Two-Time AIC Graduate Devonte Dillion ’17, MBA ’19, Will Deliver the Alumni Address
SPRINGFIELD, MA – American International College (AIC) will celebrate its 141st Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. President Nicole Cestero will preside over the ceremony.
Femita Ayanbeku, a world-class Paralympian, advocate, and proud AIC alumna, will deliver the Commencement address to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral recipients in the Class of Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Stacee Duda has joined the Bank as Assistant Branch Manager, bringing extensive banking leadership experience and a strong commitment to community engagement. Duda brings more than 30 years of experience in retail banking, branch operations, and customer-focused leadership. In her role, she supports daily service operations of the Wilbraham Branch, provides employee development support to the branch team, and works closely with customers to BOSTON, MA — State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) announced today that he has secured targeted investments for local schools and infrastructure across the Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester District as part of the Massachusetts Senate’s $1.57 billion Fair Share supplemental budget.The legislation combines direct investments in education and transportation with policy changes to lower housing costs, strengthen the primary care workforce, and provide relief to cities and towns facing rising Springfield, Mass – February 5, 2026 — AnnieMac Home Mortgage is pleased to announce the hiring of Janna McLaughlin as a new Branch Manager, strengthening the company’s growing presence across Western Massachusetts.
A longtime Western Massachusetts resident, Janna has called Agawam, Massachusetts home for more than 20 years. She is a proud mom to her daughter Chloe and son Jackson, and brings professional expertise and deep local roots to her new role.Advancing through increasingly responsible roles Springfield, Mass. –The Applied Mortgage Team of HMA Mortgage is proud to announce that Lindsay Barron LaBonte, Branch Manager and Senior Loan Officer of the Applied Mortgage team, was honored recently with two astounding awards: she was recognized as one of the Loan Officer’s of the Year by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Associationand Best of the Valley’s Best of 2026 Podcaster. These prestigious honors recognize Lindsay’s exceptional achievements in the mortgage industry as well as her community
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Jacob Johnson has joined the Bank as Assistant Branch Manager of the Hampden Branch.
Johnson brings a strong background in customer-focused relationship management and financial services to Monson Savings Bank. In his role, he supports the day-to-day operations of the Hampden Branch, assists with staff development, and works directly with customers to provide a full range of personal and business banking solutions. He is focused on delivering Recognizing years of service and a culture rooted in appreciation. These 12 dedicated individuals, whose tenure ranges from 5 to 20 years, collectively represent an extraordinary 115 years of loyalty and service to Monson Savings Bank and local communities.
Monson, MA - Monson Savings Bank recognizes that its team members are the foundation of the community bank’s enduring success. With a steadfast commitment to valuing and celebrating its employees, the Bank meets their contributions with recognition and April 3, 2026, Chicopee, MA — Polish National Credit Union is participating in an FHLBank Boston program designed to make homeownership more affordable for lower-income borrowers.By participating in the Permanent Rate Buydown program, Polish National Credit Union can reduce the mortgage interest rates paid by borrowers earning up to 80% of area median income by up to 2%. The Permanent Rate Buydown product is available through FHLBank Boston’s Mortgage Partnership Finance® (MPF®) Program, which purchases
HOLYOKE, MA —Girls Inc. of the Valley will host a Grand Opening Celebration at its newly renovated headquarters in Holyoke, marking a major milestone in expanding opportunities for girls across the region to grow up strong, smart, and bold.
The event will honor the donors, partners, and community members whose support made the transformation possible, including securing $7.25 million through the fundraising effort led by the organization to fund the building’s renovation, while showcasing how the new West Springfield, MA, April 6, 2026 - Baystate Winair, located at 78 Kelso Avenue, West Springfield, isProud to announce that Dan Suse will assume the role of President. With a robust background in the industry and a deep commitment to customer service, Dan is ready to lead Baystate Winair into its next chapter while upholding the values that have made it a trusted name in the region.
As the only wholesale in the area that combines the benefits of local accountability with the resources of a nationwide BOSTON — State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) is applauding the Massachusetts Senate’s unanimous passage of S.3029, An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts, emphasizing its importance for Western Massachusetts and the region’s agricultural economy.
The legislation, commonly referred to as the FARM Bill, passed during the Senate’s formal session on Wednesday and makes significant investments in local farms, strengthens food access programs, and supports long-term agricultural
Please note: In all, 12 of Beacon Bank’s 148 branches are in the Pioneer Valley. They are in Springfield (3), Westfield (2), West Springfield, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, South Hadley, Southwick and Agawam.
For Immediate ReleaseMedia Contact:Alison Skratt, Corporate CommunicationsCommunications@BeaconBank.com413.769.6007
Beacon Bank invests $2.6 million in local nonprofits in 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, April 2, 2026 — Beacon Bank and the bank’s foundation BOSTON – State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) is inviting residents to visit a new exhibit now on display in the Massachusetts State House Senate Gallery, titled "Quabbin – Yesterday and Today," which highlights the history, legacy, and natural beauty of the Quabbin Reservoir region.
"Whether you're planning a trip to the State House during school vacation week or just looking for a reason to stop by Beacon Hill, this exhibit offers a terrific opportunity to connect with a defining piece of Western BOSTON — On Wednesday, State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) addressed participants at the 91st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS) at the Massachusetts State House, while also welcoming invited attendees from across his district for the two-day program focused on the state legislative process.Among those representing the district were Library Directors Joe Rodio of South Hadley and Stephanie Maher of Palmer, who attended the seminar at Senator Oliveira’s invitation. The program included two days of In a nod to their alma mater, UMass Amherst alumni Joe and Michael Maruca created a custom UMass bottle of extra virgin olive oil
East Longmeadow, MA (March 31, 2026) — UMass Amherst alumni and TRE Olive owners Joe and Michael Maruca announce the new release of a custom UMass 500 mL bottle of extra virgin olive oil.The UMass bottle features the award-winning TRE Olive Select, a well-balanced extra virgin olive oil that is slightly sharp and has a peppery finish. It’s made with 100% Carolea olives that are
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of John G. Williams to Branch Manager of the Wilbraham Branch. Williams, who previously served as Assistant Branch Manager at the Bank’s East Longmeadow location, brings over 11 years of banking and financial services experience, strong leadership abilities, and a deep commitment to exceptional customer service.
In his new role, Williams will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the Wilbraham Branch, guide and develop branch staff,
Members (Partial list) of The Yellow Jacket student magazine team posed during the publication’s relaunch. Pictured, left to right, Camden MacDonald, Jeyralee Santiago, Lorelei Reynolds, Samej Hill, Fenna Voll, Otstile Maphosa, and Victoria White. (photo by Leon Nguyen)
Springfield, MA — American International College (AIC) proudly announces the relaunch of its historic student publication, The Yellow Jacket, now redesigned in a digital magazine-style format with virtual newsroom that highlights
Most small businesses in the East of the River Five Town communities don't have a large agency retainer to call on. Industry research shows that 71% of businesses with annual revenue under $500,000 spend under $500 monthly on branding — confirming that a meaningful refresh has to fit the reality of lean operations. The good news: the highest-impact moves often cost nothing.The Myth of the Big Marketing Budget
If you've been putting off a brand refresh because it seems expensive, that assumption is March 23, 2026 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced a $10,000 donation to the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation (QVCDC) to support programs that strengthen local businesses and promote economic development throughout the region.QVCDC plays an important role in supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community members by providing access to resources, technical assistance, and business development services. Through Monson Savings Bank’s Employee Recognition Committee andDan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank’s President and CEO (center), present the President’s Award to Terry Poloski, VP Residential Lending Officer, NMLS # 23405 (center right,) and Melanie Garcia, Senior Commercial Loan Administrator (center left).
Monson, MA – Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce the distinguished recipients of the 2026 President’s Award, the highest honor presented by the Bank. This prestigious award recognizes employees who SPRINGFIELD —BusinessWest, in partnership with Innovate413, presents the StratAI Series, designed to help businesses develop practical AI strategies, smarter operations, and stronger growth. The first event in the series will focus on the manufacturing industry and will take place on Thursday, March 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Brian Corridan Center at STCC Technology Park. Register for free at https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar/stratai-series-one-manufacturing/.
The March 26 event will be moderated Country Bank Welcomes Ryan Stepalavich as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology OfficerMarch 12, 2026 - Country Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Stepalavich as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer. In this role, Stepalavich will lead the Bank’s technology strategy and oversee initiatives that support secure, efficient, and innovative banking experiences for both customers and team members.Stepalavich brings more than 26 years of information technology experience, including 14
Recognition from the world's most respected olive oil competition affirms TRE Olive's commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices
East Longmeadow, MA (March 12, 2026) — TRE Olive, a producer of premium extra virgin olive oils, announced it has been awarded two Silver Medals at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for its TRE Olive AO Extra Virgin Olive Oil and its TRE Olive Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The honor places TRE Olive among a select group of producers recognized 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
Building trust is essential, and leveraging customer testimonials
American International College Celebrates Its 141st Commencement Featuring Keynote Speaker Femita Ayanbeku
Monson Savings Bank Welcomes Stacee Duda as Assistant Branch Manager of Wilbraham Branch
Senator Jake Oliveira Secures Targeted Fair Share Investments for Local Schools and Infrastructure Across Western Massachusetts
AnnieMac Home Mortgage Welcomes Janna McLaughlin as New Branch Manager
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Applied Mortgage’s Lindsay Barron LaBonte Honored with Two Recent Awards
Monson Savings Bank Welcomes Jacob Johnson as Assistant Branch Manager of Hampden Branch
Monson Savings Bank Celebrates Employee Milestones with Years of Service Recognition
Polish National Credit Union offers assistance to homebuyers through FHLBank Boston Mortgage Rate Reduction Program
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Girls Inc. of the Valley Celebrates Grand Opening of Newly Renovated Holyoke Headquarters, Invites Media Coverage
Baystate Winair Announces Dan Suse as New President, Strengthening Commitment to Local Accountability and Customer Service
Senator Oliveira Applauds Senate Passage of FARM Bill, Highlights Impact on Western Massachusetts and Regional Equity
Beacon Bank invests $2.6 million in local nonprofits in 2025
Senator Oliveira invites residents to visit a new exhibit by Belchertown photographer on display in the Massachusetts State House Senate Gallery
Senator Jake Oliveira Speaks at 91st Citizens’ Legislative Seminar, Welcomes District Participants
TRE Olive Releases a Custom University of Massachusetts Bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Monson Savings Bank Announces the Promotion of John G. Williams to Wilbraham Branch Manager
American International College Relaunches The Yellow Jacket (1934) as Digital Magazine/Virtual Newsroom - with Arts, Media and Design Division
Brand Refresh on a Budget: What Actually Works for Small Businesses in Western Massachusetts
Country Bank supports Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation with a $10,000 Donation
Monson Savings Bank Announces 2026 President’s Award Winners
StratAI Event Brings Practical AI Strategies to Manufacturing Companies
Country Bank Welcomes Ryan Stepalavich as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
TRE Olive Earns Two Medals at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition
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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