Nominations sought for Difference Makers awards
SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest, the business journal of western Massachusetts, is accepting nominations for its 19th annual Difference Makers awards.
BusinessWest launched the Difference Makers program in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of western Massachusetts. As previous honorees have shown, there are many ways to make a difference, such as working on initiatives aimed at improving quality of life; succeeding in business, public service or education; inspiring others to get involved; and making an imaginative effort to help solve societal issues.
Nominations for the Difference Makers Class of 2027 are due by Monday, Dec. 21. They
can be submitted at businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form.
Business leaders convene at economic development roundtable
SOUTH DEERFIELD — PV Squared General Manager Geoff Medeiros participated in an Oct. 28 economic development roundtable at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, joining local business leaders for a discussion co-hosted by Congressman Jim McGovern, Victoria Tubbs of Magic Wings and Greenfield City Council President Lora Wondolowski.
Medeiros attended as a representative of both PV Squared, a Greenfield-based worker-owned solar cooperative, and the Greenfield Business Association. The roundtable provided an opportunity for business leaders to discuss shared challenges, successes and aspirations, including housing shortages, rising costs and opportunities for economic development.
“One of the most valuable things about bringing local business leaders together is recognizing how interconnected our challenges really are,” Medeiros said in a statement. “Whether we’re talking about housing, workforce development or the rising cost of doing business, these issues affect our entire regional economy. As a worker-owned cooperative rooted in Franklin County, we believe that local businesses have an important role to play in shaping solutions. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that conversation and help advocate for a stronger, more resilient region.”
Applications being accepted for Tech Launch program
SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry is accepting applications for the spring 2027 cohort of its flagship information technology (IT) support training program, Tech Launch, at thetechfoundry.org/the-program/apply-now. The deadline to apply is Jan. 8.
The spring 2027 Tech Launch cohort will run from Feb. 8 through June 11. The program includes 14 weeks of classroom instruction followed by a four-week internship that empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the tech industry.
Tech Launch’s spring 2027 cohort will undergo training in various areas of technology, including becoming an artificial intelligence (AI) super user, Windows administration, hardware troubleshooting and endpoint security. With a focus on real-world skills and industry relevance, program graduates will be equipped to meet the demands of the job market. In addition to technical instruction, Tech Foundry’s Tech Launch provides learners with a career readiness curriculum, career coaching sessions, and access to a network of industry professionals and employer partners.
Enrolled Tech Launch students are eligible for training stipends during the program and six months after graduation. Tech Launch alumni can earn post-graduation bonuses. To learn more about stipends and bonuses, visit thetechfoundry.org/stipend-bonus-program.
Interested individuals are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session. Register for a virtual or in-person information session at thetechfoundry.org/the-program/learn-more. Organizations and institutions interested in arranging a private tour, or exploring Tech Foundry’s programs and potential partnerships, are encouraged to email info@thetechfoundry.org.
Eversource earns Tree Line USA recognition
For the third year in a row, Eversource has been named a Tree Line USA utility company by the Arbor Day Foundation, a national recognition highlighting the energy company’s vegetation management procedures that aim to ensure reliable electric service for customers balanced with protecting the benefits that trees provide to communities.
In partnership with the National Association of State Foresters, the Tree Line USA program celebrates public and private utilities that set the standard for tree care practices.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our highly skilled arborists, whose passion for plant life and expertise help us deliver safe, reliable electric service while promoting the health and sustainability of our vibrant tree canopy in New England,” Eversource Director of Vegetation Management Sean Redding said in a statement. “Responsible vegetation management is vital to ensuring electric reliability for our customers, but it’s also about being a good neighbor in the communities we serve, protecting public safety and supporting environmental stewardship. We take great pride in balancing these elements through our robust tree care practices, and we look forward to building continued trust among our customers by upholding the high standards we’ve set for our work.”
Eversource achieved the Tree Line USA recognition by meeting the program’s five core standards: following industry standards for quality tree care, providing annual worker training in best tree care practices, sponsoring a tree planting and public education program, maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program and participating in an Arbor Day celebration. This year, the energy company again partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation to distribute more than 1,000 free trees to customers across its three-state service territory.
Great River Hydro welcomes new president, CEO
WEST LEBANON, N.H. — Effective Sept. 28, Kimball “Kim” Osmars became the new president and CEO of Great River Hydro.
Osmars brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across North America’s power generation sector, with a record of operating, growing and optimizing large-scale energy portfolios spanning hydropower, other renewable and thermal generators, energy storage and transmission infrastructure. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of Pine Gate Renewables and CEO of ACT Power Services.
“Kim’s extensive experience leading complex energy businesses, combined with his deep understanding of hydroelectric operations and regulated energy markets, makes him exceptionally well-positioned to lead Great River Hydro into its next chapter,” said Guillaume Bouthillier, chair of Great River Hydro’s board of managers. “He brings a unique combination of operational excellence, strategic vision, and a commitment to safety and reliability that aligns perfectly with our mission and values.”
Throughout his career, Osmars has held senior leadership positions with Brookfield Renewable, TerraForm Power, Hydro Ottawa and other leading energy organizations.
“I am honored to join Great River Hydro and lead a company that plays such a vital role in New England’s energy system,” Osmars said in a statement. “Great River’s hydropower facilities have powered communities, supported economic growth and delivered clean, renewable energy for generations. I look forward to working with our talented employees, community partners and stakeholders to build on that legacy while positioning the company for continued success in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.”
Osmars also brings experience overseeing large-scale capital programs supporting the operation and development of diverse energy assets throughout the United States and Canada. He holds a master’s degree from York University and a bachelor’s degree from Lakehead University.
Osmars replaces Erin A. O’Dea, who has served at Great River Hydro’s CEO since 2023 and had previously worked with these hydropower facilities in various legal roles since 2009. As president and CEO, Osmars will lead Great River Hydro in providing hydropower from its Connecticut and Deerfield River facilities in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.
Greenfield Cooperative Bank supporting Angel Tree program
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank has partnered with The Salvation Army to support the Angel Tree program, an initiative that provides gifts to local families in need.
Through the annual Angel Tree program, community members can pick an Angel tag from participating co-op branches, each representing a local child in need. The tag includes the child’s holiday wish list and clothing sizes, allowing donors to purchase personalized gifts that will be distributed by The Salvation Army in time for the holidays. Participating branches include the Greenfield Main Office, Greenfield Branch Office, Shelburne Falls Branch Office, Turners Falls Branch Office and Sunderland Branch Office.
“The holidays are a great time to reflect on the power of community,” Lisa Granger, branch manager of the Greenfield Main Office, said in a statement. “The Angel Tree program is one way that our neighbors in Franklin County take care of each other, and we’re honored to play even a small role in giving every kid a joyful holiday season.”
Participating branches will have Angel Tree displays available through Thursday, Dec. 10. Community members are encouraged to visit their local branch, select a tag and return unwrapped gifts by the posted deadline.