Greater Holyoke Chamber

09/03/2024

The results are in for our Grow Holyoke Awards. A huge congratulations to our winners, Business and Businesspersons of the Year Rewarding Insurance Agency, Miguel Rivera & Lidia Rodriguez, Henry A. Fifield Volunteer of the Year Carl Eger Jr, and Nonprofit of the Year River Valley Counseling Center!

Come celebrate with us on October 25, 2024 at Mill 1!

https://business.holyokechamber.com/events/Details/grow-holyoke-awards-ceremony-1196099?sourceTypeId=Website

09/03/2024

The American Red Cross is hosting a FREE Disaster Response Training in Holyoke on 9/7! If you’ve ever wondered what you can do to help our neighbors in times of disaster, this workshop is for you. No experience is necessary and refreshments will be provided.

Follow the link below to learn more!
https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=lead&a=128533&h=951&p=1831182

08/31/2024

Today is Overdose Awareness Day. Every life lost in the battle against substance abuse was a son, daughter, sister, brother. We had the privilege of knowing some very special people who lost their battle, and today, we remember them. We also want those still fighting to know that you are not alone and that recovery is possible. We here at Providence Ministries spend every day showing men that they are worth recovery, and walking along side them on that journey. If you'd like to have a part in changing and saving lives with us, you can do so at provministries.org/give

08/31/2024

Yesterday, Holyoke lost a legend. A true trailblazer that set standard for 2 generations of broadcast journalists. And whose reach went far beyond the borders of Holyoke and Western MA.

Barbara started her television career in 1955 and was the first woman in Western Massachusetts with her own show. She interviewed celebrities and newsmakers and earned her way into the Massachusetts broadcasters Hall of Fame. What can you say about a woman with seven decades of groundbreaking, courageous and inspiring work as a journalist? You can say we were fortunate to know her. 

Here in this photo below was her 97th birthday and she’s holding a mayoral proclamation declaring July 17 as Barbara Bernard Day.

We will miss Barbara!

08/26/2024

Deadline to nominate your choices for our Grow Holyoke Awards is approaching fast get your nominations in by August 31!

Follow the link for the nomination page!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeXGP1kld8voB9qlLhpHzEQX4Y0kIC5--ThYkJBhlo2rOrww/viewform

08/23/2024

The Chamber Cup is preparing for its 56th year! The registration deadline is quickly approaching. Make sure to sign up by August 27th! We extend our gratitude to this year's sponsors for making it possible!

PeoplesBank, Veola, Marcotte Ford, Holyoke Gas & Electric, bankESB, Northeast IT Systems, Inc., Cube Smart, Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, Witman Properties, Inc., Clayton Insurance Company, Holden Humphry, Cataldo EMS, Grzelak Grzelak & Associates.

08/21/2024

08/21/2024

Are you intrigued by the idea of a night on the river? We're excited to collaborate with Holyoke Rows to offer you a 'Night on the River' experience. Expect an evening filled with options like kayaking, rowing, or simply unwinding on the dock or at the rowhouse. Beverages and snacks will be provided by Holyoke Rows. Join us for a relaxing time by the river!

Holyoke Rows, 25 Jones Ferry Rd. Holyoke MA 01040

Register at:
https://business.holyokechamber.com/ap/Events/Register/oXFlXxqC6C2CB

This event is in conjunction with Holyoke Row's Family Night for more information about that. Follow this link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/3429682760510339/3429682800510335/?event_time_id=3429682800510335

08/21/2024

The city of Holyoke has been featured in the Business View Magazine for the second time.

08/15/2024

Whoohoo! GREAT choice! Congratulations, Jim!!

08/14/2024

There is still time to donate. Help our friends help the youth by donating back to school items!!!!

Our team at Marcotte Ford is collecting school supplies for Providence Ministries!

We need your help to gather the supplies our local youth need to succeed this academic year. 🎒🍎✏️

08/14/2024

Emerald Cities Collaborative has a great opportunity for women and minority owned businesses across the contracting field to join their Contractor's Academy. If you are looking to take your business to the next level this free 7 week workshop might be the ticket! Contact them today to sign up or by clicking this link https://formstack.io/DAD47

08/12/2024

REGISTER NOW! 56th Annual Chamber Cup is ONE month away.

https://business.holyokechamber.com/events/Details/56th-annual-chamber-cup-1120699?sourceTypeId=Website

08/09/2024

Did someone say BACK TO SCHOOL!! Our Chamber Member N Touch Wireless, along with Brad Matthews Jewelers and Who's Next Barber Shop are having a back to school event August 24 at 11AM to 4PM

Join us on August 24th for an unforgettable day of fun! Holyoke's Cricket Wireless is excited to host a free haircut and backpack event for children in grades K-8th. Not only will there be free haircuts and backpacks filled with school supplies, but also delicious piraguas and many more surprises! Come by anytime between 11am-4pm and experience the joy of this free event. This is a family-friendly occasion, but it's especially for the children, so don't miss out! First come, first served for the first 30 children.

08/06/2024

*JOB ALERT* Our friends over at the Holyoke YMCA are looking to expand their already amazing team!

At the Greater Holyoke YMCA, we are fully focused on inspiring change in our communities, from feeding our neighbors in need to safe spaces for kids to learn and grow to resources that give everyone the chance to live better lives. When you’re helping to build brighter futures for Greater Holyoke....

08/06/2024

We’re so proud of our partnership with Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank, who is our major supporter of the Holyoke Farmers' Market!! Thank you!!

It’s and what better way to celebrate than to visit our amazing markets!! Tuesday’s in Veterans Park, and Wednesday’s at Holyoke Medical Center; both 11-2!!!!

Thank you for all the love and support 💚👩🏼‍🌾🧑🏽‍🌾🧅🌽🫑🥔🥒🍅🫐🥬

It’s Holyoke Farmers Market day! We’re proud to partner with the Greater Holyoke Chamber to support our local community and farmers. Stop by and enjoy fresh produce and delicious treats! 🍎🥕

08/06/2024

A Massachusetts-licensed ma*****na delivery service has opened in Holyoke.

08/03/2024

Congratulations Blossom Flower!! So proud of all the years of work and perseverance, you did it!!

08/03/2024

We’re happy to announce that we are now partnering with in order to be able to serve your family and friends outside of our usual delivery radius

— Thank you for your continued support ❤️🍕

08/02/2024

08/01/2024

⭐️⭐️ MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ⭐️⭐️

Damaris Aponte - Blossom Flower - Cannabis Delivery Services

“People ask about my “why” . But the better question is - “why not?” or “who better?” The cannabis industry has presented an opportunity for me, a Latina from Holyoke who endured the tragic loss of my brother to these streets, to build a business that uplifts my community. It’s not just about building wealth for myself and my family, but to provide well-paying jobs with upward mobility to my neighbors, and I encourage them to in turn spend their dollars in Holyoke by supporting other local businesses here too - all while continuing to serve my community.”

Please Join us on Saturday August 3, 2024 at 10:30am for a ribbon cutting and grand opening party!! Details below in flyer.

07/30/2024

Women's Golf Clinic starting Monday, August 5th at 5:30 pm. Sign up now!

07/29/2024

So proud of our friends at Provisions!

Canna Provisions Holyoke Dominates 2024 Daily Hampshire Gazette Readers Choice Awards

Leading Adult Use Dispensary Sweeps Cannabis Categories, Honored for Best Dispensary Pre-Rolls, Edibles, and More
Holyoke, MA, July, 25, 2024 – Canna Provisions, the employee-owned, and most award-winning cannabis dispensary in Western Massachusetts, is thrilled to announce its sweeping victory in the Daily Hampshire Gazette Readers Choice Poll 2024. This esteemed recognition from the Pioneer Valley community highlights the exceptional quality and variety of products and services offered by Canna Provisions at its Holyoke location on Dwight Street since opening as the first adult-use dispensary in the Paper City in 2020.

The win continues an impressive streak of the Western Massachusetts based cannabis brand being voted best dispensary and various other accolades due to the dedication to creating the most thoughtful and enjoyable cannabis shopping experience in the state of Massachusetts. Canna Provisions flagship location opened in Lee, Massachusetts in the Berkshires in 2019.

Canna Provisions Holyoke Wins Big

Canna Provisions Holyoke was voted best of the best in the following categories by the Gazette Readers Choice Poll 2024:

• Best Cannabis - Recreational (Adult 21+)
• Best Pre-Rolls
• Best Variety
• Best Edibles
• Best Topicals
• Best CBD
• Best Accessories
• Best Cannabis Events
• Best Apparel

"We are honored and thrilled to be recognized by the readers of the Daily Hampshire Gazette," said Meg Sanders, CEO and co-founder, Canna Provisions. "These awards are a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality cannabis products and an exceptional experience for our customers."

Recent Accolades for Canna Provisions

This recent achievement adds to a growing list of accolades for Canna Provisions, including:

• Winning "Best Dispensary" four years in a row from Chronogram Magazine's annual "Chronogrammies" readers' choice awards.
• Sweeping the Valley Advocate Best of the Valley Readers Choice poll two years in a row.
• Being named Corporate Citizen of the Year by the 100-Year-Old Lee Chamber of Commerce in 2023.
• CEO Meg Sanders being named one of the 75 Notable Leaders in Cannabis in 2023.
• CEO Meg Sanders being named "Cannabis Businessperson of the Year" at the NECANN 2023 Community Awards in Boston.

Canna Provisions Becomes ESOP Employee-Owned

In addition to these accolades, Canna Provisions already proudly announced that it is now an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) employee-owned cannabis company. This transition underscores the company’s commitment to its employees and its community, ensuring that the success of Canna Provisions is shared with those who contribute to its growth and excellence.

About Canna Provisions

Canna Provisions represents the pinnacle of the cannabis retail experience in Western Massachusetts. As a woman-led, employee-owned, award-winning dispensary and cultivator, Canna Provisions embodies the next generation of cannabis retail, focusing on a unique and thoughtful customer journey.

Canna Provisions founders, CEO Meg Sanders and COO Erik Williams, seasoned industry veterans, have established Canna Provisions with a vision of excellence in both product and service. With stores in Lee and Holyoke, they offer a sanctuary for cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers alike, providing an array of top-grade craft cannabis products under their signature line, Smash Hits cannabis, helmed by one of the most iconic names in cannabis for the last 30 years, Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski.

Every product on the shelves at Canna Provisions is a reflection of our commitment to local sourcing and meticulous cultivation. We believe in the power of community and strive to support local growers and producers. Our cultivation practices are environmentally conscious, ensuring sustainability and purity in every product.

Canna Provisions staff’s extensive knowledge in cultivation, regulation, and consumer sales makes Canna Provisions a leader in cannabis education and advocacy. They pride themselves on creating an inclusive environment where questions are encouraged, and knowledge is shared freely.

Life is a journey, and Canna Provisions is dedicated to enhancing that journey with quality cannabis products and exceptional service. Our commitment extends beyond our stores, as they actively engage with their community and foster meaningful connections through their online presence on CannaProvisions.com and social media platforms.

07/25/2024

Please apply at:
https://www.magnetworks.co/jobs?job_id=277

07/20/2024

We look for individuals who are best prepared to engage in more meaningful conversations about life while protecting against the perils posed by disability, death or job loss.

07/16/2024

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact Person: Siobhan Tripp
(413) 773-6106
July 16, 2024

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Empowers First-Time Homebuyers
with Free Information Session Conducted in Spanish
Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) is hosting a free information session, conducted in Spanish, to equip first-time homebuyers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the home buying journey. Led by Victor Rodriguez, GCB’s AVP, Mortgage Originator, this session will provide valuable insights from industry experts on various aspects of purchasing a home.

Gain Valuable Knowledge from Industry Professionals

The session will be held:

• Tuesday, July 30th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
at Elms College Alumnae Library, 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the home buying process, from financing options to legal considerations, all presented in Spanish. Here are some key topics covered:

• The Impact of Credit on Mortgages: Learn how your credit score influences your loan options and strategies to secure a favorable rate.
• GCB's First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Achieve and Attain Programs: Discover the benefits of GCB's mortgage programs designed specifically for first-time homebuyers.
• The Power of Pre-Approval: Understand how a pre-approval strengthens your offer and gives you an edge in a competitive market.
• Beyond Financing: Gain insights from guest speakers, including a Real Estate Agent who will introduce you to home shopping strategies and a Real Estate Attorney who will explain the Purchase and Sale contract and closing process.

Leave Empowered to Achieve Your Dream of Homeownership

By attending this informative session, you will be well-equipped to navigate the home buying process with confidence. Come prepared to ask questions and take the first step towards achieving your dream of homeownership!

Space is limited. For more information, please visit www.greenfieldcoopbank.com/events

Please note: These sessions are for informational purposes only and do not offer certificates of completion.

Please be advised that future verbal and written communications from the bank will be in English only. These communications may include, but are not limited to, loan documents, account agreements, statements and disclosures, changes in terms or fees or any servicing of your account.

Greenfield Co-op is committed to community involvement and volunteerism. Find out about upcoming events and opportunities in your area.