News

Connecticut Enacts Sweeping Workforce and Employment Reforms Under HB 5003Overview|   Governor Ned Lamont signed House Bill 5003, An Act Concerning Workforce Development and Working Conditions in Connecticut, into law on May 11, 2026. The Act introduces broad changes affecting wage transparency, workplace accommodations, contractor liability, and employee protections across multiple industries. ...read more

WESTFIELD BANK WELCOMES AJAY GOYAL AS BRANCH MANAGER AT WEST HARTFORD LOCATIONWestfield, MA— James C. Hagan, President and CEO of Westfield Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ajay Goyal as Retail Banking Officer and Branch Manager of its West Hartford Office, 977 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut. Goyal joins the Bank with over twenty-five years of banking and branch ...read more

Westfield, MA—James C. Hagan, President and CEO of Westfield Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Askins as Assistant Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer.  Askins, who previously served as Mortgage Loan Officer, will continue to assist new and existing customers through the mortgage process, from pre-approval to closing. Based in Granby, CT, he is primarily responsible for ...read more

Successful business partnerships don't happen by accident — they're built through deliberate research, clear agreements, and consistent communication. Approximately 70% of business partnerships fail within the first five years, making shared values, complementary skills, and clear communication critical from day one. For Greater Hartford business owners exploring collaboration, the difference ...read more

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 ...read more

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 ...read more

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 ...read more