BusinessWest Staff, Author at BusinessWest

Class of 2015 Difference Makers

City’s Biggest Cheerleader Has Generated Light During Some Dark Times

Photo by Denise Smith Photography

It was with a strong dose of pride in her voice that Judy Matt explained that she keeps everything, and never tosses anything.

To prove it, she had a staff member at the Spirit of Springfield (SOS) retrieve an old briefcase from storage in the agency’s office at 1350 Main St.

In it was an eclectic array of items from her years at the helm of something called the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, or MOCA, in the mid-’80s, and also from her prior work for the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB). They included several program booklets from inaugural ceremonies involving a few mayors, but especially Richard Neal, who served from 1984 to 1989 and recruited Matt to lead MOCA; some marketing materials she created while at the GSCVB that featured the phrase ‘Metro Springfield,’ which she concocted; and a program book from the grand opening of the ‘old’ Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985.

And then, there was a promotional piece called “The Great Trees of Our City,” a pamphlet that highlighted a number of Springfield’s more noted examples of arboreal splendor, from a river birch on the grounds of MassMutual’s headquarters to the famous black walnut on State Street that now stands guard in front of the new federal courthouse.

“Richie Neal liked to build pride in the city — he did a lot of things like that,” Matt said of “The Great Trees.” “He was always looking for ways to showcase the city and make everyone proud.”

Suffice it to say that Matt’s efforts to promote Springfield, engender pride, and create positive vibes in a city that has sorely needed them, have come a long way from that brochure.

A very long way.

Indeed, over the past 30 years or so, first with MOCA and especially with the nonprofit Spirit of Springfield, formed after MOCA’s demise, Matt has spearheaded everything from the Big Balloon Parade down Main Street to what was, for some time, called the ‘World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast’; from First Night festivities to fireworks on the Fourth of July long after the city lacked the ability to pay for them.

And then, there’s the holiday lighting display Bright Nights, which recently celebrated its 20th year. The largest endeavor of its kind in the country, it has put Springfield on the map and found itself within a few lines of the majestic fountains of the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas on many national lists of must-see attractions.

Meanwhile, there have been other special occasions and events for which the city has turned to Matt to play the lead role in both making them happen and making them special. That list includes everything from city birthday celebrations to Larry Bird’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, to the massive — and carefully orchestrated — funeral arrangements for slain Springfield police officer Kevin Ambrose in 2012.

Bright Nights, which recently celebrated its 20th year, is now a permanent fixture on many national lists of must-see attractions.
Photo Courtesy Spirit of Springfield

But when you talk with those who have worked with Matt on these initiatives and others over the years, they inevitably talk as much about how she carries out her work as they do the volume of work. They use words like ‘energy,’ ‘enthusiasm,’ ‘determination,’ ‘imagination,’ and ‘passion’ (that’s the one you hear most often) to describe her approach to meeting her job description. They also speak to a unique talent for marshaling the forces needed to make all these events happen — from corporate sponsors for Bright Nights to the volunteers holding the ropes on the Cat in the Hat balloon — and an ability to somehow bring needed light during some of the city’s darkest times.

“Judy has been a true champion of Springfield, a real believer, especially during the tough times, when a lot of people were saying, ‘if you’re the last one to leave, turn out the lights,’” said Bill Pepin, president of WWLP Channel 22 and the first president of the Spirit of Springfield board. “She never gave up on Springfield, and has always been of the opinion that, when times are tough, that’s when you need the Spirit of Springfield most. And we’ve had a lot of tough times.”

Jane Albert, current chair, agreed, and noted that putting on a fireworks display or staging a parade may not be saving lives, combatting poverty, or eradicating homelessness, but Matt is improving quality of life, which certainly qualifies her as a Difference Maker.

“Judy makes a difference in the lives of so many people,” Albert told BusinesWest. “She’s passionate about what she does, and she cares deeply about the community. Most cities don’t have a Judy Matt, and Springfield’s very fortunate that it has her.”

Let There Be Light

During a lengthy interview with BusinessWest in the late summer of 1998, Matt told this writer that her job, “pure and simple, is to make the boss look good.”

She summoned those words while talking about a lifelong desire to toil in the background (although that’s impossible to do as director of the SOS) and direct praise to those for whom she worked for a particular event or initiative. And over the years, the word ‘boss’ came to mean many things. Early on, in the days of MOCA, and to a large extent today as well, it means the city’s mayor — even though the Spirit of Springfield is not a city department, a common misperception.

But it also means the members of her board, the corporations and individuals who have donated millions of dollars over the years to make events happen, and even the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities.

And this desire to please so many bosses is what drives Matt to not only produce events, but do them in a big (and, yes, expensive) manner where cutting corners is simply not an option, even if some of those bosses might have suggested (quietly and even loudly) that she might want to consider doing so.

And there’s no better example of all this than Bright Nights.

That story begins in the spring of 1995, when Pat Sullivan, director of Springfield’s Parks and Recreation Department, came into possession of a brochure from the Carpenter Decorating Co., a North Carolina-based business that designed and manufactured holiday lighting displays.

Intrigued by what he saw, Sullivan envisioned Forest Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country at 735 acres, as a site for such a display. He brought the concept to Matt, who soon took Sullivan’s vision to a much higher level.

Indeed, while early discussions focused on using only the park’s baseball fields for off-the-shelf lighting displays such as Santa Claus throwing snowballs, Matt envisioned using the entire park and creating displays that paid tribute to the city’s history and noted residents such as Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Everett Barney, who donated land for Forest Park and invented the first clamp-on ice skate.

Working with John Catenaci, design director for Carpenter Decorating, Matt and Sullivan started advancing a plan for a two-and-a-half-mile-long series of displays that would thread its way through the park. Making this vision reality required clearing a host of hurdles, from logistical matters including wiring the park and digging trenches for that wiring, to the matter of convincing a very skeptical board of directors to go along with the idea, to finding corporate sponsors for the ambitious lighting displays.

The Big Balloon Parade has become a Springfield tradition, one of many launched, or continued, by the Spirit of Springfield and its president, Judy Matt.
Photo Courtesy Spirit of Springfield

“When we look back, we often laugh and say, ‘how did we ever get all of that done?’ But if you believe in something, you can accomplish it, and Judy believed in it,” said Sullivan, adding that, by Thanksgiving, a host of displays, from Seuss Land to North Pole Village to Toy Land, were ready for prime time. And Matt had added ‘Wonder Woman’ — a phrase summoned by a city official upon his first look at the completed Bright Nights — to a host of unofficial titles bestowed upon her over the years, including ‘Springfield’s biggest cheerleader,’ ‘Mrs. Springfield,’ and the ‘First Lady of Springfield.’

How she would come to eventually earn such names is an intriguing story. It begins when Matt, living then in Connecticut, followed her husband, somewhat reluctantly, to Western Mass. in 1970 as he took a job here.

As for her own employment situation … well, she actually put an ad in the local paper stating a desire to find a suitable opportunity, as well as her credentials. The former Chicopee Bank and Trust responded and eventually offered her a job heading up its first MasterCard program.

She moved from there to a job leasing space in the recently opened Baystate West (now Tower Square) and was soon promoted to the position of marketing director. Soon after Neal was elected mayor in November 1983, he asked Matt to coordinate his inauguration ceremonies. She remembers being taken aback by that request — “I didn’t really know him that well, and I said, ‘Richie, I don’t know anything about inaugurals’” — but took on the assignment. She impressed him enough that, when Rick Norcross left his position as head of MOCA, Neal recruited her to take the helm. Over the next several years, she handled everything from the city’s 350th birthday festivities in 1986 to the “Great Trees” brochure.

When funding for MOCA was attached to a proposition 2½ override bid that would fail, the office’s doors closed. It wasn’t long, however, before people like Pepin, Mercy Hospital President Sr. Mary Caritas, and Republican Editor Arnie Friedman, among others, concluded that its work must continue, and that the logical choice for an individual to lead such an organization was Matt, who eventually accepted the job.

But to say that the entity that would come to be known as the Spirit of Springfield had humble beginnings would be a huge understatement.

“Attorney Mike Wallace, who was one of the board members, gave me some space in his office at 95 State St.,” Matt recalled. “We had a desk and a phone, and I would spend almost a year just trying to re-establish us.”

In December of 1989, the agency became a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization and received its first major gift, $20,000, from Tom Burke, president of Burke Beverage, to stage its first event, the Taste of Springfield.

“In was hard to raise money and for people to gain confidence in us in the early years,” Matt noted, adding that the agency managed to gain a firm foothold thanks to early corporate supporters such as Burke, Friendly Ice Cream, Milton Bradley (now Hasbro), and “some of the local banks that aren’t around anymore.”

The rest, as they say, is history in the making.

Some Bright Ideas

While, to many casual observers, the Spirit of Springfield’s work goes on easily and seemingly effortlessly, the reality is much different.

Indeed, funding the various events and initiatives is an ongoing battle, said Matt, adding that even Bright Nights, which many perceive to be a huge money maker, struggles in its mission to both pay for itself and fund other events such as the balloon parade. And a rough winter — like the one experienced in 2013-14, when five nights were lost due to snowstorms — can wreak havoc with the agency’s budget.

“Doing all that she does hasn’t been easy — it hasn’t been easy at all,” said Pepin. “Once in while I’ll run across someone who will say ‘Bright Nights … they’re making a lot of money off that.’ The reality is that they’re not — they’re surviving.

“It’s not like they’re rolling in dough — they’re not holding their board meetings in Tahiti,” he went on. “Funding all these events is a constant struggle.”

And fighting the budget battle is only one challenge that Matt must confront. There is the lingering perception that the agency, its many initiatives, and Matt’s salary are funded by the city, a factual error that can make it difficult to secure funding or support in the court of public opinion.

Meanwhile, Matt has often had to battle red tape and both bureaucratic and fiscal obstacles put in front of her by the communities she’s serving.

“She was doing things for the city when everyone else had essentially given up — she was trying to make things positive for the city,” said Pepin.

“And the city itself hasn’t really gone out of its way to make things easy for her or for organization,” he added. “Here’s an organization that’s trying to do positive things for the residents of Springfield and the surrounding areas, and over the years, they’ve thrown obstacles in her way. Instead of rolling out the red carpet and saying, ‘how can we help you?’ they’ve created issues and obstacles.”

The funeral for slain Springfield police officer Kevin Ambrose was one of many special events that Judy Matt has helped coordinate for Springfield leaders.

In the course of navigating all that, Matt has been driven, said those we spoke with, to create special and lasting memories for area residents, and make things brighter during dark and difficult times. And there have ben many such periods, ranging from city fiscal crises to the events of 9/11 to the tornado that roared through the region on June 1, 2001.

And, again, Bright Nights is a good example.

“Springfield was in a dark and low point at that time,” said Sullivan in reference to the mid-’90s, when the project was conceived and taken from the drawing board to reality. “There was a recession and things happening that you don’t want to happen.

“There wasn’t a good feeling in the city overall — the economy was distressed,” he went on. “And Bright Nights was a catalyst … it helped project that feeling you needed in the city, that Springfield was a place to come and visit, and we should be proud to live in the city. That’s what it meant to me.”

Albert remembers the days after the tornado struck, when there were discussions about whether the city should go forth with the fireworks at a time when so many had seen their lives uprooted. And she remembers Matt not only insisting they that go on, but that they be made special.

“She was so committed to making it incredible for the residents because it was such a low time for the city,” said Albert. “There have been many times when the city was challenged, but the tornado was a very difficult time for the community, and she just said, ‘we have to do this … we have to make this happen for the city, and we have to do a great job.’ And she did.”

Matt’s ability to get things done has prompted several mayors and other administrators to call on her to help with events that are not directly under the purview of the Spirit of Springfield, but nonetheless reflect on the city in many ways.

Albert cited the funeral arrangements for Ambrose as just one example of how Matt can move quickly and decisively and maximize the many strong relationships she’s built over the decades to the betterment of the city.

“There were 1,000 to 1,200 police officers in Court Square for that event,” Albert recalled of the Ambrose proceedings. “She had just a few days to pull that together; she just picked up the phone, called the presidents of large companies in this area, and said, ‘we need some funding to do this,’ ‘this is what we need to do,’ and ‘will you help?’

“I’m not sure if the city went to Judy or if this was Judy’s idea, because she’s always had that sensitivity,” she went on, “and has always wanted to help the city put its best foot forward.”

The Spirit Moved Her

For that interview with BusinessWest back in 1998, Matt summed up her office and her work this way:

“A city isn’t just buildings and streets and bridges. Those things don’t make a city, people do, and part of what makes a community livable is celebrations — they’re a part of us.”

Anyone who has driven through Bright Nights, taken in the fireworks on the Fourth of July, or watched the giant balloons make their way down Main Street would agree.

And for making all these happenings happen and putting smiles of the faces of millions of people, Matt is truly the First Lady of Springfield — and certainly a Difference Maker.

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

Difference Makers 2015: MassMutual

Class of 2015 Difference Makers

Company’s Contributions to the Region Extend Well Beyond Check Writing

Nick Fyntrilakis, the company’s vice president of Community Responsibility.
Photo by Denise Smith Photography

Nick Fyntrilakis certainly wasn’t around for what’s known in local lore as the Great Flood of ’36, when the Connecticut River, swollen by large amounts of melting snow and persistent rains, spilled over its banks in mid-March, breaching dams, knocking bridges off their foundations, and destroying homes and businesses.

But he’s heard the stories — and seen some of the photos — related to how MassMutual Financial Group, the company he now serves as vice president of Community Responsibility, opened its purse strings, not to mention its doors (quite literally), to help Springfield residents weather that disaster.

“We sheltered people in our home office on State Street because they didn’t have any place to go — we had people sleeping on cots in a gymnasium that we had at that time,” he told BusinessWest, adding that he references that story often because it helps explain the company’s long history of community involvement and the many different forms it has taken.

Actually, that history goes back well before 1936, he said, adding that it is his unofficial job description to help write more chapters and also create new ways to support area cities and towns (especially Springfield, its home base) and improve overall quality of life.

And in recent years, he and others at the company have added to the portfolio of community involvement in some intriguing — and what many would consider non-traditional — ways, from the many layers of support provided after the devastating tornado in 2011, to several forms of assistance to the nonprofit agency DevelopSpringfield, which grew out of a State Street revitalization initiative and is now involved in a wide range of economic-development-related activities, to multi-tiered support for Valley Venture Mentors and other groups and initiatives created to foster and nurture entrepreneurial activity and, ultimately, create jobs.

These come on top of more traditional forms of support, such as scholarships for high-school students, mentoring and internship programs, funding of cultural institutions such as the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and CityStage, and continued support for the many events staged by the Spirit of Springfield, including its annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

Add it all up, and it becomes apparent that MassMutual, a Fortune 100 company (number 96 in the last compilation, with more than $33 billion in annual revenue) is making a huge impact in the community, one that certainly epitomizes the phrase Difference Maker.

The numbers certainly support such a designation:

• In 2014, MassMutual supported 109 Springfield-area entities, spreading $4.8 million among them;
• The company’s aggregate support of DevelopSpringfield from 2008 to 2014 totals more than $4.3 million, including a $1.6 million contribution toward planning and rebuilding following the tornado;
• This past year, MassMutual awarded $1.6 million to Valley Venture Mentors over the next three years to support an accelerator program and created the $5 million Springfield Venture Fund;
• Over the past five years, the company has granted internships to nearly 500 high-school and college students. Job offers were extended to 23 of the participants, and 17 are still with the company; and
• Company employees mentor roughly 35 Springfield high-school students each year, and has had 175 mentor matches since the 2010-11 school year.

But such statistics tell only part of the story. Indeed, Fyntrilakis, as well as representatives for some of the agencies supported by MassMutual, say the company’s involvement goes well beyond check writing, and is part of broad strategy to strengthen the Greater Springfield area and position it for a better economic future.

Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield, called it a “holistic approach,” one that he believes separates MassMutual from most other corporate donors.

“One of things that distinguishes MassMutual’s support for initiatives like ours is that these are not just a nod toward giving back to the community or a feeling that the company should support charitable endeavors,” he explained. “These are different. These are strategic investments in the community.”

Summing up the company’s philosophy involving community involvement, Fyntrilakis said it mirrors its corporate outlook as well, meaning a focus on the longer term.

“We make decisions that are 50-year decisions — we don’t worry about the next quarter or what the stock price is going to look like in two days; we’re worried about how our company is going to be faring 50 years from now so we can deliver on the promises we make to our policy holders,” he explained. “And as a result, that translates into the way we engage our community and our corporate responsibility. We want to ensure that our region is strong into the future so that we can have a workforce that can deliver on the things that we need for our policy owners, and we want to continue to thrive as an organization. As goes our community, so goes our ability to do things.”

In Good Company

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno told BusinessWest that any community fortunate enough to have a Fortune 100 company headquartered within its boundaries should certainly expect that employer to be a solid corporate citizen.

Springfield’s fireworks display now bears MassMutual’s name as lead sponsor — one of the company’s many examples of philanthropy in the category of community vitality.

But he and others are of the opinion that what MassMutual has done over the past 164 years goes above and beyond what could — and should — be expected.

“From the beginning, this city has always been able to count on MassMutual,” said Sarno, who has been in the corner office through a number of natural disasters and economic initiatives that the company has responded to. “It’s been a source of jobs, a force on economic development, and a philanthropic monster. And it should never, ever be taken for granted, because not every city has a MassMutual — and every city would love to have one.”

Fyntrilakis said the contributions made within the community are part of a corporate culture. “We are responsive and engaged and committed to serving our community,” he said, adding that, as the company has grown over the decades and expanded physically within other communities, that philosophy has followed.

“We support other communities where we have a presence,” he explained, “including Enfield, Phoenix, Memphis, and now Boston, where we have an office. We are engaged there as well.”

But the level of engagement is much higher in Springfield, he said, and for obvious reasons. The company traces its roots here, to 1851, when Caleb Rice, then an insurance agent working for Hartford-based Connecticut Mutual Life, decided to open a similar company — one owned by its policy holders — in Massachusetts. The company’s growth mirrored the nation’s — in other words, it expanded west, opening offices in several Midwestern states, and eventually reached the West Coast in 1868.

But it has always had Springfield has its base, with several headquarters facilities, including the current home on State Street, opened in 1927. Along with Smith & Wesson (because of that company’s strong brand recognition), it is the corporate entity most associated with the City of Homes.

“We have a much deeper involvement in Springfield, both from a financial perspective as well as a human-engagement perspective,” said Fyntrilakis, “in the sense of me serving on boards of directors, having our employees volunteer in the community on various things, and employees being generous with their own dollars to causes that we support or drives that we have for food or toys or things of that nature.

“It’s pretty special — it’s a meaningful degree of support,” he went on. “It goes along with being a Fortune 100 company, but it’s not just about how big we are or what people think we should do. It’s about what we think we should do and our own commitment.”

Fyntrilakis told BusinessWest that the phrase ‘corporate responsibility’ cuts across most all aspects of the company and includes employees in many departments and on many levels. Examples include everything from environmental responsibility — an important consideration for a company with such a large footprint, and one embodied in such initiatives as solar panels on the roof of the company’s headquarters and electric-car-charging stations in the parking lot — to employee benefits and training initiatives.

But perhaps the most visible component of corporate responsibility is the many actions that fall into the broad category of philanthropy or community involvement.

Historically, there are three main categories for this involvement, he said: education, economic development, and what the company calls ‘community vitality,’ and there are many examples of each.

School of Thought

Before elaborating on each area, Fyntrilakis first went into more depth about the philosophy that governs decisions on community involvement, because doing so helps explain directions taken by the company.

“We’re not ashamed to say that it’s important for our charitable activity to align with our business strategy,” he explained. “Because, in order for us to support charitable activity, our business needs to be strong.”

And one of the keys to achieving that strength (again, for the long term) is through a quality workforce and effective means of attracting and recruiting talent. Thus, many of the philanthropic initiatives within the realm of education involve initiatives that would help better train a workforce locally and also introduce young people to the company and its myriad employment opportunities. Meanwhile, initiatives within the area of community vitality are aimed at improving quality of life, but also to make the region more attractive to potential job candidates.

On the national level, he went on, many initiatives, such the LifeBridge and FutureSmart programs, are designed at enhancing the corporation’s brand and reputation, as well as empowering more Americans to become educated financially, which ties into MassMutual’s core business.

LifeBridge is a unique, free life-insurance program that helps children of income-eligible families pay for their education expenses if their insured parent or guardian passes away during the term of the policy, while the FutureSmart Challenge, conducted in conjunction with select NBA teams, stages interactive seminars at which students learn the importance of savings, career choices, staying in school and going to college, and how each has a profound impact on their future financial success.

Locally, within the category of education, said Fyntrilakis, the emphasis is on grades 6-12, with a focus on academic achievement and career pathways. Individual initiatives involve grants to specific programs to improve academic achievement, scholarships, mentoring students at the Springfield High School of Science and Technology and Putnam Vocational Technical High School (both located nearly across State Street from the company’s headquarters building), internships, job-shadowing programs, and others.

“Our hope is that we can create a pipeline for some of those young people to come and work at MassMutual,” he explained. “Many of our initatives are aimed at prompting the diverse, talented young people that we have to think about a career at MassMutual, and have a progression and a way that they can do that.”

MassMutual’s support to Springfield after the 2011 tornado came in many forms, from a $1.6 grant toward the rebuilding effort to a loaned executive to help draft a recovery plan.

In the realm of community vitality, support is directed toward those events and institutions that will attract people to the city of Springfield and the region as a whole, said Fyntrilakis. That list includes everything from the recent Spalding Hoophall Classic, which brought top high-school basketball players from around the country to the City of Homes for a three-day tournament, to Bright Nights, the Fourth of July fireworks, and other events staged by the Sprit of Springfield; from the SSO to CityStage and the Springfield Museums.

As with programs in the realm of education, MassMutual’s initiatives in community involvement usually go well beyond simply writing checks.

Indeed, Audrey Szychulski, outgoing executive director of the SSO, said the company’s contributions to that institution go well beyond its sizeable season sponsorship (a six-figure gift). Indeed, several officers of the company sit on the orchestra’s board, including Chief Marketing Officer John Chandler, the current chair.

“Besides funding, MassMutual has a core group of people who interact with us on a regular basis,” she explained, adding that the company has also assisted with strategic planning, marketing initiatives, introducing the SSOP to young professionals new to the region, and even a complete IT analysis. “And when it comes to a donation of that size, it’s really an investment in our general operating needs to ensure that we really can serve our community. To them, it’s not just about the concert, but the whole experience and helping to ensure that we can touch as many people as possible through outreach initiatives.”

Response to the tornado of 2011, as well as the flood of 1936 and other natural disasters, does not fall neatly into any of the three main categories of community involvement, but it does reflect the company’s sense of responsibility to the city and its residents.

“It was an extraordinary event, and we certainly wanted to step in,” Fyntrilakis said, adding that support took forms ranging from an immediate $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to a $1.6 million contribution to DevelopSpringfield for its Rebuild Springfield Fund, to a donation of his time and energy to co-chair the rebuilding effort.

Fueling Entrepreneurship

But if the tornado does fit into a category, it would likely be economic development, said Fyntrilakis, adding this is a relatively new classification of community involvement for the company — but one that has garnered most of the headlines in recent months.

The sharpened focus on this realm dates back roughly to 2008 and the Great Recession, he told BusinessWest, noting that the company recognized a need to reach out and help the city, which was, like many former manufacturing centers, struggling to reinvent itself and stimulate new job growth.

“We stepped back and we decided that we really needed to help the community leverage the assets it had and really take advantage of opportunities to grow and strengthen its economy,” he explained. “It’s great for us to be able to do lots of things charitably, but the reality is, the better the economy is, and the better the opportunities for people to get jobs and for the tax base to grow — that’s really what’s going to help strengthen the community a lot more than charitable contributions that aren’t going to facilitate that.”

This emphasis on economic-development-related support has taken more forms, starting with a State Street Corridor initiative that remains a work in progress. As part of that endeavor, the company helped facilitate creation of DevelopSpringfield, which Fyntrilakis called a “bricks-and-mortar organization” charged mostly with developing and repurposing underutilized properties, thereby revitalizing many of the city’s neighborhoods.

Current projects include several on State Street, including development of a supermarket, reuse of the former River Inn, razed in 2013, and redevelopment of the so-called Gunn Block. Other initiatives include renovation of the Ansel Phelps House on Maple Street and DevelopSpringfield’s commitment to build an innovation center in two long-vacant buildings on Bridge Street.

That facility will become the new home to Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), another of the Difference Makers for 2015 (see related story, page A28) and one of the focal points for MassMutual’s multi-pronged efforts to promote entrepreneurship and encourage businesses to locate within Springfield.

Overall, the company is investing $6.5 million in that realm, with $1.5 million going to VVM over the next three years for a startup accelerator — the first cohort of 30 companies started its six months of programs in January — and $5 million for creation of the Springfield Venture Fund, which will invest in startups located in Springfield or willing to relocate there.

In December, video-game developer HitPoint Studios became the first company to receive an investment ($500,000) from the fund, relocating from Amherst to a suite in 1350 Main St. in Springfield.

“We kept hearing how entrepreneurs were chasing capital, and capital was dictating where folks were locating — Boston, Cambridge, and San Francisco were putting money on the table and driving people to those communities,” said Fyntrilakis as he discussed how and why the fund came about. “Those are great cities with wonderful entrepreneurial ecosystems, but we felt that we had, through VVM and others, a good entrepreneurial ecosystem in Springfield, but the early-stage capital just wasn’t available, and folks were leaving to pursue capital elsewhere.”

By providing that early-stage capital, as well as other forms of support for entrepreneurship, MassMutual is taking a somewhat bold step in the arena of community involvement, one that should pay huge dividends down the road, said Jay Leonard, a board member at VVM and one of those who helped guide it though its formative years.

“MassMutual’s support of both the accelerator and the fund has been critical,” said Leonard, who serves as an economic researcher for one of the company’s subsidiaries, Babson Capital Management, and has served as a go-between of sorts for VVM and the corporation. “The best way to provide economic development is to invest in companies that are going to be successful, and MassMutual’s doing that.”

Minkarah agreed, and returned to that word ‘holistic’ to describe the company’s community involvement, especially with entrepreneurship initiatives.

“The company has provided support for the Springfield Innovation Center and Valley Venture Mentors, and it created the Springfield Venture Fund, and you can’t just look at any of these in isolation,” he explained. “When you look at that total package, here are very well-thought-out strategic investments designed to create a physical place that will support and foster innovation and entrepreneurship, support an organization that can actually run the program, and provide funding to support startups and high-growth companies that are innovative and entrepreneurial themselves.

“These are investments that MassMutual is making in the long-term economic health of the community,” he went on, “because they believe these are strategically positioned initiatives that can have a catalytic effect.”

Flood of Memories

It’s unlikely that anyone was using the word ‘catalytic’ with any degree of frequency back in 1936.

And that term probably wouldn’t be used to describe people sleeping on cots in MassMutual’s gymnasium because the flood leveled their homes.

But times change, in some ways, and that word is certainly appropriate now.

That’s because, while the company is basically continuing a 160-year-old tradition of community involvement, it is finding new, dynamic, and in some ways groundbreaking ways for it to evolve.

And that’s one of many reasons why it is a Difference Maker.

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

Difference Makers 2015: Katelynn’s Ride

Class of 2015 Difference Makers

Event Provides Memories, Camaraderie, and a Chance to Help ‘Kick Cancer’s Ass’

Domenic and Michelle Battista (front row, left), with K-Ride founders (from left) Kim Zachery, Dan Williams, and Steve Stark.
Photo by Denise Smith Photography

Dr. Satkiran Grewal says that, when parents first hear the word ‘cancer’ used in the same sentence as their child’s name, they often don’t really hear much, if anything, said immediately after that.

They’re listening, said Grewal, chief of Pediatric Oncology at Baystate Children’s Hospital, but often what is said doesn’t fully register because there is a surreal quality to the news they’ve been given, and they’re still attempting to digest it while trying to anticipate what happens next. Later, parents and other family members will inevitably need help understanding, coordinating, and simply coping with the many aspects of a prolonged cancer battle.

And these are some of the many reasons why, in 2012, Baystate created a new position, an individual (a nurse practitioner, or NP) who acts essentially as a liaison between the families of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer and the specialists providing them care. It’s a position funded in part by money raised by participants in Katelynn’s Ride, or K-Ride, as it’s called, an annual event created to honor the spirit and courage of Katelynn Battista, who lost a decade-long battle with leukemia in 1997 at age 11.

“Katelynn’s riders have supported one of Baystate’s most patient-focused initiatives — the work of a designated care coordinator who helps patients and families navigate the complexities of the healthcare system amid serious illness,” said Grewal. “It’s a very important role, and we’re grateful for their assistance.”

But support for this position is just one of many reasons why K-Ride is being honored as a Difference Maker for 2015.

Indeed, while the money it raises for both Baystate Children’s Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund, and also for individual families in the form of $1,000 grants to help them cope with the many expenses associated with a cancer diagnosis, is substantial ($1.7 million to date), it is only part of the story.

The event itself, through the camaraderie it creates and the critical help it provides to those coping with this deadly disease, makes a difference in the lives of those who participate and, while doing so, brings different, often-inspiring storylines to the ride’s starting line on the grounds of Hampshire College.

People like Deb Rossmeil, who started riding to honor the successful fight against leukemia waged by her son, Adam, and to help others facing similar battles. In the beginning, she would ride with a few family members, but today, the team now known as Adam’s Animals brings as many as 30 people to the ride and is annually one of the top fund-raisers.

There’s also 10-year-old Luke Bradley, a fifth-grader from South Hadley who, last May, had the honor of serving as one of the event’s ambassadors, those who cut the ribbon to start the various rides — 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 miles. That role had traditionally gone to individuals (usually parents) whose loved one had lost their fight with the disease. But for 2014, organizers wanted to extend the honor to a young person at a key turning point in their battle.

So it was for Luke, who only a few weeks before the ride had undergone what would be his last treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, essentially ending a three-year fight. He was still rather weak as he undertook the 5-mile ride himself, but he finished it.

“It was fun, and I had a great time,” he said, adding that this was an experience he’ll never forget, and he intends to be back next year with his parents and younger siblings.

And then there are Michelle and Domenic Battista, Katelynn’s parents. They both recall having mixed feelings when they were approached about creating a ride in honor of their daughter only a year after she died, but they eventually said ‘yes,’ and they’ve served as gracious hosts ever since, and say the event provides a powerful, meaningful, and at times emotionally exhausting way to honor Katelynn’s indomitable spirit.

“It’s difficult in some ways because Katelynn’s not with us,” said Michelle. “It’s overwhelming to see all the people who come out, not only for our family, but their own families, where they have a situation where someone’s battling cancer. It’s great to see a lot of the survivors, especially the children, but it’s bittersweet because our daughter’s not there.

“But I know Katelynn’s looking down on all this and smiling,” she went on. “It’s nice for her to be remembered in such a way and to have her go on inspiring people.”

Profile in Courage

Domenic Battista said Katelynn was a child who could light up any room just by walking into it.

Michelle Battista says cancer couldn’t stop her daughter, Katelynn, from doing anything she wanted to do.

“She had that kind of personality,” he recalled. “She was never down on herself; she just had that glow to her. She was caring for others — she knew she had a serious illness, and she fought it with … I don’t want to say ‘style,’ but I guess maybe that works.”

Michelle remembers that Katelynn was committed to not letting her cancer get in the way of whatever she wanted to do, and, for the most part, she succeeded with that mission.

“She tried to maintain her normal self and activities, just like any other child,” she told BusinessWest, “because she just wanted to be a kid and do the things that her friends did. Cancer did not hold her back; she was still involved in all her sports — she danced, she played soccer, she played basketball, she played piano, all while she was sick. She didn’t miss out on anything that she wanted to do.”

And while doing all that, Katelynn decided she would also make time to appear on a radiothon staged by radio station WHYN to raise money for Dana Farber, where she received some of her care.

It is here where the story of K-Ride begins, because it was roughly at that point where Katelynn began inspiring people to do things in her name in the ongoing fight against cancer.

Two of the hosts for that radiothon were Dan Williams and his wife and long-time radio and TV partner Kim Zachery. Williams’ best friend, Steve Stark, worked for the Postal Service, as did Domenic Battista. “It turns out we all knew other, and so we all got very involved in Katelynn’s story,” said Zachery, adding that Katelynn became a regular on radiothons.

For Williams and Stark, that involvement eventually included a cross-country bike ride they undertook in 1996 — soon after Katelynn, who had been in remission, was again diagnosed with cancer — to raise money for Dana Farber and get the infusion room there named in her honor.

“Katelynn became our inspiration,” said Williams, adding that, two years after that cross-country trek, he and Stark took part in something called the Race Across America, a 2,740-mile, non-stop relay that they and other team members completed in just under seven days. “In 1996, when we did the cross-country bike ride, we did it in honor of Katelynn, raising something like $50,000, and then in 1998, we did it in her memory — she died the year before.”

And it wasn’t long after she passed away before Williams, Stark, and Zachery started conceiving an event that would enable Katelynn to go on being an inspiration — for hundreds of people, many of whom had never met her.

“When she passed away, we knew we had to keep her name and her legacy going,” said Zachery, “because she was such a wonderful little girl and had such a fierce spirit of determination.”

The first K-Ride was staged in 2001 with roughly 60 riders. That number rose steadily to about 300, said Stark, and it has stayed around that level, dipping during the Great Recession, when most all fund-raising initiatives suffered, but rising again when it ended.

Over the years, the event has expanded to include several different rides, and also a walk, with participants coming mostly from this region but some from well outside it.

These are not races, but chances for individuals and teams to raise money through donations from friends and relatives in recognition of their participation. Riders 18 and over must raise $300 each, while riders under 18 and walkers 12 and over must raise $100. The format is similar in many ways to the popular PanMass Challenge, a bike ride that raises millions each year for the Jimmy Fund, but it is less demanding from a fund-raising perspective (PanMass Challenge participants must raise $4,000), and more of the dollars raised stay in this region.

And while the K-Ride has grown in terms of participation, it has also gained a number of corporate and media sponsors who underwrite nearly all of the operating expenses, meaning that all the money raised by the riders goes to Baystate and Dana Farber.

Fun with a Purpose

All those we spoke with said the K-Ride is much more than a sporting activity created to raise money for cancer programs. It’s an event, they note, and a family event at that, complete with a barbecue, a live band, and a host of activities.

Williams joked that riders are “pampered,” with numerous water stops, fruit, sports bars, peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, shower facilities, and even a massage station.

But it is an event with a purpose, one that is reflected in everything from the names of the teams that participate (many, like Adam’s Animals, were inspired by people who have battled cancer) to the ambassadors who cut the ribbon, to the position at Baystate supported by the ride.

And that purpose isn’t lost on anyone.

Luke Bradley served as ambassador at the 2014 edition of Katelynn’s Ride only a few weeks after his last treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Photo courtesy of Driscoll Photography

For Jeff Neumann, an artist from New York State, K-Ride offers him an enjoyable opportunity to fund more of the research and new treatment options that helped him beat back the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma he was diagnosed with nearly 20 years ago.

“If it wasn’t for medical science and technology, I wouldn’t be here, and I wouldn’t be able to participate in such an event,” said Neumann, who has long been a friend of Williams, started riding at his urging, and joined him in recent years on a team, a fund-raising juggernaut, called K.C.A., short for ‘Kicking Cancer’s Ass.’ “I’m extremely grateful that I’m able to contribute and help some kid who may be in jeopardy of being able to ride his bike in the future.”

For Rossmeil, there are many connections between her son, Adam, and Katelynn and her family. Both families are from West Springfield, and Adam was diagnosed with the same form of leukemia (acute myeloid, or AML) as Katelynn.

Adam is now in the sixth grade and recently marked the 10th anniversary of his bone-marrow transplant. He’s been a participant in the K-Ride since he was 3, riding first with his father, before graduating to his own bike and successfully completing first the 10-mile and then the 25-mile ride.

The Rossmeil family rides and volunteers for the event to both celebrate what Adam has accomplished and create more stories like his.

“The thing we like the most is that they’re raising money for the Jimmy Fund and for the Baystate Cancer Center — Adam was treated in both facilities,” she said. “But it’s also a big family event. We get to see the Battistas every ear, and also one of Adam’s nurses from the hospital — she rides on our team — and we get to see the doctor who took care of him when he was first diagnosed; he also rides. It’s just a great event.”

Williams told BusinessWest that the ride has generated many traditions over the years, none more poignant for him than the ambassadors.

“There have been some inspirational stories over the years, and there have also been some very sad stories,” he said in reference to those who cut the ribbons. “Even though this is a day of celebration, we’re still dealing with cancer, so we’ve had families representing a child that may have passed away from cancer cutting the ribbon. That has a sobering effect, but it reminds everyone of why we’re doing this, why we’re all together on this particular day, and why we’re riding when it’s 95 degrees out or the rain is coming down sideways.”

For the Battistas, meanwhile, the ride is a day that generates a wide range of emotions, from sadness to elation to pride in what has been accomplished.

“We have some riders who have been with us since day one, and it’s great to see them come back each year,” said Domenic. “We’re here 15 years later, and I never thought it would get this big or go this long, but it has, and that’s a tribute to a dedicated crew we call the Friends of Katelynn. It’s a long day, but a nice day, a family day of remembrance for Katelynn while we’re helping to fund this position at Baystate.”

Katelynn’s ride participants describe it as a family event packed with fun, purpose, and poignancy.
Photo courtesy of Driscoll Photography

Such an individual was not available to families when Kateylnn was battling cancer, he said, adding that, when Grewal and others at Baystate indicated a desire to direct some of the K-Ride’s donations in that direction, organizers were in full support.

Hired in 2012, the nurse practitioner has been an effective addition to the staff at Baystate, working with patients and their families in both inpatient (at Baystate Children’s Hospital) and outpatient (at the Sadowsky Center for Children) clinical settings.

The NP assists families with everything from managing medications properly to scheduling tests to answering the myriad questions that are inevitably raised during a cancer battle, said Grewal, adding that, while the survival rates for childhood cancer are quite good, that doesn’t mean the process of treatment is in any way easy or without stress.

And starting just after the news is broken to parents, the nurse practitioner serves as an intermediary of sorts and a needed source of information and support during an often-years-long ordeal that can and usually will test a family’s patience — and mettle.

“There is a shock that comes to the family, and after the initial news on the first meeting, most of the things just fly over their heads,” Grewal explained. “We as physicians meet with the family on multiple occasions, but a nurse practitioner fills that role in between. And I wouldn’t say it’s hand-holding, although there is some of that. There are also many questions to be answered.

“I’ve been guilty, like everyone else, of using technical terminology,” he went on. “Parents won’t interrupt me while I’m doing that, but they’ll sit down with the nurse practitioner later, go over everything again, and they’ll say, ‘I didn’t understand what he said when he was saying this.’”

The Ride Stuff

While the K-ride is fun and rewarding, Zachery told BusinessWest, it is also a great deal of work. And that’s why organizers have at times — usually just after the event is staged — stopped to consider if this is something they want to continue doing.

“But then, the e-mails start coming in from people telling us this was the best ride ever, or that they plan to keep coming back, or that they’re really inspired by what we do,” she told BusinessWest. “And that keeps us going.”

If they wanted another reason to push on, they need only recall something Katelynn said not long before she died: “nothing is ever too hard to do if your faith is strong and your purpose is true.”

Those words apply to a cancer fight, obviously, but also to life in general — and perhaps a 100-mile bike ride as well.

And they represent only one way in which Katelynn — and all of her many friends — continue to inspire and make a difference.

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

Boston Wrong

Features

Author, Economist Andrew Zimbalist Says Olympics Are a Bad Deal

Andrew Zimbalist shakes his head at the prospect of the Summer Olympics coming to Boston in 2024. While the U.S. Olympic Committee paints a rosy picture of gleaming new construction, increased tourism, and long-term economic growth, Zimbalist argues that Olympic host cities almost never see these benefits.

As one of the world’s foremost sports economists, he should know. In fact, the Smith College professor of Economics recently published a book, Circus Maximus, on this very topic.

“In theory, the Olympics aren’t bad,” Zimbalist told BusinessWest. “In practice, there’s virtually no evidence that the city benefits. There may be some short-term benefit if everything goes well, in terms of volunteerism, pride, and togetherness. People feel good for a couple of months, then that fades away.”

“But,” he continued, “is it worth $5, $10, $15 billion to have that experience? The city ends up getting saddled with debt, and many times saddled with stadiums that are underutilized. Because of the cost to build and maintain them, we call them white elephants. And the presumed benefits of increased tourism, increased trade, and increased foreign investment are now borne out empirically; these things don’t increase over the trajectory they were already on.”

In short, if your city is chosen to host the Olympics, it probably didn’t need an image boost to begin with. And it certainly doesn’t need the debt. For a return of some $5 billion or $6 billion, the cost of staging the Summer Olympics were an estimated $16 billion in Athens in 2004, $40 billion in Beijing in 2008, and nearly $20 billion in London in 2012 — much of this investment tied up in infrastructure projects that may not be useful going forward.

Zimbalist argues that the Olympics are sold to the public as an economic boon when it’s just the opposite, a catalyst for tourism when evidence suggests it’s not.

“Whether it’s congestion, terrorism, or other fears, not one of these things necessarily makes people want to come to your city and trade with your city,” he said. “Even when the Olympics are pulled off well, are there really people around the world who haven’t heard of Boston and say, ‘hey, let’s travel to Boston’? Probably a few. It’s fair to say there are some feel-good benefits, but they’re very evanescent, very ephemeral. And for the economy, the benefits are illusory.”

Frankly, he continued, the Olympics are an opportunity for special interests to line their pockets at the long-term expense of the host city and the public. In a broad, candid interview with BusinessWest, he explained several reasons why the bidding and organizing structure encourages that outcome, and why the system isn’t likely to change anytime soon.

The Price Isn’t Right

If the bidding process were rational, Zimbalist argues, local organizing committees would understand how much their city stands to gain, and then cap their bids below that level.

The problem is that local committees are dominated by private business interests — contractors, construction unions, architects, investment bankers, and lawyers, to name a few — which individually stand to gain from the massive construction required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Boston 2024 is a committee of private executives, largely from the construction industry. Some other industries are represented as well, but construction benefits more than any other industry,” he explained, adding that the construction contracts to be handed out are essentially “other people’s money.”

“Some of it comes from the Olympic Games, some from taxpayers, some from corporate sponsors, but it’s not their money. And they’re going to get the contracts; why wouldn’t they love the Olympics? They get to do all this massive construction in a relatively short period of time. Meanwhile, a lot of contracts get rushed and get charged higher costs than normal.”

The model suffers from what economists call a “principal/agent problem,” Zimbalist explained. The city (the principal) is not properly represented by the local organizing committee (the agent). So the more extravagant the bid, the more the committee members personally benefit, and they don’t think about (or care about) the public benefit versus the public cost — hence, the massive overbidding.

In his latest book, Andrew Zimbalist makes the case that the Olympics saddles host cities with debt while bringing few long-term benefits.

“The most problematic aspect about the structure is that you have one organizer, the International Olympic Committee, that, in essence, auctions the right to host the Olympic Games. You have multiple cities around the world competing against each other and one monopoly seller,” he said.

“That situation almost always ends up with an overzealous overcommitment for extra funding, extravagance, and frills. Imagine six or seven cities all wanting to get this; five cities think it’s worth $4 billion, but one city thinks it’s worth $5 billion. That city is the outlier, the one that can’t agree with everyone else, and they’re the ones that end up winning.”

Will Boston approach its bid differently? Not if it wants to win, Zimbalist said.

“We keep hearing about how frugal and bare-bones Boston is going to be. They’re going to be building, they say, an Olympic stadium with a 60,000-seat capacity that doesn’t have any luxury boxes, club seats, or catering facilities, among other things. And when the games are over, they’ll take it apart.

“Other than the fact that, in my mind, it makes no sense to spend $500 million on a stadium that exists for 17 days,” he continued, “the problem is, Boston’s going to be competing against cities like Paris, Rome, either Berlin or Hamburg, Melbourne, Doha (capital of Qatar), and Johannesburg, and they’re not all going to put forward bare-bones plans. At the end of the day, the IOC will take the plan that most honors them and their traditions, and that’s going to be the most extravagant plan.”

In short, he said, “meeting the committee’s demands for infrastructure and facilities makes it impossible economically to get a reasonable return. That’s the most difficult thing Boston or any other city has to overcome.”

Tourist Trap

But what about the long-term gains a city might realize in increased tourism? It’s an attractive idea, Zimbalist said, but the publicity generated by the Games themselves is not guaranteed to be positive. Just ask the organizers of Olympics plagued by disorganization (London, Sochi), pollution (Beijing), corruption (Salt Lake City, Nagano), or terrorism (Atlanta).

“The publicity you get is not necessarily good publicity,” he went on. “Mexico didn’t get good publicity when they had to kill 2,000 students demonstrating, or when the African-American athletes raised their fists on the medal stands to protest race relations in the States. Munich didn’t get good publicity when 11 Israeli athletes were killed by terrorists. Montreal didn’t get good publicity when budget overruns were nine times over the initial bid price.”

Even during the Games, evidence suggests that the influx of Olympic tourism is offset by locals moving away for three weeks and tourists who would otherwise visit the city staying away as well. “In the short run, a lot of tourists decide they don’t want to deal with the high prices, congestion, and security issues, and tourism goes down in net terms.”

The best way to promote tourism is word of mouth, and that doesn’t translate to the Olympics, he added.

“Normally, when a tourist goes to Boston, he goes home and talks to friends and relatives: ‘Boston was great! We went to the Boston Garden, we saw the U.S.S. Constitution, we visited the Museum of Fine Arts, we heard the symphony’ … on and on. And people say to themselves, ‘hey, I want to go to Boston, too.’ But an Olympic tourist goes home and says, ‘I saw a terrific 50-meter dash, really exciting hurdles, a great relay.’ That’s not going to promote tourism in Boston. You lose the word-of-mouth effect.”

Zimbalist admits there have been exceptions. Barcelona, which staged the Summer Games in 1992, is often held up as a model for the Olympics bringing long-term benefits to the host city.

However, “Barcelona was a complicated story with many elements to it,” he explained. “Barcelona and Catalonia had been neglected regions for many years. When Franco died in 1975, the people of Barcelona said, ‘we’ve got to rebuild our city.’” That effort involved razing a warehouse district that separated downtown from the sea and a series of other development initiatives, all underway long before the Olympic bid.

“When they won the games, they had been building anyway. They started with a vision and an actual plan to change their city, and they folded the Olympics into that,” Zimbalist said. “They reversed the usual order, where there is no coherent plan, and the IOC tells you it needs 33 venues, and you contort your city to fit their plan.

“Barcelona was a gem of a city, largely undiscovered, with spectacular architecture, interesting culture, good climate, and a great location,” he said. “It was a city waiting to happen, and the Olympics gave it the spark.”

The Case for Reform

Boston, Zimbalist argues, does not need that spark, and neither do most countries bidding for the Games. In fact, the money they will spend over decades for that 17-day extravaganza would be better invested in needed infrastructure improvements, reduced rates from the national airline to boost tourism, multiplied trade missions, and a host of other efforts with tangible, long-term benefits.

Barcelona ran up a $6 billion debt to host the 1992 Summer Games, but the resulting image boost and surge in tourism continues to this day. Still, he said, the city is an outlier among all the other recent hosts still saddled with debt and rusting hulks of unused metal that once housed two weeks of sporting events.

Critics have floated ideas to reform the bid system — for example, choose a handful of rotating sites around the globe with permanent venues, which would dramatically reduce infrastructure costs.

“You could do a continental rotation system,” Zimbalist explained. “Every four years, a different continent would be the host, and the continent could choose one venue. It would ensure you wouldn’t have to rebuild the Olympic stadium. I think that makes a lot of sense. But the cities not chosen would say that’s not fair.”

Meanwhile, the IOC is starting to feel the heat for its debt-generating ways in the form of caution from potential host cities, particularly in the lower-profile Winter Games. Cities such as Oslo, Stockholm, Munich, and Davos all bailed out of 2022 bids, leaving only Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan currently in the running.

“Both are autocratic countries, and neither is ideal for hosting,” he said. “The extravagance, the gigantism, the grandiosity has gone so far that cities have started becoming leery about bidding.”

Will the International Olympic Committee change its ways? Zimbalist doesn’t think so.

“The IOC is reportedly making the case for other cities to bid,” he said. “They’re trying to gin up interest in the Olympics again so they can resume their traditional competitive bidding and extravagance.”

In other words, business as usual. Boston has been warned.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Community Spotlight: Greenfield

Community Spotlight Features

Greenfield Crafts Detailed Road Map for the Future

Mayor William Martin says a new rail platform will help Greenfield attract residents and allow businesses in Springfield to draw from a larger pool of employees.

‘Independence.’

That’s a word Mayor William Martin uses frequently, and a goal he has set for Greenfield that the city is well on its way to achieving, in his estimation.

“Synonyms are ‘sustainability’ or ‘resiliency,’ and that is where we have focused our economic-development efforts,” he said. “We want Greenfield and its residents to become as independent as possible.”

To that end, an important initiative kicked off last month when Greenfield Light and Power began operating as a municipal aggregation plan to provide electricity. The town gained final approval and certification for the plan from the Department of Public Utilities in October.

Greenfield has a contract with Peregrine Energy Group to develop the innovative initiative, which will not only bring lower-cost electricity to the community, but includes measures to procure it from renewable sources.

“Our price is fixed and is about .0125 per kilowatt hour,” Martin said, adding that the variable rate from Western Mass. Electric was about .014 per kilowatt hour at the time of the interview. “Although it may not seem like much of a difference, it adds up when you factor in millions of kilowatt hours,” he explained.

The mayor said it’s important for the town to be able to offer competitive pricing because reports from the U.S. Small Business Bureau show small businesses account for 60% to 80% of the jobs in the U.S., and the top obstacle they face in New England and Massachusetts is the cost of electricity.

“We want to continue to help existing companies in Greenfield expand as well as facilitate and accommodate the Yankee ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of businesses that are an idea in someone’s garage,” said Martin as he outlined steps taken over the past three years to bring the municipal aggregation plan to fruition.

Greenfield Light and Power also plays into Greenfield’s commitment to a green economy and environment, because power purchased will be generated from renewable energy sources.

“We were the first city in the state to be designated as a green community,” Martin said. “We worked hard for this and can only get better. We already have a 2.5-megawatt solar farm and can create new solar and hydroelectric projects. We will eventually produce all of the electricity that we need and move it into our aggregation plan.”

The successful establishment of the municipal aggregation plan, coupled with the Green Communities Act of 2008, which gave municipalities the opportunity to seek independent telephone and Internet service, laid the groundwork for a telecommunications or (fiber-optics) light plant also designed to further Greenfield’s independence.

“I want us to have our own Internet provider and phone company,” Martin told BusinessWest, noting that he conceived the idea three years ago.

Steps to establish what’s known as Greenfield TelNet were enhanced in 2012-13 when the Mass Broadband Institute laid seven miles of fiber-optic line in the town as part of a project to increase broadband access to communities along Interstate 91 (more on that later).

Other projects designed to make Greenfield a more attractive place to live, work, and own a business include the town’s new, handicapped-accessible rail platform located behind the John W. Olver Transit Center. It was completed in December, and in addition to stops by Amtrak on its reconfigured Vermonter line, commuter rail service has been proposed that would run between Springfield and Greenfield four times a day, with stops in Holyoke and Northampton as well as Springfield.

Martin said a state transportation-funding bill passed last year includes $30 million to acquire and retrofit older MBTA commuter-rail locomotives for the line.

He hopes the new rail service will entice people to live in Greenfield and commute to jobs in Springfield, or travel to the town from Vermont, park there, and use the train to get to work. “People hired for the MGM casino could avoid congestion on I-91. Plus, it will give businesses in Springfield options to hire people out of the immediate job pool,” he said.

Net Gains and Concrete Results

Martin’s telecommunications proposal received approval from the Town Council two years in a row, and the town is waiting to get the legislative approval necessary to hold a special election for voters on April 14. Martin hopes the approval will come through and residents will approve Greenfield TelNet at that time.

However, steps have already been taken in an effort to shrink the time frame to implement service while following the process. The town partnered with Holyoke Gas and Electric to ultilize its fiber-optics network to create voice over IP telephone service and also contracted with Crocker Communications to install and maintain it. As a result, the phone service was changed over to VoIP in Town Hall several weeks ago, which Martin said will save about $158,000 a year. After wrinkles are worked out in the system, the town’s schools will also be outfitted with the new phone system.

“The next step will be Internet access, and we hope to develop strong partners to provide and service it for the city and for our residents and businesses at a future date, which could result in a huge cost savings for everyone. We want to guarantee the future use of fiber optics and make sure that bandwidth is not reserved for those who can afford higher rates,” Martin said. “Our plan includes installing wireless Internet access downtown in the future, which would be free to housing authorities. It would also guarantee the existence of Greenfield Community Television, and the possibilities would be unlimited.”

However, he added that the town is in discussions with Comcast to renew its contract, because it wants to leave all its options open.

Meanwhile, Martin said Greenfield has a number of other significant projects underway to spur economic growth. Construction of a new, $66 million Greenfield High School is expected to be complete in August, and the new $60 million Franklin County Courthouse is slated to be finished in two years.

“There is also a lot of private investment taking place,” the mayor told BusinessWest, noting that the owner of the block downtown that houses Wilson’s department store is putting together a proposal for a hotel and banquet hall that would occupy the upper stories of the building over the store and include new construction on the Chapman Street side of the property, which abuts a parking lot.

It would recreate the 19th-century hotel that once existed there, Martin said. “It served the bustling economic activity in the area, and was supported by industry and businesses. We haven’t seen the proposal yet, but a new boutique hotel would be important, as it would give people a place to stay overnight and would be another asset to our downtown.”

Patriot Care, a licensed and experienced medical-marijuana company, is also nearing the permitting phase for rehabilitating a historic building on the western part of Main Street.

“The $1 million project is expected to begin in the spring,” Martin said. “We are focusing on rehabilitating buildings from the early 1900s of Greenfield’s heyday.”

He added that the state has accepted a proposal to conduct a feasibility study for a new library, the school administration office is moving from Davis Street to Main Street, and the public safety commission has selected a site and formed a committee to move forward on a new public-safety complex that would house the fire and police departments.

In addition, “the Ford Toyota dealership on Main Street is building two new showrooms behind its present structure, which will separate the brands and showcase them in larger, more modern facilities. In addition, a new $2.5 million Cumberland Farms on Federal Street will be finished in a few weeks, and there is a proposal for a new Dunkin’ Donuts and Sunoco Convenience Store on Federal Street, which is the second-largest commercial area in the city.”

Baystate Franklin Medical Center is also adding a new, $23 million surgical wing to the hospital, which is expected to be open next year. In addition, Baystate purchased the former Holy Trinity School and convent across the street and has plans to demolish them and erect a medical professional building on the property.

Another project that has ties to the city’s history involves the Wiley and Russell Dam. It was scheduled to be demolished years ago, but the town requested that the Department of Conservation and Recreation Office of Dam Safety conduct a new review last November. As a result, it has been reclassified from a significant-hazard-potential dam to a low-hazard-potential dam, which means a failure would not be likely to result in any loss of life or significant damage to property.

The dam, which has a V-shaped waterfall just upstream of the Meridian Street Bridge, does need some repair. But in addition to making plans for that work, Greenfield officials are exploring the possibility of constructing a fish passage at the site with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.

Martin said the dam speaks to the town’s history, and in the 1800s, two businesses existed at its base, which include a company whose genesis led to the development of Kennemetal Inc.

Last July, that firm announced plans to expand its Greenfield operation with a $5 million investment in infrastructure, new equipment, and machinery. The expansion will result in 50 new jobs, which will be added over the next five years. Martin said the company’s decision to invest in the town is particularly significant because Greenfield was pitted against a site in South Carolina that Kennemetal considered after it closed its factory in Vermont.

Argotech is another Greenfield business that employs skilled workers and has plans to expand. “The company is based in our industrial park and is investing $20 million over the next 10 years in new equipment,” the mayor said.

He explained that the city is working with Greenfield Community College, Franklin County Technical School, and the Regional Employment Board to make sure both of these companies will have access to a pool of people trained in the specific job skills required in their industries.

“We talked about this and about our utility plan during our pitch to Kennemetal, and told them what we could provide in terms of training and power savings,” Martin said. “It’s the type of accommodation and collaboration we facilitate to help large businesses move to Greenfield or expand here.”

The town has also taken over a 100-year-property on an 11-acre site on Federal Street, and put out a request for proposals to redevelop 75,000 square feet of former factory space in a commercial condominium on the site obtained in December through the Bankruptcy Court. Greenfield also purchased the undeveloped half of the property from the court, which contains three playing fields on 6.62 acres the city had been leasing for $1 a year from Lunt Silversmiths.

“The entire property has been rezoned,” Martin said.

He added that Greenfield’s location and affordable housing also make it an attractive place to live and work. “We are the junction between Routes 2 and I-91 and have been known as The Crossroads since the Village of Deerfield was established,” he said. “Businesses are expanding here and are coming to Greenfield because they see it as a safe investment. We have shown that we can maintain a stable tax base of $1.36 million, and we are very competitive when it comes to the cost of electricity.”

Secure Future

Martin believes the measures that Greenfield is taking to become independent will bear fruit and make the town more resilient.

“Some people are guessing that the future will be different. But we guess we will be prepared for whatever it holds; we’ll have as many options as possible,” he told BusinessWest.

And that’s a solid blueprint for a sustainable economy.

Greenfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1753
Population: 17,456 (2010) 
Area: 21.89 square miles 
County: Franklin 
Residential Tax Rate: $22.51
Commercial Tax Rate: $22.51
Median Household Income: $33,110 (2010)
Family Household Income: $46,412 (2010)
Type of government: Mayor; Town Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Franklin Medical Center; Town of Greenfield; Greenfield Community College

* Latest information available

Editorial

Opinion

A Worthy Class of Difference Makers

BusinessWest’s Difference Makers Class of 2015 may be the most compelling to date, and for many reasons.

For starters, many of the honorees might be considered non-traditional by some. There’s a local employer (granted, a Fortune 100 company); a nonprofit that is, by most standards, still just getting started; the director of another nonprofit, tasked with community events such as fireworks displays and parades; the organizers of a bike race that raises funds to battle cancer; and the new ownership team at a landmark Springfield restaurant, one that only reopened its doors 10 weeks ago (see story HERE).

Because these honorees are non-traditional, that might lead to speculation, if not open debate, about whether some — or all — are worthy of that designation Difference Maker. While we acknowledge that some of these selections are certainly different, a very strong case can be made for each. And we’ll make those cases. In no particular order:

• MassMutual. There are some, perhaps many, who would say that giving back to the community is what is a Fortune 100 is supposed to do. Perhaps, but not all of them do, and not many do it to the extent that this Springfield-based institution does.

Meanwhile, it’s not merely the level of philanthropy, or community involvement, that sets this company apart, but the nature of that involvement. Its giving is part of a considered strategy to build a stronger community and a capable workforce for the long term — a holistic approach, as one observer called it.

• Judy Matt, executive director of the Spirit of Springfield. While some might debate whether someone who organizes a fireworks display should be placed in the same category as an individual devoted to improving childhood literacy, we do not.

They are both making a difference in their own way. Matt, who has been at the forefront of creating, enhancing, and continuing community-focused, family-focused events for more than three decades, deserves a huge amount of credit for improving quality of life here and providing some light in some otherwise very dark times in Springfield’s history. Bright Nights is her best piece of work, but it is a deep — and powerful — portfolio.

• Katelynn’s Ride. When BusinessWest launched this recognition program in 2009, one of the goals was to show that you don’t have to change the world — or be a Fortune 100 company, for that matter — to make a difference. You can do that by changing a small part of the world.

And Katelynn’s Ride does just that. The K-Ride, as it’s often called, named in honor of Katelynn Battista, who lost a courageous battle to leukemia at age 11, makes a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families through donations to Baystate Children’s Hospital and the Jimmy Fund. And, more specifically, it makes a huge difference locally through its support for a new position at Baystate — a liaison of sorts between families of cancer patients and the specialists who provide care. And it’s making a difference simply by bringing together hundreds of people to battle a common — and hated — enemy.

• Valley Venture Mentors. While this nonprofit, economic-development agency is really just getting started, it is already making a difference as it works toward creating what its founders describe, alternately, as an entrepreneurial renaissance and an entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Springfield is light years away from being Silicon Valley or Cambridge, and it will likely never approximate what those communities have done. But at least people can talk in those terms. Years ago, there was no such talk, and VVM has brought about that change.

• The new ownership team at the Student Prince and the Fort. ‘The restaurant has only been open for two and a half months!’ ‘No one’s really sure how it’s going to fare!’ ‘It’s just a restaurant!’ ‘How can these individuals be Difference Makers?’ We acknowledge all these opinions and questions and understand their origins.

But this new ownership team — The Yee family, Peter Picknelly, and Kevin and Michael Vann — are already making a difference by keeping another of Springfield’s institutions from being relegated to the past tense. And they’re making a difference because of the energy they’re creating in Springfield, and for ensuring a better future.

Opinion

Opinion

Early Education Is a National Priority

By JOAN KAGAN

All of us in the broad field of early-childhood education and care were elated to hear our vital services underscored as a priority in President Obama’s State of the Union Address late last month.

As executive director of Square One, which has been providing these services since 1883, I believe the president’s remarks to a joint session of Congress shows us that our leaders are willing to spend political capital to acknowledge the value of investing in our young and vulnerable citizens.

The president stressed that child care is something that’s not merely good to have, but something that middle-class and low-income families must have. It is a message that Square One, together with our colleagues in the field, has been sharing for years, and we are ecstatic to know that the most powerful people in Washington have decided it is worthy of discussion on a national stage.

Universal child care is not a new idea. During World War II, the young men went off to war. Having women in the workforce was a national priority, and this country responded by providing universal child care. Today, in much the same way, enabling middle-class and low-income parents with young children to work and support their families has to become a national economic priority. Even as our economy continues to recover and grow stronger, families where both parents work are more prevalent than ever. And in the case of single-parent households, every parent in the family works.

A stronger economy has been good news for ‘Mary,’ who was overjoyed at finding her first professional job. Mary, who had been homeless and on welfare, first came to Square One as a participant in our Mom Squad program. This innovative model helps mothers who receive aid from the Department of Transitional Assistance engage in volunteer service at community agencies, including Square One. By performing a minimum of 30 hours per week of community service, participants can get voucher assistance to enroll their children in high-quality early-education and care programs.

While Mom Squad members work without pay to gain on-the-job training in a supportive, nurturing environment, their child is cared for at Square One. It is a great model. However, there is a problem that arises when someone like Mary ‘graduates’ from the Mom Squad and applies the skills she learned to get a real job earning a decent wage. She lifted herself and her family out of homelessness and dependency on welfare. So what is the problem? Now that she has a job, she is no longer eligible for a child-care subsidy, and she needs child care in order to work. Mary has confided in her Square One social worker that, if she cannot find a child-care solution, she may end up back on welfare.

Quality child care for five days a week often costs more than a month’s rent. Over a year, quality child care can cost as much as it costs to attend community college. A quality early-education and care experience for our children is costly when quality is (and should be) maintained. Research-based materials, professional development for teachers, a stimulating learning environment supplemented with developmentally appropriate supplies, and activities to support a child’s early learning do not come cheap.

It is a labor-intensive industry, despite the fact that child-care workers are among the lowest-paid professionals nationwide. The cost of care is particularly difficult for low-income working parents, like Mary.

Access to affordable, high-quality early education and care is a national priority if we want to help more middle-class and low-income families get ahead or avoid welfare assistance, and if we value giving every child an opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to learn. In the president’s words, child care is no longer nice to have; it’s a must-have.

Joan Kagan is executive director of Springfield-based Square One; (413) 732-5183.

Less Speechifying and More Conversation

Features

A Simple, Effective Guide to Public Speaking by Business Owners

By DAVE RATNER

Dave Ratner

As a longtime business owner in Western Mass., where I run Dave’s Soda and Pet City, I often find myself crisscrossing the country and traveling throughout New England and the Northeast to meet with prospective retailers, distributors, and fellow executives. In those encounters, colleagues may also ask me to perform the one thing almost every person fears and nearly every individual will avoid doing: speak before a live audience.

The anxiety is intense, as you walk on stage and step behind the rostrum, initially blinded by the spotlight and frightened by the silence of hundreds or thousands of invited guests, all of them expecting you to put them at ease, while you speak flawlessly, entertain effortlessly, and inspire listeners with your soaring rhetoric.

And therein lies a serious misconception about the role of a business owner as a public speaker: your job is not to be an orator, summoning the eloquence of John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan or Barack Obama; your mission is to be a storyteller, someone who has a conversation with the audience and creates a bond with them.

Put another way, speechifying — the attempt to be a grandiose communicator of presidential caliber, or the effort to emulate the impassioned pleas of a famous coach or general — is a surefire way to fail at public speaking … and a guaranteed means of never delivering another set of prepared remarks.

I write these words from experience; in my role as a member of the Retail Advertising and Marketing Assoc. board of directors, I represent independent retailers alongside vice presidents of marketing for Home Depot, Walgreens, and Target.

All of which means, through a great deal of practice and a desire to make myself feel more comfortable speaking in public, I now know that the best way to connect with an audience is to (surprise!) be yourself by speaking as yourself.

The following tips are a good guide to finding — and honing — your own voice and confidence as a public speaker.

Speak with the Audience, Not to the Ages

A large part of the fear factor is the result of my earlier comment about the unreasonable demands a speaker imposes upon himself or herself.

When I encourage people to know themselves — and to know the respective groups they plan to speak with — I want them to do just that: to discover a mutual interest, a shared worldview, or a general sense of identity, which a speaker can use to capture (and maintain) an audience’s attention.

Resist the temptation to pound the dais and punch or chop the air, as if you are the commander in chief; do not try to do the work of a team of White House speechwriters, punctuating your address with a call to posterity, a summons to greatness, or an order to preserve the republic.

Even if you succeed in doing so — rather, if you mistakenly believe you have succeeded in channeling your inner Winston Churchill or Martin Luther King Jr. — your audience will likely consider you pompous and more than a little ridiculous.

To reiterate: be yourself.

Anecdotes Make the Story

I follow this rule with absolute devotion because experience has taught me that it helps tremendously to have an anecdote — one that you can adorn with humor, or adjust according to the mood of your audience — that is part of a larger story.

For example, when I explain how sending a handwritten note to a major executive, in lieu of drafting a conventional e-mail expressing my appreciation for having met that person, culminated in that individual calling me and thanking me, I not only have a good anecdote, I have a lesson about life, business, and communications.

Search for your own anecdotes — you do have them — and make them flexible enough to fit the spirit of your official topic of discussion.

Conversation Is the Art of Speaking

I return to where I began, emphasizing the value of conversation over speechifying.

A conversation is the true art of speaking. It is formal while feeling respectfully informal; it is accessible yet invaluable, an intimacy available only to those assembled before you; it is a dialogue billed as a monologue; it is real because its intended response elicits smiles and cheers and laughter and standing ovations.

It is the cure for ending the paralysis and fear of public speaking.

Dave Ratner is the founder of Dave’s Soda and Pet City. He is also a member of the Retail Advertising and Marketing Assoc. Board of Directors, representing independent retailers; daveratner.com.

Gaming Face

Each Day Is Different for MGM Springfield General Counsel Seth Stratton

Ask Seth Stratton for his job description, and he’s likely to respond, “which day?”

“I don’t know the answer, and that’s the exciting part of this job,” said Stratton, who was recently named vice president and general counsel for MGM Springfield, making him only the company’s second full-time hire, after President Michael Mathis.

“This is a unique development,” Stratton said of the $800 million resort casino expected to open in 2017. “Western Massachusetts has never seen this type of development, and the statute [legalizing casinos] poses legal questions that haven’t been addressed yet in Massachusetts. My job description is to oversee legal affairs and government relations. But what that means day to day is the exciting part.”

Technically, Stratton’s job is overseeing legal affairs and government relations for MGM Springfield — an extension of work he had been performing with the company while working at Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law in East Longmeadow. But as the casino project moves forward, his job will shift often.

“Last week, we were making sure legal notices go out to the tenants of the buildings that comprise the project parcel. They’ll be vacating a lot of those buildings, and we need to make sure we prepare the legal notices they need in a way that’s informative but complies with the law,” he explained.

“We were also in Boston last week, in front of the Gaming Commission, dealing with a few issues that were required under statute — implementing some monitoring of electronic gaming and an affirmative diversity plan for hiring; MGM is committed to that,” he continued.

“That was last week. And I think a good part of the development period will be like that. It’s going to be an ongoing development project, and there are going to be a whole lot of legal issues — in construction, as we start to roll out our hiring, and making sure we’re complying with gaming statutes and regulations. As things start to normalize, we’ll have a better sense of what the average day for the general counsel of MGM Springfield is like.”

Before being hired away from Fitzgerald, Stratton worked with MGM Springfield for almost three years, negotiating agreements with the city of Springfield and surrounding communities as well as advising on permitting and real-estate acquisitions, all the while becoming a familiar face at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, presenting on legal issues relevant to the casino project.

Now that role has expanded, and Stratton understands the complexity of navigating a project that will eventually employ some 3,000 people in an industry making its debut in the Commonwealth.

“We’re working with outside counsel in Las Vegas, making sure that an enterprise this size is complying with all the laws and regulations,” he told BusinessWest. “A lot of it is working with the Gaming Commission on regulatory and statutory compliance to gaming laws and regulations, as well as local compliance issues. We have an agreement with the city of Springfield, they did a great job in the interests of the city, and they’re very clear they will hold our feet to the fire on all these issues.”

In other words, bring on the myriad challenges.

“That’s the reason I jumped at the opportunity to take this job,” he said. “It’s really a cool opportunity where the job description changes on a weekly basis based on what’s going on at the moment.”

Coming Home

Stratton is, for lack of a better term, a Springfield guy, through and through.

“I was born and raised in East Forest Park,” he said. “My parents were both born and raised in Springfield. My wife and both her parents were born and raised in Springfield. I went to Cathedral.”

Seth Stratton says the proposed $800 million casino is a “unique development,” one that will certainly keep him busy in his role as general counsel.

However, armed with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colgate University and a master’s in public affairs from UMass Boston, he couldn’t find a suitable job in Springfield, so he went to work for state Sen. Brian Lees at the State House. After earning his law degree from Suffolk University Law School, he took a job as a litigation associate at Brown Rudnick in Boston.

When his first child was born, however, he and his wife decided they wanted to live near their families in Western Mass., so they moved back to Longmeadow.

“There was nothing really comparable to what I’d been doing in Springfield, so I took a job with a similar firm in Hartford,” he said, referring to his counsel position in the Financial Institutions Litigation Group at Bingham McCutchen in Hartford. “But I felt disconnected form the community I lived in; I didn’t feel connected to the business community here.”

That’s when an opportunity opened up at Fitzgerald, where Stratton took on a diverse litigation and dispute-resolution practice focusing on a wide range of corporate, commercial, and personal disputes. “They were looking for a litigator, and I knew of their reputation, so I went to work there. That way, I worked five minutes from where I live, and I could be involved in the legal community in Western Mass.”

Within a month after taking the job, the casino legislation passed, and MGM eventually came poking around Springfield, and hired Fitzgerald to handle legal and governmental matters.

“We were essentially the local counsel for MGM in connection with local matters,” Stratton said. “About two years ago, I really started getting busier and busier; there was a lot going on, and I really became enmeshed in the project. I worked directly with Mike Mathis. We have similar backgrounds. He’s a lawyer by training, a former litigator, so we worked very well together. And I started getting more involved in these issues.”

One of his first roles involved negotiations of the host-community agreement with Springfield and surrounding-community agreements with neighboring cities and towns.

“That was a lengthy process. Under statute, we had to reach out to the surrounding communities and negotiate with them, and that involved knowing who the players were and knowing what the communities are all about. That’s where my local experience, being local and involved in local politics, helped me to negotiate and handle arbitrations in front of the Gaming Commission.”

He worked extensively on the West Springfield and Longmeadow deals, and though both towns prevailed in arbitration, “we were satisfied with the results, which were consistent with the statute’s intent. We eventually ended up with surrounding-community agreements with all the communities abutting Springfield.”

As he became more involved with MGM through Fitzgerald, he worked on regulatory aspects and compliance issues with the Gaming Commission, and on the host-community agreement with Springfield.

“I worked pretty closely with the city solicitor on a number of items,” Stratton said. “I think it was helpful that folks I was dealing with in the city, and in the surrounding communities, knew I’m from the city, I have local roots, and I think that gave me credibility in these discussions that an outsider with a similar legal background may not have had. And MGM recognized that as a benefit.”

Added Mathis, “from day one as one of our local counsel, Seth has been a steady sounding board for the entire MGM Springfield team. We feel fortunate that he is not only a respected lawyer, but also cares deeply about the future of this area and the city of Springfield. His advice is always informed by his concern for local issues.”

Stratton praised Mathis equally effusively. “He’s a dynamic, young leader in this industry — very bright, very energetic, very demanding. Working with him over the last couple years has been very exciting. I truly have been impressed with the quality of professionalism and work ethic from all the individuals I’ve dealt with at MGM. To become a part of that culture is something I really appreciate.”

Bringing Springfield Back

Stratton also has a vision for his home city’s future, with MGM Springfield at the center of the revival.

“It sounds a little colloquial, but I grew up off Sumner Avenue and Allen Street, and I remember Christmas Eve, my father doing last-minute shopping at Baystate West. I remember hopping on the PVTA bus from Sumner Avenue to downtown and going to Johnson’s Bookstore,” he recalled.

“I love the idea that there could be more of those opportunities for people hoping to go to entertainment venues in downtown Springfield. For people living in these neighborhoods to go to MGM Springfield, not only to the casino but for some of the retail and restaurants, that would be exciting to me.”

While the city’s downtown has generated momentum lately with a growing number of businesses and colleges setting up shop, Stratton didn’t sense much excitement in the area around the time the gaming legislation was passed.

“I didn’t have the impression things were happening,” he said. “But right away, I realized this project had the opportunity to be the spark Springfield needed. Springfield does have its challenges. I’m not under the impression that MGM Springfield will be the hero, but I definitely think it has a catalyst ability, to be the spark that gets people excited about reinvesting in downtown.

“The idea that my wife and I can hop in the car and go to dinner and a show and then be home in five minutes, that’s truly exciting to us as a family,” he continued. “There are so few of those opportunities. When we do have time to go out to dinner, we’ll drive to Northampton, but it’s never been on our radar to go to Springfield. That’s going to change, and that’s really exciting for us.”

For now, though, Stratton continues to press his legal expertise and local knowledge to help bring that vision to reality. He expects his role to continue expanding, encompassing federal issues as well as state-level regulations, as groundbreaking, construction, and hiring and training strategies all move forward.

“It all changes day to day,” he said. “And that just makes the job more interesting.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Measure of Interest

New Parental-leave Law Will Soon Impact Bay State Employers

By ROBERT ZYWNO, Esq.

Robert Zywno

The subject of parental leave has received a lot of attention in the media following President Obama’s recent focus on family issues in this year’s State of the Union speech. Indeed, the president has since directed federal agencies to grant their employees six weeks of paid parental leave and is pushing Congress to grant them six more.

Receiving less attention is the Bay State’s new law on parental leave, which goes into effect on April 7. Former Gov. Deval Patrick signed the law, called the Massachusetts Parental Leave Act (MPLA), on Jan. 7, in his final days as governor. The law replaces the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act (MMLA), which currently only provides leave to expecting and adopting mothers, while the MPLA will extend eight weeks of unpaid leave to both men and women.

The new law makes several other notable changes to the MMLA as well.

Beyond extending leave rights to men, the MPLA also expands the purposes for which employees can take parental leave. Under the MMLA, employees are allowed eight weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth or for adopting a child under the age of 18 (or, alternatively, under the age of 23 if the child is physically or mentally disabled). In addition to these purposes, the MPLA will also allow employees eight weeks of unpaid parental leave if a child under the age of 18 (or, alternatively, under the age of 23 if the child is physically or mentally disabled) is placed with them pursuant to a court order. Accordingly, employers should update their policies to allow employees leave in such circumstances.

In extending parental-leave rights to men, the MPLA does provide an employer-friendly benefit. If an employer has two employees who are together expecting, adopting, or having a child placed with them pursuant to a court order, the MPLA only requires that the employees receive a total of eight weeks of leave between them both. Thus, the employer is not required to provide eight weeks of leave to each of the two employees.

Other changes under the MPLA are more employee-friendly. For instance, employers who require employees to complete an initial probationary period should be aware that, under the MPLA, employees are eligible for parental leave after completing just three months of their initial probationary period. This differs from the MMLA, which requires that employees successfully complete their entire initial probationary period. Otherwise, the MPLA will continue to allow employees with no initial probationary period leave after three months of employment.

The MPLA generally carries forward the same requirements for notice that employees are currently required to give under the MMLA. If an eligible employee intends to take parental leave, the employee must give the employer at least two weeks notice. However, the MPLA will allow employees some leniency in providing notice where the MMLA does not. If an employee cannot provide two weeks notice of parental leave for reasons beyond the employee’s control, the MPLA will allow the employee leave if he or she provides notice as soon as practicable.

The most substantial change in the MPLA requires an employer who grants an employee more than eight weeks of parental leave to return the employee to the same or similar position and benefits if the employee does, in fact, take more than eight weeks of leave. Under the MMLA, employees do not currently receive such job protection beyond eight weeks, even if the employer grants more than eight weeks of leave.

The MPLA, however, does provide a way for employers who wish to grant more than eight weeks of parental leave to do so while still limiting job protection to just eight weeks. To do so, the employer must, prior to the employee taking leave, provide written notice that the employee risks losing his or her position and benefits if the employee takes more than eight weeks of leave.

Notably, like under the MMLA, an employer will still not be required to return an employee back to the same or similar position, regardless of the amount of parental leave taken, if other employees in the business with equal length of service and status have been laid off due to economic or operating conditions. However, like under the MMLA, the employee retains preferential consideration for other positions the employee may have been entitled to as of the date of leave.

The MPLA also continues the MMLA’s requirement that employers post a notice in the workplace about parental-leave rights. However, where the MMLA only requires that employers post a copy of the law, the MPLA requires that the notice be conspicuous and describe the law as well as the employer’s policies on parental leave.

Employers should further take note that any violation of the MPLA will soon be a violation of M.G.L. c. 151B, the Massachusetts law prohibiting employer discrimination, retaliation, and harassment in the workplace. Accordingly, of the claims that employees and former employees may now bring against an employer through the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, among them will soon be claims for failure to restore an employee to the same or similar position after taking protected parental leave, as well as for any other violation of the MPLA.

Like the MMLA, the MPLA generally applies to employers with six or more employees. Accordingly, Massachusetts businesses with six or more employees should consult with an attorney and review their leave policies to ensure compliance with MPLA requirements before they go into effect on April 7.

Robert Zywno is an attorney at Royal LLP, a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm. Royal LLP is a certified women’s business enterprise with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, the National Assoc. of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

Employers: Think Fast

The NLRB’s ‘Quickie’ Election Rule Is Coming This April

By AMELIA J. HOLSTROM, Esq.

Amelia Holmstrom

Any employer that has been through a union-representation election knows the importance of time. The longer the time frame between the filing of the union’s petition and the election, the more time the employer has to educate and communicate with employees about the merits of remaining union-free.

This time period also gives the employer time to train its supervisors how to respond lawfully to the union’s organizing campaign. But beginning in April, that time frame will be drastically reduced. The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) election rules are changing. The NLRB’s new election rule, frequently referred to as the ‘quickie’ election rule, will dramatically shorten the time period between the filing of a petition and the election.

The new rule means significant changes for employers. Under the current rule, the time between the filing of the petition and the election is generally 38 to 42 days, although it may be slightly longer. The new rule, however, will reduce that time period to around 19 or 20 days. Most importantly, this shortened time frame means that unions will now have more control over the timing of what will be ambush elections, purposefully designed to limit an employer’s ability to respond and educate its employees. Additionally, employers will have limited opportunities to raise challenges to the fairness and legality of the election process.

Under the current election rules, a petition filed by a union and hearing notice is faxed to the employer on the day that the petition was filed. The hearing date to determine voter eligibility and the time and place of an election is scheduled within seven to 10 days after the petition is filed. If the parties agree on matters at the hearing, the regional director issues a decision and direction of election, scheduling the election no more than 42 days from the date the petition was filed. The employer then has seven days from the direction of election to provide a list of eligible voters, including their names and addresses only.

Under current procedures, whenever the union and the employer cannot agree on matters at the hearing, the employer has a right to litigate such issues, file a post-hearing brief seven days after the hearing, and ask the regional director to resolve disagreements before an election is scheduled. The NLRB’s regional director then issues a decision, and the employer has 14 days to request board review of the regional director’s decision.

The NLRB also schedules the election for 25 to 30 days after the decision by the regional director, and the employer must provide a list of eligible voters, including names and addresses only, seven days after the regional director’s decision. Requests for review may result in a stay of the election or a delay in opening the ballot box on election day.

Beginning in April, however, the election rules are changing.

Under the ‘quickie’ election rule, pre-election hearings will be limited to a determination of whether an election should be conducted. Those hearings must begin eight days after the NLRB issues a notice of hearing. The new rule now requires the employer to submit a “statement of position,” generally no later than one business day before the hearing. This statement must include the identification of any issues the employer has with the petition plus a list of prospective voters with their job classifications, shifts, and work locations.

Any issues not included in the statement are deemed waived. The new rule also gives the NLRB the ability to limit the presentation of evidence at the hearing to evidence it believes is relevant to the existence of a “question concerning representation.” The rule also grants the hearing officer discretion over the filing of post-hearing briefs.

Additionally, the employer must provide a list of eligible voters, including the names, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, work locations, shifts, and classifications within two work days of the decision. The rule eliminates the recommendation that the regional director should ordinarily not schedule an election sooner than 25 days after the direction of election.

In addition to these timing challenges, the new election rule also restricts the parties’ right to file a pre-election request for review of a regional director’s decision and instead puts all such requests off until after the election. Board review of the regional director’s decision will be discretionary, and the circumstances under which a request for review will be granted are substantially narrowed. In other words, employers may be denied the opportunity to challenge pre- and post-election rulings.

Each year Bloomberg BNA releases mid-year NLRB election statistics. According to the statistics for 2013 and 2014, unions have been winning representation elections between 65% and 70% of the time. However, under the ‘quickie’ election rule, we expect that unions may be able to win more frequently in the future.

Employers need to understand the increased risk and be ready to act quickly when they learn that a petition has been filed. Employers concerned that they are at risk of a union-organizing drive should reach out to experienced labor counsel for assistance before it’s too late.

Amelia J. Holstrom joined Skoler, Abbott & Presser in 2012 after serving as a judicial law clerk to the judges of the Connecticut Superior Court, where she assisted with complex matters at all stages of litigation. She is a graduate of Western New England University School of Law, where she was the managing editor of the Western New England Law Review. Her practice is focused in labor law and employment litigation; (413) 737-4753; [email protected]

The New ABLE Act

Law Helps the Disabled Gain Greater Control of Their Financial Lives

By HYMAN G. DARLING, Esq.

Hyman G. Darling

The House and Senate, together with President Obama, recently passed the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act of 2014.

This new law will allow a disabled individual to establish a tax-free savings account while preserving government benefits. The ABLE savings account is modeled after the so-called 529 College Savings Plan, where funds are contributed on an annual basis, and the income earned is free from tax.

ABLE accounts allow the beneficiary to contribute $14,000 per year, provided the account balance does not exceed $100,000. Based on current tax rates, income-tax savings are minimal. The appeal and protection of the new law is that the individual can have a savings account without jeopardizing Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefits.

Unlike conventional savings accounts, all funds in an ABLE account are subject to payback, meaning that, if the ABLE account’s beneficiary passes away, then the state is entitled to reclaim benefits paid, up to the amount of the account at death. The intention, therefore, is that the funds will be spent on the individual’s needs and expenses, and not saved for a rainy day.

If a disabled person receives a lump sum — for example from an inheritance, divorce settlement, tort injury, retroactive Social Security Benefits, etc. — up to $14,000 may be contributed to an ABLE account without affecting other benefits. In this way, the ABLE account may eliminate the need to set up a special-needs trust or contribute the funds to a pooled trust.

The disabled individuals who will benefit most from the ABLE Act of 2014 are primarily those who do not have significant assets. A number of disabled people may also have ‘third-party’ special-needs trusts, which do not require payback. In this way, trust funds can be preserved for other beneficiaries, while ABLE account funds may be used only for the ongoing needs of the disabled person. ABLE account funds may be used for education, healthcare, transportation, and housing, among other expenses. ABLE accounts will have no impact on Medicaid eligibility.

Many worthy organizations worked for the passage of this bill, including the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Special Needs Alliance, and the National Down Syndrome Society. The ABLE Act, however, does contain some significant restrictions, including the provision that the disability must have been present before age 26. The act, nevertheless, was passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. The House passed it with a vote of 404-17, and the Senate approved the bill by a vote of 76-16. President Obama signed the bill into law before leaving for the 2014 winter holidays.

Disabled persons can start setting up ABLE accounts in 2015, if they can find a bank, broker, or agency to establish the account. While the ABLE Act changes federal law to allow for the savings accounts, each state must now create its own regulations. At this time, it is anticipated that the same banks or brokerage firms who offer 529 College Savings Plans are likely to offer the new ABLE accounts as well.

Living with a disability can be both time-consuming and expensive. There are approximately 58 million individuals with disabilities in the U.S. Given its restrictions, the ABLE Act of 2014 will affect a relatively small portion of those individuals and their families. The act is, however, an important step toward disabled individuals gaining greater control of their financial lives.

Attorney Hyman G. Darling is chair of Bacon Wilson, P.C.’s Estate Planning and Elder Law departments. 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 at local and national levels; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]

Intercreditor Agreements

With These Documents, Understand All the Caps, Wraps, and Traps

By JAMES SHEILS

James Sheils

It is not unusual for two or more lenders to have loan relationships with a borrower. The lenders might both be banks, or the second (junior) lender might be a government agency that is advancing funds for a particular project (examples of the latter would include housing developments, specialized equipment financing, and the like).

Frequently, both loans are secured by the same property (collateral) of the borrower. When that occurs, an intercreditor agreement is often required by the first (senior) lender. That document typically establishes the rights and priorities of the lenders if the borrower’s financial conditions deteriorates and the lenders want to exercise their respective rights regarding the collateral. Absent such an agreement, each lender could theoretically exercise its rights at the same time, perhaps inconsistently, and the process could be confusing, inefficient, or worse.

This article addresses some of the principal issues that arise when an intercreditor agreement is negotiated.

Areas of Negotiation

The senior lender will want to have maximum control over any foreclosure process, and both lenders will want the process to be as efficient as possible. Common areas of negotiation include the following:

• How much of the senior lender’s debt is to be afforded first priority? This issue has at least two components — what type of debt, and any cap on the amount of debt. Principal and interest, of course, are customarily protected, but other components could include late fees, pre-payment, or ‘make-whole’ charges; amounts due under cash-management or hedging/‘swap’ arrangements; indemnity provisions; and similar related costs, fees and expenses. Also, the agreement may cover all debt owed to the senior lender, whenever incurred, or it may be limited to a specific transaction.

Once the components are determined, the junior lender may insist on a cap on the amount entitled to first lien priority — for example, are future advances included? Since the junior lender is relying on any excess collateral value to be available for the repayment of the junior debt, the junior lender will want a cap, and will want it to be progressively reduced by the amount of any permanent reductions in the debt owed to the senior lender.

• Is all of the collateral ‘shared’ by the lenders? A common alternative is a ‘wrap,’ where one lender has a first lien on asset A, and the second lender has a first lien on asset B, with each lender obtaining a junior lien behind the other lender’s first lien.

The application of proceeds received from the sale of the shared collateral is sometimes subject to what’s known as a ‘waterfall’ provision. The senior lender gets proceeds up to a certain amount, then payments go to the junior lender up to a certain amount, then remaining proceeds (if any) go to the senior lender.

• Is the junior lender entitled to any priority if the senior lender has failed to do everything required to make its lien on the shared collateral a first-priority lien absent the intercreditor agreement? Many intercreditor agreements contain such provisions, even though the practical result can be a serious reduction in the amount recovered by the junior lender in a foreclosure proceeding. The junior lender may obtain recovery from the collateral, but be required to turn it over to the senior lender. If there is insufficient collateral, the junior lender may wind up with little or nothing, while the possibly negligent senior lender obtains a full recovery.

• What happens if the borrower wants to sell an asset that is collateral for both loans? The senior lender will want the junior lender to consent in advance to any sale which it approves; it doesn’t want the junior lender to leverage its consent to obtain payments or changes in terms. In return, the junior lender will insist that any such sale be ‘commercially reasonable,’ and may also attempt to require that the sale proceeds be used to permanently reduce the amount of debt secured by the senior lender’s lien.

• How does the senior lender exercise its control? Typically, the junior lender agrees to a ‘standstill,’ meaning a time period during which it agrees it will allow the senior lender sole discretion on if, how, and when to proceed against the collateral. The duration of the standstill is often heavily negotiated; six months is not unusual. Intercreditor agreements typically provide for an automatic extension of the standstill so long as the senior lender has commenced action against the collateral and is diligently pursuing its rights.

The ‘trigger’ which starts the standstill is also a point of discussion. It will be based on a default under the junior lender’s documents, so the nature and materiality of the default is important, as well as whether the standstill clock is reset if the default is ‘cured’ within the standstill period. For example, the senior lender may insist on having the right (but not the obligation) to cure a default under the juunior lender’s documents, with a corresponding re-set of the standstill.

Other Issues

While a detailed discussion of the impact of a insolvency is beyond the scope of this brief review, many issues may arise in a bankruptcy, including voting rights on a plan of reorganization, restrictions on the junior lender exercising rights (which may result in the junior lender having fewer rights than an unsecured creditor), and the value (if any) of any subrogation claims available to the junior lender.

Obviously, each lender and borrower anticipate and expect a profitable, uneventful relationship, in which case the intercreditor agreement is likely to sit on a shelf and never be looked at again after the loan closing. If things go south, as they can and do, an intercreditor agreement can be a critical component to the orderly liquidation of collateral as the repayment source to both lenders.

James B. Sheils, a partner of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial finance law, creditors’ rights, banking law; and telecommunications siting matters; (413) 737-1131; [email protected]

In Any Case

A chart of area law firms

Click HERE to download the PDF chart

Gearing Up

Autos Sections

Area Auto Dealers Expect Sales to Accelerate in 2015

Carla Cosenzi says people who visit an auto dealership are often surprised at the advanced technology available in today’s models.

Carla Cosenzi doesn’t mince words when she talks about 2015 and her expectation that it will be a great year for auto sales.

“The economy continues to gain strength, interest rates remain low, and there are a lot of exciting new models coming out, so the outlook is really positive; the auto industry is predicting a record year,” said the president of TommyCar Auto Group, adding that sales have been on the rise in the past few years and the company was confident enough to build brand-new Hyundai and Volkswagen dealerships in Northampton over the past few years.

Jeb Balise agrees that sales are moving in a forward direction. “The industry is predicting a phenomenal year, but we had our best year ever last year,” said the chairman and CEO of Balise Auto Sales. “We sold just under 25,000 units, so any growth will be a bonus. But we are pretty excited about the future and continue to add new stores.”

Mike Marcotte said Marcotte Ford saw a 9% increase in new-car sales last year. “Sales were really strong, and we are hoping to be at 10% this year. We’ve hired new employees and ramped up our commercial sales department,” the company president told BusinessWest.

Such optimistic projections are in line with national forecasts. In fact, on Jan. 21, analysts at the American Financial Service Assoc. Vehicle Finance Conference in San Francisco said they expect the numbers to continue to grow in 2015 for the sixth consecutive year.

TrueCar and J.D. Powers are also optimistic and predict that sales of new vehicles should hit 17 million this year for the first time since 2005, a 3% increase over last year.

A number of factors are playing into the equation. Consumer confidence has risen, many vehicles can be purchased at low or 0% interest, gas prices have dropped dramatically, and consumers are impressed by the new features, gas mileage, and technology offered by manufacturers today, who find themselves in a highly competitive market with lean margins.

The reduction in gas prices has fueled the growth of SUVs and trucks, which slowed considerably nationwide when prices at the pump increased a few years ago.

Local dealers also noticed the trend. “People are very reactive to current circumstances, and we are already seeing sales of trucks and SUVs increasing because of low fuel prices; when gas prices went up, customers gravitated to hybrids,” Balise said. “But now, sales of mid- and full-sized SUVs and trucks are growing at a particularly fast rate.”

He believes the trend is exacerbated by the fact that construction jobs are increasing in the area, and with projects accelerating in Springfield, contractors and people in related businesses are buying the trucks they need to run their businesses. “There is a real demand for pickups again,” Balise said.

Marcotte concurred, and said the timing is serendipitous for Ford, due to its new, full-sized F-150 pickup, which has an all-aluminum body; redesigned Explorer and Edge SUVs; and a wide range of other new vehicles.

“We saw people trading in their big trucks for smaller cars three years ago,” he told BusinessWest, “But due to better gas mileage and the price of gas, there has been an upswing in sales of trucks and SUV’s.”

Marcotte Ford bulked up its inventory of 2014 F-150s last year to take advantage of the increase in demand, with the game plan of being able to offer attractive prices when the 2015 model came out. “There are great incentives for the 2014 models,” Marcotte said.

But the biggest factor in any sale is affordability, which has been a common denominator that is motivating people to purchase new vehicles.

“Transportation is less expensive today than it has been just about anytime in the past,” said Balise. “Low interest payments have exacerbated the advantages of new vehicles, and we are often able to offer people a lower payment than they had for their last vehicle.”

Jeb Balise, left, and Ken Maffia say that providing exceptional service is a key component in repeat business.

Industry analysts say that, although people are borrowing more than they did in the past for a new vehicle, the fact that they are spreading payments over longer terms at low or 0% interest rates makes payments especially alluring. Experian Automotive reports the average new-car buyer financed approximately $27,799 in the third quarter of 2014, and although that was an increase of about 4% over the year before, their average monthly payment was only about 2.6% more.

“When people get a loan at 0% interest, it allows them to get more features and keep their payments the same,” Marcotte said.

Drumming Up Business

Auto dealers say that, although some people still trade in their vehicles every two to three years, most are keeping them for longer periods of time. “The average is 11 years, and the trade-ins we see have about 100,000 miles or more,” Marcotte said.

Balise agreed. “We’re seeing trade-ins with up to 270,000 miles. There are plenty with well over 100,000 miles that range between 175,000 and 205,000 miles, which is something we rarely saw prior to 2008.”

However, dealers say the fear of taking on new debt that existed during the recession has led to pent-up demand. “It’s greater today than it has ever been,” Balise said, adding that many people who put off purchasing new cars for several years are eager to buy again.

And since many haven’t entered a dealership for some time, they are wowed by what is being offered.

“Ford makes major changes every three years,” said Marcotte. “And people who visit a dealership for the first time in years are surprised by the technology and safety features in the vehicles.”

He told BusinessWest that Ford introduced two models that can be run on gas or electricity — the Fusion and the C-Max hybrid — to the market about three years ago. “People can plug into charging stations at dealerships and travel about 1,000 miles before they have to recharge. There are more options than ever before, so vehicles can really be tailored to suit people’s needs.”

Cosenzi agreed and noted that Volkswagen’s E-Gulf was named Motor Trend Car of the Year, and that vehicle, along with Nissan’s Leaf, another electric model, not only qualify for large state and federal rebates, but also ensure that buyers will never have to purchase gas again.

“We have a quick-charging station that fully charges a vehicle in under an hour, and more places are adding fast-charging stations so people can stop along the way when they want to take a long trip,” she continued, adding that customers who visit TommyCar’s dealerships often look for the latest safety features, including the BlueLink by Hyundai and Car Care by Volkswagen, which are similar to the OnStar system, which provides an emergency-response system, navigation, and diagnostics.

“BlueLink allows people to set a mileage parameter that alerts them if the driver goes outside of it or the speed limit, as well as step-by-step navigation. It also alerts them whenever the vehicle needs maintenance,” Cosenzi told BusinessWest. “But these features aren’t driving traffic, and people are not buying because they want the latest technology. They are just impressed by it when they come in.”

Balise agreed. “People are smart shoppers and more frugal than they used to be when it comes to options,” he explained. “They only want them if they see their value and know they will use them. They are more pragmatic and less emotional about purchases than they were in the past.”

Dealers are in agreement that most buyers know what they want when they enter the dealership because they have done research online. But they want to touch and feel the vehicle as well as test drive it, Cosenzi said.

However, due to fierce competition, they also know there is flexibility in pricing, and Balise said what used to be a painful transaction is now something that can be pleasant for the buyer.

“We’ve streamlined the process and discount vehicles in a forthright way with full disclosure so the customer is in control,” he said. “When they arrive, they are well-educated due to the Internet, so it behooves dealers to live up to the knowledge and understanding they have. Our success is based on high volume, so we are able to make transactions at low prices.”

Repeat business is important and is measured by manufacturers, and because the service people receive while they own a vehicle weighs heavily in their choice of where to go when they are ready to purchase a new model, dealerships are doing everything possible to make visits easy and pleasant.

“Manufacturers and dealers go to extremes to provide a great experience,” Balise said, adding that his dealerships’ customer-retention and loyalty rates are very high.

Marcotte explained that the trend of keeping vehicles longer than in the past led his dealership to outgrow its existing number of service bays. “So we are building new bays for commercial vehicles,” he said, adding that he will break ground next month on a new building with 16 bays. It will be positioned next to Quicklane on 933 Main St. in Holyoke, which services any make or model and was built by Marcotte six years ago.

He added that the dealership’s service department is open until midnight, and people who buy from Marcotte Ford can take advantage of its 150 free loaner vehicles. “We want to make things as convenient for customers as possible,” he noted. “We also offer breakfast catered by the Log Cabin Restaurant on Tuesdays and Saturdays so people can have a nice meal; some customers schedule visits at these times just because of the free meal.”

Balise said offering exceptional service is no longer an option, but a necessity. “Being good is not good enough today. Our growth is based on being customer-focused and is driven by that more than anything else. Standards have continued to rise over the last 10 years, and we are maniacal about being the absolute best in class.”

Optimism Prevails

Overall, Cosenzi said, consumers are more confident than they were a few years ago.

“Sales in the second half of 2014 really accelerated for us, and we are coming into our good months. Sales typically start to increase in February, and the outlook is really positive,” she noted, mentioning President’s Day specials and tax season because buyers who get large refunds often use them as a down payment for a new vehicle. “Plus, there are a lot of new models coming out.”

Balise concurs and said the company completed construction on four new dealerships last year and now has 19 in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. “We are predicting a 2% to 4% increase in sales this year and feel pretty confident we will sell more than 30,000 units,” he told BusinessWest.

If interest rates and gas prices stay low, and the economy continues to improve, the numbers should add up to a good outcome for consumers and dealers alike.

Truck Stop

Autos Sections

Cap & Hitch of New England Continues to Broaden Its Scope

Jeff Hanks, left, and Jim Maynard turned their lifelong friendship, and mutual interest in cars and trucks, into a successful business partnership.

Friends for life.

That’s as good a description as any for Jim Maynard and Jeff Hanks, co-owners of Cap & Hitch of New England, a West Springfield store that sells those namesake products, plus dozens of other kinds of car and truck accessories.

“We grew up together in Wilbraham, playing hockey together, going to school together,” said Maynard as the pair sat with BusinessWest in the shop on Riverdale Street where 10 employees work. “Our main guys here are also friends we grew up with. We have a lot of history together, and all of us come from similar industries.”

Hanks, a certified mechanic — he prefers the term “auto technician” — and Maynard, who has worked in a number of automotive-related fields, from snowplowing to auto sales, saw an opportunity several years ago when Hanks’ father was planning to get out of the truck-cap and trailer-hitch business, and they took over ownership of the store.

“We decided to go into business together,” Maynard said. “His father had a business here, mainly caps and hitches. We brought a broader scope to it. We also brought in the whole electronic aspect with a website.”

That site, www.capandhitch.com, details what has become an impressive array of products, including bed liners, tonneau covers, snowplows, emergency lighting, step bars and running boards, grills and grill guards, bug shields, roof racks, rain guards, chrome trim accessories, wheels, ladder racks, toolboxes, shelving — and much more.

“We do contractor equipment, commercial van outfitting, we do everything,” Hanks said. “It’s tough to nail down. We have all types of car accessories, interior and exterior, work-related, aesthetic-related.”

Cap & Hitch fills a need in the marketplace, he added, because many of these products aren’t typically carried by car dealers. “We do a lot of work for dealerships because they don’t want to do that. There aren’t a lot of people doing it.”

Caps and hitches remain the store’s lead products, however, Maynard noted. “We have everything from fiberglass truck caps for commercial and personal use up to heavy-duty commercial caps, and trailer hitches of all types, from small cars to commercial, fifth-wheel, and gooseneck hitches.”

Hanks said the customer base is about 75% retail and 25% commercial, and he and Maynard try to give buyers access to as many product lines as possible. “We have all kinds of truck accessories, towing equipent, snowplows, mobile electronics, emergency lighting, strobe lights for vehicles — you name it.”

For the most part, he added, customers are bringing in newer cars and trucks to get decked out with accessories. “We still get people with used cars who want to get stuff done, but a good majority of the work we do is with new vehicles.”

Better Days

When he and Maynard took over the business in 2006, “it wasn’t in the best shape to begin with,” Hanks said. “Then, with the recession, we struggled.”

Those struggles were a direct result of depressed auto sales from 2008 onward, which meant fewer customers visiting Cap & Hitch to accessorize.

Jim Maynard and Jeff Hanks have significantly broadened the store’s products and services beyond truck caps and trailer hitches.

“It was tough,” Maynard said, “but we survived by stressing customer service, getting the job done. We pride ourselves on that. Customers will come in here and say, ‘you guys are so highly recommended, I asked a two friends and a car dealership, and they all said the same thing.’ We put ourselves in customers’ shoes and solve any needs they have. We want to give them fair prices, too.”

Part of staying successful in the business of selling and installing vehicle accessories is keeping on top of new products and trends, whether that’s reading industry publications or attending the annual trade show of the Specialty Equipment Marketing Assoc. One of their more recent services is installing breathalyzer equipment for drivers who are ordered by a court to use them.

“We really want to focus on the product knowledge we have here — our knowledge of what customers need and want,” Maynard said.

Hanks agreed. “We’re constantly updating our knowledge base on new products. So much new stuff comes out every year — new products, new toys. Half the stuff we do now, we didn’t do on day one.”

‘Toys’ is an appropriate word, because car and truck enthusiasts get genuine pleasure from customizing their vehicles to their needs and tastes.

For example, Maynard said, “I’m a drummer. I love music, and even though it isn’t a big part of the business, I love putting a sound system in somebody’s car, somebody who’s also a music lover, and watch them sit in their car and turn it up.”

That’s the kind of enthusiasm he wants to generate with every customer, he added.

“Honestly, besides coming to work with friends and the good times we have, I love delivering a vehicle to a customer, then seeing a smile on their face, seeing them happy with the end product, happy to pay for the job, excited about driving their vehicle.”

Net Results

Maynard and Hanks enjoy connecting with people outside of the store, too, especially in the realm of youth sports.

“We both play hockey, and we sponsor a lot of youth activities, a lot of youth sports, like the Springfield Caps and various soccer teams,” Maynard said, adding that the company buys jerseys for youth teams and sponsors a golf tournament, among other efforts.

“We want to give back as much as we possibly can,” he added before thinking back to his days in youth hockey. “Part of our upbringing was sports, and we saw good people and small businesses doing things for us. I grew up playing with a sponsor’s name on my shirt so our parents could afford the most ridiculously expensive sport on the planet.”

In addition, Cap & Hitch of New England offers discounts to military, police, and fire personnel, Maynard noted. “They’re out there risking their lives for us so we can get up every day and play with vehicles.”

Hanks finds similar pleasure working in a field he’s loved from his childhood. “My whole family is in the automotive industry in one way or another. I grew up around it.”

And now these lifelong friends are prepared to take Cap & Hitch to the next level, with a goal of eventually moving beyond the small store that’s already bursting with products.

“We’ve continued to grow,” Maynard said. “And we want to keep growing.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Lots of Choices

Autos Sections

A chart of the region’s auto dealers

Click HERE to download the PDF chart

Building Permits

Building Permits Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Frito-Lay Inc.
90 Champion Dr.
$21,000 — Replace existing overhead door

Front Street, LLC
916 Front St.
$4,000 — Strip and re-roof

Jennifer’s Kitchen
574 Chicopee St.
$9,000 — Install two commercial hood systems

LUDLOW

Black Diamond Development
485 Holyoke St.
$175,000 — New commercial construction

Citizens Bank
33 Center St.
$160,000 — Interior alterations

CVS
451 Center St.
$118,000 — Commercial alterations

Peter Kawie
250 West St.
$7,000 — Re-shingle

NORTHAMPTON

Atwood Drive, LLC
22 Atwood Dr.
$13,000 — Cell tower modifications

Clark Ave. Condos
53 Clark Ave.
$20,000 — Repair rear exterior decks

JW Inc.
71 King St.
$5,500 — Remodel second-floor bathroom

Northampton Housing Authority
56 Maple St.
$12,000 — Repair water damage

St. John’s Episcopal Church
48 Elm St.
$15,000 — Replace antennas and existing equipment

Valley Building Company, LLC
98 Market St.
$12,000 — Construct third-floor dormer and add egress

SOUTH HADLEY

Western Mass Girl Scouts
9 Camps Perkins Road
$18,000 — Install cell tower

Mt. Holyoke College
50 College St.
$20,500 — Renovations

SPRINGFIELD

1350 Main St., LLC
1350 Main St.
$66,000 — Construct conference room and break area

Astro Chemicals
126 Memorial St.
$1,955,000 — Construct a 25,000-square-foot metal building

CHE Trinity Health
195 Stafford St.
$38,000 — New roof

Expressions
1067 Boston Road
$3,000 — Interior renovations

Phillip Edison & Company
300 Cooley St.
$26,000 — New roof

WESTFIELD

FRP Holdings Westfield, LLC
64 Main St.
$230,000 — Interior renovation and new storefront

Westfield Housing Authority
16 Washington St.
$175,000 — Replace fire escapes

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Baghdad Bakery
977 Main St.
$3,000 — Install commercial exhaust hood

Big E
1305 Memorial Ave.
$780,000 — Reconstruction of bathrooms at the Better Living Center

Bill Bourque
177 Norman St.
$350,000 — Erect 3,880-square-foot single story building

Century Park, LLC
181 Park Ave.
$60,000 — Renovate 1,680 square feet of existing space

Chandler Architectural Product
255 Interstate Dr.
$12,000 — Re-roof

Clarion Hotel
1080 Riverdale St.
$90,000 — Interior renovation

Merrick Statron
389 Main St.
$107,000 — Create new office space

Real Estate Transactions

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

10 Eden Trail
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Heilman
Seller: Jeanne M. Bell
Date: 12/31/14

513 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Laura James
Seller: Thomas L. Sampson
Date: 01/07/15

54 River St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Karen N Delorme
Seller: Lynch, Mary J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

BUCKLAND

21 Walker Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kavita H. Hunt
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/07/15

6 Wall St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kenneth G. Campbell
Seller: Mary F. Schreiber
Date: 01/09/15

COLRAIN

497 Adamsville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Michael A. Giard
Seller: Crosier, Francis R., (Estate)
Date: 01/07/15

24 Ed Clark Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Holland A. Herzig
Seller: Joseph R. Henry
Date: 12/30/14

CONWAY

2966 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jeremy C. Sinkus
Seller: John A. Siano
Date: 01/09/15

DEERFIELD

165 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Terry J. Kimball
Seller: Clearvue Opportunity 16
Date: 01/08/15

117 Old Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $750,000
Buyer: Sunset RT
Seller: James M. Hardigg
Date: 01/08/15

ERVING

54 Mountain Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: William G. Gallant
Seller: Joseph S. Bagdonas
Date: 12/31/14

GREENFIELD

64 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $1,599,190
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

8 Carpenters Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nickate Property LLC
Seller: Gary D. Melen
Date: 01/09/15

24 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Michael L. Avery
Date: 12/30/14

24 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Reed Apartments LLC
Seller: Mark A. Zaccheo
Date: 01/09/15

49 Greenfield Road
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $2,128,922
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

244 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Kathleen M. Conti
Seller: Williams, Donald F., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/15

15 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Sara Jonsberg
Seller: Patricia P. Marcus
Date: 12/29/14

12 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nickate Property LLC
Seller: Gary D. Melen
Date: 01/09/15

53 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $6,146,888
Buyer: Store Master Funding 7
Seller: Argotec LLC
Date: 12/29/14

LEVERETT

83 North Leverett Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Diane L. Gorenstein
Seller: Vincent M. Vacca
Date: 01/06/15

LEYDEN

72 Eden Trail
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Muka
Seller: Lori Levesque
Date: 01/07/15

NORTHFIELD

39 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: VanBro Co. LLC
Seller: Thomas W. Boisvert
Date: 12/30/14

SHELBURNE

19-23 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ancient Glacier LLC
Seller: James E. Singley
Date: 01/09/15

5-7 Grove St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: John L. Occhialini
Seller: Chris E. Singley
Date: 12/31/14

SUNDERLAND

10 Bears Den Dr.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Glenn F. Brozo
Seller: William R. Brown
Date: 01/09/15

42 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Jonathan Pepyne
Seller: Robert J. Zajac
Date: 01/05/15

WHATELY

30 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $261,760
Buyer: Peter E. Newsum
Seller: Diane M. Burns
Date: 12/30/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

15 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: John J. Ragno
Seller: Donald Neill
Date: 12/30/14

96 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Henry Kozloski
Seller: Lucier, Bruce, (Estate)
Date: 12/29/14

100 Oak Hill Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Landers
Seller: Kris T. Lombardi
Date: 01/09/15

50 Pheasant Run Circle
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Charles D. Stevens
Seller: Pedro N. Guzman
Date: 01/09/15

36 Senator Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $118,750
Buyer: Tomroc Holdings LLC
Seller: Scott A. Richards
Date: 01/08/15

863 South Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Oleg Bratnichenko
Seller: David W. Dunican
Date: 12/30/14

18 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Michael H. Woods
Seller: Paul G. Roy
Date: 12/30/14

649-651 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Simon Realty LLC
Seller: Thomas J. Lockwood
Date: 12/31/14

635 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Robert T. Shepard
Seller: Mary Shepard
Date: 01/09/15

BLANDFORD

18 North Blandford Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Sabrina R. Kanner
Seller: Jack L. Hooper
Date: 01/05/15

BRIMFIELD

1550 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Jenna J. Cuthbertson
Seller: Keith R. Lapierre
Date: 12/29/14

116 Wales Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Darlene E. Rutkauskas
Seller: Lance W. Vandolson
Date: 12/30/14

CHESTER

270 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $153,900
Buyer: Sarah L. Frost
Seller: Christopher J. Kanner
Date: 01/05/15

CHICOPEE

96 8th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Miranda L. Pothier
Seller: Edward J. Allie
Date: 01/09/15

54 Armanella St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Sanchez
Seller: Kevin J. Czaplicki
Date: 01/05/15

131 Bay State Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Justinn D. Cassidy
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 01/05/15

309 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $202,129
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael Horton
Date: 01/08/15

247 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $139,400
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Wayne E. Butler
Date: 12/29/14

24 Dewey St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Bernard J. Grummell
Date: 01/09/15

84 Fedak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Beswick
Seller: Major, Rita T., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

10 Juliette St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Roman V. Kouzmouk
Seller: Stacy L. Tassone
Date: 12/30/14

513 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Mercedes Alvarez
Seller: Robert R. Brassard
Date: 12/31/14

416 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Wendy Burgos
Seller: Nathan K. Jedziniak
Date: 01/06/15

96 Savory Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $231,500
Buyer: David J. Matlasz
Seller: Irzyk, Mildred A., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/15

12 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Evan N Rosienski
Seller: Patricia L. Raymond
Date: 12/30/14

272 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Antonio F. Tereso
Seller: Robert Borowiec
Date: 01/07/15

45 Whitin Ave.
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Donald H. Chapdelaine
Seller: Chapdelaine, L. A., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

21 Allen St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Tiffany L. Sanchez
Seller: Mahlon G. Cashman
Date: 12/29/14

127 Country Club Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $532,500
Buyer: Kate Laporte
Seller: Marc D. Giupponi
Date: 12/29/14

197 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Trevor Devine
Seller: Stephen P. Wagner
Date: 12/31/14

255 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $145,152
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Catherine W. Potter
Date: 01/08/15

241 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Argenio
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 12/31/14

9 Lombard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Country Development Corp.
Seller: James A. Rinaldi
Date: 12/29/14

19 Mereline Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Harrington
Seller: Rosemary A. Martone
Date: 12/29/14

11 Sturbridge Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Gina E. Flanagan
Seller: Ralph D. August
Date: 12/31/14

GRANVILLE

1430 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Richard Deblois
Seller: Jesse P. Saltmarsh

HAMPDEN

337 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: John P. Kertenis
Seller: Paul S. Jaquay
Date: 01/09/15

Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Rocky Mountain Wood Co.
Seller: Ramon Carando

HOLYOKE

5 Appleton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ralph Thompson
Seller: Indy Group Inc.
Date: 12/30/14

167 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Cox
Seller: Stiebel Properties Inc.
Date: 01/08/15

107 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Garrett J. Lavoie
Seller: Michael J. Curtin
Date: 12/30/14

245 Madison Ave. West
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Samuel G. Stauder
Seller: Benjamin Snyder
Date: 01/05/15

216 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,207
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: James G. Bliss
Date: 01/06/15

24 Scott Hollow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,500
Buyer: Dominick M. Ciuffreda
Seller: Daniel J. Sroka
Date: 12/29/14

329 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,110
Buyer: Alexis D. Giacometti
Seller: Amy L. Stpeter
Date: 01/09/15

10 Western View Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael J. Curtin
Seller: Xin Y. Liu
Date: 12/31/14

LONGMEADOW

31 Churchill Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $484,900
Buyer: Brennan Collins
Seller: Peter L. Copeland
Date: 01/07/15

40 Circle Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: John E. Tyler
Seller: Michael S. Desmarais
Date: 12/30/14

107 Colton Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Paul A. Sweitzer
Seller: Randall, Bruce W., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

134 Edgewood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $302,500
Buyer: John C. Austin
Seller: Stephen L. Simons
Date: 12/29/14

567 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $276,500
Buyer: Brent S. Spruill
Seller: Douglas E. Bourie
Date: 01/06/15

511 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $266,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Andrea Chase
Date: 01/08/15

LUDLOW

22 Arch St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Augusto Coelho
Seller: Stephen J. Kubik
Date: 01/07/15

55 Atlantic St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Shawn P. Crimmins
Seller: Timothy P. Crimmins
Date: 12/30/14

Avelino Way #10
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

Avelino Way #6
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

Avelino Way #9
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: A&A Goncalves RT
Seller: AMM Group LLC
Date: 12/31/14

33 Higher St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Alex Montagna
Seller: Alice A. Lavatori
Date: 12/30/14

MONSON

32 Ayers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: James M. Veninger
Seller: Richard R. Loveless
Date: 01/06/15

19 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Gary L. Depace
Seller: Mark Depace
Date: 01/08/15

44 Stebbins Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Michael Beder
Seller: Duane W. Howard
Date: 12/30/14

PALMER

2115 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carmen S. Rivera
Seller: Barbara I. Benedetti
Date: 12/29/14

53 Crawford St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Erik M. Binczewski
Seller: Joseph S. Pisarski
Date: 01/08/15

331 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Adam J. Skowyra
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/29/14

139 Griffin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Antonio Sebastiao
Seller: Christine L. Short
Date: 12/29/14

3145 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Anthony B. Choquette
Date: 12/31/14

3147 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $132,900
Buyer: Anthony B. Choquette
Seller: Joan D. Neiweem
Date: 12/31/14

SOUTHWICK

51 Lakemont St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Peter Molin
Seller: Penelope A. Fillion
Date: 01/02/15

39 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Miller
Seller: Pamela L. Pryor
Date: 12/31/14

275 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Gilmore
Seller: Walter N Brach
Date: 01/09/15

SPRINGFIELD

85 Amos Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Meera Adhikari
Seller: Lachenauer LLC
Date: 01/08/15

218 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Luca V. Mineo
Seller: John Kirzec
Date: 01/07/15

Arcadia Blvd. (NWS) #31
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Luca V. Mineo
Seller: John Kirzec
Date: 01/07/15

120 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Elizabeth S. Belle-Isle
Seller: Julie Rypysc
Date: 12/29/14

87 Avocado St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Avocado Street LLC
Seller: Captiva Realty Inc.
Date: 12/29/14

281-285 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: CIG 2 LLC
Seller: Jinrong Properties LLC
Date: 01/07/15

89 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $117,150
Buyer: Eduardo E. Padilla
Seller: Kenneth R. Gagne
Date: 12/30/14

11-15 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Paul Modelski
Seller: Roman Boiko
Date: 01/02/15

61 Bliss St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

197 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Trevor Devine
Seller: Stephen P. Wagner
Date: 12/31/14

82 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Amanda Bligh
Seller: Stanley Russin
Date: 12/31/14

49-51 East Hooker St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellow Brick Property LLC
Date: 12/31/14

207 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $122,772
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Gerald J. Shannon
Date: 01/06/15

177 Ellsworth Ave. #68
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $224,500
Buyer: Lowell T. Manning
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 12/30/14

18 Freeman Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Yellow Brick Property LLC
Date: 12/31/14

341 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Ashe
Seller: Walter A. Mayo
Date: 01/06/15

172 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Zachary J. Lyman
Seller: Ronald Vanbeek
Date: 01/07/15

37 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $177,710
Buyer: Pennymac Holdings LLC
Seller: Gregory Moultrie
Date: 01/07/15

52-62 Howard St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

57 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Peter Mancuso
Seller: Regan, Michael J., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/14

10 Ingraham Ter.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: J. Norbert Properties LLC
Seller: Hampden Bank
Date: 01/02/15

72-74 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Gerardo A. Colon
Seller: Maribel Delrio
Date: 01/09/15

1126 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: Dino A. Isotti
Date: 01/02/15

1132-1142 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $4,000,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: Joo B. Lee
Date: 01/02/15

643 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: SDS LLC
Seller: 3 Pointer LLC
Date: 12/29/14

75 Market St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: SH Realty LLC
Seller: Harrison Avenue RT
Date: 01/09/15

184 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: George A. Spence
Seller: United Way Of Pioneer Valley
Date: 12/30/14

135 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Mary N Rowe
Seller: John M. Rossini
Date: 12/30/14

36 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Vito M. Dellaera
Seller: Joan P. Learned
Date: 01/06/15

28-30 Olmsted Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Millicent Lardi
Seller: Andrew W. Smith
Date: 12/30/14

18 Riverton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Edmund M. Leduke
Seller: Justinn D. Cassidy
Date: 12/30/14

195 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Michael W. Walsh
Seller: Scott C. Powers
Date: 01/07/15

875 South Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Diana Estrada
Seller: City View Property Services
Date: 12/30/14

73 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $6,025,000
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 73 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

79-83 State St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $1,237,500
Buyer: Blue Tarp Redevelopment
Seller: 79 State Street LLC
Date: 01/02/15

160 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: R&B Karrasch LLC
Seller: Francis S. Mercier
Date: 01/06/15

129 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $134,465
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Anthony W. Bosworth
Date: 01/08/15

128 Woodland Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: John E. Kaloroumakis
Seller: Edward F. Barbeau
Date: 01/05/15

TOLLAND

13 Lakeside Dr.
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Denis Dilallo
Seller: Debra A. Desmond
Date: 01/09/15

173 Owls Nest Lane
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Allen E. Nathan
Seller: Judith A. France
Date: 12/30/14

WALES

2 Cordially Colony
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Eugene Tosetti
Seller: Eileen F. Kniep
Date: 12/31/14

119 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason A. Lisiecki
Seller: Brenda A. Laflamme
Date: 01/02/15

54 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $140,500
Buyer: Kevin M. Brunell
Seller: Country Bank For Savings
Date: 01/08/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

55 Circuit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Westside 55 Circuit LLC
Seller: HR Massachusetts LLC
Date: 12/31/14

1089 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Dog Alley RE LLC
Seller: Andrew J. Pignatare
Date: 01/02/15

120 Great Plains Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,200
Buyer: James F. Mello
Seller: William J. Pasternak
Date: 12/29/14

559 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $139,263
Buyer: Nationastar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Frank Bonet
Date: 01/09/15

25 Orange St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Wood
Seller: Donald A. Rivers
Date: 12/29/14

38 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Tiana Phienboupha
Seller: Kristen S. Dominique
Date: 01/09/15

67 Trotters Walk
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Paul M. Bardwell
Seller: Jeffrey D. Jutsum
Date: 01/02/15

23 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Brenda X. Chavez-Salas
Seller: Jacob N Dushane
Date: 12/30/14

WESTFIELD

13 Charles St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Franklin E. Tompkins
Seller: Mark G. Thompson
Date: 12/29/14

1526 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Michael D. Gonnello
Seller: Paul F. Kudryk
Date: 12/30/14

65 Laro Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jack L. Hooper
Seller: Kelly M. Schetzel
Date: 01/05/15

107 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Dawn M. Gahran
Seller: Raymond J. Salois
Date: 12/29/14

5 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Kathryn V. Roberts
Seller: Frazier, Owczarski S., (Estate)
Date: 01/07/15

Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Frank A. Demarinis
Seller: Noreen Botticello
Date: 01/09/15

120 Skyline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Pavel Yakovenko
Seller: Peter E. Flynn
Date: 12/31/14

480 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Elite Contracting Services
Seller: Rui M. Baltazar
Date: 01/08/15

Wildflower Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Mongeau
Seller: Richard B. Kramer
Date: 01/08/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

217 Aubinwood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Aaron D. Osborne
Seller: Philippe G. Galaski
Date: 01/09/15

471 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Barrett Mully
Seller: Obediah D. Gibson
Date: 01/09/15

91 Cross Break
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: Kebede Gashie
Seller: Carla Clason-Hook
Date: 12/30/14

669 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Dana Parsons
Seller: Virginia L. Pierce
Date: 12/30/14

27 Greenleaves Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Irene S. Drummond
Seller: Amhad Development Corp.
Date: 01/09/15

405 Pine St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kimberly D. Tremblay
Seller: Wesley J. Cembalisty
Date: 01/05/15

299 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Buyer: Matthew Wolaver
Seller: Meredith G. Troy
Date: 01/05/15

BELCHERTOWN

Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $373,246
Buyer: Matthew T. Baird
Seller: Donald R. Besancon INT
Date: 01/09/15

440 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Cheri A. Ulrich
Seller: Arthur R. Vilinskis
Date: 12/31/14

10 Depot St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Jonathan E. Blake
Seller: Joseph Cox
Date: 01/09/15

280 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Joanna G. Mull
Seller: Richard M. Grab
Date: 01/06/15

2 Rimrock Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $288,869
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 01/02/15

CHESTERFIELD

Bofat Hill Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Nature Conservancy
Seller: Peter F. Lafogg
Date: 12/30/14

EASTHAMPTON

11 Brook St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Margaret Goller
Seller: Jeremy N. Rapoza
Date: 01/09/15

19 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Susan M. Rapoza
Seller: Crown Meadow Corp.
Date: 01/09/15

24 Knipfer Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $174,500
Buyer: Marcie L. Cormier
Seller: Edward A. Lemanski
Date: 12/31/14

57 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $249,500
Buyer: Heather A. Zottoli
Seller: Samuel G. Stauder
Date: 01/05/15

14 Russell Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Stephen L. Zimora
Seller: Margaret Goller
Date: 01/09/15

GOSHEN

39 Lake Dr.
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Joshua Silver
Seller: Todd K. Thompson
Date: 12/30/14

GRANBY

67 Cold Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Robert Cannon
Seller: Michael C. Karkut
Date: 01/09/15

36 High St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Mayra D. Jesus
Seller: Michael W. Simon
Date: 12/31/14

125 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $458,030
Buyer: Peter J. Gaj
Seller: East State Street NT
Date: 01/09/15

HADLEY

Hadley University Park #2
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: 23-27 LLC
Seller: Westmass Area Development Corp.
Date: 12/30/14

122 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $351,378
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 01/06/15

NORTHAMPTON

422 Acrebrook Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Dara Virks
Seller: Stephen J. Tremblay
Date: 12/29/14

31 Country Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Philips
Seller: Frances P. Hack
Date: 01/07/15

311 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Edward J. Kubasek
Seller: Dolores A. Kubasek
Date: 01/05/15

191 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Keith A. Tardy
Seller: Luke A. Strzegowski
Date: 12/31/14

83 West St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Smith College
Seller: Raymond H. Niles
Date: 12/29/14

SOUTH HADLEY

17 Cypress Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Derek J. Lauder
Seller: Michelle A. Boisvert
Date: 12/30/14

8 Dove Hill
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: C. E. Thomson
Seller: Michael R. Sobon
Date: 01/05/15

35 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $309,000
Buyer: Eric Wilson
Seller: Mayra L. Dejesus
Date: 12/29/14

12 Horseshoe Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Micah W. Maloney
Seller: Michael S. Larson
Date: 01/09/15

33 Lamb St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Curran O’Brien Realty LLC
Seller: William W. Ryder
Date: 12/31/14

8 Lois Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Nicole Kwiatkowski
Seller: Xuan Li
Date: 12/30/14

31 Mountainview Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $142,464
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Alan F. Trudeau
Date: 01/09/15

54 Prospect St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Meredith O. Duval
Seller: Julio C. Ruiz
Date: 01/02/15

142 Stony Brook Village
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Clarissa G. Bak
Seller: Whispering Pines at Root
Date: 12/30/14

SOUTHAMPTON

33 Bissonnette Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert A. Cestola
Seller: F&G Development Corp.
Date: 01/02/15

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.

Akpan, Effiong Isaac
358 Park St. #134
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/15

Barszewski, Daniel J.
89 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Brunelle, Robert
140 Rolling Green Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/15

Brusa, Jacqueline M.
a/k/a Lauzier, Jacqueline M.
342 Southwick Road #96
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/15

Building Blocks Family Church
Kirby, Eileen E.
2 Los Angeles St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/15

Camilleri, Donna M.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Carney, Geraldine
87 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/15

Comstock, Lon A.
250 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/15

Conway, Scott M.
Conway, Stacey M.
20 Whitin Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/15

Curran, Robert John
P.O. Box 2287
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Donovan, Jason B.
Donovan, Ashley V.
a/k/a Church, Ashley Varee
166 Line St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Dyer, Joseph P.
P.O. Box 286
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/15

Estrada, Ernie
802 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/15

Galecki, John
Galecki, Melaine Rose
51 Basket St.
Hunington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Genesis Barber Shop
Izzy’s Barber Studio
Acosta, Isidro
Acosta, Regina
P.O. Box 672
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Gordon, Asneth Tania
35 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/15

Goshea, Christopher R.
Goshea, Katie M.
a/k/a Lachance, Katie
95 Vermont St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/15

Herrick, Lisa Marie
66 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Kohl, Leonora S.
29 High St., Apt. 2
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/01/15

LaFlamme, Daniel A.
PO Box 323
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Ledoux, Gerald R.
Ledoux, Susan L.
PO Box 323
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Leonard, Lennie L.
76 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Luciano, Damaris I.
a/k/a Reyes, Damaris I.
246 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Matlasz, Jennifer M.
340 Dale St., Unit C
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/15

Phillips, James R.
81 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/15

Regnier, Dolores J.
72 Worcester St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Rider, Scott Anthony
316 Park St. #5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Sena, Gilbert M.
28 Kingsberry Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/15

Sobers, Nicola Susan
934 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/15

St. Pierre, Fawne M.
a/k/a White, Fawne M.
30 St. Pierre Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/14

Steenburgh Real Estate
Steenburgh, Michael A.
Steenburgh, Susan J.
182 East St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/15

Voutas, Steven
Voutas, Maureen
11 Knollwood St
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/15

Wellspeak, David B.
1177 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/15

Doing Business as Certificates

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2015.

CHICOPEE

B Big Global
211 Poplar St.
Bright Ukandu

Buns-on-Wheels
522 Main St.
Ana Guelhermino

Chicopee Building Supply
14 Exchange St.
Michael Chamberland

Cotton Mill Sound
165 Front St.
John Daigle

Fruit Fair
398 Front St.
Shailesh Patel

Head Quarters
852 Memorial Dr.
Mark Mushenko

Papa John’s
610 Broadway St.
Cary Rivest

HOLYOKE

Cara Foods
14 Corser St.
John Kennedy

Holyoke Furniture Outlet
354-356 High St.
Alfredo Improta

Salon 413
1735 Northampton St.
Stacie Anne Alicea

Zerorez Pioneer Valley
1-3 Thorpe Ave.
ZRPV Corporation

LUDLOW

Faustination
59 Szlosek Road
Daniel Faustino

Open Door Café
247 Cady St.
Arlindo Alves

SDI Auto Repair
575 East St.
Vanda Barros

NORTHAMPTON

Boomerang Booksellers
139 Federal St.
Mark Brumberg

Firestaff Homes
351 Pleasant St.
Gary Bennett

Fitness Together
18 Strong Ave.
Jessica Phaneuf

Keggeroo Creative Consulting
53 Clark Ave.
Kenneth Geiger

Ohmstyle Living
43 Finn St.
Allison Cook

Panacea Salon
28 Pleasant St.
Patricia Britt

Swing Graphics
36 Market St.
Gregory Perham Jr.

Valley Nibbler
80 Damon Road
Gwen Connors

Valley Stress Reduction
30 Locust St.
Ellen Kaufman

Western Construction Services
275 Hatfield St.
John S. Henderson-Adams

PALMER

C & G Services
8 Crest St.
Marie Day

Friendly’s
1519 North Main St.
Friendly’s, LLC

Walnut Street Café
8 Walnut St.
Doris Theodore

SPRINGFIELD

Lizet Land Photography
219 Gifford St.
Lizet Land

Luxury Nails Salon
1220 Main St.
Vy J. Nguyen

Mommy’s
324 Wilbraham Road
Henry Ogirri

Oriental Gift and More
171 Boston Road
Chun Yang

Plink Plunk Play
63 Lakevilla Ave.
Rita F. Bartholomew

Ray’s Auto Repair
3 Fountain St.
Ramon L. Rivas

Serenev Affordable Tax
67 Suffolk St.
Angela D. Martin

Superior Home Health
83 Hazen St.
Shari Anglin

SV Saturno Cleaning Services
413 Nottingham St.
Marcos Villegas

The Sports Shack
152 Main St.
Sandra A. Babbie

Tower Convenience Store
10 Chestnut St.
Zahid Farooqui

Tranquility Day Spa
1655 Boston Road
Charles Tran

Universal Caulking
42 Kimberly Ave.
Anthony M. Dewdney

Vape Religion
526 Sumner Ave.
Tam T. Le

WESTFIELD

Clean by Kim
207 Northwest Road
Kimberly J. Gamache

Del Photo & Craft Works
46 Spruce St.
Michael C. Delmonte

New England Winners Club
720 Russell Road
Vadim Lezhnyak

Rycon Renovation
41 St. Dennis St.
Sirahei Ryhal

Western Mass Excavation Corporation
30 Sunset Dr.
Dale Unsderfer

Western Mass Pan Project
76 Broad St.
Jonathan Adams

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Clarion Motel
1080 Riverdale St.
Shailesh Patel

Friendly’s
1094 Riverdale St.
Catherine Smith

Knight’s Inn
1557 Riverdale St.
Anil Rana

Pat’s Auto Service
163 Norman St.
Richard D. Parenteau

Santana’s Kung-Fu Studio
452 Main St.
Maria E. Santana

Welcome Inn
2041 Riverdale St.
Patel Pravinshai

Incorporations

Departments Incorporations

The following business incorporations were recorded in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties and are the latest available. They are listed by community.

AMHERST

Hangar of Greenfield Inc., 55 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Harold Tramazzo, same. Franchise restaurant.

EAST BROOKFIELD

1 Stop Transportation Inc., 119 Oakwood Dr., East Brookfield, MA 01515. Samantha Marie Cox, 6 St. Clair Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Interstate and intrastate transporting, towing, and storage of vehicles.

HOLYOKE

Christian Union Chaplaincy Commission, 349 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Juan Fernandez, 210 Mountain View Dr., Holyoke, MA 01040. Organized to establish a chaplaincy ministry, to be a governing entity which will establish governance and polity, oversee activities, enforce common doctrines, and provide general administrative and spiritual supervision for other organizations which will themselves be organized and operated exclusively for educational, charitable, and/or religious purposes.

LUDLOW

Duru Inc., 481 Center St., Center St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Aziz Turan, 96 Bluebird Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Full-service restaurant.

SOUTH HADLEY

Anthony Reynolds Sr. Memorial Fund Inc., 38 River Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Anthony Reynolds Jr., same. Establishing scholarships for graduating high school students who wish to pursue the field of medicine or medical sciences.

SPRINGFIELD

Bay Auto Sales Corp., 784 Bay St. Springfield, MA 01109. Argenis Ramos, same. Auto sales and service.

Elser Builders Inc., 35 Glenwood Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01021. David Elser, same. Construction, commercial and residential.

Fast Lane Auto Sales & Service Inc., 18 Berkshire Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Noemi De Leon, 56 Malden St., Springfield, MA 01108. Used automobile sales and service.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A.M.P.M. Express Inc., 284 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Murad-John Osmanli, same. Trucking business.

WESTFIELD

Indian Motorcycle Riders Group of Springfield Inc., 962 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Ed Villareal, same. Non-profit organization with the primary objectives to promote the Indian Motorcycle brand and attend as a club at least two charitable / benefit rides a year.

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

Federal $10M Grant Will Help Improve Long Island Sound
GREENFIELD — The Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) is one of seven partners receiving a $10 million federal grant funded through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. This new project brings together seven partners to improve the health of Long Island Sound. The funding will be matched dollar for dollar by other local, state, and private funding sources. Excess nutrients have been identified as the primary driver of hypoxic conditions (lack of oxygen) in Long Island Sound and are also impacting upland water resources within the watershed, which encompasses areas of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. This project will develop a comprehensive, whole-farm, management-certainty program for farmers in the area and use both working lands and easement programs to improve soil health and nutrient management, establish community resiliency areas with a focus on enhancing riparian areas, and institute a land-protection program to protect agricultural and forestry areas. “The council is very pleased to be one of the many partners on this important project to improve the health of both the Connecticut River basin and Long Island Sound,” said CRWC Executive Director Andrew Fisk. “Funding will allow CRWC to continue working with landowners on restoration projects on their land that will improve our rivers and protect their investment in productive farm and forest land.” The Connecticut River contributes more than 70% of the freshwater to Long Island Sound and plays an important role in the health of the sound. “We are proud to be working with landowners to help them do their part to restore and protect the public’s water,” noted Fisk. “Many individuals working together across the entire watershed will have a great impact to improve the health of our rivers and Long Island Sound.” The Connecticut River Watershed Council works to protect the watershed from source to sea. To learn more, visit www.ctriver.org.

Construction Employment Increases in 40 States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction firms added jobs in 40 states and the District of Columbia between December 2013 and December 2014, while construction employment increased in 38 states and D.C. between November and December, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by Associated General Contractors of America. “Part of the reason for the positive December construction employment figures was the exceptionally harsh weather in much of December 2013 and November 2014 and milder-than-normal weather in December 2014,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Nevertheless, the underlying trend is very positive, with construction employment expanding at more than double the rate for total non-farm payroll jobs.” Texas added more new construction jobs (47,500 jobs, 7.7%) between December 2013 and December 2014 than any other state. Other states adding a high number of new construction jobs for the past 12 months included Florida (34,300 jobs, 8.9%), California (26,000 jobs, 4.0%), Illinois (20,200 jobs, 10.6%) and Washington (14,100 jobs, 9.5%). North Dakota (25.7%, 8,300 jobs) added the highest percentage of new construction jobs during the past year, followed by Utah (13.4%, 10,100 jobs), Wisconsin (12.7%, 12,400 jobs), and Arkansas (12.6%, 5,800 jobs). Ten states shed construction jobs during the past 12 months. West Virginia lost the highest percentage (-9.1%, -3,000 jobs). Other states that lost a high percentage of jobs include Mississippi (-7.5%, -4,000 jobs), Hawaii (-4.5%, -1,400 jobs), and Arizona (-3.4%, -4,300 jobs). Arizona lost the most construction jobs between December 2013 and December 2014, followed by Mississippi, West Virginia, and Ohio (-2,500 jobs, -1.3%). Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between November and December. New York (6,400 jobs, 2.0%) added the most jobs, followed by Illinois (6,000 jobs, 2.9%), Texas (5,100 jobs, 0.8%), and North Carolina (4,100 jobs, 2.3%). Association officials said the latest construction employment figures are consistent with the optimism many contractors expressed in the association’s recently released annual “Construction Hiring and Business Outlook.” According to the outlook, 80% of contractors report plans to add new construction jobs in 2015. In addition, a majority of contractors expect demand for most construction-market segments this year to grow. “The construction industry appears on track to add many new construction jobs in 2015,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO.

BCBS Grants to Support Care for Vulnerable Populations
BOSTON — Individuals with behavioral health and other medical issues are among the highest-need, most complex patients in the healthcare system but rarely receive care that integrates both aspects of treatment. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation’s new, $1.3 million grant program, called Fostering Effective Integration of Behavioral Health and Primary Care, will support 10 organizations — including one in Western Mass., the Center for Human Development — that are currently implementing collaborative, co-located, and integrated service models for patients with a range of medical and behavioral-health needs, including support for their families. The National Co-morbidity Survey Replication shows that 68% of adults with a severe behavioral-health disorder have at least one chronic medical condition, and 29% of adults with a chronic medical condition have serious mental illness. Moreover, those with a mental illness live far shorter lives than those without, partly due to treatable medical conditions and inadequate access to medical care. Better coordination of primary care and behavioral health — including early identification, timely and regular treatment, and rehabilitation and recovery supports — is important to improving health care outcomes and potentially controlling costs for people with behavioral-health needs, said Audrey Shelto, president of the BCBS of Massachusetts Foundation. “We believe the time is now to invest in and evaluate programs that have experience providing primary care and also treating mental-health and substance-use disorders to help define what truly constitutes an effective integrated model of care.” The grantee organizations represent a variety of provider types — community health centers, community-based behavioral-health centers, and hospital-based programs — located throughout the entire state. “We are thrilled to be working with some of the most experienced healthcare providers in the Commonwealth and look forward to sharing information and collaborating on this critical issue,” said Shelto. The local grantee, the Center for Human Development (CHD), has created a project in partnership with two health centers to provide integrated care to seriously mentally ill adults and individuals with substance-use disorders. The health centers — Caring Health Center of Springfield and Holyoke Health Center — provide integrated primary care, care management and wellness services, while the Western MA Recovery Learning Community provides peer-guided wellness groups and peer specialists. The largest cluster of patients is within the Department of Mental Health-funded Community-Based Flexible Supports program, identified as ‘super-utilizers’ with high rates of avoidable ED visits. The program provides primary-care services to people with serious mental illness on site at a CHD community mental-health center, with a focus on patients with diabetes, pre-metabolic syndrome, and high risk for cardiovascular disease. Chronic-disease management and wellness programs are provided by primary-care nurses and peer specialists, and patients involved with the integrated care program experience reduced wait times when seeking medical care at the respective health centers. The focus of the foundation’s one-year grants is the evaluation and assessment of integrated-care programs that demonstrate the greatest likelihood of effectiveness across a range of domains such as increased access, improved outcomes, greater patient engagement, and reduced costs. The foundation will document the success factors, barriers, and challenges faced by grantees with the intent of making a longer-term investment in promising, replicable models in the future. For more information, visit www.bluecrossmafoundation.org.

Business Confidence Index Soars in 2014
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index ended 2014 at 57.3, 7.1 points above last December’s level. “This is the index’s highest reading since July 2007, before the Great Recession, and it concludes the best quarter since that period,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “There is reason to believe, moreover, that this upwelling in confidence will prove more lasting than the increase of early 2012, which was undone by fiscal conflict in Washington.” In 2014, Torto noted, “business confidence survived a stress test of economic contraction in the first quarter, then gained in eight of the last 10 months of the year. Fundamentals are looking much better — unemployment is down and job creation is running strong nationally and in Massachusetts, which shows up in rising consumer confidence; the federal deficit and the trade deficit are shrinking; and, of course, the stock market has done well. Despite significant areas of weakness in the global economy, Massachusetts employers have ample cause to be optimistic.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of respondent experienced a mix of gains and losses from November to December, but all were up from a year before. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, added one point on the month to 56.1, and the U.S. Index of national business conditions was up four-tenths to 50.1. “This is the third time since the recession that U.S. Index reached 50, but so far it has not held that level,” said BEA member Paul Bolger, president of Massachusetts Capital Resource Co. “Respondents with 100 or fewer employees still tend to rate national conditions negatively, while larger firms are on the positive side. Compared to last December, the state indicator was up 9.1 points, while its national counterpart gained 5.3 points.” The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, was up 1.2 points to 56.2, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, shed one-tenth to 58.4. The annual gains were 7.6 and 6.8, respectively.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

Financial-success Center to Open at Holyoke Community College 
HOLYOKE — Thrive, a one-stop financial-success center for local college students and residents, staged a grand-opening celebration on Feb. 4 in the Frost building at Holyoke Community College. Thrive, a collaborative effort between HCC, PeoplesBank, and United Way of Pioneer Valley, will offer financial literacy and coaching, workforce-development services, and public-benefits screening and enrollment. Thrive will provide a valuable support system for anyone in the community (along with necessary skills to achieve long-term financial goals), but especially college students, who may be experiencing financial independence for the first time in their lives. “I don’t think it’s any secret that most college students don’t have a lot of money and that those who choose to attend community college often do so because of its affordability and their own financial limitations,” said HCC President William Messner. “What we see, year after year, is that managing money is a huge challenge for students. That financial anxiety is an issue that often impedes their academic performance and sometimes even leads them to drop out of school. Anything we can do to eliminate or at least reduce those financial concerns is going to help our students succeed in the classroom. Healthy financial skills will aid them not only during their college days, but also after they move on, so we are very happy to provide this new resource here at HCC not only for our students, but for members of the community who might also be facing financial issues.” PeoplesBank has been working to increase financial literacy for years by supporting seminars in the community and teaching personal finance in area public schools. “Academic excellence and community vibrancy are core principles of our corporate-responsibility efforts,” said Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. “Supporting Thrive gives us the opportunity to expand on our financial-literacy education efforts. It also provides our associates with another way to volunteer to improve the community and help our future workforce by teaching classes at Thrive.” Financial literacy is also one of the four impact areas that United Way of Pioneer Valley focuses its fund-raising efforts on, because of the long-lasting results that can be attained with the proper skills and training. “We’re here to help hardworking families build assets for a successful future,” said Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. “Our partnership with HCC and PeoplesBank has made it possible for our community to ‘Thrive.’”

First Connecticut Bancorp Reports Q4 Earnings
FARMINGTON, Conn. — First Connecticut Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Farmington Bank, reported net income of $3.1 million, or $0.21 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.17 diluted earnings per share, in the linked quarter. Diluted earnings per share were $0.07 for the fourth quarter of 2013. The bank had net income of $9.3 million, or $0.62 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to net income of $3.7 million, or $0.24 diluted earnings per share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. “Despite the low-interest-rate environment which continues to apply pressure to the margin, we continue to generate improved earnings based on our organic growth strategy, coupled with our strategic steps of reducing operating cost through process improvement initiatives,” said John Patrick Jr., First Connecticut Bancorp’s chairman, president, and CEO. “I am extremely proud of our team for their efforts in 2014, as we have once again prudently grown our asset and deposit base, deepening our market share where we operate. Their effort is evidenced in the improvement in our operating efficiency and annual EPS growth of 158%. We continue to be pleased with the progress of our expansion into Western Massachusetts, and will be opening two branch offices in that market in 2015, as previously announced.” Also in the fourth-quarter report, net interest income increased $410,000 to $16.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to $16.0 million in the linked quarter, and increased $2.1 million or 14% compared to fourth quarter of 2013. On a core basis, net interest income increased $160,000 in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to the linked quarter. Strong organic loan growth continued during the quarter, as total loans increased $88.4 million to $2.1 billion at Dec. 31, 2014 and increased $318.7 million or 18% from a year ago. Non-interest expense to average assets was 2.39% in the fourth quarter of 2014 compared to 2.46% in the linked quarter and 2.80% in the fourth quarter of 2013. Tangible book value per share was $14.57 compared to $14.56 on a linked quarter basis and $14.11 at Dec. 31, 2013. Checking accounts grew by 2.8% or 1,242 net new accounts in the fourth quarter of 2014 and by 13.1% or 5,248 net new accounts compared to Dec. 31, 2013. Asset quality improved, as loan delinquencies 30 days and greater decreased slightly to 0.75% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2014, compared to 0.78% at Sept. 30, 2014 and 0.85% at Dec. 31, 2013. Non-accrual loans represented 0.72% of total loans, compared to 0.76% of total loans on a linked quarter basis and 0.81% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2013. The allowance for loan losses represented 0.89% of total loans at Dec. 31, 2014 compared to 0.91% at Sept. 30, 2014 and 1.01% at Dec. 31, 2013. Finally, the company paid a cash dividend of $0.05 per share on Dec. 15, 2014, and paid a cash dividend of $0.17 per share for the year, an increase of $0.05 compared to the prior year. This marks the 13th consecutive quarter the company has paid a dividend since it became a public company on June 29, 2011.

Two Local Banks Boost Capital Campaign for Sr. Caritas Cancer Center
SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced that Westfield Bank and Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to “Transforming Cancer Care,” the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center. Westfield Bank’s gift is particularly significant because it reflects the largest corporate gift in the history of the bank. “Whether we like it or not, every one of us will be touched by cancer, directly or indirectly,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. “As an employer and as a community member, I recognize the importance of outstanding hospital care for the health of our community. Supporting this expansion is the right thing for economic, humanitarian, and personal reasons. We’re proud to be a part of this worthy project and encourage other area businesses to support the expansion as well.” Added Chicopee Savings Bank President Bill Wagner, “Chicopee Savings Bank and its charitable foundation have consistently supported the Sisters of Providence Health System and their various efforts. We have long been impressed by the organization’s mission to serve all members of our community. Cancer affects people across the socio-economic spectrum. This expansion will lift the level of care at Mercy to an even higher level, while expanding Mercy’s ability to meet the growing cancer-care needs of this community.” Mercy Medical Center recently launched a capital campaign to support the $15 million expansion of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center. Specifically, the funds will be used to consolidate all cancer services into a single, unified space and meet increased demand for outpatient cancer services. In the past two years, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy at the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center has increased by more than 200%. By 2022, the need for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%. “Through the years, the banking community has been at the forefront of supporting the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System. “Once again, they are among the first to step forward to support a critical community need. We are grateful for their ongoing generosity and commitment to the people we serve.”

United Financial Bancorp Announces Q4 Results
GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2014. These results represent the second full fiscal quarter as the combined United Financial (merger of Rockville Financial Inc. and legacy United Financial Bancorp Inc.). Rockville was the legal acquirer in the merger of equals with legacy United in a transaction that closed on April 30, 2014, and Rockville changed its name to United Financial Bancorp Inc. at that time. The company had net income of $1.4 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, compared to Rockville’s net income of $1.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013. Operating net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $8.3 million (non-GAAP), or $0.16 per diluted share, adjusted for $10.6 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.4 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair value adjustments) as a result of the merger, $2.6 million (pre-tax) net adjustment for the company’s announced branch-optimization program, and $59,000 (pre-tax) net loss on sales of securities. Operating net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014 was $10.4 million (non-GAAP), or $0.20 per diluted share, adjusted for $4.5 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.8 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $430,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the prior-year period was $3.3 million (non-GAAP), or $0.13 per diluted share, adjusted for $2.1 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger. Net income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 was $6.8 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, and declined from $14.2 million or $0.54 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Operating net income of $26.7 million (non-GAAP), or $0.62 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2014 increased from $16.3 million or $0.62 per diluted share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2013. Adjustments to operating net income from GAAP net income are largely related to the merger with legacy United and are itemized in the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures. “As we close the books on 2014, I am pleased to announce that we reported impressive organic loan growth, successfully completed the conversion to one core operating system, and have materially achieved the company’s objectives related to eliminating redundant expenses by the end of the fourth quarter,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank. “Looking forward to 2015, the operational environment will be challenging; however, I am confident that our strategy to reduce expenses and improve efficiency will enhance long-term shareholder value while maintaining superior service for our customers.”

Family Legacy Partners Expands to Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Karen Curran, CFP and Molly Keegan, CPA are announced the opening of a Northampton office of Family Legacy Partners Inc., an established financial-advisory firm headquartered in Greenfield. The new office is located in a historic property on Round Hill Road. Family Legacy Partners is an independent financial-services firm offering financial planning and investment management. Securities are offered through Bolton Global Capital Inc. in Bolton, Mass. Advisory services are offered through Bolton Global Asset Management, a SEC-registered investment advisor.

Ludlow Mills Riverwalk to Begin Construction
LUDLOW — The Westmass Area Development Corp. announced that it will begin Phase I of its riverwalk project this month, part of the approved Ludlow Mills Preservation and Redevelopment Comprehensive Master Plan. Westmass will begin construction on the riverwalk with a planned completion of Phase I this July. The initial phase of construction will cost $600,000 and is being funded through a partnership between HealthSouth and Westmass. The riverwalk is one of the early commitments that Westmass made to the town of Ludlow and its residents to promote public health and recreation along the river. The riverwalk will offer public space for pedestrian use and passive recreation, opening up the Chicopee River to the Ludlow Mills businesses and to residents of the community. Westmass has selected a local contractor, Gomes Construction Co., for this phase of the project. Phase I will feature a loop design and will start near Center Street, just east of the Town Common, run along the river toward the new HealthSouth Hospital, and then return through the proposed future park and reconnect with the recently installed municipal sidewalk system on State Street. The length of this phase of the riverwalk will span 3,575 feet and will incorporate the use of recycled brick materials, historic timeline markers and river observation areas along the walk. Together, the proposed riverwalk and future public park will cover approximately 52 acres, or nearly one-third of the Ludlow Mills site. Westmass seeks to convey that open space to the town so that it will remain in protected public use. The open space is intended to integrate the Ludlow Mills project into the neighborhood and community as well as support the many existing and new businesses that are attracted by the revived vibrancy of the Ludlow Mills.

UMassFive Opens Branch at Mercy Medical Center
SPRINGFIELD — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union introduced its newest branch location at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. As of January, the Credit Union of the Providence System (CUPS) has formally merged with UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, and has transitioned former CUPS members to be UMassFive members. With this merger, current employees of the Sisters of Providence Health Systems and their immediate family members are now eligible for UMassFive membership. Along with this merger, there is a new location for this credit-union branch at the Weldon Rehabilitation Hospital at Mercy, 233 Carew St., in Room 110. This space has been completely renovated to provide members with an efficient place to do their banking and gives access to all credit-union products and services, including checking, auto loans, home-equity loans, mortgages, credit cards, and investment guidance. As with other branch locations, members at this new branch will have access to free financial workshops on topics such as budgeting essentials, home buying, identity theft, and paying down debt. The branch design has a modern and inviting feel and allows flexibility of use for both members and staff. Rather than a traditional teller line, the credit union has introduced teller pods, which both take up less space and increase the ability of tellers to move throughout the area, assisting members wherever they are in the branch. A touchscreen kiosk will provide online information about UMassFive. The hours for this new branch are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

People on the Move

Departments People on the Move

Robinson Donovan, P.C., announced the promotion of two attorneys to Partner: Jeffrey Trapani, Esq. and Michael Simolo, Esq.

Jeffrey Trapani

Mike Simolo

• Trapani, who joined the firm in 2007, concentrates in civil litigation, including insurance defense, employment law, municipal liability, business litigation, and professional malpractice. He also represents landlords in summary-process actions and housing-discrimination claims, and insurance companies in unfair-settlement claims and coverage issues. “Jeff is highly deserving of this designation,” said Nancy Pelletier, Esq., head of the Litigation Department at Robinson Donovan. “His expertise in civil litigation — both in the courtroom as well as in mediations and arbitrations — is a true asset to our firm.”
• Simolo, who joined the firm in 2009 and specializes in corporate and business counseling, estate planning, and litigation, plays a number of roles at Robinson Donovan, including supervising the organized transfer of wealth from clients to their beneficiaries. “Michael has deep knowledge of our shared practice areas and is a constant source of insight,” said Jeffrey Roberts, Esq., managing partner at Robinson Donovan. “He forms great relationships with his clients, getting to know their circumstances and helping them develop the kind of foresight that is beneficial for them in the long run.”
•••••
Monson Savings Bank recently announced three promotions:

Robert Chateauneuf

Corinne Sawyer

• Robert Chateauneuf has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. He joined Monson Savings Bank in 2012 as assistant vice president and is a key member of the bank’s commercial-lending team. He possesses indepth knowledge of the Western Mass. small-business marketplace and is a trusted advisor to business customers. He is a member of the 2014 class of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty, and is a graduate of UMass Amherst;
• Corinne Sawyer has been promoted to Vice President, Business Development Officer. She joined Monson Savings Bank in 2001 and was promoted to assistant vice president in 2007. She works with the bank’s business customers to optimize cash flow, financial workflow, and efficiency using the bank’s deposit, cash-management, and eBanking products. She serves on the board of directors of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Elms College;

Dodie Carpentier

• Dodie Carpentier has been promoted to Human Resources Officer. She joined Monson Savings Bank in 2006 as assistant branch manager and was promoted to branch manager in 2008. In 2012 she assumed a dual role as branch manager and education coordinator. With her growing interest in training and HR, she obtained certification in Supervision in Banking and Human Resources Management from the Center for Financial Training. She was awarded the position of human resources officer after an extensive search to replace her predecessor, Elaine Grimaldi, who retired last year.
•••••

Matthew Boilard

The local, family-owned-and-operated supplier of building supplies A. Boilard Sons Inc., announced that Matthew Boilard has joined the family business. His appointment as Sales Associate continues a legacy of family leadership, now in its fourth generation. “This company has always been a part of my life, and I look forward to adding my own outside perspective to the business,” he said. “I’m proud to have an opportunity to be part of a family business, and my goals are to grow the business and look for new opportunities to help it succeed.” Boilard is a 2011 graduate of Bentley University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and accounting.
•••••
Jewish Geriatric Services has named Anne Thomas Vice President of Residential Services and Administrator of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home. Thomas brings more than 25 years of diverse experience in elder healthcare to this position. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Joint Commission-accredited, 200-bed, long-term-care and short-term-rehabilitation facility located in Longmeadow, and will also oversee management at Ruth’s House Assisted Living and Genesis House. Before joining the nursing home, Thomas served as the executive director and administrator of Hebrew Senior Life in Dedham, the largest provider of elder care in the Boston metropolitan area. In this role, she oversaw the day-to-day operations of more than 500 employees and 268 residents and their families, and was responsible for all aspects of financial and clinical outcomes. She also spearheaded the opening of a state-of-the-art healthcare center in the small-house model of care, which honors resident choice and quality of life. Prior to this, Thomas served as vice president/assistant administrator of Schervier Nursing Care Center, a member of the Bon Secours Health Care system, in Riverdale, N.Y.; and director of Chelsea Adult Day Health Care Center in New York City. Thomas is a member of Leading Age Massachusetts, the American College of Nursing Home Administrators, and the Assoc. of Health Care Executives. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Hunter College in New York, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Providence College in Rhode Island. She is licensed as a nursing-home administrator and social worker, and is certified as a yoga instructor.
•••••

Dr. Holly Michaelson

Dr. Holly Michaelson of Cooley Dickinson Medical Group General Surgical Care was among 1,640 initiates from around the world who recently became fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). Michaelson received a medical doctorate from Temple University Medical School and completed a general surgical residency at Drexel University College of Medicine. She earned board certification from the American Board of Surgery in 2005, and is the director of minimally invasive and robotic surgery at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Michaelson has a strong professional interest in advanced minimally invasive procedures, particularly surgeries of the colon and gastrointestinal tract as well as breast surgery. She holds membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. The American College of Surgeons honored new initiates during its convocation ceremony at the college’s 2014 annual Clinical Congress in San Francisco. By meeting the college’s stringent membership requirements, fellows of the college earn the right to use the designation FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after their names. An applicant for fellowship must be a graduate of an approved medical school; must have completed advanced training in one of the 14 surgical specialties recognized by the college; must possess certification by an American surgical specialty board or its Canadian equivalent; and must have been in practice for at least one year at the time of his or her application. Before admission into fellowship, the surgeon must further demonstrate ethical fitness and professional proficiency, and his or her acceptance as a fellow of the college must be approved by three-fourths of its board of regents. The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient.
•••••
The Gray House inducted Teresa Spaziani to a three-year term on its board of directors at its January board meeting. Also elected were four new officers for one-year terms:
• Michael Walsh, President;
• David Chase, Vice President;
• Paul Mitus, Treasurer; and
• Candace Pereira, Secretary.
Spaziani is a quality-assurance manager at the Children’s Study Home in Springfield. She has held that position since February 2014. Previously, she was its community relations and outreach manager. Spaziani holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University, graduating magna cum laude in 2012. Walsh was the current board president and was re-elected for another one-year term. He is an adjunct instructor in Political Science at Westfield State University and a consultant and legal advisor at MIRA Associates. Chase has more than 20 years of banking experience. He is a vice president and commercial lender at Hampden Bank in Springfield. Mitus previously served as vice president. He has 25 years of banking experience and is currently a portfolio manager at Hampden Bank. Pereira has more than 10 years of banking experience. She is a commercial-portfolio loan officer for Farmington Bank in West Springfield. The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located at 22 Sheldon St. in the North End of Springfield. Its mission is to help neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment.
•••••
The American Assoc. of Community Colleges has selected HCC professor emerita, alumna, and major donor Elaine Marieb for its 2015 Outstanding Alumni awards. Marieb taught anatomy and physiology at Holyoke Community College for 25 years after receiving her Ph.D. in zoology from UMass. While teaching, she enrolled in HCC’s Registered Nursing program, earning her associate degree. Her teaching and education led her to write a series of anatomy and physiology textbooks that have gone on to become international bestsellers. Last year, Marieb donated $1 million toward HCC’s Building Healthy Communities fund-raising campaign, which is supporting two building projects at the college, a new Center for Health Education on Jarvis Avenue, and the Center for Life Sciences on campus. The AACC award recognizes community-college alumni for their career achievements, philanthropic contributions, and inspirational impact.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 12-March 26: Leadership Institute 2015, to be staged Thursdays, 1-4:30 p.m., between Feb. 12 and March 26. The opening session will be held at Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield, and all remaining sessions will be held at TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. In partnership with Western New England University, this seven-week program is designed to teach mid- and upper-level managers the crucial thinking and problem solving skills needed to enable them to be effective leaders in service to the community and in their workplaces and designed to develop high energy and high involvement leadership. Sponsored by MassMutual with scholarship support from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. For information, contact Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected].

• Feb. 27: Outlook 2015, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., MassMutual Center, Springfield. Featuring Gov. Charlie Baker and special guests including U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. Presenting sponsor: Health New England. Platinum sponsors: Eastern States Exposition, United Personnel, MassMutual Financial Group, MGM Springfield. Program/reception sponsors: Comcast, Sisters of Providence Health System, the Republican, Eversource. Gold sponsors: BusinessWest and Chicopee Savings Bank. Tickets are $50 for chamber members, $70 for general admission. Tables of 10 are available. Reservation deadline: Feb. 20. No walk-ins accepted. No cancellations after reservation deadline. Reservations must be made in advance. To register, visit www.myonlinechamber.com or e-mail Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 11: CEO Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee. Tickets are $25 members, $30 for non-members.

• Feb. 18: February Salute Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., at the MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, Chicopee. Tickets are $23 for members, $29 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Feb. 9: Getting Down to Business about Business, 8-9 a.m., on the second Monday of each month. Mayor Karen Cadieux will be hosted by one of Easthampton’s businesses for casual question-and-answer sessions.

• Feb. 14: Second annual Easthampton WinterFest, starting at 11 a.m. The Nashawannuck Pond Steering Committee and Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce invite you to the second annual Easthampton WinterFest. This community-wide event features family-friendly winter activities held throughout the day, featuring an historical ice harvest on Nashawannuck Pond, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, snow sculpture, a chili cook-off, a community bonfire, and much more. There will also be winter-themed indoor activities for all ages. Most events are free or by donation. A lineup of the day’s events will be posted on www.nashawannuckpond.org.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• Feb. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Business networking event includes complimentary appetizers, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes. Sponsored and hosted by Gary Rome Hyundai, 1000 Main St., Holyoke. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Feb. 24: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Marketing Your Business,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the chamber conference room, 177 High St. This program, the latest in a series, will provide all you need to know about designing a logo, branding your business, advertising opportunities, social media, and developing a website. Tickets are $20. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up or online at holyokechamber.com.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Feb. 11: February After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Betts Piping Supply Co., 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• Feb. 10: Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., at It’s All About Me!, 2 Somers Road, Hampden. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments.  Reservations are complimentary but required. Contact Gwen Burke at (413) 237-8840 or [email protected]. The Professional Women’s Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Feb. 19: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. One 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 your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note that we cannot invoice you for these events.  For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 25: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The breakfast will feature a panel of various leaders, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

Agenda Departments

Chicopee Chamber CEO Luncheon
Feb. 11: The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will present its first CEO luncheon of 2015 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Collegian Court Restaurant, 16 Park St., Chicopee. The speaker will be Elizabeth Barajas-Román, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. Barajas-Román has been a leader in progressive movements, including advocating at the national level for the health and rights of immigrant women and their families. Most recently, she was a manager at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she directed a portfolio of partners that campaigned for state and federal policy change to improve government performance on issues that impact children’s health. Barajas-Román brings a background in impactful philanthropy, data-driven strategy design, fund-raising through philanthropic partnerships, creating coalitions, and mobilizing partners. Previously, she served as the director of Policy at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and directed the organization’s Washington, D.C. office. Barajas-Román was frequently invited to be a voice in national-policy discussions at the White House and on Capitol Hill. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and received her master’s degree in international policy from Harvard University. To register for the luncheon, visit ‘Upcoming Events’ on the chamber’s website, www.chicopeechamber.org. The cost is $25 for chamber members and $30 for non-members.

‘Pink in the Rink’
Feb. 21: Noble Hospital is the major sponsor the Springfield Falcons’ “Pink in the Rink” event against the Portland Pirates. This annual event helps to raise funds for and awareness of breast cancer. Falcons players wear special pink jerseys that will be autographed and auctioned off after the event. Visit www.ebay.com/usr/springfieldfalcons to bid on the pink jerseys after the game. In addition to the hockey game, breast-cancer survivors will be honored, there will be giveaways and raffles, and Noble Hospital will provide an information booth. Members of a support group, the Pink WAY, will also attend. Noble Hospital’s Center for Comprehensive Breast Health, under the direction of Dr. Steven Schonholz, provides a wide range of options and services in a single location. Pink bracelets will be available for donations at the Noble table; funds raised will go towards Noble’s breast-cancer awareness programs and to help local patients going through treatments. Area residents can support Noble Hospital by purchasing tickets to the game at give.noblehospital.org/pinkintherink. For more information, contact the hospital’s Community Development Office at [email protected] or (413) 568-2811, ext. 5520.

West of the River Chamber Legislative Breakfast
Feb. 25: The West of the River Chamber of Commerce announced that it will stage its Legislative Breakfast, an event that brings members and non-members together for a morning of breakfast and legislative updates, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Storrowton Tavern Carriage House in West Springfield. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local business people over breakfast, and later will enjoy an informational session presented by a panel of legislators including state Sens. Donald Humason and James Welch, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan. Political consultant Anthony Cignoli will emcee the event and offer economic updates. Sponsors for the event are Health New England, OMG, the Insurance Center of New England, Ormsby Insurance, and Spherion. The cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880.

Greater Westfield Chamber Legislative Luncheon
Feb. 27: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, which serves Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco, will present its second annual Legislative Luncheon at Tekoa Country Club. Invited state legislators include Sens. Benjamin Downing and Donald Humason and Reps. Nicholas Boldyga, Peter Kocot, Stephen Kulig, William Pignatelli, and John Velis. A host of sponsorship opportunities are still available. Tickets for the event are $25 for chamber members and $35 (paid in advance) for non-members. For more information on tickets and sponsorships, call the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

PAWSCARS Fund-raiser
Feb. 28: Dakin Humane Society will present a fund-raising event at the MassMutual Center in Springfield that will affectionately spoof Hollywood, the Oscars, and red-carpet fashion. Dubbed “The PAWSCARS & Red Carpet Fashion Parade,” the show will be emceed by Ashley Kohl and Seth Stutman, hosts of Mass Appeal on WWLP-22News. Beginning with a VIP Reception at 6 p.m. and a plated dinner at 7 p.m., the evening will also include a red-carpet fashion parade featuring local people of prominence, accompanied by rescue dogs (among them former Dakin dogs, now adopted). Short videos of animals recreating iconic moments in cinematic history, created by members of the public, will also be screened during the evening. “We’re looking forward to presenting a one-of-a-kind event with the PAWSCARS,” said Dakin Executive Director Leslie Harris. “We’re blending fashion, fun, and film with a healthy dose of humor for an unforgettable night. Plus, as our major fund-raising event of the year, it will be a terrific opportunity for our supporters to come together and enjoy themselves while providing much-needed aid for the many animals in our care.” With a targeted audience of 500, The PAWSCARS is Dakin’s most ambitious fund-raising event in its 45-year history. Tickets for the event are available at www.dakinhumane.org for $125 per person (dinner and show) or $50 (show only). Corporate sponsors for the PAWSCARS include Baystate Health, Piepul’s Camera Center, Clinical & Support Options, United Personnel, C.A.R. Data Management and Program Evaluation Services, Hampden Bank, and Robinson Donovan. The Republican, Reminder Publications, WMAS, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and the Recorder are among the media sponsors. Visit www.dakinhumane.org for more information about the event.

Difference Makers
March 19: The sixth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are making a difference in this region. The class of 2015 is profiled in this issue. Tickets cost $60 per person, and tables of 10 are available. Go HERE to order, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or e-mail [email protected].

40 Under Forty
June 18: The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

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.

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Daviau Construction, LLC v. Complete Restoration Solutions Inc.
Allegations: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction contract: $28,010
Filed: 12/30/14

Prospect Builders Inc. v. Elmcrest Country Club
Allegations: Non-payment of construction labor and materials provided: $33,378.22
Filed: 12/16/14

Quality Health Ideas Inc. v. Accountable Care Associates Inc.
Allegations: Breach of contract and breach of implied covenant of good-faith and fair dealing: $955,916.00
Filed: 12/23/14

USNE Inc. v. Prime Solutions Inc., Sune Monson I, LLC, and Pro-Tech Energy Solutions Inc.
Allegations: Non-payment of labor and materials: $118,843.30
Filed: 12/18/14

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Ian Hogan v. Gary M. Bombardier, M.D., Louis J. Durkin, M.D., Holyoke Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Center
Allegations: Tortious interference with business relations causing plaintiff to lose his job and restrict future employment: $450,000
Filed: 12/9/14

Michael J. Kocak, personally and as administrator for the estate of John W. Kocak v. Apple New England, LLC d/b/a Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill
Allegations: John Kocak was a patron at Applebee’s where he choked on food and later died as a result: $25,000+
Filed: 12/4/14

Vincent O’Connell and Katharine Swanson v. George Propane Inc.
Allegations: Negligence in winterizing of heating system causing damage to property: $42,000
Filed: 11/17/14

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Cheryl A. Vaid v. Seneca Foods Corp. and Stop and Shop Companies Inc.
Allegations: Negligence in food packaging and breach of implied merchantability: $25,000.00+
Filed: 12/9/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Thomas Publishing Co., LLC v. Diecutting Tooling Services Inc.
Allegations: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $3,938.40
Filed: 11/24/14

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Horizon Beverage Co. Inc. v. Buck Pond Enterprise Inc., f/d/b/a Tommy D’s
Allegations: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,929.16; Filed: 11/21/14

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]

Transforming Cancer Care

Mercy Medical Center recently announced that Westfield Bank and the Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation have pledged gifts of $150,000 and $100,000, respectively, to Transforming Cancer Care, the capital campaign for the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center, located at the hospital. From left, Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Diane Dukette, vice president of Fund Development for the Sisters of Providence Health System; and James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank, check on the progress of the $15 million project to expand the cancer center.

Thirty Years and Still Growing

TSM Design, a brand-development, marketing, and design firm located in the historic Stearns Building in downtown Springfield, recently celebrated 30 years in business. Owner Nancy Urbschat has been with the agency for all but three months of the 30 years, and 2015 also marks the anniversary of her purchase of TSM Design 10 years ago. Urbschat said 2014 was a banner year for the company, with the opening of a second office in the historic G. Fox building in downtown Hartford and a host of new clients, including the city of Hartford, the Insurance Center of New England, White Lion, and Fathers & Sons. “I know it’s early in the year, but I think 2015 will be even stronger,” she added. Top: Urbschat, right, with Janet Bennett, marketing director, and Brittany Arita, designer, of TSM Design. Middle: Janet and Mark Bennett. (Photos by Chris Marion)

Holyoke Health Center Announces ‘Dental Adventure’ Event

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Health Center is celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month by hosting a two-day event called “Dental Adventure” on Feb. 17 and 18 to raise awareness for Pediatric Oral Health. The American Dental Assoc. recognizes the month of the February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) to increase awareness of the importance for children’s oral health. The Dental Adventure event will be held on all floors of Holyoke Health Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the two days.

The event will include activities that engage participants in oral-health education, dental exams, and creative oral-health crafts. The health center will provide pediatric dental services including oral exams, X-rays and imaging, sealants, and fluoride treatments. Throughout this event, young participants will get the opportunity to experience all the dental-health services provided at Holyoke Health Center by participating in a scavenger hunt throughout the facility, with tasks including oral-health education, dental-themed crafts, and an oral exam, with prizes and giveaways for completing each task.

“At our health center, we are proud to offer affordable medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral-health and community programming,” said CEO Jay Breines. “Our approach is to look at the whole health of the person and their life beyond the walls of our health center. By focusing on prevention and partnering with local, community-based organizations, we can give our patients the right tools to stay healthy and productive, and out of the hospital.”

To learn more about Holyoke Health Center, visit www.hhcinc.org.

Jones Whitsett Architects Awarded GCC Child Care Center Project

GREENFIELD — Greenfield-based Jones Whitsett Architects has been chosen to design Greenfield Community College’s new Child Care Center. The Mass. Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) selected Jones Whitsett to design a state-of-the-art facility that will combine a healthy, creative educational setting with maximum environmental efficiency.

Jones Whitsett, led by Principal Architect Margo Jones, is an award-winning architectural practice with three decades of experience providing architectural services on municipal, cultural, and historic-preservation projects. Over the past two decades, school design has become the largest part of Jones Whitsett’s portfolio.

The new Child Care Center will be the first on-campus child-care center at GCC since GCC’s Head Start program ended 15 years ago when renovation began on the College’s main building. The new center will be built on the college’s main campus and will serve the families of GCC staff, faculty, and students, as well as families from throughout the community. It will also serve as the ‘lab school’ for students in GCC’s Education programs to do their field work.

“The competition for this project was stiff, with many good architects from throughout the state eager to take on the work,” said GCC President Bob Pura. “We are especially pleased that the DCAMM Review Board chose Greenfield-based Jones Whitsett Architects to design GCC’s new Child Care Center. Margo Jones’ understanding of GCC is long-standing. This brings an added dimension and understanding of this community to the design of the center. Knowing that Jones Whitsett is designing the center elevates our excitement about the project. We are hopeful that children, teachers, parents, and GCC’s students will be entering the new Child Care Center by January of 2017.”

Responding to DCAMM’s decision, Jones said, “Jones Whitsett Architects is truly thrilled to have been selected as the design firm for this important project. It is a very exciting project, which will utilize many of our strengths and passions — healthy, creative educational environments, cutting-edge sustainable design, participatory and reclamation landscape architecture, and early-childhood design that will be state of the art. Certainly, affordable, high-quality child care for GCC is needed, and will be a huge resource for the college and its community. We are especially honored to be chosen to follow in the footsteps of the previous design team, who, in partnership with GCC and DCAMM, made beautiful improvements to the main building at the campus. We have every confidence we can meet and possibly exceed this very high bar for interactive, accessible architecture.”

Reflecting on the need for the Child Care Center, Professor of Education Kate Finnegan noted that, “in order to flourish as younger human beings, children need loving care, food, shelter, heat, clothing, and education. In addition, educational programs like those that will be housed in the new Center offer protection, foster resiliency, and create opportunity. As children flourish and mature into adulthood, they begin their unique journey into the larger world. GCC welcomes the children and their families who will be served by the programming delivered at the new facility on GCC campus. A majority of the parents of children served by child-care programming at the new GCC facility will be, in all likelihood, GCC students. When GCC’s previous child-care program closed years ago, 75% of the children’s parents were also GCC students.”

Working on the Child Care Center design along with Jones Whitsett will be Keith Miller of Miller Design LLC, which has designed more than 100 child-care centers in the U.S. and abroad. “We are excited to be part of the design team with Jones Whitsett Architects,” Miller said. “We look forward to sharing our expertise with the team and community in creating a building that will in turn shape the future of the community through the children, faculty, and students.”

Dr. Charlotte Boney Named Chair of Pediatrics at Baystate Health

SPRINGFIELD — Dr. Charlotte Boney, a nationally recognized pediatric endocrinologist and physician educator, has been named to the position of Tufts University School of Medicine chair of Pediatrics at Baystate Health and vice president of the Pediatric Service Line at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Before coming to Baystate Children’s Hospital, Boney was director of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology in the Department of Pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, and professor of Pediatrics at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

“I am thrilled to be joining Baystate. Baystate Children’s Hospital has a proven track record in delivering state-of-the-art clinical care, but it is the department’s commitment to serving the community’s children and their families, and to training future pediatricians, which really attracted me to this position,” she said.

Boney attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn. and the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her internship and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She joined the faculty at Brown University in 1994 and became program director of the fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology in 2003 and director of the Division of Endocrinology in 2005. She received numerous teaching awards at Brown, including the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award every year from 2004 to 2011 and again in 2013.

Boney also has a distinguished research career, supported by National Institutes of Health funding, during which she focused on the biology of adipocyte (fat-cell) development. She has also conducted clinical research in pediatric obesity and diabetes. Additionally, she has served on numerous hospital, university, regional, and national committees.

Boney’s professional memberships include the Endocrine Society, the Pediatric Endocrine Society (for which she served on the board of directors), the Society for Pediatric Research, the Obesity Society, and the American Pediatric Society. She recently joined the sub-board in pediatric endocrinology at the American Board of Pediatrics. She has also authored some 40 scholarly publications, including peer-reviewed journals and abstracts, and is the author of several textbook chapters. She also serves as a member of the editorial board of the American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism.

“It is my hope in my new role at Baystate Children’s Hospital to expand clinical programs, strengthen education programs, and generate new knowledge in pediatric medicine,” she said.

Berkshire Bank Supports Food Banks Through eStatement Initiative

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that its initiative to move customers from paper statements to eStatements, in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, resulted in 1,099 customer conversions. As a result of this campaign, the Berkshire Bank Foundation is donating $3,500 to local food banks, having previously pledged donations for every account that converted to eStatements.

A secure and convenient way to stay organized while helping the environment, Berkshire Bank eStatements, like paper statements, are delivered regularly to each customer. An e-mail message alerts the customer when their statement is available online. Not only does this reduce paper usage, it is a secure way to manage finances without the worry of disposing of traditional statements through recycling and shredding.

The selected food banks that will be receiving funding include the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Food Bank of Greater Boston, the Worcester County Food Bank, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, the Food Bank of Central New York, FoodShare of Connecticut, and the Vermont Food Bank. Berkshire Bank’s eStatement campaign won the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. Best in Marketing Award for the category of image, green campaign.

Amherst Chamber Supports ARHS Business Education Program

AMHERST — The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce announced a donation of $3,517 to Amherst Regional High School’s Business Education Program. This money was raised at the annual Chamber Golf Tournament held in July 2014 through donations from local businesses.

The chamber also announced the expansion of its successful ARHS scholarship program in collaboration with Cooley Dickinson Health Care. For the past 11 years, Cooley Dickinson and the chamber have funded two $1,000 scholarships to deserving ARHS seniors who plan to study business at UMass Amherst. This year, the scholarship program will be expanded to include ARHS seniors who will pursue a healthcare-related degree at UMass.

“We are thrilled to receive this significant donation from the chamber, which directly supports and positively impacts many ARHS students who are interested in business and entrepreneurship,” said Kimberly Stender, director of Community Partnerships and Volunteers for Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools.

Employer Confidence in Massachusetts Hits 14-year High

BOSTON — Employers are more confident about the Massachusetts economy than they have been in 14 years. In the latest Business Confidence Index released by Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), employer confidence in the Bay State economy surged 3.2 points to 59.3, on a 100-point scale, in January. Overall business confidence rose for the fifth consecutive month, to 58.1, while the U.S. Index of business conditions nationally rose 4.0 points to 54.1.

“These are landmark figures,” said Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at the College of the Holy Cross and a member of the AIM board of economic advisors. “The national indicator is at a level not seen since before the Great Recession, in August 2007, and its state counterpart had not been this high since before the previous recession, in December 2000. Business confidence in Massachusetts conditions, like total statewide employment, did not fully recover from that earlier downturn before the next one hit.”

Added Richard Lord, AIM’s president and CEO, “our members rate conditions within the Commonwealth better than they have been in 14 years.” Lord noted that the January Business Confidence Index survey included a question asking employers how they saw Massachusetts as a place to do business in 2015. “Forty-two percent of respondents chose ‘the best’ or ‘very good,’ while only 8% went with ‘below par,’” he said. “It’s a credit to our business community, our workforce, and our political leadership that employer perceptions are so positive.”

AIM’s Business Confidence Index has been issued monthly since July 1991 under the oversight of its 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. Economists say rising confidence leads to economic growth.

“When the Federal Reserve notes strong job growth and solid expansion, as it did in its assessment last week, it’s important to recognize that businesses are creating those jobs because they are feeling confident about the future,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s board of economic advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The cheers for the economy were not, however, without reservation. The Current Index, tracking employers’ assessment of existing business conditions, edged off one-tenth to 56.1, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for the next six months, added 1.7 to 60.1. Meanwhile, the three sub-indices related to survey respondents’ own operations all weakened in January. The Company Index, in which employers assess the situations of their own operations, was down a point to 59.1; the Sales Index shed six-tenths to 60.7; and the Employment Index fell 2.8 to 53.9.

“The sales and employment numbers are off for the second consecutive month,” noted Michael Goodman, associate professor of Public Policy and executive director of the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth, and a BEA member. “However, respondents expect both sales and hiring to increase in the next six months. Over the past six months, respondents reporting adding new staff have outnumbered those reporting layoffs, 29% to 22%, while expectations for the next six months are much stronger, with 33% reporting plans to hire and 11% expecting staffing reductions.”

BusinessWest, Healthcare News Launch New Lecture Series

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and the Healthcare News are pleased to announce a new lecture series presented by Comcast Business. This series of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations will address timely and important business information, and is an ideal opportunity to meet industry leaders and network with area business professionals.

The first event in the series, called “Technology Has the Power to Change Healthcare,” is slated for Thursday, March 12 at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Panelists include Neil Kudler, vice president and chief medical information officer for Baystate Health; Michael Feld, CEO of VertitechIT and acting chief technology officer of Baystate Health and Lancaster General Hospital; and Delcie Bean IV, CEO, of Paragus Strategic IT.

Registration begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by breakfast and networking at 7:30 a.m. and the panel discussion from 8 to 9 a.m. Admission is free, provided by Comcast Business, but RSVP is required by Thursday, March 5. Sign up online at businesswest.com/lecture-series, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, for more information.

Monson Savings Promotes Carolyn Weeks, Anthony Jianaces

By BusinessWest Staff February 6, 2015

MONSON – Monson Savings Bank has announced the promotions of Carolyn Weeks to branch manager of the Wilbraham office, and of Anthony Jianaces to branch manager of the Hampden office.

Weeks began her career at Monson Savings in 2007 as a part-time customer service associate while still in college. In 2009, she came back to the bank and has risen through the ranks to customer service associate supervisor, assistant branch manager, and now branch manager. She is a UMass graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Jianaces joined the bank in 2012, also as a part-time customer service associate. He has since been promoted to assistant branch manager and now branch manager. He is a registered financial representative and holds his series 7, series 66, and insurance licenses. He is a graduate of Stonehill College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“I am extremely pleased to announce these promotions,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “Carolyn and Anthony are both very talented and impressive young professionals who have already made significant contributions to the success of Monson Savings.”

Kevin Joyce Joins Team at Webber & Grinnell

By BusinessWest Staff February 6, 2015

NORTHAMPTON — After a stint working as a senior member of IBM’s Business Analytics Division in the Boston area, Holyoke native Kevin Joyce has returned to the Pioneer Valley and taken a position at Webber & Grinnell Insurance.

Joyce began his insurance career in 2005 with Phillips Insurance of Chicopee. In his five years at Phillips, he built a significant book of business comprised of property owners, manufacturers, restaurants/hospitality, contractors/sub-contractors, and technology operations.

“I’m very excited to be back in the community I love, working with a great firm and clients that I’m passionate about,” Joyce said.

Added Mathew Geffin, vice president of Business Development, “we are very excited that Kevin is joining the team at Webber & Grinnell. Kevin is a son of the Pioneer Valley and understands the values and needs of our business community.”

As one of the largest insurance agencies in Western Mass., Webber & Grinnell currently serves more than 5,000 automobile and homeowner policyholders, and insures nearly 900 businesses throughout the region.

Westfield State University Advances Presidential Search

By BusinessWest Staff February 6, 2015