June 2017

From the Executive Director...
We focus on the most important economy. YOURS.

Greetings!

In the May newsletter, Nicole Porter was announced as the Westfield Public School CSF Dollars for Scholars recipient.  I have received updated information about Nicole and would like to share it with you. 

Nicole will be a junior at Fairfield University in the fall and will major in marketing and minor in studio art.  At Fairfield, she is a member of Operation Smile; a member of Fairfield Dance Fusion; and a choreographer for Dance Ensemble.  This past year she co-chaired social media and publicity for Relay for Life of Fairfield University. This past spring semester, Nicole completed an internship in NYC at Need 2 Know, a start-up newsletter company.  This coming fall, Nicole will be studying abroad at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane. Congratulations, once again!

On May 31st, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce awarded our third scholarship to Nazar Vasilchenko, a senior at Gateway Regional High School. Nazar will be attending the University of Massachusetts in Amherst to pursue a career in engineering.  He graduated from Gateway with a 4.06 GPA.  Congratulations Nazar!

 

Pancake Breakfast Update: As "we batter up" for our 40th Annual Pancake Breakfast for Thursday, July 13th from 7-11 am at the South Middle School, you can purchase tickets on our website: www.westfieldbiz.org, which means your tickets will be waiting for you at the registration table.  Also, anyone turning 40 on this day will get a free breakfast ticket!

 

Save the Date: New this year is our September Dinner at The Ranch Golf Club on Thursday, September 21st featuring Steve Nagle of Rock 102! It will be a great Chamber evening with some comedy thrown in!

 

While summer has arrived, let’s remember to “stop and smell the roses,” as the saying goes.  We don’t need to be tied to our cell phones, our email, or social media.  I would rather you pick up the phone and call me.  I like having conversations and one that does not require typing, texting, or turning on a computer.  Being connected is important – with each other, with your family, with your co-workers, with the Chamber. Let’s use our voices and embrace the art of conversation.

Stay connected,

Kate Phelon
Executive Director
568.1618
Just In...
Small Business Wellness Tax Credit
Apply by December 31st

It’s here! The 2017 application for the MA Wellness Tax Credit is now available!  
 
Small businesses (businesses with 200 or fewer employees) that establish a certified wellness program may be eligible to apply for a state tax credit of up to 25% of the cost of their wellness program (maximum credit is $10,000 per year).  
 
Businesses must meet certain eligibility requirements and must apply by December 31st, 2017 to be considered.
Welcome New Members...
Fast Track to College
Main Chamber Contact: Glenda Hynes 
P.O. Box 575
Westfield MA 01085
413.569.2307

We are a small group of doctorate level college professors and academic advisors who use the evidenced-based evaluations and approaches to support college-bound high school students in college preparation, college fit, college admission and financial searches in an affordable and cost-effective manner. Using techniques for counseling and motivation that have been so successful with upward bound for decades we have had 90% acceptance into first choice colleges since our 2014 inception.   98% of our client students remain in the college of their choice.


We focus on college READINESS –performing aptitude and transcript evaluations college resources assisting in high school course selection and supporting PSAT, SAT and ACT preparation.


We focus on RESOURCES – since 2014 our students have received over $2.1 million dollars in scholarships {not loans} although some were need based – many were not.


We focus on RESULTS – our goal is for students to be accepted at a college where they fit academically and socially and from where they will graduate within 4 years – because college is expensive!


Russell Cellular

Main Chamber Contact: Kurt Lumpp

587 College Highway

Southwick, MA 01077

413.886.7542

southwick.ma.mgr@russellcellular.com

www.russellcellular.com


Russell Cellular, Inc. is an exclusive Verizon Authorized Retailer specializing in wireless communication services and is one of the nation’s largest Verizon Wireless Retailers.


Russell Cellular, is a 5 time Inc. 5000 Honoree making the elite list of the fastest-growing private companies in America…  The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent entrepreneurs.  Russell Cellular’s growth and expansion, creating jobs, has contributed to the success of local economies in 25 states.

SealRyt Corporation
Main Chamber Member: Chris Wilkinson
64 Servistar Industrial Way
Westfield, MA 01085
413.564.5202

The root cause of most rotating equipment failure is shaft movement. SealRyt®’s patented technology has proven its ability to seal, support shafts, and increase reliability.


The SealRyt® Corporation was founded in 2001 to develop, patent, and manufacture alternative sealing devices. Our personnel have substantial experience in the fluid & gas sealing industry – some over 30 years.


Throughout the evolution of braided packings and mechanical seals, emphasis has been placed on designs of these technologies which promise improved sealing in high mechanical stress areas. To counter shaft run-out and deflection, mechanical seal designers have run the gamut of monoblocks, wider mating areas, various spring arrangements, integral bearings, sliding interfaces and so forth. Braiders have incorporated various elastomers or “O” rings in their cross-sections to give deflective ability.


As these approaches have shown, improvements can be realized but may be relatively short lived.


Member News...
Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Bank Honors Employees for Volunteerism

Berkshire Bank has recognized 31 employees for their volunteerism in the community, and has named two "top volunteers" through their Volunteer Service X-ellence Awards Program. These annual awards celebrate bank employees who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. Read more...


Berkshire Bank’s Employees Donate over 6,000 Hours of Community Service on the Company Dime

Berkshire Bank, America's Most Exciting Bank®, completed its Xtraordinary Day on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. This event was the second year that the Company participated in community service events concurrently from 1pm - 4pm, closing the entire financial institution including Firestone Financial, 44 Business Capital, Berkshire Insurance Group and RNL Associates as a united effort for community involvement. Read more...

Berkshire Bank Participates in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Berkshire Bank announces its participation in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 by hosting informational seminars at local senior centers and libraries across its footprint.  Read more...

Berkshire Bank’s Blanchette Moderates Cybersecurity Panel Discussion


Berkshire Bank is excited to announce that Sharon Blanchette, First Vice President BSA/AML Officer, moderated the Cybersecurity Panel at the Association of Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) Connecticut Chapter 3rd annual conference on Friday, May 19. Read more...


  Associated Builders and Contractors & Gould Construction Institute Announces
Elm Electrical, Inc. as S.T.E.P. Safety Award Winner

Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts (ABC), the leading voice for the merit shop construction industry, and the Gould Construction Institute (GCI), ABC's training affiliate, congratulate Elm Electrical, Inc. for recently being named a Platinum Safety, Training, and Evaluation Process (S.T.E.P.) award recipient at the 13th Annual ABC/GCI Safety &Education Dinner held May 18th at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham, MA. Read more...



The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) Awarded their Inaugural Business of the Year Honor to The Gaudreau Group

The award recognizes an ERC5 business or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the Massachusetts communities of Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Hampden, and Ludlow. In addition to exhibiting an exceptional commitment to excellence, The Gaudreau Group has made the Five Town Footprint a better place to live.  Read more...

BMC Health System and Mercy Medical Center to Enroll MassHealth Patients in Accountable Care Organization Model


The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has selected, for the purposes of entering into contract negotiations, a proposal which will enable Mercy Medical Center, part of Trinity Health-New England, in Springfield to enroll low income children and adults covered by MassHealth (Medicaid) into an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model of care. Slated to begin in January 2018, Mercy Medical Center’s MassHealth patients seen by its primary care providers will transition to an ACO model of care designed to improve care and slow the rapid growth in MassHealth costs. Read more...

NetLogix, Inc. Ranked Among Top 501 Managed

Service Providers by MSPmentor


NetLogix, Inc., Westfield, MA ranks among the world’s most progressive 501 Managed Service Providers (MSPs), according to MSPmentor’s 10th-annual MSP 501 Worldwide Company Rankings. The top MSP 501 companies ranked this year include organizations from around the world and from diverse technology and business backgrounds. Collectively, they amassed $14.48 billion in total revenue (based on 2016 results), up more than 15 percent from a year earlier. Read more...

Westfield State Administrators Appointed to Governor's Black
Advisory Commission

Westfield State University administrators Dr. Cheryl Stanley, dean of Education, and Azanda Seymour, director, Urban Education Program, both of Springfield, have been appointed to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s Black Advisory Commission. The Commission will advise the governor on issues relating to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of the black community in Massachusetts. Read more...

Westfield State Circle K Club Awarded at Regional Kiwanis Convention

The student-led Westfield State Circle K Club garnered 10 awards at the 57th annual District Convention of the New England and Bermuda District Kiwanis this spring. Read more...


Westfield State Administrator Dr. Christina Swaidan Honored for Diversity Efforts


Westfield State University Interim Dean of Undergraduate Studies Dr. Christina Swaidan of Windsor, Conn. has been selected as a recipient of 2017 INSIGHT Into Diversity “Giving Back Award” by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Recipients of the “Giving Back Award” were nominated by colleagues and selected by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine based on their outstanding demonstration of social responsibility, involvement with students, faculty, staff, and the community, and commitment to serving underrepresented populations. Read more...


We Are All About Service!

By now we trust that you’ve heard our name: Whip City Fiber. Some lucky people are already Whip City Fiber customers, getting the fastest internet in Westfield from our dedicated local team. Some others are anxiously waiting for their turn. Our installers are rolling out service as quickly as they can.

Most people have had a cable internet connection for many years. Sometimes it feels daunting to change something you’ve become so comfortable with. Maybe it seems like a hassle. So why are so many people and businesses taking the leap and changing over to Whip City Fiber?   Read more...

Upcoming Chamber Events...
40th Annual Pancake Breakfast - Community Event
Thursday, July 13, 2017
7 - 11 am
@South Middle School
30 West Silver Street
Westfield, MA
$6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $3 Kids under 12.

 

VENDOR TABLES

$75 for members, $100 for non-members.
You must bring your own table.


ATTRACTIONS

Bounce House
Face Painting
Fire Engine
Live Broadcast with WSKB 89.5 FM
Music
Vendor Bingo - Win a $50 Restaraunt Gift Card!


To volunteer or reserve your table top and/or sponsorship, please call the Chamber office at 413.568-1618.


Sponsors:


Premium Sponsor: Baystate Noble Hospital


Pancake Sponsor: Walmart


Youth Camp Sponsor: MedExpress Urgent Care


Sausage Sponsor: BMC HealthNet Plan


Mayor Brian Sullivan


Syrup Sponsors: A Plus HVAC, Inc. and Peppermill Catering


Placemat Sponsor: Appalachian Press


Ticket Sponsor:  Puffer Printing


Coffee Sponsor:  Dunkin Donuts


Media Sponsors:  BusinessWest, The Westfield News, WSKB



For a full listing of upcoming Chamber events, please click here:  EVENT CALENDAR
Members do you have an event you'd like on our website?  Click the link to the right to submit it!!
Photos from this month...
Please enjoy some photographs from this past month's events...

Non-Compete Workshop presented by Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP:
June Breakfast at Westfield State University:
June After 5 Connection at Westfield Bank in Southwick:
High School Career Fair at Westfield State University:
Member Salutes...
Congratulations to our members who are celebrating a Chamber anniversary. Thank you for your continued support!

One Year

A Slight Edge Salon
Papp's Bar & Grill, LLC
 
Five Years

Ashton Services & eclecTechs
One Arch Road

Ten Years

J.L. Raymaakers and Sons

Mayor's Coffee Hour...
Please enjoy some photographs from our June Mayor's Coffee Hour at Stanley Park!  Our next Mayor's Coffee Hour is September 11, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. at Shaker Farms Country Club .  See you there!
City of Westfield Info...

PRESS RELEASES

WESTFIELD WATER UPDATE:  PRIVATE WELLS

In a collaborative effort with the City of Westfield, MassDEP and Barnes Air National Guard, a phased approach has been implemented to investigate whether private wells have been affected by the release of perflourinated chemicals (PFC’s) to the groundwater.  The current update on the status of this implementation has been shared.

To date, the MassDEP has sampled 22 wells.  The results of 8 of these private wells have been completed and released.  So far, the sampling results indicate that there have been no PFC’s detected above the laboratory reporting level.
 
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan:  “This is good news for north side residents with private wells.  We will continue to work with MassDEP and Barnes to ensure that 25 wells are tested.  We are pleased with the results to date and plan to move forward with our water remediation plans.”

The full results may be accessed through the City of Westfield website under Water Department, PFC’s Info & Updates, Other Helpful Info, Westfield MassDEP Files (Trans. ID 927633). 

http://public.dep.state.ma.us/fileviewer/Rtn.aspx?rtn=1-0020093


SAVE THE DATE: FIREWORKS FOR FREEDOM – JULY 1, 2017

The City of Westfield will be sponsoring a fireworks event on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the South Middle School fields (30 West Silver Street).  Festivities will begin at 6:30 pm with fireworks presented by Atlas Pyrovision of Jaffrey, NH at dusk.  Rain date is Sunday, July 2.


Due to the success of last year’s event, the location will remain the same.  South Middle School provided a convenient and easily accessible location.

 

Donations to the Fireworks for Freedom Campaign are accepted.  Checks may be made payable to: City of Westfield Fireworks Fund, 59 Court Street, Westfield, MA  01085.


News from Gaming Commission & Casino...
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...

For Small Business Members...
Training Seminars & Events

Business Basics Workshop An overview of all the basic information you need to start a business. 


For a complete list of our Training Seminars and Events, visit:   MSBDC

For Manufacturing Members...
 
AIM, Associated Industrial of Massachusetts

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

For full upcoming events, please click here!  
MassMEP Manufacturing Partnership

For upcoming MassMEP events and workshops, please visit and May Newsletter, visit:

We've Moved!
Please update our contact details as follows:

Massachusetts Export Center
2 Center Plaza, Suite 200
Boston, MA 02108
Tel:  617-973-8664
Web:  
www.mass.gov/export
Please note that we are experiencing difficulties with our phone service.  Please call   508-439-5798 to reach us in the interim.

We look forward to expanding our partnership with the  Mass Tech Collaborative to enhance the export competitiveness of technology companies throughout the Commonwealth!

GWCC Meetings & 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.
 
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: Dan Burack.  If you would like to join the BCAC, please contact Dan Burack.
 
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 .

Membership Committee/Ambassador Club
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 .
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.