Amy Watts joins Greenfield Savings Bank’s wealth management team
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank has announced that Amy Watts has joined its wealth management team as a vice president and financial advisor, bringing a relationship‑centered, accessible approach to financial planning. Watts, who is now available to meet with clients, is a certified financial planner practitioner, financial advisor, fiduciary and notary.
Before entering the financial field, Watts built a career in fundraising and development for national trade associations, nonprofits and Amherst College. She has lived in the Valley for more than 20 years and is deeply committed to serving her community. She currently resides in Amherst and is an active member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Board of Directors as treasurer and chair of the Finance and Ambassadors committees.
“Financial planning is for everyone, no matter their stage in life. My approach is to meet people where they are and help reduce the stress that often surrounds financial decisions,” Watts said.
Steve Hamlin, senior vice president and senior trust officer at the bank, expressed enthusiasm for Watts joining the team. “Amy brings a rare combination of technical expertise, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping people. Her relationship-driven approach aligns perfectly with our mission to provide thoughtful, accessible financial guidance to the community. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Wealth Management team.”
Hamlin also noted that the bank is the only local community bank in the region offering in‑house trust and estate settlement services.
Watts specializes in guiding clients through key life moments, such as marriage, divorce, raising children, estate planning, business succession, gifting and navigating loss.
MassHire to spotlight jobs at Covestro
GREENFIELD — Representatives from the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m. to highlight job opportunities available at Whately plastic fabrication company Covestro.
The company is currently looking to fill positions in their South Deerfield facility for maintenance, extrusion operators, controls and mechanical engineers.
For those with questions, email bizteam@masshirefhcareers.org or call 413-774-4361.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank introduces ‘Co-op Cares’ Mortgage Program
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has announced the launch of “Co-op Cares,” a new mortgage program offering reduced rates and closing costs savings for employees of 501c3 nonprofit organizations,. Built with the needs of mission-driven professionals in mind, “Co-op Cares” offers meaningful benefits to help make homeownership more accessible for those who dedicate their careers to giving back.
“We’re so proud to offer a mortgage product that gives back to people who give so much every day,” said Jane Wolfe, executive vice president, residential loans. “It’s our way of recognizing their impact and helping them take the next step toward homeownership.”
To learn more about the “Co-op Cares” mortgage product and eligibility requirements, visit greenfieldcoopbank.com or contact us at 877-682-0034.
Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center offers free virtual information sessions, workshops
GREENFIELD — Launching a packaged food product requires careful planning. Farmers seeking to turn a harvest into a value-added food product can start the process by consulting with an expert.
Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center offers regular free virtual info sessions and workshops via Zoom to help food entrepreneurs, farmers and producers scale their products. Discussion topics include product development, shelf life, packaging, labeling, food safety, regulatory compliance, manufacturing and distribution. Additionally, the group offers flexible financing available for farm and food entrepreneurs using locally grown ingredients. Zoom sessions are held the third Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. The next upcoming session is on May 19. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/4tN9IaT
Explore Western Mass names 2026 Howdy Award winners
SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, promoting the region as Explore Western Mass, honored 10 individuals — from a pool of more than 1,400 nominations — from the hospitality industry on Monday, April 27, during the 29th Annual Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence. The gala dinner, held at the MassMutual Center attracted more than 400 hospitality industry professionals.
The awards, produced by Explore Western Mass, recognize frontline employees in the hospitality industry who go above and beyond in the performance of their duties and provide outstanding service to their guests and customers. Each Howdy award winner received a decorative glass Hospitality Excellence Award, a framed certificate of achievement, a Howdy Winner lapel pin, a custom Yankee Candle gift basket and a gift bag filled with gift certificates and other items from the region’s top tourism establishments.
Among the category winners, Judy Linarez Gearing of the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield took home the award for Accommodations, while Bill Vezina was honored in the Attractions category for his work with Bright Nights at Forest Park. Delima Fournier of The Log Cabin in Holyoke was recognized for excellence in banquets and meetings, and Terry Blythe-Welden of the Fairfield Inn Springfield Enfield received the award for beverage service.
The food industry saw two top honors, with Donald Elton of the Gristmill Café in Southwick winning for casual food and Libby Mercier of The Student Prince in Springfield recognized for tableside Food service. In public service, Denise Koczocik of Mass Appeal and WWLP TV-22 was named the winner, while Janet Graves of Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield took the top spot for retail. Rounding out the evening, Rick Malmborg of the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative in East Longmeadow was honored for his contributions to the transportation sector.
The ceremony highlighted Bradley International Airport, which received the Spotlight Award, and Emily Banerjee of BuildEmUp Fitness in Springfield, who was named the People’s Choice Winner.
“We’re proud and happy to present the Howdy Awards to honor just some of the most important people in the hospitality industry, the frontline workers,” said Explore Western Mass President Mary Kay Wydra. “They are usually the first person a visitor encounters, and if they’re especially nice and go above and beyond, that visitor is likely to return to that — and other — tourism locations.”
Freedom Credit Union invites community to help provide beds for local children
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is once again inviting the community to support A Bed for Every Child by making cash donations at any of its branches throughout May. Donations will help provide beds to children in Massachusetts who do not have a bed of their own.
Through this Month of Giving campaign, Freedom is supporting an effort that helps children rest easier and wake up ready to learn, grow and thrive. A Bed for Every Child partners with schools, healthcare providers and community organizations to identify children in need and engage volunteers through its Build a Bed Project.
“Every child deserves a safe, comfortable place to sleep,” said Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch. “We’re proud to support A Bed for Every Child and invite our members and the community to join us in helping make a meaningful difference for children and families.”
Freedom Credit Union’s support of A Bed for Every Child is part of its ongoing Month of Giving campaign, which raises donations for charitable organizations serving local communities. Funds collected through May 30 will support this effort and help provide beds for children who need them.