Pioneer Valley (PV) Financial Group is proud to share that Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor Ed Sokolowski has been recognized as a Difference Maker by Business West.
When Ed founded PV Financial in 2002, he set out to build something different. From the beginning, the firm has been guided by what Ed calls “the triangle” — three areas that must work together to create real success: clients, employees, and community. For PV, giving back isn’t an afterthought; it’s one of the three sides that holds
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Alison Skratt, Corporate Communications Communications@BeaconBank.com 413.769.6007
Former Berkshire Bank is now Beacon Bank
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, Feb. 23, 2026 — Beacon Bank today announced the successful combination of four storied financial institutions, including the former Berkshire Bank, under its new brand.
Beacon Bank is now one of the 100 largest banks in the United States with more than 145 branches and commercial centers
Contacts: Derrick Cruz (he/him/his)Director of Communications & EngagementOffice of State Senator Jake Oliveira Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester DistrictDerrick.cruz@masenate.gov 978-400-1435
Mary Gail Martin Legislative AideOffice of Representative Colleen M. GarryState House, Room 238Boston, Ma 02133(617) 722 2380When: 12:00 PM Thursday, February 26th, 2026WHERE: Room 437, Massachusetts State House24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
What: Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) and Representative Colleen Contacts: Derrick Cruz (he/him/his)Director of Communications & EngagementOffice of State Senator Jake Oliveira Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester DistrictDerrick.cruz@masenate.gov 978-400-1435
Mary Gail Martin, Legislative AideOffice of Representative Colleen M. GarryState House, Room 238Boston, Ma 02133(617) 722 2380When: 12:00 PM Thursday, February 26th, 2026WHERE: Room 437, Massachusetts State House24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
What: Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) and Representative Colleen Springfield, MA-The Drama Studio is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Kate Hamill's dynamic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, running from March 6th through March 8th and again from March 13th through March 15th. Tickets go on sale Friday, February 20th.
With a fresh, vibrant approach, Pride and Prejudice explores the absurdities and thrills of finding love in a society rife with expectations. Audiences will meet the determined Lizzy Bennett, who resists societal pressures to marry while Hampden, MA, DATE—Affordable Waste Solutions, more than just a waste management company, is a family dedicated to keeping our community clean, safe, and supported. Founded in Hampden, Massachusetts, by Jason Broom and Abby Sullivan, the company began with one truck, a shared dream, and a promise to provide reliable service at an affordable price. What started as a small operation has grown into a respected name throughout Western Mass, proudly serving homeowners, businesses, and organizations of all
Contacts: Derrick Cruz (he/him/his)Director of Communications & EngagementOffice of State Senator Jake OliveiraDerrick.Cruz@masenate.gov978-400-1435
Isabelle Alera (She/Her/Hers)Legislative DirectorState Representative Natalie HigginsIsabelle.Alera@mahouse.govP:(617)-722-2014 x 8658When: Thursday, February 26th, 10:30 AMWhere: Gardner AuditoriumMassachusetts State House24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133What: State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) and State Representative Natalie Higgins (Leominster-D)
SPRINGFIELD — The Difference Makers class of 2026 has been announced by BusinessWest. This year’s honorees are:Ryan Alekman and Robert DiTusa, Partners, Alekman DiTusa, LLCRachelle Hannoush, Director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western MassachusettsJess Miller, Comedian and Founder, The Kind SquadDarby O’Brien, Owner, Darby O’Brien AdvertisingJulie Quink, Managing Principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.Edward Sokolowski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, Pioneer Country Bank Welcomes Devan Summers as Retail Banking Officer in SpringfieldSPRINGFIELD, MA - February 17, 2026 — Country Bank, a full-service community bank serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Devan Summers as Retail Banking Officer for its newest Springfield banking center, located at 1500 Main Street, Tower Square, Springfield, MA 01115, scheduled to open in March.Summers brings more than 14 years of experience in retail banking, management , and community Country Bank Supports Scantic Valley YMCA with $25,000 Capital Campaign Donation February 13, 2026 — Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced a $25,000 donation to the Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham in support of the Y’s ongoing capital campaign aimed at expanding community offerings and completing critical facility improvements.Country Bank has been a long-time partner of the YMCA, proudly supporting both the Scantic Valley and Springfield Winter & Spring Shows to Deliver Candlelit Romance, Rock Nostalgia, and Audience Favorites
Springfield, Mass. – 52 Sumner, the vibrant arts and entertainment venue operated by Springfield Performing Arts Ventures (SPAV) Inc., continues its 2026 season with an exciting late winter and early spring lineup that blends immersive concert experiences, viral musical sensations, tribute performances, and community centered events. From candlelit musical experiences to high energy tribute shows and internationally
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to be a community bank consistently providing support, tools, and resources to help aspiring homebuyers prepare for and reach their homeownership goals. The Bank’s latest initiative to support homeownership will take place on March 12th with a free workshop, Homebuying 101: Your Path to Homeownership, being hosted by the Bank at the Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield, MA, 6:00PM – 9:00PM.
HOMEBUYING 101: YOUR PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP Thursday, March 12, 6:00PM –
SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are now on sale for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10-12 are available. They can be purchased at https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar/difference-makers-2026-tickets/.
The Difference Makers class of 2026 will be introduced in the February 16 issue of BusinessWest. This year’s honorees are:Ryan Alekman and
Monson, MA – The people have voted, and the results are in! In late 2025, Monson Savings Bank asked our local community members to cast votes for their local non-profit of choice. Monson Savings Bank is now announcing the 2026 Monson Savings Bank Community Giving Initiative recipients.
This was the sixteenth year Monson Savings Bank ran its Community Giving Initiative poll. The public’s excitement to cast their vote has grown throughout the years. This year, more than 5,200 votes were received – a 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 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 Chicopee, MA – January 28, 2026 – Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the nonprofit partners in the Elan Charitable Giving Program’s 2026 celebration, marking five years of community support and impact.
As part of this year’s initiative, Elan Credit Card delivered $250,000 in donations to 25 nonprofit organizations across the United States, with each contribution made on behalf of a participating credit union or community bank partner. PNCU’s 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 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
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,
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
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Ed Sokolowski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor at Pioneer Valley Financial Group, Named Business West Difference Maker
Former Berkshire Bank is now Beacon Bank
Senator Oliveira and Representative Garry to Hold Press Conference on Bill Expanding Heart Law Coverage for Publicly Employed Police Officers
Senator Oliveira and Representative Garry to Hold Press Conference on Bill Expanding Heart Law Coverage for Publicly Employed Police Officers
Drama Studio Presents: A bold New Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
Affordable Waste Solutions Welcomes Brooke Sanderson Sanderson Back – A Commitment to Community Continues
Senator Oliveira and Representative Higgins to Host State Universities Council of Presidents Advocacy Day as Higher Ed Bond Bill makes its way to the Senate.
Meet the 2026 Difference Makers
Country Bank Welcomes Devan Summers as Retail Banking Officer in Springfield
Country Bank Supports Scantic Valley YMCA with $25,000 Capital Campaign Donation
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Lights Up! The Music Continues at 52 Sumner.
Monson Savings Bank Supports Aspiring Homeowners with Free “Homebuying 101” Event at Red Rose Pizzeria
Tickets on Sale for the 2026 Difference Makers Awards
Monson Savings Bank Announces $25,000 in Donations as 2026 Community Giving Initiative Votes are Tallied
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COLLABORATIVE EVENT TO EMPOWER STUDENTS AND FAMILIES ON COLLEGE FINANCING.
Grand Reopening of Michael’s Café on the JGS Lifecare Campus
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Elan Charitable Giving Celebrates 5 Years with $250,000 in Donations
American International College Expands Online EdD to Offer Greater Personalization with Academic Journey
Resilient by Design: Practical Risk Management for Small Business Owners
Drive Growth with These Intelligent Workflow Adjustments
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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