Holyoke Mall owners negotiate new financing deal

HOLYOKE — Pyramid Management Group, a privately-held shopping center developer based in Syracuse, New York, has successfully worked with its lender to secure a three-year extension for the loan on Holyoke Mall at Ingleside in Holyoke.

This extension will allow Pyramid to continue to reinvest in the property and ensure its continued health, while serving a large trade area that includes western Massachusetts, southern Vermont and New Hampshire, northern Connecticut, and eastern New York State, Pyramid announced in a statement.

Holyoke Mall is an enclosed shopping center that opened 45 years ago. Anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Target, Hobby Lobby and Best Buy, the mall offers over 150 retail shops.

Holyoke Mall is a major employment driver in the area and an economic catalyst for the region. The property totals 1.6 million square feet, with more than 3,000 people employed by Pyramid and its tenants.

Sanchez now digital banking product officer at bankESB

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB recently promoted Gerardo Sanchez to digital banking product officer, based at its 241 Northampton St., Easthampton office.

Sanchez, of Holyoke, has 26 years of banking experience. He joined bankESB in 2021 as an electronic banking systems manager. Previously, he was the financial center operations manager at Bank of America, and before that, eBanking manager at Florence Bank. In this new role, he will focus on the bank’s digital banking roadmap, initiatives, and upgrades.

Sanchez earned an associate degree in business studies from Holyoke Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in both business management and human resources from Bridgewater State University. He also earned a certificate from the Mass Bankers Association’s New England School for Financial Studies.

UMassFive announces winner in Small Business Spotlight Contest

HADLEY — Sexton Roofing & Siding, based in West Hatfield, was recently featured as the grand prize winner for UMassFive College Federal Credit Union’s inaugural Small Business Spotlight contest.

Driven by community nominations, the contest winner was formally announced at the final UMass football home game of the season at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Nov. 30, which was also Small Business Saturday.

Sexton Roofing & Siding is receiving a $10,000 value advertising package with UMass Athletics — allowing the business to be featured on digital displays, radio ads, email blasts, and with tabling opportunities at the Mullins Center in Amherst during UMass basketball and hockey home games for the remainder of the season.

Sexton Roofing & Siding, a locally and family-owned residential and commercial roofing and siding contractor, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

The Small Business Spotlight contest drew over 125 nominations from across western Massachusetts, highlighting businesses that demonstrate service, innovation, and community involvement.

Two secondary winners, K’s Nutrition of Amherst and CLINIC Alternative Medicines of Northampton, were also recognized with $500 cash prizes to support their ongoing efforts in the community.

GCC welcomes inaugural VP of diversity, equity and Inclusion

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College has appointed Angela N. Campbell as its inaugural vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Campbell brings experience in educational leadership and a commitment to fostering inclusive excellence in higher education.

Campbell joins GCC after serving as vice president of Mission, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Cabrini University. Her career also includes serving as assistant dean of the School of Education, co-founder of the Center for Urban Education, Equity and Improvement at Cabrini University, and Inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion at Carnegie Mellon University.

At GCC, Campbell looks forward to implementing DEI efforts and collaborating across the college to build an inclusive community. She aims to bolster the college’s mission and values, ensuring equity and access for all community members. Her strategic vision includes advancing new DEI programs and initiatives that prepare students for diverse fields, including business, technology, and health care.

Top Talent Tuesdays return to MiraVista

HOLYOKE — MiraVista Behavioral Health Center is bringing back Top Talent Tuesdays, a dedicated weekly event to recruit and celebrate nursing professionals. Every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., nurses are invited to visit MiraVista, meet with its leadership team, and explore opportunities that exist at the Holyoke-based inpatient mental health and outpatient substance use treatment facility.

As the demand for high-quality mental health care continues to rise, MiraVista remains at the forefront of providing treatment for both adults and adolescents.

Lord added that sign-on bonuses from up to $10,000 to $15,000 are available, as well as on-the-spot hiring decisions for the right candidates.

The event provides attendees with the chance to engage directly with MiraVista’s leadership, tour the facility, and learn more about MiraVista’s mission to deliver the highest standard of mental health and substance use treatment.