Employee transitions are never easy, especially in close-knit business communities like West Hartford. Yet there are moments when holding on does more harm than moving forward. Recognizing those moments—and handling them with clarity and fairness—protects your culture, your clients, and your future stability. Learn below: Key signals that suggest an employee or contractor may no longer be the right fit Steps to take before making a final decision How to conduct the separation with fairness and
For immediate release January 8, 2026 Media contact Jackie PisaniDirector of Marketing & Communicationspisani.j@kingswoodoxford.org860-233-9631 Kingswood Oxford Unveils Renovated Public Squash Courts Jan. 8, West Hartford - Kingswood Oxford is proud to announce the completion of the newly renovated state-of the-art public squash courts, at the 18 Highland Street facility in West Hartford. The Wyvern Squash Club is the only public squash court in West Hartford, open to Club members. Phase One of
Westfield Bank holds Toy Drive to support Local Organizations Westfield, MA—— Westfield Bank employees, customers, and community members provided new toys and books to children in local communities across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut through its annual toy drive. From December 1-15, all Westfield Bank branches collected new, unwrapped toys and books. Each branch donated to an organization or charity local to their service area. Some of the organizations receiving donations included The Gray
Westfield Bank contributes $5,000 to Connecticut Foodshare to support Statewide Food AccessWestfield, MA—Westfield Bank is pleased to announce a $5,000 contribution to Connecticut Foodshare, the statewide nonprofit food bank dedicated to ending hunger and strengthening community food systems. The gift supports Connecticut Foodshare’s mission of distributing nutritious meals to families and individuals across the state and helping agency partners and mobile pantry operations meet rising demand. “We are
Westfield Bank appoints Brent Bean as Vice President,Business Development Officer Westfield, MA—James C. Hagan, President and CEO of Westfield Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brent Bean as Vice President and Business Development Officer. Bean, who previously served as Assistant Vice President, Business Development Officer, has been appointed to Vice President, Business Development Officer, and will continue to establish relationships with new and existing customers focusing on commercial
Starting a business in West Hartford isn’t just about having the right idea. It’s about setting up the right foundation — the investments that stabilize your operations, build credibility, and let you scale with confidence.L;DR Focus first on infrastructure (legal, financial, digital). Prioritize investments that save time and reduce risk. Work with professionals where expertise matters most — legal formation, accounting, branding, and tech. Don’t skimp on community visibility; being
Westfield Bank funds Future Leaders with $2,500 Donation to YMCA of Greater Hartford’s Y-Bell Power Scholars Academy Westfield, MA—Westfield Bank is pleased to announce a $2,500 donation to the YMCA of Greater Hartford in support of the Y-BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) Power Scholars Academy, a partnership between the Y and the national nonprofit BellXcel. This initiative empowers students from the Hartford region with academic enrichment, confidence-building experiences, and the readiness to
Launching or scaling a small business often means convincing new customers to trust you quickly. One of the most effective ways to establish credibility is through visual branding. The way your brand looks communicates volumes before a single word is read. Below are strategies to help your business create a consistent, trustworthy brand presence. Why Consistency Builds Confidence Trust begins with recognition. When customers repeatedly see the same color palette, logo, and tone across channels,
Running a small business comes with an abundance of unknowns, but few owners stop long enough to plan for the truly disruptive ones. Natural disasters, cyberattacks, supply chain breakdowns, or even a sudden illness can all push operations to the brink. While these threats seem distant until they’re not, having a clear-eyed emergency strategy in place can mean the difference between recovery and permanent closure. Preparation isn’t just about stockpiling supplies—it’s about building the kind of resilience
Building small business partnerships in your community isn’t just about networking events and handing out business cards—it’s about trust, mutual investment, and creative collaboration. If you want to create meaningful connections, you have to go beyond the surface and find ways to bring value to the businesses around you. Partnerships thrive when they’re built on authenticity and shared goals rather than just transactional benefits. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a boutique, or a local tech
Customer referrals are a key driver of business growth and trust. They attract new clients while strengthening the perception of your brand. Strategic actions tailored to your audience can boost referral rates effectively. Consistent engagement and providing exceptional value encourage customers to share their experiences. Personalizing interactions can also deepen loyalty and inspire recommendations.Strengthen Customer Loyalty with Tiered Rewards Creating a tiered loyalty program can be a powerful tool
In the fast-paced world of business, the efficiency of your warehouse operations can be a game-changer. Picture a well-oiled machine where every component works in harmony—this is what optimized warehouse management can do for your business. It not only drives productivity and cuts costs but also sets the stage for exponential growth. Are you ready to transform your warehouse into a powerhouse of efficiency? Buckle up as we delve into actionable strategies that will elevate your operations and propel your