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ERC5 East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce

Meet the 2026 Difference Makers

CommunityChamberGeneral News ArticlePress ReleaseHuman Interest







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, LLC
  • Rachelle Hannoush, Director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western Massachusetts
  • Jess Miller, Comedian and Founder, The Kind Squad
  • Darby O’Brien, Owner, Darby O’Brien Advertising
  • Julie Quink, Managing Principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.
  • Edward Sokolowski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group
  • Margaret Tantillo, Executive Director, O’Dell Women’s Center
  • Zeno Temple, Founder, Just Us Movement
 
Their stories were featured in the February 16 issue of BusinessWest, published digitally at https://businesswest.com/issues/feb-16-2026/#p=1.
 
The Difference Makers awards gala 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 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkart Pizzanelli, P.C., TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.
 
BusinessWest launched the Difference Makers program in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of Western Massachusetts. As our honorees have shown, there are many ways to make a difference within our community, such as working on initiatives aimed at improving quality of life; succeeding in business, public service, or education; inspiring others to get involved; and making an imaginative effort to help solve societal issues.
 
For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email mercado@businesswest.com.
 
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Meet the 2026 Difference Makers