October 24, 2022

Business Monday ETC: Oct. 24, 2022

BY The Republican NewsroomMassLive

Big Y online ordering marks anniversary

This fall marks the one-year anniversary for myPicks Online Ordering, Big Y’s e-commerce platform.

“We understand just how busy people are these days and want to make sure we are offering our customers another option for shopping,” said Christian D’Amour, director of e-commerce at Big Y Foods.

According to D’Amour, the company is continuing to gather feedback from customers to develop new ways to improve the customer’s online experience.

Recently, myPicks launched an upgraded website with improved functionality that will make possible services like home delivery powered by Instacart and the ability to accept payments via EBT and SNAP benefits. Also, pick-up windows were expanded to include same-day order and pick up.

“We continue to listen and learn and are excited to be able to offer in the near future some of the enhancement our customers have been asking for,” said D’Amour.

Currently, Big Y offers myPicks in 11 Big Y locations, including Wilbraham, Ludlow, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield’s two stores, West Springfield, Big Y at Fresh Acres, and South Hadley.

‘Tires to Inspire’ campaign

Balise Auto, with nine locations throughout Western Massachusetts, will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every set of four tires they sell through Nov. 30 to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts as part of its “Tires to Inspire” campaign.

“We have been longtime supporters of Junior Achievement, its programs and events,” said Alex Balise, director of marketing at Balise Auto. “Financial literacy is so important, and this ‘Tires to Inspire’ campaign is our way of raising funding for and awareness of the amazing work (Junior Achievement) does in our community.”

“Balise Auto has been a great corporate partner over the years, sponsoring events such as our ‘EnTEENpreneur Challenge’ and ‘Stock Market Challenge’ events,” said Jennifer A. Connolly, president of JA of Western Massachusetts. “We’re thrilled they decided to increase their assistance through this campaign. Our academically challenging programs are offered to local schools and community groups free of charge because of the financial support we receive from businesses like Balise, as well as individuals and foundations.”

Balise added, “Winter will be here soon with its snow and ice, so now is a great time for people to make sure their tires are in good shape. Even if you don’t need tires, we encourage anyone who can to support Junior Achievement through a direct donation.”

To make a direct donation to Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, visit jawm.org/donate.

Casey is ‘Woman 2 Watch’

Janet Casey, president and founder of Northampton-based media planning and buying firm Marketing Doctor, was named to the Women Presidents Organization “Women 2 Watch” list, achieving the rank of 10th globally. Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, the list features the fastest-growing organization members from around the world who are experiencing significant revenue growth as they reach new levels of success.

This marks the second straight year that Casey has landed on the list.

“I am honored to be a member of this incredible group of business leaders and to be recognized by such an important and respected organization as the Women Presidents Organization,” Casey stated. “Congratulations to every leader on this list, many of whom I count as friends thanks to our valuable (Women Presidents Organization) journey together.”

In reflection Casey continued, “Even though it’s my name on the ranking, I truly acknowledge this as a team award because Marketing Doctor’s growth is fueled by our outstanding group of ‘good eggs’ that do brilliant marketing work each and every day. I commend my team on their achievements, energy, and passion for what they do, even in the face of turbulent world circumstances at times. Every morning I look around at this team and look forward to what’s to come next! We are just getting started!”

Community Legal Aid honored

The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will honor Community Legal Aid with its annual Founders Day Award on Nov. 14.

Community Legal Aid is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to over 7,000 low-income and elderly clients a year across the five counties of Central and Western Massachusetts, impacting an estimated 18,000 of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

The public is invited to attend the event at Ludlow Country Club. Reservations are due by Nov. 6 and may be made online at zontaqv.org (click on the “donate” button to register and pay in advance), by sending a check for $30 for each reservation to: Zonta of Quaboag Valley, P.O. Box 1034, Belchertown MA 01007-1034, or sending email info@zontaqv.org with names of all attendees and pay $30 at the door.

To help sponsor the event, contact Cynthia Melcher or Mary Knight by email to info@zontaqv.org. Funds will be used to reduce the cost of dinner for Community Legal AId guests and supporters who are unable to pay full price.

Quabbin Wire recognized

Quabbin Wire & Cable, of Ware, was among the businesses honored at the House & Senate Legislative Manufacturing Caucus’ seventh annual manufacturing awards ceremony at the DCU Club, at Worcester’s Polar Park.

State Sen. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, nominated Quabbin Wire for the honor.

Said owner and president Paul Engle, “Quabbin Wire & Cable is both honored and proud to be recognized as an outstanding manufacturer. We are grateful for our state legislators’ recognition of our industry’s contributions to the economy. As a privately owned, rurally located business of nearly 50 years, we strive to be an outstanding employer, supplier, and community member and applaud our hard-working and dedicated team.”

Gobi said, “Quabbin Wire and Cable is an institution in the Quaboag Valley, contributing to the regional job market and workforce, and greatly benefitting our economy. Our region bears a long history in manufacturing; Quabbin Wire and Cable and the team that works there are the legacies of this work tradition.”