Posts by DeWolf

Tens of thousands of western Massachusetts families face losing internet access as a federal program is set to end. Advocates for digital equity gathered in Springfield on Wednesday to call for the continuation of the program. “It’s going to be the difference between ‘Do I pay rent, do I pay for food, or do I…

Maybury Material Handling, a leading provider of industrial products and services to manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing customers throughout New England, announced a transition of leadership as John Maybury, who has served as president for almost five decades, assumes the role of chairperson, and his son, William Maybury, assumes the role of president. “I am thrilled…

Dulye & Co. founder and President Linda Dulye, who 16 years ago established a philanthropic organization to develop and connect emerging leaders in the Berkshires and beyond, has been honored for her achievements by the Zonta Club of Berkshire County. After receiving nominations from the public, Zonta Club members this month voted on their final…

One room with one table, two desks, three chairs and a map of Springfield on the wall. Those were the modest trappings of MassMutual’s first office when we opened for business back in 1851. By that time, Springfield, the “City of Firsts,” already had seen its share of innovators and pioneers — from Thomas Blanchard’s…

A news conference was held at Way Finders in Springfield to urge the importance of funding the Affordable Connectivity Program. It helps provide families with affordable internet to over 55,000 residents of western Massachusetts in Hampden, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. The Affordable Connectivity Program subsidizes broadband for low-income households and stopped accepting new enrollments…

1Berkshire announced the addition of two staff members, one on the Member Services team and one on the Economic Development team. In addition, 1Berkshire has also added four new members to its board of directors. Hannah Pimenta assumed the role of Member Engagement associate. In her position, she will support the director of Member Services…

Country Bank reported more than $1.2 million in donations for 2023. The bank’s philanthropic efforts supported local nonprofits throughout its communities, with 463 organizations receiving grants in 2023. In addition to financial support, Country Bank’s team members dedicated their time and expertise to make a difference, volunteering 1,255 hours of community service, while 37 team…

The City Council approved approximately $2.6 million for the Rivermills fill program during its Feb. 6 meeting. To assist with the redevelopment of the Facemate and Uniroyal sites, the city needs to implement a fill program. Planning Director Lee Pouliot said, “Our proposal for these two areas of the Uniroyal and Baskin sites is to…

As executive director of the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Vince Jackson spends a lot of time talking to business owners, and what he hears is generally optimistic — to a point. “Businesses are careful about using the term ‘fully recovered.’ For some retailers, their situation is better than it was in 2019,” he said, referring…

Cesar Ruiz admits that the first time he and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia discussed the notion of bringing a sports complex to the Paper City, one that could potentially become the new home to the Volleyball Hall of Fame, the talk “pretty much went in one ear and out the other.” That was roughly two…