From the Executive Director...
We focus on the most important economy. YOURS.
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Greetings!
As we are wrapping up the first quarter of 2017, and with a full schedule for the remaining of the year, I thought it might be a good idea to remind everyone how to get the most value out of your membership, regardless of what level you invested at. While there are certain benefits you’ll receive year after year, there is so much more than just having a sticker on the front door of your business.
A. Come to Chamber Events
Attending events is often discounted by many members. We understand that you will not be able to attend EVERYTHING. Throughout the year, we host monthly networking events, workshops, dinners, lunches, and mayor coffee hours. If you can attend one or two events a year, this gives you an opportunity to get your name out there and to meet other chamber members and businesses in our community. If you cannot attend, please share these events with your staff, they are members too! I always say, if you work the Chamber, the Chamber works for you.
B. Social Media
We like your pages, so please make sure you like ours. We’re active on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you send us the info about an event or new service, or a special you are having, we will post it for you on our page just because we like you! Oh, and if you haven’t noticed, we share your posts. If we play social media “tag” we can both win by getting more interaction on our pages.
C. Submit Your News
We want to share your news. Think of the Chamber as a media source and send us your press releases. We will publish these not only on our website, but in our monthly enewsletter too! We want to promote the great things you are doing in your business – whether an expansion, adding new staff, or getting an award – we will brag about the wonderful things our members are doing!
D. Ask Us
Do you need any help in an area of your business? Maybe you are looking to hire, need training, need marketing ideas, or you want to partner with other business professionals in town. No matter what it is, please reach out to us at the Chamber to see if we can help. If we can’t get you immediate assistance, we will certainly take the time to think about it and point you in the right direction.
We want to make sure you are getting the most out of your membership benefits; please call me or stop by if you have any questions about or think you may be under-utilizing the many benefits we offer.
Best,
Kate Phelon
Executive Director
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Main Chamber Contact: Susan Lakso
11 Glendale Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
413.525.9494 ext. 2
Aditus, Inc. created in 1983 by Aditus’ founder and President/CEO Susan L. Lakso, M.Ed., M.B.A., is an organization with a long year history of providing creative, community-based, education, school to work transition, after school, summer school, residential, respite, employment, vocational, community based day, transportation, behavioral health, therapeutic, and social recreational services for people from middle school through retirement with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger Syndrome (AS), Intellectual and other Developmental Disabilities, Brain Injury, Mental Illness, Behavioral Health, and other challenges. All services are provided in East Longmeadow, MA and throughout Massachusetts Hampden/Hampshire Counties. Aditus, Inc. is a Massachusetts, 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Corporation.
Aditus welcomes your thoughts on our services and invites you to partner with us to create innovative solutions to the life challenges faced by people from middle school through retirement in school, in work, in life, and in the world.
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Ed's Fresh Cut French Fries
Main Chamber Contact: Edward Wojcek
10 Phelps Avenue
P.O. Box 64
Westfield, MA 01086
413.568.9601
Hand-cut, fresh french fries on location! If you are in the need of a french fry food truck, please contact Ed's Fresh Cut French Fries!
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Berkshire Bank Foundation Welcomes Barney to Board of Trustees
Berkshire Bank Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, is excited to announce the appointment of Thomas W. Barney to its Board of Trustees. Barney, a Certified Financial Planner, is a Senior Vice President/Wealth Advisor with Berkshire Bank Wealth Management based in Lenox, Massachusetts. Read more...
Berkshire Bank Announces Employee Road Game Giveaway Winner
Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®, awarded Betsy Salinetti, Retail Loan Servicing Supervisor for Berkshire Bank, as the winner of the Employee Road Game Giveaway. The Giveaway includes two premium tickets to the Boston Bruins vs Chicago Blackhawks hockey game on April 2nd in Chicago, IL, round trip airfare, two night hotel stay and dinner during the stay for winner and a guest. Read more...
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Population Health Management a Priority at Mercy Medical Center
The wartime British prime minister and world-class orator Winston Churchill is credited with the observation, "Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have." Spoken during a BBC broadcast in 1943, these prophetic words have special meaning for us today as we consider ways to transform and improve health care delivery by providing more services beyond the walls of our hospitals. Read more...
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MBK Announces Two Promotions And A New Hire
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. is pleased to announce the promotion of Kara Graves, CPA from Audit and Accounting Senior Associate to Manager and the promotion of Joe Vreedenburgh from Audit and Accounting Associate to Senior Associate. Additionally, MBK is very happy to welcome Nathan Nicholson to the firm as a Tax Senior Associate. Read more...
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NetLogix Recognized for Excellence in Managed IT Services
CLIENT SATISFACTION AND BEST PRACTICE LANDS NETLOGIX ON MSP PIONEER 250 LIST
NetLogix, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named NetLogix to its 2017 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the MSP Pioneer 250 category. This annual list recognizes North American solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services. Their offerings help companies navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of IT, improve operational efficiencies, and maximize their return on IT investments. Read more...
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Tighe & Bond Launches New Website
PROVIDING VISITORS WITH RICHER INFORMATION & GREATER EASE OF USE
Last week, Tighe & Bond launched its new website www.tighebond.com. Designed to provide a comprehensive user-friendly experience across multiple device platforms, the new site provides: Read more...
Tighe & Bond Wins ACEC/MA Gold Award for Engineering Excellence
Tighe & Bond, a leading Northeast engineering and environmental consulting firm received a Gold Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) for its $143 million Great Lakes Water Authority Biosolids Dryer Facility project entry. The award was presented on March 15 at the ACEC/MA 2017 Engineering Excellence and Awards Gala. Read more...
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United Bank Hires Tony Fontaine for Regional Manager Role
United Bank today announced the hiring of Tony Fontaine of Chicopee, Massachusetts as Vice President and Regional Manager responsible for overseeing the sales, service and operations of the Bank’s branches in West Springfield, Worcester and Northern Connecticut. Read more...
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Westfield State Presents ‘Connectivity Realized Through:
Science, Math, Art’ Art Exhibit
In honor of its new Science and Innovation Center, Westfield State University will host the “Connectivity Realized Through: Science, Math, Art,” art exhibit from March 21 through April 14. Read more...
Westfield State University Celebrates Woman's History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, Westfield State University is hosting a month-long celebration of events, titled “Month Celebrating Womyn.” Read more...
Dr. Parviz Ansari Names Westfield State's New Provost
and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Following a comprehensive national search, Parviz H. Ansari, Ph.D. has been selected as Westfield State University’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Ansari will report to President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha and will provide vision, planning, and leadership to shape the university’s future. He will assume his new role at Westfield State on July 1.
Read more...
Daniel Forster Names Westfield State's New Vice President For
Enrollment Management
Following a comprehensive national search, Daniel B. Forster ’16G has been named as Westfield State University’s new vice president for Enrollment Management. Forster will report to President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha and will oversee admissions, financial aid and marketing at the university. Forster will assume his new role at Westfield State on April 1. Read more...
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Whip City Fiber Connects Westfield
With the Westfield City Council’s approval of the $15M bond request , Whip City Fiber, powered by Westfield Gas + Electric, is set to blaze a trail through Westfield. We’re connecting homes and businesses to high-speed internet and believe that promoting gigabit internet service will increase property values and economic development.
If you are lucky enough to already have Whip City Fiber, you have experienced the speed and reliability of fiber optic internet. But maybe you haven’t considered how this same service can benefit Westfield
businesses and boost community development.
A recent study shows that early adopters of commercial-level internet services include hospitals and other high-tech companies that need quick electronic transfers of large data-intensive files. Hotels and retail businesses that provide Wi-Fi to multiple guests see a reduction in complaints about their connection when gigabit speeds are available.
The benefits of a gigabit community include greater economic growth, higher quality of healthcare and
education, and greater civic participation, among others. More home buyers are choosing where they live based on availability of internet connection making it easier for realtors and builders to sell homes that can offer this service. In fact, internet access is becoming nearly as important as basic utilities for all customers, especially the younger generations.
The launch of Whip City Fiber is keeping Westfield ahead of the technology curve and the competition.
Westfield Gas + Electric has been serving Westfield for over 115 years and we’re not slowing down. We have invested in the technological future of the community and we’re pleased to offer a great product at a great price. A recent study finds that for businesses in the US, the price for gigabit service ranges from $115 to $1,500, with the median at $299.95. Our standard business offerings are $84.95 and $99.95 a month. If you’re interested in Whip City Fiber, please call Customer Service at 413-572-0100 to learn more.
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Upcoming Chamber Events...
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Legislative Luncheon
Friday, April 7, 2017
11:30 am
@Tekoa Country Club
459 Russell Road
Westfield, MA
Raise your voice and business concerns to your Legislators - they want to hear from you! Come and hear the challenges facing the Commonwealth, our communities and yours business.
Tickets $30 for Members
$40 for General Admission (must be paid in advance)
REGISTER NOW!
Attending Legislators:
- Senator Donald Humason, Jr.
- Representative Peter Kocot
- Representative William "Smitty" Pignatelli
- Representative John Velis
Please contact Pam at the Chamber for more information on available sponsorships at 413.568.1618 or
info@westfieldbiz.org.
*RSVP for tickets is appreciated by March 31, 2017. No refunds will be given as of this date.
After 5 Connection
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
5 - 7 pm
@ One Arch Road
One Arch Road
Westfield, MA
Join us for our monthly networking event. FREE to Chamber Members! $10 for general admission cash or credit at the door. Bring your business cards and make connections! refreshments served! 50/50 raffle to benefit 3 Citizen's Scholarships!
7th Annual Southwick Home & Business Show
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
4:30 - 7 pm
@Tucker's Restaurant
625 College Highway
Southwick, MA
The event is FREE to the public. Southwick business owners can have a table top for only $25 per business - one 6 foot table with a tablecloth (you are free to bring your own table covering), one sign on the table listing the name of your business and a listing in the show program provided you registered by the deadline.
For information and an application, please visit southwickma.info or call 413.304.6100. Completed registration forms and payment must be received by April 7, 2017. This registration process is being handled by the Southwick Economic Development Commission (EDC) with the Chamber's assistance.
For a full listing of upcoming Chamber events, please click here: EVENT CALENDAR
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Improving Networking Skills & Building Trusting Relationships
Friday, March 31, 2017
8:30 - 10 am
@ Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
Join Gina Fernandez from GDG Coaching to learn how to improve networking skills, building trust and rapport; how to present yourself and create a strong image; setting intentions for meetings and events; and how to get the most out of an initial contract.
Free to Members/$30 for General Admission
Light refreshments served
REGISTER HERE!
Improving Website Visibility with SEO
Thursday, April 6, 2017
8:30 - 10 am
@ Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
Are you looking for a way to optimize your website visibility? Join Scott Pierson of The Executive SEO and examine current search engine optimization (SEO) best practices to increase brand awareness, local web visibility, web traffic, organic rankings and domain authority. Understand how SEO works, why some pages rank highly and what to do to move the needle! Scott Pierson is a 15-year SEO Consultant, speaker, blogger, trainer and adviser on the subject of search engine optimization. As a long-time speaker, Scott offers Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level workshops on Local SEO, Organic SEO and Google pay-per-click advertising.
Free to Members/$30 for General Admission
Light refreshments served
REGISTER HERE!
A Transition in the Law: Transgender Discrimination
Friday, April 21, 2017
8:30 - 10 am
@ Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
Discrimination based on transgender status or gender identity is a developing area of the law. There has been a lot of debate on the local, state, and national level over access to bathrooms for transgender individuals. As the public debates this issue, legislators, administrative agencies, and courts are shaping the law that prohibits gender discrimination, including discrimination against transgender individuals. Join Attorney Timothy M. Netkovick of Royal, P.C. will present a class-room style discussion on how to navigate through the legal landscape of an evolving and challenging area of discrimination law.
Royal, P.C. is a woman-owned firm that exclusively represents and counsels businesses on all aspects of labor and employment law. Timothy M. Netkovick is an attorney at Royal, P.C. He exclusively represents employers in management-side labor and employment law matters.
Free to Members/$30 for General Admission
Light refreshments served
REGISTER HERE!
Additional workshops are listed on our website and can be accessed here: EVENT CALENDAR
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Members do you have an event you'd like on our website? Click the link to the right to submit it!!
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Photos from this month...
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Please enjoy some photographs from this past month's events...
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Congratulations to Colonel Keefe on His Retirement!
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March After 5 Connection
at Shaker Farms Country Club
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March St. Patrick's Day Dinner
at Tekoa Country Club
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Congratulations to our members who are celebrating a Chamber anniversary. Thank you for your continued support!
One Year
Air1 Flight Training
All Natural Reiki
Buster's
Expert Fitness, LLC
Liberty Manor, Inc.
The Spa
Five Years
Appalachian Press
For K-9s & Felines, LLC
Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail
Industrial Precision, Inc.
Polish National Credit Union
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Chamber Ribbon Cuttings...
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Congratulations to Thrive...Your One-Stop Financial Success Center, a program of the United Way of Pioneer Valley on your Ribbon Cutting!!
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Please enjoy some photographs from our March Mayor's Coffee Hour at Armbrook Village! Our next Mayor's Coffee Hour is April 3, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at
Forum House, 55 Broad Street in Westfield
. See you there!
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City of Westfield Info...
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PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Announces 23rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan is pleased to announce that the 23rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt Event will be held on Saturday, April 15th at South Middle School grounds, 30 West Silver Street with the participation from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield and Amelia Park Children’s Museum. The event will be organized into two different age groups this year.
Group Ages 1-5 event time will be at 11:00 a.m. (Ages 1-2 will be set to hunt at 11:15am & Ages 3-5 will be set to hunt at 11:30am)
Group Ages 6-10 event arrival time will be at 1:00p.m. (Ages 6-8 will be set to hunt at 1:00pm & Ages 9-10 will be set to hunt at 1:15pm)
There will be a maximum of 10 candy filled eggs to be collected by each child in each age group. Prizes will be given to the lucky child who collects the Golden egg in each age division. There will be a special appearance by the Easter Bunny along with some of our local mascots, as well as music and games for the children to enjoy.
A very special thank-you to generous contributions of the following businesses, employees and volunteers. Mt. Moriah Lodge, Westfield Gas & Electric, Kiwanis Club of Westfield, Walgreens and Employees of The City of Westfield.
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Westfield Re-Launches SeeClickFix for Residents
The City of Westfield has partnered with SeeClickFix to re-launch the platform sponsored through Commonwealth Connect, which allows citizens to report quality-of-life issues to the city, such as potholes, graffiti, broken sidewalks, storm drain issues, etc. Read more...
After Hours – with Mayor Sullivan
The Mayor of Westfield would like to invite all residents to catch up on city happenings. Please join us for a quarterly update meeting with Westfield Mayor, Brian Sullivan. Come and ask the Mayor all you would like to learn about what is going on within the city. Read more...
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News from Gaming Commission & Casino...
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2017 Community Mitigation Fund Applications
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission hereby requests public comment on grant applications from the 2017 Community Mitigation Fund. Learn more here...
Request for Public Comment
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is seeking public comment on the proposed table game rules. Learn more here...
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As construction continues on the MGM Springfield project, our next Vendor Outreach Session will be held on March 1, 2017 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield from 9:00-3:00 p.m. Below, please find information on the project related supplies and scopes that will be covered in this outreach session. If you are a vendor/contractor that specializes in any of the below project related supplies or scopes, please register to attend today! Women, Minority, and Veteran owned companies encouraged to attend!
REGISTER HERE!
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For Small Business Members...
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Training Seminars & Events
Business Basics Workshop An overview of all the basic information you need to start a business.
Register Online
- Monday, April 3 from 1:00 - 3:30 -United Bank, 95 Elm St., West Springfield
- Thursday, April 6 from 9:00 - 11:30 - Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield
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For Manufacturing Members...
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MassMEP Manufacturing Partnership
For upcoming MassMEP events and workshops, please visit:
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GWCC Meetings & 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.
Board of Directors
The GWCC Board of Directors meets quarterly; the next meeting is Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Your Board of Directors is listed here:
http://www.westfieldbiz.org/directors-officers.html.
Business & Community Affairs Committee (BCAC)
Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at 8:00 am at the Chamber office, 16 N Elm Street in Westfield. Chair: Rebecca Sherer. If you would like to join the BCAC, please contact
Rebecca Sherer.
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. Chair: Dawn Thomas. If you would like to join the Events Committee, please contact
Dawn Thomas.
Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 noon for lunch at a location that changes monthly. Chair: Kevin O'Connor. If you would like to join the Marketing Committee, please contact
Kevin O'Connor.
The Membership Committee meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 4:45 p.m. at the Ranch Golf Club. Chair: Kim Betts. If you would like to join the Membership Committee, please contact
Kim Betts. If you would like to join the Ambassador Club, please contact
Dino Gravanis or
Anne Woodson.
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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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