Real estate sales licensing course starts March 2
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Monday, March 2, The REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley will offer a live in-class 40 hour, 16-class, sales licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on April 6.
Tuition is $425 and includes books and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection and Massachusetts license law and more.
Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. at the association office, 225 Park St., West Springfield. Applications accepted until Friday, Feb. 20. For an application, visit rapv.com or contact Laura Herring at 413785-1328, ext. 5 or laura@rapv.com.
Freedom Credit Union raises funds for local animal shelters
SPRINGFIELD — Stray, lost and unwanted animals across western Massachusetts will receive critical care, medical treatment and support this February through donations collected by Freedom Credit Union for the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter.
The public is invited to donate at any Freedom Credit Union branch, with all funds raised supporting the rehabilitation of animals as they await adoption.
“These organizations provide compassion, medical care and a second chance for animals in our communities, and we are proud to support that work,” said Glenn Welch, president of Freedom Credit Union.
The Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center serves the cities of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke. Donations support veterinary services, medical supplies, transportation and care for sick or injured animals that require extra attention before becoming adoptable.
The Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter serves communities throughout Franklin County and focuses on providing a safe, welcoming environment for dogs while offering individualized care and enrichment. Contributions help fund additional veterinary services and support efforts to prepare dogs for successful adoption.
40 Under Forty nominations due Feb. 24
SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest, a business journal covering western Massachusetts, is accepting nominations for its 20th annual 40 Under Forty awards.
Nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2026 are due by Tuesday, Feb. 24. They can be submitted at https://businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form/. Candidates must be under 40 years of age as of April 1.
The 40 Under Forty program was launched in 2007 by BusinessWest to honor young professionals in western Massachusetts, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries. Many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities.
For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, marketing and events manager, at 413-781-8600, ext. 100, or email mercado@businesswest.com.
Joanna Czarniecka joins Greenfield Cooperative Bank as South Hadley branch manager
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Joanna Czarniecka as assistant vice president and branch manager of its South Hadley branch office located at 487 Newton St., South Hadley.
Czarniecka joins the bank with more than nine years of local banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joanna to the bank,” said Lisa Kmetz, executive vice president, retail and security officer. “With her background and track record in banking, Joanna has a wealth of expertise and she will be a great resource to our team.”
In her new role, Czarniecka will oversee daily branch operations, develop and service relationships with existing customers and assist new customers with loan and deposit products.