From the Executive Director...
We focus on the most important economy. YOURS.
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I am happy to announce a new member to our Chamber staff, Megan Boshuyzen, who has joined our team as a Marketing Specialist.
Megan comes with a wealth of experience in advertising and branding, having spent the last four years at Balise Motor Sales where Megan designed successful ad campaigns that spanned across traditional media and social media platforms. Megan will assist the Chamber with our branding which will increase the Chamber’s visibility through various marketing programs, member programs, initiatives, and the use of various social media platforms. She is excited about joining our organization which has deep roots in its communities and looks forward to partnering with local business owners. Welcome Megan!
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I am also pleased to announce Crystal Childs, Founder and Marketing Director of Splash Marketing & Creative, as a new director to the Chamber’s board of directors.
Crystal not only brings a fabulous marketing background to the board, but we are very excited to have a young, vibrant person who can bring that entrepreneurial spirit to our board. Crystal will serve as the chairperson of the Marketing Committee, and volunteers on the Events Committee, as well.
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In closing, I would like to ask for your support for our
56th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, May 22nd at the Ranch Golf Club. To invest in the Chamber is to invest your community and the economy. For such a reasonable investment, the Chamber will help you when you need it; the Chamber links member businesses to suppliers, media, educators, customers, and legislators; and the Chamber can take a bold position for you - just a few reasons to invest. Please join us for a fun day of golf while connecting with your fellow business members!
Stay connected,
Kate Phelon
Executive Director
568.1618
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DIGITAL CHAMBER DIRECTORY NOW AT THE
OLVER TRANSIT PAVILION
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We are pleased to announce that your business is now listed by category at the new PVTA Bus Terminal in a state of the art interactive kiosk.
Your listing includes a link to your website.
Another great value added to your membership with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce!
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US Army, Springfield Recruiting Center
Main Chamber Contact: SSG Harry Burgos
1472 Riverdale Street
West Springfield, MA 01089
413.785.0100
THE STRONGEST FORCE IN THE WORLD
The U.S. Army is made up of the most dedicated, most respected Soldiers in the world. These Soldiers protect America’s freedoms while serving at home and abroad, and they are always prepared to defend the nation in times of need.
A U.S. Army Soldier is the embodiment of physical and mental strength. As a Soldier, you will be prepared to serve whenever and wherever you are needed.
Want to experience life on an actual Army base? Take the goarmy.com virtual tour, which will give you a first-person view of the locations you will visit every day as a Soldier on post.
WHAT IS THE ARMY?
The Army is one of the largest and most important government organizations in the United States. Its function is to defend the American people from aggressors with a force of qualified, skilled, and dedicated Soldiers.
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Berkshire Bank Foundation Announces the Xtraordinary Day Grant Opportunity
Berkshire Bank Foundation is excited to announce a new grant opportunity to help meet the evolving needs of nonprofit organizations in communities served by Berkshire Bank. Through the Xtraordinary Day Grant Request For Proposal, (RFP), Berkshire is inviting concise proposals that seek to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations by funding a variety of activities that will improve the organization’s performance and impact. If selected, the organization will be eligible for one of four grants of up to $5,000. Read more...
Berkshire Bank Named Finalist for Prestigious Halo Award
AWARD RECOGNIZES TOP CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EFFORTS IN NORTH AMERICA
Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2017 Halo Award, the winner of which will be announced in Chicago on June 1, 2017.
The Halo Awards encompass North America’s highest honor for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and are presented annually at the Engage for Good conference in Chicago. These prestigious awards look at social campaigns that take innovative and impactful approaches to supporting causes, targeting both consumers and employees. Past recipients of the awards include many of the most globally recognized brands. Read more...
Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®, is excited to announce that it was recently honored with six awards for community engagement and marketing of leading edge products. The Bank was recognized at the Financial Marketing Awards in Newport, RI and the New England Financial Marketing Awards in Burlington, MA; both events took place in March. Read more...
Berkshire Bank Achieves Sustainability Milestone
PAPER USAGE DROPS 15%
As the country celebrates Earth Day on April 22, Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank®, is excited to announce that they have exceeded the first of their sustainability objectives through AMEB Green, a corporate initiative to become a more environmentally sustainable company. The company, committed to reducing paper consumption by 10% by 2018, surpassed that mark reducing usage by 15% a full year earlier than projected. Read more...
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Introducing the 11th Annual Top Young Business and Community Leaders in Western Massachusetts
A year ago it was a first; now, it would have to be called a trend.
Women again outnumber men within the 40 Under Forty class of 2017, as the photos will reveal, although it’s quite close, actually. But who’s counting?
What people should be counting are the years and the numbers of area residents now in this special club, if you will. That would be 11 and 440, to be exact.
As the profiles (list of links to profiles below) reveal, each story of a 40 Under Forty winner is different and in some way unique, hailing from industries ranging from law to banking; from education to transportation; from media to healthcare — not to mention many others. Many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others, with an entrepreneurial bent, created their own opportunities instead of waiting for them to emerge.
Special congratulations to those who are members of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce:
Alessandra Connor, Co-Owner, Camp K-9
Basia Belz, Owner & President, Vivid Hair Salon & Spa
Brittney Kelleher, Asst. V. President, Commercial Lending
Daniel Morrissey, Assoc. Attorney, Bacon Wilson
Jenna Conz, Donor Outreach Manager, Baystate Health Foundation
Jessica Dupont, Risk Adjustment Manager, Health New England
Michelle Chase, Asst. V. President, PeoplesBank
Trisha Leary, V. President Internal Control, PeoplesBank
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Mary Elizabeth O'Brien Named President of Mercy Medical Center
Trinity Health – New England has named Mary Elizabeth (Beth) O'Brien R.N., M.B.A., president of Mercy Medical Center and its affiliates for an interim period while a national search is conducted. In this role, she will be responsible for the operational performance of Mercy Medical Center, provide leadership in the execution, management, financial performance and oversight of all hospital operations, and explore opportunities for growth through strategic development initiatives across the system. Read more...
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Brandee Nelson, P.E. Joins Tighe & Bond's Red Hook, NY Office
Tighe & Bond, a Northeast leader in civil and environmental engineering and consulting services announced today that Brandee Nelson, P.E., LEED AP has joined the firm as a project manager in its growing Red Hook, New York office. Nelson’s 19 years of experience in environmental engineering, and her strong knowledge of the region, helps the firm better serve its expanding list of New York state clients.
For the past 12 years, Nelson has been a Vice President of Civil and Environmental Engineering with a Hudson Valley consulting engineering firm where she was responsible for the delivery of a wide array of projects. This included site investigation and remediation, permitting, municipal infrastructure, as well as private residential and commercial land development. She also has been the designated engineer for several municipalities for the past 10 years. Read more...
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Westfield Bank Promotes Kevin O'Connor to Executive Vice President and Chief of Banking Officer
Westfield Bank is pleased to announce that Kevin O’Connor has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. Mr. O’Connor previously served as Senior Vice President of Retail Banking, Retail Lending, and Marketing. In his new position Mr. O’Connor will continue to oversee those same divisions, plus Westfield Financial Management Services and Commercial Deposit Services. Read more...
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Local Marketing Executive James Leahy Elected as Westfield State Foundation Chairman
James M. Leahy of Holyoke, Mass. was recently elected chairman of the Westfield State Foundation Board of Directors. The Westfield State Foundation is the 501 (c)(3) organizationthat raises funds in support of Westfield State University.
As chair of the Foundation Board, Leahy is responsible for managing fundraising and outreach efforts, as well as advocating on behalf of the Foundation throughout the community. He oversees the board’s 18 members as well as its 92 corporators. 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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After 5 Connection
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
5 - 7 pm
@ Armbrook Village
551 North 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!
56th Annual Golf Tournament
Monday, May 22, 2017
@The Ranch Golf Club
65 Sunnyside Road
Southwick, MA
Get together with your golf buddies and join us for our 56th Annual Golf Tournament at The Ranch Golf Club! Along with a round of golf, bid at our live auction to benefit three $500 student scholarships and win some raffles. Make connections and have fun! For sponsorship information, visit our website!
Golf Foursome with Dinner $600
Tee Sign $150
Golf Single with Dinner $150
Dinner Only $40
For a full listing of upcoming Chamber events, please click here: EVENT CALENDAR
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What to Expect at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
Friday, May 5, 2017
8:30 - 10 am
@ Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
Imagine one afternoon an envelope from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) arrives in the mail. You are filled with dread as you discover that a former employee has filed a complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Now what?
Join Attorney Timothy M. Netkovick of Royal, P.C. for a roundtable-style seminar to discuss what to expect at the MCAD, including:
- An overview of discrimination law handled by the MCAD;
- The MCAD investigative process;
- Challenges employers face at the MCAD; and
- Strategies for defending MCAD claims.
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.
Where: Holiday Inn Express @ 39 Southampton Road
Free to Members/$30 for General Admission
Light refreshments served
REGISTER HERE!
Non-Compete Agreements presented by Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP
Thursday, June 1, 2017
8:30 - 10 am
@ Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
Attorneys Mary Jo Kennedy and Ryan Barry from Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP will present on the subject of non-compete agreements. Topics will include:
- The circumstances in which non-compete agreements arise;
- Non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements;
- How to structure non-compete agreements;
- Limitations on the enforceability of non-compete agreements;
- Recent cases discussing non-compete agreements;
- Proposed legislation regarding non-compete agreements; and
- Alternatives to non-compete agreements.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
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...
Improving Networking Skills with GDF Coaching:
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After 5 Connection at One Arch Road:
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7th Annual Southwick Home and Business Show:
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Congratulations to our members who are celebrating a Chamber anniversary. Thank you for your continued support!
One Year
GDF Coaching, LLC
King Pest Control, LLC
Ten Years
Creative Kids, Inc.
Flowers by Webster
Kurtz, Inc.
Wagner Rug
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Please enjoy a photograph from our April Mayor's Coffee Hour at Forum House! Our next Mayor's Coffee Hour is May 1, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at
Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad Street, Westfield
. See you there!
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City of Westfield Info...
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PRESS RELEASE
City of Westfield Private Water Supply Well Sampling for PFCs
As part of the ongoing collaboration between the City of Westfield, Barnes Air National Guard Base, and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), MassDEP will be initiating sampling of private wells in the vicinity of the potential groundwater impacts from Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs).
The City and MassDEP have identified approximately 150 private wells within a 1-mile radius of the City’s Public Water Supply Wells numbers 1, 2, 7 and 8. MassDEP is implementing a phased approach to determine the extent of impacts and concentration levels of PFCs in the area. Approximately 25 representative wells will be sampled in the first phase of the initiative to help determine the extent of the impacts. These wells are distributed spatially within the area in all directions, but are primarily in the direction of groundwater flow. Results from this first phase will determine if further testing will be required. Read more...
Memorial Day Parade Participation
The Memorial Day Parade Committee of the Westfield Veterans Council invites all previous participants, and other parties interested in participating in this year’s parade to contact the committee by e-mail at parades@cityofwestfield.org. The committee will no longer mail out paper invitations, and will use the e-mail registration as the primary means of registering for parade participation. As in the past, please remember that the parade is a means of recognizing the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defense of our country, and as such, is intended as a solemn event to be so conducted by the parade participants. No floats or commercial vehicles will participate in the parade. Only authorized city vehicles and veteran transport vehicles may participate. No dancing, acrobatics, or other celebratory activities are allowed. No animals may accompany participants.
Memorial Day Parade Date and Route
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan announces that groups marching in the Memorial Day Parade will begin assembling at 9:00 AM near the Mestek Company property on North Elm Street. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. The parade route will be as follows: beginning at Mestek, the marchers will march south down North Elm Street, continuing across the Great River Bridge onto Elm Street, continuing south to Broad Street, turning right at the intersection of Broad Street and West Silver Street to Parker Memorial Park for the Memorial Day ceremony. Following the Parker Park Ceremonies, American Legion Post 124 will march the route in reverse to the post home on Broad St, where additional ceremonies will be held.
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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, May 1st from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at PeoplesBank, 330 Whitney Ave, Holyoke
For a complete list of our Training Seminars and Events, visit: MSBDC
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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, July 19, 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: Crystal Childs. If you would like to join the Marketing Committee, please contact
Crystal Childs
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The Membership Committee meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 4:30 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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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action).
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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