Home 2006 October (Page 2)

Month: October 2006

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Planning Amherst Together

Oct. 12, 14, 18, 20: Several public meetings are planned in October to help create an Amherst Master Plan titled Planning Amherst Together. The master plan will address goals and policies on land use, housing, transportation, economic development, community facilities, parks and open space, natural and cultural resources, services and facilities and utilities. Meeting dates are Oct. 12, 7 p.m., and Oct. 14, 10 a.m., both at the Amherst Middle School; Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Jones Library, and Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. in Franklin Patterson Hall at Hampshire College. For more information, contact Neils la Cour at (413) 259-3040 or [email protected].

Women in Technology Workshop

Oct. 13-14: Springfield Technical Community College, in conjunction with the National Institute for Women in Trades, Technology and Science, will present a ‘Women in Technology’ workshop for high school and college teachers and guidance counselors in math, science and technology. The two-day workshop uses case studies, lectures, role-playing and interactive video to present solutions that work in recruiting and retaining young women in programs leading to technology careers. For more information, contact Dean Adrienne Smith at [email protected] or visit cbt.stcc.edu/ descriptions/women _in_technology.html.

Medical Device Seminar

Oct. 16: The Regional Technology Corp. (RTC), in cooperation with the Mass. Medical Device Industry Council (MassMEDIC), will conduct a seminar focused on medical device product development at FDA regulatory approval procedures. Sponsored by the Bank of Western Massachusetts, the event will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Colony Club, 1500 Main St. in Springfield, and is the opening kick-off to two days of showcasing the life sciences industry in Western Mass. Tom Merle, vice president of Product Innovation at Continuum Inc., and James Wason, executive vice president of Medical Device Consultants Inc. (MDCI) will be guest presenters as experts in medical device product development and FDA regulatory issues. Tom Summer, president of MassMEDIC will also be on hand to discuss any other topics related to medical devices. Advanced registration is required. For more information, contact April Cloutier (413) 755-1314.

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

Babineau, Stephen M.
40 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/18/2006

Buchanan, William L.
Buchanan, Amy
61 Arthur St.
Springfield. MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/17/2006

Burdick, Douglas A.
Burdick, Stephanie L.
9 South County Road
Florida, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/23/2006

Denison, David A.
Denison, Deborah J.
34 Munson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/22/2006

Hays, James W.
Hays, Mary J.
348 Park St. Apt. 214
Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/24/2006

Kelley, Robert Edward
Kelley, Donna Sharon
54 Old Barn Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
chapter: 13
Date: 08/17/2006

LaFleur, Wayne N.
LaFleur, Theresa A.
21 Batista Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/23/2006

Lamarche, Cherylann
a/k/a Vautrain, Cheryl A.
419 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/17/2006

Leandro, Leonor D.
154 Whitney St., 2nd Fl.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/23/2006

Lombardi, Vincent M.
2 Lebanon Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/17/2006

Luna, Mirna
34 Riverside Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter 13
Date: 08/16/2006

Marshall, Garth R.
245 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/18/2006

McKenzie, Chozi Mjitiba
PO Box 2116
Amherst, MA 01004
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/22/2006

Meadows, Tomorrow Jean
1235 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/21/2006

  

Morales, Carlos A.
PO Box 3844
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/17/2006

Morin, Steven J.
191 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/23/2006

Mortensen, Warren William
PMB Mailbox 132
340 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Cahpter: 13
Date: 08/17/2006

Noetzel, Paul R.
36A Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/24/2006

Pearson, Courtney L.
164 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/23/2006

Rooney, Kelly F.
104 Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/18/2006

Senerchia, Stephen J.
P.O. Box 611
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/22/2006

Severage, Jeffrey R.
82 Ruggles St., Apt. 2
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/18/2006

Shaffer, Judith K.
20 Pomeroy Ter.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/23/2006

Skowyra, David A.
Skowyra, Karen S.
141 Boston Road
PO Box 150
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/22/2006

Soto, Peter
37 Stockman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/18/2006

Steinman, Linda Ann/Painchaud-Steinman
PO Box 60783
Longmeadow, MA 01116
Chapter: 7
Date: 8/22/2006

Taaffe, Thomas H.
17 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/24/2006

Vazquez, Jr., Pedro J.
18 Orchard St.
Springfield. MA 01107
Chapter: 8
Date: 08/21/2006

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ACCGS Announces ‘Super 60’ Winners

SPRINGFIELD — Business is alive and well in the region as this year’s Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. (ACCGS) Super 60 revenue winners combined for almost $1.2 billion in the past fiscal year with average revenue for the top 30 exceeding $31 million and 50% exceeding $20 million. Now in its 17th year, the ACCGS award honors the fastest growing, privately held companies in the region for their significant contributions to strength of the regional economy. Companies eligible for the award must be independent, privately owned businesses, be based in either Hampden or Hampshire counties or be a member of the ACCGS, be in business for at least three full years and produce revenues of at least $1 million in the last fiscal year. Seventeen companies are new to the revenue category this year. Four companies on the revenue list also qualify for the growth category, with two companies in the top 10 qualifying for both lists. In addition, four companies new to the category this year are also new to the top-10 revenue winners list. In the growth category, the average growth among the winners was more than 57% with companies needing to have had at least 23% growth in order to be included in the category. Twenty-six of the companies reported growth in excess of 30%, with 18 companies exceeding 40% growth. Winners will be honored at the Super 60 Luncheon and Recognition Program on Oct. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam. Steven Rothschild, CEO and chairman of bulbs.com, an online specialized lighting distributor, will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights on how to achieve rapid rates of growth in business.

Survey: Single Resume Typo Can Ruin Job Prospects

MENLO PARK, Calif. — The adage “It’s not what you say, but how you say it” holds particular weight when it comes to resumes, a recent survey shows. More than eight in 10 executives polled (84%) said it takes just one or two typographical errors in a resume to remove a candidate from consideration for a job opening; 47% said a single typo can be the deciding factor. The survey was developed by OfficeTeam and includes responses from 150 senior executives at the nation’s 1,000 largest companies. Resumes often are a job seeker’s first contact with prospective employers, according to Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. Domeyer stressed that candidates who submit application materials with typographical or grammatical errors may be seen as lacking professionalism and attention to detail, and thus spoil their chances for an interview or further consideration.

Former State Hospital Project Receives Funding

NORTHAMPTON — Gov. W. Mitt Romney recently signed a bill to provide $7 million in state aid to finish the demolition of the former Northampton State Hospital. The funds were part of a larger bill to assist infrastructure improvements for large private development projects. The House and the Senate passed the bill Aug. 31. Billed as The Village at Hospital Hill, the redevelopment plans include a mix of residential and commercial uses at the site. When completed, the development project will feature 476,000 square feet of office, retail and light industrial space, as well as 207 units of housing, according to the Mass. Development Finance Agency.

Director Named for Embattled PVTA

SPRINGFIELD — Worcester Transit Authority Director Mary L. MacInnes was recently chosen as the new administrator for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) by its advisory board members. Pittsfield Transit Authority Director Charles M. MacNeil was the other finalist who also received strong support from the advisory board, however, it was Springfield Mayor Charles V. Ryan who cast the deciding vote. Both candidates had indicated their experience in the transit industry would be a benefit to leading the PVTA out of its current crisis of an ongoing federal probe. In other news, board members announced it will terminate its contract with auditing firm KPMG since the firm refused to complete its audit until the PVTA expands its own investigation into possible mishandling of the agency’s finances.

1,000 Jobs Lost Across State in August

BOSTON — The state’s total jobs capped at 3.207 million in August as the unemployment rate climbed to 4.9%, according to the state Department of Workforce Development. Due to a statistical revision to July’s estimated jobs total, Massachusetts lost 1,000 jobs in August. The agency noted the loss of 1,000 jobs was in part due to a new estimate of the state’s jobs gain in July, based on a survey of state employers. The state revised its original estimate of 4,000 jobs gained in July to 4,600. Jobs in education and health care had the greatest gains during the summer, while the financial and manufacturing sectors lost some ground. Overall, the state has added 21,600 jobs since January, and had 29,000 more jobs in August compared with August of 2005.

Unemployment Rate Up Across Valley

The unemployment rate for the Pioneer Valley reached 5.2% in August, according to the state Division of Unemployment Assistance. Job postings in August at FutureWorks, a one-stop career center in Springfield, were down by 31% to 508 listings, while the number of job seekers was up 24%, to 2,390. Of the jobs posted in August, the biggest proportion was in the retail sector, followed by administrative support. Sectors losing jobs included financial activities, information, and government, while the construction and manufacturing sectors remained flat over the year. FutureWorks representatives noted that area residents who are employed don’t appear to be seeking out new job opportunities. Approximately 95% of the job seekers who use the services at FutureWorks are currently unemployed

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Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2006.

Amherst

Bank of America
75 East Pleasant St.
N/A — Install temporary banking trailer
with ramp and two temporary ATM
kiosks for one year (existing building burned)

Easthampton

D & R Management Company
7 Industrial Parkway
$544,000 — Construction of new building,
office, and shop

East Longmeadow

Benton Professional Partners
265 Benton Drive
$2,762,192 — New building

Premier Source Credit Union
232 North Main St.
$1,440,000 — Two-story Office

Greenfield

First Baptist Church Society
118 Federal St.
$69,174 — Access ramp

Greenfield Co-op Bank
63 Federal St.
$52,724 — Replace drive-up tube
system with drive-up ATM

Ludlow

Baird Middle School
109 Sportsmen Road
$245,000 — New roof

Chapin St. School
766 Chapin St.
$245,000 — New roof


  

Palmer

Charlene Cavanaugh Hair Salon
1418 Main St.
$5,000 — Interior renovations

Southwick

Gristmill Shopping Center
610 College Highway
$28,000 — Renovate video store into a bakery

Springfield

Bryant Robinson LR
233 Tinkham Road
$1,800,000 — Construction of Church

Diocese of Springfield
65 Elliot St.
$280,000 — Add elevator to church

Mercy Medical Center
271 Carew St.
$104,038 — Renovation to fifth floor nursing station

Westfield

City of Westfield
Westfield Vocational Technical High School
$223,000 — playground

Cargill Inc.
163 Union St.
$375,000 — Build salt-storage building

West Springfield

Waterworks Car Wash
61 Franklin St.
$250,000 — Construct two-bay car wash

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Departments

Bank Opens Loan Office in West Springfield

FLORENCE — Florence Savings Bank (FSB) is increasing its commitment to small businesses with two new initiatives – a new loan office in West Springfield and an increased commitment of $100 million in loan funds. The new loan office, located at 117 Park Ave., will feature a team of commercial loan officers and will expand the bank’s reach into Hampden County. The new office will be staffed by James Montemayor who has more than 21 years in banking, and Michael Whitman with more than 12 years in banking. Both were recently named vice presidents of FSB.

MassMutual Recognized for Web Sites; Captures InformationWeek 500 Ranking

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has garnered the top spot in DALBAR’s latest WebMonitor rankings of the best Web sites in the life insurance and annuity industry. FieldNet ®, the Web site for financial professionals produced by MassMutual, received an “Excellent” designation for the ninth straight quarter and has earned first place for six of those quarters. WebMonitor tracks Web site improvements and innovations across the financial services industry and identifies the industry’s best sites. In other company news, MassMutual Retirement Services has been awarded the No. 1 ranking in this year’s InformationWeek 500 “Wireless Innovation” category for its e4 (SM) wireless enrollment technology. MassMutual pioneered the patent-pending e4 technology, short for Electronic Enhanced Enrollment Experience, to help American workers take an active role in planning for retirement by simplifying participation in company sponsored 401(k) plans.

Monson Savings Offers New Online Banking Service

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank recently introduced a new service, Enhanced Login Security, which adds another layer of protection against unauthorized access to online banking accounts. The service not only recognizes passwords but also the customer’s computer. Additionally, the bank is taking steps to educate its customers about identity fraud and Internet security by handing out a comprehensive Q+A package at its branches and by making the information available online at www.monsonsavings.com. The measures are in response to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council which requires financial institutions to conduct a risk assessment of its Internet banking service.

WNEC Enters Public Phase of $20M Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England College has embarked on the most ambitious fund-raising campaign in its history, a $20 million effort that will enable the college to advance its mission of helping students achieve their educational and career goals. Titled “Transformations: The Campaign for Western New England College,” it is the first time the college has undertaken a comprehensive campaign with multiple priorities. Since the launch of its leadership phase in July 2003, the campaign has raised more than $15 million from a select group of individuals, foundations, and corporations. The public phase of the campaign, which began Sept. 19, is expected to last through December 2007. Gifts to the campaign will support initiatives and programs in four areas: academic quality, $8.45 million; student enrichment, $4.05 million; financial aid endowment, $5 million, and The Fund for WNEC, $2.5 million. Persons interested in becoming involved in the campaign can contact the Advancement Division at (413) 782-1335 or toll-free at (800) 325-1122. Campaign-related news and information is available by visiting www.wnec.edu/campaign.

Greenfield Savings Names New CEO/President

GREENFIELD — Rebecca “Becky” Caplice, currently chief operating officer at Greenfield Savings Bank, will become president and CEO of the bank and its holding company, GSB, MHC, on Jan. 1. Caplice currently directs and supervises all bank operations and administrative departments as COO. Current president and CEO Joseph Poirier will stay with GSB as a member of its business development team. The bank’s governing body recently approved the leadership change at its quarterly trustee meeting. Caplice says she will build on the strong foundation that Poirier has contributed to during his 18 years at the bank. Her tenure with GSB began in 1991 as a senior vice president. In 1999, she was elected to GSB’s Board of Trustees and then promoted to executive vice president. In 2004, Caplice was promoted to COO. A resident of Shelburne, Caplice has been an active member of the Franklin County community since 1977. She is particularly interested in local economic development and Greenfield’s downtown revitalization.

Peter Pan’s Hall of Fame Bus Unveiled

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines recently unveiled its newly decorated Basketball Hall of Fame bus, complete with “HoopHall.Com” graphics and a basketball appearing on the front section of the bus. The bus is a regular Peter Pan line-run, 55-passenger motorcoach that travels the northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C. The graphics promoting the Hall of Fame were the idea of Peter A. Picknelly, president of Peter Pan, who also serves on the Hall of Fame board, as a way to increase recognition of the Hall. The bus was wrapped in the new graphics by a Peter Pan affiliate, Coach Builders, which operates out of the Trolley Barn on Main Street.

Nursery Launches Parenting Services

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Day Nursery has launched a parenting program to assist families in gaining self-sufficiency, acquiring better parenting skills, and becoming more involved in their child’s education, thanks in part to its new Under Five Initiative and funding from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Joni Beck Brewer, LICSW, will serve as the new vice president of parent services, and will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing parent education and support services. In addition, Brewer will supervise Springfield College School of Social Work interns who will offer intensive case management, including child and family assessments and home visits to teach and model parenting skills. Brewer will also oversee the creation of a parent advisory council. For more information on services, call (413) 858-3108.

Spalding Takes Never Flat Success to Soccer Field

SPRINGFIELD — Spalding is now bringing its industry leading innovation – NEVER FLAT technology – to the soccer fields. The Spalding NEVER FLAT soccer ball line, centered around similar technologies found in its NEVER FLAT basketballs, are the first-ever soccer balls with proprietary pressure-retention technologies and are guaranteed to stay inflated 10 times longer than traditional soccer balls. All products within Spalding’s NEVER FLAT soccer line use patent pending, exclusive full-ball construction technologies, a first within the inflated sports category, to dramatically increase pressure retention. The soccer ball line will reach sporting goods store in early November and will feature three product levels – the NF-5000, the NF-3000, and the NF-1500.

Third Generation Taking Over Furniture Business

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Furniture’s inventory is currently being liquidated and new owners are hoping to reopen the business as a Broyhill furniture gallery in a neighboring town by early 2007. Owner Eugene Z. Baker is retiring from the business and his children, Ira and Carol Baker, will take over daily operations when the new location is determined. Hampden Furniture occupies 45,000 square feet in downtown Springfield, but the future site is expected to only accommodate Broyhill’s new store format that is much smaller. The liquidation sale will continue until all inventory is sold, according to Eugene Baker.

UMass Amherst Wins $1 Million Grant to Support Doctoral Program in Nursing

AMHERST – The School of Nursing at UMass Amherst has been awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support its new doctorate in nursing practice and the related Your Life Matters Program (LIFEMAP), a health-risk assessment, health and lifestyle management initiative. In May, the UMass Board of Trustees approved the doctorate in nursing practice (DNP), making UMass Amherst the first school in the state to offer the advanced degree. The DNP, a four-year post-baccalaureate degree, focuses on preparing advanced practice nurses for functioning at the highest level of nursing practice. The grant provides funding for implementation of the new doctoral program. The grant proposal was written by School of Nursing faculty in cooperation with the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS).

Zasco Productions Moves into New Quarters

CHICOPEE — Zasco Productions, a multi-media, event-production company, has moved into new quarters at 340 McKinstry Ave. In Chicopee. The 5,100-square-foot facility enables the company, this year celebrating its 20th anniversary, to bring office, production, and warehouse operations under one roof.

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Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of September 2006.

Agawam

J & J and Sons
P. O. Box 185
Joseph Herbert

L. B. Construction
670 Main St.
Christopher Leblanc

Amherst

A Taste of Brooklyn
233 North Pleasant St.
Crystal Richardson, Edna L. Richardson

Aubinwood Cavaliers
471 Bay Road
Joan & Obediah Gibson

Chicopee

Donald J. Sauvageau Building & Remodeling
48 Glendale St.
Donald J. Sauvageau

Techniques of Art
333 Front St.
Diane M. Myscinski

The Nurses Station
922 Chicopee St.
Sammy Rodriguez

Easthampton

Horderlings
116 Pleasant Street
Joshua Benard

Pioneer Valley Lactation Consulting
14 Pinebrook Dr.
Mary J. Carey

East Longmeadow

Portamedic
200 North Main St.
Mark and Christopher R. Parent

Porter Road Pet Care
141 Porter Road
Warner M. Cross

R&M Construction
P.O. Box 389
Michael Molinari
Robert Rama

Greenfield

Abe’s Sunoco
155 Main St.
Abdulamir Altael

Fein Construction – Creative Concepts
26 Sunrise Ave.
Peter F. Fein

Holyoke

Anita Coll Attorney at Law
4 Open Square – Suite 130
Anita Coll

Nailtique
50 Holyoke St.
Mai T. Hoang

Longmeadow

Virtual Business Services
41 Benedict Terrace
Christina Dimeo

Ludlow

All State Stone
148 Amherst St.
Ben Duchesne

KB Carpentry
38 Lyon St.
Kenneth Butts

Northampton

Judgment Recovery Services
111 Oak St.
Eric Sales

  

L.R.J. Landscaping
491 Bridge Road
Raul Collazo
Lisette Reyes

Palmer

Alli-Kat Toys
15 Cedarhill St.
Dawn Melanie Henry

Country Manor Apts.
29 Lariviere St.
Marek Kozabal

South Hadley

Therapies
19 Pleasant St.
Charles Eliopoulos, Ralph Pearsall

Southwick

Mapit
160 Point Grove Road 93
Annette Patterson

Springfield

Atlas Convenience Store
411-417 St. James Ave.
Aziz Ahmed

Balise Buick Pontiac GMC
683 East Columbus Ave.
James Balise

Balise Hyundai
881 East Columbus Ave.
Steven Mitus

Betty’s Show-Off
658 Page Blvd.
Betty Seieles

B&G Window Tinting
1174 Parker St.
Bryan Lora

Brathwaite Transportation
513 Armory St.
Milagros C. Brathwaite

Bryce Contractor Company
3 Dorchester St.
Damon Anthony Bryce

Civic Center Convenience
1369 Main St.
Nafees A. Chaudhary

Dalita’s Creations
94 Hickory St.
Migdalia Santiago

Dollar Tree 3541
1101 Boston Road
John Cote

Kiddo’s Transportation
3 Norfolk St.
Rony Pena

Westfield

Millwrite Design
579 Southampton Road
Robert F. Valcourt

NRF Consulting & Bookkeeping
144 Elm Street
Nadeen Frank

Optimium Health Therapeutic Massage, LLC
120 Elm St.
Maureen Belliveau

Smoke-N-Pepper
11 Deer Path Lane
Eric Hoff

West Springfield

TVS Communications
124 Myron St.
Gregory A. Sienko

Westside Signs
993 Main St.
Edward O. Hubbard

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Departments

Fair Assessment

The Eastern States Exposition was in full swing this week, welcoming more than 800,000 guests by the middle of its last week. The Big E also reported record attendance days this year on Monday, Sept. 25 and Tuesday, Sept. 26. At left, two popular attractions at the annual fair: the petting zoo and Chicopee’s own Millie’s Pierogi stand. Above, the entrance to the midway beckoned kids and kids at heart with the signature Ferris wheel looming over a number of rides and games.

Kids First

A Kids Day VIP Planning Meeting staged held recently at First American Insurance Agency. In attendance were John and Magi Bish, Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette, and various other community officials and business leaders. A Child Safety ID Day, sponsored in cooperation with The Molly Bish Foundation, was also held on Saturday, Sept. 30th, at First American. Pictured at left are: Gail Sherman, president, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce; Chief John Ferraro,Chicopee Police Dept.; John Bish, Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette; Magi Bish, and Corey Murphy, vice president, First American Insurance Agency, Inc

Meet and Greet

Crocker Communications recently hosted a 50th anniversary celebration at its corporate office at the Greenfield Corporate Center. Jamie Crocker, left, president of Crocker Communications, greets guest Ken Vincunas of Development Associates.

Championing the Cause

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) recently welcomed Olympic figure skating gold medalist Scott Hamilton to its home office to kick off Life Insurance Awareness Month, a national, industry-wide effort designed to raise the awareness of the importance of life insurance. Hamilton, who is serving as national spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month, spoke to employees at MassMutual’s Springfield headquarters and its Enfield, Conn., campus, sharing his personal experience of losing his mother at a young age and overcoming a life-threatening illness to illustrate the importance of financially preparing for the unexpected.

Thanks for the Memories

Bill Tremblay, founder and President of Innovative Business Systems Inc. was honored for his career and accomplishments on Sept. 13, at the Look Park Garden House by several colleagues, long time customers, family, and IBS employees. The event coincided with the 3-year anniversary of the purchase of the company by five long time employees headed by Dave Delvecchio, vice president and general manager. At right, the five current owners of IBS with Tremblay and his wife. From left, Sean Benoit, Ben Scoble, Dave Delvecchio, Bill and Elaine Tremblay, Brian Scanlon, and Scott Seifel.

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Departments

The following listings were omitted in error from the 2006-2007 BusinessWest Resource Guide:

Banquet Facilities
Melha Shriners
133 Longhill St., Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 736-3647
A fraternal organization supporting the Shriners Hospital for Children, which provides free care to children. The facility is available for social and business gatherings.

Early Education & Child Care Centers (Day Care):
YMCA of Greater Springfield
275 Chestnut Street
Springfield MA 01104
739-6951 ext 180
www.springfieldy.org
Capacity: 1,145
Infant (4 weeks) to age 13
Hours: 6:00 am-6:00 pm
Administrator: Kathleen Treglia
Services: Year- round educational programs at 19 convenient locations In Springfield, Chicopee, Wilbraham, Monson & Palmer. Scholarships available

Employment Agencies
Point Staffing
425 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 747-2516; Fax: (413) 747-2914
Web site: www.pointstaffing.com
Locations: 1
Owner: Mike Dumanie
Primary Specialties: Clerical and light industrial fields.

Multi-media and Video Production Firms
ATC Audio
89 Myron St., West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 781-2327
Web site: www.atcaudio.com
Services: Audio, video, and lighting sales, rentals, and installation; system design, speaker repair, production assistance, and environmental noise analysis. Authorized reseller for audio, video, and lighting. Specializing in foreground and background music systems, small and large format sound reinforcement systems, whole house and home theatre audio-video systems, paging systems, and recording and production studios.
Employees: 7
President/CEO: Tony Caliento

Wassmann Audio Video
92 State Road, Whatley, MA 01093
(800) 286-9744; Fax: (413) 665-3732
Employees: 18
Web site: www.wassmannav.com
Services: Design and install audio, video, and multi-media computer projection systems and equipment for higher education facilities and businesses of all sizes.
President/CEO: Kirk Wassmann

Voice/Data Providers
Normandeau Communications Inc.
30 North Maple St., Florence, MA 01062
(413) 584-3131; Fax: (413) 586-1992
Web site: www.normandeaucommunications.com
Contact: Kim Durand
Service area: Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, and New Hampshire
Services: Sales, service, and installation of business telephone and voice mail systems. Installation of voice, data, and fiber-optic cabling for telephone service and connected voice and data equipment.

Restaurants
The Sierra Grille
41 A Strong Ave. Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-1150
Type of fare: Multi-ethnic foods; vegetarian and vegan choices, pick-and-choose sauces

The following listings contained incorrect information:

Advertising Agencies
Advertus Media was incorrectly listed as Advertus and Associates.

Banquet Facilities
The correct Web site address for The Delaney House in Holyoke is www.delaneyhouse.com.
The correct Web site address for Days Inn, Chicopee is www.trumpetsnightclub.com

Business and Manufacturing Resources
The correct information for the Biomedical Research Institute is: The Pioneer Vally Life Sciences Institute, 3601 Main St., Springfield, MA 01199
(413) 794-0653; Fax: (413) 794-0857
Contact: Dr. Paul Friedman
Web site: www.pvlsi.org

Credit Unions
STCU was incorrectly listed as the Springfield Teachers Credit Union.

Employment Agencies
The correct Web site address for Paratemps, Inc. is www.paratemps.net

Engineering Firms
The correct address for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. is One Federal St., Building 103-3N, Springfield, MA, 01105

Hotels and Meeting Facilities
The correct Web site address for Days Inn, Chicopee is www.daysinn.com/chicopeema
Park Inn in Chicopee should be omitted from this list.

Insurance Agencies
There was a misspelling in the listing for Crimmins Graveline Insurance; The information for top local officer should read: Tom Gravelin.

Internet Service Providers:
Crocker Communications, Inc.
Contact: Customer Care Division [email protected], 1-800-413-LINE, website: www.crocker.com
Services: Internet Access in Western MA (Dial up, DSL,T-1’s), Colocation, Web Hosting, Networking, Backup Server Protection
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OPINION

By
Opinion
Quenching the State’s Growing Energy Thirst

People stuck in elevators, ATMs and cash registers shut down, television stations off the air, surgeons waiting for the operating room lights to come back on. Scenes from Hurricane Katrina? No. These incidents occurred during California’s rolling blackouts in 2000.

To ensure there is enough power in Massachusetts, the next governor will have to confront the state’s energy challenges. The state set four power records this summer. Even though the lights stayed on, we could face energy shortages as soon as 2008, according to the power grid operator for New England.

The state got into this situation the old-fashioned way: more demand than supply. Basically, residents’ lives and jobs are more dependent upon electricity. Computers, iPods, mobile phones, and bigger homes, to name a few, all contribute to the increased use of electricity. But even though Massachusetts has increased its use of electricity by 250 megawatts a year, we have not substantially increased electrical generation since 2001.

If Massachusetts is going to attract more businesses, jobs, and residents, then the state needs to have enough electricity for businesses to expand and to ensure that the lights stay on.

And the state has to face some difficult facts: It cannot simply conserve its way out of the problem by becoming more efficient or turning to renewable sources to generate power. Massachusetts businesses are leaders in energy efficiency, spending almost $100 million a year on programs in that area. Consumers and businesses have given the Massachusetts Renewable Trust Fund a half a billion dollars since the fund was created. Even with these investments in energy efficiency, the state’s net energy use is still rising.

With predicted shortfalls as soon as 2008, increasing supply through renewable wood and hydroelectric, wind, and biofuels generation is a step in the right direction. However, these largely intermittent resources, with significant siting challenges, may not be available soon enough to provide the power the state needs. Emerging technologies are exciting and should be encouraged, but they likely won’t be available in time.

So, if the state is going to improve its economy then it must build more facilities to increase the production of energy, improve the delivery infrastructure, and be more energy efficient . One way to make the cost of living and doing business in Massachusetts more affordable is to have a balanced energy policy that will provide electricity that is affordable and readily available for businesses and residents.

Here are three suggestions that the next governor should implement in the first 100 days in office:

First, we need more power, so we need to build. There are a lot of companies willing and able to build more generation capacity in Massachusetts — and pay for it. There are numerous liquefied natural gas projects that would bring more energy to Massachusetts. There are utilities poised to put up new transmission lines. These projects all need to be undertaken. We need to bring more partners to Massachusetts by saying yes to projects that make sense. Doing so will bring more jobs and residents to work in the state while insuring reliable power.

Second, we need to make the permitting process work faster. Right now, getting the required permits for an energy project can take years and a lot of money. As a result, Massachusetts has not been building the power it needs. Our energy challenges are too demanding to waste time and money in a waiting game where no one wins. We need a thorough, predictable, and swift process that is fair to everyone and helps the state meet its energy needs.

Finally, we need tax incentives for renewable and alternative energy development in Massachusetts. Additional development of these energy resources will provide a more balanced approach to solving the challenge we face that also helps our environment and creates jobs.

For now, the lights still turn on when we hit the switch. But the next governor has to act in a forceful and comprehensive way. There are hard choices to be made in siting, demand reductions, transmission line development, energy efficiency programs, and green power generation. But, the way to do it is to have a balanced energy policy that delivers affordable and reliable electricity for everyone.

Richard C. Lord is president and chief executive of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of employers and institutions. Angela M. O’Connor is president of the New England Power Generators Association.

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