WESTFIELD-A tradition of recognizing businesses is at the heart of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and this fall, three more members will be added to the “Of the Year” award winners, according to Kate Phelon, executive director.
Phelon recently announced that the 2017 Business of the Year has been awarded to ProAmpac, formerly Prolamina; the KEVS Foundation, Inc., will receive the 2017 Non-Profit of the Year, and the Perez family of East Mountain Country Club will receive the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Chamber’s annual meeting and awards banquet is planned Nov. 15 at the East Mountain Country Club and begins with a cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a program from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event sponsor is Baystate Noble Hospital.
Phelon said there is a rigorous process to determine the winners each year which includes surveying the Chamber membership for nominations based on specific criteria. Nominations are submitted to the Chamber’s nominating committee and recommendations are made to its board of directors.
Greg Tucker, chief executive officer, ProAmpac, said he was “elated” when he was notified of the Chamber’s decision. ProAmpac provides creative packaging solutions to the food packaging, health care and industrial/specialty markets.
ProAmpac, formerly Prolamina, has been named 2017 Business of the Year by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
“All of ProAmpac is extremely proud of winning this award,” said Tucker. “To mark this achievement we are planning an internal celebration with the Westfield team in the coming weeks.”
For Tucker personally, the award signifies the “commitment” of employees to the company and the city.
“Westfield is our home and we are honored to be recognized for the work we do for our customers and our community,” said Tucker.
Tucker noted that since the company has been a fixture in the city for 45 years, employees have been instrumental supporting causes including Alzheimer’s, Juvenile Diabetes, and the American Cancer Society. Additionally, employees have supported local food drives and purchased holiday gifts for the Salvation Army. Board members and volunteers have also been active with the Red Cross, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA of Greater Westfield.
“Since 1999 we’ve given to more than 70 organizations totaling over $300,000,” said Tucker, adding “We plan on growing our commitment in the Westfield community over the next 20 years.”
Tucker also singled out the employees at the Westfield plant for the company’s continued success.
“Most employees in Westfield have been with the company for over 14 years,” said Tucker. “We have employed three generations of at least two families simultaneously and we are deeply proud of the longstanding relationships ProAmpac has built with the community. The commitment and dedication of our Westfield team is incredible.”
“With their continued growth and commitment to Westfield, I couldn’t be happier for them,” said Phelon of ProAmpac’s recognition.
Since 1963, the Perez family has been committed to making a difference in the city – especially with local charitable organizations. East Mountain Country Club was founded by Ted Perez Sr. and his wife Maria. Ted Perez designed and built the 18-hole public golf course and Maria Perez continues to serve as president.
The Perez family of East Mountain Country Club will receive the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award this fall by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
“Westfield is a great community,” said Mark Perez, who serves as clubhouse manager and works on the grounds, while his brother Ted Perez Jr., a PGA golf professional, manages the golf business and the greens superintendent duties. Additionally, Brenda (Perez) Coggin and her daughter, Deanna Coggin, are the head chefs and Brenda Coggin serves as banquet coordinator.
“Our dad was always community oriented and was very active in Westfield Kiwanis and the Chamber,” said Mark Perez. “We are so honored to accept this award. We have been a member of the Chamber since the day we opened in 1963, and to be recognized for our commitment to Westfield is greatly appreciated.”
Phelon echoed those sentiments.
“I am so happy for the Perez family to be recognized for their dedication to the community, both personally and professionally,” said Phelon.
Susan Canning, director of the KEVS Foundation, said she is “humbled and honored” that the organization established in loving memory of her son, Kevin J. Major, will be recognized. On July 11, 2011, Major’s heart abruptly stopped due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a detectable and preventable heart condition, noted Canning.
The KEVS Foundation has been named 2017 Non-Profit of the Year by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. Pictured with the foundation’s trailer and an AED is Susan Canning, director.
“It is a parent’s worst nightmare that nobody could ever prepare you for,” said Canning, adding that her family established the foundation so other families would not have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to a preventable heart disease.
The Chamber will also recognize Canning’s determination to advocate for legislation to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every school in the state.
“Susan achieved her goal this year as Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill requiring all Massachusetts schools to be equipped with AEDs on-site by July 2018,” said Phelon. “I was so delighted to notify Susan knowing how hard she has worked to not only get the word out, but to successfully have legislation passed that will actually save lives.”
The KEVS Foundation also facilitates free youth heart screenings, helps to provide program resources for public access defibrillator programs, and teaches the importance of early bystander CPR/AED education and awareness throughout the region. The next scheduled free youth heart screening (ages 13 to 19) is slated Oct. 13 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Agawam High School.
“Since joining the Chamber the networking has helped raise awareness of our mission to touch lives and it has enhanced our visibility in town,” said Canning, noting AED’s are in a wide variety of locations in the city – from the schools and playgrounds to the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
“We are touching lives seven days a week, young and old,” said Canning.
For more information or to pre-register for the banquet, call Pam Bussell at the Chamber office, (413) 568-1618, email her at [email protected], or visit www.westfieldbiz.org.
