September 2014 Issue

What’s Inside:
ERC5/ACCGS
Team Up for
Millfest After 5
ACCGS
Team Seeks
Ambassadors
Page 12
Page 5
Springfield Symphony
Orchestra Offers
Season-Long
Member Benefit Page 18
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SPRINGFIELD, MA
PERMIT NO. 188
chamberchannels
m y o n l i n e c h a m b e r. c o m
Multi-Chamber
Table Top Showcase
an Opportunity
to Shine!
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce
of Greater Springfield (ACCGS)
is once again partnering with the
Greater Chicopee, Holyoke and
Westfield chambers of commerce
on the 17th annual Rake in the
Business Table Top Showcase and
Business Networking event on
September 30, 2014 from 4:30 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. at the Castle of Knights,
1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee.
The table top showcase provides
local vendors an affordable
opportunity to exhibit products
and services to a wide-ranging
geography of consumers. Last year,
over 120 vendors participated in the
event, with vendors including
photographers, marketing firms,
staffing firms, printers, entertainment
venues, and health insurers.
Exhibitor space is $125 and
includes an eight-foot table and
two complimentary tickets for
admission. Exhibitors must be a
member of one of the participating
chambers. Electricity is limited, and
continued on page 5
ACCGS Welcomes
Sarah Mazzaferro
Cosmetics Chief to Keynote PWC
Headline Luncheon
Jane Iredale, founder, president
and chief executive officer of
Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, will
keynote at the ACCGS affiliate,
Professional Women’s Chamber
(PWC), Headline Luncheon on
September 24 from 11:30 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. at the Yankee Pedlar
Inn, 1866 Northampton Street,
Holyoke. Iredale was the first to
supply the aesthetic industry with
a full-line of makeup that was good
for the skin, and the first to see the
potential of offering physicians
a makeup that could be used to
enhance their patients’ experience
after procedures.
Before Iredale formed her
cosmetics company in 1994, her
background had been in film,
theatre, and television. She started
as a casting director, working in
television commercials for the
three major networks, and then in
film, television and theater. She
won an Emmy award for a public
television series “The Silent Years,”
and was nominated for a Tony for
the Broadway musical “Wind in
the Willows.”
Throughout Iredale’s career,
she was fortunate to work with
some of the best makeup artists in
the industry where she saw at first
hand that “true makeup artistry
comes not from trying to make a
face conform to the latest fashion
trends, but from enhancing the
wearer’s natural beauty.” She
also saw the negative effects of
makeup especially with models
and actresses who were often
exposed to a variety of makeup
in one day. Skin disorders and
sensitivities were common and
not only threatened careers, but
also destroyed self-confidence.
This is what inspired her to
develop a makeup line that could
contribute to the lives of women
by aiding the health of the skin.
Iredale introduced her unique
skin care makeup line in March
of 1994. It was the first full
makeup line on the market to
offer not just color enhancement,
but also benefits for the skin. The
products are based on micronized
minerals and formulated to avoid
toxins and sensitizers. Every
formula is designed to have skin
care benefits.
The company is rooted in
the spa and aesthetic world but
because of its fashion-forward
perspective, it has now expanded
to include makeup artists,
television, film and red carpet
celebrities. Internationally, the
line is found in some of the most
exclusive department stores
in the world. From its base in
Massachusetts, the company
exports into more than 40
international markets, including
the United Kingdom, Europe, the
continued on page 9
Tee One Up for the ERC5!
The
Country
Club
of
Wilbraham will be the setting
for the ACCGS affiliate, East of
the River Five Town Chamber of
Commerce (ERC5) 12th annual
Golf Classic on October 3, 2014.
A semi-private club nestled in a
New England setting has fast,
undulating greens, strategic
bunkering and a rolling wooded
terrain, making it a challenging
course for even the club veteran.
The tournament will kick off
with registration at 11:00 a.m.,
followed by lunch sponsored by
Polish National Credit Union
Golfers braved a brief morning shower to tee one up for education. (Photo by Michael Epaul)
continued on page 5
The Affiliated Chambers of
Commerce of Greater Springfield
(ACCGS) has announced that
Sarah Mazzaferro has joined
the ACCGS team as its Member
Services Director, replacing
long-time director Cecile Larose
who retired in July.
Mazzaferro will be responsible
continued on page 6
September 2014
Jane Iredale, founder, president and chief
executive officer of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics
1
2
Anniversary Members
Celebrating New Members
Every month the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce honors those members who
have continuously supported our mission throughout the years. The following
members joined in the month of September. Happy Anniversary!
Companies and organizations listed here have made an important investment
in their business and in the community by joining the Chamber. Do business
with Chamber members--it’s good business!
1 Year Anniversary
15 Year Anniversary
American Energy Coalition
Aorney Lawrence J. Levine
Carol Moore Cuing
Christine Capua
Hurley & David, Inc.
Jana Seiler
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Lisa Grenier
Liz Cohen Rappaport
Suddekor, LLC
Susan Gorman
Bates Fullam Bombard
Insurance Agency
North Brookfield Savings Bank
4 Daniel Shays Highway
Belchertown, MA 01107
Banks
20 Year Anniversary
Balboni Advertising, LLC
25 Year Anniversary
Allard & Allard, CPA’s
Automated Logic - MA
Professional Women’s Chamber
Board of Directors 2014-2015
President Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor
Vice President Laurie Cassidy,West Springfield Council on Aging
Treasurer Laurette Bishop, CohnReznick, LLP
5 Year Anniversary
Assistant Treasurer Nancy Mirkin, Florence Savings Bank
ACME Adjusting Company, LLC
Diane Barnes
FIT Solutions, LLC
Harrington Insurance Agency
Secretary Jennifer Endicott, Baystate Medical Center
Directors:
Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2014-2015
Chair: Jeffrey Fialky, Bacon Wilson, P.C.
Vice Chair: Patricia Canavan, United Personnel
Executive Director: Jeffrey Ciuffreda, Affiliated
Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.
Treasurer: Joseph Marullo, Berkshire Bank
Gwen Burke, BusinessWest
Jacqueline Bangs, EMC
Diane Barnes, Northwestern
Mutual
Jennifer Connelly, Junior
Achievement
Dawn Creighton, Associated
Industries of Massachusetts
Patricia Faginski, St. Germain
Investments
Jeannie Filomeni, Marcotte Ford
Kim Landry, Park Square Realty
Colleen Loveless, Rebuilding
Springfield
Susan Scantlen, Hampden Bank
Clerk: Timothy Murphy, Skoler, Abbott & Presser P.C.
Board Members
Ellen Cummings, Verizon
Stacey Church,
MassMutual Center
John Doleva, Naismith Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame
Hayley Dunn, Western Massachusetts
Electric Company
Mark French, The Republican
Ellen Freyman,
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.
Douglas Macmillan,
Macmillan and Son, Inc.
Judith Matt,
Spirit of Springfield, Inc.
Bill Miller,
Friends of the Homeless, Inc.
Martin Miller,
New England Public Radio
William Pepin, WWLP-22 News
Evan Plotkin, NAI Plotkin
Nicholas Fyntrilakis,
MassMutual Financial Group
Alan Popp, Mason-Wright/Colony Care
John Garvey, Garvey
Communication Associates Inc.
Dora Robinson, United Way of
Pioneer Valley, Inc.
Daniel Glanville, Comcast Cable
Communications, LLC
Jeffrey Sattler,
NUVO Bank & Trust Company
Michael Gold, Big Y Foods, Inc.
Kirk Smith,
YMCA of Greater Springfield
James Goodwin, Center for Human
Development, Inc.
Tiffany Greene, Disability
Management Services, Inc.
Melinda Graulau, Eastfield Mall
Joan Kagan, Square One
Donald Kozera, Human
Resources Unlimited
Patrick Leary, Moriarty & Primack, P.C.
Mary MacInnes, Pioneer Valley
Transit Authority
Arlene Putnam, Putnam Associates
Meghan Sullivan,
Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, LLC
Mike Suzor, Springfield Technical
Community College
William Trudeau,
Insurance Center of New England
Nancy Urbschat, TSM Design Inc.
Mary Walachy, Irene E. & George A.
Davis Foundation
Vol XXXIII • No. 1 • Chamber Channels (USPS681-850)
is published bimonthly with $5 of Chamber dues covering
subscription costs.
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
Chamber Channels
1441 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01103-1449
Tel: 413-787-1555
Fax: 413-755-1322
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.myonlinechamber.com
News & Advertising Deadline: 10th of every month.
Publisher: Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.
Editor: Nancy F. Creed, IOM
Chamber Staff & Their Responsibilities
President: Jeffrey Ciuffreda • 755-1312
Executive Assistant to the President: Kara Cavanaugh • 755-1310
Vice President, Marketing & Communications: Nancy F. Creed, IOM • 755-1309
Staff Accountant: Nancy Desmarais • 755-1308
Accounts Payable Clerk: Carrie Dzialo • 755-1307
Chief Financial Officer: Lynn Kucejko • 755-1306
Member Services Director: Sarah Mazzaferro • 755-1313
ERC5 Director: Dianne Fabrocini • 755-1318
Send any staff member email: [email protected]
3
LEGISLATIVE
update
by Jeffrey S. Ciuffreda—
President, Affiliated
Chambers of Commerce of
Greater Springfield
While the members
of our Legislative
Steering Committee assist in our efforts
to advocate for Chamber priorities and
positions, we can be most successful
with the support of our Chamber
members. I encourage you to get
involved in our legislative agenda. Please
feel free to contact me at ciuffreda@
myonlinechamber.com or (413) 7551312 for information on how you can
support our efforts collectively.
4
ACCGS news
ACCGS Seeks Ambassadors
ACCGS Ambassadors Alan Stearley of The Gaudreau Group and Art Jasper of Johnstone
Supply welcome members to an ACCGS event while former Ambassador Linda McGurn of
Cathedral High School checks on the arrival of a prospect
The Affiliated Chambers of
Commerce of Greater Springfield
(ACCGS) is seeking business
professionals and community
leaders to join its Ambassador
team as part of the ACCGS’
membership
retention
and
recruitment program. “As a former
Ambassador, I understand the
integral role our Ambassadors play
in building relationships with our
members,” said Member Services
Director Sarah Mazzaferro.
Being an Ambassador offers
individuals a unique opportunity
to meet with decision-makers
on a professional basis while
helping the ACCGS strengthen
the relationship between it and
its members. Ambassadors are
paired up with new and current
members over the course of the
year and build both personal
and professional relationships.
Ambassadors conduct monthly
outreach, serve as peer mentors,
introduce members to other
members to begin to build their
Chamber network and represent
the ACCGS on a variety of levels.
“As an Ambassador, you make
connections that you might not
otherwise have made, it helps
the ACCGS spread its message
and gets the member involved in
making their own connections,”
Mazzaferro said. “It’s a win-win
for everyone involved.”
In return, Ambassadors receive
visibility for their company and
organizations, have an opportunity
to interact first-hand with new
companies in the region, enjoy
exclusive opportunities and priority
invitations
to
community
activities and events, receive
recognition, represent the ACCGS
at events at no charge and receive
reduced reservation costs to
other events.
To be eligible, an Ambassador
must be employed by a member
in good standing with ACCGS
affiliates, the Springfield Chamber
or East of the River Five Town
Chamber (ERC5), complete an
application for membership and
attend one Ambassador meeting
as a guest . Ambassadors meet
monthly on the second Wednesday
of each month at 4 p.m.
For more information on
becoming an Ambassador or to
express your interest, contact
Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313 or
[email protected].
Tee One Up for the ERC5! continued—
at 11:30 a.m., shotgun start
at 12:30 p.m. and capped off
with a reception sponsored by
Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
Golfers will enjoy hole in one,
longest drive and closest to the
line competitions, as well as a
putting contest to win $5,000
and a wide array of auction prizes.
The day will conclude with a
reception catered by the Club,
complete with passed hors
d’oeuvres, buffet stations and
cash bar.
Sponsorship levels for every
budget are available.
Watch
your mail for the brochure
outlining all levels and benefits
with sponsorship/tournament
registration. The tournament
entry fee is $500 per foursome
(individual golfers are welcome at
$125) and includes greens fees, cart,
lunch and reception. Net proceeds
from the tournament benefit the
Minnechaug Regional High School
Entrepreneurial Program and the
ERC5 Scholarship Fund.
For information on sponsorship
opportunities, contact Member
Services Director Sarah Mazzaferro at
[email protected]
or (413) 755-1313. To register
for the tournament, visit
the ACCGS Web site at www.
myonlinechamber.com.
Multi-Chamber Table Top
Showcase an Opportunity
to Shine! continued—
participants must supply their own
extension cords. While the event
does not open to the public until
4:30 p.m., exhibitors can begin set
up at 3:00 p.m. and displays must
be completed by 4:15 p.m.
Admission to the showcase is $5
per person in advance, $10 at the
door. Reservations for exhibitor space
or admission may be made in advance
at www.myonlinechamber.com.
10 Tips to Maximize
Your Table Top Success
1. Be sure your table top display
focuses on what you specialize in
and have balance in your display
– not too much, not too little.
2. Be sure you have someone at
your table at all times that is
knowledgeable about your
products and services.
3. If you are a vendor, have a
clear understanding of what
you do and why, for whom and
what makes your business or
organization different from
others in the room.
4. No matter if you are there as
a vendor or as a consumer,
remember: networking is not
selling. It is about building
relationships.
5. Always be genuine and
authentic.
6. Have your “elevator speech”
ready. This is a well-crafted
answer to, “What do you do?”
7. When visiting a vendor, be
able to articulate what you are
looking for and how others may
help you. Too often people in
conversations ask, “How may
I help you?” and no immediate
answer comes to mind.
8. Be sure to keep notes about who
you met. When you get a business
card, be sure to put a note on
the back as a reminder of your
conversation, any commitments
you made during the visit, etc.
9. Follow up. A simple way to make
a lasting impression is by a simple
thank you note as a follow up.
And be sure to follow through on
any commitments you made.
10. Bring plenty of business cards!
5
ACCGS news
ACCGS Welcomes Sarah Mazzaferro continued—
for the sale and enrollment of new
Most recently, she was a
memberships and the retention senior staffing consultant with
of existing memberships to meet United Personnel, responsible
growth objectives. She will also for recruitment strategies and
manage the existing member client relationships. Prior to that,
benefits program, recruit and she served in numerous sales,
manage new member benefits, recruitment and membership
identify and implement affinity capacities with JC Penney,
programs, and manage the Daytona Employment, Ladies
membership database. Working Professional Golf Association
with the entire ACCGS team, and International Speedway
Mazzaferro will organize and Corporation in her native Florida.
execute member events, serve as
Mazzaferro can be reached at
the primary administrative and [email protected]
registration support at events and or (413) 755-1313.
will oversee both the ACCGS Golf
and Ambassadors committees.
Mazzaferro comes to the ACCGS
with nearly 15 years of experience
with customer and member
services, human resources and
special event planning. An ACCGS
Ambassador, Mazzaferro is well
versed in the ACCGS, its affiliates
and member services and served
in that capacity for the past two
years assisting the ACCGS at
events, new member visits and as
Sarah Mazzaferro
committee secretary.
East of the River 5 Town Chamber
Board of Directors 2014-2015
Chair: Carmina Fernandes, Law Offices of Carmina Fernandes First Vice President: Dennis Lopata, Life Care Center of Wilbraham
Second Vice President: Edward Zemba, Robert Charles Photography
Treasurer: Joseph Lawler, The Gaudreau Group
Clerk: Charles Christianson, CMD Technologies
Past President: Lou Curto, Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC
Directors:
Jennifer Aldworth, Ludlow Community
Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club
Zelia Alves, Admirals Bank
Martin Baicker, Jewish Geriatric
Services
Chris Buendo, The Reminder
Jill Cameron, Westfield Bank
Trant Campbell, Annino, Draper
& Moore
Torrie Dearborn, Glenmeadow, Inc.
Mark French, The Republican
Antonio Goncalves, Ideal Insurance
Agency, Inc.
Victoria Healy, HEALTHSOUTH
Rehabilitation
6
Dr. Rock Jean-Guillaume, UMass
Medical Center
Elissa Langevin, Florence Savings Bank
Janet Murphy, Wilbraham & Monson
Academy
Tony Rosa, New England Appraisers
Service
Barry Sanborn, ProShred Security
International, Inc.
Corinne Sawyer, Monson Savings Bank
Kenneth Spafford, Spafford Leasing
Associates, Inc.
ACCGS news
Chambers Welcome
New Boards
The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
(ACCGS) and its affiliate chambers, the Springfield, East of the
River Five Town and Professional Women’s chambers, welcome
its new board members for the coming year!
ACCGS Board of Directors 2014-2015
President
Jeffrey Ciuffreda,
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
Chair
Atty. Ellen Freyman, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin P.C.
Vice Chair
Daniel Keenan, Sisters of Providence Health System
Treasurer
Barbara-Jean DeLoria, United Bank
Clerk
David Martel, Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy P.C.
Directors
Juan Campbell, Consolidated Health Plans
Patricia Canavan, United Personnel
Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor
Charles Christianson, CMD Technology Group, Inc.
Lou Curto, Pioneer Valley Financial Group
Carmina Fernandes, Law Offices of Carmina Fernandes
Jeffrey Fialky, Esq., Bacon Wilson, P.C.
Art Jasper, Johnstone Supply
Joseph Lawler, The Gaudreau Group
Patrick Leary, Moriarty & Primack, P.C.
Dennis Lopata, Life Care Center of Wilbraham
David Parke, Bulkley Richardson
Christine Phillips, United Personnel
Tracy Sicbaldi, Peoples United Bank
Dr. Julie Siciliano, Western New England University
Glenn Welch, Hampden Bank
Ed Zemba, Robert Charles Photography
MISSION STATEMENT
The Affiliated Chamber of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.
serves area affiliated chambers, organizations, and the businesses
they represent, to meet individual and collective goals promoting
prosperity for the region.
7
ACCGS news
Chamber Welcomes New Board Members continued—
Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2014-2015
East of the River 5 Town
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors 2014-2015
Chair
Jeffrey Fialky, Bacon Wilson, P.C.
President
Carmina Fernandes, Law Offices of Carmina Fernandes
Vice Chair
Patricia Canavan, United Personnel
First Vice Chair
Dennis Lopata, Life Care Center of Wilbraham
Executive Director
Jeffrey Ciuffreda
Second Vice Chair
Edward Zemba, Robert Charles Photography
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.
Treasurer
Joseph Marullo, Berkshire Bank
Clerk
Timothy Murphy, Skoler, Abbott & Presser P.C.
Members
Ellen Cummings, Verizon
John Doleva, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Hayley Dunn, Western Massachusetts Electric Company
Mark French, The Republican
Ellen Freyman, Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.
Nicholas Fyntrilakis, MassMutual Financial Group
John Garvey, Garvey Communication Associates Inc.
Daniel Glanville Esq., Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
Michael Gold, Big Y Foods, Inc.
James Goodwin, Center For Human Development, Inc. (CHD)
Tiffany Greene, Disability Management Services, Inc.
Melinda Graulau, Eastfield Mall
Stacey Church, MassMutual Center
Joan Kagan, Square One
Donald Kozera, Human Resources Unlimited
Patrick Leary, Moriarty & Primack, P.C.
Mary MacInnes, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA)
Douglas Macmillan, Macmillan and Son, Inc.
Judith Matt, Spirit of Springfield, Inc.
Bill Miller, Friends of the Homeless, Inc.
Martin Miller, New England Public Radio
William Pepin, WWLP-22 News
Evan Plotkin, NAI Plotkin
Alan Popp, Mason-Wright
Arlene Putnam, Putnam Associates
Dora Robinson, United Way of Pioneer Valley, Inc.
Jeffrey Sattler, NUVO Bank & Trust Company
Kirk Smith, YMCA of Greater Springfield
Meghan Sullivan Esq., Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, LLC
Mike Suzor, Springfield Technical Community College
William Trudeau, Insurance Center of New England
Nancy Urbschat, TSM Design Inc.
Mary Walachy, Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation
8
Treasurer
Joseph Lawler, The Gaudreau Group
Clerk
Charles Christianson, CMD Technologies
Past Chair
Lou Curto, Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC
Directors
Jennifer Aldworth,
Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club
Zelia Alves, Admirals Bank
Martin Baicker, Jewish Geriatric Services
Chris Buendo, The Reminder
Jill Cameron, Westfield Bank
Trant Campbell, Annino, Draper & Moore
Torrie Dearborn, Glenmeadow, Inc.
Mark French, The Republican
Antonio Goncalves, Ideal Insurance Agency, Inc.
Victoria Healy, HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation
Dr. Rock Jean-Guillaume, UMass Medical Center
Elissa Langevin, Florence Savings Bank
Janet Murphy, Wilbraham & Monson Academy
Tony Rosa, New England Appraisers Service
Barry Sanborn, ProShred Security International, Inc.
Corinne Sawyer, Monson Savings Bank
Kenneth Spafford, Spafford Leasing Associates, Inc.
ACCGS news
Chamber Welcomes New Board Members continued—
Professional Women’s Chamber
Board of Directors 2014-2015
President Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor
Vice President Laurie Cassidy, West Springfield Council on Aging
Treasurer Laurette Bishop, CohnReznick, LLP
Assistant Treasurer Nancy Mirkin, Florence Savings Bank
Secretary Jennifer Endicott, Baystate Medical Center
Directors
Gwen Burke, BusinessWest
Jacqueline Bangs, EMC
Diane Barnes, Northwestern Mutual
Jennifer Connelly, Junior Achievement
Dawn Creighton, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
Patricia Faginski, St. Germain Investments
Jeannie Filomeni, Marcotte Ford
Kim Landry, Park Square Realty
Colleen Loveless, Rebuilding Springfield
Susan Scantlen, Hampden Bank
Cosmetics Chief to Keynote PWC Headline
Luncheon continued—
Middle East, the Far East, South
Africa, Australia, New Zealand
and Latin America.
Iredale Mineral Cosmetics
still remains true to its original
concept of bringing women
a makeup that enhances the
health of the skin. Its leader is
a committed environmentalist
who strives to bring that
commitment to her work. Her
company has an energetic Green
Team whose mission is to lessen
the company’s impact on the
environment. The company also
has its own organic vegetable
and fruit garden fertilized by an
active and flourishing bee hive.
To accommodate growth, this
year, the company moves into its
Gold LEED certified corporate
headquarters that it converted
from an 1889 school building.
Iredale serves on the board
of Independent Cosmetic
Manufacturers and Distributors
as well as two boards dedicated
to the arts.
Advance reservations for the
luncheon are suggested and are
$25 for PWC members and $35
for general admission. Season
passes to the PWC Headline
Luncheon series are also
available through September 17
and provide discounted access to
the September and October 2014
luncheons, the January 2015
Business Expo and the March
2015 luncheon. Season passes
are $99 for members and $110
for general admission. Season
pass holders must pre-register
for the events.
Reser vations and season
passes may be made online at
www.myonlinechamber.com
or by emailing PWCevents@
myonlinechamber.com.
9
ACCGS news
ACCGS Golf Photo Gallery
Photos by Michael Epaul Photography
A full field of 120 golfers spent the day at The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick for the annual ACCSG Golf Tournament on July 14, 2014.
Sponsored by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Florence Savings Bank, YMCA of Greater Springfield, Barr & Barr, Inc., Healthsouth
and Bacon Wilson, golfers enjoyed contests, lunch sponsored by the MassMutual Center, a buffet reception and the “cerebral, sporty,
tournament-worthy course.”
The golf carts await the players.
The Get Set Marketing Team of (from left) Dan Bessette, Joe Bessette, Tom Buswell and Chris Thompson gives new
meaning to hole in one.
The Republican’s Mark French shows the team the line as colleague Sheila Gilligan looks on.
10
continued on page 11
ACCGS news
ACCGS Golf Photo Gallery continued—
Golfers were challenged by the par 72, 7,100-yard course of The Ranch Golf Club ranked as one of the Top 5 Places to Play by Golf Magazine and listed in the Top 10 Best in the
State by Golf Digest.
The Springfield College team took home the honors as the winning team.
Volunteers such as Becky Ramah from United Personnel and Lori Loughlin from F.W.
Webb Company helped make the tournament a success.
More photos from the tournament and ALL our events can be found in our Flickr account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/accgs/.
11
ACCGS news
ERC5/ACCGS Team Up for
Millfest After 5
Ludlow Mills on State Street in Ludlow will be the site
of “MillFest,” the first After 5 of the chamber season,
presented by the East of the River Five Town Chamber
of Commerce, an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of
Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS), in partnership
with the ACCGS, on September 10, 2014 from 5:00 p.m.
until dusk. (Rain date: September 11)
Sponsored by presenting sponsors Chicopee Savings
Bank and MGM Springfield, with support from gold
sponsors HealthSouth, WestMass Area Development
Corporation and Winn Development and table sponsors
the Law Offices of Carmina Fernandes and Holiday Inn
Express, MillFest will take place in an outdoor tented
setting and will provide attendees the opportunity to
network in a casual and informal setting. Attendees will
also be able to network with many of the businesses that
are based in this unique industrial complex and learn more
about the Ludlow Riverwalk.
Attendees will enjoy music; complimentary hot dogs,
hamburgers and apple pie and a cash bar provided by
Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill; as well as a display of classic
cars, fun amusements, and a special dedication to the
region’s first responders.
Reservations are $15 for members and $25 for the general
public. Net proceeds benefit the ERC5 Scholarship Fund.
Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.
com or by contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at mazzaferro@
myonlinechamber.com.
12
ACCGS news
Social Media for Small Business Success Focus of
October Lunch ‘n Learn
caption
During the 2013-2014 Chamber
season, the Affiliated Chambers of
Commerce of Greater Springfield
(ACCGS) launched a brand new
program aimed at smaller to midsize businesses and designed to help
businesses build brand awareness,
customer loyalty and sales. As a
result of its overwhelming success,
the ACCGS is renewing its Lunch
‘n Learn program this Chamber
season, kicking it off October 8,
2014 with “Social Media Marketing
for Small Business Success.”
Liz Provo, authorized local
representative for Constant Contact,
one of the leading email marketing
service providers in the country, will
return as a presenter and provide
attendees with a look at the popular
social media networks – Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and
Google+. Attendees will learn the
benefits of using each, how other
organizations are marketing with
them and some dos and don’ts of
each network.
Specific areas of discussion
will include:
• A closer look at each of the five
most popular social networks
• Within each network:
• How to tell if it’s right for
your business
• What kind of content to
create and post
• Etiquette
• How to tell if your content
is working
• Suggestions on what to
do next
• Why social media & email
marketing must be used together
Provo has been involved in
sales and marketing throughout
her career. A magazine publisher,
blogger and early adopter of
social media, she has taught small
business owners throughout
western Massachusetts how to
effectively use today’s marketing
tools to grow their businesses. As
an authorized local expert with
Constant Contact, Provo joins
a network of 200 professionals
around the country who are available
to associations, organizations
and event planners, speaking on
relationship marketing.
The program will run from
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lattitude
Restaurant, 1338 Memorial
Avenue, West Springfield, and will
include lunch, networking time
and one-on-one discussions with
Provo. Attendees will also receive
a pre-pay discount up to 25%
on an existing or new Constant
Contact subscription to its Email
Marketing, Online Survey and
Event Marketing tools.
Reservations are $25 for
members and $35 for general
admission. Reservations may
be made online at www.
myonlinechamber.com or by
contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at
[email protected].
13
CELEBRATING
HCC Gateway to
College Program
Number One
The Spring 2014 report
from the National Network of
Gateway Colleges has ranked
the Holyoke Community College
(HCC) Gateway to College
program number one in both
fall-to-fall “persistence” rate (87
percent) and graduation rate (80
percent) out of all 43 Gateway
to College programs for the
2011-2012 academic year. The
network average was 53 percent
for “persistence” (retention) and
27 percent for graduation.
The program gives second
chances to high school students
who have either dropped out of
school or are at risk for dropping
out by enrolling them in college
classes. Students earn both
their high school diplomas and
college credit.
Since 2010, 142 students have
earned their high school diplomas
through HCC’s program.
Our Members
Paul Robbins Associates Wins International Awards
Paul Robbins, of Paul Robbins
Associates, Inc., has won two
awards in the 2014 Summit
Creative Award® competition
for his documentary-style video
titled “Wally, Derek, Gladys”
produced
for
HAPHousing,
the region’s largest nonprofit
developer of affordable housing.
The video received a Silver award
in the Fundraising category and
a Bronze award in the Not-ForProfit category. Robbins is now
a six-time winner of the Summit
Creative Award for video.
Robbins has previously won
Summit Creative Awards for two
other videos he produced for
HAPHousing, one for a video he
produced for Springfield’s Friends
of the Homeless and he also
produced an award-winning video
for the Western Massachusetts
Network to End Homelessness.
Robbins’ entries were among
the more than 5,000 submissions
from 24 countries, including
Australia, Korea, India, Hong
Kong, Denmark. Entries were
blind judged and based on
Paul Robbins
innovative and creative concepts,
strong execution and the ability
to communicate and persuade.
Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing Earns Accreditation
Tighe & Bond
Named a Best
Firm to Work For
Based on the survey results
of its 2014 Best Firms To Work
For competition, ZweigWhite
has recognized Tighe & Bond as
one of the best civil engineering
firms to work for in the nation.
The annual awards competition
is based on business practice
data collected from numerous
participating firms across the
country, including feedback
solicited through an employee
survey, and ranks companies
on firm culture and workplace
practices, employee benefits,
career development and growth
opportunities, compensation,
performance and recognition, as well
as recruiting and retention rates.
14
From left, David Scruggs, CEO of The Loomis Communities, Springfield City Council President Michael Fenton, Loomis Lakeside at Reeds
Landing resident Bob Webler, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno celebrate the accreditation.
Loomis Lakeside at Reeds
Landing, Springfield’s first continuing
care retirement community and a
member of Loomis Communities,
recently earned a full, five-year
accreditation from the Continuing
Care Accreditation Commission
(CARF/CCAC), the only nationallyrecognized organization that
evaluates and accredits continuing
care retirement communities. Less
than 15% of the continuing care
retirement communities around the
country achieve this milestone.
The accreditation process
reviewed all of the services and levels
of care available at Loomis Lakeside
at Reeds Landing, which provides
independent living cottages and
apartments, assisted living and
skilled nursing care all on the same
campus. In addition to evaluating
the community’s programs, the survey
process evaluated administrative
and business practices, including
financial strength and planning.
Springfield Partners Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Springfield Partners for
Community Action this month
will celebrate 50 years of essential
service to low-income residents
of greater Springfield at a
milestone red carpet award event
in the Springfield Marriott hotel.
Awards will be given to community
partners, who have helped
Springfield Partners provide
services to families to break the
continued on page 15
CELEBRATING
Our Members
Springfield Partners Celbrates 50th Anniversary continued—
cycle of poverty.
Springfield Partners was
established in 1964, as a result of
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s
Economic Opportunity Act
establishing local agencies to
administer federally-funded
programs. The organization’s
services help low-income residents
build assets, access affordable
childcare, decrease energy costs,
manage money, avoid eviction, file
taxes, buy homes and get college
degrees. Springfield Partners
also offers an extensive outreach
program to get veterans and their
families connected and included
within the community.
Dietz & Company Architects, Inc. Associate Honored
Dietz & Company Architects,
Inc. has announced that that
Associate AIA Jason Newman
has been selected for the 2014
American Institute of Architects
Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE
Scholarship.
Newman was
chosen based on his significant
contributions at an early stage
of his career to his profession
and/or community; exemplary
involvement in community and/
or professional organizations;
outstanding achievement in
the creation, development, and
delivery of creative programs for
interns, associates, and/or young
architect members; strong letters
of support detailing personal
and professional contributions
and an inspiring statement of
contribution.
Newman holds a bachelor’s
degree
in
architectural
technology from Alfred State
College and a master’s degree in
architecture from the University
of Massachusetts – Amherst.
He is an active member of the
Western Massachusetts AIA
chapter, and he has been a
leader in the chapter’s Emerging
Jason Newman
Professionals Group since it
was formed in 2012. His efforts
have contributed to a renewed
emerging professional’s network
in the Western Massachusetts
area. Over the past two years,
Newman has been heavily
involved in the planning and
execution of various AIA events
focused on licensure, mentoring,
and topics pertinent to the
emerging professional.
Carando Foods
Achieves
Zero Waste to
Landfill Status
Carando Foods was recently
recognized by Smithfield Foods,
Inc., the largest pork producer
and processor in the United
States, for its zero waste to landfill environmental status. Carando is able to reuse or recycle 100%
of material that would otherwise
be filling up a landfill. The zero
waste program includes composting of food scraps and organics;
recycling of paper, paper bags,
wood, cardboard, plastics, metal,
aluminum and other items.
Since the start of the program, Carando has been able to
recycle 1,915 tons of material
that would otherwise have been
disposed of in a landfill. Not only
has the efforts helped further its
“green” operations, it also has
saved the company $90,000 in
disposal fees.
FieldEddy
Insurance Adds
to Management
FieldEddy Insurance has
announced the hiring of Maria
Koutroubila as personal lines
continued on page 16
Media Partners
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
15
CELEBRATING
FieldEddy Insuracne
Adds to Management
continued—
Our Members
Florence Savings Bank Receives Good Neighbor
Award, Makes Grant
Florence Savings Bank (FSB),
a mutually-owned savings bank
serving the Pioneer Valley
through nine branch locations,
was one of three recipients of the
Cutchins Good Neighbor Awards,
presented to area organizations
that have made a difference in
the lives of the people that the
Cutchins organization serves.
FSB was honored for its longtime support of the organization’s
programs, in particular the Bank’s
employee-driven program to
supply holiday gifts to Cutchins
children, now in its 14th year.
FSB also recently donated
$5,000 to the Easthampton
Community Center for the
purchase of a generator to serve
as a backup power source for
the continuous power for food
refrigeration in the event of
an outage. It will also allow the
Center to be used as a heating and
cooling center for area residents
during an extended power failure.
Maria Koutroubila
account manager, responsible
for educating and ensuring
that clients have the proper
insurance coverage, implement
daily operations and ensure that
standard working procedures,
key performance indicators
and other account metrics are
achieved on a regular basis.
Koutroubila has more than
10 years of insurance related
experience, is a member of
the National Alliance holding
the CISR designation and
working towards CISR Elite
designation. She will be based
out of the corporate office in
East Longmeadow.
Springfield
Museums
Selected to
Participate in
Assessment
Program
The Springfield Museums
have
been
selected
to
participate in the Museum
Assessment Program (MAP). The
program is funded by the federal
Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS) and administered
by the American Alliance of
Museums (AAM). Last year, the
Springfield Museums received
full accreditation from the AAM, a
continued on page 17
16
From left, Robin Bialecki, executive director of the Easthampton Community Center, accepts the donation from Assistant Branch Manager/
Vice-President Anita Sedlak and Easthampton Branch Manager/Vice-President Tom Conner.
CELEBRATING
Our Members
Dakin Humane Society Reaches Milestones
Dakin Humane Society of
Springfield and Leverett has
reached its 50,000 spay and neuter
and celebrated its 5th anniversary
at its Union Street, Springfield
location. Mayor Domenic Sarno,
Springfield
City
Councilor
Melvin Edwards, Holyoke State
Representative Aaron Vega,
Springfield
Department
of
Health and Human Services
Director Helen Caulton Harris
and representatives from Senator
James Welch’s office were on hand
to celebrate the milestone and
declare August 1, 2014 as “Dakin
Day” in the city of Springfield.
Springfield Museums
Selected to Participate
in Assessment Program
continued—
milestone that only 6% museums
in America have achieved.
As part of the IMLS
National Leadership program,
MAP advances best practices
and fosters improvement in
museums. Museums of all types
and sizes are eligible to participate
in the program, including art,
history, science and technology,
children’s, natural history,
historic houses, nature centers,
botanical gardens, and zoos.
MAP is a self-motivated
program; application to and
participation in MAP is initiated
by each local institution,
and those accepted invest
considerable human and
institutional resources into the
assessment. The main steps
in the MAP process include a
confidential process of self-study,
peer review and implementation.
Museums use the assessment
process to strengthen operations,
build capacity, and enhance
communication throughout the
organization and in response to
community needs.
Amy Royal
Admied to
Vermont Bar
Molly, a pit bull/Australian shepherd mix and the last of an unwanted litter, was the 50,000th patient at the Dakin Humane Society
Spay/Neuter Clinic. Shown here with her person David Wagstaff.
AIC Launches New Master’s Program
American
International
College (AIC) has launched a new
Master of Science in leadership
program. Designed to develop the
leadership skills of employees to
positively influence organizational
outcomes, the degree program
focuses on leadership theories
and concepts, developing the
individual’s skills as an effective
leader,
practicing
proven
leadership strategies and acting as
an entrepreneurial leader.
The program is designed to be
highly engaging with students
utilizing class time for activities,
small group work, examination
of cases and opportunities for
practicing new leadership skills.
The program consists of seven
core courses and four courses in
one of two concentration areas:
executive leadership or higher
education leadership, and is
designed to be completed in two
years using a blend of classroom
and online coursework
Amy B. Royal, principal and
founding partner of Royal LLP,
the woman-owned, boutique,
management-side labor and
employment law firm, has been
admitted to practice law in the
state of Vermont. Amy is senior
partner at Royal LLP and is head
of the litigation department.
Amy Royal
17
ACCGS news
Affiliated Chambers of Commerce
of Greater Springfield, Inc.
1441 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01103-1449
Tel: 413-787-1555 • Fax: 413-731-8530
Website: www.myonlinechamber.com
Board of Directors 2014-2015
President: Jeffrey Ciuffreda, Affiliated Chambers
of Commerce of Greater Springfield
Chair: Ellen Freyman, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin P.C.
Treasurer: Barbara-Jean DeLoria, United Bank
Clerk: David Martel, Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy P.C.
Springfield
Symphony Orchestra
Offers Season-Long
Member Benefit
The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
(ACCGS) has partnered with the Springfield Symphony
Orchestra (SSO) on a season-long discount on adult single
tickets to any of the its Classical or Pops series concerts
during the 2014-2015 season.
Directors:
Juan Campbell, Consolidated Health Plans
Patricia Canavan, United Personnel
Janet Casey, Marketing Doctor
Charles Christianson, CMD Technology Group, Inc.
Lou Curto, Pioneer Valley Financial Group
Carmina Fernandes, Law Offices of Carmina Fernandes
Jeffrey Fialky, Esq., Bacon Wilson, P.C.
Art Jasper, Johnstone Supply
Joseph Lawler, The Gaudreau Group
Patrick Leary, Moriarty & Primack, P.C.
Dennis Lopata, Life Care Center of Wilbraham
David Parke, Bulkley Richardson
Christine Phillips, United Personnel
Tracy Sicbaldi, Peoples United Bank
Dr. Julie Siciliano, Western New England University
Glenn Welch, Hampden Bank
Ed Zemba, Robert Charles Photography
For each ticket purchased, Chamber members will receive
$25 off an adult single ticket. There is no restriction of the
number of tickets purchased, and this is an exclusive offer
only to Chamber members.
Under the direction of Maestro Kevin Rhodes, the SSO
season kicks off September 27, 2014 with the Opening
Night performance featuring Ravel’s Bolero, Debussy’s La
Mer and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Classical
performances throughout the season will also feature
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 ; Tchaikovsky’s Romeo
and Juliet, Overture-Fantasy; Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring,
and newer works such as Fuchs’ Out of the Dark, as well as
an evening of Latin guitar featuring Denis Azabagic, one of
the most compelling classical guitarists on the international
concert circuit today.
Debuting this year as part of the Pops series will be Jeans
‘n Classics, featuring star performers on the arts and
entertainment scene who combine the best of today’s
popular sounds with world-class symphony orchestras and
choruses. The Pops series kicks off October 11, 2014 with
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in its entirety and
backed by members of the SSO. Other performances include
“For Michael: The Music of Michael Jackson;” the best of
Earth, Wind & Fire, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Chicago; as
well as the SSO’s ever-popular family holiday performance,
“Home for the Follidays.”
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Hall, 34 Court
Street, Springfield. Adult ticket prices range from $22 to
$65 based on seating choice and performance.
To take advantage of this exclusive discount, Chamber members
may redeem the offer by calling the SSO Box Office at (413)
733-2291 or by visiting the Box Office at 1350 Main Street,
Springfield. Members MUST mention Springfield Chamber at
the time of purchase to receive the discount. The discount is
only valid through the 2014-2015 season and expires with the
last performance of the season on April 25, 2015.
For more information on the performances, visit the SSO’s
Web site at www.springfieldsymphony.org.
18
ACCGS news
19
chamberevents
September 2014
2
ERC5 Marketing Committee, Go Graphix, 1 Benton Drive, East Longmeadow, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
30
ACCGS “Rake in the Business,” Table Top Showcase and Business Networking, Castle of
Knights, 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee, 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., cost $5 in advance,
$10 at the door. Presented in collaboration with Greater Chicopee, Holyoke
and Westfield chambers of commerce
3
Business@Breakfast, Sheraton Springfield, 1 Monarch Place, Springfield, 7:15 a.m. –
9:00 a.m., Featuring Rob Peck, Zestworks, “Keeping All Balls in the Air: How to Get a
Grip on Overload and Overwhelm” Cost $20 members in advance ($25 at the door),
$30 general admission
October 2014
1
9
ACCGS Business@Breakfast, Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow,
7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., cost $20 members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 general admission
Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting, TD Bank Conference
Center, Springfield, 12:00 p.m. –1:00 p.m.
3
10
ERC5 Annual Golf Tournament, Country Club of Wilbraham, 859 Stony Hill Road,
11:00 a.m. Registration/ 11:30 a.m. Lunch/ 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start/ 6:00 p.m.
Reception, cost: $500 foursome, $125 individual golfer
ACCGS Ambassadors Meeting, Ludlow Mills, State Street, Ludlow, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ERC5/ACCGS Millfest After 5, Ludlow Mills, State Street, Ludlow, 5:00 p.m. – Dusk, Cost $15
member, $25 general admission
7
ERC5 Marketing Committee, Go Graphix, 1 Benton Drive, East Longmeadow, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
8
12
ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield,
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
15
ACCGS Lunch ‘n Learn, Lattitude Restaurant, 1338 Memorial Avenue, West
Springfield, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., “Social Media for Small Business Success,” cost
$25 members, $35 general admission
ACCGS Board of Directors Meeting, EDC Conference Room, Chamber Offices, 1441
Main Street, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
ACCGS Ambassadors Meeting, Chamber Offices, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
16
ACCGS Washington Symposium, Capitol Hill
ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main Street,
Springfield, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
17
15
ERC5 Board of Directors Meeting, The Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, 2
Lodge Lane, Wilbraham, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
ERC5 Board of Directors Meeting, The Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room,
2 Lodge Lane, Wilbraham, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
ACCGS Washington Symposium, Capitol Hill
20
18
ACCGS Board of Directors Meeting, EDC Conference Room, Chamber Offices, 1441
Main Street, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.
ACCGS Washington Symposium, Capitol Hill
23
10
22
PWC Board of Directors Meeting, Chamber Offices, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m
ACCGS Pastries, Politics and Policy, Location: TBD, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., Political
consultant Anthony Cignoli, Election and Ballot Initiatives Update, $15 members,
$25 general admission
24
29
ACCGS Expo Business@Breakfast, MassMutual Center, Springfield, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00
a.m., cost: $25 person
Western Mass. Business Expo, MassMutual Center, Springfield, 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.,
cost: complimentary
PWC Headline Luncheon, Yankee Pedlar Inn, 1866 Northampton Street, Holyoke,
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Jane Iredale, founder, president and chief executive officer,
Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Cost $25 members, $35 general admission
PWC Expo Luncheon, MassMutual Center, Springfield, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m., Featuring Patricia
Diaz Dennis, retired senior vice president /assistant general counsel—AT&T, cost: $40
Please return to Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.: 1441 Main
Street, Springfield, MA 01103-1449 —or — FAX to (413) 755-1322
PWC Board of Directors Meeting, Chamber Offices, Springfield, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
20
We want to attend the following events:
____ SEPTEMBER 3
Business@Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
“Keeping All Balls in the Air: How to Get a Grip on Overload and Overwhelm”
Sheraton Springfield, 1 Monarch Place, Springfield
$20 members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 general admission
Registrant Name(s) ________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Company Name: ___________________________________________________________
Tel: ________________________________
Fax: _______________________________
____ SEPTEMBER 10
ERC5/ACCGS MillFest After 5, 5:00 p.m. – Dusk
Ludlow Mills, 100 State Street, Ludlow
$15 members, $25 general admission
____ SEPTEMBER 17
PWC Headline Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Jane Iredale, founder, president and chief executive officer
of Iredale Mineral Cosmetics
Yankee Pedlar Inn, 1866 Northampton Street, Holyoke
$25 members, $35 general admission
Address: _________________________________________________________________
Town, State, Zip: __________________________________________________________
Contact Name: ____________________________________________________________
Check Enclosed for $ _______________________________________________________
Please charge this to my: † AMEX
† Visa † Mastercard
† Discover
____ SEPTEMBER 23
Card # __________________________________________Exp. Date ________________
Pastries, Politics and Policy, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
$15 members, $25 general admission
Signature ________________________________________________________________