Westfield Bank helps Camp Atwater
Westfield Bank Chairman and CEO James C. Hagan recently gifted Springfield Urban League CEO Henry M. Thomas III with a $100,000 contribution to help launch a $7.5 million capital campaign to secure the future of historic Camp Atwater.
“This contribution represents our steadfast commitment to the Urban League as it reimagines and reinvigorates an invaluable Massachusetts institution that has played such an important role in the lives of black youth in western Massachusetts and beyond for a century,” said Hagan. “Westfield Bank is very proud to participate in the campaign at this time and we encourage other corporations, foundations and individuals to join us in supporting Camp Atwater’s centenary. Creating opportunities for youth the way Camp Atwater has done for decades is more essential than ever, and the Bank is excited to play a role in bringing this project to life.”
“On behalf of the Springfield Urban League, Camp Atwater and our thousands of alumni and families, I want to thank Westfield Bank for speaking out so generously at this early time,” said Thomas. “Westfield Bank has always been a strong supporter of the Urban League and we are sincerely grateful to them for this excellent initial investment in the campaign and their continued partnership with us as we strive to create a more just and equitable society.”
The Urban League has owned and operated Camp Atwater, located on more than 80 acres of land in North Brookfield, since 1921, making it the oldest black-owned summer camp in the country. In its many years of service, Camp Atwater has over 55,000 alumni. It is the only campground listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Urban League is embarking on the $7.5 million Centennial Campaign to help fund work on the camp’s buildings and grounds with the goal of welcoming overnight campers next summer.
With support from Westfield Bank, as well as other early donors, significant work on the camp buildings and grounds is scheduled to begin this summer and continue so that Atwater can welcome overnight campers in the summer of 2023.
Law firm pledges $100,000 to food bank
Alekman-DiTusa, a Springfield-based personal injury law firm, recently made a five-year charitable commitment to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to donate $20,000 a year, totaling $100,000.
For each of the five years, $15,000 of the grant will be allocated to the organization for general operational support, totaling $75,000. The remaining $5,000 per year will support the organization’s capital drive to build its new food distribution center and headquarters in Chicopee.
A statement from the firm of attorneys Ryan Alekman, Rob DiTusa and Laura Mangini stated, “We are thrilled to help the West Massachusetts Food Bank achieve its capital campaign goals. Giving back to the community has always been a priority for our law firm and we sincerely believe in the mission of the food bank. This new facility will allow them to better serve the many families in western Massachusetts that are food insecure. We look forward to seeing the new facility up and running and encourage others who can support this essential organization.”
“We are grateful for Alekman DiTusa’s continued commitment to our food-insecure neighbors across western Massachusetts,” added Jillian Morgan, director of philanthropy at the food bank. “This incredibly generous donation will not only provide greater access to healthy food now, but will also help the food bank build a more food-safe Western Massachusetts in the future. We hope that other local companies will follow their tremendous example.”
Monson Savings scores 150th place
To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Monson Savings Bank recently unveiled a historic landmark at the bank’s original location in Monson.
The event took place on June 1, a day chosen because it was the first day Monson Savings Bank accepted deposits in 1872. Guests gathered near the Monson City offices, where the original granite building that housed Monson was located. Savings Bank on its incorporation in 1872.
A block of granite from the original building with the inscription “bench” was placed at the base of the historic bronze plaque located on a pole.
Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings, at the ceremony, shared the plaque’s text. He says: “In the mid-1800s, demand for banking services became essential in Monson, Massachusetts, due to the growing population, industries, and retail establishments. To give working men and women an opportunity to save, Monson Savings Bank was incorporated on March 27, 1872, enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives. On this site was a small granite bank house on the corner of Main and State streets that housed the local community bank house.”
Added Moriarty: “Many people have joined in, volunteering their time and hard work to make this memorial possible.” He thanked city administrator Jennifer Wolowicz, along with the Select Board, the city’s Department of Highways and Pascale Construction.
The Springfield Regional Council is seeking nominations for its annual Super 60 awards program. The Super 60 recognizes the success of the fastest growing private companies in the region. The deadline is August 5th.
Each year, the Super 60 identifies the best performing companies in the region, based on revenue growth and total revenue. In 2019, a quarter of Total Revenue winners surpassed $30 million, with all winners combined for more than $720 million in revenue. In the Revenue Growth category, all winners grew by more than 21%, and 50% of the top 30 companies grew by more than 50%.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our region and have been especially resilient during the pandemic. We are thrilled to bring back this awards program to honor our region’s businesses and recognize their successful navigation over the past two years,” said Chamber President Diana Szynal.
To be considered, companies must be independent and privately owned; based in Hampden or Hampshire counties or being a member of the Springfield Regional Council; have revenues of at least $1 million in the last fiscal year; and be in business for at least three full years. Companies are selected based on their percentage of revenue growth over a full three-year period or total revenue for the last fiscal year.
Companies can be nominated by financial institutions, lawyers or accountants, or they can self-nominate. Along with the application, nominees must provide net operating income figures for the last three complete fiscal years, signed and verified by an independent auditor. All financial information must be reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and will be considered confidential.
Nomination forms can be found on the chamber’s website, springfieldregionalchamber.com. They can also be faxed to SUPER 60, Springfield Regional Chamber, 413-755-1322. The Super 60 Awards will be presented at the annual lunch and recognition program on October 28.
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