BusinessWest

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Jerry Cruz v. Shirin Jewelers and Yousef Al-Ryati
Allegation: Breach of contract to sell jewelry: $16,000
Filed: 11/3/11

Platinum Choice Staffing Inc. v. Wellman Healthcare d/b/a Palmer Healthcare Center
Allegation: Breach of contract for services rendered: $3,690.37
Filed: 11/15/11

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Ann C. Gatti v. National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh
Allegation: Breach of contract for failure to pay death benefit: $42,000
Filed: 12/28/11

Jesse Bennefield v. Applied Proactive Technologies Inc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 12/29/11

Northeast Solite Corp. v. Connecticut Valley Block Co. Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay outstanding invoices for concrete aggregate product: $111,464.90
Filed: 12/28/11

Patricia E. St. Armand, William F. Julian, and Maureen T. Julian v. Willie Ross School for the Deaf Inc., et al
Allegation: Property damage and personal injury: $304,200
Filed: 12/28/11

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Alpine Landscape Co. Inc. v. Spillane’s Nursery and Landscape Co. Inc. and Nauset Construction Corp.
Allegation: Breach of contract for landscape construction services: $39,959.37
Filed: 1/12/12

Boulanger’s Plumbing and Heating Inc. v. Aecon Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services provided: $30,747.26
Filed: 12/15/11

Ronald S. Meck v. UMass Five College Federal Credit Union
Allegation: Violation of consumer-protection laws: $85,203
Filed: 12/22/11

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Clara DeJesus v. Stop & Shop Supermarket, LLC and Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing slip and fall: $3,127.69
Filed: 10/28/11

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
M&S Electric Inc. v. Sackrey Construction Co., LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials: $17,000
Filed: 11/7/11

Preferred Mutual Insurance Co. as subrogee of Allen and Judith Davis v. Amherst Maintenance Co.
Allegation: Plaintiff seeks to recover monies paid under the property-damage portion of an insurance contract: $10,952.12
Filed: 11/14/11

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
B.A.C. Sales Inc. v. Turnpike Acres and George Dupuis
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $16,658.64
Filed: 12/12/11

Norman J. Buehler v. Complete Restoration Solutions Inc. and Joe Gillette
Allegation: Breach of contract: $19,164.79
Filed: 11/25/11

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
ABC Supply Co. Inc. v. Agass Systems and Donald Mitchell
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,735.32
Filed: 12/28/11

Dewayne and Mary Lou Devos v. Bob the Roofer and Robert Kelley
Allegation: Failure to perform work as required in contract: $9,682.00
Filed: 12/15/11

Sturdy Home Improvements Inc. v. Brook Valley Investments Inc. and David Reynoso
Allegation: Breach of contract and fraud: $18,685
Filed: 12/28/11

Headache Relief Lecture
Feb. 15: Dr. Karin Johnson from Baystate Medical Center’s Neurodiagnostic & Sleep Center will present a free lecture titled “Headache Relief,” as part of Bay Path College’s Kaleidoscope series. Johnson will discuss the causes and theories about the physiology of migraines, as well as headache-treatment options, including trigger prevention, myofascial release, and abortive and preventative medications, at the Springfield JCC, 1160 Dickinson St., Springfield. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (413) 739-4715 or sending an e-mail to bnadler@springfieldjcc.org.

Human Service Forum Breakfast
Feb. 16: The Human Service Forum, which recently released a report showing the impact of human, social, and health service organizations on the region’s economy, will share the data at its monthly gathering from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Delaney House, 1 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Victor Woolridge, vice president at Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors, will give the keynote address. The program cost is $25 for HSF members and $35 for non-members. To register or for more information, visit www.humanserviceforum.org.

Holyoke Chamber Legislative Luncheon
Feb. 17: State Sen. Therese Murray, president of the Massachusetts Senate, will be the keynote speaker at Issues 2012, the annual legislative luncheon of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. The 11:45 a.m. event is planned at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. State Sen. Michael Knapik will also present remarks, as well as Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and state Rep. Michael Kane. Tickets are $36 per person and may be obtained at www.holyokechamber.com or by calling (413) 534-3376. Tables may be reserved for groups of eight or 10.

Historical Lecture at Wistariahurst Museum
Feb. 20: Alan Swedlund, professor emeritus of Anthropology at UMass Amherst, will lecture on his 30-year research into the history of mortality in the Connecticut Valley as part of the Wistariahurst Museum’s Historical Lecture Series. Swedlund’s program is planned at 6 p.m., and a $5 donation is suggested. Swedlund’s approach incorporates medical history with social history, and he uses documents from valley towns to identify epidemics and causes of death. Diaries, letters, newspapers, and other sources combine to tell the story from any given town. The lecture will be accompanied by historical images from the area. Swedlund’s most recent book is titled Shadows in the Valley: A Cultural History of Illness, Death and Loss in New England, 1840-1916. The Wistariahurst Museum is located at 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. For more information on the event, call (413) 322-5660 or visit www.wistariahurst.org.

Anthropologist Lecture
Feb. 22: Susan Darlington, a professor at Hampshire College, will discuss her latest book, The Ordination of a Tree: The Thai Buddhist Environmental Movement, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. Darlington has studied the work of Buddhist monks in Thailand who are engaged in rural development and environmental conservation. The science-based talks, at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, will also include insights into religion and social activism. The presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

ACCGS Outlook Luncheon
Feb. 27: Congressman Richard Neal and Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, are featured speakers at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s annual Outlook Luncheon. The event is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. In addition to remarks by Neal and Widmer, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno will outline the recently unveiled Rebuild Springfield Plan. For more information or to register, contact Cecile Larose at larose@myonlinechamber.com or visit www.myonlinechamber.com.

Manufacturing Seminar
Feb. 29: Presentations by the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Offices of International Trade and Investment, and Associated Industries of Massachusetts will highlight a seminar titled “Promoting Manufacturing in Massachusetts,” from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. A networking reception is also planned. For more information or to register by Feb. 4, contact Gloria Fischer at gfischer@aimnet.org.

Difference Makers
March 22: BusinessWest will stage its Fourth Annual Difference Makers Celebration at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The program recognizes area individuals and organizations that are truly making a difference in this region. The winners will be announced in the Feb. 13 edition of BusinessWest. The awards ceremony will feature entertainment, butlered hors d’oeuvres, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $55 per person, with tables of 10 available. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail marketing@businesswest.com, or visit www.businesswest.com.

Women’s Leadership Conference
March 23: Keynote speakers Sister Helen Prejean, Marjora Carter, and Ashley Judd will share personal stories, as well as insightful advice and perspectives, during Bay Path College’s annual Women’s Leadership Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. The theme for the 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. event is “Lead with Compassion.” Prejean is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille and an anti-death-penalty activist; Carter, an eco-entrepreneur, is president of the Majora Carter Group; and Judd is a film and stage actor and human-rights activist. For more information on the conference or to register, log onto www.baypathconference.com or call Briana Sitler, director of special programs, at (413) 565-1066.

Bestselling Author Lecture
March 28: Internationally acclaimed author Tom Perrotta will read from his upcoming novel, The Leftovers, at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. The talks are free and open to the public. Two of Perrotta’s books, Election and Little Children, have been made into movies, and five novels have been national bestsellers. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

Not Just Business as Usual
April 5: Former NBA player and businessman Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman will be the guest speaker at the Springfield Technical Community College Foundation’s third annual Not Just Business as Usual event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. A cocktail and networking reception is planned from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the dinner program from 7 to 9. Bridgeman spent most of his 12-year NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks, but also played for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is the current franchise owner of more than 160 Wendy’s and 120 Chili’s restaurants. The event encourages local businesses to come together for an evening to network, learn from one another, and support student success. Funds from the event will provide students access to opportunities — through scholarships, technology, and career direction — to be successful future employees and citizens. “It’s a time to celebrate innovations, change, and our region’s success,” said STCC Foundation Interim Director Robert LePage. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, and individual tickets cost $175 each. For more information, contact LePage at (413) 755-4477 or e-mail rglepage@stcc.edu.

Lecture by Author of Constitution Café
April 10: Author and philosopher Christopher Phillips’ latest book, Constitution Café, draws on the nation’s rebellious past to incite meaningful change today. He proposes that Americans revise the Constitution every so often, not just to reflect the changing times, but to revive and perpetuate the original revolutionary spirit. He will present a free lecture at 8 p.m. in the dining hall at Blake Student Commons on the Bay Path College campus, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. The lecture is part of the annual Kaleidoscope series. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Slam Poet Lecture
April 13: Taylor Mali, a former high-school teacher who has emerged from the slam-poetry movement as one of its leaders, will discuss his performances at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. The talks are free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

40 Under Forty
June 21: BusinessWest will present its sixth class of regional rising stars at its annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. Nominations are currently being sought for the popular program, which recognizes young people in realms including business, education, health care, nonprofit management, and government service. Nominations, which are due Feb. 17, will be scored by a team of five judges. The 40 highest scorers will be feted at the June 21 gala, which will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets cost $60 per person, with tables of 10 available. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com.

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

• Feb. 15: ERC Board of Directors’ Meeting, 8-9 a.m., the Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, 2 Lodge Lane, Wilbraham.

• Feb. 15: ACCGS Ambassadors Meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.

• Feb. 16: ACCGS Executive Committee Meeting, 12-1 p.m., TD Bank Conference Room, Chamber Offices.

• Feb. 16: Springfield Leadership Institute begins. For information, contact Lynn Johnson at johnson@myonlinechamber.com.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 15: Chicopee Chamber Salute Breakfast/Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $19 for members, $26 for non-members preregistered.

• Feb. 22: Chicopee Chamber Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Hu Ke Lau, 705 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Joint networking event with the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $5 for members, $15 for non-members pre-registered. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org, or call (413) 594-2101.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Feb. 24: Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., Chandler’s at Yankee Candle, Deerfield. Topic: “I Love My Job” — a panel of local speakers happy in their work. Sponsored by Yankee Candle Co. Cost: $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• Feb. 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., Mrs. Mitchell’s Kitchen, 514 Westfield Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Credit Union. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. Make a reservation by calling the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or online at holycham.com.

• Feb. 17: Legislative Luncheon, 12-2 p.m., Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Keynote speaker: Therese Murray. Cost: $36. Purchase tickets by calling the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or online at holycham.com.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Feb. 15: February WestNet, 5-7 p.m., Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. Guest speaker: Rich Rubin, executive director of the American Red Cross Westfield Chapter. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. Networking, cash bar, and free hors d’oeurvres. Call Carrie Dearing at (413) 568-1618 to register.

Barbara Benoit has been appointed Director of Graduate Enrollment, Management and Services at Assumption College in Worcester. She is responsible for recruiting and screening prospective students for Assumption’s graduate programs in business, counseling psychology, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and special education.
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JC Schnabl has been named the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations at UMass Amherst and Executive Director of the UMass Amherst Alumni Assoc.
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Associated Industries of Massachusetts announced the following:
• Kristen Lepore has joined the organization as Vice President of Government Affairs. She will manage efforts in the areas of health care cost control and health insurance for employers; and
• Brad MacDougall has been promoted from Associate Vice President of Government Affairs to Vice President. He will assume responsibility for the agency’s work on taxation issues.
•••••
Edward Garbacik, Vice President of FSB Financial Group at Florence Savings Bank, has completed his CFP certification requirements that are required by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Individuals seeking certified financial planner certification are required to complete coursework and exams covering the seven major financial planning areas — general principles of financial planning, insurance planning and risk management, employee-benefits planning, investment planning, income-tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. CFP certificants must also agree to meet ongoing continuing-education requirements and uphold the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct, and Financial Planning Practice Standards.
•••••
Greenfield Savings Bank announced the following:
• Christopher Caouette has been promoted to Vice President and Commercial Credit Officer; and
• Jean Dobias has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer.
•••••
Amanda Moyer has been named Director of Account Services at Market Mentors in West Springfield.
•••••
Joseph Knapik has joined the corporate office of Environmental Compliance Services in Agawam as Director of Training and Facilities Services. He will play a key role in developing the firm’s underground storage tank operator training program. He will also be spearheading additional product launches, primarily in the training field, and will develop and expand the firm’s suite of health and safety training course offerings. Additionally, he will direct the implementation of educational, informational, and service products for the regulated business community.
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The law firm Bulkley Richardson announced the addition of four attorneys to the firm’s Litigation/Alternative Dispute Resolution Department. John P. Pucci, Andrew Levchuk and J. Lizette Richards will represent clients in all types of civil and criminal litigation, in responding to government investigations, and in conducting corporate internal investigations. They will practice from the firm’s Springfield and Boston offices. Jamie L. Kessler will handle financial services litigation from the firm’s Boston office.

• Pucci, a partner, of Northampton, is one of Massachusetts’ top civil and criminal trial lawyers, with particular experience in the areas of white-collar criminal defense and state and federal regulatory agency matters. He is the former chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Springfield, and has been a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers since 2002. In his career, Pucci has been named to The Best Lawyers in America, and Boston Magazine’s Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts. He was most recently a Partner at Fierst, Pucci & Kane in Northampton.
• Levchuk, Counsel, brings high-level national experience in corporate compliance and integrity as well as experience in data privacy and Internet security to Bulkley Richardson. He served as senior trial attorney in both the DOJ Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and its Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. In 2006-2007, he chaired the U.S. delegation to the G8 Subgroup on High-Tech Crime.  He has tried cases across the country and has argued 30 appellate cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. At Bulkley Richardson, he will handle complex civil and criminal litigation and responses to government investigations, as well as advise clients in matters of data security and corporate compliance.
• Richards, an Associate, joins the firm with significant civil and criminal litigation experience in areas such as mail and wire fraud, tax fraud, and healthcare fraud. In the past, she worked as a New Hampshire public defender, and, during the past seven years, she was an associate at Fierst, Pucci & Kane in Northampton.
• Kessler, an Associate, previously served for two years as a law clerk and paralegal at Bulkley Richardson.

NEPA to Manage
Life Laboratories
SPRINGFIELD — The Sisters of Providence Health System has announced a collaboration with New England Pathology Associates (NEPA) to manage Life Laboratories. Dr. Scott Wolf, senior vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer at Mercy Medical Center, noted that the collaboration will make Life Laboratories the first and only physician-led and physician-managed clinical laboratory in the region. Dr. Lanu Stoddart will serve as the pathologist administrator, directing the operation and growth of Life Laboratories. A member of NEPA since November 2009, Stoddart has extensive experience in clinical pathology laboratory operations, serving in the past as medical director of S.E.D. Medical Laboratories in New Mexico and currently as chief of pathology at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge. Dr. Krystyna Sikorska will continue in her role as medical director of Life Laboratories. The innovative management relationship has already been recognized nationally, with NEPA invited to formally present its concept at the 2012 G2 Intelligence Pathology Institute Conference in Florida, according to Wolf. “For patients, the change at Life Laboratories will be transparent,” he said. “Likewise, daily operations of Life Laboratories will remain essentially unchanged. For physicians and their practices, however, direct access to physician managers will provide a unique feature and benefit.” Life Laboratories is a full-service medical diagnostic laboratory that conducts approximately 4 million tests per year for three hospitals, physician group practices, mental-health facilities, dozens of long-term care facilities, and hundreds of physicians.

Berkshire Hills Reports
Fourth-quarter Growth
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. recently reported fourth-quarter 2011 core earnings per share totaling $0.44, increasing by 57% compared to $0.28 in the fourth quarter of 2010. This increase resulted from ongoing organic growth together with the benefit of the acquisitions of Rome Bancorp and Legacy Bancorp, according to a statement by Berkshire President and CEO Michael Daly. Fourth-quarter GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) net income included merger-related expenses, together with income from discontinued operations. These non-core items together equated to a net charge of $0.04 per share and resulted in GAAP net income of $0.40 per share, compared to $0.26 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010. For the full year, core earnings per share increased by 53% to $1.56 in 2011, compared to $1.02 in 2010. GAAP net earnings per share totaled $0.98 for 2011 compared to $1.00 in 2010. “Our merger integrations are now completed, allowing us to focus on revenue enhancements going forward,” said Daly.

MMWEC Refunding
Saves Utilities $16.8M
LUDLOW — A refunding bond issue recently closed by the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. (MMWEC) will save $16.8 million for 28 state municipal utilities, strengthening their ability to secure stable and reliable power resources for the future, according to MMWEC CEO Ronald DeCurzio. In favorable market conditions, MMWEC issued $164.8 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds with a total interest cost of 1.2%. Proceeds from the bond issue and other available funds will be used to refund and retire approximately $214 million in higher-interest bonds issued by MMWEC in 2001. The refunding savings will be realized over the life of the bonds, which mature between 2012 and 2016. “This refunding will certainly give the municipal light departments greater flexibility to position their energy portfolios in pursuing physical assets for the longer term, from 2016 and beyond,” said DeCurzio. The 2012 MMWEC bonds are rated A+ by Fitch Ratings and have A ratings from Standard & Poor’s, all with a stable outlook, added DeCurzio. The underwriting team included Morgan Stanley, lead manager, and BMO Capital Markets. PFM Financial Management Inc. served as MMWEC’s financial advisor, with Nixon Peabody LLP acting as bond counsel. MMWEC is a nonprofit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that provides a variety of power-supply, financial, risk-management, and other services to the state’s consumer-owned municipal utilities.

Columbia Gas Announces Reduction in Winter Costs
WESTBOROUGH — Effective Feb. 1, the winter rates for natural gas will reduce a typical residential customer’s total heating bill over the next three months by nearly 11%, according to Steve Bryant, president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. The reduction is a result of lower natural-gas commodity costs. Natural gas is sold in a unit measurement called a ‘therm,’ equivalent to 100,000 British thermal units (BTU) of energy. The rate reduction of $0.1378 per therm would save a natural-gas heating customer $22 in February, if using 160 therms of gas. “Lower gas bills in the middle of the winter is great news for the many families who are struggling to make ends meet,” said Bryant. “Natural-gas prices have remained stable for the last few years, and today’s cost to customers is as low as nearly 10 years ago. That is a claim we are proud to announce to our customers.” Bryant added that help is available for customers struggling to cope with household finances and winter heating bills. For more information, call (800) 882-5454 or visit www.columbiagasma.com.

Couple Chooses New Career Path Together
NORTHAMPTON and WESTWOOD — The Honorable E. Chouteau Levine, a retired Massachusetts Probate and Family Court judge, and William Levine, a veteran divorce lawyer and mediator, recently launched Levine Dispute Resolution Center, LLC (LDRC). The new firm provides private and cost-effective dispute-resolution services such as mediation, arbitration, and related impartial professional services. The Levines resolve all manner of family law and probate matters, and will also address elder, small-business, and other kinds of disputes in their Greater Boston (Westwood) and Western Mass. (Northampton) offices. LDRC is described as a first-of-its-kind venture in that, while there are many mediators in the market, there is no other partnership operating as a team with the probate and family-law experience of the Levines, according to the couple. The Levines both believe strongly that most family disputes can and should be resolved by facilitated negotiation rather than by legal confrontation, and they are launching LDRC to provide a non-threatening way for parties in dispute to do so. For more information on their services, visit www.levinedisputeresolution.com.

Colony Hills Capital Closes on Alabama Property
WILBRAHAM — Colony Hills Capital (CHC) recently announced the closing of its $28 million purchase of a multifamily housing property in the growing Alabama suburb of Hoover. The garden-style apartment property, occupying more than 45 acres, is the first to be purchased by the privately held real-estate investment group since its formation in 2008, according to Glenn Hanson, principal director and founder of CHC. “It is a momentous occasion for us to report the successful closing on our first property as a significant acquisition,” he said. “Riverchase Landing is a wonderful community that is well-located, and it holds tremendous promise for our investors.” The Hoover property is a suburb outside Birmingham. Hanson noted that the property was built in three phases, consists of 468 units, and has approximately 740,000 square feet. Colony Hills Capital is a Massachusetts limited-liability company with an express investment focus on multi-family rental properties falling within specific demographic, socioeconomic, and real-estate markets that are cash-flow-positive on acquisition, generating outsized investor returns, according to Hanson.

ESB Announces
Fourth-quarter Results
EASTHAMPTON — William Hogan Jr., president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank, reported to the directors at the quarterly meeting that the bank experienced exceptional growth in assets, deposits, loans, and capital in the fourth quarter. The bank’s total assets have grown to almost $942 million. Bozena Dabek, senior vice president and CFO, further reported that the bank’s total assets increased almost $56 million over last year. “That’s an increase of 6%,” she noted. “Our capital ratio ended the year at 12.06%; we continue to be one of the best-capitalized banks in the area.” Denise Laizer, senior vice president and chief lending officer, noted that, over the past year, total loans increased 10% or almost $61 million, an increase of almost $13 million over the last quarter. Total loans now stand at $648 million. Thomas Brown, senior vice president of Retail Banking, reported on the bank’s unprecedented deposit growth, which was up more than $52 million for the year. That’s an increase of 7%, and total deposits now stand at almost $756 million.

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

AMHERST

Homestead Community Farm Inc., 39 Autumn Lane, Amherst, MA 01002. Naomi Dratfield, same. Integrated and intergenerational farmstead where people can live, study, work, train, socialize and engage in skill-building activities.

CHICOPEE

Amex Global Corporation, 54 Grattad Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Gennadiy Botyan, same. Intermediary business services.

Forte Family Inc., 70 Exchanges St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Tania Forte Miss, 173 Summit Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Restaurant and lounge.

DEERFIELD

Amsterdam Software Corp., 200 Mill Village Road, Deerfield, MA 01342. Marinus Jan Vriend, same. Computer software engineering and consultation.

EASTHAMPTON

ESB Securities Corp., II 36 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Willian Hogan, Jr. 35 Hillcrest Dr., Florence, MA 01062. Securities Corporation.

FEEDING HILLS

D-Transportation Corp., 1085 North St. Ext., Feeding Hills, MA 1030. Fedor Songorov, same.

DKC Ventures Inc., 55 Halladay Dr., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Richard McCaslin Jr., same. Property maintenance.

GREENFIELD

Capstone Inc., 278 Mohawk Trail, Greenfield, MA 01301. Joanne Delong MS, 70 Beechwood Dr., East Greenwich, RI 02818. Fitness club

INDIAN ORCHARD

Hashmi Sumaira Corp., 354 Main St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Syed Hashmi, 71 Chestnut St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Auto repair shop.

LUDLOW

Apex Dental Associates, P.C., 633 Canter St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Dara Darabi, 306 Ryan Road, Florence, MA 01062. Dental Practice.

GJR Group Inc., 19 Williams St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Gary Rodrigues, same. Internet Solutions consulting.

MONSON

Advanced Tree Equipment Inc., 14 Childs Road, Monson, MA 01057. William Allsop, same. Real estate and equipment holding company.

Gary Depace, CPA, P.C., 212 Main St., Monson, MA 01057. Gary Depace, 60 Bumstead Road, Monson, MA 01057. Accountant.

Halcyon Associates Inc., 17 Lakeside Dr., Monson, MA 01057. Carr Lane Quackenbush, same. Management consultation.

NORTHAMPTON

Chapel Jill Reality Inc., 31 Chapel St., Northampton, MA 01060. Lawerence Damon, 1367 Easthampton Road, Florence, MA 01062.

Committee to Preserve St. Mary of the Assumption Church Inc., 106 Prospect Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Marie Mew, 194 Main St., Northampton, MA 01062. Organization developed to preserve and restore Assumption Church.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Home & Hospice Services Inc., 75 North St., Suite 210, Pittsfield, MA 01201. William Jones, Jr. 16 Charisma Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Hospice and palliative care.

Berkshire Mini Warehouse II Inc., 371 Cloverdale St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Francis Manning, 7498 Claypool St., Englewood, FL 34224. Self-storage facility.

Hospice Care of Eastern & Western Massachusetts, 75 North St., Suite 210, Pittsfield, MA 01201. William Jones, Jr., 16 Charisma Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Hospice and palliative care.

SPRINGFIELD

Angeles Misioneros Blessmoments Photography Inc., 51 Church St., Springfield, MA 01105. Luis Garcia-Lorenzo, same. Photography services.

Bowdoin Street Defence Fund Inc., 86 Bowdoin St., Springfield, MA 01109. Stephen Gray, same.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

ANV Family Boutique, Inc, 750 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Irina Samoylenmko, 95 Woodland Way, Russell, MA 01071. Consignment store.

BFP Associates Inc., 1233 Westfield St., West Springfield, MA 01090. Steven Bradway, same. Administration of retirement plans and benefits for businesses.

E & C Some Shop Inc., 793 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Hao Zheng, same. Retail sales.

WILBRAHAM

Fortivault Technologies Inc., 7 Southwood Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Tom Davis, same. Computer consulting services.