Fiftieth anniv. of auto shop Hampden Bank celebrates fiftieth anniversary of auto shop WEST SPRINGFIELD How do you help one of your best clients celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in business? Well, if you're Hampden Bank, you gather your president and senior officers, pack up the grill, and then head over to your client's headquarters to cook up a hearty lunch for its employees. This is just what Hampden Bank officials did recently to help West Springfield Auto Parts celebrate fifty years in business. According to Thomas R. Burton, President and CEO of Hampden Bank, "We wanted to do something different to recognize this milestone and the company's great success over the years. Simply presenting them with a plaque seemed so ordinary, but flipping burgers, grilling hot dogs, and serving lunch to all their employees seemed to fit the bill." Michael Creanza, owner of West Springfield Auto Parts, agreed. "When bank officials presented me with the idea I was thrilled. I mean, how often do you have an opportunity to see your bank's president flipping burgers in your parking lot and serving lunch to your employees? And I must tell you, they did a great job the lunch was terrific! It was certainly a memorable way to help us celebrate our fiftieth, and we appreciate being recognized this way," Creanza said. Founded in 1956, West Springfield Auto Parts has grown to become one of the largest independent automotive parts distributors in the United States. With over 150 employees, the company's main office and warehouse is located at 945 Main Street in West Springfield, with satellite offices located in Hartford, CT, Auburn, and Wilmington, MA. The company's major product lines include AC Delco (General Motors) products, Dupont paint products, and J. L. Filters (Fram-Honeywell). "With all the cooking our 'Senior Grill Team' does for our customers every summer, we were well-prepared for this assignment, Burton went on to say. "It was great fun, and, by the way, we did present Mike and his team with a commemorative plaque, as well," Burton added.