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Jennifer Kinsman
Daniel McKellick
James Yesu
Kevin Chrisanthopoulos
Thank you for joining the GWCC!
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Place your Ad here
Call 568-1618 for
Details!
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Members -
Please, don't forget, you can submit your events with the link below.
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From the Executive Director
We focus on the most important economy. Yours.
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With our state and federal elections behind us, I am sure there is still some "wait and see" mindsets among us with regards to our state and federal economies, healthcare, education, and workforce development. Since we cannot change the outcomes, I hope you remain positive, believe the system will work, and continue to work together in building a strong economy.
Locally, we live in a great community with a plethora of
opportunities for businesses to build strong relationships,
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grow, and make an impact on workforce development issues. One such opportunity is to get involved with the Westfield Education2Business Alliance. This alliance is bridging education and businesses to help our educators prepare students for the workplace and we want your help. We are looking for businesses who employ people in the following areas to offer their expertise:
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● General Contractors
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● Healthcare
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● Dentistry
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● Media
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● Restaurant Management
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● Engineers
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● Hospitality
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● Architect
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● Banking
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● Fire
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● Politician
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● Police
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● Military
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● Auto Mechanic
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● Public Works
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● Graphics/Printing
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● Engineering
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● Information Technology (IT)
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Please contact me at 568.1618 or Stefan Czaporowski at 572.6403 ext. 5 if you would like to join our committees that will work with Pre-K to 12 grade students. These students will be your future workforce!
This Thursday is Thanksgiving and I know you know we have a great deal to be thankful for. From our staff to yours - enjoy your pie, your family, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Pam Bussell, administrative assistant; Carla Gesek, office assistant; and myself.
Best,
Kate Phelon
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53 Granby Road
P.O. Box 195
Granville, MA 01034
Main Chamber Contact: Jennifer Kinsman
Jennifer Kinsman has many years of experience in social services, advocacy work, and volunteering. After attending high school and Smith College in western Massachusetts, she relocated to New York, Louisiana, and Chicago, always with the intention of returning to this area with its beautiful countryside and reliable changes of the seasons.
Since moving to Granville in 1998, she has been active in her town and committed to volunteer work in her community, often encouraging friends to join in on projects. Her career has ranged from legal services to fundraising, designing and managing social service programs.
Jennifer has two sons in college and a daughter in high school. She has been a soccer mom for many years, and never tires of going to soccer games. Her two border collies are as much a part of the family as anyone else. An avid gardener, she turned an old in-ground swimming pool into a highly productive vegetable garden and enjoys sharing produce with family and friends.
When deciding to operate her own business, Acti-Kare was a natural fit for someone who loves to meet new people, cares deeply about the people who live in her community, and strongly believes that people thrive most when in their own home environment. "Over the years I have spent plenty of time caring for older family members who opted to stay at home with occasional outside help for as long as possible. These experiences have clearly illustrated the value of being in a familiar place. On the other hand, many of my friends did not choose that option for their parents or other loved ones, and some of them second-guessed themselves later on. New Englanders are sturdy people; I understand that most of them want to stay at home as they age. I would too!"
Acti-Kare offers a very supportive system for clients and employees. There is a process for nearly every situation that arises, based on extensive experience. "This is a wonderful company that offers a much needed service in our community. I love being able to match needs to resources with such wonderful outcomes. I am proud to be affiliated with Acti-Kare and the extensive variety of services it offers."
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94 North Elm Street
Suite 207
Westfield, MA 01085
Main Chamber Contact: Daniel McKellick
Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2015, the law firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C. is proud of its historic beginnings, a consistent involvement in the greater Springfield community and a respected position in the contemporary legal field. Individual client needs remain paramount in a demanding era of complex technology, with partners believing that the practice of law is an honored profession. High quality services and effective management have resulted in solid growth, with strong relationships formed between members of the firm and their clients. This reflects early aspirations held by the founders of the firm.
George A. Bacon opened his law practice on June 17,1895. He laid the groundwork for a highly specialized law practice with a focus on corporate and business law. As his practice flourished, he ventured into the political arena and continued to be very active in local and state government throughout the duration of his life. He was the founder of the Commercial Law League of America and Director of the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics, in addition to receiving many other distinctions. For the next sixty years, Bacon's firm consisted of three partners, then it started to grow in 1966 with the addition of Paul Salvage as an associate. Michael Katz followed in 1974 and Gary Fialky joined in 1975.
The Wilson side of Bacon Wilson started with Peter Wilson in 1945. He inherited his firm from two previous owners and built a thriving Real Estate and Probate practice. George Keady joined Wilson's firm in the early 1950's and Michael Ratner joined in 1966. Mr. Wilson eventually retired and Mr. Keady became a Superior Court judge, leaving Michael Ratner as the only remaining partner with several associates in his office.
In 1979 the two firms of George Bacon and Peter Wilson merged. With twelve lawyers, they became one of the largest and most distinguished firms in Springfield. The synergy of the two firms resulted in powerful growth. Now well rounded to include corporate, business, real estate and probate law, the firm became an even more prominent and respected legal entity in Western Massachusetts.
Now into its second century of existence, Bacon Wilson continues its involvement in civic affairs and contributes to the local community in many ways. As a result of the opening of branch offices in Westfield, Northampton and Amherst, Bacon Wilson now has an expanded presence and clientele throughout Western Massachusetts. The legacy begun by its founder, George A. Bacon, has resulted in professional excellence combined with a strong commitment to the community. The current team of attorneys and staff blends a wealth of knowledge and experience encompassing all aspects of the law. The entire firm shares pride in the role Bacon Wilson has played within the legal profession and the Springfield community for more than one hundred years, and the Bacon Wilson family is looking forward to serving the legal needs of Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut for the next one hundred years.
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First Congregational Church of Westfield
18 Broad Street
Westfield, MA 01085
Main Chamber Contact: James Yesu
The Rev. Elva Merry Pawle is our pastor. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has a BA in English and Religion from Duke University, and MA in American Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and a Master's of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. Pastor Elva enjoys gardening, walking, swimming, and bike riding. She has three adult children and two grandchildren.
About her ministry, Pastor Elva says:
"Jesus came that we 'may have life, and have it abundantly' (John 10:10b). At the core of my ministry is the conviction that God offers all humanity abundant life in Jesus. This abundant life isn't about having a lot of material things. Abundant life in Jesus grows from the assurance that we are deeply loved by God, and called to relationships of love and trust with God and one another".
As Pastor of First Congregational Church, I preach sermons drawn from the wisdom of the Bible and our day to day experiences. Leading Bible Study, teaching confirmation class, and visiting with people both within and outside the church are priorities for me in ministry. I find deep joy in hearing peoples' stories and discovering with them how God is active in our lives; how our stories are part of God's story.
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Kevin Chrisanthopoulos, Esq.
30 Court Street, Suite One
Westfield, MA 01085
413.251.1010
Main Chamber Contact: Kevin Chrisanthopoulos
Kevin Chrisanthopoulos, Esq. is a trial attorney located in Westfield, MA. He is heavily involved in the local community. KC Law concentrates in personal injury, business & civil litigation, and medical malpractice cases.
After 18 years working as a trial attorney for large firms based in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, Kevin is bringing that large firm litigation experience and his small town values to Westfield and surrounding towns. Kevin is an experienced litigator with winning results from small accidents to major medical malpractice matters.
Kevin believes that effective client representation starts with a thorough examination of every detail of a case. That process often leads him to discover the vital pieces of information that can make a difference at trial. Kevin knows being prepared to win at trial is the best way to keep clients out of court. He brings to client relationships a rare combination of personality traits: an aggressive litigator who nonetheless has both the ability and the inclination to resolve matters outside of the courtroom.
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HELPING OUT WITH THE COST OF EDUCATION:
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Awards
Two Tighe & Bond Scholarships
With the cost of education on a steady rise, scholarships can be a gateway for students to achieve their dreams of a college education. So it was good news when the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts recently announced the recipients of two Tighe & Bond college scholarship awards. These scholarships honor several of Tighe & Bond's former leaders and provide support for local college students pursuing engineering degrees. Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 550 charitable funds, which have been created either for the benefit of or by residents of the Pioneer Valley. Read more...
Tiffany Labrie, P.e. Named Outstanding UMASS College of Engineering Alumnus
Recipient of 2016 Junior Alumni Award for Engineering Achievements
The University of Massachusetts Amherst and its College of Engineering recognized Tighe & Bond Project Manager and Associate Tiffany Labrie, P.E. as an "extraordinary member" of its alumni community during an awards ceremony in Amherst held on September 30. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering presented Labrie with a 2016 College of Engineering Outstanding Junior Alumni Award for her substantial efforts and notable successes early in her career. This comes at a time when the importance of women and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has come sharply into focus.
Read more...
WESTFIELD ON THE WEEKENDS - Dickens Day Events Begin November 26th!
Now in its 13th magical year, Westfield Dickens Days is an exciting community-wide event inspired by Charles Dickens, his spirits & the Victorian Age. It's a month-long celebration of community. More than ever, it's a Dickens of a December in Westfield!
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)
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See What's Happening Locally!
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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.
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Join Us!
Upcoming GWCC Chamber Events
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December After 5 Connection
December, 2016 (MONDAY)
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A Slight Edge Salon
20 Elm Street
Westfield, MA
Thank you to our host
A Slight Edge Salon
! Sponsored by
Susan's Dog Services
. FREE for members, $10 for general admission. Refreshments served. Bring your business cards and make connections
! 50/50 Raffle to support two Citizen's Scholarships. We now accept on site credit cards for general admission.
Holiday Breakfast
December 16, 2016
7:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Tekoa Country Club
459 Russell Raod
Westfield, MA
Join us for our Annual Holiday Breakfast hosted by Tekoa Country Club. Featuring the Westfield High School Show Choir to spread some holiday cheer! 50/50 Raffle to support two Citizen's Scholarships! Holiday Spirit Beneficiary: Westfield Public Schools Food Pantries. Kindly bring in a non-perishable food item or grocery store gift card/cash to support students in need.
Thank you sponsors:
Westfield State University
, Platinum Sponsor;
Baystate Health and Savage Arms
, Gold Sponsors;
Easthampton Savings Bank and Walmart
, Silver Sponsors.
Tickets $25 Members/ $30 General Admission. RSVP by December 14, 2016. No refunds will be given after this date.
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Please enjoy some photographs from this months' events.
QuickBooks 101 Workshop
Presented by Gary Olszewski & Company, P.C.
5 Chamber Networking Event @ 180 Park!
November After 5 Connection @ Holiday Inn Express
CheckPoint Luncheon
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Chamber Executives with Lt. Governor
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Kim from CHD Cancer House of Hope, Sponsor
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Karyn Polito, Lt. Governor
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Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner
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2016 Business of the Year Award
Firtion Adams Funeral Service
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Dan Burack receiving award for serving as
President of the Board of Directors
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2016 Nonprofit of the Year
Westfield Technical Academy
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2016 Lifetime Achievement Award
George's Jewelers
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| Barbara Braem Jensen - Honorary Chamber Member with her husband Bob |
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| Our lively crowd at East Mountain Country Club |
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Congratulations to our members who are celebrating a Chamber anniversary. Thank you for your continued support.
One Year
Holiday Retirement Communities
MassLive
Hampden Village
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Please enjoy some photos from our November Coffee Hour at NetLogix:
Our next coffee hour is Monday, December 5, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. at BHN The Carson Center, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA! See you there!
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GWCC Meetings and Committees
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Here is a list of our committees and 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
The Ambassador Club meets on the third
Wednesday of the month at 4:45 p.m. at the Ranch Golf Club.
Board of Directors
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 9:00 am at Air Compressor Engineering. Please contact Kate Phelon @ 413.568.1618 if you would like to be a part of this committee.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 4:45 p.m. at the Ranch Golf Club.
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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 [email protected] 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
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| Time/Tallent
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Internships (Science) |
| Time/Talent |
Guest Speakers (Science) |
| Westfield Technical Academy |
25-30 gallons of paint (Auditorium) |
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25-30 gallons of paint (Gym) |
| Time
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Company employees to paint! |
| St. Mary's School
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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
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| Assembly Style or Small Group Speakers
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Positives of Social Media Career Building (Middle School) Healthy Living/Eating/Fitness
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| High School Students
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30 Hours of Community Service/year to graduate |
| Abner Gibbs Elementary School
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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)
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| Munger Hill Elementary School |
Computers Laptops Tablets Smartboards CD Players 8' x 4' Whiteboard to Mount on Wall Digital Cameras Projection Screen Phone System
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| Batteries
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AA, AAA, C, D |
| Classrooms |
Partitions to Divide Classrooms Folding Tables
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| Southampton Road Elementary School
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Individual Headphones for Students (440 sets) |
| Construction |
Sidewalk behind school installed |
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East Mountain Road Transition Program
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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
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Time
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Internships: High School Age through 22 Years. Varying levels of ability, job shadowing and staffing. Please contact
[email protected].
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City of Westfield Info Bites
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CITY HALL
59 Court Street
Westfield MA 01085
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Tel: (413) 572.6201
Fax: (413) 572.6274
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THE CITY OF WESTFIELD PRESENTS: THE MAYOR'S TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Mayor Brian Sullivan and the City of Westfield are happy to celebrate the kickoff of the Holiday Season with the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony. On Saturday, November 26, in conjunction with Westfield on Weekends, the lighting of the City's 20 foot tree will immediately follow the Lanternlight Parade and start at approximately 6:30 pm on the Green at Park Square.
The Lanternlight Parade will kick off at 6:15 from 51 Franklin Street, and head toward Elm Street, proceeding south to the Green. Once at the Green, the lighting ceremony will begin. Immediately following the ceremony there will be caroling, Santa and hot cocoa will be available. The community is invited to come early and participate in other events taking place throughout the day. Downtown stores will be open for the annual Shop Small, ShopLocal event as well.
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan: "This is a great community event to begin the holiday season. It is a time to come together and be thankful and positive through the holidays. I look forward to this event every year. "
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For Manufacturing Members
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AIM, Associated Industrial of Massachusetts
To see a full listing of their calendar of events and seminars, please click the link:
Massachusetts Export Center
The Massachusetts Export Center's Export Expo
For more information, or to register visit:
EXPO
Join us to learn about the Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which is available to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services (
click here to learn more about the STEP program).
The Massachusetts STEP program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Export Center, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
This webinar will discuss the parameters of the Massachusetts STEP program and walk participants through the STEP application process. The webinar will provide guidance on completing the application and discuss specific elements that are critical for successful applicants. The webinar will also provide tips on assessing export readiness and planning international marketing activities in support of the STEP application.
Please note: There will be no advantage for early applicants. We encourage you to participate in one of the webinars and compile a thorough, thoughtful and strategic application for the greatest chance of approval. Those applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting with a well-planned export strategy will have the best likelihood of success!
STEP application deadline is Friday, December 16, 2016.
Dates: Choose either Friday, November 18 or Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Webinar
Cost: No charge
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at 617-973-8664
MassMep Manufacturing Extension Partnerhsip
Next Generation Manufacturer is a monthly enewsletter designed to provide the resources you need to put advanced manufacturing to work for your company. Please forward this newsletter to interested colleagues or use our online sign-up.
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| All members are encouraged to submit their news to be published at no cost! The deadline for submission is the third Thursday, 5:00 pm of every month. Sponsorships and/or advertising is 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. |
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