Longmeadow, MA-5/7/2025 New AARP research reveals that caregivers in the United States now exceed 53 million, with the number of individuals balancing caregiving responsibilities and work increasing from 1 in 7 in 2020 to 1 in 5 today. The average time spent providing personal care has nearly tripled since 2020, highlighting the escalating demand for caregivers as the aging population continues to rise.
The Aging Life Care Association® established National Aging Life Care Month thirteen years ago to raise
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Ana M. Parrelli has joined the Bank as Business Development Officer.In this role, Parrelli is responsible for establishing and nurturing successful banking relationships with commercial and municipal deposit customers. She will focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences and ensuring the highest level of satisfaction.
With 25 years of experience in sales leadership and business development, specifically in the finance and banking Plymouth, MA - Preservation Massachusetts, in partnership with The 1772 Foundation, has announced the recipients of a historic preservation matching grant program in Massachusetts. Preservation Massachusetts is the statewide non-profit historic preservation organization dedicated to preserving the Commonwealth’s historic and cultural heritage and The 1772 Foundation plays a leading role in promoting historic preservation nationwide.
In this latest grant round, the 1772 Foundation worked with statewide South Hadley, MA – When David Allen first shared his plans to open a marketing firm back in 2005, some said he’d never make it. The industry was crowded, the local competition fierce, and many agencies were already well established. But Allen, armed with firsthand industry experience and an unwavering drive, wasn’t deterred. He took a leap of faith, after leaving a Atlanta based corporate sales training position he launched Allen Media & Associates from a modest office in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
Allen
Entrepreneur reinvents Pioneer Valley manufacturerPurchase, growth of Microcut USA supported by financing from Berkshire BankSPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, May 5, 2025 — Westfield resident Jeff Dunlop set out to become an entrepreneur — and on the way showed how a focus on efficiency can breathe new life into a family-owned manufacturer.
Microcut USA manufactures and distributes cutting tools used for machining in the medical, automotive and aerospace industries, among others.
“I worked for Guests Received an Exclusive Sneak Peek of the Newly Renovated Program Space and Heard from
Children’s Book Author, Lesléa Newman
Holyoke, MA – Girls Inc. of the Valley unveiled their newly renovated program space yesterday, on May 1st, 2025, to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of all girls and alumni leading up to Girls Inc. Week 2025 and Girls Inc. Together - Day of Giving. Girls Inc. of the Valley is encouraging the community to support them in addressing a critical issue facing youth Over 400 Community Service Hours Completed by Yellow Jackets in 2024–2025
Members of the AIC football team lend a hand with yard clean-up in Springfield as part of a community service project with Revitalize CDC. SPRINGFIELD, MA — Over the weekend of April 26-27, the American International College (AIC) football team closed out a year of impactful community engagement by participating in the Revitalize CDC service project, assisting elderly and disabled residents with home and yard clean-ups throughout the We’re turning up the heat this spring!
Springfield, Mass. – The stage at 52 Sumner, Springfield’s newest arts and entertainment hotspot from Springfield Performing Arts Ventures, Inc. (“SPAV”), is heating up with a stacked lineup of live performances throughout May! From rock tribute shows that take you back in time, to community honors and classical brilliance—there’s something for everyone.
52 Sumner continues to shine as a symbol of access and inclusion in the arts, thanks to the vision of SPAV, a
Berkshire Bank 2025 Volunteer of the Year
donated 400+ hours to supporting communities
SPRINGFIELD, April 23, 2025 — As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, Berkshire Bank is pleased to announce its 2025 Volunteer of the Year, an employee whose extraordinary dedication to our communities includes donating more than 400 hours last year to volunteering.
Heather Hans, vice president, consumer lending compliance officer, was selected based on the number of hours she volunteered and because Westfield, MA – DDS Acoustical Specialties, a leading provider of innovative noise control solutions across the country, proudly celebrates five years of dynamic growth and transformation. Since its founding, DDS has established itself as a trusted partner in architectural, industrial, and exterior acoustics, delivering high-performance noise control systems with unmatched customer service.
This milestone marks both a moment of reflection and transition for the DDS leadership team. Co-founder and partner Monson, MA - Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Kate E. Blackwell to Assistant Branch Manager of the Bank’s Ware Branch. In this new role, Blackwell will support branch operations, ensure exceptional customer service, guide staff development, and continue to grow strong banking relationships with new and existing customers.
Blackwell joined Monson Savings Bank nearly six years ago and has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence and customer care. Her promotion reflects
May 1, 2025 — Country Bank, a leading full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to welcome Cristina Consalvo as the new Assistant Vice President of Marketing.
Cristina brings more than 13 years of diverse marketing experience to the team, with a background spanning the financial services, insurance, and cannabis industries. Her expertise includes marketing communications, digital strategy, media planning, website management, and event coordination. Most April 30, 2025 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is excited to announce the appointment of Kevin Hamel, CISM, to its Board of Trustees.
Kevin brings over 30 years of experience managing information technology, cybersecurity, and risk management in the financial and healthcare sectors. With more than 15 years of direct board interaction at the executive level, he has cultivated a deep understanding of today's organizations' strategic and Celebrating Six Decades of Impact of Head Start
Springfield, MA – May marks sixty years since the inception of Head Start, the nation’s most comprehensive early childhood education program. Since the organization’s founding in 1965, Head Start has helped more than 37 million children across the United States prepare for school and build strong foundations for lifelong learning and well-being, plus provided resources for families and caregivers.
Locally, Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) All-Conference running back Sidiki Kone has earned an invitation to rookie mini-camp with the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the latest Yellow Jacket with an opportunity to reach the NFL. Kone’s invitation, extended late Saturday evening, positions him to potentially become the fifth AIC player in the past decade to sign with an NFL roster.Kone now looks to join the ranks of recent AIC alumni Mike Ford (Kansas City Chiefs), Omari Manhertz (Carolina SPRINGFIELD —Tickets are now on sale for the 19th annual 40 Under Forty awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest, the business journal of Western Massachusetts.
The event will take place on Thursday, June 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.
Tickets cost $135 per person, and tables of 10 are available. They can be purchased at https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar/40-under-forty-event-gala/#tribe-tickets__tickets-form
The 19th annual 40 Under Forty program is presented by PeoplesBank and SPRINGFIELD, Mass., – The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) has announced an exciting lineup of Spring 2025 events!
Springfield YPS events are concentrated on business & career development, networking, social & cultural involvement, and community activism. Their goal is to make Springfield a better place to work, live, play and stay and their events fulfill their mission. To learn more about Springfield YPS and its programming, visit their website.
Upcoming events SPRINGFIELD —The 40 Under Forty class of 2025 has been announced by BusinessWest. This year, we honor:Olivia Calcasola, Tax Supervisor, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.Tatiana Cole, Business Connector and Coach, Free to Flourish, LLCSherleen Crespo, Vice President, Branch Manager, and Mortgage Specialist, Westfield BankChelsea Depault, Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, Greenfield Cooperative BankAmber Estelle, Clinical Director, YWCA of Western MassachusettsParis Felogloy, School-age Childcare Director SPRINGFIELD, Mass., – The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) has announced an exciting lineup of April and May 2025 events!
Springfield YPS events are concentrated on business & career development, networking, social & cultural involvement, and community activism. Their goal is to make Springfield a better place to work, live, play and stay and their events fulfill their mission. To learn more about Springfield YPS and its programming, visit their website.
Upcoming events
BOSTON, April 16 — Berkshire Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, invested more than $400,000 in communities through grants and other giving in the first quarter of the year.
Several Pioneer Valley organizations were among the 118 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont that the foundation supported from January to March, including:
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Inc.Seeding
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
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
May is National Aging Life Care™ Month
Ana M. Parrelli Joins Monson Savings Bank as Business Development Officer
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$125,000 in Massachusetts Historic Preservation Grant Awards Announced: 15 Projects To Receive Match
Allen Media & Associates Celebrates 20 Years of imapct in the Industry
Entrepreneur reinvents Pioneer Valley manufacturer
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Girls Inc. of the Valley Kicked Off Girls Inc. Week and Girls Inc. Together - Day of Giving with a S
AIC Football Wraps Up Season of Service with Revitalize CDC Project
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The May Performance Lineup at 52 Sumner is On Fire
Berkshire Bank 2025 Volunteer of the Year donated 400+ hours to supporting communities
DDS Acoustical Specialties Celebrates Milestone Year with Strategic Growth and Leadership Changes
Kate E. Blackwell Promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of Monson Savings Bank’s Ware Branch
Country Bank welcomes Cristina Consalvo as Assistant Vice President of Marketing
Country Bank welcomes Kevin Hamel, CISM to its Board of Trustees
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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Turns 60!
AIC Standout Sidiki Kone Earns Mini-Camp Invitation From Baltimore Ravens
Tickets on Sale for 2025 40 Under Forty Awards Gala
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Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield Announces Spring 2025 Networking Events
Meet the 40 Under Forty Class of 2025
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Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield Announces April and May 2025 Networking Events
Berkshire Bank Foundation invests more than $400,000 in local nonprofits
Bouncing Back: Proven Strategies for Businesses to Survive and Thrive in Adversity
Marketing Excellence: Creating Sales Pitches that Resonate and Convert
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