lectured and wrote extensively in support of non-objective art, believing that total abstraction offered the possibility for profound spiritual expression. His paintings of 1913 are considered to be among the first completely abstract compositions in modern art history, as they made no reference to the natural world and were inspired by (and took their titles from) pieces of music. His nonrepresentational paintings paved the way for the development of the Abstract Expressionist movement that dominated American painting after World War II. Kandinsky’s Kleine Welten portfolio exemplifies the artist’s abstract style, while also demonstrating his achievements with various printmaking techniques. Though Kandinsky is perhaps best known for his paintings, this series of prints shows his mastery of lithography, woodcut, and etching. Kandinsky used each method to its best advantage in rendering his abstract compositions, creating a set of prints that showcases the unique aesthetic features of each printmaking style.

18

Tejas R. Gandhi Named COO of Baystate Medical Center Tejas R. Gandhi, the former chief administrative officer at Navicent Health in Macon, GA – where he led the organization through an era of positive change and restructuring, contributing greatly to their financial recovery – has been named chief operating officer at Baystate Medical Center. His appointment became effective June 13. Gandhi fills a position left vacant by Nancy Shendell-Falik, RN, MA, who for two years served in the dual position at Baystate Health as chief operating officer and senior vice president/ chief nursing officer for Baystate Medical Center, prior to being named president of Baystate Medical Center and senior vice president of Hospital Operations for Baystate Health in October 2015. Gandhi, with 15 years of professional experience in health care administration, comes to his new position from a hospital similar to Baystate Medical Center – a 637-bed teaching hospital affiliated with Mercer University School of Medicine, Level I Trauma Center, and threetime Magnet Designated hospital for nursing excellence nationwide. Prior to joining Navicent Health in 2013, Gandhi was employed by Virtua Health in Marlton, NJ, the largest comprehensive health care system in Southern New Jersey, where he helped change the overall culture to one of continuous process improvement, resulting in cost savings and key improvements for the organization. During his 10 years there, Gandhi oversaw the process-driven planning process for a new $618 million replacement hospital and regional ambulatory center, also leading successful initiatives to improve clinical safety and quality outcomes, as well as patient satisfaction and employee engagement. Gandhi attended the University of Bombay, India, where he received his bachelor of science

HUB International Adds New Team Member HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, a leading global insurance brokerage, risk advisory and

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

degree in chemical engineering. He later received a master of science in industrial engineering from State University of New York at Binghamton and a doctorate in health administration and leadership from Medical University of South Carolina. Author of numerous juried and other publications, Gandhi also devotes his time to serving as an academic and industry advisor for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Accelerating Change & Transformation in Organizations and Networks Initiative, and is a contributor to The Healthcare Advisory Board Company in Washington, D.C. He is also an advisor for the Center for Healthcare Design, serves on the editorial advisory board for the International Academy of Research and Industry Association Journals, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Tejas Gandhi

employee benefits firm, announced the hiring of Karla Callahan as an employee benefits client relationship manager in the East Longmeadow, MA office. Callahan has an extensive background in employee benefits and was previously employed by Health New England for over twelve years

| 413-787-1555

CELEBRATING CHAMBER OUR MEMBERS NEWS HUB INTERNATIONAL ADDS NEW TEAM MEMBER CONTINUED—

DevelopSpringfield Advances Redevelopment of 90 Carew Street

where she specialized in sales, underwriting and member services. As part of the HUB Employee Benefits Team, Callahan will be responsible for assisting staff with client relations, service, sales, and administrative activities of new and existing group benefit accounts. Working closely with employers to maintain and better understand their employee benefits packages and staying abreast of compliance restrictions and guidelines will be her other areas of focus. Karla Callahan

Chief of Staff Denise Jordan to Represent Western Mass at #BlackWomenLead100

DevelopSpringfield has acquired a vacant building at the corner of Dwight and Carew Streets together with several adjacent parcels to create a large redevelopment site with the aim of bringing new vitality to this area by redeveloping a critically underutilized and vacant site. The proposed redevelopment concept would rehabilitate the historic Carew Street Baptist Church building’s 11,680 square feet in a historically sensitive manner, into modern, energy efficient office space. The surrounding parcels, formerly a brownfields site, would be redeveloped into parking and landscaping. The project represents a $3M+ investment in this section of Springfield’s North End.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced that Chief of Staff Denise Jordan was invited to represent Western Massachusetts at #BlackWomenLead100, a leadership conference spearheaded by Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley and Higher Heights for America, a national organization dedicated to strengthening the pipeline of black women in politics at all levels. The conference brought together 100 black women leaders to fill the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s US Senate Chamber replica for an opportunity to take over a powerful space that black women have been historically underrepresented in – the United States Senate.

Denise Jordan

CCOONNNNEECCTT 22 CCOOM MM MEERRCCEE SSPPRRI INNGGFFI IEELLDD RREEGGI IOONNAALL CCHHAAM MBBEERR | | SSEEPPTTEEM MBBEERR 22001166

19

CHAMBER EVENTS September 2017

October 2016

5

4

Labor Day, Chamber Offices Closed

Executive Committee Meeting, Noon-1 p.m., Chamber Offices, College Room, 1441 Main Street, Springfield ____________________________________________________

6 Board of Directors Meeting, Noon – 1 p.m., TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

7 Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Sheraton Springfield, 1 Monarch Place, Springfield, featuring Christopher Tabora, "Cultivating Connections", $22.50 members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 general admission

9

Multi-Chamber Table Top Expo and Business Networking, 4:30-7 p.m., Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, $125 exhibitors, $5 attendees in advance, $10 at the door. Presented in collaboration with Greater Chicopee, Holyoke and Westfield chambers of commerce

5 Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, $22.50 members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 general admission

Legislative Steering Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Titeflex Commercial, 603 Hendee Street, Springfield

12

14

____________________________________________________________

Lunch ‘n Learn, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., TBD, $25 members, $35 general admission ____________________________________________________ Ambassadors Meeting, 4-5 p.m., Chamber Offices, College Room, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

21 PWC Board Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Chamber Offices, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

Ambassadors Meeting, 4-5 p.m., Chamber Offices, College Room, 1441 Main Street, Springfield After 5, 5-7 p.m., $5 members, $10 general admission

14 Legislative Steering Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

18

Washington Symposium, Capitol Hill

PWC Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., Simply Serendity, The Shops at Marketplace, 1341 Main Street (rear of Market Place), Springfield, complimentary but reservations required by contacting Debra Chamberland, [email protected]

27

19

21-23

Pastries, Politics and Policy, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, $15 members, $25 general admission ____________________________________________________ Membership Committee Meeting, 2-3 p.m., Chamber Offices, Chamber Room, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

28 PWC Headline Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00p.m., Munich Haus, 13 Center Street, Chicopee, Psychic Medium Angelina Diana, $30 members, $40 general admission

Please return to Springfield Regional Chamber : 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA  01103-1449 —or — FAX to (413) 755-1322

We want to attend the following events:

20

__ SEPT 7 • BUSINESS@BREAKFAST 7:15-9 a.m. Sheraton Springfield, 1 Monarch Place, Springfield. $22.50 members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 general admission

PWC Board Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Chamber Offices, EDC Conference Room, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

25 Membership Committee Meeting, 2-3 p.m., Chamber Offices, Chamber Room, 1441 Main Street, Springfield

28 Super 60, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, $50 members, $70 general admission

Registrant Name(s) __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Company Name: ____________________________________________________ Tel: ________________________________

Fax: _________________________

__ SEPT 14 • LUNCH ‘N LEARN 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 members; $35 general admission

Address: ____________________________________________________________

__ SEPT 27 • PASTRIES, POLITICS AND POLICY 8-9 a.m. TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main Street, Springfield. $15 members, $25 general admission

Contact Name: ______________________________________________________

__ OCTOBER 5 • BUSINESS@BREAKFAST 7:15-9 a.m. Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. $22.50 members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 general admission

Town, State, Zip: _____________________________________________________

Check Enclosed for $ ________________________________________________ Please charge this to my:

 AMEX

 Visa

 Mastercard

 Discover

Card # __________________________________________Exp. Date __________ Signature __________________________________________________________

WWW.SPRINGFIELDREGIONALCHAMBER.COM

| 413-787-1555

Suggest Documents