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New Members

Camp K-9 Doggie Day Camp and Boardingamp K-9 Doggie Day Camp and Boarding
Ali Connor

Michelle Chisholm

Jay Beaton

Denise McCarthy

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December 2016
From the Executive Director
We focus on the most important economy. Yours.

 

As we wrap up 2016, I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for making your Chamber great!  As the executive director, I have the great fortune of meeting all you individually -  at one time or another - and while it may at times be too brief, please know that it is important to me that at least we meet!  My New Year's resolution (I am thinking big!) is for every business to know every other business in our Chamber community.  Let's make this happen together and see what great ideas, connections, and impact it could have!

Next week the Chamber office is closed (I will be checking email, so please send them!), but the staff and I need to not think about deadlines, event planning, public affairs, the economy, 1000 problems facing our members and the Mayor!  Rest assured, we will be back in 2017 refreshed, ready to sell, assist, anticipate, plan, build, and whatever else is needed to help our members.
 
Speaking of 2107 we will be adding a new employee to replace Carla Gesek.  I want to thank Carla for her time with the Chamber and wish her the very best in her new role.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS ~ HAPPY HANUKKAH ~ HAPPY HOLIDAYS  (to be ecumenically correct!)

Best,
   
Kate Phelon

This Just In...

New Chamber Member
202 Union Street
Westfield, MA 01085
Main Chamber Contact: Ali Connor

Camp K-9 Doggie Day Camp is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Nick and Ali Connor. Camp K-9 was established  in 2015, with inspiration from their Labrador Retriever Riley.  What sets us apart is that we build family here. We interact with our pack members on both a professional and personal basis.  Camp K-9 offers Doggie Day Camp, Sleepovers, Bathing and Brushing and an Indoor Dog Park & Fungility Gym! We offer a clean, fun,  safe, supervised environment for dogs to play and socialize. Pet parents can bring their four-legged companions for as little as a few hours of play or as much as a few weeks. We cater to the avid dog lover who wants the best for their dog but may not have time in their busy day to do it all. We strive to provide our four-legged friends the balance of exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and human companionship they deserve. At Camp K-9 we believe a tired dog is a happy dog!  

Our staff is trained in Pet First Aid and CPR. Our team is also registered & certified with the IBPSA (International Boarding Pet Service Association), as well as, being a part of the Dog Gurus and organization dedicated to safe off-leash play.  









New Chamber Member

845 Airport Industrial Park Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Main Chamber Contact: Michelle Chisholm

DAS Alarms Systems is a locally owned leading provider of Fire and Security Systems located at 845 Airport Industrial Park Road, Westfield MA. Since 1998, DAS has served thousands of clients including, restaurants, medical facilities, apartment complexes, education facilities, industrial sites residential properties and more in the community and surrounding states. We provide a full range of services for fire, security, CCTV and access control, from installation to service, inspections and monitoring. DAS is an authorized service provider for the following manufactures: Siemens, NAPCO, Axis, Honeywell and Continental. Please contact DAS at 413.568.3547 or email above for more information. MA Lic # 1452
New Chamber Member

83B Main Street
Westfield, MA 01085
Main Chamber Contact: Jay Beaton

Jayzz is a small, cozy cafe offering gourmet coffee, home baked goods, salads and sandwiches, free wifi, as well as a portable recharging system for customer's phone and tablets. Local students and working professionals will find a great space to get work done while they enjoy some of jayzz homemade foods, hot coffee and teas. Make Jayzz your new local hangout cafe.
New Chamber Member

1025 Main Street 
Holyoke, MA 01040
Main Chamber Contact: Denise McCarthy

At Marcotte Ford in Holyoke, auto sales have been our business for more than 50 years. We are one of the premier Ford dealers MA has come to know and trust. We have assisted drivers throughout Western Massachusetts find dependable cars. Whether you are searching for new or used cars for sale or need to have your current vehicle serviced, we are the place to visit.

Our dealership in Holyoke, MA is highly committed to customer service. We strive to make your experience with Marcotte Ford a good one - for the entire life of your vehicle. We offer a wide range of parts and services to keep your vehicle like new - tires, brakes, oil change, and much more, including a free alignment check. Whether you are looking to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford, you've come to the right place.

There's no reason to head to any other Ford dealerships, MA drivers rely on us for quality automobiles they can depend on for years to come. You can trust the experienced Holyoke sales team at Marcotte Ford to find you a great deal on a new or pre-owned vehicle. With an expansive, diverse selection of new and used cars, as well as a qualified and experienced service team, we have all you need when it comes to purchasing, financing, and maintaining your Ford!

Visit our website, customers can not only find a vehicle, but also get a price quote, browse specials, apply for credit, order parts, and even ask questions to our highly knowledgeable staff.

When it comes to quality Ford dealers, MA and the surrounding areas can always depend on Marcotte Ford in Holyoke. 

New Chamber Member
 
2112 Riverdale Street No. 2
West Springfield, MA 01089
Main Chamber Contact: Trina Weiswasser

The Mercy Continuing Care Network, an affiliate of Mercy Medical Center and the Sisters of Providence Health System, provides a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient facilities include skilled nursing (Mt. St. Vincent Care Center, Mary's Meadow, Farren Care Center), rest home (Beaven Kelly Home and St. Luke's Home) and independent living (Providence Place at Ingleside). Outpatient services are comprised of PACE (Mercy LIFE), adult day care (Mercy Adult Day Health of Westfield), certified and private duty home care (Mercy Home Care and Mercy Companions) and end of life care (Mercy Hospice).
Chamber Member News

City Stage Quality 1

Stand Up & Sing for CityStage & Symphony Hall

We all know how important CityStage & Symphony Hall is to our community - now let's Stand Up &
Sing about it! This is your chance to be the star at CityStage while showing your support for the Arts &
Live Entertainment in Downtown Springfield!

On Wednesday January 18, Stand Up & Sing for CityStage & Symphony Hall welcomes Maxxtone to
CityStage for a LIVE Karaoke event you won't soon forget- just you, the microphone, and the band
(and some celebrity guests)!

Throughout the evening local politicians, celebrities, and community leaders will be making
appearances on stage to perform LIVE with the band. Past participants include Springfield Mayor
Domenic Sarno, Jeff Sattler, president of Nuvo Bank, James Kessler of Health New England, Suit Up
Springfield, Market Mentors, The Plankey Family, and other familiar faces brave enough to Stand Up
& Sing!

For a sponsorship of $500, each participating company or organization will receive:

 One spot in the Evening's line up to perform
 Twenty complimentary tickets to the event and Tailgate Party
 Sponsor recognition throughout the evening:  - on stage, on lobby monitor and table signage

Want to challenge someone ELSE to Stand Up & Sing? We can help!  From online donation pages to on-site donation collections, CityStage & Symphony Hall can help  create some friendly inter-office competition to see who will have to Stand Up & Sing!

Don't want to sing? We have a sponsorship level for that, too!

This is a great way to showcase your business or organization and
create a unique team building experience.

Maxxtone is a five piece Pop-Rock band from the Springfield, MA area. The band has been performing together
since May of 2003. Founding member Aaron Fay (vocals) has years of experience playing in a multitude of
national touring cover bands and original acts. His diversity along with veteran musicians Pete Maserati
(guitar), Jesse Casinghino (drums/vocals), Ed "Stylz" Blizniak (sound, guitar and vocals) and Nate Fay (bass)
make Maxxtone one of the best Pop-Rock bands in the Northeast.  For more information, contact Tina D'Agostino at 413.788.7646.



DAS Alarm Systems Delivers a Sled Full of Toys to Baystate Children's Hospital

DAS alarms Systems, Inc. a locally owned leading provider of Fire and Security Systems lent a helping hand to Santa recently by delivering a sled full of new toys to Baystate Children's Hospital.   Read more...


Mercy Continuing Care Network Recognized for Excellence

Three Mercy Continuing Care Network facilities have received the 'Excellence in Action' award from My InnerView, the nation's leading provider of performance-improvement solutions for the senior care industry.  Mount Saint Vincent Care Center, Mary's Meadow at Providence Place and Providence Place, all in Holyoke, have been recognized for continuous quality improvement and superior resident and patient satisfaction.   Read more...

Mercy Medical Center Again Recognized as Community Value Hospital

For the tenth consecutive year, Mercy Medical Center has been recognized as a top-ranked Community Value Provider by Cleverley + Associates (Columbus, OH), a leading healthcare financial consulting firm specializing in operational benchmarking and performance enhancement strategies. Mercy's designation is noted in the independent organization's recent publication: State of the Hospital Industry - 2016 Edition. Read more...

PeoplesBank stacktag

PeoplesBank Named "A Top Place to Work"

PeoplesBank has once again been named "A Top Place to Work" by The Boston Globe. The bank was the only company in Western Massachusetts to be named to the list.   Read more...

PeoplesBank Announces Key Promotions

PeoplesBank has announced the promotions and appointments of several key associates. 
 
Matthew Bannister was promoted to First Vice President Marketing and Innovation. Mr. Bannister previously served as Vice President of Corporate Responsibility.  He possesses more than 30 years of brand management and corporate social responsibility experience. A resident of Hadley, Mr. Bannister holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
 
David Thibault was promoted to First Vice President Cash Management Sales and Support Manager. He previously served as Vice President Cash Management Sales and Support Manager. Mr. Thibault possesses 17 years of banking experience. A resident of Palmer, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Norwich University and a Master of Business Administration from Western New England University.
 
Steve Parastatidis was promoted to Vice President Commercial Lending. He previously served as Assistant Vice President Commercial Loan Officer. A resident of Hampden, Mr. Parastatidis has more than 10 years of financial and banking experience focusing on commercial & industrial and investment real estate transactions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Western New England University.
 
Tammy Bordeaux was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Regional Manager, Retail. She previously served as Assistant Vice President Business Banking Center Manager. Ms. Bordeaux has more than 19 years of banking experience. A resident of Somers, CT, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western New England University and Associate Degree in Business Administration from Springfield Technical Community College.
 
Michelle Chase was promoted to Assistant Vice President Consumer and Business Banking Center Manager. She previously served as Consumer and Business Banking Center Manager. Ms. Chase has more than 15 years of banking experience. A resident of Agawam, she holds a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation Design from Bay Path University and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
 
Joseph Dias was appointed to Assistant Vice President, Assistant Controller. Mr. Dias possesses more than 10 years of accounting experience.  A resident of Wilbraham, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Elms College.
 
Meghan Parnell-Gregoire was promoted to Assistant Vice President Business Lending Center Manager. Ms. Parnell-Gregoire previously served as Assistant Vice President Business Banking.  She has more than 14 years of banking experience. A resident of Holyoke, she holds an Associate of Science in mathematics from Holyoke Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
 
Robert Raynor was promoted to Assistant Vice President Compliance, Risk Oversight. Mr. Raynor previously served as Internal Audit Officer. He possesses 8 years of banking experience. A resident of Northampton, Mr. Raynor holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Springfield College.
 
Cassandra Pierce was promoted to Assistant Vice President Business Intelligence Manager. Ms. Pierce formerly served as Business Intelligence Manager. A resident of Northampton, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Westfield State University, and a Master of Science in Communication and Information Management from Bay Path University.
 
Erinn Young was promoted to Deposit Operations Officer. Ms. Young formerly served as Assistant Vice President Branch Manager of the Longmeadow office. She possesses 20 years of banking experience. A resident of Agawam, Ms. Young holds a Bachelor of Science in Executive Management from Bay Path University.
 
Christina Bordeau was appointed Branch Manager, Sixteen Acres. She possesses 20 years of banking experience. A resident of Springfield, she is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Management Degree from Springfield Technical Community College.
 
Alisa Feliberty was appointed to Call Center Manager, Customer Relations. A resident of Enfield, CT, she holds a Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovative Practices from Bay Path University.
 
Malissa Naylor was promoted to Branch Manager, East Longmeadow. Ms. Naylor previously served as Assistant Branch Manager. She possesses more than 11 years of banking experience. A resident of Springfield, Ms. Naylor holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western New England University.
 
Lori Stickles was appointed to Branch Manager, Longmeadow. She possesses more than 18 years of banking experience. She is a resident of Feeding Hills. 


Tighe and Bond

F. Adam Yanulis Joins New England APWA's Board of Directors
 
The New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) welcomed F. Adam Yanulis into its board of directors during a board meeting at the Sheraton in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on December 3rd. Yanulis, Tighe & Bond's vice president of business development, is looking forward to serving as a Massachusetts delegate to the board.  Read more...



Westfield State Builds Institutional Advancement Team

Westfield State University has selected two new professionals to join the Institutional Advancement Department. Patrick Carpenter of West Springfield, Mass. will serve as a major gifts officer and Julie Phillips of Westfield, Mass. will serve as an annual giving coordinator.  Read more...

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! Next Month's  GWCC Chamber Events
January After 5 Connection
January 11, 2016
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply Inc.
14 Coleman Avenue
Westfield, MA



Thank you to our host Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply Inc.!   Sponsored by DAS Alarm Systems, Inc.
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.

See the full GWCC Calendar on our website and register for upcoming events there too!
Photos!

Please enjoy some photographs from this months' events.

After 5 Connection at A Slight Edge Salon



Events Committee Caroling




December Holiday Breakfast



Chamber Ribbon Cuttings
Congratulations to KC Law on your Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening!


Member Salutes
Congratulations to our members who are celebrating a Chamber anniversary.  Thank you for your continued support.

One Year

Westfield Sportsman's Club

Mayor's Coffee Hour
coffee_blank.jpg


Please enjoy a photo from our December Coffee Hour at BHN Carson Center:



Our next coffee hour is Monday, January 9, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at  Quality Inn, 2 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA! See you there!
GWCC Meetings and Committees
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
The GWCC Board of Directors meets quarterly; the next meeting is Wednesday, January 18, 2017.  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
The Events Committee meets 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.

Committee: Chair: Contact via Email:
Ambassador Club Dino Gravanis
Anne Woodson
Dino Gravanis
Anne Woodson
Business & Community Affairs Committee Rebecca Sherer
Events Committee Dawn Thomas Dawn Thomas
Marketing Committee Kevin O'Connor Kevin O'Connor
Membership Committee Kim Betts Kim Betts

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

MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY - LIGHTS & LATKES
 
Mayor Brian Sullivan and the City of Westfield are happy to celebrate Chanukah with a Menorah Lighting Ceremony.  In conjunction with Congregation Ahavas Achim and Amelia Park Children's Museum, the lighting of the City's grand Menorah will take place on Tuesday, December 27, at 6:30 pm.  The community is welcome to come and enjoy this event on the Green. 
 
Immediately follow the lighting ceremony, Amelia Park Children's Museum has invited all participants to their facility at 29 South Broad Street to enjoy some homemade Latkes. 
 
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan:  "Lights and Latkes is an annual event that I look forward to.  It is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the season of Chanukah."

WESTFIELD'S 350th CELEBRATION
 
The City of Westfield has begun preparations for the celebration of its 350th anniversary of incorporation.  The official date of incorporation is May 19, 1669, with a 2019 celebration.   A steering committee has been formed to explore the many ways in which to recognize this milestone.

Guiding this group through the process is Community Outreach Coordinator, Amber Danahey and Community Development Director, Peter Miller.  They have begun the planning stages with the committee.  There are 18 committee members currently, and the group will be looking to expand as sub-committees are formed and ideas are put into action.

First order of business is to seek community input through a survey.  The 350th Celebration Survey was created and will be distributed throughout the community starting this week.  It will be available in hard copy as well as on-line.  Copies are currently available at the Athenaeum.  ( https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Westfield350).  Residents are encouraged to take this survey so that many ideas and opinions may be coalesced to bring a little something for everyone in this celebration.  Surveys are requested by January 31, 2017.

Mayor Brian P. Sullivan:  "It would be nice to celebrate the 350th throughout the year in order to give the people a chance to participate in the festivities.  It will also give the committee a chance to highlight the many different parts of the city with long histories."

For Manufacturing Members
 
AIM, Associated Industrial of Massachusetts

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


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.

To view entire newsletter, read on...

GWCC eNewsletter

 

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.