Big Y to host partner outreach event
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y will host an upcoming local partner information session designed to connect area businesses interested in exploring partnership opportunities with the family‑owned grocer. The Let’s Talk Local: Partner with Big Y event will be held on Wednesday, May, from 2-4 p.m., at their Store Support Center in Springfield.
This outreach is part of Big Y’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening the communities it serves. For decades, Big Y has partnered with regional
suppliers to bring unique, high‑quality products and services to customers across its footprint.
During the session, attendees will hear directly from Big Y team members about the initial
review process, what information may be requested if there is mutual interest and how partnerships evolve over time — from store launch through ongoing collaboration. The discussion will also outline key elements of a successful partnership, including service expectations, communication, product presentation and sales performance.
Businesses selected to move forward through the review process are guided through formal
onboarding requirements, including proper documentation, insurance and item details. Once launched, partners work closely with store teams to support merchandising, service and continued growth.
Local businesses interested in registering for this event or learning more are invited to visit https://www.bigy.com/page/community/local-partners.
Greenfield Bank names Amherst branch manager
AMHERST — Greenfield Cooperative Bank welcomes Abby LaValley as assistant vice president and branch manager of its Amherst branch office located at 390 College St.
LaValley brings more than 20 years of banking experience to the role, having previously served as an assistant manager at two community banks in the region. Her deep knowledge of the local market and commitment to customer relationships make her a strong addition to the GCB team.
A graduate of Isenberg School of Management at University of Massachusetts Amherst, LaValley holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She currently lives in Franklin County.
In her new role, LaValley will oversee daily operations at the Amherst branch while continuing to build meaningful relationships with customers and supporting the financial needs of the community.
Historic Deerfield president to retire
DEERFIELD — Historic Deerfield President and CEO John Davis will retire next fall after five years of leadership. Since assuming the role, Davis has guided the organization through a period of significant growth, innovation, and renewed commitment to its mission of preserving and interpreting the art, architecture, and history of Deerfield, the Connecticut River Valley, and beyond.
During his tenure, Davis completed a substantial number of transformative initiatives. He led the development and implementation of the institution’s strategic plan, “Deerfield Unbound: Unleashing the Power of Storytelling at Historic Deerfield,” which has helped shape a more dynamic and inclusive approach to interpretation and engagement.
Under his leadership, Historic Deerfield revitalized its exhibition program, introducing two to three new exhibitions annually. The collection grew substantially, with such standout acquisitions as the best-preserved suite of mural paintings by Rufus Porter and (following a successful fund-raising campaign) Madeline Yale Wynne’s “Garden of Hearts” chest, a masterpiece of the Deerfield Arts and Crafts movement.
Davis also played a key role in reopening several historic buildings to the public, including the Barnard Tavern, the Allen House, and the Wilson Printing Office, restoring access to important elements of Deerfield’s architectural and cultural heritage. His commitment to preservation extended to the launch of the comprehensive restoration of the Stebbins House and the successful renovation of the Deerfield Community Center, an early 19th-century church.
Davis came to Historic Deerfield with a distinguished career in museums and academia. Prior to joining Historic Deerfield, he served as Provost and Under Secretary for Museums, Education, and Research at the Smithsonian Institution; Executive Director of the Terra Foundation for American Art Europe in Paris; and Alice Pratt Brown Professor of Art at Smith College. A graduate of Cornell University, he earned his PhD from Columbia University and is the author, co-author, or editor of seven books on American art and culture.
Eastern States Exposition adds graphic designer
MIDDLEFIELD — Samantha Sawyer of Middlefield has started a full-time venture as brand creative coordinator at Eastern States Exposition (ESE). In this role, she will serve as the primary graphic designer for ESE and support the digital content manager by creating standout photos, videos and multimedia assets for social, digital ads and websites.
Sawyer was an accomplished student during her undergraduate career, earning her spot on the Dean’s List and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Columbia College in Chicago. Subsequently, she worked for Bezz Training Club as a social media manager and graphic designer, then took on the same positions and later a promotion as marketing and brand manager at Matthews Fan Company. She brings experience in Adobe Suite, production, editing and brand strategizing to her new role.
However, her relevant experience is not exclusive to marketing endeavors; she spent lots of time at the Middlefield Fair with her family as a child and currently supports content creation for their social media.
As brand creative coordinator, Sawyer will produce and edit short-form video content for a variety of programs, from agriculture to entertainment to community involvement. Hers will be the desk from which most digital and print marketing materials are designed.