BusinessWest

Maguire Takes Helm at Friendly’s
WILBRAHAM — Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC recently announced that John M. Maguire has been named CEO. Maguire is an executive with more than two decades of experience in fast-casual restaurant operations, most recently as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Panera Bread. In his new role, Maguire will work closely with management to build on recent successful initiatives that have led to higher customer-satisfaction ratings, improved speed of service, and higher same-store sales in 2012. “I bring a lot of passion to Friendly’s because it’s a brand I grew up with,” said Maguire, a Massachusetts native. “I am honored to lead an iconic company that my family and many others have turned to for quality meals and ice cream over the years. I am confident that we can not only build on our rich history, but also exceed our customers’ expectations with our food and service.” Maguire succeeds Harsha Agadi, who resigned in February to pursue other opportunities but remains on the Friendly’s board of directors. James Parrish, who has served as interim CEO, will return to his primary role as chief operating officer, working with Maguire and the Friendly’s team on future growth. “John Maguire brings a wide range of operating experience and management talents to Friendly’s,” said Christopher Metz, managing director at Sun Capital Partners, a private investment firm whose affiliate owns Friendly’s. “His proven track record at Panera and in the restaurant industry will help move Friendly’s forward. John understands what it takes to resonate with customers, associates, and franchisees, and we are confident that recent operating and financial-performance improvements have provided helpful momentum for John and the management team as they focus on the long-term success of the brand.”

Baystate Named One of Nation’s Top 100 Hospitals
SPRINGFIELD — For the second consecutive year, Thomson Reuters has named Baystate Medical Center one of the top 100 hospitals in the U.S. The Springfield hospital is one of only 15 major teaching hospitals in the nation and the only hospital in Western New England to receive the honor. Nearly 3,000 hospitals from coast to coast were considered.  “This award is most gratifying because it underlines an important reality for patients in Western Mass.: the highest-quality, most efficient, and safest care is available right here, close to home,” said Dr. Evan Benjamin, senior vice president of Healthcare Quality for Baystate Health. “Every one of our physicians, nurses, administrators and staff should take great pride in achieving this elite level of performance, and I thank and congratulate them.” Only two other Massachusetts hospitals, Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, made the list. According to Thomson Reuters calculations, if all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as those treated in the award-winning facilities, more than 186,000 additional patients would survive each year, approximately 56,000 additional patients could be complication-free, more than $4.3 billion could be saved, and the average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day. If the same standards were applied to all inpatients, the impact would be even greater. The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals study evaluates performance in 10 areas: mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average patient stay, expenses, profitability, patient satisfaction, adherence to clinical standards of care, post-discharge mortality, and readmission rates for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, and pneumonia. The study has been conducted annually since 1993. In addition to the Thomson Reuters honor, HealthGrades has named Baystate Medical Center one of America’s 100 best hospitals for cardiac care and cardiac surgery in 2012. Baystate Health, the parent of Baystate Medical Center, was recently named one of the country’s top 15 health systems by Thomson Reuters.

F.L. Roberts Upgrades Lighting to Save Energy
SPRINGFIELD — F.L. Roberts & Co. recently completed upgrading nearly 40 automotive service locations with energy-efficient LED canopy lighting and other measures at gas and convenience locations throughout the area. In partnership with Western Mass. Electric’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) Program, the energy-conservation measures included retrofitting outdated lighting with new equipment to enhance the comfort and safety of each facility, while lowering energy use. The program is funded by rate-payer contributions, and businesses are eligible for up to a 70% incentive of the installed cost of a project. “The estimated energy savings will translate to $230,000 saved annually, and a project payback of just over two years,” said Richard Smith, vice president of operations. Upgrades included LED outside canopy and pole lighting, LED interior refrigerator-case lighting, and installation of a mini-energy management system to control the fans and humidity levels in refrigerated cases and walk-in coolers inside F.L. Roberts locations. Total savings includes 1,362,789 kilowatt hours saved annually, in addition to an estimated $20,000 monthly savings on energy and operating costs. Thirty-six F.L. Roberts gas and convenience stores and Golden Nozzle Car Wash locations in Western Mass. and Connecticut, including F.L. Roberts corporate headquarters located across from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, undertook these energy-conservation measures provided by contractor Earthlight Technologies. “LED lighting has just now emerged as a reliable, cost-effective alternative for most exterior applications,” said Earthlight General Manager Doug Lombardi.

Pecoy, MassDevelopment Start Work at Village Hill
NORTHAMPTON — Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz joined representatives of Pecoy Homes and MassDevelopment on April 24 to break ground at Pecoy’s Village Hill Westview residential development. Located on the north campus of the Village Hill project at the intersection of Moser Street and Musante Drive, the 24-home neighborhood abuts acres of conservation land. Village Hill Westview is one of three residential developments planned for the former Northampton State Hospital site. As part of the groundbreaking ceremony, a tree was planted commemorating Earth Day. The Pecoy Village Hill Westview homes will range in size from 1,000 to 1,800 square feet and include one-bedroom bungalows and two-story homes with two to four bedrooms on the 126-acre Village Hill development. Goggins Real Estate is broker for the Pecoy project. Construction on the first homes will begin in May, with those initial homes completed by this fall.

MassMutual Named
Top Retirement Leader
SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division was namedRetirement Leader of the Year at the 19th annual Mutual Fund Industry Awards in New York City on April 5. Mutual Fund Industry Awards are presented annually to leaders from across the industry distinguished for their excellence, achievements, innovation, and contributions over the previous year. The Retirement Leader of the Year accolade is awarded to a firm that has made a key impact on growing retirement assets with unique retirement solutions, advertising and marketing campaigns, and significant contributions to the retirement industry at large. MassMutual was selected as the winner by the editors of Fund Industry Intelligence, a premium publication of Euromoney Institutional Investor focused on the mutual-fund industry. “We are so pleased that the industry has recognized MassMutual’s leadership and commitment to the success of retirement-plan sponsors and participants, and our belief in the value delivered by retirement-plan advisors on their behalf,” said Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division and chairman and CEO of MassMutual International LLC. “MassMutual’s strong sponsor retention rate of 95%, along with the sustained sales momentum in the company’s retirement-plan business, directly contributed to our 2011 record results, and this award reflects the confidence of the constituents we serve.”

Package Machinery Offers
New Line of Wrappers
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Package Machinery recently introduced a new line of wrapping machinery specifically designed for smaller-volume food and consumer-products companies, according to president Kate Putnam. “The TFW line of flow wrappers provide the economical wrapping that growth companies need to accelerate their market penetration,” she said. With speeds up to 160 per minute, the machines enable companies to accelerate their growth without having to buy more expensive equipment, added Putnam. The flow wrappers offer options for code dating, gas flush, gusset for tightening the fit, and film registration for running with printed film. Like other flow wrappers, the TFW series provide an airtight, barrier seal and easy changeover between product sizes. “Unlike most other flow wrappers, the TFW series are economical machines designed for ease of use and entry-level operation,” she said. For more information on the machine specifics and to see a video of a TFW flow wrapper in operation, visit www.packagemachinery.com.

Baystate Named Among Top 15 Health Systems
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has been recognized by Thomson Reuters for achieving “superior clinical outcomes” in its fourth annual study naming the top 15 health systems in the country, according to Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health. Judged among its peers in the health care industry, Baystate Health outperformed others in its size category (medium health systems) by saving more lives and causing fewer patient complications, following industry-recommended standards of care more closely, making fewer patient-safety errors, releasing patients a half-day sooner on average, and scoring better on overall patient satisfaction. “This prestigious recognition from such a respected organization as Thomson Reuters places our health system ahead of the pack nationally in patient outcomes,” said Tolosky. “Our long-term commitment to patient quality and safety, as exemplified in the study, speaks loud and clear to our patients that they can expect the best and most efficient care when they visit one of our hospitals.” Thomson Reuters analyzed more than 300 organizations based on a composite score of eight measures of quality, patient perception of care, and efficiency. U.S. health systems with two or more short-term, general, non-federal hospitals; cardiac and orthopedic hospitals; and critical-access hospitals were assessed in the study. Researchers looked at eight metrics that gauge clinical quality and efficiency: mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average length of stay, 30-day mortality rate, 30-day readmission rate, adherence to clinical standards of care, and HCAHPS-patient-survey score. The HCAHPS survey is part of a national initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to measure the quality of care in hospitals. The independent study relied on public data from the 2010 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review data and the CMS Hospital Compare data sets. Hospitals do not apply to be a part of the study.

Big Y Raises $161,000 for Breast-cancer Support
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Supermarkets raised $161,000 during its October initiative, “Partners of Hope,” to support 17 breast-cancer support groups throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. “We are delighted to be able to promote breast-cancer awareness to our customers and employees within our local community,” said Big Y CEO Donald D’Amour. “Every dollar earned takes us closer to helping more and more women of all ages.” Since 2007, the chain has raised more than $669,000 for this cause. The following organizations in Massachusetts received funds through the initiative: the Breast Care Clinic at Saint Vincent Hospital and the Comprehensive Breast Center at UMass Memorial Health Care, both in Worcester; the Gillette Center for Breast Cancer at Mass General Hospital and the Susan F. Smith Center for Women at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and its Cancers Breast Oncology Program, both in Boston; the Women’s Imaging Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield; Mercy Breast Care Center, Mercy Medical Center, Springfield; and Rays of Hope, Baystate Health Foundation, Springfield. The following organizations in Connecticut received funds: the Breast Care Collaborative, Eastern CT Health Network, Manchester; the Breast & Oncology Center, St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury; JMH Cancer Program, Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs; Partnership for Breast Care, Hartford Hospital, Hartford; the Pink Roses Program, Charlotte/Hungerford Hospital, Torrington; the Breast Cancer Program, Yale-New Haven Hospital, at Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven; Comprehensive Breast Health, St. Francis Foundation Center, Hartford;  the CT Breast Health Initiative, New Britain; and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Massachusetts and Connecticut affiliates in Boston and Hartford. During October, specially marked ‘pink’ products and promotions involved almost every department in the store. Big Y donated a portion of the proceeds from several departments. Many other items with pink packaging were available, and their manufacturers also made a donation of a portion of their proceeds for breast-cancer research as well.

Hampden Bank Receives ‘Outstanding’ FDIC Rating
SPRINGFIELD — The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Mass. Division of Banks recently awarded Hampden Bank an overall rating of ‘outstanding’ for its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) evaluation. The CRA encourages depository institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities in which they operate, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with safe and sound banking operations. “This is wonderful news as we celebrate our 160th anniversary serving the families, businesses, and communities throughout Western Mass.,” said Glenn Welch, president and COO. “Fewer than 12% of all banks in the country receive an outstanding rating. We work very hard to serve the needs of our entire community, and this evaluation confirms our efforts and performance.” The CRA exam is comprised of three test components — lending, investments, and service. Under the lending test, Hampden Bank was ranked at or near the top of all area community banks in lending to low- or moderate-income residents, businesses, or community-development organizations. Under the investment test, the bank was given accolades for qualified contributions over the past three years paid through either the bank or its foundation. The service test involves banking products and community involvement. “Hampden Bank’s innovative First Time Homebuyers and Basic Banking programs made a major impression on the examiners,” noted Welch. “However, the most impressive accomplishment was the level of community involvement by so many of the bank’s associates and board members.”

MassMutual Advisors Given ‘the Edge’
SPRINGFIELD — To help advisors maximize the value of their practice and manage their book of business, MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has rebuilt its intermediary Web site, www.massmutual.com/edge. Based on extensive testing with active retirement-plan advisors, the site design features book-of-business data and analytics, as well as full compensation reporting; streamlined navigation and an enhanced look and feel; industry insight and value-added intellectual capital such as Webcasts, whitepapers, sales collateral, and interactive demonstrations; and customizable tools to help advisors develop their own brand and tailor their message. “The Edge has truly been rebuilt from the ground up to give retirement plan advisors a more relevant online experience and to help them more effectively manage their business with MassMutual Retirement Services,” said Hugh O’Toole, senior vice president of sales and client management. “On average, busy advisors spend five hours per day online, so we engaged active advisors throughout the redesign process to ensure that the time spent on the Edge site is both rewarding and productive.” A demonstration of the Edge’s enhanced features is publicly accessible on the site’s home page.

Technology Upgrade at Three County Fair
NORTHAMPTON — The “successful implementation” of a new telecommunications VOIP network has been completed by Normandeau Communications and Sonix Pro Audio at Three County Fairgrounds, according to Bruce Shallcross, general manager. “Normandeau Communications and Sonix Pro Audio provided a solution that used many advanced technologies to catapult the Three County Fair into the future,” said Shallcross. The collaboration has improved fair operations, integrated mobile phones, reduced overall costs of carrier services, and provided more communications options for exhibitors, he added. Sonix Pro Audio made use of existing cabling and found the best routes to get the most effective coverage of all systems, according to Shallcross. “Utilizing Ethernet over coaxial cable and wi-fi wireless access points, they kept costs down and provided robust data connectivity and Internet access throughout the facility,” he noted. Normandeau Communications configured and installed an LG-Ericsson VoIP phone system which seamlessly linked seven buildings. “In doing so, this provided integration of the staff’s mobile phones, the ability to move telephones quickly and easily for exhibitors’ needs, and voice mail for all users,” said Shallcross. He added that the overall merging of technology has maximized the fair’s vision and goal to be a premier, year-round exhibition center.

Polish National Credit Union, Valley Stone
Credit Union to Merge
CHICOPEE — In a joint announcement, the Polish National Credit Union, headquartered in Chicopee, and the Valley Stone Credit Union, in Wilbraham, have declared their plans to merge, subject to regulatory approval. Each institution’s board of directors approved the merger in early March. Each credit union’s members will now have to vote on the merger at special meetings. Valley Stone members will vote on May 1 at 7 p.m. at the VSCU headquarters on Boston Road in Wilbraham. PNCU members will vote on May 2 at the main office at 46 Main Street, Chicopee, at 7 p.m. Upon regulatory approval, expected by midsummer, the combined organization will be operated as the Polish National Credit Union, with PNCU head James P. Kelly serving as president and CEO. VSCU President and CEO James P. Nagy will assume a senior management position. Founded in 1937 as the Monsanto Credit Union, Valley Stone Credit Union has 4,800 members and total assets of $64 million. VSCU operates a branch location at the Solutia plant in Springfield, which will remain open after the merger. The Polish National Credit Union was founded in 1921 in Chicopee. It has 18,000 members and total assets of $415 million. PNCU operates branch locations in Chicopee, Granby, Westfield, Southampton, and Hampden, as well as the PNCU Mortgage Center in Chicopee. “The key element for both credit unions was the shared philosophy of putting our members’ needs first, in terms of low fees, competitive lending rates, and personal service,” said Kelly. “With a combined size of nearly 23,000 members and $470 million in total assets, all of our members are better served by greater economies of scale, greater financial security, and the convenience of additional locations.” Nagy described the diligence the VSCU board applied to the merger decision. “We looked long and hard at all of our options, and determined that the Polish National Credit Union was a great fit for our members and employees, and provides a long-term future of financial stability for the members.” Merger applications have been submitted to the Division of Banks, the National Credit Union Administration, and the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corp.

Team Rehab Acquires HealthSouth Location
HOLYOKE — Team Rehab and Wellness, a physical rehabilitation and therapy provider, has acquired the former HealthSouth location at 171 Pine St. in the Holyoke YMCA building, and retained the HealthSouth staff. Team Rehab is comprised of rehabilitation specialists, with additional facilities located at 933 East Columbus Ave. in Springfield. The local company has also upgraded facilities at the Pine Street location, which is part of the Holyoke YMCA complex, and will honor all prior arrangements and appointments with clients.

W.F. Young and Family Give Paintings to Baystate
SPRINGFIELD — W.F. Young Inc. of East Longmeadow and the Young family recently donated nine original works of art to Baystate Medical Center’s Hospital of the Future. The landscapes, five large and four smaller pieces by Jamie Young, were created to help give patients, their families, and care providers a brief reprieve from daily stress. “Baystate has kept me alive through three cancers and has been so good to our family,” said Young. “When I was in treatment, or in pain, or waiting for test results, the stress was overwhelming at times. I would focus on a landscape because the earth and nature has always made me feel that my problems are like a grain of sand — and I could manage them. If I can bring the land into the hospital, where the patients, families, and staff deal with high levels of stress every day, even a few seconds of peace may bring hope to people.” The largest painting is a 5’ x 7’ piece named “This Too” and hangs in the Daly Lobby, which is the main entrance to the building. The painting portrays freshly cut hay fields on the Scott Farm in Hawley. “Dawn, Connecticut River” hangs in the waiting room of the Davis Family Heart & Vascular Center in the new wing, and depicts scenery along the river in Windsor Locks, Conn. In the same waiting room, “Morning II” depicts apple blossoms in the morning at Young’s farm in Ashfield. Additional large paintings include “South End” and “Sugar Loaf 1704.” Four smaller pieces hang in the staff quiet rooms. “My hope and that of my family is that people see that passages speak to the future and of better times ahead, with good health and peace,” said Young.

Center Receives National Award for Art Program
SPRINGFIELD — The Boys & Girls Club Family Center on Acorn Street is one of 13 clubs nationwide to be recognized with a 2012 Merit Award for Program Excellence through Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The center was honored for its new program, “The Business of Art,” led by art instructor Mischa Epstein. Through the program, children learn that being an artist goes beyond the paintbrush. After creating original artwork, participants learn how to market and sell their products. “I am so pleased that our club has been recognized for this innovative art program,” said Sarah Tsitso, executive director. “Our children are creating beautiful artwork that will be displayed in homes and offices across the region.” At the conclusion of the program, each club member who participates will have a portfolio, artist statement, and résumé. They will be given an opportunity to attend several outside art shows, as well as host an end-of-year show at the club, where they will be able to sell their artwork and retain all profits. The center will receive a $2,000 cash prize in honor of its program, and will be recognized at a special VIP reception at BGCA’s national conference in San Diego in May.

TNR Global Helps Myers
Information Systems with Cloud-based Solution
HADLEY — TNR Global recently completed a cloud-based solution for Myers Information Systems, a Northampton-based broadcast-communications company. Myers engaged with TNR to move its systems into the cloud to improve technical agility as well as improve security and redundancy, and promote improvements to potential customers. “As we set out to upgrade our existing application hosting service [ProHost], we prioritized the need to adopt the highest levels of security protocols,” said Crist Myers, president and CEO. “In addition, we sought to streamline the technology stack so that transaction speeds could be optimized while at the same time set up, and annual maintenance costs were reduced. Our clients count on us to be proactive when it comes to adopting new standards and technology, not only to modernize our offerings over time but to increase productivity and lower operating expenses on their end as well.” Cloud-based solutions for businesses have been growing over the last three years, according to Myers. Cloud technology offers increased flexibility, elasticity, and scalability, which allows businesses to maximize efficiencies to serve the needs of the business. Using the cloud in combination with virtualization techniques, businesses can leverage rapid deployments and hardware efficiencies, according to Myers. TNR was tasked to provide an assessment of Myers’ systems, give recommendations based upon its needs, and provide reference implementation and documentation. “Myers had been relying on physical servers housed locally or on site,” said Michael Klatsky, vice president of systems administration and technical lead on the project from TNR Global. “With this cloud-based virtualization, they will be able to save money and quickly deploy additional servers based in the cloud to service new clients immediately.” Myers has been developing broadcast-management software since 1989.

Big Y Completes LED Lighting Retrofit
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods and Groom Energy recently announced the completion of a significant LED lighting retrofit at Big Y’s distribution facility in Springfield. The energy-efficiency upgrade is part of a broader scope of sustainability-oriented investments in its operation that will reduce the company’s environmental impact. The newly implemented LED lighting system applies the latest lighting and networking technologies, bringing better illumination, operating efficiency, and energy-savings monitoring to the Springfield distribution center. The upgrade replaced existing T5- and T8-based fluorescent lighting systems, both within the dry and cooled areas, and will reduce annual energy consumption by more than 521,833 kilowatt hours. This initiative will eliminate more than 4,000 pounds of carbon annually. Groom Energy worked closely with the Big Y energy-management team to design, test, and install the upgrade. The system is based on LED products from Digital Lumens, a Boston-based LED-systems manufacturer. The project was supported by financial incentives from Western Massachusetts Electric Co., which regularly supports energy-savings upgrades by its commercial and industrial customers. “We’re very pleased with the results of our lighting-upgrade project,” said Gary Kuchyt, manager of the Energy and Sustainability Department at Big Y Foods. “It has been a successful collaboration from the onset and will help us to dramatically reduce our energy costs — a great outcome for our company and our customers.”

INK Products Supports Square One
CHICOPEE — INK Products, an office-products, printing, and promotional-products supplier, is teaming up with local businesses in an effort to raise funds for Square One. Tom Guertin, founder of INK Products at 25 Grove St., noted that Square One will receive a percentage of a business’ purchases as a donation direct from INK Products. “This is another way local businesses, including mine, can give something extra to Square One,” he said. For more information on the promotion, contact Guertin at (413) 594-7533.

Hampden Bank
Charitable Giving
Tops $716,000 in 2011
SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation Inc.’s charitable giving topped $716,000 in 2011, according to Glenn Welch, president and COO of Hampden Bank. “In addition to our foundation grants, the bank also provided significant financial support to area communities in excess of $116,000 through our marketing and human-resources departments’ community-relations activities,” noted Welch. He added that much of the funding was allocated to youth development, school enrichment, and Little League programs throughout Hampden County. “As we prepare to celebrate our 160th anniversary on April 13, I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than by recommitting ourselves to our long history of community service and support as we move through the 21st century,” he said. Community organizations receiving grants included the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, DevelopSpringfield, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of the Soldiers Home of Holyoke, Square One, and Rebuild Together.

Three Companies Join to Create Red Thread
BOSTON — Three New England businesses have joined forces to become Red Thread, according to Jenny Niemann, chairman of the company. The newly combined regional enterprise connects work, workers, and the workplace as the authorized Steelcase dealer in New England. Red Thread is comprised of three companies that previously operated under the names of Office Environments of New England, bkm Total Office, and Business Interiors. “When we initially brought these three companies together, we knew they were three strong brands, each with its own brand equity in its own territory,” said Niemann in a statement. “An ancient legend describes a red thread as an unbreakable link between those meant to be together. Rebranding under Red Thread enables us to express to our customers the connection we see between our culture, values, and business mission.” Niemann added that the name also “articulates our aspiration to help our customers identify their own common threads — the way their brand, culture, and promise can be effectively expressed through their environments’ furniture, technology, architectural systems, and audio-visual solutions.” For more information, visit www.red-thread.com.

Monson Savings Reports ‘Outstanding Results’
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank President Steve Lowell recently announced that the bank’s 2011 results surpassed national and statewide benchmarks for growth and profitability while posting a record year for giving back to the community. During the bank’s annual meeting, Lowell noted that deposits grew in 2011, predominantly in core deposits, by 11%. Also, Monson Savings achieved a return on assets of 0.66%, which ranked first among peer banks throughout Massachusetts, according to Lowell. “The bank also announced outstanding results for its Financial Advisory Services division and compared these results to the 172 other banks that partner with Infinex Financial Group throughout the East Coast,” he said. “Specifically, Monson Savings ranked second of the 50 peer banks and 24th out of all Infinex partners.” He also noted that the bank gave back a record $142,000 to the community in charitable donations. “What I am most proud of is that we were able to give back so much to our community last year,” said Lowell, “while at the same time keeping our institution growing and financially healthy. We had an outstanding year, and I can’t thank our customers, staff, board, and corporators enough for their contributions.”

Open Square Welcomes Brave One Agency
HOLYOKE — Brave One, an agency specializing in corporate social responsibility and sustainability communications, recently selected Open Square for its new location. The agency plans to grow considerably in the coming year, and Brave One founders Lukas Snelling and Jesse Mayhew feel the building will allow them to grow while staying true to its commitment to sustainability. “We are really excited to be in Holyoke and participate in the Paper City’s digital revival,” said Snelling. “We think this city provides a great platform for us to do business, and we look forward to the possibility of expanding even further here.” Mayhew echoed the sentiments of Snelling. “Open Square seemed like a natural fit,” he said. “Not only are they reusing beautiful mill space, but they are generating their own renewable energy to power our office. We couldn’t be happier to be part of such an amazing and growing community.” Both founders hope their growth “will be a contributing force in Holyoke’s continued revitalization.” Brave One’s new office is located at 4 Open Square Way, Suite 219. For more information, visit www.braveoneagency.com.

Easthampton Savings Launches eBranch
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank has introduced a new eBranch that will be replacing its Web site at bankesb.com, according to William Hogan, president and CEO. “Our goal was to mirror what a typical experience would be for one of our customers visiting a branch and to bring it to our virtual site,” Hogan said. “This will allow greater online functionality and resources for our customers, making the entire site more convenient and easier to use.” The new eBranch will offer site search, online account opening, loan applications, and customer service along with fun and useful tools such as interactive calculators and an educational-resource center. To celebrate the launch, the bank is offering a CD and auto-loan special online. For more information, call (413) 527-1111.

JN Phillips Auto Glass Expands Service
CHICOPEE — JN Phillips Auto Glass recently opened a 7,500-square-foot distribution center in the city, and also added a Springfield service center and relocated its Northampton service center to 144 King St. “Combined with its service centers in Chicopee and Pittsfield, JN Phillips has increased the company’s ability to provide Western Mass. customers even faster, more convenient auto-glass replacements and repairs while ensuring the highest safety standards possible,” said Robert Rosenfield, CEO. Rosenfield also noted that the company has begun offering windshield recycling. “It took some time, almost two years, and a financial commitment to figure out how to do it, but it was worth it, and our customers really appreciate knowing that, when they have us replace their windshields, the damaged ones don’t end up in landfills,” said Rosenfield. “For all of us in this beautiful Pioneer Valley, preserving our environment is paramount.” In related news, Dan and Matt Bean, former operators of Bean’s Auto Glass, a locally owned family business for more than two decades, have joined JN Phillips Auto Glass. “We are very proud to be part of JN Phillips Auto Glass now,” said Dan Bean. “This is another family-owned business that puts customer service and community values first. The company’s commitment to safety, convenience, and expertise leads our industry.”

United Bank Foundation Awards $34,500
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The United Bank Foundation recently awarded $34,500 in grants to community initiatives in the Springfield area during the organization’s most recent round of funding, according to Dena Hall, president. Womanshelter/Companeras, a Holyoke-based nonprofit dedicated to assisting victims and survivors of domestic violence, received $5,000 in support from the foundation. In Springfield, students will benefit from the foundation’s $5,000 grant to Springfield School Volunteers to support the Science, Math, and Reading Tutoring (SMART) program. Also, a $5,000 grant will provide support to the Enchanted Circle Theater, an educational theater company based in Holyoke that inspires learning through the arts. The foundation awarded grants of $4,000 each to the Community Adolescent Resource and Education (CARE) Center in Holyoke, to fund a portion of the teen Rowing Strong, Rowing Together program; to Noble Hospital in Westfield, to purchase recliners for psychiatric patients in the Emergency Department; and to Springfield College, to fund the East Campus renovation project. Additional grants included $3,000 to the Carson Center for Human Services in Westfield, to fund a fully accessible spray park for Kamp for Kids; and $2,500 to Valley Community Development Corp., to support a foreclosure-prevention counseling program for Hampshire County residents. Grants of $1,000 each went to Domus Inc. to support the community youth and adult basic-education program in Greater Westfield; and to the Northampton Center for the Arts, to support Northampton Draws, a free community art festival and workshop. The United Bank Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 million in grants since it was established in 2005 as a permanent source of funding to benefit communities in United Bank’s market area.

First Niagara Invests $50,000 to Support
At-risk Teens
SPRINGFIELD — The YMCA of Greater Springfield and the YMCA of Greater Hartford have received $50,000 grants from First Niagara Bank to support their Y-AIM Programs. Y-AIM (Achieve academically; Inspire to attend college; Move toward personal, family, and community advancement) works to provide talented, underachieving at-risk youths entering the ninth grade with a solid support system throughout all four years of high school. The YMCAs are taking a regional approach to overcoming the obstacles young people face on the path to success. “Business partners in our region have long supported the mission of the YMCA — particularly our work with teens,” said Kirk Smith, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield. “First Niagara and its employees have given thousands of volunteer service hours to young people throughout the Northeast, and they are making the Hartford/Springfield region a better place for kids and families. We are grateful for their forward-thinking approach of addressing these vital needs on a regional basis.”

Hampden Bancorp Feted by Boston Club for Women on Board of Directors
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp, the parent company of Hampden Bank, was recently recognized by the Boston Club as one of the leading New England companies having two or more women serving on its board of directors. This recognition, reserved for those organizations dedicated to the advancement of women to top leadership positions, was presented at the club’s annual Corporate Salute in Marblehead. “We are especially proud of this recognition in that it confirms what we have always believed — that leadership is leadership regardless of gender,” said Glenn Welch, president and COO of Hampden Bank and board member of Hampden Bancorp Inc. “We are also extremely proud of the women who serve in key leadership positions, including our senior management team and throughout our entire organization.” Hampden Bancorp has 11 members on its board of directors, including Judith Kennedy; Kathleen O’Brien Moore; Arlene Putnam; Mary Ellen Scott; Linda Silva Thompson; Thomas Burton, vice chair; Richard Kos; Stanley Kowalski Jr.; Richard Suski; Welch; and Stuart Young Jr., chairman of the board. The Boston Club is one of the largest communities of women executives and professional leaders in the Northeast. Its goal is to impel the advancement of women to top leadership positions.

Link to Libraries
Receives Award from Monson Savings
MONSON — Link to Libraries was among the top 10 organizations recently recognized by Monson Savings Bank through its community-giving program. More than 65 organizations doing community-service work participated in the voting, and Link to Libraries came in as one of the top 10 organizations honored by public vote. “It is an honor to be recognized for work we do in the community and to be recognized by both Monson Savings Bank and the public,” said Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries co-founder. “We truly feel privileged to do the work we do and thank Steven Lowell and the Monson Savings Bank community.” Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank, made the recent presentation to Jaye-Kaplan. Link to Libraries is a local, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to donate books to underserved youth in public elementary schools and nonprofit organizations in Western Mass. and Connecticut. For more information, visit www.linktolibraries.org or call (413) 224-1031.

Stevens 470 Updates Marketing Strategies
for Arbors Kids
WESTFIELD — Stevens 470 recently developed advertising and marketing materials for the Arbors Kids, a family-owned business that offers child-care services, summer camps, and before- and afterschool programs. The Arbors Kids also recently opened an additional child-care center in East Longmeadow. The project also included a brand update, with new collateral and information sheets for every Arbors Kids location. Stevens 470 also designed and built a new Web site that reflects the wide range of child-care services offered by the Arbors Kids. The new Web site is easy to navigate and built on a content-management system that allows the Arbors Kids to edit and create its own content, as well as update and manage pages. The Web site also features responsive design that will change in appearance to fit the viewer’s screen size (computer, tablet, or smartphone) for maximum readability. For more information on the Arbors Kids, visit www.arborskids.com.

Students Plan
Globetrotting Excursions During Spring Vacation
WILBRAHAM — Many students at Wilbraham & Monson Academy will travel the globe on school-sponsored trips that include India, England, and Italy during the school’s March vacation. Trips are offered to provide students with a deeper understanding of the places, people, and cultures they study at the academy. Students traveling to India will spend the school’s traditional spring vacation learning about the economic shifts within the world’s largest democracy and the diversity of religions that coexist in the subcontinent. Students traveling to England will be housed at Plymouth College, a boarding school where they will be immersed in British boarding-school life. Additionally, the group will spend time visiting historical sites in the south of England as well as London. In Italy, students will explore some of the most remarkable contributions to Western art and design from Italian culture, ranging from the ancient Romans to modern designers. Before each trip, students are given selected readings that will prepare them for the sites they will visit and give them appropriate cultural, historic, and political information about the country.

PeoplesBank Passes $1M Giving Threshold
HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank recently announced a historic milestone for the 127-year-old institution: for the first time in its history, the bank contributed more than $1 million to local charitable and civic causes. “We are focused on the possible,” said President and CEO Douglas A. Bowen in making the announcement. “We feel it is possible to create a better community through our charitable giving and volunteer efforts. It is something that we are very passionate about, and it is this passion that makes us who we are.” In a year marked by the widespread devastation caused by the June tornadoes, the bulk of the bank’s charitable giving went toward human services. PeoplesBank committed $200,000 for tornado-relief efforts in the aftermath of the storm. Keeping to its track record of supporting environmentally friendly initiatives, $80,000 of that commitment was spent on regreening five of the impacted communities, including $40,000 for Springfield to help it return to its former status of ‘Tree City USA.’ The bank also made substantial contributions to education, including a greenhouse for students of the Leverett Elementary School. “We had been looking around for different ways to try and raise enough money to build a greenhouse, which is a fairly large expenditure,” said Suzie Chang, a volunteer and parent at the school. “So we were especially excited and thrilled that PeoplesBank decided to make a leadership gift of this size, because it enabled us to just go ahead and do the entire project.” According to Bowen, direct financial contributions are not the only way the bank is making a difference in Western Mass. “Writing a check is not the whole story. At PeoplesBank, we are actively encouraging and facilitating volunteerism. Our employees want to have a direct hand in helping the community. In fact, they were ranked third in the state for most-generous employees, and fourth for volunteer hours donated.”

Hampden Bancorp Reports 19% Increase in Net Income
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, recently announced net income for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2011 of $694,000 or $0.12 per fully diluted share, as compared to $491,000, or $0.18 per fully diluted share, for the same period in 2010. The company had an increase in net-interest income of $197,000 for the three months ended Dec. 31, compared to the same period in 2010. There was a decrease in interest and dividend income, including fees, of $362,000, or 5.6%, for the three months ended Dec. 31 compared to the three months ended Dec. 31, 2010. This decrease in interest income was mainly due to a decrease in loan income of $257,000 and a decrease in debt-securities income of $100,000. For the three-month period ended Dec. 31, interest expense decreased by $559,000, or 28.7%, compared to the three-month period ended Dec. 31, 2010. The company had net income for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2011 of $1.2 million, or $0.20 per fully diluted share, as compared to $1.0 million, or $0.16 per fully diluted share, for the same period in 2010. The organization’s total assets decreased $5.1 million, or 0.9%, from $573.3 million at June 30, 2011 to $568.2 million at Dec. 31, 2011. Net loans, including loans held for sale, increased $1.7 million, or 0.4%, to $399.8 million at Dec. 31, 2011. Securities decreased $5.8 million, or 5.2%, to $106.1 million as of Dec. 31, 2011 compared to June 30, 2011, and cash and cash equivalents decreased $6.2 million, or 19.9%, to $24.9 million at Dec. 31, 2011. The board of directors declared and increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.04 per common share, payable on Feb. 28 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 14.

Dressbarn Plans Donation Drive
WESTFIELD — Dressbarn is teaming up with the nonprofit organization Dress for Success to gather more than 60,000 articles of clothing as part of its S.O.S. ­— Send One Suit — weekend donation drive on March 1-4. This year’s clothing drive marks the 10th consecutive year Dressbarn and Dress for Success have partnered to help women in need receive professional business attire. All 825 Dressbarn stores across the country, including the shop in Westfield, will serve as dropoff sites for new or gently used professional attire including suits, dress shirts, blazers, pants, dresses, and shoes that will be used to benefit women seeking to transition into the workforce. All of the collected professional items will be given to Dress for Success, which will then distribute the articles to women looking to gain a job or trying to re-enter the workforce.

Baystate Medical Center Plans Healing Garden
SPRINGFIELD — Patients, visitors, and staff at Baystate Medical Center will benefit from the therapeutic qualities provided by a new healing garden that will serve as the centerpiece of its Hospital of the Future, which opens its doors on March 2. Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to medicine and the health benefits that gardens provide, Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour and Big Y have provided funding for the new healing garden, whose fountain, labyrinth, numerous plants, benches, and more will serve as a respite for those visiting Baystate. In recognition of the D’Amour family’s longstanding commitment to Baystate Medical Center and to create a healthy community, Mark R. Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health, announced the official name of the garden as the D’Amour Family Healing Garden. “We are humbled and privileged to be able to honor our entire Big Y family of employees and customers by contributing to Baystate Health’s Hospital of the Future,” said Charles L. D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO. “Elizabeth and I are particularly proud to lend our efforts to support Baystate’s mission to improve the health of our neighbors, friends, and people in our communities, and we hope that this healing garden will provide comfort, support, and healing for all.” Tolosky noted that the hospital is grateful for the ongoing support of the D’Amour family over the years. “Their philanthropic support has been instrumental in helping us to carry out our mission of providing quality patient care and clinical excellence in a setting close to home, where residents throughout Western Mass. can benefit from the latest technology and specialized care,” he said. Tolosky added that studies have shown that access to an outdoor garden where patients and their families can relax in a beautiful, natural environment can have a positive effect on their physical and mental well-being. “The D’Amours’ latest gift to the hospital now makes this possible, not only for our patients and visitors, but for our health care staff who also need a place to get away and enjoy a moment for themselves,” he added. Located off the hospital’s main lobby, the garden is easily accessible to patients, staff, and anyone visiting the hospital.

MassMutual Retirement Services Records Third Year of Record Sales
SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Retirement Services’ 2011 sales results mark the highest in the division’s 65-year history, surpassing its record-breaking sales performance of 2010. Written sales for 2011 exceeded $6 billion, representing a 13% increase over 2010. Assets under management in retirement plans administered by MassMutual also reached a new record of $55 billion at year end 2011, a 7% increase over the same period last year. The division also enjoyed record net cash flow in 2011, surpassing $3.5 billion for the first time in division history. “MassMutual’s strong sponsor retention rate of 95%, along with the sustained sales momentum in the company’s retirement plan business, have directly contributed to our 2011 record results,” said Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division and chairman and CEO of MassMutual International LLC. “In addition to growing our core retirement-plan business in the corporate segment, MassMutual’s success in the nonprofit market was exceptional, with a 29% increase in sales vs. 2010.” Sarsynski added that MassMutual’s stable value/investment only and professional employer organization markets also enjoyed strong growth. “Our broad capabilities make MassMutual a provider of choice in the industry — one that delivers high-value, high-touch service,” she added.

Maybury Material Handling Receives Industry Award
EAST LONGMEADOW — Maybury Material Handling has been awarded MVP (Most Valuable Partner) status for 2011 in a new program from the industry’s trade association, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Assoc. To earn the award, the company demonstrated a commitment to business excellence, professionalism, and good stewardship. MVP status requires a company to provide evidence of their commitment to their partners in business, including their customers, employees, and suppliers. Companies must satisfy criteria in industry relations, customer relations, peer-to-peer networking, training for employees, and business best practices. Brian Boals, UNARCO’s director of distributor sales, recommended Maybury for the honor, noting that “Maybury’s partnership with UNARCO is exemplary of the model to which we would like all dealer partners to aspire.” John Maybury, president of Maybury Material Handling, noted, that “our business success is dependent on forming partnerships with top-rated industrial suppliers like UNARCO and in hiring and developing associates that consistently display our values of integrity, teamwork, ongoing improvement, and customer-service excellence. They deserve every bit of this recognition.”

Berkshire Bank Receives National Recognition for Community Commitment
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has received national recognition for its contributions to the community from the American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) through the organization’s Community Bank Award Program. Berkshire Bank was one of more than 200 entrants to be awarded a certificate of recognition for its ‘outstanding work’ in the community through the efforts of its Employee Volunteer Program. “We are extremely honored to receive this recognition from the ABA, and take great pride in the contributions that we make to the community through our Employee Volunteer Program, as well as through the financial support we are able to provide to nonprofit organizations doing important work,” said Sean Gray, executive vice president of retail banking. “At Berkshire Bank, community involvement is ingrained in our culture. Our team members are always eager to give back in a variety of ways, including company-wide projects and individual initiatives such as board service.” In 2011, Berkshire Bank employees donated 26,620 hours of community service through both individual employee efforts and company-sponsored projects. Through the bank’s corporate employee-volunteer program, employees completed 67 projects last year in which more than 50% of the bank’s 800 employees participated. These projects included a company-wide food drive to support local food pantries, a care-package drive for soldiers serving overseas, assistance with tornado-relief efforts, mentoring efforts in local schools, winter coat collection, and various work projects throughout the bank’s service area. Gray noted that, of the 7,363 federally insured banks currently operating in the U.S., fewer than 1% were honored in 2011 with the ABA award for work in the community.

Synergy Physical Therapy Opens in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Physical therapists Jim Lyons and Bill Hogan recently opened a clinic, Synergy Physical Therapy, behind the Northampton Athletic Club on Carlon Drive. Lyons noted that the goal of the clinic is to “create the best physical-therapy clinic in the region and merge it with the health and fitness goals that Northampton Athletic Club has achieved, giving patients the best continuum of care on their wellness journey.” Hogan added that their commitment to patients is to “help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disability.” Lyons is a graduate of Springfield College and American International College and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Physical Therapy with a concentration in manual therapy from the University of St. Augustine. He has experience working with a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions in all age groups, as well as pre- and post-surgical patients. Hogan started his career as an athletic trainer working with high-school, college, professional, and recreational athletes and broadened his scope of practice by acquiring a master’s degree in Physical Therapy. He has worked with geriatric and spinal rehabilitations, and his specialties are sports medicine, orthopedics, and manual therapy.

Monson Savings Involves Community in Giving
MONSON — For the second year, Monson Savings Bank asked the community to help plan the bank’s giving activities by inviting area residents to vote for the organizations they would like the bank to support during 2012. Hundreds of people weighed in and voted for more than 65 organizations doing community service work in Monson, Hampden, and Wilbraham, according to Steven Lowell, bank president. “Charitable giving is absolutely part of the fabric of this bank,” he said. “In 2011, we made more than $134,000 in contributions to local and regional causes, which were in part guided by the input we received through this process last year. We feel it is important to engage our communities like this and are pleased that so many people responded to our request for input.” The top vote getters are Greene Room Productions, Link to Libraries, Monson Bellman Antique Fire Apparatus Club/Museum, Opacum Land Trust, Monson Tornado Volunteers, Quaboag Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Trees Bring Hope, Monson Free Library, Wilbraham Soccer Club, and the Replanting Monson Tree Committee. Four of the 10 organizations were new to the top 10 list this year. “The fact that the list changes somewhat from year to year demonstrates the value of our reaching out to ask people for their input,” said Lowell, adding that “we are very pleased to be part of a community that is so committed to helping people, to volunteerism, and to great causes.”