Month: August 2015

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce announced the return of the popular ACE (Ask a Chamber Expert) business workshop series. Sponsored by PeoplesBank and the Republican/MassLive, the series is member-taught by successful, knowledgeable community business owners and professionals who are eager to pass on their knowledge to business people and entrepreneurs in Greater Holyoke communities.

The next installment in the series will be a panel discussion, with experts from digital, television, radio, and print media, on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:30 a.m. at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center located at 100 Bigelow St. in Holyoke. Topics ranging from how to plan a press conference to learning the difference between a press release and a press advisory will be discussed.

Admission is $15 for Holyoke Chamber members with advance registration and $20 for all others, and includes a continental breakfast. Reservations may be made online at holyokechamber.com/events.

University Products Announces Realignment of Management Team

By BusinessWest Staff August 31, 2015

HOLYOKE — University Products Inc. (UPI), manufacturer and distributor of archival-quality storage products for museums, libraries and archives worldwide, announced the realignment of its management team.

Chief Financial Officer John Adamson, who joined UPI in 1995 and has worked in sales and marketing, human resources, and accounting, has been appointed president and will be charged with coordinating and implementing the future direction of the company.

Company founder David Magoon, will continue as chairman of the board, and Scott Magoon will continue as CEO. Bob Boydston, who joined the company in 1976, will remain as senior vice president and is also chief operating officer of the corporation.

Museums, libraries, historical societies, archives and similar institutions are among UPI’s worldwide clients. The company offers products for conservation, restoration, and preservation of books, photos, documents, collectibles, textiles, artwork, artifacts, and natural-history specimens. University Products is also the manufacturer of Lineco brands, sold and distributed worldwide by art and framing retailers.

HUB International New England Employees Stage Food Drive

By BusinessWest Staff August 31, 2015

EAST LONGMEADOW — HUB International New England, formerly FieldEddy Insurance, a division of insurance-brokerage firm HUB International Limited, announced that employees recently held a food drive to benefit the East Longmeadow Council on Aging.

The drive was staged in response to published reports that the local Council on Aging is in dire need of food and personal items this time of year. HUB International employees immediately reached out and pulled together in an effort to personally donate whatever they could.

“I always knew our employees were great, but seeing them come together to help others leaves a lasting impression,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England. “The employees saw a problem in their own backyard and reached into their own pockets in order to help those less fortunate. They worked together as a team in order to do something that will have a long-term effect on others.”

The total amount of donations is not known at this time, and the agency itself will make a contribution in addition to the employee donations. These items were delivered to the East Longmeadow Council on Aging on Aug. 26.

BCC, Greylock Insurance Agency to Offer Career Workshop

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College’s (BCC) Office of Community Education & Workforce Development, in collaboration with Greylock Insurance Agency, will offer a new workshop, “Introduction to Insurance” (INS 21), starting in September.

The workshop, which will run on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from Sept. 22 through Nov. 10, will explore the many diverse careers in the insurance industry, from IT to marketing.

Students will identify and describe the basic principles of insurance as well as how insurance jobs relate to one another, and will become familiar with the principles that underlie property and liability insurance. The course will also introduce students to insurance contracts, marketing, underwriting, claims adjustment, risk management, and general policy provisions.

The course, which will be taught by Sharon MacEachern, assistant vice president of Operations at Greylock Insurance, is made possible through Greylock Insurance Agency and its matching grant donation from Arbella Insurance Foundation. The cost per participant is $240 and includes all materials. Classes will be held in Melville Hall (Room 201) on BCC’s main campus in Pittsfield.

“Introduction to Insurance” is the first of three eight-week courses required to earn an AINS (associate in general insurance) designation. Participants who complete all three courses will also receive a certificate of completion from Berkshire Community College. To register, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/workshops or call (413) 236-2127.

Northampton’s Fifth Annual Jazz Festival Set for Sept. 8-12

NORTHAMPTON — The 2015 Northampton Jazz Festival will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8 with a performance at the Northampton Jazz Workshop and various other performances during that week, culminating with the main-stage, all-day event on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The main concert event will take place from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Northampton on Hampton Avenue, behind Thornes Marketplace.

At Saturday’s signature performance, which is free and open to the public, featured performers will include the Gretchen Parlato & Lionel Loueke Duo, the Zaccai Curtis Latin Jazz Quartet featuring Ray Vega, the Edmar Casteneda Trio, Pete McGuinness, the Jeff Holmes Quartet, and the Franz Robert/Benny Woodard Trio featuring Conner Duke.

Paul Arslanian, co-creative director of the Northampton Jazz Festival, said the lineup for this year’s main event is unique from that of previous years. “We’re featuring young, unique voices and artists who are exploring different avenues of jazz. We’re hoping to showcase a wide variety of jazz genres.”

The week’s events begin Tuesday, Sept. 8 with a performance by tenor saxophonist Felipe Salles at the Northampton Jazz Workshop at the Loft at the Clarion Hotel, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saxophone students from UMass Amherst will be performing with Salles, along with the Green Street Trio.

From Wednesday, Sept. 9 to Friday, Sept. 11, Downtown Struts are planned in Amherst, Easthampton, and Northampton, respectively. The struts will give music lovers a chance to explore many different venues in each town and hear local and regional jazz musicians perform.

David Picchi, co-creative director of the Northampton Jazz Festival alongside Arslanian, said performers for the Amherst Downtown Strut on Wednesday, Sept. 9 are still being finalized. However, Free Range Cats will be one of the bands featured.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, the Easthampton Downtown Strut, which will commence at 5:30 p.m., will feature the Pangeans in front of the Old Town Hall, the Nancy Janoson Trio at Galaxy, and the Carol Smith Trio at Nini’s Ristorante.

The Northampton Downtown Strut on Friday, Sept. 11 will include seven additional bands, starting at 6 p.m.: Mtali Banda Oneness Project on the Northampton Court House lawn, the O-Tones at McLadden’s, the Claire Arenius Trio at One Bar & Grill, the Scott Mullett Trio at the Deck Bar, the Jeremy Turgeon Quartet at Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar, FlavaEvolution at Sierra Grille, and Mammal Dap at Bishop’s Lounge.

The main performances on Saturday, Sept. 12 will kick off with the Jazz Futures Stage on the Hampshire Courthouse Lawn with student bands from six local schools: UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Holyoke Community College, Greenfield Community College, Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School, and Northampton Community Music Center.

The Saturday main-stage concert will be hosted by two notable emcees from New England Public Radio. Tom Reney, host of the radio show Jazz à la Mode, will announce the performers in the first half of the festival, followed by Kari Njiiri, host of Jazz Safari and a senior news reporter for NEPR.

In addition, at least 10 food trucks will be on site to offer such fare as pizza, sausage, organic burgers, and ice cream throughout the day. The second annual Northampton Jazz Festival Home Brew Challenge will take place from 3 to 5 p.m.; regional home brewers will have an opportunity to put their brews to the test with guest tasters.

For more information or to help sponsor the event, contact Yvonne Mendez at [email protected]. Jazz fans can get more information at www.njfest.org. Contributions may be sent to Northampton Jazz Festival, P.O. Box 641, Northampton, MA 01061.

Major sponsors include Baystate Urgent Care, TD Bank, North Coast Brewing Co., Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz, UMass Fine Arts Center, Northampton Arts Council, MassLive, McLadden’s, Northampton Jazz Workshop, Silverscape Designs, Florence Bank, the Artisan Gallery, Hampshire Hospitality Group, the Clarion Hotel, 90+ Cellars, Delap Real Estate, Lia Auto Group, Log Cabin/Delaney, Thornes Marketplace, and Daury Wealth Management.

Thomas Burke to Chair Western Mass. Sports Commission

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) announced that Thomas Burke will serve as the new chairman of the Western Mass. Sports Commission (WMSC), a division of the GSCVB. Burke replaces John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank, who served a two-year term as chairman.

Burke was the co-owner of Burke Beverage in Chicopee for 28 years before selling the company in 2004. Since 2005, he has served as a coach at Granby High School for varsity golf and girls basketball. Burke has been, or is currently, involved in a variety of civic organizations, including the Jimmy Fund Council of Western Mass., Spirit of Springfield, the Springfield Parking Authority, the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Springfield Youth Commission.

“There is so much excitement surrounding Springfield and Western Mass., and I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of it,” Burke said. “Hosting upcoming events like the MIAA boys and girls basketball state championships in March 2016 and the UMass Holiday Showcase in December will prove to be great events for the area in the immediate future, only followed by bigger events like the International Jugglers Association Festival in 2018.”

The Western Mass. Sports Commission is a division of the GSCVB that seeks to increase the economic impact of sporting events in the area by coordinating regional sporting event bids, hosting and marketing the events, and raising the stature and awareness of the region as a sports and tourism destination.

Berkshire Bank Names Ron MacDonald Senior Vice President

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. has appointed Ron MacDonald to the position of senior vice president, corporate auto sales leader.

MacDonald joins Berkshire from First Niagara Bank, where he served as first vice president, national sales manager, focused on expanding the indirect auto finance business across the Northeast. He has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive business, including previous roles at TD Bank as the national sales manager for auto finance and various positions within the auto-dealer community. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.

“I am excited to have Ron join the bank and take on a leadership role in expanding our prime indirect auto unit,” said Sean Gray, executive vice president and head of Retail Banking. “With his extensive auto-lending relationships and experience across New England, he is the right person to expand on the successful platform Berkshire has established in New York. Ron will be leading Berkshire’s indirect team, providing strategic direction to develop and expand relationships throughout our footprint, with a focus on building long-term partnerships and managing the secondary marketing of this product. This is another example of our commitment to ongoing leadership recruitment and revenue diversification, and we look forward to profitable growth from this business line.”

HCC, STCC Receive $5.5 Million from State for Capital Projects

HOLYOKE — Gov. Charlie Baker announced this week that two local community colleges will receive $5.5 million for capital projects: $2.5 million for Holyoke Community College, and $3 million for Springfield Technical Community College.

He said the funds are part of the administration’s capital-investment plan, with an eye on closing a persistent ‘skills gap’ in the Commonwealth, between the skills employers require and those of currently available workers. Closing that gap, he said at a press conference announcing the grants, is “critically important to us and critically important to the success of the Commonwealth.”

HCC will build a new, more energy-efficient campus center. The current facility houses several classrooms, the campus bookstore, dining services, and a media center. STCC plans to renovate Building 19 into a new student-learning commons.

HMC to Open Satellite Location for PT Services in West Springfield

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center will open a satellite location for physical-therapy and rehabilitation services at Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness, 155 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, on Monday, Aug. 31. The location is part of HMC’s newly named Centers of Rehabilitation Excellence (CORE).

The satellite location is part of HMC’s ongoing commitment to physical therapy and rehabilitation services, which includes a full renovation and expansion of its in-house physical and occupational therapy and pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation services. The West Springfield CORE location reflects a key strategic priority of HMC in offering community-based services at locations throughout the Pioneer Valley.

“The CORE satellite location speaks to our continued efforts to provide patients with medical care and treatment that is more accessible, convenient, and personalized,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center. “Our partnership with Healthtrax, a respected leader in preventive health, will help ensure that the physical-therapy and rehabilitation programs go the extra mile in supporting our patients in their recovery.”

Added Marina Lebo, executive director at Healthtrax, “the Healthtrax Fitness Center offers a wide variety of fitness options for the Holyoke Medical Center and CORE patients as they progress in their health goals and recovery. We have amenities for all ages and fitness levels, including a new functional-fitness training area, personal and group training programs, over 60 motivating group classes weekly, from gentle yoga to cycling, and more.”

Farmington Bank Elects John Green to Board of Directors

FARMINGTON, Conn. — First Connecticut Bancorp Inc., the publicly owned holding company of Farmington Bank, announced the election of John Green to the respective boards of directors of the corporation and the bank.

“John’s extensive experience as both a leader of a successful, multi-generational family business and a tireless volunteer for many nonprofit organizations makes him a wonderful addition to our boards of directors,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman of the board of directors of First Connecticut Bancorp and chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “In addition, John’s leadership of a successful retail business in today’s changing retail climate will be a valuable asset in the boardroom as we continue Farmington Bank’s organic growth strategy.”

Green graduated from Boston College in 1978 and from the Gemological Institute of America in 1979. He earned the titles of registered jeweler and certified gemologist appraiser with the American Gem Society in 1981. In 1992, he was elected president and CEO of Lux Bond & Green. Today, Lux Bond & Green, established in 1898 by Green’s great-grandfather, has grown to seven locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts with more than 100 employees.

Green has served on many nonprofit organizations and leadership positions within the Hartford community, including the Connecticut Historical Society, Old State House, Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau, Connecticut Science Center, Bushnell Park Foundation, TheaterWorks, Hartford Ballet, Hartford Downtown Council, Young Presidents Organization, Connecticut Business and Industry Assoc., and Connecticut Bank & Trust Co. Currently, he serves as treasurer on the Saint Francis Hospital Foundation and a member of the economic-development committee of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

John Ritenour Elected to Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees

SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that John Ritenour, chairman of Insurance Office of America (IOA), has been unanimously elected to the Hall’s board of trustees. He will serve as one of 33 members, beginning a three-year term immediately.

“It is an honor to be named to the board of trustees and to represent the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame,” Ritenour said. “I look forward to working with the highly talented and prestigious group that guides the Hall, including many legends of the sport and the outstanding roster of civic and business leaders, such as Chairman Jerry Colangelo and President and CEO John Doleva and his accomplished staff.”

Ritenour and his wife, Valli, founded Insurance Office of America in Florida in 1988 with a vision to have an organization that gave ownership to its sales associates. The company now boasts more than 225 sales partners and more than 600 employees who claim ownership. IOA has grown from $188,000 in revenue the first year to more than $120 million today.

“The Basketball Hall of Fame has had a tremendous relationship with IOA for a number of years,” said Doleva. “As a well-respected businessman, philanthropist, and fan of the game, John Ritenour will be an excellent addition to our board of trustees.”

The trustees are responsible for preserving the fundamental mission and financial well-being of the Basketball Hall of Fame. They serve as ambassadors for the Hall, promoting its core mission, which is to celebrate the greatest moments and people in basketball. Made up of individuals that work in or have worked in the game, as well as business leaders that have supported the game, the board also elects all governors of the Hall.

CHD Programs Earn CARF Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD — CHD, the region’s largest social service organization, has been awarded a three-year Accreditation from CARF (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) for the following programs and services:
• Adult Mental Health (AMH) programs in Springfield, Holyoke, Hartford and Waterbury;
• Department of Disability Services (DDS) programs (Meadows Home and Outreach Team); and
• All Outpatient Behavioral Health Services (OBHS) clinics

Other CHD programs will be surveyed for CARF accreditation in time.

CARF is an independent, international, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. An organization receiving a CARF three-year accreditation, such as CHD was awarded, has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable.

“We are proud that, in addition to our own high internal standards, CHD has been recognized by an esteemed, independent organization. CHD earned the highest level of CARF accreditation that can be awarded to an organization like ours,” said Jim Goodwin, president & CEO of CHD. “Attaining and maintaining CARF-accredited status requires a significant effort, strong teamwork, and a commitment at all levels of our organization to providing quality services and enhancing the lives of the people we serve. CHD is very proud to have earned this accreditation, especially since this happened during our first application.”

Said Jennifer Higgins, Ph.D., Director, Strategic Planning and Business Development for CHD, “by achieving CARF accreditation, CHD has demonstrated that it meets high, independent standards for quality and is committed to pursuing excellence.

“One component of the CARF accreditation process involves producing a quality improvement plan. As part of that process, CHD plans to further entrench the concept of cultural competency throughout our organization,” she went on. “As one example, we presently have at least one bilingual Spanish-English interpreter at each CHD location and we will evaluate opportunities to expand that capability to include interpreters who speak other languages, such as Russian and Vietnamese. CHD feels strongly about this commitment to cultural competency and looks forward to achieving it.”

Valley Vodka Celebrates 10 Years in Business

HADLEY — Valley Vodka Inc. the owner of luxury brand, V-One Vodka, will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its first sale on Sept. 1.
“Over the past 10 years V-One sales have consistently grown, with 2014 being the company’s best financial year,” said founder Paul Kozub, adding that this year, Valley Vodka is poised to significantly improve on last year’s tremendous performance.

Since its inception, V-One Vodka has won numerous international awards, said Kozub, including nine medals at the World Spirit Competition, including its highest honor, the unanimous ‘Double Gold.’ V-One Vodka has also expanded is distribution from just 50 locations in the first year to now well over 1,400, in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

For the first time, this year, he noted, V-One will enter the European vodka market with sales in both Denmark and Poland. V-One has successfully launched four successful flavors over the past few years, including its two most recent — V-One Triple Berry and V-One Grapefruit. The company is also in discussions with several companies about expanding its distribution in 2016 to additional New England states with eventual distribution to all 50 states.

HMC Names Michael Ipekdjian Director of Transitional Care, Case Management

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center has appointed Michael Ipekdjian R.N., BSN as the hospital’s director of Transitional Care/Case Management.

With vast experience in nursing and case management in the community hospital setting, Ipekdjian will lead HMC’s transitional care and case management programs. In this role, he will oversee the hospital’s registered nurses and social workers, and communicate with internal and external partners to improve case management and care coordination.

“Mike brings the leadership and vision necessary to help HMC achieve the highest levels of patient care,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “We are confident in his ability to leverage his case management experience to ensure that patients can access a full scope of community services across the continuum.”

Said Ipekdjian, “Joining HMC is a tremendous professional opportunity. I look forward to working with a highly committed team of colleagues to ensure that patients can access complete, comprehensive healthcare, and the important community resources that contribute to quality healthcare.”

Most recently, Ipekdjian served as case-management supervisor at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pa, where he coordinated the day-to-day operations of the Case Management Department. He managed 21 full-time employees, including case managers, and RN nurse navigators/transitional care nurses. He coordinated with community agencies to facilitate communication and assure continuity of care, reviewed and developed readmission programs and chronic disease management metrics. As that medical center’s MSICU case manager, he planned, coordinated, and facilitated the care and transition of patients through two intensive care units.

Ipekdjian is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, earning both his associate and bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. He is pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management at Western Governors University and is expected to graduate in 2016.

First Connecticut Bancorp Increases Quarterly Dividend

FARMINGTON, Conn., — First Connecticut Bancorp Inc. today announced that its board of directors has voted to increase its quarterly dividend to $0.06 per share, an increase of $0.01.

In making this announcement, John J. Patrick Jr., chairman, president and CEO said, “We are pleased to increase our dividend and reward our shareholders due to our continued positive earnings trend.” Dividends will be payable on September 14, 2015 to all shareholders of record as of Sept. 4.

First Connecticut Bancorp Inc. is the holding company for Farmington Bank, a full-service community bank with 22 branch locations throughout central Connecticut, offering commercial and residential lending as well as wealth management services in Connecticut and Western Mass.

ICNE Announces Appointment of New Employees

AGAWAM — Insurance Center of New England (ICNE), one of the largest privately owned independent insurance agencies in the Northeast, has announced the appointment of four new staff members:
• Marie Rosema has been named marketing coordinator. She earned her master’s degree in marketing management and holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and marketing;
• David Farwell has been named account manager in ICNE’s Small Business Unit. He is a certified commercial lines coverage specialist and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice;
• Mary Leveille has been named benefits administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science; and
• Colleen Caban has been named personal lines account manager. She is a licensed insurance broker for personal lines.

“As an independent insurance agency, we put the needs of individuals, families and businesses first,” said William Trudeau, President and CEO of Insurance Center of New England. “We are independent agents for more than two dozen insurance carriers, but we represent our customers, working as their advocate and advisor in the often complex world of insurance. We are proud to add Marie, Dave, Mary and Colleen to our staff to continue our commitment to putting customer needs first.”

ICNE is headquartered in Agawam, and has six other locations throughout the state.

Business Growth Center Wants to Build on Past Success

Entrepreneurship Sections

Covering the Basics

Gary Stone, left, and Jim White, right, are seen here with Central High School Principal Tad Tokarz in the school’s cafeteria, one of many rooms they’ve wrapped.

Jim White says it was about 18 months ago — or just after BusinessWest published a story on the Business Growth Center, to be precise — when he and partner Gary Stone decided they needed some help and would seek it out.

When asked to be more specific, he said Go Graphix, the specialty graphics company the two had started more than a decade earlier, while doing fairly well, certainly wasn’t where they wanted it to be by that juncture. And the root of the problem, he went on, was that they couldn’t, by themselves, draw a road map to get there — or even pinpoint what there was or should be.

So they turned to the Business Growth Center (BGC), housed, sort of, in the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College, and its director, Marla Michael, for some assistance. Michel assembled an advisory panel that met with White and Stone early and often, providing assistance on several levels.

Invited to sum it all up, White said the group, comprised of business veterans across several sectors, implored them to focus — on what they did well, what separated them from their various forms of competition, and where the growth potential was.

In this case, said White, that meant the company’s niche in specialty wrapping, of not only vehicles but also school and business hallways, windows, cafeterias, floors, and a host of other surfaces. The industry term is ‘architectural graphics,’ he said, and while there are many companies that can simply install such products, there weren’t many, at the time, that could partner with clients to create a vision and then make it reality.

“Our customers are looking for the whole package,” White explained. “And these are the areas for which the advisory team said, ‘no one’s there right now; go after it; this is one; make your name there; go for it; be the first.’”

To make a somewhat long story short, the company has followed that advice and, in the process of doing so, seen a roughly 50% rise in revenues over the past year.

The story scripted by Go Graphix is one that Mike Vann and Paul Stelzer want to replicate as they continue to write what would be considered the next chapter for the Business Growth Center.

Michel, a loaned executive from UMass Amherst, has left the center as she returns to the university as a full-time administrator, focusing on the school’s many initiatives in and around Springfield. But Stelzer, a principal with Appleton Corp., which manages the Tech Park, and Vann, a member of the BGC’s advisory board and principal with the business-consulting firm the Vann Group, want to continue the work Michel was orchestrating with many of the region’s smaller businesses.

Mike Vann, left, says there are many companies in the region can be benefit from the services of the Business Growth Center, which helped the principals of Go Graphix sharpen their business focus.

Vann said there are many companies at or near the same stage as Go Graphix — with the owners deciding where they want to be and how to get there — and also many more that are facing the thorny issues of succession, or soon will be. And they can benefit from the center, which is more of a service provider than a physical location, although it is technically that as well — the Scibelli Enterprise Center, named after the retired STCC president who conceptualized it.

He added that the BGC’s advisory and mentorship programs will likely dovetail nicely with initiatives carried out by Valley Venture Mentors, which focuses mostly on startups and other groups that are part of what’s being increasingly referred to as an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Stelzer agreed, noting that, while many pieces still to fall into place for what might be called the new Business Growth Center — everything from funding to a board of directors to a timetable for officially getting started — the picture is coming into focus.

“The Business Growth Center is a program of the Technology Park,” he explained, “and we very much want to continue that program as part of our board’s mission to not simply lease space, but encourage and mentor entrepreneurs and assist small businesses.”

For this issue and its focus on entrepreneurship, BusinessWest looks at the early planning initiatives for this new BGC, and how the organization could become a key element in that aforementioned ecosystem.

The Writing’s on the Wall

Rather than talk about what they do — and, as mentioned, are now firmly focused on — White and Stone decided to show BusinessWest instead.

For that exercise, they decided that a tour of Springfield’s Central High School was in order. There, upon being joined by principal Tad Tokarz, they showed off a number of specific projects undertaken at that sprawling facility.

These include the circular logo incorporated onto the floor at the main entrance — complete with the golden eagle that is the school’s image and nickname — the auditorium and walls outside it, covered over with images depicting the arts; the cafeteria, where one wall features what Tokarz calls the “roadmap to graduation” that the school’s students follow; and the music room, where several walls and doors are covered with genre-specific images.

On the way out, the partners pointed to the bare, wooden press box above the stands at the football stadium, which will soon be done over with similar ‘golden eagle’ imagery.

Go Graphix has done similar work at a number of schools, colleges (Bay Path University is among its many good customers), and businesses across the region and beyond, and orders continue to pour in, said White, adding that this is part of an intriguing niche with considerable growth potential.

Fully exploiting this niche became the simple mission imparted on the partners by a team of mentors through the BGC’s Growth Advisory Program. And along with the words of wisdom came an accompanying — and much needed — dose of accountability, he went on.

“Being held responsible has made a tremendous difference,” White told BusinessWest. “We’re following the plan they helped us put together, and we’re really serious about it.”

There are many companies across the region that could benefit from similar assistance, said Vann, who works with companies of all sizes and across many sectors as a business consultant. And because this need exists, those involved with the BGC want to serve the region by meeting it.

Elaborating, he said the center, which will serve both tenants at the SEC and non-tenants, will be focused on two primary issues — scalability and what he called ‘survivability,’ meaning succession, in whatever form it may take.

There is considerable call for both, he went on, adding that, while entrepreneurs are obviously good at what they do, meaning their specific product or service, they often lack experience when it comes to managing a business and strategically planning for its future. Meanwhile, they also lack the time and capital required to address issues ranging from marketing to mergers and acquisitions.

Go Graphix project at Central High School

“The company may be successful and have money, but it may not necessarily have the resources in its budget to be able to do these things fully and in the right way,” he explained, adding that the advisory-panel model is designed specifically to fill these voids.

Stelzer agreed, and summoned an often-used phrase to describe what the BGC is ultimately designed to do.

“We want to help people work on their business, not in their business,” he explained, adding that many companies that that have passed the startup phase and are looking to get to the next level (or at least determine what that should be) are certainly challenged in their efforts to do that.

Click here to download a PDF chart of Area Resources for Entrepreneurs

Such was the case with White and Stone in the spring of 2014, when they approached Michel with a request for some assistance.

It came in the form of an advisory panel that not only asked hard questions, but made it clear to the principals that they would not be provided with the answers — they would have to come up those themselves.

“We would come together every six weeks and talk about very specific goals and tasks,” White explained. “We looked at the numbers, how we utilized our resources, staffing — where we’re staffed and how we’re staffed — and other matters.

“And after they really got to know us and understand our business, they helped us put together a strategic plan,” he went on. “We’re experiencing growth, accelerated growth, and much of that, we think, came about because we were able to work on our business.”

Elaborating, he said the advisory panel effectively inspired the partners to abandon, or move on from, a loose strategy of trying to be all things to all forms of customers and instead put the focus firmly on the areas that are most profitable and have the highest ceiling, growth-wise.

“They spent a lot of time helping us determine where the focus should be — where our drive is, what our passion is, and where we actually have good profit,” White noted. “That has helped us get out of certain areas and really double down on those areas that we want to get into — where there’s an opportunity in the marketplace, and where there’s profitability.”

That’s a Wrap

Referencing that entrepreneurial ecosystem once again, Vann and Stelzer said many groups, such as VVM, are designed to focus on businesses that are in what would be considered their youth.

The Business Growth Center — meaning, again, the organization, not merely the physical structure — is concerned with what amount to business “teenagers,” they went on, acknowledging that, as anyone who has lived through those years can testify, they are fraught with challenges.

The answers don’t come easy, as White and Stone can attest, but with support and that aforementioned measure of accountability, businesses can navigate those difficult years.

And that’s why Stelzer, Vann, and others involved with the Business Growth Center have determined that it must continue its work.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Opinion: More Gas Pipelines May Not Be the Answer

Opinion

By ANN BERWICK

Attorney General Maura Healey deserves praise for her plan to study the region’s electricity supply — including the need for expanding natural-gas pipeline capacity. In the context of electricity costs, reliability, and climate change, such an inquiry is hugely important for several reasons.

The biggest issue is this: adding natural-gas pipeline capacity may not control energy costs in Massachusetts. The Baker administration and many people in the energy sector are taking it as an article of faith that the region needs to be able to bring in more gas by pipeline. In the face of high prices and limited pipeline capacity, it would be logical to conclude that increasing supply would cause prices to fall. It might also be wrong.

Yes, electricity prices — tied largely to the cost of natural gas — did rise sharply last winter. But that wasn’t because of the especially harsh weather. Instead, it was chiefly due to the anticipation of high natural-gas prices and shortages that never materialized. The anticipation drove up the cost of natural gas, which had to be secured before the winter started. Concerns prior to the winter also prompted the region’s electric-grid operator to require electricity generators to take steps to mitigate the squeeze on natural-gas supplies — a wise maneuver, but one that also added cost.

Another indication that the ‘more gas means lower prices’ logic may not hold comes from the experience of Pennsylvania during the winter of 2014. Natural-gas prices spiked, even though Pennsylvania is in the heart of the Marcellus region — home to the largest supplies of natural gas in the Eastern U.S. If Pennsylvania isn’t immune to gas-price volatility, it’s worth asking whether New England can get better results by increasing supply.

Also, we are still pretty much flying blind about how much natural gas we might need. Gas proponents will say the need for more natural gas has already been studied to death. But the studies to date do not provide adequate guidance. For instance, the Black & Veatch study — done under the auspices of the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE) — largely favors more natural gas, but also concludes that, if increased energy efficiency limits growth in the demand, no additional gas will be needed. Moreover, the energy landscape is remarkably fluid, and the study is now almost two years old. (Disclosure: I was president of NESCOE when the study was done.) And there is obviously no study that takes into account the final version of the clean-energy plan President Obama unveiled earlier this month.

In its waning days, the Patrick administration also undertook a study of the need for more natural gas. A report by the consulting firm Synapse Energy Economics concluded that more gas is needed, but the study has been criticized for a variety of seriously limiting assumptions.

Even if we build new natural-gas pipeline capacity, it won’t be a benign solution to the region’s energy challenges. It would exacerbate our dependence on a single fuel with a history of price volatility, bias our future energy use towards a fossil fuel that is far from clean, and increase our reliance on a fuel that depends on fracking.

The belief that added gas pipelines are the best solution to steep energy costs comes at least in part from an attitude engendered by an outmoded regulatory regime. For example, under current regulations, utilities make more money by building infrastructure than by encouraging conservation and energy efficiency. So, of course, they argue for infrastructure.

Notwithstanding all of these uncertainties about the costs and consequences of increasing natural-gas pipeline capacity, the region certainly faces significant energy challenges, including the closing of several large power plants. We may, indeed, need additional capacity. But we don’t know for sure, and we don’t know how much.

The attorney general’s study should address some key questions. How much can we limit energy demand over coming decades? How much energy can we expect from renewables like wind and solar power, buttressed by evolving energy-storage technology? How will Obama’s clean-energy plan affect the region’s fuel mix? What do these conclusions tell us about the need for additional natural gas?

Let’s not saddle electric customers with billions of dollars in infrastructure bills — or burden all of us with the consequences of more fossil fuels — until we know what the energy road map looks like.

Ann Berwick was Massachusetts’ undersecretary for energy and later headed the Department of Public Utilities during the Patrick administration.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Sept. 2: ACCGS September Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place. The program will be “Vision 2017 Dream Big: The Future of Springfield,” featuring Kevin Kennedy, Springfield’s chief development officer. Commuters traveling via high-speed rail … fans packing a baseball stadium … sunbathers lounging at the urban beachfront. Can you dream that big? For more information, call Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313. Cost: $20 for members in advance, $25 for members at the door, $30 for non-members.

• Sept. 16: ACCGS September 2015 Speed Networking, 3:30-5 p.m. at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. Network in a fast-paced, round-robin format, then stay for the After 5. Speed Networking admission includes admission to the After 5. For more information, call Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313. Cost: $20 for members in advance), $25 for members at the door, $25 for non-members.

• Sept. 16: ACCGS September 2015 After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. Say goodbye to summer at the lake. For more information, call Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

• Sept. 22: ACCGS September 2015 Pastries, Politics, and Policies, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Featuring state Sen. Benjamin Downing, chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. For more information, call Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313. Cost: $15 for members, $25 for non-members.

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Sept. 1: 49th Annual Community Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the UMass Student Union Ballroom , 41 Campus Center Way, Amherst. Free parking is available in the Campus Center Garage. This traditional school-year kickoff is an opportunity for community and academic leaders to meet newcomers, renew friendships, and talk about plans for the year ahead. Special performance by the UMass Minuteman Marching Band. Tickets: $10. To register or purchase tickets, call (413) 577-1101 or e-mail [email protected].

• Sept. 9: After 5, at Amherst Golf Club, 365 South Pleasant St., Amherst. Sponsored in part by Restore Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC. Gather for cocktails and light refreshments and mix and mingle with other fellow businessmen and women. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, visit www.amherstarea.com or call the chamber office at (413) 253-0700.

• Sept. 18: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., at the Marriott, 423 Russell St., Hadley. Guest speaker: Ryan Bamford, director of UMass Athletics. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. To register, visit www.amherstarea.com or call (413) 253-0700.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Sept. 10: Auction/Beer & Wine Tasting, 6-9 p.m., at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Presented by Chicopee Savings Bank. Cost: $35 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.chicopeechamber.org

• Sept. 11: CEO Luncheon with Charlie Epstein of Epstein Financial, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Collegian Court restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

• Sept. 16: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at LifePoint Church, 603 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

• Sept. 23: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Marcotte Ford, 1025 Main St., Holyoke. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• Sept. 16: Annual Clambake 2015, 5-7 p.m., at Holyoke Country Club, One Country Club Road. Treat your client to golf or make this your employee appreciation dinner. Purchase Clambake tickets in advance and play golf (with cart) for $15. Jazz on the patio by Simmer Music. Prize packages auction; win a chance to enter a hole-in-one putting contest to win $1,000. Cost: $35 per ticket, with a 10% discount for seven or more tickets.

• Sept. 17: Leadership Holyoke 2015-16, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., city tour. Meet at Holyoke Community College, and tour the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. Get an overview of community demographics and history, and meet community leaders. A series of seven days comprise Leadership Holyoke 2015-16. Faculty members from HCC will participate as instructors and facilitators. Community leaders will participate as speakers and discussion leaders. Program locations subject to change. Objectives include developing a pool of emerging leaders, supporting individuals to increase their potential by acquiring new skills, and networking with community and business leaders. The program will teach participants to apply skills in an organizational setting, expand the individual’s problem-solving methods, skills, and strategies for achieving change; explore leadership styles that are critical to the effective service of potential volunteers; and give participants an in-depth look at the community’s resources, assets, challenges, and opportunities. For business people learning to become community leaders, tuition is $595, due at the start of the course. The fee also covers continental breakfasts, the graduation luncheon, and a trip to the State House in Boston.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Sept. 9: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., at the Academy of Music. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Sponsored by Thornes Marketplace, Johnson & Hill Staffing Service, and BusinessWest. Cost: $10 for members.

• Sept. 15: 2015 Workshop: “Spicing up Your PowerPoint Presentations,” 9-11 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This workshop will focus on using PowerPoint features to take a presentation beyond a simple set of bulleted slides. You’ll learn to how to change slide layouts and designs easily and how to add tables, Smart Art, graphic effects, sound effects, and video to your presentation. You’ll also learn to work with master slides to make global changes to a presentation easily. The workshop will also focus on adding animations to text and objects on slides, as well as adding transitions between slides. You’ll learn how to rehearse the presentation and keep track of timing, how to annotate slides during a presentation, and a variety of handy shortcuts to use while giving a presentation. The workshop will also cover the options for printing a presentation, including how to print notes pages for the presenter and workshop participants. You’ll also learn how to add charts to a presentation, as well as a series of do’s and don’ts for effective presentation design. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. RSVP is required, and space is limited. To register, e-mail [email protected].

• Oct. 7: October Arrive @ 5 Open House, 5-7 p.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Pioneer Training, Innovative Business Systems, and Florence Savings Bank. Cost: $10 for members

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Sept. 9: September After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.

• Sept. 14: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m. Join us for our monthly Mayor’s Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Dan Knapik, hosted by Mestek. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count.

• Sept. 18: September Chamber Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at the 104th Fighter Wing ANG, 175 Falcon Dr., Westfield. Platinum sponsor: Baystate Noble Hospital. Gold sponsor: United Bank. Silver sponsor: United Way of Pioneer Valley. For more information or to donate a raffle item, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Sept. 2: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Cutting Edge Salon, Feeding Hills. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information and tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected]

• Sept. 17: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected]

• Sept. 24: Breakfast Seminar, 7-9 a.m., at Oakridge Country Club, Feeding Hills. Admission: $25 for chamber members, $30 for non-members. For more information and tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

Paragus IT Acquires Applied Software Technologies

HADLEY — Paragus IT has continued its pattern of active growth with its first acquisition: West Springfield-based Applied Software Technologies. Prior to the acquisition, AST provided IT services to businesses in the region and beyond for more than 20 years. “We are very happy to welcome the staff and clients of Applied Software Technologies into the Paragus family,” said Paragus CEO Delcie Bean. “They are a great company, and we’re excited that we will be able to give their clients the opportunity to maintain their relationships with the people they know while also having access to the resources we are able to offer as the largest IT provider in Western Massachusetts.” The acquisition of AST is the latest in a strong trend of growth for Paragus. Since Bean founded the company at age 13, Paragus has grown from a one-man operation to a regional leader in business computer service, consulting, and information-technology support. Inc. Magazine has ranked Paragus as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. for four years running. With a 650% growth rate over seven years, Paragus is the second-fastest-growing outsourced IT firm in New England. “We have every intention of acquiring more businesses as we continue to expand our market and services, but it has to be the right deal,” Bean noted. “What matters to us is that the customers, both our current ones and the ones being acquired, are always benefited by the transaction. We refuse to compromise on quality and service. Second-best just isn’t good enough.”

Dave’s Soda and Pet City Highlighted by National Retail Federation

AGAWAM — The National Retail Federation’s ‘Retail Across America’ team recently stopped by Dave’s Soda and Pet City in Agawam to film for NRF’s Retail Across America campaign. They talked with Dave Ratner, who has been involved with the organization for many years, about his work advocating for Massachusetts retail stores on Capitol Hill. According to the NRF, Bay State retailers support 920,000 jobs, and retail contributes nearly $58 billion to the state’s economy. A film crew spoke with Dave’s employees about their jobs — their favorite part of their job, what their typical day involves, etc. The footage will be used to put together a glimpse into surprising jobs in retail. Retail Across America is part of the NRF’s award-winning “This is Retail” campaign, which brings together retailers, universities, and students with state retail associates, legislators, and opinion leaders. The NRF launched the program to highlight life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. Dave’s Soda and Pet City is one of two businesses chosen to represent Western Mass. retailers on NRF’s road trip through four New England states. Dave’s Soda and Pet City is a mini-chain of seven superstores with more than 100 employees.

TommyCar Auto Group Donates Used Vehicle for Fire-rescue Training

NORTHAMPTON — Country Hyundai and Northampton Volkswagen recently provided a used vehicle to the Northampton Fire Department for rescue training. Firefighters spend countless hours training and honing their skills to ensure they are prepared for any emergency. The vehicle will be put to work in upcoming training exercises in which firefighters will utilize their extrication equipment on the vehicles, also known as the Hurst Tool or the Jaws of Life. “Ensuring firefighters have the latest training is critical to the safety of this community,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of Country Hyundai and Northampton Volkswagen, two dealerships in the TommyCar Auto Group chain. “We’re proud to be able to help in such a meaningful way, knowing so many people will ultimately benefit.” Added Bill Schuetze, captain and training officer for the Northampton Fire Department, “we really want to thank Country Hyundai and Northampton Volkswagen for the generous contribution. We will get a lot of use out of this car to train our firefighters on rescue efforts.” Country Hyundai and Northampton Volkswagen hope to have an ongoing relationship with the Northampton Fire Department and be able to offer more vehicles in the future.

Monson Savings Bank Announces New ‘Back to Banking’ Program

MONSON — As part of its ongoing efforts to improve financial literacy and capability, Monson Savings Bank (MSB) has introduced Fresh Start Checking accounts. These accounts are designed for people who might not otherwise be able to open a bank account based on their prior banking history. At the same time, MSB understands that life happens, and there are times when maintaining financial soundness may be difficult. Through the use of the Fresh Start Checking account, the “Back to Banking” program is designed to educate customers on money management, how to maintain accounts in good standing, and work toward paying off any unpaid account balances at other banks. As part of the program, free education materials are provided to customers through the National Endowment for Financial Education. The education modules include “Money Management — Control your Cash Flow,” “Borrowing — Use, Don’t Abuse,” “Earning Power — More Than a Paycheck,” Investing — Money Working for You,” “Financial Services — Care for Your Cash,” and “Insurance — Protect What You Have.” Another benefit of this program is a pay-as-you-bank option, which is designed to help customers pay down prior financial debts. With a companion savings account, funds can be set up to automatically transfer from checking to savings on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. According to President and CEO Steve Lowell, “at Monson Savings Bank, we have become increasingly concerned about financial literacy and the fact that many people lack the money-management knowledge and skills they need to ensure long-term stability for themselves. Our new “Back to Banking” program is another way in which we help individuals within our communities become more financially secure.”

GZA GeoEnvironmental Awards Grant to Gardening the Community

SPRINGFIELD — GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc., a leading environmental and geotechnical engineering consulting firm, has awarded a $2,500 Shareholder’s Grant to Gardening the Community (GTC) in Springfield, based on an application from Anja Ryan Duffy, a professional landscape architect in the Springfield office of GZA. GZA bestows four roughly $2,500 grants each year to organizations whose specific programs would best benefit from the award. The Shareholder’s Grant program was established to support employee volunteerism and charity work in the firm’s communities and throughout the world. Duffy proposed Gardening the Community as a recipient of the GZA Shareholder’s Grant to assist in the development of the organization’s new Walnut Street site, a project for which she has volunteered her landscape-architecture services. Gardening the Community is a food-justice organization engaged in youth development, urban agriculture, and sustainable living to build healthy and equitable communities. In her grant application, Duffy said the Walnut Street project location is a 0.6-acre abandoned lot which “for decades has been an eyesore and served as an illegal dumping ground.” GTC purchased the site in July 2014 with the vision of transforming it into a “vibrant, green space which would also help feed the neighborhood and provide service and leadership opportunities for local youth.” The GZA Shareholder’s Grant will help fund the placement of fencing and perimeter plantings along the Walnut Street site. Duffy has been with GZA for nearly eight years. Her areas of specialization include site design, planting design, low-impact development, and graphics. A graduate of UMass Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, she is an avid gardener and started a community garden in her former apartment complex.

Kingdom Master Jewelers Opens in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — Kingdom Master Jewelers, is a family-run business operated by Gabriel Serrano and Idoel Ortiz Jr., opened its doors today at 2020 Northampton St. in Holyoke. Previously a Hadley-based business since 2012, Serrano and Ortiz have become specialists in buying precious metals such as gold, diamonds, and silver, and have more tham 25 years of experience in custom-making one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Kingdom Master Jewelers formally ran jewelry gallery repair shops for Kay, Hannoush, Jared, and many other jewelers in the area.

Agenda

Agenda Departments

Walk for Love Walkathon and Barbecue

Sept. 12: Come celebrate the 90th anniversary of Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield at the sixth annual Walk for Love Walkathon and Barbecue. This easy, three-mile walk begins at the hospital and continues through Van Horn Park and back to the hospital for a barbecue. The day of family fun includes Shrine clowns, Zoo on the Go, K-9s for Kids, face painting, a photo booth, music, food, and more. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.The barbecue and entertainment run from 11 a.m. to 1:30  p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. Registration fee for walkers and non-walkers alike is $25 per person, $5 for children 12 and under, and $40 per family. A waiver must be signed to participate in the walkathon. No pets are allowed, except for service animals. Free parking will be available at the Boys and Girls Club located directly across from Shriners Hospital on Carew Street. All proceeds from this event benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield. Register online at www.walkforlove.org. Forms will also be available on the day of the walk. For additional information, contact Lee Roberts, the hospital’s public relations specialist, at (413) 755-2307 or [email protected].

Dinner Forum on Business Decision Making

Sept. 16: The UMass Amherst Family Business Center will present a dinner forum from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Northampton. The program is called “Effective Business Decision Making in the Fast-changing Environment of the 21st Century.” How many decisions do you make in the course of each business day? How often are they based on a gut feeling, versus measurable, relevant data? How accurate is your gut, and how well can you really tune into it? And how do you know which data is accurate, not to mention relevant? How can you be sure you’re considering all the consequences? Are you reaching for solutions that worked before, not sure they’re what is needed for more complex dilemmas? Are you influenced by biases you’re not even aware of? This presentation could help you, by exploring the practical aspects of the latest research on effective decision making and how family and closely held businesses are using it to create success. Presenters include Vana Nespor, chief learning officer and dean of Online and Adult Studies at Bay Path University, and Tom Loper, associate provost and dean of Bay Path’s graduate Business program. Call Ira Bryck, Family Business Center director, at (413) 545-4545 for more information.

‘Fall Back in Time’ at Holyoke Merry-Go-Round

Sept. 18: The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, the prized carousel with a storied history that dates back to the early 1900s, announced a “Fall Back in Time” fund-raiser to remember the magic of Mountain Park, to be held at the carousel site, 221 Appleton St., from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will support the ongoing maintenance and operation of the ride. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round — also known as Holyoke’s Happiness Machine — has delighted children and families since the 1920s, when it was featured at Mountain Park, an amusement park on the side of Mount Tom. “The merry-go-round plays a vital role in the history of Holyoke, and our residents should be proud of their efforts to preserve it,” said Angela Wright, executive director. “The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is a nonprofit that is totally self-supporting and does not receive city, state, or federal funding to maintain its operation. We rely on our annual preservation fund, donations, and various fund-raising events to keep the carousel spinning.” The fund-raiser will feature food and a cash bar prepared by the Log Cabin; live music including sax player Tom Tisdell, his musicians, and a banjo player; train rides to the mall and back provided by the Pioneer Valley Railroad; and carousel rides. Tickets are $45 per person or $400 for a table of 10. A grand raffle will also be held, with $8,000 in prizes: $5,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Raffle tickets are $100 each. Event and raffle tickets are available now at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round concession or by calling Meghan O’Connor at (413) 427-7629 or Susan Leary at (413) 592-7573. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (413) 538-9838 or visit holyokemerrygoround.org.

Mutts & Mimosas

Sept. 20: Dakin Humane Society has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Petco Foundation as the Top Dog sponsor of Dakin’s annual fund-raiser, Mutts & Mimosas. The brunch event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Quonquont Farm & Orchard in Whately, rain or shine. Guests, who are encouraged to bring their dogs, can enjoy a make-your-own mimosa bar, live traditional Irish music, a raffle and silent auction, apple-picking, dog-walking trails, and other fun activities. The food will be catered by Seth Mias, and an optional dog meal is available for $10. Event attendees are asked to bring dry or canned cat food to support Dakin’s Pet Food Bank program. Tickets are $50 per person and can be ordered online at www.dakinhumane.org or by calling event manager Gina Ciprari at (413) 781-4000, ext. 136. According to Dakin Executive Director Leslie Harris, “this generous grant from Petco Foundation will help us to produce an effective — and memorable — fund-raiser. Mutts & Mimosas has become a tradition among Dakin supporters and dog enthusiasts around the region, and we’re happy to know that they look forward to coming to this event with their dogs each year. With Petco Foundation’s support, we will be able to leverage other donations to Mutts & Mimosas and extend our services to more animals and their people.” The Petco Foundation has served as a voice for companion animals across the country since 1999. Today, with more than 8,000 local animal welfare partners across the country, the foundation donates approximately $15 million a year to make a difference in the lives of millions of animals. Money raised helps fund animal-welfare organizations, spay-and-neuter efforts, animal-assisted therapy programs, and humane education. The majority of the funds raised remain in the communities where they were raised, as well as benefiting animal-welfare efforts nationwide. Other sponsors for Mutts & Mimosas include Gage-Wiley & Co. Inc., Walter’s Propane, Sarah’s Pet Services, Rice Family Foundation, Five Star Building Corp., WHMP, WMAS, Western Mass News, MassLive.com, and Quonquont Farm & Orchard.

Get On Board!

Oct. 8: OnBoard, a Springfield-based nonprofit organization that matches qualified individuals and area boards of directors, is inviting local organizations and businesses to participate or become a sponsor in the “Get On Board!” event in October. The event, to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will connect local organizations with individuals looking to increase their community involvement. OnBoard was founded in the mid-’90s by attorney Ellen Freyman of Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C. The group’s mission is to help organizations expand their governance diversity by enlisting women, people of color, and other under-represented populations to their boards of directors/trustees, committees, and advisory groups. OnBoard has been connecting qualified people in the Greater Springfield area with organizations seeking leadership that reflects the diversity of the region. “Our goal with ‘Get On Board!’ is to facilitate an introduction of new talent and organizations around Greater Springfield,” said Freyman. “Diversifying your board of directors by recruiting members of under-represented populations can provide you with insight into different ways to engage with the community at large. Our goal is to create new relationships for both the individuals and the organizations who will benefit from each other’s resources and experience.” The cost for organizations to register to participate in the event is $100 before Aug. 31 and $125 if submitted after Aug. 31. As a nonprofit organization itself, OnBoard relies on the support of local businesses in order to hold ‘Get On Board.’ A number of funding options are available to local businesses who are interested in contributing to the event, including a $500 community-partner sponsorship and a $1,000 general-sponsorship opportunity. To register or become a business sponsor, visit www.diversityonboard.org.

Williamstown Film Festival Presents Wind-Up Fest

Oct. 15-18: The annual Williamstown Film Festival (WFF), now in its 17th year, welcomes big changes with new faces, a new name, and new programming focus. Slated for Oct. 15-18, WFF Presents: Wind-Up Fest is a nonfiction festival with documentary film as its backbone. Other forms of nonfiction will be in conversation with documentaries, including long-form journalism, radio podcasts, photography, and social-practice art. The event’s new artistic director, Paul Sturtz, is also the co-director at the True/False Film Fest in Columbia, Mo., and its new managing director, Sandra Thomas, is the former executive director of Images Cinema in Williamstown. “Our aim is to provide a unique, distinctive event for North Adams and Williamstown while serving as a destination festival for lovers of nonfiction. We are living in a time when nonfiction storytelling is offering one of the most vital, urgent ways forward,” Sturtz said. The festival will be curated by Sturtz, who was selected (along with his True/False co-director David Wilson) as one of 40 people in the inaugural Indiewire Influencers list, described as “visionaries that are changing the course of film.” “I’m excited to work with Paul to make his creative vision a reality,” said Thomas. “Working in partnership with the community, engaging a broad audience, and strengthening the festival’s presence are all important elements of the fest.” With the addition of Sturtz and return of Thomas, the board of directors announced the retirement of festival Executive Director Steve Lawson. “It’s been an exhilarating ride, but after 15 seasons as executive director, I felt it was time to pass the torch,” said Lawson. The festival has offices in North Adams and Williamstown and can reached at [email protected] or (413) 458-9700.

Noble Ball

Oct. 17: Baystate Noble Hospital is preparing for the 51st Anniversary Noble Ball co-chaired by the Queenin family: Kevin, Barbara, Jay, Janine, Jon and Lisa. “Magic of Motown – Motor City Review” will take place the MassMutual Center in Springfield. More than 800 guests are expected to attend the black-tie event, which will feature live entertainment, silent and live auctions, formal dinner, cocktails, dancing, and more. Since the first ball in 1959, the Hospital has used this signature event to raise money for operating funds, building improvements, equipment purchases, and more. Proceeds from this year’s ball will be added to last year’s funds and used to enhance Baystate Noble’s entrance and reception area to provide updated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access. “Our goal is to make Baystate Noble easily accessible for all,” said Allison Gearing-Kalill, vice president of Community Development. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.baystatenoblehospital.org/ball or e-mail [email protected].

Western Mass. Business Expo

Nov. 4: Comcast Business will present the fifth annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News in partnership with Go Graphix and Rider Productions. The business-to-business show will feature more than 100 booths, seminars and Show Floor Theater presentations, breakfast and lunch programs (the former featuring Harpoon Brewery CEO Dan Kenary as keynote speaker), and a day-capping Expo Social. Current sponsors include Comcast Business, presenting sponsor; Health New England, Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, MGM Springfield, and Wild Apple Design, director-level sponsors; the Isenberg School of Business at UMass Amherst, education sponsor; Elms College, information-center sponsor; and 94.7 WMAS, media sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booth prices start at $750. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Implementation of Sick-leave Law Frustrates Employers

Employment Sections

Not Feeling Well

When Massachusetts voters approved a law mandating paid sick leave for a vast swath of workers, many employers worried about the expenses and legal issues the new law would raise. While the final version of the law, which went into effect on July 1, smoothed over some of those concerns, anxieties remain, over issues ranging from higher operating costs to strained employee relations to the potential for abuse.

As new laws go, this one is causing employers to feel … well, a little sick.

“I would say many are confused and anxious,” said Mark Adams, director of HR Services for the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE), when asked about member reaction to Massachusetts’ earned-sick-leave law, which took effect on July 1.

“They’re frustrated as well, in the sense that many of our members who have been doing the right thing, that already have paid sick-leave benefits, have had to unwind many aspects of that to come into compliance with some of the finer points of the law. There are some components built in that have given employers pause.”

At its heart, the law requires businesses with 11 or more employees to offer 40 hours of paid sick time per year. Companies with fewer than 11 employees must still provide 40 hours of sick leave, but it can be unpaid.

“We’ve done a number of briefings to educate companies, and for a lot of them, especially for companies that operate in multiple states, this has been particularly challenging,” Adams said, noting that many businesses with existing sick-leave policies must revamp their payroll systems and handbooks — mid-year, no less — to comply with the new law.

“They’ve provided this benefit all along, with favorable feedback from employees, and it costs time and effort to retool to meet the requirements,” he went on. “Then, you look at things being put forward on the federal level that would apply to federal contractors, a potential executive order that might require federal contractors to pay sick leave. If that ever comes to fruition, it would make it even more complicated to try to comply with both federal and state law, and you’re creating this ever-evolving patchwork of regulations on a benefit that, for many companies, they apply across the board. It makes it harder for many businesses that have been trying to do the right thing all along.”

Attorney Susan Fentin, a partner with the Springfield-based employment-law firm Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., agreed with that assessment.

Susan Fentin says employers worry about the potential of employees abusing the new law, especially because workers are protected from employer retaliation for asserting their right to paid sick time.

“Most of our clients offer some form of paid leave,” she told BusinessWest. “The problem with the sick-leave law is, it expands the types of issues that somebody can take leave for; you’re not only allowed to take leave because of your own illness, but because of the illness of a parent, spouse, or parent in law. You can also take leave for medical or dental appointments, and to travel to and from these appointments. That’s obviously a need for many employees, but it’s generally not permissible under most employee sick-leave policies.

“So it’s an added burden,” she went on. “Perhaps a justifiable one, given the demands of society; individuals do have family members who are ill and need medical attention. But it’s nonetheless a burden on the employer.”

Attorney Olga Serafimova, an associate with Royal LLP, said the Northampton-based employment-law firm was peppered with questions leading up to July 1, as many clients were scrambling to adjust their policies, but it has been “dead silence” since, as though employers are holding their breaths and hoping they’ve instituted the changes correctly.

“Really it was smaller businesses that didn’t have leave policies previously that were affected the most,” she said. “A lot of those businesses fluctuate between 10 and 11 employees or around that number. For them, it’s an added expense.”

The attorney general’s office, she noted, did address many employer concerns in its final regulations, tightening up rules concerning sick-time accrual, employee justification for time off, and other details. “Of course, many businesses still feel it’s way too broad, way too generous, and a financial burden. And for smaller employees, this will have more of an impact.”

Potential for Abuse

That issue of justification for time off — in other words, the doctor’s note — is one element of the law that has employers on edge, because of its potential to breed abuse. The draft regulations stated that employees are not required to produce proof of illness until the time off exceeds 24 hours.

“For a part-time employee, that could mean more than a week, depending on how long the shifts are,” Serafimova said. “In the final regulations, it was changed to 24 consecutive hours or three consecutive days, even for part-timers. That was something the attorney general’s office picked up on and adjusted.”

The three-day rule, however, promises to be irksome to many employers, Fentin said.

“Previously, if an employee had an unplanned absence, the employer might have said, ‘I need a doctor’s note for that.’ Now the employee isn’t required to get a doctor’s note until, at minimum, a three-day absence.

“We represent management, so we’re always a shade cynical,” she went on. “The potential for abuse is pretty high with this law, the way it’s been drafted. Some changes to the draft regulations made it a little more palatable. For instance, now, the minimum amount of time you can use is an hour, so you can’t walk in 15 minutes late and say, ‘I was sick.’

“Of course,” she noted, “you can walk in an hour late and say, ‘I was sick.’ The employer would just have to forgive that. Frankly, somebody could take every Friday afternoon off all summer long because of so-called ‘medical appointments.’”

Serafimova noted that some employers might opt to provide 40 hours of sick time right at the beginning of employment, instead of having it accrue gradually, so they don’t have to change their payroll systems. “But that goes to the question about abuse. Giving one week up front creates the possibility for people to use it up and move on to the next business.”

This is especially true for employers with seasonal or temporary employees, she added. “As much as it sounds like it would make things simpler, [front-loading sick time] wouldn’t be a benefit for many employers. It saves them some money in adjusting their payroll systems, but they may end up paying anyway to people who are only there for a short period of time and take their sick leave, then give their notice. The requirements are so broad, there’s little limitation on how you can use sick leave. Businesses have had to really think about what is the better option.”

Click HERE to download a PDF chart of the region’s Employment Agencies

On top of that, Adams said, the law might turn out to be an employee-relations minefield for businesses that had existing sick-leave policies in place.

“Many companies are dealing with employees who might have false expectations based on what they’ve heard in the media, who think they’re getting more benefits than they’re accustomed to, when really, that’s not the case,” he explained. “These companies have already been providing fair and competitive benefits, but now they’re dealing with angst from employees who aren’t getting anything additional — but, frankly, never asked for it.”

Serafimova agreed. “Some employers who had a paid-time-off policy in place opted to reduce it and make 40 hours of it sick leave,” she said. “So people who were previously offered three weeks vacation time, saw that changed to two weeks vacation and one week sick leave. Unfortunately, while that keeps the expenses of the employer the same, the perception in the workforce is that they lost a benefit, and that creates discontent and morale issues. A lot of businesses are struggling that that decision.”

It’s just one way, Adams said, that “a law aimed at a small segment of businesses has created burdens for a large number of them.”

Navigating a Minefield

A large number indeed, to hear Fentin tell it.

“The way this is written, it’s the most generous, but, from an employer perspective, the most draconian, most burdensome sick-leave law in any state in the country — including California, which says a lot.”

Where it becomes dangerous for employers and not simply burdensome is in the law’s anti-retaliation language, and the potential for lawsuits if an employer tries to infringe upon a worker’s leave rights — or even the perception of infringement.

“They said they would not come down on employers for a while, give everyone some time to work out the bugs,” she said, regarding communications from the attorney general’s office. “That was encouraging. How long that lasts, we don’t know. All it takes is a couple of employees filing complaints.”

Serafimova said her clients, too, are anxious to see how issues play out.

Olga Serafimova says the attorney general’s final regulations addressed some initial concerns about the sick-leave law, but many businesses still find the measure burdensome.

“The final regulations say you can discipline an employee who commits fraud or abuse, that people cannot use sick leave as an excuse to come late to work. At the same time, the law says you can’t punish an employee for exercising sick leave. What is abuse to one side may be the exercise of their rights to another. To me, this sounds like future litigation waiting to happen.

“We’re going to wait and see how that plays out because, again, it is enforced by the Attorney General’s Office, and if there’s any basis [for a complaint], they will proceed to investigate. On one hand, that’s good for someone who’s fighting over their sick time at work. But, at the same time, it opens the proverbial floodgates for anyone who’s not happy with their employer for any reason.”

And while defending against a complaint could be expensive for an employer, it’a free for the employee, she added. “Ultimately, it falls on the employer to defend against a meritless claim, because there’s absolutely no barrier to filing a claim, not even a $5 filing fee.”

That’s why it’s important that human-resources staff train managers in how to handle leave requests in this new environment, Serafimova said.

“If I come up to the employer and say, ‘I’m not feeling well today. Can I go home?’ I have asked for job-protected sick leave,” she explained. “Now, if I am late three times in one week, or say, ‘I’m not feeling well, can I go home?’ an untrained manager might say, ‘oh, not again, I’m going to discipline you.’ But, with the job protection this law provides, you can’t do that anymore. If people aren’t properly trained, it could lead to trouble for the employer.”

Fentin has been sharing similar advice. “We like keeping clients out of trouble; that’s much easier than defending them when they get in trouble,” she told BusinessWest. “We want them to do the right thing. We’re all on the same page.”

Still, she added, “we’re really in the weeds here. This is going to be a problem for employers for a long time going forward. Although a lot of my clients have made changes, they’re waiting to see what happens.”

That’s true with EANE members as well, Adams said. “Eventually, it will become easier to manage, but until we get through this transition, we’re going to see considerable frustration and confusion for the foreseeable future as companies continue to come to grips with the law.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Picture This

Departments Picture This

Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘ Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]

Distinguished Citizen Award

Al Kasper

Al Kasper, right, vice president of Savage Arms, recently received the 2015 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Western Mass. Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Kasper was honored for his longstanding community involvement, leadership, and dedicated service to others. “It’s very humbling,” Kasper said of receiving the prestigious award. “The Western Massachusetts Boy Scouts are an important part of this community, and to be recognized by them is such an honor.” The Western Mass. Council presented Kasper with the Distinguished Citizen Award at a gala honoring area scouts. Pictured with Kasper is Gene Cassidy, CEO of the Eastern States Exposition, and a previous recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award.

Springfield Museums Slate Lectures

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums’ monthly tour and lecture schedule for September features the return of the popular Thursday Museums à la Carte lectures after a summer hiatus.

The lectures are held weekly at 12:15 p.m. in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. Admission is $4 ($2 for members of the Springfield Museums); visitors are invited to bring a bag lunch (cookies and coffee are provided). For more information about Museums à la Carte, call 413-263-6800, ext. 488. This month’s lectures include:
• Sept. 10: The American Impressionists at Old Lyme. Jeff Andersen, director of the Florence Griswold Museum, discusses how the small New England village fostered a new chapter in American art history.
• Sept. 17: The Victorian Lady, Dressing from Corset to Gloves! Join performance artist Kandie Carle as she shares her insights into the fashion, lifestyle, manners, and etiquette of the 1890s Gilded Age — while dressing “from the inside out.”
• Sept. 24: Rhodes’ Reflections on Classical Music Appreciation. Kevin Rhodes, music director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, offers a personal tour of the SSO’s forthcoming 72nd season.

As an added feature, museum docents will be leading guided gallery discussions titled “Continuing Conversations” following lectures on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month (Museums members only). September’s “Conversations” will take place on Sept. 10 and Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. (check with Welcome Center for locations).

Monthly walking tours are presented on second Saturdays in collaboration with the Armoury-Quadrangle Civic Association (AQCA). This year’s tours will revisit Springfield street locations that were photographed by the WPA 75 years ago. On Sept. 12, John Morse, president an publisher of Merriam-Webster, will lead a tour of Federal, Pearl, and Worthington Streets. Walking tours are free for Springfield Museums and AQCA members, $5 non-members, and start at the Museums’ Welcome Center.

Amherst Copy & Designworks Acquires Ferguson Signs

AMHERST — Amherst Copy and Designworks (ACDW), announced that it has acquired Ferguson Signs of Hadley.

Sean Cleary, owner of Amherst Copy & Designworks said the addition of Ferguson Signs — which will now be known as Ferguson Signworks, a division of Amherst Copy & Designworks — enables his company to better serve customer needs.

AC&DW can now offer all manner of banners and signs — from business, yard, parking and directional signs, to wall treatments, floor decals, magnetic signs, stickers and vehicle lettering — to specialty items such as printing on granite, ceiling tiles, cell phones, and more.

“Our customers benefit because now they have a new source for quality signs from a local store they already know and trust,” said Cleary. “Amherst Copy & Designworks is part of the fabric of the community — supporting local organizations and giving our customers the best possible service and quality.” Additionally, Duncan Ferguson will continue to manage Ferguson Signworks, bringing his more than 30 years of sign expertise to the new shop.

“Technology has driven a convergence of the sign making and copy/printing industries,” he continued. “Signs that used to be hand painted are now designed on computers and printed with digital equipment. AC&DW has been providing design services and using digital technologies for years — making the acquisition of Ferguson Signworks a logical next step.”

Cleary purchased the former CopyCat Print Shop in Amherst approximately four years ago. In March of 2014 he changed the name to Amherst Copy & Designworks to better reflect the services the store provides. Since buying the business it has enjoyed tremendous growth — averaging 20% over the past year.

HMC Appoints William Sullivan Director of Materials Management

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center announced that William Sullivan of West Springfield has joined the hospital as director of Materials Management. In this role, Sullivan will lead the Materials Management Department’s purchasing, distribution, and linen teams in the sourcing of medical equipment and supplies, with the ultimate goal of delivering exceptional patient care.

“Bill is a tremendous addition to the HMC community,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO, Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc. “He is deeply committed to transforming the delivery and financing of products, which contribute greatly to our efforts in providing a high-quality, affordable, and patient-centered system of care in the Pioneer Valley.”

Of his appointment, Sullivan said, “I am honored to join HMC, which goes the extra mile to continually improve the patient experience by making investments in community-based healthcare services. I look forward to collaborating with HMC’s award-winning team of healthcare professionals to develop strategies that lead to even better patient outcomes.”

In previous roles, Sullivan has successfully identified cost-saving opportunities and streamlined logistics to improve the flow of products through supply chain. As a senior purchasing agent at Baystate Health in Holyoke, he helped bolster patient care through the enhancement of cost savings opportunities for medical and surgical products. Sullivan earned his bachelor of Business Administration degree from Westfield State College in 2001.

Wilbraham Balances Development, Open Space

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight: Westfield, Mass.

Bob Russell and Jeffrey Smith say new zoning was created so Rice Fruit Farm could reopen after sitting vacant for four years, one of many positive developments in the community.

Bob Russell grew up in Wilbraham and has spent most of his life in the town. The selectman is proud of his community and cites work by officials that encourages business growth while keeping a close eye on retaining and expanding the vast amounts of open space and recreational opportunities that can be found on walking and hiking trails crisscrossing the community’s 22 square miles.

He told BusinessWest a 50-year-old time capsule was recently unearthed that contained a statement by town officials who predicted the population would rise to 40,000 residents. “It is significantly less, which speaks to responsible planning and management,” Russell said. “We are not completely built out like some other towns.”

Jeffrey Smith concurred. “We allow for responsible growth and development, particularly in our business districts, which include the town center and Boston Road,” said the chair of the Planning Board. “There are opportunities to construct new homes on single lots and in new subdivisions as well as condominiums. But we put a high value on open space and recreation.”

This value statement was reiterated by Selectman Susan Bunnell.

“We’re in the early stages of another wave of economic development, and informal discussions are taking place between the Select Board and business leaders about how to proceed,” she noted, adding that the state brought fiber-optic cable into the town via the Mass Broadband Initiative activated in the spring, and a committee is exploring whether to expand it because it is currently limited to town buildings and schools.

“We have a municipal light plant that was created last year and are positioned to move to the next level, but we have to determine how to move forward; fiber-optic cable is something businesses have a need for, but any expansion would be done in a measured manner,” she told BusinessWest, adding that she recently attended a statewide seminar on the topic.

But officials also tout the large amount of available space for new businesses and cite potential for success, because much of it is concentrated on the busy stretch of Boston Road that runs through town.

“We have good access to state highways and the Mass Turnpike and good utilities; high-quality water from the Quabbin and adequate sewer capacity,” said Planning Director John Pearsall.

Smith added that Dunkin Donuts just completed a major renovation and expanded its parking lot. “They worked with the Planning Board to come up with a good design,” he recalled, adding that Lumber Liquidators next door has done well, as has the new, $5 million Balise Ford dealership built two years ago.

“There is also a textile mill on Cottage Street off Boston Road under new ownership, and we are in discussion about potential new uses for it,” Smith said, noting that the 200,000-square-foot building sits on 10 acres.

For this issue, BusinessWest continues its Community Spotlight series with an in-depth look at Wilbraham and its ongoing balancing act.

Prioritized Goals

Wilbraham officials say the town welcomes new business, and zone changes are made on a regular basis to accommodate growth.

“Changes were recently passed at the annual town meeting to allow for more retail business in two zones in the center,” said Russell. “They were combined, which will allow properties to be used for retail sales and food-based operations where they could not be established before.”

Pearsall added that the town has a long history of changing its zoning to allow for development, and pointed to the engineering firm FloDesign as an example.

“It was built on abandoned property that was zoned residential; we developed new zoning to allow it to be reused for a business, but were sensitive to the fact that it is surrounded by a residential area,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s the norm in Wilbraham to make adjustments and tweak things to adjust to the changing business climate.”

New zoning has also been put in place for two solar farms. One is permitted at the former landfill, while the second is under review and would be built on private land. “Plus, we constantly approve requests for new residential solar systems,” Smith said.

The iconic Rice Fruit Farm reopened in April, thanks to specific zoning changes created to allow for an adaptive reuse of the property, which includes a farm stand, a food-service operation, and some retail.

“The 100-year-old farm is a landmark in Wilbraham and had been vacant for four years. But the Maloni family came to us with a vision to renovate the existing buildings and create a viable business that would become part of the community, and the town worked with them to make it happen,” Smith explained.

Russell said the opening was well-attended, and residents are glad to see the property brought back to life. “We created a heritage-farmland bylaw to make it happen, and an antique store opened on the property about a year ago.”

The town also allocated $100,000 last year for improvements to sidewalks on Main Street, and hope to expand the project. “The new sidewalks run right past Rice Fruit Farm, and the changes are consistent with items outlined by the Vision Task Force,” Russell said, referring to a 2013 document titled “Wilbraham Looks Forward,” which took residents’ opinions into careful consideration.

Russell says the open space in Wilbraham is one of its main attributes and must be preserved.

“In 2008, Money magazine listed us as one of the best towns to live in, and one of the main factors was our access to open space; there are contiguous hiking trails from one end of town to the other, and we are constantly working to improve them,” he explained. “The town has continued to purchase land when it becomes available, despite the fact that the state cut back on reimbursements.”

To that end, Wilbraham recently approved the new position of land-management coordinator, an official who will inventory all vacant land and work to improve access and recreational opportunities throughout the community.

“Some of the land is under forest management, and we have received money from the sale of timber, which is used to make improvements,” Smith noted.

Officials said the tornado, microburst, and October snowstorm in 2011 pointed out the need for preventive maintenance, and Wilbraham is hosting an annual conference next month for municipal officials, foresters, land trusts, and other groups, which will offer local, state, and regional perspectives on town forests and take participants on a field tour of the community’s forestland to highlight methods and results of sustainable management.

Officials also noted there has been a decided uptick in residential building in the past year.

“The Planning Board recently approved a zoning change for 11 single-family homes in a development that will be called Falcon Meadows,” said Smith. “The land was home to the former Bennett’s Turkey Farm and has sat empty for more than a decade.”

Another subdivision, called Westminster Court, is in the preliminary planning stages and will have seven to 10 lots. Meanwhile, a subdivision known as Carla Lane, which was approved three years ago, is entering Phase III of development. In addition, four lots are still available in the Washington Heights subdivision.

“Building has increased in the past several years, and a number of new townhouses are being built at the Gardens, an over-55 community,” said Building Inspector Lance Trevallion. “Fourteen new single-family building permits have already been issued this year, and I can foresee 15 more by the end of the year.”

He added that the town has a very active and vibrant community garden on a 300-acre parcel of land that is under forest management, and a new greenhouse was just built with Community Preservation Act funding.

In addition, ground has been broken for a new, $8.2 million police station on property adjacent to the fire station, which will be paid for entirely by the town.

“The residents voted for a $4.2 million debt exclusion,” Russell said. “The rest of the cost will be paid out of available funds and bonding capability within the Proposition 2½ levy limit. The cost for the average home will be $78 on the tax bill the first year, which will decline to $49 in year 15 of the bond.”

The Vision Task Force deemed maintaining the beauty and vibrancy of the town important to residents, and although it’s too early to tell how the MGM Springfield casino will affect Wilbraham, officials signed an agreement that provides the town with $100,000 per year for 15 years to mitigate any impact. In addition, Wilbraham will receive a $100,000 consultant fee in the casino’s first and fifth operating years to examine whether the financial repercussions total more than $100,000.

“It is foolish to try to predict the future. But town officials and department heads have created a baseline on our traffic, water, and sewer use,” said Russell. “We will re-measure these things in the future; it’s important because part of the town uses the same sewer line as Springfield, and we get a good portion of our water from Springfield and the Quabbin Reservoir.”

Moving Forward

Russell likes everything about his hometown.

“It is only getting better, and college graduates who grew up here tell us they hope they can afford to raise their children in Wilbraham. We used Community Preservation Act money to revamp the Children’s Museum this year, and Sevey Park is being completely re-landscaped. Our teacher-student ratio is very low, and we have a new, $63 million regional high school,” he told BusinessWest, listing attributes that appeal to families.

“In the last two years, we have not fully exercised the tax-levy limit under Proposition 2½, despite the fact that we have increased our savings and funding for other post-employment benefits for former town employees,” he added. “We have a lot to be proud of, but it’s all about balance — and our citizens consistently vote to develop and grow in a very responsible manner.”

Wilbraham at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1763
Population: 14,868 (2010)
Area: 22.4 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $20.88
Commercial Tax Rate: $20.88
Median Household Income: $65,014
Type of government: Open Town Meeting; Board of Selectmen
Largest employers: Friendly Ice Cream Corp.; Town of Wilbraham; Wilbraham and Monson Academy; Life Care Center of Wilbraham

* Latest information available

Reorganization Plan Creates Springfield Regional Chamber

Features

Changing the Model

Jeff Ciuffreda says the ‘affiliated’ model for chambers is outdated, and the regional concept being proposed is more efficient.

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce will soon merge into an entity to be known as the Springfield Regional Chamber. The reorganization plan is to designed to reduce confusion and bureaucracy, and chamber administrators believe it will ultimately create a more efficient, and more powerful, regional entity.

As he talked about what amounts to a long-discussed — and in many ways long-overdue — reorganization plan and renaming of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS), Jeff Ciuffreda, president of that organization, used several methods to explain why this move was deemed necessary.

Easily the most effective came as he recounted a meeting of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors last year, and, more specifically, a discussion of that entity’s finances.

“Four or five board members said, ‘wait, I thought I was a member of the Springfield Chamber,’” he recalled. “When I said ‘you are,’ they said, ‘well, how come my money goes to the ACCGS?’ After 20 minutes of discussion, I said to myself, ‘if the board doesn’t understand this structure, then how is the member on the street going to understand it?’”

To bring an end to this confusion and put in place what Ciuffreda believes is a more efficient and sustainable model of chamber organization and management, the ACCGS and the Springfield Chamber will be effectively merged into something called the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A formal vote on the proposal involving members of those chambers has been slated for Aug. 24, and Ciuffreda is confident of passage for several reasons, but especially his belief that the merger makes sense — on several levels. Overall, it will eliminate unneeded layers of bureaucracy and create a more efficient chamber, with more resources flowing directly to member services, all while maintaining and also enhancing a regional emphasis, while maintaining a focus on the region’s business, civic, and cultural hub.

“In the old, affiliated model, you had separate boards with separate bylaws, with all the powers, if you will, that they had to set rates and act on their own,” Ciuffreda explained. “Now, you’ll have one board that’s centered on Springfield but focused on the entire region; there will be one board, one set of bylaws.

The reorganization amounts to an acknowledgement that the ‘affiliate’ model of chamber organization, popular decades ago, and in place in Greater Springfield since the mid-’90s, has essentially run its course, said Ciuffreda.

Within that model, he noted, the umbrella organization acts unofficially, and even officially, as a management company, taking a large percentage of dues paid by the members of affiliates in exchange for providing a variety of services.

In this different, regional format, dues — the entire amount — are paid directly to the chamber in question, said Ciuffreda, adding that this puts more money to work for members.

Meanwhile, the two words in the new name are both important.

Indeed, Springfield, the area’s largest city and business hub, will be a focal point of its events and involvement with business-related issues (as it is now with the ACCGS), but there will be regional emphasis as well. And that term works better, he believes, than ‘Greater,’ which has ben attached to most area cities’ chambers, and even Franklin County’s.

“Members may not necessarily see that it’s a better-operating entity,” Ciuffreda noted, “but they will see more clarity, and if I’m a member from Agawam, I’d feel a little better that I’m part of the Springfield Regional Chamber, rather than the Springfield Chamber.”

He added that members of the renamed organization should feel more empowered by that word ‘regional.’

“I think this [name] gives members not from Springfield a clearer voice in the region,” he said. “They joined that chamber because they obviously felt they needed to be connected to Springfield. But now, when they join, I think they’ll be a little more active in our programming because this will be known as the Springfield Regional Chamber; I think this will give them more of an ownership stake.”

Ellen Freyman says the reorganization plan will reduce confusion — and several unneeded layers of bureaucracy.

The board of the other ACCGS affiliate, the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), composed of businesses primarily in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Hampden, Wilbraham, and Ludlow, has voted not to merge into this new regional chamber, said Ciuffreda, adding that it will become a separate entity, and members will no longer have access to the full benefits and services offered through the new Springfield Regional Chamber. However, under an existing service agreement, ERC5 members in good standing can continue to receive services, but only through their current membership term.

For this issue, BusinessWest looks at the chamber’s reorganization plan and what it means for the region and its business community.

Getting Down to Business

Ciuffreda told BusinessWest that discussions concerning a reorganization have been ongoing for several years now.

They picked up in intensity in the spring of 2013 as part of an elaborate strategic planning process — undertaken with the assistance of a facilitator — that was designed to create a blueprint for the next several years.

That planning process examined the current state of organization and prospects for the future, while also researching and benchmarking other models, said Ellen Freyman, chairman of the ACCGS board of directors since last year.

Freyman would eventually appoint a committee to more closely examine the structure of the ACCGS, explore options, and ultimately make a recommendation for the best course moving forward.

“We looked at best practices, talked to the leaders of several chambers, and came up with a regional chamber concept that would essentially have one chamber serving many communities,” said Ciuffreda, adding that the committee completed its work and submitted its recommendation roughly four months ago, based on a model adopted by the chamber in Jacksonville, Fla., among others.

“This structure,” he added, “would result in a clearer and strengthened vision, provide for stronger collaborations, better reflect the regional thinking of the membership, and enable the chamber to grow so that its members could as well.

“The affiliation model was put in place here several years ago, and many chambers looked at that model,” he went on. “But it never really caught on, and, quite frankly, for us, I think the board thought it had outlived its usefulness.”

The vote to reorganize continues a pattern of evolution concerning the chamber of commerce landscape over the past few decades, said Ciuffreda, adding that, only a few years ago, most area communities had their own chambers, which provided both a source of pride and identity.

Only a decade ago, Agawam had its own chamber, he explained, as did West Springfield and Ludlow. Hampden and Wilbraham shared a chamber, as did Longmeadow and East Longmeadow. Each of these entities existed as an affiliate of the ACCGS, while chambers in other communities, such as Chicopee and Holyoke, considered becoming affiliates but ultimately chose not to. Westfield became an affiliate for several years, but eventually went back to being a separate entity and remains one today.

A number of factors, from operating costs to declining membership in chambers nationally, resulted in consolidation and formation of the West of the River (Agawam and West Springfield) and East of the River Chambers, Ciuffreda went on, noting that the former severed its ties with the ACCGS in 2011 and became a separate entity.

Giving Voice

Many of those same factors — especially cost and bureaucracy — played roles in the planned reorganization to the Springfield Regional Chamber, he said, adding, again, that the new structure should enable more resources (in the form of membership fees) to be channeled directly into member services.

He used the example of a company paying fees to the current Springfield Chamber of Commerce as an example.

“The ACCGS is really the management corporation; all the services are provided for by the ACCGS, and it had all the expenses,” he explained. “But some of your dues would always go back to the Springfield chamber.

“So if you paid $360 as a member, the Springfield chamber would keep $60, and $300 would go to the ACCGS,” he went, using a hypothetical situation to keep things simple. “Now, all of the funds will be kept by the Springfield Regional Chamber, so we think we’ll be able to provide more services; before, the Springfield chamber could keep part of that money, but they had no expenses to cover.”

Beyond the financial shortcomings of the affiliated structure, there was also considerable confusion — as evidenced by that Springfield Chamber board meeting referenced above — concerning the various entities, their roles, their finances, and more, said Freyman.

“Who can tell you what the Springfield Chamber or the ACCGS is and how the structure works?” she asked. “With this new model, there is much more clarity concerning mission.”

While some things will change with the reorganization, said Ciuffreda, most things won’t.

For starters, membership in the new regional chamber will approximate the size of the current Springfield Chamber, which has roughly 525 members, he said, adding quickly that he anticipates this number will grow. And it will mirror the current demographic breakdown of that organization, he went on, adding that eight to 10 zip codes are currently represented by the membership.

Most importantly, though, the chamber will still be a regional entity, he said, adding that it works with elected officials in communities that have their own chambers, and takes a regional approach to matters ranging from the I-91 reconstruction project to casinos to advocacy on behalf of military bases such as Westover Air Reserve Base and the Air National Guard Base at Barnes Municipal Airport.

But it will have more power to operate effectively on a regional basis because the new structure provides it with that authority, Cuiffreda noted, adding that, in the current structure, more power lies with the affiliate members.

The Springfield Regional Chamber will also continue to collaborate with other area chambers on a host of initiatives, including efforts to promote and inform area businesses, he said, adding that the new model will also make it easier to partner with other business-related groups, such as Northampton Area Young Professionals, because of its more regional focus and reach.

The Bottom Line

Ciuffreda told BusinessWest that, while the single-chamber theory of the universe, or at least Greater Springfield, has long made a good deal of sense, efforts to make such a change have been challenged by fears that those in some communities would feel left out or overlooked if they were in a chamber with the name ‘Springfield’ in front of it.

Thus, the affiliated structure lived on, despite its shortcomings and layers of bureaucracy. But he believes the times, and the conditions, are right for a much-needed change.

“As our economy changed, as our region changed, the mayors of other cities like Agawam and West Springfield would say, ‘as Springfield goes, so goes the Valley, so goes the region,’” he explained. “So it was time to finally say, ‘we need to make the chamber reflective of how we’re operating, which is regionally.’”

Time will obviously tell if this was the right move, but Ciuffreda is confident that the new organizational structure will be a win-win for all those involved.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Beloved Earth Builds on Its Founder’s Innovative Idea

Entrepreneurship Sections

Clean and Green

Terra Missildine, owner of Beloved Earth

Terra Missildine has always had a passion for sustainable living, and after learning, a decade ago, about the health issues some people have with harsh chemical cleaners, she and her husband, David, launched a ‘green’ cleaning company that uses only products that are safe for people and the environment. Ten years later, that startup, Beloved Earth, has significantly grown its clientele and employee roster. Meanwhile, she’s turned her focus to another type of sustainable living — the challenge of raising young children while running a business — and has some ideas to help parents balance both.

Terra Missildine says she had a passion for sustainable living long before she heard that phrase or knew what it meant.

“I had a nature-based childhood,” she told BusinessWest. “My dad and mom had a family campground in upstate New Hampshire — completely off the grid, no running water. It was an old trapping cabin from the early 1900s with an outhouse and gravity-fed plumbing; we had to hike down and grab spring water to fill the tank.

“I had a lot of respect and admiration for my parents, and I was always interested in natural ways of things,” she went on, adding that she and her father later launched a project raising heritage breed sheep. “It occurred to me, as I became more and more interested in healthy and humane care of animals, why shouldn’t I be just as concerned about people?”

That question led her, a decade ago, to study sustainable living at UMass Amherst, where she learned about the chemical sensitivity and allergies many people have to harsh household cleaning products, which can cause them severe health reactions. So she and her newlywed husband, David — who had experience with a cleaning company — had an entrepreneurial idea. And that’s how Northampton-based Beloved Earth began in 2005.

“We’d only been married a couple of months, and we were looking for something we could do together,” Missildine explained. “We combined his experience with my passion for sustainable living — and the creating organic movement in the area — and launched the first ‘green’ cleaning company in Western Massachusetts; the only other one in the state at the time was in Cambridge.”

Unfortunately, at the time, there were few commercial products available for people who suffer from such sensitivities, and the ones that did exist were prohibitively expensive. So the couple made their own from items like lemon oil, vinegar, Borax, and baking soda.

“They work, but they often take a lot of elbow grease,” she laughed. “We were coming in with alternatives that didn’t exist yet in the beginning. Really, the green aspect of our business was a value-added service to people who just needed cleaning. We were competitive pricewise, very friendly, and passionate about what we were offering. In the beginning, part of our job was to educate people as to why green was better.”

Customers liked what they heard, and Beloved Earth took off — first mostly in homes, but soon in the commercial arena as well, which now accounts for about 60% of the company’s clientele –— and grew to 12 employees and counting.

“We didn’t even have competition in green cleaning until 2008, maybe 2009,” Missildine said, noting that others have since jumped on the trend. “I love the idea of tons of competition in this area; it means everyone is making better choices, and all boats rise with it. I would rather all companies were choosing green practices.”

Indeed, she noted, “there are a lot of great, efficient, green cleaning products now,” to complement the ones she makes. “Really, there’s no reason to use conventional, toxic alternatives.”

And while businesses need to employ professional cleaning services, plenty of families appreciate what Beloved Earth brings to their home as well. “As people get busier, their families are growing, they may be working two jobs, it’s difficult to keep up with things like housework,” she added. “It’s easier to delegate household tasks and free up time for other things you’re better at or feel more passionate about.”

It’s clear where Missildine’s passion lies — and she’s turning it into a noteworthy success story in the Valley.

Sustaining Success

Missildine likes to break that passion for sustainability down to three Ps, what she calls here “triple bottom line”: People, planet, and profit.

Obviously, being exclusively a green, sustainable cleaning company, we only choose things that are good for the planet — organic, not chemically fragranced — and we also choose to back companies with our purchasing dollars which make better choices for the environment and have a commitment to sustainability, rather than purchase the ‘green’ line of products from Clorox,” she explained. “So we purchase from companies like Shaklee or Seventh Generation, which have committed to the environment and aren’t just capitalizing on the wave of sustainability.”

But her belief in sustainable living extends far beyond cleaning supplies.

“We really try to practice it at the bottom line,” she said, noting that Beloved Earth pays its workers 30% to 50% higher than the industry norm. “Our employees are not disposable commodities for us. We compensate them very well. We value them and recognize them. We don’t necessarily compete on price in order to be sustainable in other ways. We need to make money and compete on quality, and the people coming into homes and businesses are happy, loyal, well-paid, and well taken care of. That’s one of our core values.”

The company hasn’t gone out of its way to market that fact, she went on, stressing that the green aspect of Beloved Earth is really its calling card and strength when it comes to search-engine presence. “We don’t do it as a marketing tool. But as customers have conversations with our staff, find out they make very good wages, they feel like they’re respected and taken care of, and it’s definitely a loyalty-building piece of information.”

But growing a staff for the long term has been an often-challenging process.

“Because we like to have super-high-quality, loyal, long-term staff, it’s harder to fill those positions than for some of my competitors who just consider it a cost of doing business to have high employee turnover; they pay minimum wage, expect three to six months from each employee, and constantly funnel them in and out,” Missildine said.

“We are the opposite model; we really want to incentivize and attract people to be with us long-term. One of our challenges is keeping our staffing on pace with the demand for our services. I do employ a professional business strategist to help figure this out, and we have a waiting list of clients who want to work with us. We’re getting there as we staff up and train the right people to match up with them.”

Still, she considers herself fortunate to have become a regional innovator in green cleaning at the right time, just as awareness of green cleaning began to pick up.

“We came in at the perfect time,” she said. “It was a very quickly growing movement, and we started having enough client support to spend more capital on products, which were very expensive; now there are a lot of other, more affordable products. We did ride the wave of the green movement; it was very good timing, with awareness of green living in general just skyrocketing, and products to help people make those choices becoming more readily available.”

Bring the Kids

In short, things were humming along smoothly for Missildine and her husband, as they were able to pour all their time and energy into this entrepreneurial venture.

But then, last year, baby made three. And the birth of their daughter got Missildine thinking about another aspect of sustainable living — specifically, how to balance a successful business with equally successful parenting.

To that end, she has been working with SPARK, the Holyoke-based economic-development organization, to create a co-working space in that city with integrated child care, so that startup entrepreneurs, remote workers, and others in need of a workspace could share space, resources, and brainpower — and bring their preschoolers along, to a day-care center staffed by an early-childhood specialist.

Click here to download a PDF chart of Area Resources for Entrepreneurs

“I have a toddler myself, 18 months old, but before that, I was a full-time, driven entrepreneur, and that side of you never shuts off,” she told BusinessWest. “I was available 24 hours a day for the business before starting a family and trying to become the mother I want to be and, with my husband, the couple we want to be.

“So I took on the challenge of creating a space with shared resources and collaboration with other people in the similar stage of life, a place you could bring your child and get uninterrupted work time,” she went on. “Paying for full-time child care is very cost-prohibitive for a lot of workers. Even worse, some people feel like they can’t work out of their homes, so they have to pay for child care and pay for a professional work space. Hopefully, this will mitigate that for a lot of people with kids. They’ll have a lot more amenities, a lot more resources, and also be able to cross-collaborate with other professionals.”

Many details are still being discussed, including where the space would be located, and whether to package the child-care component and collaborate with an existing co-working space in the area or launch a new entity. What it won’t be, Missildine emphasized, is a padded room where kids are dumped off to play safely but mindlessly. Rather, it will be a creative, enriching, curriculum-driven program “so your child can feel just as good about you going to work as you do. And during your downtime, after getting your work done, you can actually spend lunch with your baby.

“I’m committed by the end of the year to having something available for these folks,” she added. “I know I don’t want to be away from my daughter all day; I want pockets of time to be super productive, but other times, I want to be there. My baby will only be my baby for a short time. The driving force behind this is, I don’t think it’s acceptable to make people choose between having a thriving business and having a happy family life. You shouldn’t have to choose one or the other. This is an epidemically underserved portion of life that no one is thinking about.”

Beloved Idea

Until her co-working plan comes to fruition, Missildine will have to be content with growing a successful business that began with a simple idea and a lot of passion — the type of story, in other words, that is becoming much more common across the Pioneer Valley’s burgeoning entrepreneurial culture.

And, in a region rife with resources for entrepreneurs, assisting with everything from funding to staffing to training, she encourages others to do the same.

“My words of advice are to go with the flow, go with where your inspiration is, and remember, you don’t have to quit your day job to start something new,” she said. “If you have a decent job that can pay the bills while try something new on the side, then you can test the water without all the risk, without jumping in all or nothing.

“Entrepreneurship is very rarely easy,” she added. “The times you see someone’s meteoric rise and have no idea how it happened, there was usually a lot of personal sacrifice to get to that, quote-unquote, ‘overnight success’ — a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.”

And, sometimes, a lot of non-toxic cleaning supplies.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Who Should Be Your Executor?

Estate Planning Sections

Put Time and Thought into Answering This Critical Question

Dawn Badorini

Dealing with end-of-life issues can be overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you will make is deciding who should be your executor.

An executor is someone named in your will who will be responsible for handling all the paperwork after your death and the distribution of your assets. This can include collecting assets of the estate, protecting and maintaining estate property, paying bills, paying taxes, making court appearances, and, if necessary, liquidating assets to have enough cash to pay creditors, taxes and/or beneficiaries. An executor is responsible for distributing assets that don’t have a stated beneficiary, are not in joint name, or titled in the name of a revocable trust. If an executor is not named in your will, the court will appoint one.

You can choose an unpaid or paid executor. You may also choose to have co-executors. The key qualities an executor needs are honesty, organization, communication, and financial responsibility; the distribution of the estate can become a mess if handled by someone who lacks these qualities.

The law sometimes restricts the powers of an executor, and for this reason, it’s often a good idea to specify in your will that your executor will have certain powers beyond those normally granted by state law. This may be especially important if you choose a family member or friend as your executor.

Powers that you grant in your will may include the right to hire professional help (attorneys or a CPA, for example); power to continue running your business; power to mortgage, lease, buy, and sell real estate; power to borrow money; and power to take advantage of tax savings.

The most common unpaid executors are spouses, siblings, and children. Think carefully before choosing your husband, wife, or partner as an executor; they may be too overwhelmed by grief to deal with everything. A grown child who lives nearby could serve as co-executor to help the surviving spouse.

It is also important to consider the executor’s location. Things such as court appearances and checking property can be more difficult if the executor does not live near where the majority of the assets are located. You should also take into account the person’s age, health and likelihood of being willing and able to administer your estate.

Family dynamics are extremely important when choosing your executor. Who you choose can lead to family squabbles and contesting of the will. Whether intended or not, people sometimes read into your decisions and assume you are making judgments regarding their worthiness or based on favoritism. Instead of focusing on being fair to your children, aim to prevent family conflict. Family fights will cause more friction in the family, deplete the estate’s assets, and take a lot of time. If you have several beneficiaries who don’t get along, you may want to appoint an outside executor who is independent and has no potential conflict of interest.

For larger estates, it is often advisable to use an independent executor. A complicated estate may require an institutional executor, such as a bank trust department that can call on the advice of lawyers, tax experts, accountants, investment counselors, and business administrators. You may also consider choosing an attorney if you believe the estate will require considerable legal work.

Although heirs may not appreciate paying fees to an executor, in certain cases it is best to leave the fiduciary responsibility to an institution. This shifts stress and liability away from a family member. A corporate trustee may also be a smart choice for blended families. With a second marriage, it may be preferred to have a neutral executor.

Another option is to appoint co-executors. You could choose a personal friend or family member and someone with more expertise, such as a trusted business partner. Oftentimes, people appoint all of their children as co-executors. Assuming the children all have a good relationship, this may prevent some family dissension.

For smaller estates and where there is little possibility of a contest, the fees that lawyers and other paid executors charge make it too expensive to hire outside executors, so many people choose a friend or family member who will waive or refuse the executor’s fee. This person will be interested in making sure the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Massachusetts law provides only that the executor be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and be compensated for their services as the court allows. In Massachusetts, there is no set amount or percentage of the estate’s assets for executor compensation. Ideally, the decedent’s will states exactly how much compensation the executor will receive. If it doesn’t and the beneficiaries and executor cannot agree, then the probate judge must decide what is reasonable.

It is important that you discuss being the executor with the person you wish to name in your will. Once you have made your choice, go over your will with that person and let him or her know where you keep all your important financial documents. Also, be aware that whomever you named as your executor may decline the responsibility when it is time. For this reason, it is important to name successor executors in your will, allow your executor to name a successor, or designate a corporate executor.

It is a good idea to review your will and your choice of executor every few years and after major life changes. What seems like a good choice today may become an unwise choice tomorrow.

Dawn Badorini, CPA is a manager for the Holyoke-based public accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; (413) 322-3477; [email protected]

Major Changes to Overtime Compensation Rules Expected

Employment Sections

Raising the Stakes

By JOHN GANNON

John S. Gannon

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently proposed changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that will impact payroll considerations for a majority of businesses across the country.

The changes will guarantee overtime pay for almost all employees making less than $50,440 per year in base rate pay, regardless of job duties or title. The changes are expected to take effect in early 2016.

FLSA Overtime Rules

Employees may be classified as exempt from the FLSA’s overtime compensation requirement — meaning they are not entitled to time-and-a-half when working more than 40 hours in a week — if they meet one of the FLSA’s exemptions.

The most commonly relied-upon exemptions are the ‘white collar’ exemptions, which apply to executive, administrative, professional, and outside sales employees. Exempt employees must meet the “primary duties” test for each exemption, and need to be paid at or above the minimum salary threshold, which is currently $23,660 per year ($455 per week).

There are narrow exceptions to the minimum salary threshold for certain professional employees and those working in outside sales. Other than those exceptions, employees who are paid less than the minimum salary threshold must be paid an overtime premium if they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The FLSA also requires more rigorous record keeping when tracking the hours worked and compensation of non-exempt employees.

Minimum Salary Threshold Set to Double

Last month, the DOL released a proposed rule that would increase the annual minimum salary threshold to $50,440 ($970 per week) in 2016.

Businesses expected an increase in this salary threshold, although perhaps not to the $50,440 level. In March 2014, President Obama had directed the secretary of Labor to modernize the FLSA’s overtime rules for white-collar workers because those rules did not reflect the reality of the modern economy. According to the president, millions of Americans lack the protection of overtime compensation because of the outdated regulations.

The new minimum salary threshold represents the 40th percentile of weekly earnings for full-time salaried workers, according to data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In its proposed rule, the DOL explained that it has increased the salary level only seven times — in 1940, 1949, 1958, 1963, 1970, 1975, and 2004.

“The lapses between rulemakings have resulted in salary levels that are based on outdated salary data and thus ill-equipped to help employers assess which employees are unlikely to meet the duties tests for the exemptions,” according to the department.

The DOL estimates that almost 5 million workers will no longer qualify as exempt based on the new salary level. Notably, the DOL also proposes automatically updating to the minimum salary threshold annually so that it does not become outdated in a few years.

The DOL plans to publish a notice with the new salary level at least 60 days before the updated rates would become effective.

No Changes to Exempt Duties

The proposed rules do not alter any of the white-collar job duties, or otherwise change the exempt-duties tests. There was speculation that the duties tests would be modified to ensure that more managerial employees, in particular those who are ‘working supervisors,’ would be entitled to overtime. This did not happen; however, the DOL is soliciting questions from the public about how best to alter the duties tests.

Next Steps

Although these are only proposed changes, which must go through a public notice-and-comment rule-making process, we anticipate little if any changes to the new proposed minimum salary threshold. Those who are interested in submitting comments should visit www.regulations.gov and reference rule Identification Number 1235-AA11. The public has until Sept. 4 to comment.

Employers should start budgeting for these changes now. Some options include:

• Increasing base salaries to $50,440 for those employees who work any overtime, to preserve exempt status, with plans to increase incrementally every year. This is the easiest solution, but might not be in everyone’s 2016 budget;
• Keep salaries the same and start paying time and a half when employees making less than $50,440 work more than 40 hours a week. This is another quick fix, but could be problematic if you anticipate the employee will work a lot of overtime;
• Limit or eliminate overtime opportunities for employees earning less than $50,440. This option involves careful planning to be sure you have sufficient labor power to meet business demands. Employers who go this route may have to hire more workers; or
• Establish your employees’ current hourly rate, and reduce that rate in 2016, taking into consideration anticipated overtime costs. This option may net good results from a budgeting perspective, but will certainly impact employee morale.

If you need assistance planning for the FLSA overtime changes, contact employment counsel for guidance.

John S. Gannon is an associate with Skoler, Abbott &; Presser, P.C., and practices in the firm’s Springfield office. Since joining the firm in 2011, Gannon has defended employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful-termination claims, as well as actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage-and-hour law. He also has experience with lawsuits seeking to enforce restrictive covenants and protect trade secrets; (413) 737-4753;[email protected]

Understanding the Critical Science of Estate Planning

Cover Story Estate Planning Sections

Death and Taxes

Estate art

A great transfer of wealth is taking place across the nation as Baby Boomers begin inheriting the $12 trillion that will be left to them by Depression-era parents. These Boomers have also started to distribute their own assets, and over the next few decades more than $30 trillion will pass from one generation to the next. But making the decisions required to create an estate plan is difficult for members of the ‘me’ generation who want to enjoy life to the fullest and retain control over their money, and still leave their children with a considerable inheritance.

Gina Barry says the demand for estate plans is on the rise, and, as just one form of evidence, she noted that Bacon Wilson, P.C., the Springfield-based firm where she’s a partner, has had to add two paralegals and two new attorneys to its Elder Law and Estate Planning department in the last five years due to the influx of business.

By Gina M. Barry, Esq.

“It’s not a crush, but demand has been gaining in intensity, and we are booked a month out,” said Barry, who concentrates her practice in elder law, estate planning, and residential real estate. “But we do make room for emergency cases, when someone is facing a nursing-home admission or receives a terminal diagnosis and wants to protect their assets from the cost of long-term care. It can be catastrophic, because a nursing home can cost $14,000 a month.”

Michael Simolo, a partner in estate planning and probate at Robinson Donovan, P.C. in Springfield, says his firm is also extremely busy. “We’ve added one associate and are thinking about adding more; our calendars are filled,” he told BusinessWest, noting that estate planning can be as simple as leaving everything to a spouse or involve creating a variety of trusts if there are complex issues such as a child with special needs or federal tax issues.

Elizabeth Sillen, a partner at Springfield-based Bulkley Richardson, LLP, agreed.

“There are many reasons why people come to us; some people are dealing with a parent’s estate and want to replicate what they did right or avoid what they did wrong, while others want to know when they should retire or collect Social Security,” said Sillen, who concentrates in estate planning, explaining that the estate-planning attorney’s role is to protect assets and does not involve financial planning.

Questions pertaining to the latter are typically answered by financial advisors, but timing is important because today’s retirees want to be active, travel, and take advantage of all the world has to offer. “We are the glue,” said certified financial planner Patricia Grenier, who co-founded BRP/Grenier Financial Services in Springfield. “Someone has to coordinate everything, and there are often big pieces missing when people go to estate planners.”

Attorney Michael Simolo says estate plans should be flexible and amended to reflect changes in one’s life.

The necessary information, which financial planners help clients determine, includes when a person will retire, the sum total of their assets, the way a pension will be handled, and when people will start collecting Social Security.

“There more than 8,000 strategies for couples to use when they collect Social Security, and many people don’t even know what their pension options are; these are bases that need to be covered before someone visits an attorney,” Grenier said. “When I meet with a client, we discuss their lifestyle, their income, where and how their money is invested, and their other assets. Health costs are a big issue, and so are family dynamics.

“I ask people how they plan to care for themselves, because there comes a point at which everyone needs help. A lot of decisions need to be made, and it’s a very emotional process, but our job is to make the meeting with the estate planner efficient and effective and coordinate what needs to happen,” she went on, noting that she has accompanied clients to an attorney’s office to do estate planning.

Simolo agrees that the decisions are difficult. “Estate planning is something people tend to put off. It’s not pleasant to think about, but you are not planning for yourself; you are planning for those you are leaving behind — and it’s not as painful of a process as people think,” he said. “Plus, putting off decisions doesn’t make it any less difficult, and planning gives you the option of extending a hand beyond the grave. If you have an estate plan, you can control your money to some extent after you die.”

One of the primary goals of a plan is to avoid probate. “However, probate is a lot easier than it used to be, and sometimes it’s easier to go through it than to retitle everything and put it in a trust,” said Simolo. “It depends on family dynamics, how much you own, and what you want to do.”

Limiting estate taxes is also critical: in Massachusetts, payment is due once an estate hits the $1 million mark, while the amount in Connecticut is $2 million. Federal taxes start at 40% if an estate totals $5.43 million or more, and although that seems like a lot, the number includes everything a person owns, including real estate, investments, bank accounts, and life insurance.

But experts agree that most people don’t reach that mark because the majority of Boomers have failed to save enough to retire in comfort.

“The biggest risk is that they will outlive their money, so it requires careful planning and strategizing,” Grenier said.

Individual Choices

Generations tend to differ in how they want to allocate their assets, said those we spoke with.

“Folks from the Depression era are not as inclined to gift as Boomers because they fear they won’t have enough to last throughout their lifetimes; they are much more frugal and want a sense of security and know that there is enough to take care of them until they die,” Barry said, explaining that strategies used in tax planning can require a loss of control of assets, which is frequently not palatable to Boomers.

“The majority want to leave money to their kids, but some would rather have their heirs pay taxes than lose control,” she went on, adding that the state tax on $2 million is about $89,200, which could be avoided entirely.

Siller agrees. “Some Boomers don’t care if their heirs will have to pay estate taxes because they have no appetite for complex plans. But there is definitely a generational difference. People from the Depression era tended to be thrifty, live moderately, and save money. Boomers may live moderately, they are a lot more consumer-oriented,” she explained, noting that there is a lot more to buy today, including devices such as cell phones and computers that are necessary to keep pace with technology.

Attorney Elizabeth Siller says children from a first marriage may feel resentful if a second spouse inherits everything, so it’s important to find ways to divide things in a way that doesn’t cause family problems.

The people Boomers delegate to be their healthcare proxy or to have power of attorney over their finances if they become incapacitated is another choice that demands careful consideration. “I have had clients say they want a daughter to take over their healthcare if they become incapacitated, but when I ask if she will be able to handle the decision to stop life support if it’s necessary, they realize they need to appoint someone else,” Barry noted. “And although people often think they will name their oldest child as power of attorney, they need to consider how honest and trustworthy they are and be sure they will never use their assets for their own benefit.”

Grenier agreed. “The person in that role has to be qualified to handle it. You want someone who has the time and ability to carry out your wishes.”

Long-term care also has to be considered. Although it’s prudent in some cases for the person to take out insurance, it doesn’t always make sense. And although estate plans can be altered if circumstances change, many people never update their plans. “They are lulled into a sense of security once a plan is created, but it’s imperative that they return to their attorney if they inherit a tremendous amount of wealth,” Barry said.

Siller concurred, and said estate planning involves many factors. “Estate planners provide people with options that are very concrete after they learn everything they need to know about their situation. But the process is complex and requires specificity,” she said, adding that considerations such as putting assets in a child’s name include whether he or she may get divorced, go bankrupt, or is in a high-risk profession and could be sued. Meanwhile, Boomers with grandchildren may want to set up college plans for them.

“If Boomers do some advance planning, they may be able to give their children all of the benefit of the income they inherit without imposing a tax burden on them,” Siller said. “But everyone’s situation is different, so we build a plan for each client that suits their needs. It’s a satisfying process.”

Complex Matters

The demand for business-transition planning is another area that is undergoing rapid growth.

“A lot of small-business owners want to retire, but it can be challenging. The business is often like their child, and it’s important to them that it continues to thrive,” said Siller. “And if one child is really interested in taking over, they need to navigate continuity along with fairness to other children, which can be tricky.

“It’s a whole world unto itself,” she went on, adding that, in some cases, life insurance is used as a way to equalize the value of the business, while in others where the building sits on land that is owned, the parcel is transferred to non-participating children, and the child who takes the helm of the business pays rent on the land to their siblings.

Barry says many factors enter into the equation, and it’s critical to know how much the business is worth on the open market.

“I can’t tell you how many business owners have never had their firm properly evaluated by an accountant,” she explained. “They think they know its value or what they could sell it for, but they have no idea of its actual value.”

That figure can be pivotal, said Simolo, who noted that a business may constitute the majority of the value of an estate.

“Succession planning for businesses poses a unique set of circumstances which are different for every family and every business. It’s a matter of fulfilling the intentions of the owner to the greatest extent possible, while protecting its future,” he told BusinessWest.

Another weighty consideration involves planning for children with special needs, and estate-planning attorneys say more clients are coming to the table with this challenge.

“Some children are receiving benefits or are incapable of managing their own funds,” Barry said. “There is a great increase in the number of people addressing these needs.”

Siller concurred, and said special consideration needs also to be made if children have addiction problems or are in relationships the parent is unhappy about.

Meanwhile, second marriages can be another tricky area to navigate.

“Kids from a first marriage often feel resentful if a second spouse inherits the bulk of the estate, so it’s important to find ways to keep the peace,” said Siller. “We try to have conversations and get the person to think about what they want to do before we come up with a plan.”

But leaving everything to a spouse, even in a first marriage, can be challenging if the deceased had always handled the finances.

“Sometimes we create a trust to ensure the remaining spouse will have plenty of money,” Siller said, adding that issues also arise if the spouse is not a citizen. “And if there is a second home, people worry about how their kids will share it. Sometimes a trust is put in place with a management structure that gives children the ability to buy out their siblings or sell the property, as there is often one primary user. Some parents endow a vacation home to preserve memories, but there are a lot of variables.”

Single people have their own dilemmas to contend with. “Their estate plans can be more complicated than a married couple’s,” Siller explained. “They need to think carefully about things because there are fewer tools available to them to reduce taxes.”

But even after all of these variables are accounted for, the work is not done.

“The drafting of documents is only half of the estate plan,” Simolo said. “The other half is making sure assets are properly structured so the plan works. Sometimes assets are made joint or taken out of joint ownership, and beneficiary designations must be properly named.”

Grenier concurred, noting that it’s not uncommon for people to fail to take the necessary steps to make the plan viable.

“Many never follow through with financial planners or investment advisors after their plans are set up; if a trust is created to protect assets, it has to be funded,” she said. “The accounts and real estate that will go into it have to be retitled, and beneficiaries have to be titled appropriately to match the plan. You can have the best attorney in the world, but if there is no follow-through, the plan won’t work.”

Attention to Detail

The bottom line is that estate planning and elder law is a complex manner, and although some people use the Internet to create what Barry calls “a will in a box,” such a strategy can lead to problems down the line.

“In most cases, there is an error because the person doesn’t understand the language or know what’s missing,” she said, adding that a simple estate plan, which typically costs less than $1,000, takes every facet of the individual’s situation into account and puts language in place to ensure their intentions will be carried out.

“Some people don’t think they have enough to warrant putting together a plan, but it’s never true,” she went on. “And it’s far better to plan your estate when you are not under pressure. Doing the work is much more enjoyable if you are not faced with a catastrophic event.”

Grenier concurs. “It is a daunting task that involves a lot of decisions,” she told BusinessWest. “But people need to make sure they have everything lined up, then finish the circle by following through and having things moved into trusts and taking care of other details.”

Whether they do or not, the transfer of wealth will continue, and future generations will bear the brunt — or reap the rewards — of what the people who go before them have left behind.

“If you don’t have a will,” Simolo said, “the state will create one for you — and it may not match your intentions.”

It’s Not Your Parents’ Social Security

Estate Planning Sections

Informed Decisions Are Critical When Claiming Benefits

By HYMAN G. DARLING, Esq.

Hyman G. Darling

Years ago, it was standard practice to claim Social Security benefits at age 65. Most people retired about that age, and Social Security was available to help with retirement, based on the amounts paid in over the course of an individual’s working life.

Now, it is a major financial decision as to when to claim your benefits, when to collect your benefits, and how to maximize income for both the claimant and the claimant’s spouse.

Initially, it should be noted that Social Security is essentially a pension to be received based on the amount of money and years worked by an individual. A person receives a monthly benefit for life and, usually, a survivor benefit for a spouse and sometimes for children who are either disabled or under the age of 18. Naturally, the longer a person lives, the longer payments will continue.

It is estimated that, if a person lives 10 years after initiating receipt of their Social Security benefits, they will get their money back. Those who live 20 years receive their money back plus interest. After 20 years, a person not only receives their payments into the system plus interest, but also receives money derived from others who have paid into the system.

Age 62 is the earliest the benefit may be started. For those born before 1954, full retirement age is 66. In order to determine the full retirement age for those born after 1954, add two months to age 66 for each year through 1959. For those born in 1960 or after, the full retirement age is 67.

For single people making this decision, some factors to contemplate include health, tax situation, and intentions for continuing work or to retire. In view of these factors, one may estimate what a monthly payment might be, and can make a more informed decision as to whether to take the benefit early or at full retirement age.

For the vast majority of Americans, once income begins, the amount is locked in and will not change, with the exception of cost-of-living increases. It is also important to consider that, if benefits are claimed earlier versus later, then the base amount is lower, and subsequent cost-of-living increases are based on that lower figure. Over the course of many years, this could make a significant difference. In 2014, the cost-of-living increase was 1.7%, and this year the increase is 1.5%.

To calculate early benefits, subtract approximately 8% (from what the full retirement-age benefit would have been) per year for each year prior to full retirement age. While it will take many years to make up the difference, it is important to consider what the overall benefit will be over the course of 10 to 20 years, and whether a person needs to rely upon Social Security as a main source of retirement income.

Naturally, health and financial status make a significant difference. For those in poor health, it may be better to claim the income early, so that benefits will be received for the longest possible period, albeit at a lower amount than if the income was delayed. Similarly, if a person really needs the money sooner, they should possibly claim it sooner, although they will take a discount on the amount. This penalty does last forever. In most cases, there are no benefits prior to age 62.

If a person is fortunate enough to have other sources of income, such as IRA benefits, a pension, or possibly other unearned income, the Social Security benefit may not be needed immediately. If in good health, delaying the income claim can ensure a significantly higher monthly benefit.

For those still working who also claim Social Security benefits prior to full retirement age, income is subject to the ‘earnings test.’ This formula reduces a person’s Social Security benefits by $1 for every $2 of earnings in excess of $15,720 (the amount for 2015). Once full retirement age is attained, then the benefit is recalculated to omit the months in which benefits were withheld.

The decision about when to start income becomes even more complex for married people. When a person claims income on their own record, this has an effect on the spouse. The spouse must be at least 62 in order to claim benefits. In most cases, if the older spouse decides to claim benefits at a later age, such as 70, then upon the death of the older spouse, the most the younger spouse can receive is 50% of this amount.

Of course, the younger spouse is also subject to his or her earnings test and the same penalties as the older spouse who is claiming the primary benefit. The numbers must be reviewed to determine what an older spouse’s earnings record is, with a decision as to when to claim his or her benefits, whether early or at full retirement age. The younger spouse, however, is not permitted to claim the spousal benefit and delay his or her own benefits.

One of the popular options is known as the ‘file-and-suspend’ method. In this situation, when the higher-earning spouse requests benefits at full retirement age, they can then request that the benefits be suspended. This means that the lower-earning spouse is able to claim benefits while the higher-earning spouse delays their benefit until age 70. This cannot be done until the higher-earning spouse reaches full retirement age.

In this situation, if the higher-earning spouse predeceases the lower-earning spouse, then the lower-earning spouse does inherit the age 70 claiming decision, thus providing a significantly larger benefit for the living spouse. Of course, age differences, health issues, and necessary income are all issues which should be reviewed before making these decisions.

Another strategy is to ‘gamble’ the decision. It would be nice to have the proverbial crystal ball and be able to know when each spouse will die because that would allow the optimum decision to be made in advance. Without knowing what will occur, however, an option would be to wait until both spouses reach 70 to claim their highest possible benefits. This will allow both to receive a larger amount, but the spouse with the lower earnings (likely the younger spouse) may take their amount earlier, thus allowing the higher-earning spouse to delay and postpone benefits until age 70. Again, this is a gamble, but it allows both spouses to maximize the amount so long as they live a longer period of time.

Another choice is to claim some income now, and claim more later. This is what is known as a ‘restricted claim,’ which means that a person who is claiming the spouse’s benefits postpones their own benefits until age 70. In order to take advantage of this option, one spouse must have filed for benefits, or filed and suspended.

In this situation, for instance, if a husband’s benefit at full retirement age is greater than his wife’s, and he is at least one month older than his wife, at age 66 the wife could file for benefits. Because she files and the husband has already attained full retirement age, he can also claim a portion of his wife’s benefit until he turns 70. At age 70, his check is increased to what his benefit would have been, plus an increase for waiting. It also provides him with a larger base for cost-of-living adjustments (the annual increase as determined by the Social Security Administration).

Some significant appeal in this case lies in the fact that, if the husband dies first, the wife inherits his age-70 claiming decision. In this situation, both spouses must have reached full retirement age to utilize this option, and it may be they cannot afford, or don’t want to, wait until both have reached the age of 66.

Divorce is another issue that can complicate Social Security calculations. If the marriage was longer than 10 years, the divorce occurred more than two years prior, and the spouses remain unmarried, then the lower-earning person is entitled to claim the benefits of the ex-spouse. If a person had multiple marriages in the past 10 years, then both ex-spouses may claim benefits without adversely affecting the benefits of the other.

When claiming in this situation, it is important that Social Security numbers for all individuals, including all former spouses, are utilized, so that the Social Security Administration can determine which person to claim as the highest wage earner. One should also bring a marriage certificate and divorce decree to the Social Security office when claiming for benefits of an ex-spouse.

An ironic provision in the law also provides that, if both ex-spouses never remarried, they can each claim spousal benefits while delaying their own benefits until age 70. Married spouses cannot do this, but unmarried former spouses have this opportunity. For instance, if a divorced couple determine that the husband’s benefit at age 62 would have been a lower amount, then his ex-spouse would receive only 82.5% of his benefit, whereas if he had waited until 70, his ex-spouse’s benefit would be approximately 132% of his original benefit. With multiple marriages, the decisions become more difficult, but provide additional opportunities to receive greater benefits.

Of course, when one spouse dies, a surviving spouse should check with Social Security to determine whether there are any benefits available for the survivor. It is sometimes possible to claim benefits sooner rather than later, as well as provide for minor or disabled children.

There are many planning opportunities for a person to claim the maximum benefits over life. All strategies and decisions should be considered prior to retirement, and if a person is considering electing to start benefits, they should check with the Social Security Administration several months before retirement age to determine options, so that they will have sufficient time to make intelligent decisions.

Each situation must be reviewed independently, and while the Social Security Administration does have a website that provides information and calculations (www.ssa.gov), it may be helpful in some cases to meet with a Social Security representative to ensure understanding of all options. There are private companies that provide independent evaluations (for a fee, of course), but the cost of such an advisor may be recouped in a short period of time if the advisor secures a greater financial benefit.

Between Medicare costs, prescription drugs, and housing expenses, a person’s Social Security may be their largest source of income. As stated earlier, life is a gamble. Even so, it is important to make intelligent decisions rather than merely accepting the amount that initially seems to be higher. Many benefit plans are irrevocable, so informed choices are critical when claiming Social Security benefits.

Attorney Hyman G. Darling is chair of the Estate Planning and Elder Law departments at Bacon Wilson, P.C. His areas of expertise include all areas of estate planning, probate, and elder law. He is a frequent lecturer on various estate-planning and elder-law topics; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]

Building permits issued during the month of August 2015

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2015.

AMHERST

Amherst College
214 Main St.
$129,000 — Repairs to exterior

CHICOPEE

American Tower Corp.
645 Shawnigan Dr.
$18,000 — Replace nine antennas on existing towers

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$132,000 — Remove and replace coolers and freezers in May Dooley Center

Giovanni Capaccio
424 Front St.
$15,000 — Re-roof John’s Pizza

GREENFIELD

Bank of America
208 Federal St.
$43,000 — Perform ADA improvements

Greenfield Real Estate, LLC
194 Cleveland St.
$50,000 — Upgrade existing building

Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield
133 Main St.
$13,000 — New fire alarm system

Ruth H. Norwood
372 Federal St.
$4,000 — Repair roof, fascia boards, and ceiling tiles

Stoneleigh Burnham School
574 Bernardston Road
$477,000 — Interior alterations

Syfeld Greenfield Associates
259 Mohawk Trail
$32,000 — Renovate existing space

Town of Greenfield
One Place
$215,000 — New roof

LUDLOW

Crown Atlantic
145 Carmelinas Circle
$21,000 — Cell tower alterations

Site Acquisitions
1 State St.
$30,000 — Cell tower alterations

T&A Associated & Properties
32 Chestnut St.
$7,700 — New chimney liner

NORTHAMPTON

Ryan School
498 Ryan Road
$501,520 — Install new roof system

Smith School
80 Locust St.
$6,900 — Construct wall in paint shop with overhead and passage door

Court Dockets

Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Can Capital Asset Servicing Inc. f/k/a New Logic Business Loans Inc. v. Jacinto-Blanco Munoz d/b/a Chintos Pizza Restaurant
Allegation: Breach of contract: $9,549.32
Filed: 6/4/2015

Jose Garcia v. Rodney O. Maye and Excellence Auto Exchange Inc.

Allegation: Vehicle sold without a valid title: $4,286.06
Filed: 6/16/15

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Jason M. Kicza d/b/a Northeast Treecare & Landscaping v. Split Excavating Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for services rendered: $24,402.50
Filed: 5/22/15

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Brett J. Vottero v. Garda CL New England Inc., Gary Holland, Michael Kelly, and Michael Zanatta
Allegation: Defendants wrongfully accused defendant of a crime: $790,000
Filed: 6/22/15

Common Capital Inc. v. CT-Family Care Services, LLC and Justinian Rweyemamil
Allegation: Default on payment of note: $86,190.50
Filed: 6/16/15

Richard Millitello and Santiago Alvarez v. JD Rivet & Co. Inc. and David King
Allegation: Workplace discrimination: $350,000+
Filed: 6/3/15

TD Bank v. Arcadia Glass Inc.
Allegation: Default on promissory note: $117,973.77
Filed: 6/17/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Christopher Canty v. James Fiore d/b/a One Stop Plaza & HTMD Inc.
Allegation: Negligent failure to provide adequate security: $24,353.17
Filed: 5/29/15

Western Mass Electric Co. v. County Waste & Recycling Services Inc., Verizon New England Inc., and Shaun L. Hurst
Allegation: CWRS truck, operated by Mr. Hurst, became entangled in low-hanging telephone wires, which brought down plaintiff’s electric poles: $5,611
Filed: 6/22/15

Real Estate Transactions August 2015

Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

31 Center St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Robert A. Shaw
Seller: Ethan M. Stafford
Date: 07/17/15

CHARLEMONT

7 Hawk Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephanie Gelfan
Seller: Carol A. Fowler
Date: 07/13/15

25 Potter Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Adeeti Gupta
Seller: Elzear Rodrigue RET
Date: 07/24/15

COLRAIN

82 Greenfield Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $118,917
Buyer: Kevin Worden
Seller: Nancy B. Peck
Date: 07/22/15

2 Herzig Lane
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Vivian A. Laurence
Seller: William F. Jacobs
Date: 07/23/15

DEERFIELD

213 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $267,900
Buyer: Peter Cowley
Seller: George R. Marchacos
Date: 07/16/15

56 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Realty C. Valley
Seller: Carmen-South Deerfield RT
Date: 07/21/15

58 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Realty C. Valley
Seller: Carmen-South Deerfield RT
Date: 07/21/15

60 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $805,000
Buyer: Realty C. Valley
Seller: Carmen-South Deerfield RT
Date: 07/21/15

35 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nicole R. Talbot
Seller: Laird, Alice V., (Estate)
Date: 07/22/15

ERVING

14 Ridge Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Brian Lenarczyk
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/20/15

GILL

28 Walnut St.
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Christopher R. Pelletier
Seller: Jeffrey A. Suprenant
Date: 07/16/15

GREENFIELD

150 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Monica P. Stillings
Seller: Richard J. Digeorge
Date: 07/13/15

84 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Margaret E. Roberge
Seller: Casey Larkin
Date: 07/16/15

49 Ferrante Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Erica L. Avery
Seller: Carol D. Courcier
Date: 07/24/15

17 George St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Alexandra Stein
Seller: Marc Platt
Date: 07/15/15

10 Kent Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $162,200
Buyer: Madeline R. Maxam
Date: 07/13/15

188 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Angela I. Scarpino
Seller: Susan D. Lubanski
Date: 07/23/15

54 Meadow Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Benjamin D. Simanski
Seller: Victoria G. Callahan
Date: 07/15/15

82 Meridian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Andre L. Daniere
Seller: Jamie Brunaccioni
Date: 07/16/15

16 Myrtle St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Lisa Ranghelli
Seller: Edward P. Smith
Date: 07/15/15

105 Newton St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: George Marchacos
Seller: Amos & Great-Great-Granddau
Date: 07/17/15

21 Prospect St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Thomas T. Pousont
Seller: Danny J. Mason
Date: 07/24/15

5 Silver Crest Lane #5
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $262,900
Buyer: Valiton INT
Seller: Country Club Road LLC
Date: 07/15/15

9 Vermont St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Clifford Lull
Seller: Worden, Leslie F., (Estate)
Date: 07/17/15

LEVERETT

16 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Caitlin F. Vaughn
Seller: Aaron P. Somoza
Date: 07/16/15

25 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Maresca
Seller: Michael A. Abbate
Date: 07/24/15

267 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Shelby M. North
Seller: Elizabeth W. Scheffey
Date: 07/16/15

MONROE

152 Main Road
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Tyler A. Filiault
Seller: Bourgeois, Ernest F. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 07/13/15

MONTAGUE

149-151 3rd St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: David J. Larue
Seller: Cottage Industries LLC
Date: 07/20/15

23 Hillside Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Michael J. Baines
Seller: Michelle A. Lombardo
Date: 07/24/15

NEW SALEM

172 Cooleyville Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Timothy R. Beyerl
Seller: Bredin, Rice Joan, (Estate)
Date: 07/24/15

NORTHFIELD

7 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Mitchell R. Damon
Date: 07/23/15

609 Pine Meadow Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jamie A. Brunaccioni
Seller: Christopher R. Pelletier
Date: 07/16/15

9 Railroad Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Francis L. Froment
Seller: Gary W. Crider
Date: 07/21/15

ORANGE

2 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Duane Casavecchia
Seller: Peter A. Rivers
Date: 07/23/15

161 Govenor Dukakis Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Seaman Paper Co. of Mass.
Seller: Peter A. Gerry
Date: 07/17/15

80 Memorial Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Amy Gelinas
Seller: Harry E. Smith
Date: 07/13/15

150 Quabbin Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Peter A. Gerry
Seller: Oranfield TR
Date: 07/21/15

233 Royalston Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Matthew Messier
Seller: Todd Harbour
Date: 07/22/15

90 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: M. Jemms LLC
Seller: Jerome L. Willard
Date: 07/15/15

176 Wheeler Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Charles W. Schmieg
Seller: Perry J. Cellana
Date: 07/16/15

SHELBURNE

42-44 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Bridge St Shelburne RT
Seller: Shelburne RT
Date: 07/23/15

30 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Barbara J. Watts
Seller: Mills, Carol L., (Estate)
Date: 07/14/15

WENDELL

202 Locke Hill Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Joslin T. Stevens
Seller: Charles J. Selig
Date: 07/23/15

WHATELY

172 State Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Mark Pereira
Seller: Brian J. Green
Date: 07/15/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

342 Adams St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $122,472
Buyer: USA VA
Seller: Paul Bulmer
Date: 07/21/15

39 Beech Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kathleen Richter
Seller: Anthony J. Furlani
Date: 07/17/15

5 Butterwood Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Josephine S. Strain
Seller: Diane Iannuzzi
Date: 07/14/15

263 Elm St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Charles F. Simard
Seller: Heather E. Dwyer
Date: 07/16/15

89 Florida Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Carmine Battista
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 07/22/15

57 Hastings St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Chechile
Seller: Michelle M. Bailey
Date: 07/24/15

91 Ridgeway Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Brenda L. Couture
Seller: Earl A. Laflamme
Date: 07/17/15

46 Rosie Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Jose R. Lopez
Date: 07/14/15

37 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Daniel Dmuchovsky
Seller: Mikszewski, Mary M., (Estate)
Date: 07/20/15

24 Tina Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $120,545
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: John T. Cesan
Date: 07/17/15

3 Valentine Terrace
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Sean T. Hennessey
Seller: George C. Smith
Date: 07/17/15

BRIMFIELD

7 Kings Bridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Aimee F. Campbell
Seller: Michael Delnegro
Date: 07/16/15

178 Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Hollyann Cavaliere
Seller: Annette Colon
Date: 07/24/15

CHESTER

509 Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $267,500
Buyer: Alex Gthanov
Seller: Steven A. Pandolfino
Date: 07/22/15

CHICOPEE

243 Basil Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Alyson A. Wilk
Seller: Gina G. Kos
Date: 07/24/15

123 Beauregard Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Seller: Walter L. O’Donnell
Date: 07/17/15

1 Better Way
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $6,275,000
Buyer: EIP 1 Better Way LLC
Seller: Avery Products Corp.
Date: 07/17/15

51 Cambridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Thomas C. Ball
Seller: Patricia A. Fontaine
Date: 07/17/15

484 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $146,789
Buyer: Chicopee Savings Bank
Seller: Daniel Pragosa
Date: 07/24/15

25 Dickinson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Gail Czupkiewicz
Seller: Mikhail G. Chikrizov
Date: 07/16/15

387 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Jose R. Negron
Seller: Leroy W. Laflesh
Date: 07/20/15

146 Ingham St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Carol Benoit
Seller: Jeanne C. Dulong
Date: 07/17/15

77 Lapa Farm Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jared Lavallee
Seller: Luis A. Pereira
Date: 07/23/15

27 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Gary R. Laperle
Seller: Richard Z. Machowski
Date: 07/23/15

221 Oldfield Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Maureen Abbey
Seller: Rosemary N. Dellaera
Date: 07/16/15

30 Shea Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Steven Darr
Seller: Mark A. Leclerc
Date: 07/15/15

1310 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $2,631,579
Buyer: Oleary-Vincunas LLC
Seller: Ethosenergy LLC
Date: 07/21/15

581 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: William D. Pellisier
Seller: Linda M. Jefferson
Date: 07/15/15

256 Tolpa Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Jean C. Peloquin
Seller: Gregory T. Wright
Date: 07/17/15

2140 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $2,631,579
Buyer: Oleary-Vincunas LLC
Seller: Ethosenergy LLC
Date: 07/21/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

47 Breezy Knoll Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Peter A. Mengwasser
Seller: Donald F. Crossman
Date: 07/16/15

Capri Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Daniel D. Plotkin
Seller: Bella Vista Land Holdings
Date: 07/22/15

62 Euclid Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Barton
Seller: Barton, Deborah J., (Estate)
Date: 07/24/15

253 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: Timothy A. Provost
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 07/17/15

212 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Michael R. Mancuso
Seller: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Date: 07/23/15

95 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $168,500
Buyer: Karl A. Wilson
Seller: Somers Rd Properties LLC
Date: 07/21/15

GRANVILLE

717 North Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $292,000
Buyer: Ronald J. Deedy
Seller: Todd A. Doiron
Date: 07/17/15

150 Reagan Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Adam R. Hull
Seller: Richard M. Lewis
Date: 07/24/15

105 Sodom St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Todd A. Doiron
Seller: Karen A. Farrington
Date: 07/17/15

75 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Donald J. Higby
Seller: Elizabeth A. Mullins
Date: 07/15/15

515 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Terri A. McNair
Date: 07/23/15

339 Water St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Hany Fares
Seller: Edward L. Goldrup
Date: 07/15/15

HAMPDEN

5 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Roger R. Leclair
Seller: Kevin L. Hinkamper
Date: 07/17/15

114 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Thomas H. Walat
Seller: Beatrice S. House
Date: 07/17/15

HOLLAND

1 Inlet Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Freniere
Seller: Linda A. Taylor
Date: 07/14/15

41 Lakeridge Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Brian T. Collins
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 07/21/15

HOLYOKE

13-15 Davis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Christopher S. Sugrue
Seller: Veronica J. Kowalczyk
Date: 07/16/15

15 Edbert Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Sarah Fefer
Seller: Lynn A. Border
Date: 07/21/15

47 Elliot St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $294,900
Buyer: Avital N. Nathman
Seller: Carson Reinart
Date: 07/21/15

8 Faille Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Leah R. Hassan
Seller: Jose A. Hernandez
Date: 07/23/15

437-439 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Francisco J. Ortiz
Seller: George Ominsky
Date: 07/24/15

333 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $128,500
Buyer: Juan Rodriguez
Seller: Janet R. Lacasse
Date: 07/13/15

179 Morgan St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Raymond Smalley
Seller: Lasalle Bank
Date: 07/22/15

48 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Robert J. Helems
Seller: Christine M. Ferguson
Date: 07/24/15

1831-1833 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Stephanie Hess
Seller: Marisol Figueroa
Date: 07/17/15

219 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John F. Harazmus
Seller: John J. Lenihan
Date: 07/15/15

7 Stanford St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Gretchen Siegchrist
Seller: Robert G. Gordon
Date: 07/17/15

7 Valley Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nayroby D. Rosa
Seller: Juan A. Flores
Date: 07/16/15

23 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Alyssa F. Carrus
Seller: Jennifer L. Goodridge
Date: 07/20/15

LONGMEADOW

20 Andover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $228,500
Buyer: Amanda Gonzalez
Seller: Michael Gordon
Date: 07/24/15

33 Barclay St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Andrea M. Johnston
Seller: Maynard H. Baker
Date: 07/17/15

71 Belleclaire Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Kyle M. Baillargeon
Seller: Michael A. Siciliano
Date: 07/21/15

100 Birchwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Patricia A. McGuire
Seller: Peter A. Mengwasser
Date: 07/16/15

72 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: David A. Watkins
Seller: Aleksandar Mitreski
Date: 07/22/15

130 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Hinson Yuen
Seller: Foundation Investors Inc.
Date: 07/24/15

17 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Stefan O. Milan
Seller: Meredith B. Hagaman
Date: 07/22/15

N/A
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Rory Buxton
Seller: David A. Yeager
Date: 07/15/15

185 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Ruolin Zhou
Seller: Susan D. Haring
Date: 07/17/15

27 Tennyson Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Nicholas F. Azar
Seller: Sandra L. Kenefick
Date: 07/15/15

123 Westmoreland Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Anthony D. Santamaria
Seller: Juline M. Godin
Date: 07/15/15

725 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Justin M. Mullane
Seller: Raymond J. Desnoyers
Date: 07/17/15

97 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Seunghee Kim
Seller: Jin W. Choi
Date: 07/16/15

321 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Miles L. Hayford
Seller: Linda A. Hickling
Date: 07/15/15

LUDLOW

223 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $286,000
Buyer: Justin M. Reynolds
Seller: Maria E. Dossantos
Date: 07/24/15

645 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mark A. Musick
Seller: Lise Boucher
Date: 07/15/15

94 Allison Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $376,000
Buyer: Michael C. Pires
Seller: Antonio A. Dias
Date: 07/17/15

29-31 Brimfield St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Claire J. Vaneeghen
Seller: Henry J. Casagrande
Date: 07/13/15

44 Brookhaven Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Amy B. Ollari
Seller: Richard A. Ollari
Date: 07/22/15

12 Chmura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Tony Tereso
Seller: Charles R. Afonso
Date: 07/20/15

152 Clearwater Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $373,022
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Marybeth I. Ferrera
Date: 07/14/15

32 Hampden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Anthony M. Galluci
Seller: Suzanne L. Romani
Date: 07/15/15

200 Irla Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $379,000
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 07/20/15

114 Nash Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Manuela Angers
Seller: Cheryl Mead
Date: 07/24/15

34 Pond St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,243
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Bethany Hamilton
Date: 07/17/15

160 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $202,600
Buyer: Richard J. Mahan
Seller: Richard C. Machado
Date: 07/13/15

42 Prokop Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Melissa M. Miele
Seller: Alberta Bernardo
Date: 07/22/15

38 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Manuel M. Quiterio
Seller: Manuel J. Goncalves
Date: 07/14/15

147 Reynolds St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $151,200
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: Bryan W. Rae
Date: 07/21/15

191 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Susan R. Therrien
Seller: Clara M. Alves
Date: 07/17/15

151 Swan Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Laurie A. Beem
Seller: Inacio J. Ramalho
Date: 07/23/15

MONSON

52 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: Marissa E. Brown
Seller: Diane Charest
Date: 07/24/15

5 Valley View Hts.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Cynthia Levine
Seller: Elaine J. Harrison
Date: 07/24/15

86 Waid Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Morin
Seller: David W. Brothers
Date: 07/24/15

PALMER

41 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Rhonda A. Horton
Seller: Beth E. Baker
Date: 07/24/15

65 Riverview Pkwy.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ryan P. Balicki
Seller: Peter N. Hendery
Date: 07/17/15

RUSSELL

1166 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01071
Buyer: Trevor D. Dorgan-Andrews
Seller: Eric Brown
Date: 07/15/15

SPRINGFIELD

33 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Salvatore C. Acerra
Seller: Dolores Habel
Date: 07/16/15

44-46 Algonquin Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Loraine Sopena
Seller: Francisco Ortiz
Date: 07/20/15

39 Ashbrook St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Anthony D. Gullini
Seller: Kristin Ducharme
Date: 07/17/15

139 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Gina Hawk
Seller: Jeffrey S. Morin
Date: 07/24/15

463 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Jagat Majhi
Seller: Lan Nguyen
Date: 07/24/15

205 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Salmon
Seller: Judith A. Clarke
Date: 07/15/15

100 Brookdale Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $3,000,000
Buyer: East Springfield Realty LLC
Seller: SFG Capital Partners 2
Date: 07/17/15

42 Buick St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Nicole Moran
Seller: Christal J. Russo
Date: 07/15/15

22 Canton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Maribel Santiago
Seller: Lowman, Ellen, (Estate)
Date: 07/14/15

20 Cara Lane
Springfield, MA 01028
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Christie E. Hendrickson
Seller: Kim J. Campbell
Date: 07/22/15

75 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Angie Villamaino
Seller: Nicholas J. Axiotis
Date: 07/14/15

23 Druid Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Jose H. Lopez-Figueroa
Seller: Jason P. Fahey
Date: 07/24/15

59 Embury St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Wendy McLean
Seller: Eagle Home Buyers LLC
Date: 07/24/15

112 Fallston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $151,000
Buyer: Paul Z. Dulude
Seller: Kristin A. Coles
Date: 07/21/15

280 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Richard F. Renaud
Seller: Richard L. Munsell
Date: 07/22/15

119 Frank B. Murray St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Dwight Station LLC
Seller: Vanguard Realty LLC
Date: 07/16/15

174 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Branco
Seller: Bradford A. Knowles
Date: 07/17/15

276 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Randy Sullivan
Seller: Robert V. Baker
Date: 07/17/15

149 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Anthony C. Lawrence
Seller: Joseph M. Sweeney
Date: 07/22/15

431 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Brown
Seller: Jenal Rentas
Date: 07/21/15

30 Holly Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Jovana D. Williams
Seller: Constance J. Fielding
Date: 07/15/15

37 Kathleen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $146,500
Buyer: Ashley N. Warren
Seller: Lynn Stockley
Date: 07/21/15

149 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: George M. Desousa
Date: 07/23/15

32-34 Melrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: NEW Realty Corp.
Date: 07/16/15

38 Northway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Alyson M. Jarvis
Seller: Laura J. Shotwell
Date: 07/13/15

19 Orlando St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Peter Walrond
Seller: Wanda A. Gomes
Date: 07/16/15

21 Patrick St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Salvatore J. Desantis
Seller: John W. Fellion
Date: 07/24/15

73 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: David M. Durand
Seller: Heath E. Joseph
Date: 07/24/15

39 Pinebrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Steven C. Nogueira
Seller: Patricia M. Galarneau
Date: 07/20/15

634 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Virgilio Matos
Seller: Oswaldo Ramos
Date: 07/14/15

87 Quincy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $197,684
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Othoniel Rosario
Date: 07/13/15

77 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jason J. Neal
Seller: Edward Bradway
Date: 07/24/15

138 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Todd P. Riberdy
Date: 07/23/15

126 Roanoke Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Truc H. Ta
Seller: Ryan C. Martin
Date: 07/22/15

453 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jermain Greaves
Seller: Gloria G. Weissman
Date: 07/17/15

60 Switzer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $229,981
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Mary Alston
Date: 07/17/15

216 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $142,900
Buyer: James W. Felton
Seller: Michael J. Dombrowski
Date: 07/20/15

67 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Kim P. Sevigne
Seller: Peter W. Maki
Date: 07/22/15

27 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Valeria N. Torres
Seller: Jerry J. Forbes
Date: 07/24/15

113 Vermont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Son Vo
Seller: Huan V. Huynh
Date: 07/24/15

22 Weaver Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Siri Scott
Seller: Jeffrey J. Gross
Date: 07/24/15

61 Winterset Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Frank J. Liberti
Seller: Trathao Trinh
Date: 07/24/15

178-180 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Andujar
Seller: Vincent L. Dimauro
Date: 07/24/15

TOLLAND

28 East Otter Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Kurt R. Leduc
Seller: John Bastiaanse
Date: 07/22/15

6 Path Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Timothy C. Heinze
Seller: Charlotte J. McKellar
Date: 07/17/15

WALES

38 Holland Road
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Southbridge RE LLC
Seller: Kevin Cross
Date: 07/21/15

42 Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Ernani M. Nobre
Seller: Scott A. Taylor
Date: 07/24/15

WESTFIELD

20 Clifton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Wrecker LLC
Seller: Donald R. Champiney
Date: 07/22/15

76 Hawks Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jaclyn N. Wise
Seller: Todd A. Hoffman
Date: 07/17/15

68 Highland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Karen L. Mastroianni
Seller: Jeffrey P. Casey
Date: 07/17/15

117 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Silenus Realty LLC
Seller: Daniel P. McCarthy
Date: 07/22/15

315 Munger Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $419,900
Buyer: Thomas I. Plasse
Seller: Michael R. Gagnon
Date: 07/22/15

106 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Karen J. Everett
Seller: Patrick R. Garvey
Date: 07/15/15

85 Pequot Point Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Duane Garrigan
Seller: Saris Resources LLC
Date: 07/24/15

54 South Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Aleksey Belyakov
Seller: Carlos Dejesus
Date: 07/20/15

1068 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Robert L. Loomis
Seller: Scott D. Sowa
Date: 07/23/15

8 Summer St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $177,400
Buyer: Barbara E. Lowe
Seller: Sergey Yusenko
Date: 07/15/15

23 Susan Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $257,500
Buyer: Constance J. Fielding
Seller: Joseph J. Villamiano
Date: 07/14/15

8 Sycamore St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Dig Bista
Seller: Henry Monczko
Date: 07/24/15

503 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Robert D. Patenaude
Seller: Gail A. Roberts
Date: 07/16/15

658 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Stephen Heaton
Date: 07/17/15

30 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Oleg Shevchenko
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 07/23/15

27 Winding Ridge Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $465,500
Buyer: Melanie Whitman
Seller: Thomas L. Plasse
Date: 07/22/15

48 Yankee Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Nadezhda Bochkar
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/17/15

WILBRAHAM

6 Arbor Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Shelia M. Bolduc
Seller: Glen R. Callahan
Date: 07/17/15

7 Birch St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Charles E. Lavelle
Seller: Mary W. Kibbe
Date: 07/14/15

79 Cherry Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $342,003
Buyer: Oliver FT
Seller: 2301 Boston Road LLC
Date: 07/20/15

30 Delmor Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $177,695
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Frank L. Collins
Date: 07/23/15

30 Linwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Nancy Bowyer
Seller: Sheila M. Bolduc
Date: 07/17/15

9 Maplewood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: 9 Maplewood Street LLC
Seller: David A. Andrews
Date: 07/15/15

12 Meadowview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Axiotis
Seller: Edward C. Hough
Date: 07/15/15

8 Melikian Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: James F. Woods
Seller: Ciocci FT
Date: 07/14/15

4 North Hills Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Brian Green
Seller: Boston Road Properties LLC
Date: 07/15/15

7 Pineywood Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Peter M. Zaitz
Seller: Lisa M. Hearn
Date: 07/16/15

927 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Carolyn Talmadge
Seller: Barbara K. Fontaine
Date: 07/24/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

135 Brookline Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Harka Majhi
Seller: Mary C. Gentile
Date: 07/16/15

34 Churchill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Judson M. Byrd
Seller: Benjamin F. Wise
Date: 07/17/15

934 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Robert E. Doane
Seller: Wenninger Family LP
Date: 07/15/15

79 Grove St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: Justin M. Grenon
Seller: Aime D. Calvin
Date: 07/24/15

65 Lathrop St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Mykhailo Nenastin
Seller: Begley, Thomas D., (Estate)
Date: 07/22/15

163 Meadowbrook Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $169,300
Buyer: Richard M. Pesto
Seller: Ronald A. Cizek
Date: 07/13/15

220 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $144,762
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael Price
Date: 07/13/15

227 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Ryan C. Martin
Seller: Theodore J. Paradise
Date: 07/22/15

120 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Jonathan W. Daly
Seller: Catherine M. Bussolari
Date: 07/17/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

19 Carriage Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Feng Zhao
Seller: Fiona Cooper
Date: 07/24/15

165-167 College St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Rocky Hill Road Partners
Seller: Edward L. Valerio
Date: 07/15/15

54 Country Corners Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Kazmi Sitwat
Seller: Maureen H. Esposito TR

36 East Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Mariana P. Arboleya
Seller: Sheila M. Macnab-Millar
Date: 07/15/15

948 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Christine S. Labich
Seller: Belva K. Goglio LT
Date: 07/15/15

59 Grantwood Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Erinn E. Knyt
Seller: Timothy W. Holcomb
Date: 07/20/15

95 Larkspur Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $537,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Linn
Seller: Lisa S. Scott
Date: 07/13/15

185 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: John H. Bay
Seller: Gretchen L. Gano
Date: 07/15/15

26 Spring St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: San Realty Corp. Inc.
Seller: Pacific Lodge Building
Date: 07/14/15

33 Ward St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Kristin Ratliff
Seller: Goldman, Dorie H., (Estate)
Date: 07/24/15

BELCHERTOWN

600 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $173,917
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Brian M. Carlin
Date: 07/13/15

600 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Samuel H. Winston
Seller: US Bank
Date: 07/21/15

12 Cheryl Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Justin H. Gross
Seller: Nicholas M. Wojcik
Date: 07/24/15

36 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Laura R. Wosko
Seller: Michael A. Chotkowski
Date: 07/17/15

1020 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Todd F. Thornton
Seller: Jill V. Rutherford
Date: 07/16/15

24 Fuller St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Eraena Meehan
Seller: Belchertown United Church
Date: 07/20/15

19 Jackson St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: William H. Bangs
Seller: Roy P. Reece
Date: 07/17/15

115 Mountain View Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Tiffany A. Martinez
Seller: Cathy H. Decou
Date: 07/13/15

52 Nathaniel Way
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Lucie G. Beliveau
Seller: Barry F. Crosby
Date: 07/21/15

Oasis St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Katherine Lapuh
Seller: GEM RT
Date: 07/17/15

Oasis St. #J
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: Yanick A. Lapuh
Seller: Marcel A. Nunes
Date: 07/17/15

4 Prescott Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Nasithy Kry
Seller: Edward A. Gans
Date: 07/20/15

55 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Alan Bourbeau
Seller: Thomas Lynch
Date: 07/20/15

21 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $236,267
Buyer: Joanna Redmond
Seller: Scott A. Anderson
Date: 07/24/15

235 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Bryan H. Frost
Seller: John R. Flynn
Date: 07/14/15

CHESTERFIELD

70 Bray Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Molly A. Frost
Seller: Matthew D. Motyka
Date: 07/14/15

CUMMINGTON

60 Main St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: David Toth
Seller: Peter H. Bura
Date: 07/23/15

EASTHAMPTON

7 Duda Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Shane M. Kleeberg
Seller: Jeffrey A. Fickett
Date: 07/15/15

231 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Linda A. Houle
Seller: Justin P. Cobb
Date: 07/24/15

15 Fairfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Sarah C. Bankert
Seller: David Brusco
Date: 07/17/15

23 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Stanley S. Kim
Seller: Joshbhai M. Patel
Date: 07/17/15

10 Lux Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Luis Ramos
Seller: Bowers, Steven W., (Estate)
Date: 07/23/15

18 Lyman Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Christopher Lis
Seller: FNMA
Date: 07/20/15

285 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Deborah J. Ekstrom
Seller: Douglas P. Berry
Date: 07/21/15

15 Mutter St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Timothy N. Read
Seller: Wanda Karen Carr TR
Date: 07/16/15

N/A
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Christine M. Church
Seller: Kevin C. Netto
Date: 07/17/15

6 Newell St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Daniel R. Carey
Seller: Shane M. Kleeberg
Date: 07/15/15

18 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Justin M. Dempesy
Seller: Josephus V. Richards
Date: 07/14/15

14 Reservation Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Eliseo Martinez
Seller: Scott G. Dyer
Date: 07/24/15

39 Westview Terrace
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Jonathan P. Ferguson
Seller: Priscilla L. Goddu TR
Date: 07/24/15

GOSHEN

41 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Edgar R. Judd
Seller: Hopkins-Wilson FT
Date: 07/21/15

32 Maple Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $236,600
Buyer: Harvey Silberstein
Seller: Dennis M. Hebert
Date: 07/24/15

GRANBY

51 Barton St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $344,500
Buyer: Michael P. Regan
Seller: Michael F. Illuzzi
Date: 07/20/15

180 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Luis M. Tapia
Seller: Bruce L. Vachon
Date: 07/17/15

286 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Gregory J. Pion
Seller: Benjamin W. Novello
Date: 07/22/15

31 Lynn Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Anshalee Guarnieri
Seller: William H. Bangs
Date: 07/15/15

108 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ingita T. Giridhar
Seller: Michael P. Regan
Date: 07/23/15

HADLEY

12 Frost Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $208,264
Buyer: Walter J. Kroll
Seller: Walter J. Kroll
Date: 07/15/15

9 Morning Star Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Jeffrey B. Smith
Seller: John C. Morse
Date: 07/15/15

HATFIELD

Cow Bridge Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Szawlowski Realty Inc.
Seller: Alfred E. Tetrault
Date: 07/22/15

Great Pond Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Szawlowski Realty Inc.
Seller: Alfred E. Tetrault
Date: 07/22/15

HUNTINGTON

24 Nagler Cross Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Julie A. Cook
Seller: Gary Vancour
Date: 07/23/15

71 Russell Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $312,000
Buyer: Vitaly Vdovichenko
Seller: Philip A. Lachapelle
Date: 07/20/15

MIDDLEFIELD

86 Chipman Road
Middlefield, MA 01011
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Christine T. Ciosek
Seller: James A. Harper
Date: 07/24/15

NORTHAMPTON

73 Autumn Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: James C. Smith
Seller: Alan R. Krause
Date: 07/24/15

38 Brierwood Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Mark Sellers
Seller: Michael R. Keefe
Date: 07/15/15

1079 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Darlene Thorpe
Seller: Sherman W. Sadler
Date: 07/21/15

40 Chestnut Ave.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Peter K. Tur
Seller: Patrick J. Melnik
Date: 07/22/15

29 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Brian T. Marchese
Seller: Musante, Claire A., (Estate)
Date: 07/23/15

77 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Sarah E. Goodridge
Seller: Lynda Beaulieu
Date: 07/24/15

70 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Debra T. Bercuvitz
Seller: Stanley E. Finn
Date: 07/22/15

172 Greenleaf Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Kristin M. Hughes
Seller: Alan H. Bloomgarden
Date: 07/17/15

30 Henry St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jerod A. Shuford
Seller: Anne J. Smolen
Date: 07/20/15

60 Lake St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: David R. Shield
Seller: Kim A. Ovrutsky
Date: 07/15/15

66 Maynard Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Robert Martin
Seller: Mark D. Mantegna
Date: 07/24/15

61 Meadow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $434,000
Buyer: W. M. Ryan
Seller: Matilda Friedrich
Date: 07/15/15

129 Pleasant St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,600,000
Buyer: Chicopee Kendall LLC
Seller: Bowditch LLC
Date: 07/15/15

212 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Levi
Seller: Mary E. Carey
Date: 07/17/15

394 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Philip F. Blyth
Seller: Amy S. Altwarg
Date: 07/16/15

100 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Wesley R. Malzone
Seller: Tamatha A. Gaumnitz
Date: 07/16/15

SOUTH HADLEY

20 Benger Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Spencer Kirkpatrick
Seller: June W. Forhan
Date: 07/17/15

79 Boynton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Michael A. Pare
Seller: Sharon A. Glaszcz
Date: 07/16/15

126 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Megan M. Bergeron
Seller: Kristine Maguire
Date: 07/15/15

21 Easy St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Daniel Cornely
Seller: Debra Neveu
Date: 07/15/15

19 Highland Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Scott M. Dion
Seller: Pamela L. Rivest
Date: 07/13/15

12 John Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $290,500
Buyer: Alison L. Dunn
Seller: Sanford I. Levy
Date: 07/23/15

76 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Manuel S. Ramos
Seller: Michael P. Ezyk
Date: 07/24/15

260 Morgan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Kris A. Camp
Seller: Bethanie A. Hooker
Date: 07/13/15

652 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jorge B. Gomez
Seller: Claire M. Benoit
Date: 07/15/15

10 Pheasant Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Kenneth J. Colodner
Seller: Jonathan N. Lipman
Date: 07/15/15

10 Priestly Farms Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Keith A. Frosceno
Seller: William J. Powers
Date: 07/24/15

31 San Souci Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Joseph W. Donze
Seller: John E. Hart
Date: 07/20/15

13 Spring St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Sean W. Wimer
Seller: Jackson, Ebelyn E., (Estate)
Date: 07/17/15

61 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Angali B. Dziadzio
Seller: Brian P. Kalmakis
Date: 07/24/15

48 Wildwood Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Frank N. Roda
Seller: Jason E. Brinkley
Date: 07/23/15

SOUTHAMPTON

2 Camp Jahn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Glenn T. Spath LT
Seller: Peters, Joseph A. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 07/15/15

7 Couture Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Sherri Laplante
Seller: Larry L. Nelson
Date: 07/15/15

326 Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Gregory T. Wright
Seller: David A. Powers
Date: 07/17/15

7 Glendale Woods Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $366,500
Buyer: Jennifer L. Goodridge
Seller: Ronald J. White
Date: 07/20/15

Middle Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Ryan L. Geeleher
Seller: Donna M. Schmidt
Date: 07/17/15

3 Mountain View Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Lynn E. Clark
Seller: Elizabeth S. Whynott
Date: 07/16/15

White Loaf Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Ryan L. Geeleher
Seller: Donna M. Schmidt
Date: 07/17/15

WARE

24 Beach Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: James R. McDonald
Seller: Michael S. Biskup
Date: 07/14/15

33 Beaver Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Willette
Seller: Ruth E. Odgren
Date: 07/22/15

409 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: John W. Drawec
Seller: Kenneth T. Farrington
Date: 07/17/15

13 Gould St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Caitlin B. Walker
Seller: Donald G. Dunbar
Date: 07/17/15

26 Mountainview Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Ashley L. Gravel
Seller: Nikita Kirpichev
Date: 07/16/15

110 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $244,900
Buyer: Anthony M. Laforte
Seller: Trista M. Astrella
Date: 07/20/15

81 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Donald G. Dunbar
Seller: Richard J. Dominguez
Date: 07/17/15

397 Palmer Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Charlene M. Cocrane
Seller: Dorothy H. Bujnevicie
Date: 07/22/15

84 Shoreline Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Jay Pasternack
Seller: Barbara J. Tetreault
Date: 07/23/15

WESTHAMPTON

Shaw Road #1
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Pandora C. Redwin
Seller: Dennis R. Nolan
Date: 07/20/15

286 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Sarah B. Kalmakis
Seller: Suzanne A. Beebe
Date: 07/24/15

WILLIAMSBURG

21 Goshen Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $212,782
Buyer: Florence Savings Bank
Seller: Scott J. Potyrala
Date: 07/22/15

8 Myrtle St.
Williamsburg, MA 01060
Amount: $173,900
Buyer: Jeanne R. Taylor
Seller: Sarah Crawford
Date: 07/15/15

WORTHINGTON

178 Old Post Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Jill D. Pollack
Seller: Sarah R. Freund
Date: 07/20/15

266 Thayer Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $147,868
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Mark S. Fay
Date: 07/17/15

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

MGM Springfield Opening Delayed by One Year

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, receptive to arguments regarding the impact of a major highway reconstruction on I-91, agreed to allow MGM Springfield to push the opening of its $800 million resort casino to September 2018. It was originally expected to open in the fall of 2017. MGM Springfield officials said the state’s reconstruction of the I-91 viaduct through downtown Springfield — a project expected to begin this year and end by August 2018, although financial incentives to finish by 2017 are in play — must be complete before MGM Springfield can open. The highway project includes ramp closures next to the casino site, and severe traffic congestion would keep visitors away and inconvenience those who do show up, said MGM officials, who still need the city’s approval to push back the opening date.

Business Confidence Up in Massachusetts in July

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index added 2.9 points in July to 59.2, ending a string of three consecutive monthly losses. “Bouncing back from its dip in the second quarter, confidence among Massachusetts employers is fairly strong,” said Raymond Torto, Chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “The AIM Index is up three points from last July and, apart from its recent crest in February and March, is at its highest level since December 2006.” Torto noted that the Index’s recent performance extends a pattern that has prevailed for much of the post-Great Recession period. “Like the economy itself, the Index has followed a long-term trend of improvement, but the upward course has been longer and bumpier than most past recoveries.” AIM’s Business Confidence Index has been issued monthly since July 1991 under the oversight of the Board of Economic Advisors. Presented on a 100-point scale on which 50 is neutral, the Index attained a historical high of 68.5 in 1997 and 1998; its all-time low was 33.3 in February 2009. The sub-indices based on selected questions or respondent characteristics all rose from June to July, and most were up from a year before. The U.S. Index assessing national business conditions gained 2.5 points to 50.1, and Massachusetts Index of conditions within the Commonwealth rose six-tenths to 57.5. “The domestic economy, after a weak first quarter, is experiencing solid expansion, and Massachusetts continues to perform well in the national context,” said BEA member Sara Johnson, senior research director of Global Economics at IHS Global Insight. “Growth in international trade, however, has been disappointing, as improving conditions in Europe have been more than offset by the slowdown in Asia.” The Current Index, tracking employers’ assessment of existing business conditions, was up 3.5 to 59.7, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for the next six months, added 2.2 to 58.6. “The rating of current conditions is the best we have seen since the same reading in October 2006,” Johnson said. “The slightly lower future expectations probably reflect the Federal Reserve Board’s expressed intent to raise interest rates.” The three sub-indices related to survey respondents’ own companies were all well ahead in July. The Company Index, which assesses the overall situations of their operations, was up 3.7 points to 61.7; the Sales Index rose 5.3 to 63.2; and the Employment Index added 2.5 to 57.2. “The Company and Sales indicators are at their highest levels since 2006, and the Employment Index is also in its pre-recession range,” noted Elliot Winer, chief economist at Northeast Economic Analysis Group LLC, a BEA member. “These results are consistent with survey respondents’ favorable appraisal of prevailing business conditions and with recent state employment reports.” In July, confidence remained higher among employers within Greater Boston (61.3, up 3.9) than among those outside the metropolitan area (55.8, up 1.1). Manufacturers continued to be less confident (55.7, up 3.1) than other employers (62.9, up 2.9). “Massachusetts manufacturers, many of them in the central and western parts of the state, are seeing exports suffer because of the strong dollar and difficult conditions in key markets,” Winer said. “The indicators from the manufacturing sector and for the state outside Greater Boston are the only sub-indices that have lost ground, though less than a point each, over the past year.” There was little variation in confidence between small, medium-size, and larger employers.

Report: America’s Economy in Good, but Not Great, Shape

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. economy added 215,000 jobs in July after economists surveyed by CNNMoney predicted the economy would add 216,000 jobs. Anything above 200,000 is considered very solid. The unemployment rate stayed the same at 5.3%, which is its lowest point since April 2008. Wage growth — the missing piece to America’s economic progress — remained sluggish in July, the report notes. Average hourly earnings only rose 2.1% compared to the prior year. Wage growth is the reason many Americans haven’t felt the benefits of the economy’s recovery. The Federal Reserve wants to see annual wage growth closer to 3.5%. The jobs report is especially important now because the Fed is close to raising its key interest rate for the first time in over nine years. The Fed has said it will hike rates only if it believes the economy is healthy enough, especially for workers. A rate increase would be a good sign for how far the economy’s health has come since the recession ended. Although the Fed wants to see better wage growth before raising rates, wage growth isn’t a requirement. The Fed raised its key interest rate in June 2004 when average weekly earnings were 1.7% compared to the prior year. Average weekly earnings in July were 2.4%. Economic growth has been solid this year, though weaker than in 2014. Last year, the economy added 240,000 jobs a month on average between January and July. This year, that figure is 178,000. However, CNNMoney reports, many experts believe the current jobs report is strong enough to justify the Fed’s first rate hike taking place in September.

Volunteers Needed for Source to Sea River Cleanup This Fall

GREENFIELD — The Connecticut River Watershed Council’s (CRWC) 19th annual Source to Sea Cleanup will be held Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26. The annual, two-day event is coordinated by CRWC in all four states of the 410-mile Connecticut River basin. Each fall, thousands of volunteers of all ages and abilities head out to clean the Connecticut River and its tributaries on foot or by boat. Volunteers remove trash along rivers, streams, parks, boat launches, trails, and more. “Source to Sea Cleanup volunteers have worked hard to combat litter and illegally dumped trash,” said Alicea Charamut, CRWC river steward and organizer of the cleanup. “Their hard work and dedication is impressive and inspiring.” In 2014, more than 2,000 volunteers hauled over 47 tons of trash from riverbanks and waterways in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. Volunteers use human power and sometimes heavy equipment to pull out everything from recyclables, fishing equipment, and food waste to tires, televisions, refrigerators, and junk cars. To date, volunteers have prevented more than 897 tons of trash from polluting area rivers. There are three ways to get involved in the cleanup: report a trash site in need of cleaning, find a cleanup group near you to join, or organize and register your own local cleanup group. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.ctriver.org/cleanup. “If your group wants to get involved but needs a cleanup site, contact us to learn about reported trash sites that may be near you,” said Charamut. Anyone with questions or trash tips can contact Charamut at [email protected] or (860) 704-0057. “Generous financial support from lead sponsors — NRG’s Middletown Generating Station, Pratt & Whitney, and TransCanada — enables us to organize the thousands of volunteers who participate in the cleanup, and to take on complex projects that require the use of heavy equipment, scuba divers, and other professionals to get those really trashed places cleaned up,” said CRWC Executive Director Andrew Fisk. CRWC plans to continue efforts on cleaning up the tire dump along the Deerfield River in Greenfield, as well as removing an abandoned exposed pipe in the Connecticut River in Holyoke and a number of fuel tanks in various rivers in New Hampshire and Vermont. The Connecticut River Watershed Council works to protect the watershed from source to sea. To learn more about CRWC, or to join the effort and help protect local rivers, visit www.ctriver.org.

Springfield Seeks Developer for Former Chestnut Junior High Site

SPRINGFIELD — The city of Springfield is releasing a request for proposals (RFP) for the eight parcels of land that formerly comprised the home of the Chestnut Junior High School at 495 Chestnut St. The school building was destroyed in a fire in September 2013, and the site has since been fully cleared. “With $2.8 billion in ongoing economic development in the city of Springfield, now is not the time to rest,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. We are looking to capitalize on our momentum and bring new jobs and development to the city.” The RFP became available yesterday. Interested parties must return their proposal to the city by Monday, Sept. 14. The site is a total of 166,617 square feet, or 3.825 acres. The lump assessed value for all eight parcels is $127,900. The property was cleared by Associated Building Wreckers of Springfield, which removed all building elements, including foundations. “While the fire resulted in a great loss of the historic school, the site is now fully cleared and available for development,” said Springfield’s Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy. “To find a nearly four-acre site so close to major employers is rare. We expect strong interest in this property.” The neighborhood is home to Baystate Health, Mercy Medical Center, and Shriners Hospital for Children, as well as numerous private medical office buildings. Among many potential uses, the site could be appropriate for additional office development, retail development, or workforce housing targeting employees in the so-called ‘medical district.’ Proposers will be expected to address any zoning needs as well as work closely with the neighborhood to ensure a positive redevelopment of the site. The city recently commissioned an economic analysis of the medical district to examine its employee base of more than 10,000 people to better understand the opportunities that exist for new housing, retail, and commercial space that would not only serve the neighborhood but also these employees. The report can be found on the city’s Planning and Economic Development website at www.springfieldcityhall.com. Parties interested in obtaining the RFP should call the Office of Procurement at (413) 787-6284.

Editorial: UMass Heating Up as an Economic Engine

Opinion

There are many ways to measure the success of a college or university, everything from those rankings in USA Today — although we’ve always considered them very unscientific — to the number of Nobel Prize winners on the faculty; from enrollment figures to championships earned on the gridiron or basketball court.

And then, there are ways that are far more difficult to measure, such as a school’s ability to graduate students who are ‘workforce-ready,’ in whatever manner that phrase is put to use. And, in some ways, that’s the most important yardstick.

But the state’s university system is gaining significant ground in an area that is all-too-often overlooked, even though it shouldn’t be. And that’s the realm of innovation, as measured by the number of patents a school is awarded, the amount of licensing income earned, and the size of the research portfolio.

According to recent statistics released by the university, UMass moving up the ranks nationally and internationally in those categories, and while the net results from such movement may be hard to see with the naked eye, the Commonwealth certainly stands to benefit in the years and decades to come.

Among the highlights of the recent report:

• The five-campus university system was awarded a record 65 patents in FY 2015, which ended June 30;
• The school ranked 40th nationally and 53rd worldwide among universities awarded U.S. patents in calendar year 2014;
• UMass earned $34 million in licensing income from commercialization of its patented faculty investions in 2015, a $3 million increase from FY ’14, and the ninth consecutive year that licensing income topped $30 million;
• FY ’14 licensing income of $31 million placed UMass 14th in the nation among all universities;
• The UMass system now ranks in the top 40 nationally in research expenditures and is one of three universities in Massachusetts with research portfolios in excess of $600 million, along with Harvard and MIT; and
• UMass has earned more than $350 million from technology transfer over the past 20 years.

What do all these numbers and rankings mean? Using a little PR speak, the university’s recently named president, Marty Meehan, said, “the quest to create and transmit knowledge is at the core of our mission as a research university — and research and innovation also plays a critical role for our state and will determine our fortunes as we compete in the global economy.”

Roughly translated, this means that, in addition to educating students and readying them for the workforce, an institution such as UMass must also serve as an economic engine. It does so in several ways, from the thousands of people it employs to participation in what amount to economic-development initiatives, such as the creation of the UMass Center at Springfield, which opened a year ago.

But perhaps the most important way is through innovation that can spark new businesses, new economic clusters, and all-important jobs. It’s nearly impossible to say what 65 patents, $34 million in licensing income, and a $600 million research portfolio translates into when it comes to jobs and economic development. But suffice it to say that it means progress, and the university seems committed to creating more of it.

In short, the UMass system is certainly heating up as an economic engine, and it appears poised to deliver plenty of horsepower.

Incorporations