Business Development

Donna Haghighat, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, has announced her plans to retire, effective June 30. Under Haghighat’s leadership, beginning in 2017, the Women’s Fund developed innovative programs, sought out effective partnerships, increased grantmaking, grew its corporate and individual donations, and focused on racial equity and trust-based philanthropy. Haghighat was also integral…

K. Kevin Saremi has been a steadfast supporter of American International College (AIC) since his graduation with an MBA in 1983. Saremi and his wife, Deborah, who met as students at AIC, have both expressed appreciation for the support they received from what was then the College’s Placement Center. In 2010, the Saremis demonstrated their…

Andy Koziol has more than 15 years of experience in transportation planning, including for passenger rail stations, according to MassDOT. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has appointed a director to the West-East Rail project that would extend passenger rail service from Boston to Worcester, Springfield and Pittsfield. Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt…

The United Way of Pioneer Valley will launch VolunteerConnect, a program of community events, workshops, and services that connect volunteers with opportunities in the Pioneer Valley. As part of VolunteerConnect, UWPV will share a robust, virtual volunteer platform to match volunteers with open volunteer positions throughout the region. The platform is free to use and…

Liz Larson, currently director of Operations at the Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), has been named interim executive director, effective Feb. 26. Larson has been with the BID for six years and has worked closely with departing Executive Director Gabrielle Gould, creating events for the community, revitalizing downtown, and ensuring the health of the BID’s…

Berkshire Bank announced that nearly $2.5 million in philanthropic investments were provided from its foundation in 2023 to support more than 500 nonprofit organizations. During the fourth quarter, more than $642,000 in grants and scholarships were awarded to foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the…

Six Flags New England is looking to fill over 2,000 jobs ahead of their upcoming season. Positions include rides, lifeguards, food and beverage, admissions, entertainment, retail, loss prevention, park service and cleanliness team, EMT/paramedics, and security, among others. Jobs start at $15 per hour with some starting at $15.75 per hour and applicants must be…

The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race are traditions in the Paper City and across the 413. They are events, but they are much more than that. They bring families and communities together, and they are economic engines — for Holyoke, but also the entire region. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, contributing…

At a time when many malls are struggling, even shutting down entirely, the Holyoke Mall is investing in the future. The area’s largest shopping mall is planning some remodeling, and welcoming new business. Holyoke Mall has been filling shoppers needs for over four decades. Along with changing trends, many stores have come and gone, while…

The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced the resignation of Executive Director Claudia Pazmany, effective Feb. 28. Pazmany has led the chamber for the past five and a half years, growing it to over 400 members while leading it through the pandemic. The chamber will launch a search for its next executive director immediately. “I…