United Way names campaign co-chairs
NORTHAMPTON — United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region has named local business leaders Matt Garrity, president and CEO of Florence Bank, and Eric Mills, vice president of sales and marketing at Mayhew Tools, as co-chairs of UWFH’s 2026 Community Campaign.
The community campaign unites local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in an aligned effort to address the biggest challenges facing the region. Funds raised stay local and directly support a network of programs and initiatives that provide critical services to those most in need. This year, UWFH is focused on supporting access to healthy and nutritious foods, early childhood development, and the youth mental health crisis.
A native of Lee, Garrity has led Florence Bank since December 2022. With a strong educational foundation, including both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Ohio University, Garrity also has extensive experience in both retail and commercial banking.
Garrity currently serves on the board of Northampton Dollars for Scholars and has volunteered at The Western Massachusetts Food Bank, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, and The Northampton Survival Center, among other Valley organizations. He and his wife, Lynn, have two children and reside in Longmeadow.
Mills has over 30 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving top-line growth across competitive markets. Known for his strategic mindset and results-driven leadership, he has consistently delivered success by building strong sales infrastructures, aligning marketing initiatives, and developing talent to exceed revenue goals.
Before entering the business world, Mills served six years in the U.S. Army and National Guard, where he developed the discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that continue to guide his professional life. He earned a bachelor’s in business with a concentration in accounting from Westfield State College.
A lifelong resident of Franklin County, Mills gives back to his community through coaching youth sports, being a Scoutmaster for his local troop, and participating in various United Way events before making the decision to take on the Campaign Committee co-chair role.
Beetle Press earns accolades
Beetle Press, a PR business specializing in marketing and media strategy and consulting owned by Janice Beetle, was recently awarded national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Center for Women and Enterprise, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
WBENC certification is the gold standard for women-owned businesses in the United States.
Founded in Northampton in 1998, Beetle Press offers marketing and public relations strategy as well as writing and editing services. In the Pioneer Valley, it currently serves Laplante Construction, Florence Bank, Thornes Marketplace, Keiter and the Western Mass Economic Development Council.
The WBENC standard of certification implemented by the Center for Women and Enterprise is a meticulous process, including an in-depth review of the business and a site inspection. The certification is designed to confirm that the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women, and that the business has the appropriate structure and strategic business planning and implementation in place.
For more information about Beetle Press, visit beetlepress.com.
Easthampton industrial building sells for $2.8M
EASTHAMPTON — Region Commercial announces the sale of 6 Industrial Parkway in Easthampton for $2,825,000. The property was sold by J & J Elkins Properties LLC to Arden Engineering Constructors LLC.
Region Commercial represented J & J Elkins Properties LLC in the transaction. Sentry Commercial represented the buyer.
“With the previous tenant reaching the end of its lease term, it was the right time to transition ownership for the property,” said Ben Bolotin of Region Commercial. “Our clients took exceptional care of the building and Arden is inheriting a terrific property.”
The property includes approximately 24,488 square feet of industrial space featuring office space, ample docks, and a versatile warehouse.
“The building was perfect for us for the 13 years that we owned it.” said the seller, Steve Elkins. “It allowed us to nearly double the size of our business while being close to our retail store. With the new owners having other warehouse space, it seemed like an opportune time to sell 6 Industrial Parkway. Region did a great job of finding a new owner that will hopefully enjoy the same benefits from the building.”
Region Commercial serves commercial real estate owners and tenants across Massachusetts, focusing on asset classes including office, industrial, and retail properties, as well as local & national tenants. The firm is headquartered in West Springfield, and run by Ben and Mitch, a father-son team.
Griffiths joins The Wealth Transition Collective
HOLYOKE— The Wealth Transition Collective, a financial planning firm located in Holyoke, has hired industry veteran Kent Griffiths as head of investment strategy.
Griffiths has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently from MFS, the firm that launched the multi trillion-dollar mutual fund sector. During his career, Griffiths has collaborated with thousands of financial advisors, providing market insights and innovative investment strategies that have enabled countless advisors and their clients to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.
His personal journey is as rich as his professional one, having lived across various parts of the United States before making his home in Longmeadow. Originally from southern California, he moved to Houston during his early school years and attended the University of Texas at Austin. There, he met his college sweetheart, Ruth Mitchell, and began a life-long partnership. The couple eventually settled in Boston before moving to western Massachusetts in 2000.