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.

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Airflyte Inc. v. Waltzing Matilda Aviation Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $77,523.21
Filed: 2/28/12

James Connif v. Andrew B. Chertoff M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice pertaining to the negligent treatment of a fracture: $3,544,229.19
Filed: 2/26/12

Michael Girard v. Pride Convenience Inc. and Robert Bolduc
Allegation: Wage, retaliation, and related claims: $60,000
Filed: 2/28/12

Tara Dunphy v. Aspen Dental Management Inc.
Allegation: Dental malpractice: $250,000.00
Filed: 3/5/12

William O’Brien v. Hurley’s Garage and The Traveler’s Indemnity Company
Allegation: Negligence in vehicle maintenance causing operator injury: $108,458.13
Filed: 3/1/12

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Pawnee Leasing Corporation v. Volkswagen of Northampton and Andrew Feuerstein
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $45,586.13
Filed: 1/30/12

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
American Express Bank v. Pittsinger Plumbing and Heating
Allegation: Breach of contract and monies owed: $10,051.68
Filed: 1/31/12

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
United Rentals Inc. v. Sullivan Commercial Painting, et al
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $20,511.90
Filed: 2/10/12

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
American Express Bank, FSB v. Feman Steel, LLC and Edward Johnson
Allegation: Monies due for breach of contract: $5,153.64
Filed: 3/1/12

Greta Stone v. Planet Fitness
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of treadmill causing injury: $9,200
Filed: 3/6/12

Thomas Johnson v. Excellence Auto Exchange
Allegation: Breach of contract and breach of implied warranty of merchantability pertaining to the sale of a vehicle: $12,569.52
Filed: 3/2/12

United Rentals Inc. v. Environmental Fire Protection Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $11,000
Filed: 2/3/12

United Rentals Inc. v. Tuckerman Steel Fabricators Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $11,534.45
Filed: 3/6/12

Author Lecture on
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.

Lecture on
Marketing Basics
April 11: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will host a lecture titled “Marketing Basics” from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Dianne Doherty of the MSBDC Network will present the workshop that will focus on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research (primary, secondary, qualitative, and quantitative). For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass. The cost is $40.

RetireSmart Seminar
April 11: MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division continues its web-based RetireSmart interactive participant education series with “Understanding Target-Date and Target-Risk Investments” at noon. The 30-minute presentation will cover taking charge of your retirement-investing strategy in today’s market environment; the ABCs of target-date and target-risk strategies, and how these investments may fit into your overall plan. Space for the live online seminar is prioritized to retirement-plan sponsors and participants on MassMutual’s platform. MassMutual retirement-plan clients can register by logging into their retirement-plan account at www.retiresmart.com or by visiting www.retiresmartseminars.com.

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.

Christo to Keynote Riverscaping Conference
April 19-22: An international conference on the art, history, and science of the river will feature the celebrated artist Christo, whose latest project will be to install 5.9 miles of fabric over a stretch of the Arkansas River in Colorado. The Five College Riverscaping Conference also includes lectures, gallery openings, student poster sessions, and a two-day symposium opened by Jonathan Lash, Hampshire College’s new president and the former president of the World Resources Institute. The conference marks the conclusion of the 18-month Five College Riverscaping project, funded in large part by a grant from the American delegation to the European Union and in partnership with river experts from Hamburg, Germany. Aimed at developing sustainable approaches to reconnecting people with the river, the Riverscaping effort has brought together students, policy makers, artists, academics, entrepreneurs and environmentalists in a series of ‘laboratories.’ Centered around education, research, and design, the laboratories focus on Massachusetts’ stretch of the Connecticut River and the Elbe River in Hamburg. Christo’s address, at Smith College’s John M. Green Hall, will open the conference on April 19. He will discuss the two current projects that he and Jeanne-Claude (who died in 2009) have initiated: “Over the River” on the Arkansas River and “The Mastaba,” in the United Arab Emirates. The river installation, planned for the summer of 2015, will involve suspending nearly six miles of luminous fabric panels over a 42-mile stretch of the upper Arkansas River in Colorado. The project, while controversial, has received federal and state approval. Lash will open Saturday’s symposium sessions with his comments on “Why the River Matters.” Other highlights of the symposium on Friday and Saturday include papers by a wide range of designers, scientists, and scholars from around the world, including Jinnai Hidenobou of Hosei University in Tokyo, Johan Varekamp of Wesleyan University, and T.S. McMillin of Oberlin College, author of The Meaning of Rivers. A student session takes place on Friday evening, and a performance of music and readings will follow on Saturday. The entire conference, including Christo’s address, is free and open to the public, but online registration is required. Visit www.riverscaping.org to register for the Christo address and all the other events.

Comedy Night to
Benefit Charities
April 21: Smith & Wesson Corp. will host a benefit comedy show to support two local children’s charities, the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Cedars Banquet Hall, 419 Island Pond Road, Springfield. Tickets are $30 per person, and include the show, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres prior to the show, a cash bar, raffles, fund-raising, games, and music. Teddie Barrett of Teddie B. Comedy will emcee the event, featuring professional comedians Bill Campbell, Dan Crohn, and Stacy Yannetty Pema. For tickets or more information, contact Phyllis Settembro, Smith & Wesson, (413) 747-3597; Karen Motyka, Shriners Hospital, (413) 787-2032; or Jennifer Putnam, Ronald McDonald House, (413) 794-5683.

Supply Chain Strategies
April 24: Western Mass. APICS (the Association for Operations Management), will present a seminar called “Building and Sustaining Transformational Supply Chain Capabilities” at 5:30 p.m. at the Yankee Pedlar in Holyoke. The program will be presented by Edna Conway, Cisco Systems’ chief security strategist for customer value chain management. For more information or to make reservations, call (413) 527-2832, or visit www.wmass-apics.com.

Walk of Champions
May 6: The Goodnough Dike area of the Quabbin Reservoir will be the setting for the seventh annual Walk of Champions in Ware. Participants walk in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer, with the determination to make a difference in those affected by the disease. The event offers a five-mile or two-mile walk, with entertainment and refreshments along the route. For more information, visit www.baystatehealth.org/woc or e-mail Michelle Graci, manager of fund-raising events at Baystate Health at michelle.graci@baystatehealth.org.

Small-business Seminar
May 16: Local business owners will talk about what they have done to keep ahead of the many demands on their time, and at the same time adjust for the economic environment, during a workshop titled “Adapt, Diversify, Reinvent & Grow” at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Presenters include Paul DiGrigoli of Digrigoli Salon & School of Cosmetology; Tara Tetreault of Jackson & Connor; Kate Vishnyakov of Kate Gray Inc.; and Rick Ricard of Larien Products. The 9 to 11 a.m. session is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

Management Fundamentals Workshop
May 24: Lyne Kendall of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will present “Business Plan Basics” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Amherst Town Hall, first floor meeting room, 4 Boltwood Walk. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals from startup considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

NYC Bus Trip
June 30: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host a bus trip to New York City, leaving the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returning around 9:30 p.m. Participants are on their own for the day in New York City. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, contact Lynn at (413) 594-2101.
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. The June 21 gala will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $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.

Western Mass.
Business Expo
Oct. 11: BusinessWest will again present the Western Mass. Business Expo. The event, which made its debut last fall at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, will feature more than 180 exhibitors, seminars, special presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the year’s most extensive networking opportunity. Comcast Business Class will again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Details, including breakfast and lunch agendas, seminar topics, and featured speakers, will be printed in the pages of BusinessWest over the coming months. For more information or to purchase a booth, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail marketing@businesswest.com, or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

Freedom Credit Union of Springfield announced that Louis J. Scungio has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
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Elizabeth A. Beaudry has been promoted to Senior Commercial Credit Analyst and Information Technology Administrator at NUVO Bank & Trust Co.
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First Niagara Bank has named Anne Faunce as Branch Manager of the College Highway Branch in Southwick. She is responsible for developing new small business and personal relationships while supporting the branch’s existing customers.
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Corey Harris has joined Hogan Technology, formerly Hogan Communications, as an IT Manager. His new role will include managing the company’s IT support team.
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Andrea M. Luppi has been appointed Manager of Communications and Community Relations for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts in its Western Mass. service area. Luppi is responsible for the dissemination of information and communications with the media, public safety and government officials, the business community, and the public throughout Columbia’s local service area. She will also manage the company’s relationships with the many charitable and social-service agencies Columbia Gas supports in the area. Luppi will work out of the Columbia Gas building on Roosevelt Avenue in Springfield.
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Miriam Ramos has been named Manager of the TD Bank branch at 619 Chestnut St., Springfield. She is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
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Westfield Bank announced the following:
• Dennis Keefe has joined the bank as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. Keefe will develop and grow the bank’s commercial real-estate portfolio and increase commercial-loan diversification. He will also work in conjunction with the commercial lending staff to finance apartments, office, retail, and industrial properties in Massachusetts and Northern Conn.; and
• Thomas Cebula has been promoted to Commercial Loan Officer. His work focus will be on small-business lending.
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Vernon L. Carter has been named Program Manager at Lighthouse in Springfield, part of Human Resources Unlimited. Carter is a licensed social worker who will lead Lighthouse in its mission to help all individuals Human Resources Unlimited serves to lead full and productive lives as contributing members of the community.
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Shannon R. Allen has been named Internet Director for TommyCar Auto Group of Hadley. The company’s dealerships include Country Nissan in Hadley, Country Hyundai in Greenfield, Patriot Buick GMC in Charlton, and Northampton Volkswagen. She will oversee the Internet staff for all Web site needs of the four dealerships. Allen will also be responsible for monthly marketing campaigns in the sales, service, and parts departments, and ensure that all print and outbound advertising are consistent and up to date. She will oversee compliance for all online advertising and Web sites, including all third-party sites, and create and oversee all graphic work for Web sites.
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Stacey Vendetta has been hired as a Business Development Specialist at Graphic Solutions for Business. In this position, Vendetta brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing as she meets with prospective clients in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island.
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Skoler, Abbott & Presser of Springfield announced the following:
• Ralph F. Abbott, Partner, has been identified among “Leaders in their Field” by Chambers USA. He will be featured in the forthcoming edition of Chambers USA — America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. He has been a partner of the firm since 1975. In addition to providing employment-related advice to employers, he assists clients in remaining union-free and represents employers before the National Labor Relations Board. His experience also includes negotiating collective-bargaining agreements and representing employers at arbitration hearings and before other state and federal agencies; and
• Susan G. Fentin, Partner, has been identified among “Leaders in their Field” by Chambers USA. She will be featured in the forthcoming edition of Chambers USA — America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. She joined the firm in 1999 and was made a partner in 2004. She counsels employers on handling difficult employee situations and avoiding litigation, as well as on policy development and supervisor training. Fentin also defends employers against charges of discrimination under state and federal law. The book, scheduled for publication in June, lists top attorneys from around the nation.
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Victor Woolridge, Vice President of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors, has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Springfield Leadership Institute Community Service Award. The award is presented annually by the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield and the faculty and staff of the Western New England University School of Business. He will be honored on April 11 at the Springfield Sheraton.
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Tammy Salisbury has joined United Bank in West Springfield as an Internal Audit Officer.
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PeoplesBank announced the following:
• David J. Thibault has been promoted to Vice President, Business Banking Officer;
• Wesley D. Tanner has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Portfolio Manager;
• Meghan E. Gregoire has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Business Banking, serving the Westfield and West Springfield areas;
• Beverly J. Orloski has been promoted to Vice President, Mortgage Lending;
• Melissa E. Richter has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. She currently serves as Branch Manager of the bank’s new LEED-registered office at 547 Memorial Ave., West Springfield;
• Brian M. Canina has been promoted to First Vice President, Controller;
• Michael E. Sugrue has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Risk Oversight; and
• Lucinda A. Brown has been promoted to Branch Training Officer.
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Jason Rivera has been promoted from Branch Manager to Assistant Vice President of Small Business Banking for Western Mass. and Eastern Conn. at First Niagara Bank. He will be responsible for developing new relationships with small businesses in his target area. His office will be based in West Springfield.
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Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Springfield announced the following:
• Greg Deavens, Senior Vice President, has assumed the role of Corporate Controller. He now leads MassMutual’s financial reporting, accounting policy, financial systems and GIA investment reporting functions; and
• Norm Smith, Senior Vice President, now leads MassMutual’s U.S. Insurance Group finance division. He is responsible for the financial-management activities of the company’s insurance business, including financial planning and analysis, competitive analysis, expense management, and oversight for key elements of the internal control environment.
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Attorney James D. Chadwell of Crear & Chadwell in Springfield was among the speakers at the two-day Safety Council of Western New England’s Safety and Health Conference. His presentation addressed “Worker’s Compensation: An Employer’s Perspective.” He shared insights from his experience as a specialist in workers’ compensation defense, insurance defense, and insurance-coverage law.
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Richard C. Sprinthall Jr., a financial professional with Independence Financial Partners, a member of the John Hancock Financial Network, has qualified for the ACE (Achieving Client Excellence) Best-in-Class Award, one of the highest honors that John Hancock bestows on financial professionals within its network.

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.

MGM Resorts Drops Brimfield Casino Plan
BRIMFIELD — MGM Resorts International recently announced plans to seek an alternative site in Western Mass. instead of an originally planned $600 million casino resort in Brimfield. “The unique nature of MGM’s plans for an all-inclusive, world-class resort on the Brimfield site, and our growing understanding of the needed scope for its infrastructure, simply do not allow us to pursue the comprehensive MGM resort originally envisioned here,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s chief marketing officer. In recent months, the state has drawn interest from some the nation’s largest gambling institutions after Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation in 2011 allowing for three destination resorts, one each in separate regions of the state. An additional license for a slot-machine facility is also on the table. At press time, Wynn Resorts Ltd. has proposed a Foxborough casino, while Caesars Entertainment Corp. has set its sites on developing the Suffolk Downs horse track. In addition, Mohegan Sun is pursuing a resort in Palmer, and Ameristar Casinos Inc. has paid $16 million for a 41-acre site in Springfield, among other proposals. A five-member gaming commission will oversee the licensing process, which involves initial fees of at least $85 million and a 25% share of casino revenue for the state. The licensing fee for the slot facility would be at least $25 million, with the state taking 40% of revenue and horse tracks receiving an additional 9%.

Consumer Confidence Index Decreases
NEW YORK — The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had increased in February, pulled back slightly in March. The Index now stands at 70.2 (1985=100), down from 71.6 in February. The Present Situation Index, however, increased to 51.0 from 46.4. The Expectations Index declined to 83.0 from 88.4 in February. The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for the Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers buy and watch. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was March 15. “Consumer confidence pulled back slightly in March, after rising sharply in February,” noted Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board Consumer Research Center. “The moderate decline was due solely to a less-favorable short-term outlook, while consumers’ assessment of current conditions, on the other hand, continued to improve. The Present Situation Index now stands at its highest level in three and a half years [61.1 in Sept. 2008], suggesting that, despite this month’s dip in confidence, consumers feel the economy is not losing momentum.” Consumers’ appraisal of current conditions improved in March. Those claiming business conditions are “good” increased to 14.3% from 13.7%. However, those claiming business conditions are “bad” also increased, to 32.7% from 31.7%. Consumers’ assessment of the job market was mixed. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” increased to 9.4% from 7.0%, while those stating jobs are “hard to get” also rose, to 41.0% from 38.6%. Consumers were less optimistic about the short-term outlook than they were last month. The proportion of consumers expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months increased to 19.2% from 18.9%. However, those anticipating business conditions will worsen also rose, to 13.5% from 11.8%. Consumers’ outlook for the labor market was moderately less upbeat. Those anticipating more jobs in the months ahead decreased to 17.3% from 18.8%, while those anticipating fewer jobs increased to 18.3% from 16.4%. The proportion of consumers expecting an increase in their incomes improved slightly to 15.8% from 15.5%.

State Unemployment Rates Down in 16 Areas
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development recently reported that February’s seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates were down in 16 labor areas, up in four, and unchanged in two. The labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs estimates, for Massachusetts and for every other state, are based on statistical methodologies specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Statewide, February’s seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 7.5%, down from 7.7% in January. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was down 0.7% from the February 2011 unadjusted rate of 8.2%. All 22 labor area rates were down over the year. In February, over-the-month job gains occurred in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Springfield, New Bedford, Peabody, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, and Pittsfield areas. Five areas posted a loss, while employment remained unchanged in the Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton area. Over the year, job gains were realized in nine of the 12 areas, with the largest gains in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Barnstable, Framingham, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, and Peabody areas. The largest-percentage gains occurred in the Barnstable, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, Framingham, and Peabody areas. The seasonally adjusted statewide February unemployment rate released on March 22 remained at 6.9% for the third consecutive month and was down eight-tenths of a percentage point from the 7.7% rate recorded in February 2011. The statewide, seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 9,100-job gain over the month. The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor-market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

Freyman Named 2012 Woman of the Year
SPRINGFIELD — The Professional Women’s Chamber, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc., has named Attorney Ellen W. Freyman the 2012 Woman of the Year. The award is presented annually to a woman in Western Mass. who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community. Freyman is a shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. in Springfield, concentrating in all aspects of commercial real estate. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Freyman is also an active leader in the community. She serves on several boards, including the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Dunbar Community Center, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Community Music School of Springfield, Springfield Museum Assoc., Springfield Technical Community College Foundation, the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, Springfield Rotary Club, and Mason Wright Foundation. Her accomplishments will be honored at the Woman of the Year dinner on June 5 at the Springfield Sheraton. For more information on the event, log onto www.professionalwomenschamber.com.

Bank of America Grant to Help Health Care Workforce Initiative
SPRINGFIELD — The Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (REB) recently announced a $150,000 grant from Bank of America that will be directed towards the Healthcare Workforce Partnership of Western Mass. through 2013. The funds will help ensure that the region has a diverse, skilled workforce to deliver quality patient care through supporting a formal on-the-job training program with health care employers and job opportunities for 25 recent graduates of local training programs. The program will focus on occupations such as medical coding, nursing, community health workers, medical interpreting, and medical assisting. The REB provides regional leadership in building a quality workforce in Hampden County through partnerships that engage business, education, and the community. For more information, visit www.rebhc.org.

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

AMHERST
 
MMA Commerce Inc., 460 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Kirik Jenness, 1240 Southeast St., Amherst, MA 01002. Distributing mixed martial arts information.
 
Trevor J. Morris Consulting Inc., 123 Chestnut St., Amherst, MA 01002. Trevor J. Morris, same. Programming consultant.
 
CHICOPEE
 
Radiance Home Health Care Inc., 10 Centre St., Suite 209, Chicopee, MA 01013. Susan Muriru, same. Home care.
 
Sun Kissed Tan and Spa Inc., 13 Gardner Road, Chicopee, MA 01013. Melissa A. Cote, same. To operate a tanning facility.
 
EAST LONGMEADOW
 
RY Jam Inc., 288 Somers Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Thomas J. Croall, same. Service ATM machines.
 
FEEDING HILLS
 
Peaceful Pool & Spa Inc., 964 Northwest St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Barbara Ann Sours, same. To own and operate a retail/wholesale business relating to the sale, maintenance, and installation of pool/spa supplies.
 
FLORENCE
 
Northampton Family Fourth Committee Inc., 40 Keyes St., Florence, MA 01062. Priscilla Mossman Ross, same. Charitable and educational purposes.
 
HADLEY
 
Save A Buck Auto Sales Inc., 8 Pine Hill Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Leonard W. Buck, 340 River Dr., Hadley, MA 01035. Auto repair and sales.
 
HOLYOKE
 
Oxford House-Holyoke, MA Inc., Recovery Center Alcohol and Other Drugs, 253 Oak St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jose Antonio Disia, same. Rehabilitate individuals from the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
 
PV Systems Inc., 108 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jon Hebert, 834 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Amusements, beverage sales.
 
The Holy Tabernacle Church For All People Church of the Living God in Christ, 56 Suffolk St., Fl. 2, Holyoke, MA 01040. Frederick W. Mitchell Sr., 55 Orphan St., Springfield, MA 01108. To establish a non-profit organization and to hold religious services.
 
LONGMEADOW
 
Just Peachy Inc., 60 Brookside Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Charles P. Hapcook, same. Restaurant and food service.
 
MPK Management Co. Inc., 50 Eunice Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Paige Thompson-Westcott, same. Managing member of LLC.
 
LUDLOW
 
Michael J. Dias Foundation Inc., 884 Poole St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Grace Dias, same. Advancing, encouraging, fostering, promoting, and administering programs and educational materials aimed at the prevention of substance abuse and treatment.
 
NORTH ADAMS
 
Moresi & Associates Electrical Construction and Maintenance Inc., 1000 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams, MA 01247. David Moresi, 60 Buxton Hill Road, Willamstown, MA 01267. Electrical contracting.
 
NORTHAMPTON
 
Transit Authority Figures Inc., 25 Main St., Suite 445, Northampton, MA 01060. Endamian Stewart, 316 South St., Northampton, MA 01060. Graphic design services.
 
SOUTH HADLEY
 
J.C. Construction Inc., 512 Amherst Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Jose Cela, same. Construction and remodeling.
 
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Inc., 30 Carew St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Beverly Pead, 38 Pleasant St., Granby, MA 01033. Provides charitable and educational services, including the operation of a food pantry.
 
Wagz to Whiskerz Inc., 187 East St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Janet Amaral, same. Dog grooming.
 
SOUTHAMPTON
 
Southampton Vineyards LTD, 76 Line St., Southampton, MA 01073. William Edward Hannifan, same. Wine production and sales.
 
SPRINGFIELD
 
IVL Construction Inc., 144 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. Anibal Martinez, same. Install residential siding, windows, and doors.
 
JB King Inc., 1010 King St., Springfield, MA 01109. James J. Bennett Sr., same. Bar and grill serving all alcoholic beverages and some food.
 
La Zona Supermarket Corp., 24 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Hector Merejo, same. Grocery store.
 
Lyrics4Life Performing Arts Club 4 Kids Inc., 59 Jenness St., Springfield, MA 01109. Shahonna T. Anderson, same. Performing arts club for children.
 
Resource Management International Inc., 1500 Main St., Suite 2700, Springfield, MA 01115. Nick Phipps, 10 Park Pl., Leeds, LS1 2RU. Personnel recruitment.
 
Springfield Chicken Inc., 1673 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Zia Asharf, 256 City View Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Restaurant.
 
The Blessing Outreach Ministry, 40 Bissell St., Springfield, MA 01109. Hannah A. Wachira, same. Public worship to God.
 
The Dragonfly Mission Inc., 10 Sumner Ave., Apt. 28, Springfield, MA 01108. Scott Suhoza, 32 Salt Works, Brewster, MA 02631. Organized for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes.
 
Throneroom Enterprises Inc., 116 Florence St., 01105. Steven R. Williams, same. To operate businesses that sell products and provide services.
 
United Alliance of Immigrants Inc., 261 Locust St., Springfield, MA 01108. Pascacio Reynoso, 135 Oakland St., Springfield, MA 01108. Service to those of different races and ethnicities.
 
WEST SPRINGFIELD
 
Vertical Entertainment Inc., 20 Falvey St., West Springfield, MA 01089. James E. Mitchell, same. Entertainment.
 
WESTFIELD
 
Straw Dog Writers Guild Inc., 31 Union St., 1st Floor, Westfield, MA 01085. Patricia Lee Lewis, 292 Chesterfield Road, Westhampton, MA 01027. Supports the writing community in Western Mass.
 
WILBRAHAM
 
Mad Finance Inc., 47 Springfield St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Melissa A. Donohue, same. The providing of educational services in the field of personal and business finance.
 
T.L. Palazzesi Management Company Inc., 2133 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Anthony J. Palazzesi, same. Commercial and residential real estate property management.
 
WILLIAMSTOWN
 
Lending A Hand in the Warm Heart of Africa Inc., 888 Hancock Road, Williamstown, MA 01267. Stephen D. Sneed, same. Provides assistance to the people of Malawi, Africa by providing essential resources.