PV Squared named to list of fastest-growing companies

GREENFIELD — PV Squared, a solar energy business at 311 Wells St., is included in The Boston Globe’s inaugural list of New England’s Fastest-Growing Companies, announced March 20.

The recognition, presented in collaboration with Statista, a global statistics portal and industry ranking provider, highlights PV Squared’s performance and growth.

The list of New England’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 awards companies based on each organization’s revenue growth, organic growth and independence between fiscal years 2020 and 2023. These companies represent potential investment opportunities and indicate sectors that are thriving despite adversity. Additionally, their success stories can serve as blueprints for other businesses looking to innovate and grow in uncertain times. Thousands of companies were considered, and a minimum growth rate of 8.49% was required for inclusion on the list.

“This award is about more than just numbers — it’s about the people behind them,” Alex Peterkin, PV Squared worker-owner and board of directors president, said in a statement. “As a worker-owned cooperative, every decision we made during the pandemic was rooted in collective resilience. We didn’t just grow — we grew together, proving that a business model based on shared ownership and equity can be both sustainable and successful.”

“We’re incredibly proud to have reached the milestone of over 50% worker-ownership during such a turbulent time,” added Brittany Hathaway, marketing and outreach specialist. “This recognition isn’t just about the rate of growth — it’s about proving that when workers have a stake in the company’s success, they drive innovation, commitment and long-term sustainability. We’re excited to keep building a future where business success means shared success.”

PV Squared is the only business in Franklin County to be recognized on the list of New England’s Fastest-Growing Companies. Keiter in Springfield and Ardent Fitness in Lenox are the only other western Massachusetts companies to be recognized.

For more information about PV Squared and its journey as a worker-owned cooperative, visit pvsquared.coop.

BHN appoints Jennifer Doutre as senior VP

SPRINGFIELD — Behavioral Health Network has announced the appointment of Jennifer Doutre as senior vice president of BHN’s Community Behavioral Health Centers. With nearly two decades of experience in the health care and private nonprofit sectors, Doutre brings expertise in program development, operational management and leadership to her new role.

In this new role, Doutre will collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team to drive the strategic vision and goals for BHN’s Community Behavioral Health Centers, focusing on improving client outcomes, enhancing service accessibility and promoting operational efficiency.

In addition to her role at BHN, Doutre is an advisor at the Columbia School of Social Work, where she guides Master’s in Social Work (MSW) students in their professional development. She also serves as secretary of the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance’s board of directors, providing leadership coaching and strategic direction. Additionally, Doutre serves on the Youth and Family Services Commission in Glastonbury, Connecticut.

Doutre holds a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Connecticut.

BHN’s Community Behavioral Health Centers, with locations in Springfield and Westfield, provide support for individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges. Offering services in English and Spanish, the centers deliver urgent care, 24/7 crisis support, therapy, psychiatry and peer support. The team also provides care coordination, skill-building workshops, and assistance with housing and insurance.

Silent film ‘The Lost World’ to be screened April 7

GREENFIELD — Silent film with live music will return to the Garden Cinemas on Monday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of “The Lost World” (1925).

The screening will feature live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based composer who specializes in creating scores for silent films.

“The Lost World” is a silent fantasy adventure film based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1912 novel of the same name. The film tells the tale of a British exploration team that journeys to South America to confirm reports of long-extinct creatures still roaming a remote plateau deep in the jungle.

Admission is $10.50 adults and $8.50 for children, seniors and students.