GWCC Connection
In This Issue
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
New Members

Bill Pesch

Susan Beaudry

Pamela Fortier

Thank you for joining the GWCC!   
Returning Members!

Welcome Back!
Find a Chamber Member or Service
 
 

Place your Ad here
Call 568-1618 for
Details!


 
Members -
Please, don't forget, you can submit your events with the link below.
 







May 2016
We focus on the most important economy. Yours.


What a busy month we had in May and I hope you had a chance to attend at least one of our events.  Not only did we provide great networking opportunities, we also added three new members.   We are on way to achieving our membership goal for 2016!
 
For all of you who contributed to our $1000 Dollars for Scholars - I want to say thank you and introduce the recipients of this year's scholarships.  I also want to thank Dawn Thomas, First VP of our board of directors for presenting the Southwick scholarship, as their event was the same evening as our Chamber's golf tournament.  Meet the recipients:

 

 
Nicole Porter is the Westfield's recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.  Nicole is a sophomore at the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University in Connecticut. She plans on attending graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania upon graduating in 2019.  She is extremely appreciative of this scholarship as she recognizes the value!  Good luck Nicole.
 
James Stratton is the Southwick's recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. James is attending the University of Rhode Island as an undeclared business major.  We wish the best of luck to James.  Dawn Thomas, First VP of the Chamber's board of directors presented the scholarship to James - thank you!
 
 

Before I sign off - we are adding an additional section ... THIS JUST IN...to our enewsletter that will contain either time sensitive information or pertinent opportunities for your company.  I receive these notices periodically and need to share them with the membership.  Please take a moment to check this out!
 
With our rapid and continuing growth - we need Ambassadors for our new members; please consider signing up! Call me for details.
 
Remember - if you work the Chamber, the Chamber works for you!
 
Best,

 
Kate Phelon
Executive Director

This Just In...
THE FY17 WORKPLACE SAFETY TRAINING & EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM

Program's Fiscal Year 2017 - Safety Training Grant.

The Department of Industrial Accident's Office of Safety has released the FY17 Workplace Safety Training & Education Grant Program Application for submission by July 1, 2016.

Please review all instructions carefully as some requirements may have changed.  The objective of this program is to promote safe and healthy conditions in the workplace by awarding state funds to eligible applicants who submit responses designed to provide and improve safety education and training in Occupational Safety and Health to employers/employees within the Commonwealth covered by the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Law (M.G.L. Chapter 152). Complete instructions, will be detailed in the FY17 Safety Training Grant Application.

Prepare and  submit your grant application as outlined in the instructions.  Incomplete applications cannot be processed unless all requested documents are included. 

For your convenience, we have created the grant application and contractual documents as writable PDF files.  The grant application and supporting documents as outlined in the check off summary must be submitted electronically as one document.  Multiple attachments and zip files cannot be accepted.

Please remember to apply for and submit a copy of your Department of Revenue (DOR) Certificate of Good Standing with your application and contractual documents. A Certificate of Good Standing less than 6 months old must be provided at the time of submission.  The fastest and easiest way to obtain a Certificate is online through MassTaxConnect  https://mtc.dor.state.ma.us/mtc 

Applicants must be in full compliance with all obligations to the Department of Unemployment Assistance, Department of Industrial Accidents, and any other obligations to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Applicants found to be non-compliant will be removed from consideration until all compliance issues have been resolved.  

Prepare and submit  original contractual documents as outlined in the instructions.   ALL signatures and dates must be original and in ink. Stamps will not be accepted.   If you have questions or need assistance with grant application only, please contact Deven Awalt 617-727-4900 ext. 7404 or Maria Pesantes at 617-727-4900 ext. 7376.  You may also refer all questions to safety@dia.state.ma.us.

Relevant documents:


Apply Now for the 2016 Massachusetts Wellness Tax Credit! 
 
Small businesses (200 or fewer employees) that establish a certified wellness program may be eligible to apply for a state tax credit of up to 25% of the cost of their wellness program (maximum credit is $10,000 per year)
 
Businesses must meet certain eligibility requirements and must apply by December 31, 2016 to be considered.
 
Tax Credit Checklist:
  • See if your  business and wellness program qualify: www.mass.gov/wellnesstaxcredit
  • Certify your wellness program by completing a short, online application available at www.mass.gov/wellnesstaxcredit
  • Submit your Certificate and Seal of Approval with your 2016 tax return (You will receive a Certificate and Seal of Approval upon approval for the tax credit).
If you are a small business, take advantage of this cost saving opportunity! Learn more at www.mass.gov/wellnesstaxcredit.


Western MA Developers Conference 

This regional conference is designed to connect business leaders, developers, real estate professionals and public officials from Western MA and across the Northeast. It will highlight the region's assets and development opportunities; sharing why it's an exceptional place to invest, launch and grow business.  For more information on the day's activities and to register, click the picture below!



Chamber Member News



New WOW Logo

Westfield MusicFest2016 Lineup Announced

Westfield on Weekends (WOW) is pleased to announce the lineup for their summer concert series in downtown Westfield. On three Thursday evenings in June, July and August, music for the whole family will fill the air across the Green.
 
On June 16, Still Kickin' with the Big City Horns will kick off the series with classic 60's, 70's rock and blues.  The 10-piece band is punctuated by a five-piece horn section featuring none other than Westfield's own WHS band director, Patrick Kennedy on trumpet and vocals. 

July 21, 100.9 KIX Country will present a national country act just they have done in past years.  Stay tuned for details as the date rolls closer.

August 25 brings a classic unmistakable 70's sound to the Westfield Green as Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, TUSK takes the stage. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, TUSK leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world's best-loved, top-selling bands.
 
MusicFest2016 will open each concert at 6:00 pm featuring some great local talent. Each evening of music will open with a homegrown act from greater Westfield.  Expect some wonderful surprises.  You never know who is going to be the next breakout star on national tour and you just might be seeing them first on the Westfield Green!
 
Westfield on Weekends is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to assist in efforts supporting the revitalization of Downtown Westfield, to sustain arts and culture in our City, and to provide resources for groups with like-minded missions in branding Westfield as a dynamic community.

MusicFest2016 could not happen without the support of businesses and individuals that sponsors that support this annual concert series.  Thank you to our Sponsors, The Tavern and Commercial Distributing.  If you'd like to be part of this support, contact Westfield on Weekends, a 501(c)3 non-profit, at 105 Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085, or by calling 413-579-5967, or at events@westfieldonweekends.com.


Westfield State Thrives 100 Days Into President Ramon S. Torrecilha's Leadership

Westfield State University President Ramon S. Torrecilha officially completed his first 100 days on Saturday, April 30. To commemorate the milestone, Westfield State University has released a 100 Day Report detailing how the university has evolved under his leadership.   Read more...

Westfield State Alumnus and Orange Resident Travon Godette Chosen 
As 29 Who Shine Recipient

Westfield State University alumnus Travon Godette '16 of Orange, Mass. has been named the Westfield State recipient of the 29 Who Shine award by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. These awards honor 29 outstanding public college and university graduates, one from each community college, state university, and UMass campus in the state, for their academic achievement and community service.  The students were honored earlier this month at a State House ceremony attended by Governor Baker, state education officials, campus presidents, faculty, and students.  Read more...

Westfield State Hires Local Higher Ed Professional Dr. Erica Broman
As Vice President for Institutional Advancement 

After a nation-wide search assisted by Academic Search Inc., Westfield State University has selected Dr. Erica Broman as the new vice president for Institutional Advancement.  Read more...

Westfield State Hires Public Relations Professional Tricia Oliver
as Director of Campus Communication

"Ms. Oliver's unique expertise in public relations spans across higher education, the health care field, and the private sector," said Westfield State University President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha. "Her diverse skill set will be beneficial in promoting the university's mission and increasing its visibility both on and off campus."  Read more...

Whip City Candle Launches The Creative Hub
 
Whip City Candle is so excited to announce the Opening of The Creative Hub: 28 North Elm St.
  • Offering an eclectic variety of recycled items (an antique store of sorts for artists/crafters/Teachers/Pinterest pinners.)         
  • DIY workshops and guided classes. Studio Space for parties also available
  • Open Daily Studio space for everyone (bring your own craft or choose from a variety of crafts.) All recycled items in this area will be free. Let's keep as much out of our landfills as possible. For  Only $5.00 for 90 minutes! Great place to bring your kids to unleash their imaginations, meet up with a group of friends, or simply change up your view to create your next master piece!
   Look for postings SOON for HRS and more details... "Imagination is the highest kite one can fly" (unknown)
 
Our Wish List...Your Trash our Treasure!  
 
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN
Carpet samples,) formica, wallpaper, tile (colorful - 4x4 max), paint chip samples, upholstery books, upholstery swatches (6x6 or larger), architectural sample books, wood samples, contact paper.
ARTIST SUPPLIES
Most types of paint), brushes, pastels, glue, chalk, ink, carving tools, stencils, transfer letters, crayons, markers, rulers, clay, glue guns, silk screens, canvas (blank and used), easels, grout.
COLLAGE & SCRAPBOOKING
Stickers, scrapbook paper, embellishments, punches, rubber stamps, stamp pads, playing cards, maps, calendars, select magazines (see list below), postage stamps, photographs, postcards.
CONTAINERS
Small glass jars with lids, tins, jewelry boxes, small cardboard boxes, shopping bags, prescription bottles, plastic crates, cigar boxes, coffee tins, Rubbermaid type bins, buckets, small tubes, small plastic containers, bubble wrap, burlap sacks.
CRAFT SUPPLIES
Pipe cleaners, craft foam, bike tire tubes, feathers, glitter, doll supplies, marbles, game and puzzle pieces, silk flowers, wine corks (plastic and cork), pinback buttons, candle wax, straws, shells, pinecones, trophies.
FABRIC AND NOTIONS
Fabric, zippers, buttons, beads, jewelry pieces, thread, sewing needles, sewing pins, sewing tools, sewing patterns, ribbon, Velcro, leather, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, wool scraps, sweater scraps, felt.
GIFT WRAP & PARTY SUPPLIES
Wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, raffia & Easter grass, greeting cards & envelopes, party decorations, ribbon and   bows, Mylar balloons, holiday gift wrap (non-xmas) & party supplies.
HOLIDAY 
Wrapping paper, cards, unfinished/unused holiday-themed craft materials. MAT BOARD, FRAMING, SIGN MAKING, Mat board, foam core, frames, acrylic, Plexiglas, corrugated plastic, sign board, adhesive vinyl.
MEDIA/TECH
CDs, CD cases, cassettes, cassette tape cases, records, film canisters, slides, floppy disks, telephone wire, coated wire, motherboards, photography equipment, overhead projectors, slide projectors, cameras.
METAL
Bottle caps, metal jar lids, tins, ornate metal fixtures (hooks, doorknobs, etc.), uncoated wire, screws, nails, keys, tools.
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, hole punches, staplers, staples, staple removers, tape dispensers, tape, file folders (manila, pocket and hanging - no legal size), spiral note pads, small notepads, clipboards, tab dividers, transparencies, rubber bands, paperclips, envelopes, labels, binders (no logos), plastic/metal organizers .
PAPER
Copy paper, cardstock, letterhead, art paper and pads, construction paper, small rolls of paper, large rolls of paper, poster board, paper sample books, select art books, blueprints, sturdy cardboard tubes.
PLASTIC
Colorful bottle caps, miscellaneous colorful bits, old gift cards/key cards, straws, plastic produce netting, spools.
WOOD
Small blocks and boards, sheets of cork, craft wood, spools, dowels, stretcher bars, Popsicle sticks.
VINTAGE
Photos, paper ephemera, small bits, jewelry, linens, postcards, greeting cards, notions, magazines, sewing patterns, craft.

Types of magazines we accept:
  • Arts and crafts
  • Home and garden
  • Fashion
  • Photography
  • Pop culture
  • National Geographic
Vintage (1979 and earlier)

See What's Happening Locally!

 

Please visit our Member Event Calendar on our website here:  Calendar

 

Let's make our Chamber website the "go to" site to see what is happening!  This is another "value" added benefit for our members.

Join Us!  Upcoming GWCC Chamber Events
June After 5 Connection
June 8, 2016
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Westfield Bank
462 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077


Hosted by Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick! This is a great opportunity to network - don't forget your business cards! $10 for Members and $15 for Non-Members (cash at the door). This is our largest After 5 Connection!!  Casual beach attire - wear your flip flops!! Refreshments will be served.  

June Chamber Breakfast
June 17, 2016
7:00 to 9:00 a.m.
The Ranch Golf Club
65 Sunnyside Road
Southwick, MA 01077

Please join us for our annual June Chamber Breakfast hosted by The Ranch Golf Club located at 65 Sunnyside Road in Southwick, MA.  Sponsors:  Mestek, Platinum; Berkshire Bank, Gold; First Niagara, Silver; Spherion Staffing, Coffee Bar.   Guest Speaker: Anthony D. Gulluni, Hampden County District Attorney


Tickets $25 Members/$30 Non-Members;  50/50 Raffle to support two Citizen's Scholarships.
Chamber Members who are registered for the breakfast can golf for $45.00 with a cart following the breakfast. Please call the Golf Shop to reserve your spot and mention that you are a Chamber Member. 413.569.9333 ext. 3. For more information or to donate a door prize for the event, please call Pam at the Chamber at 413.568.1618.

A Networking Night in the Tropics
June 22, 2016
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Hadley Farms Meeting House
41 Russell Street, Route 9
Hadley, MA 01035


Join us for a networking event in conjunction with the Greater Chicopee and South Hadley & Granby Chambers of Commerce featuring island/beach music by Rum & Steel.  Taste the food of the islands:  tropical beef empanadas, friend plantains stuffed with vegetables, coconut shrimp skewers, mango avocado salad in filo cups and mango salsa.  $15 for Chamber Members and $20 for Non-Chamber Members.

Chamber Workshops
Wage & Hour Law Compliance
June 13, 2016
8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Presented by:
Royal, P.C.
Host:
Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA


Save the date for this upcoming workshop.   The Department of Labor estimates that proposed amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act will impact nearly 5 million employees currently classified as exempt.  How many of your employees will be impacted by this change?  Royal, P.C. will present an informational seminar addressing the challenges employers face related to these anticipated amendments and other areas of wage and hour laws.  As this events gets closer , we will update our website and provide registration information.

Photos!

Please enjoy some photographs from this months' events.

Beacon Hill Day


Southwick Home and Business Show



May After 5 Connection at Bella MedSpa



Economic Impact of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail Workshop


55th Annual Golf Tournament
Our Fabulous Volunteers!

WG&E, Flowers by Webster & Mina's Wine & Spirits!

Our "Best Dressed" Foursome!

Group from Mestek!

null
Clem Fucci & Dan Burack

Patrick Berry & Michelle Patterson

Getting ready to tee-off!


Our Title Sponsor: John Hoime of Alternative Health, Inc.


Chamber Ribbon Cuttings and Dedications
All Natural Reiki Ribbon Cutting


Columbia Greenway Rail Trail Sign Dedication


Stanley Park Dedication Ribbon Cutting for New Beveridge Pavilion Complex



Member Salutes
Congratulations to our Members who are celebrating an anniversary.  Thank you for your continued support.

One Year

Aaron's, Inc.
Designer Consignor
Mobius Works, LLC

Ten Years

Christian C. Carey, Architect
PeoplesBank
Dunkin Donuts
Mayor's Coffee Hour
coffee_blank.jpg

The May Mayor's Coffee Hour was at The Arbors at Westfield...please enjoy a photo from the event:




Our next coffee hour is Monday, June 6, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. at Tekoa Country Club! See you there!

GWCC Board Meetings and Committees

 

Ambassador Club

The Ambassador Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at  4:30 pm at the Ranch Golf Club.

 

Board of Directors

The GWCC Board of Directors meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Your Board of Directors is listed here: http://www.westfieldbiz.org/directors-officers.html.

  

Business & Community Affairs Committee

Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at 8:00 am at Annino, Draper & Moore at 75 Broad Street. 

 

Events Committee

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 am at Air Compressor Engineering. Please contact Kate Phelon @ 413.568.1618 if you would like to be a part of this committee.

 

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month.

 

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Monday of every month at Betts Plumbing & Heating, Co.

 

Here is a list of our committees and contact names. We welcome current and new members to get involved.  Please feel free to contact the chairpersons below if you would like to participate on a committee.

   

 

Ambassador Club Dino Gravanis
Anne Woodson
dino@theranchgolfclub.com
Anne Woodson
Business & Community Affairs Committee Cal Annino cannino@admlawfirm.com
Events Committee Jeannie Miller kphelon@westfieldbiz.org
Marketing Committee Alfonso Santaniello alfonso@tcsaonline.com
Membership Committee Kim Rexford kimr@bettsplumbing.com

 

Westfield Schools

Adopt-A-School Program


The leadership at each school has proved the Chamber a list of their needs to include: TIME, TALENT, & SUPPLIES.  The response has been fabulous. Now it's time for the businesses to respond. 

If your company has the capability to provide speakers, internships, and/or supplies, please call me at 413.568.1618 or email me at  kphelon@westfieldbiz.org with the item listed below that your company would like to support.  Let's support our future business owners, entrepreneurs, and workforce!


 Also, let's share these great partnerships by taking photos of the exchange and sending it our local newspaper, getting it on Facebook and other social media to show our community and others what great connections can be made by working together.

 

ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM WISH LIST

School

Wish List

Westfield High School

30 Individualized White Boards with Markers

ELMO'S (many)

Large Photo Albums

Copiers

2 Laptops that will run CD's

Scanner

Projector/Copier/Scanner/Screen Elander's Transition Site

Scanner w/Kurzweil Program


 

Time/Tallent


 

Internships (Science)

Time/Talent

Guest Speakers (Science)

Westfield Technical Academy

25-30 gallons of paint (Auditorium)


 

25-30 gallons of paint (Gym)

Time
 

Company employees to paint!

St. Mary's School
 

Lined Paper

White or Colored Copier Paper

Post-its, pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, markers/highlighters, glue sticks, paper clips

Playground supplies:  jump ropes, frisbees, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, basketballs, kickballs


 

City:
 

Internet Free Zone (wi-fi)

Assembly Style or Small Group Speakers
 

Positives of Social Media

Career Building (Middle School)

Healthy Living/Eating/Fitness


 

High School Students
 

30 Hours of Community Service/year to graduate

Abner Gibbs Elementary School
 

20-30 iPads/Tables

Electronic 3 hole punch machine

Manilla Folders (several boxes)

1" 3-Ring Binders (10)

2" or 3"  3-Ring Binders (10)

Poster Making Machine

Pre-cut tennis balls for desks/chairs (200)


 

Munger Hill Elementary School

Computers 

Laptops

Tablets

Smartboards

CD Players

8' x 4' Whiteboard to Mount on Wall

Digital Cameras 

Projection Screen

Phone System


 

Batteries
 

AA, AAA, C, D

Classrooms

Partitions to Divide Classrooms

Folding Tables


 

Southampton Road Elementary School
 

Individual Headphones for Students (440 sets)

Construction

Sidewalk behind school installed

East Mountain Road Transition Program
Arts and Crafts supplies
Sewing Supplies 
Sewing Machine
Basic Cooking Supplies
Large Toaster Oven
Dry Kitchen Goods
Playground and Recreational Equipment
Fishing Gear
Outdoor and Gardening Supplies and Tools
Bikes and Helmets
Loose Change for Learning Purposes

Time
Internships:  High School Age through 22 Years.  Varying levels of ability, job shadowing and staffing.  Please contact d.tompkins@schoolsofwestfield.org.


City of Westfield Info Bites

 

Brian Sullivan, Mayor

City of Westfield
CITY HALL
59 Court Street
Westfield MA 01085
Tel: (413) 572.6201
Fax: (413) 572.6274


For Manufacturing Members

 

AIM, Associated Industrial of Massachusetts

 

Here's the latest from the International Business Council May 26, 2016 Update.

 

To see a full listing of their calendar of events and seminars, please click the link:

 

   

GWCC eNewsletter

Promote your company for only $75.00!

 

Each month a Chamber member has the opportunity to submit a write-up on their company and the profile will be under the "Member Spotlight". Please submit images no wider than 440px.

 

All members are encouraged to submit their upcoming events to be published at no cost! The deadline for submission is the third Thursday, 5:00 pm of every month.

 

Sponsorships and/or advertising are available to you in our newsletter. Please contact the Chamber office at 568.1618 for more information.

 

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce serves the communities of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Tolland, Southwick, and Westfield.