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Month: May 2008

Rise and Fall

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Crystal Meth Offers a Dangerous High

Asked what age groups are the biggest users of ‘crystal meth,’ James Leyden thought for a moment.
“I’d say a lot of drugs these days have an 18-to-55 range, some even starting younger,” he said. “Of course, I don’t know who’s making it to 55 using this. It’s a devastating drug.”

It’s also gaining in popularity throughout much of the U.S., although not particularly in Western Mass. — yet.

“It has kind of been working west to east,” said Leyden, program manager of inpatient substance abuse services at Providence Hospital in Holyoke. “It’s a huge problem in the Southwest and Midwest, particularly cities like Chicago and Cincinnati, and we understand it’s now a problem in Boston, but it hasn’t quite made it here yet — but we’re anticipating its arrival.”

Crystal methamphetamine, simply put, is the most powerful form of speed available. It’s an amphetamine that excites the brain and nervous system by releasing dopamine into the body.

As a regulated pharmaceutical product, meth is available in tablet form. But on the street, manufactured in makeshift laboratories, the drug is sold either as an injectable or snortable powder or a smokeable crystal form. All three delivery systems promise a powerful high quickly, but the effects from smoking crystal meth come especially fast, crashing into the brain within 10 seconds.

“The high lasts a long time,” said Robert Azeez, clinical supervisor of the Carlson Recovery Center, an affiliate of Baystate Health. “It creates an extended period of feeling euphoric, but with a great amount of energy; you can stay up for days at a time under the influence.

“But,” he was quick to add, “it also impairs your thought process, so people using it are now engaging in riskier behaviors over a longer period of time” compared to other drugs.

Health risks, however, are many, ranging from irritability, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, and depression, to severe tooth decay — when smoked, meth destroys the enamel of the teeth — and also cardiac distress, significant cell damage in the brain, and even some unpredictable psychiatric symptoms when trying to withdraw from the drug. And its addictive qualities can be merciless.

“The way I’ve described crack cocaine vs. alcoholism is, alcoholism is like riding an escalator into the basement, while crack cocaine is like falling down an elevator shaft,” said Leyden. “Well, meth is an even quicker and more precipitous fall.”

In this issue, BusinessWest explores why more Americans are taking the plunge, and what health and government officials alike are doing to stop the spread.

Rock and a Hard Place

According to Azeez, hardcore crystal meth users may stay on the drug for three to four days at a time, with effects ranging from poor nutrition and hygiene to life-threatening health risks — as well as harm to relationships. “

There has been a lot of published research on the damaging effects to individuals and families,” he noted. “We’ve seen a lot of media attention paid to this subject because it has become a significant problem in this country.”

So serious, in fact, that the federal government took steps to curb illicit purchases of pseudoephedrine, a key raw material in meth production, by making it more difficult to buy medications that contain the ingredient, such as Sudafed and Claritin-D

“Unlike other drugs that have to be smuggled in from outside the country, and are typically distributed in urban areas, this drug is made in laboratories using many ingredients you can buy at the drugstore or online,” said Leyden.

As a result of this accessibility, the federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, which took effect in September 2006, requires drugs containing pseudoephedrine to be sold behind the counter only at pharmacies. In addition, purchasers are limited in how much they can buy in a given month, and the pharmacy must record the purchase information in a log and keep that information for two years.

Azeez noted that pharmacies in Massachusetts had been proactive about pseudoephedrine sales even before the federal requirements kicked in, and together those restrictions might have contributed to the relatively small size of the crystal meth problem in the Commonwealth — at least compared to other regions of the country.

“Massachusetts has done a good job with the law change, making it difficult for consumers to purchase medicines over the counter at places like CVS or Wal-Mart that are used in the primary production of crystal meth,” said Azeez. “That has prevented labs from popping up in Massachusetts, so that, while meth is a huge problem in the Midwest, we haven’t seen it as much here.”

By that, Azeez meant that treatment facilities like the Carlson Center aren’t seeing a high volume of patients reporting crystal meth use.

“In order to use the substance, you have to have supply, and from what we know about crystal methamphetamine labs in this region, there’s not a lot of supply. It’s much cheaper to use other drugs, such as heroin and crack cocaine, so we’re not seeing as much incidence as they are out there, at least in terms of people accessing treatment.”

Boston, however, is a different story, said Azeez, noting that crystal meth has become a popular ‘club drug,’ particularly among gay men. In fact, Fenway Health Center in Boston, which specifically targets the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community with its health and wellness programs, has a treatment program specifically set up for crystal meth users.

“So often, guys wait to seek treatment until they’ve hit rock bottom and are only a shadow of their former selves,” said Wil Halpin, a clinical social worker at Fenway. “My worry is that people don’t always know the risks involved when starting to use crystal and how insidious the addictive cycle can become. It is one of the faster addictions out there, and one of the hardest to break.”

Exploding Problem

Addiction isn’t the only reason why crystal meth labs are dangerous, however. “You can be blown up in a laboratory — it’s been known to happen,” Leyden said, adding that the risk typically doesn’t deter someone with the know-how and desire to make the drug. “It’s not something everyone can do, but it is something you can learn to do. People find the instructions online, just like you can learn to make a bomb online.”

Unfortunately, more people are trying their hand, and it’s frightening to think of labs gaining a foothold in any community, because they can supply a steady stream of drugs that doesn’t rely on imports. Unlike commercial methamphetamines, which have some medical uses, said Leyden, crystal meth is strictly made for illicit use.

“It’s a much more efficient delivery mechanism, and the drug itself is more powerful” than simple methamphetamine, Leyden said. “Therefore, it hits the pleasure centers of the brain with full force.” It also produces a powerful recall effect in the brain that brings on strong psychological cravings even before a user is physically addicted. “It’s an — well, I don’t want to use the word ‘evil’ — but it’s a diabolical drug.”

Halpin said the comedowns from a weekend of crystal meth use can be so devastating that users start taking small hits at work to get them through the week without an emotional crash. “Before long it’s a daily ritual,” he said. “Crystal is suddenly taking over their lives, and they don’t even realize it.”

Leyden cited the story of a woman who was ironing clothes when she heard her mailbox lid slip, reminding her that a check might be in the mail. “She immediately set down the iron, called her next-door neighbor, asked her to watch her child, and dialed her dealer’s pager number” — all of it in a sort of trance, more like stimulus-response than a series of rational decisions.

“Crack addicts talk about how powerful the first memory of taking the drug is, how they’re forever chasing that first memory,” said Leyden. “It’s much the same with crystal meth. That’s how powerful this drug is.”

The Quirks of Business

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West Brookfield Wire Company Is a Model for Employee-owned Ventures

They call themselves ‘Quirkers.’
It’s just one way the employees at Quirk Wire — named (actually renamed) for its former owners, Harrison ‘Hoddy’ and Diane ‘Dee’ Quirk — take ownership of their work and show an appreciation for their jobs.

A hardbound volume created for the Quirks last year on the occasion of their retirement shows another, and proves that sometimes, this company loyalty knows no bounds. It includes a photo of employee Shaun Long with ‘Quirk Wire’ shaved into the back of his head.

Daredevil hair-cutting aside, Quirk Wire is a company with an intriguing business model, focused as much on its employees as it is on its contracts. From his second-floor office, Quirk’s current president, David Thibodeau, explained that, even though Dee and Hoddy Quirk said goodbye to the business last year, they left behind a legacy that explains why ‘Quirker’ pride is such a pervasive theme within the walls of this wire and cable manufacturer.

“I joined the company in 2000,” he began. “I jumped at the chance to work for someone who had built a business from scratch; I knew when he bought this company, his goal was to bring it back to life.”

Thibodeau said that Harrison Quirk achieved that goal and sustained it for nearly three decades before moving on at the age of 75. Today, the company specializes in short runs of specific types of wire and cabling, serving a wide range of customers in industries such as aerospace, oil exploration, and power generation. Healthy business within these sectors, coupled with Quirk’s focus on niche markets, has created a strong presence in the wire industry for this outfit, which serves a number of international clients in addition to domestic customers. Thibodeau said the company averages 15% growth in sales each year, and that pace has earned it some impressive accolades, including the ‘Business of the Year’ award from the Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2007.

Awards undoubtedly add to the ‘Quirker’ spirit, but the company’s namesakes left more behind than goodwill and good business when they retired. Indeed, they left the entire company in the hands of its staff.

“They realized that selling the company to another owner would tear down the basic business model they’d worked so hard to create,” said Thibodeau, noting that Quirk Wire’s transformation into an ‘ESOP’ (employee stock ownership plan) began in 2003. “Now, the company is 100% owned by its employees, and the change from how it was managed for so many years to being an ESOP was not a big stretch. Mr. Quirk’s business philosophy was always a generous one.”

Wired for Success

Quirk Wire got its start as Wirecraft Products in 1956, in a basement not far from its current headquarters. Walter Poti, the company’s founder, began wrapping wire with Teflon, a then-new product (the unbranded name for the compound is polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE; DuPont trademarked it as Teflon in 1938.)

Teflon’s primary use in the wire business is to cover wire and cabling, thus making it more resilient and resistant to high temperatures. Poti recognized a potential niche, and was able to build the business gradually during the late ’50s and early ’60s, when he moved it from his home to its current location on Route 9.

While he had indeed hit upon a specialty that persists today, Poti became ill with rheumatoid arthritis in the mid-’60s and sold the company to another entrepreneur. However, soon after the sale, business began to decline, and the outfit closed its doors after only a year.

At this point, Thibodeau explained, Harrison Quirk, a veteran of Michigan’s paper mills, relocated to Western Mass. in search of new ventures. He began working at a paper plant in Ware, but three years later, he went looking for a business of his own.

“I don’t think he wanted to take orders from anyone — he wanted to run his own company his own way,” said Thibodeau. “He literally went looking for a business to buy, and an associate suggested the wire company.”

At the time, the facility housed little more than a few spare pieces of equipment and stock, but Thibodeau said Quirk’s unique skill set was well-suited to resurrect the company.

“Mr. Quirk is an unusually talented man,” he explained. “He is very mechanically adept, but also has a head for business. He rebuilt many of the machines himself at home, hired four people from the original company to help him understand the wire and cable business, and, in 1978, reopened the doors.”

Coiled Again

Since then, those doors have remained open, providing quality jobs for a number of area residents and also welcoming new opportunities for the region. There have been seven additions to the property to date, including a $750,000 expansion in 2001 that doubled the company’s production capacity.

Quirk also established an ‘open-book’ management policy, both figuratively and literally, that persists today.

“Every employee is aware of what business is coming in and going out,” said Thibodeau. “Mr. Quirk had a ledger on his desk that anyone could look at. My system is of course a little different, but the idea is the same.”

That’s just one aspect of a unique management structure at Quirk Wire that places great importance on the needs of its employees. In many ways, the company was ahead of its time in areas such as profit-sharing and flex time — Thibodeau said every employee has a key to the building, and they choose their own schedules. Some work a standard 9-to-5 workweek, but others come in during the early morning hours or in the afternoon, or work overtime hours on weekends.

“We don’t have supervisors on the floor — it’s a flat-management structure,” he added. “All of the employees are cross-trained, and we believe the freedom they have makes them self-motivated. People feel committed to doing the right thing.”

Further, the flexible work environment at Quirk is complemented by a long-held commitment on the part of its management to treat staff as the company’s most important commodity. For many years, said Thibodeau, between 20% and 30% of its profits were returned to the employee pool through profit-sharing, raises, and bonuses.

“That has created a big nest egg for the old-timers,” said Thibodeau, adding that many of Quirk’s 39 employees have been with the company for a decade or longer.

But it also set the stage for the next chapter in Quirk Wire’s story, as it morphed into an employee-owned company.

According to the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), the ESOP is the most common form of employee ownership among companies in the U.S. (other options include worker cooperatives, through which every employee has an equal vote, and direct stock-purchasing plans).

Approximately 11,000 U.S. companies employing about 8 million people now qualify as ESOPs, and while press attention is often given to those firms that use the model as a takeover defense or to buy out a failing company, these situations apply to only 3% of ESOPs.

Instead, NCEO reports that ESOPs are usually created to provide a market for the shares of departing owners of successful closely held companies, and Thibodeau said Quirk Wire exemplifies this description.

“The jump from how he’d always managed the company to an ESOP was not great,” he said. “In fact, I think it was a natural fit. The better the business does, the better the employees do.”

Thibodeau explained that employees are allotted shares of the company based on their salaries, and when that employee retires, the stock is repurchased using funds from an account the company is required to maintain as part of the ESOP model. The value is determined by independent valuation companies; in the meantime, management remains ‘top-down’ at Quirk Wire; Thibodeau serves as president; Mary Falardeau, who’s been with the company since 1984, is its CFO; and Peter Schlichting, who started in 1982, is vice president of Sales and Marketing.

“It’s a lot of work for employers and employees,” Thibodeau said of the ESOP model. “There is a lot of learning, and a lot of questions to be both asked and answered. But the more information that is shared, the more engaged the employees are. It keeps them interested, but on task — our employees know we’re not in the business of being an ESOP. We’re in the business of wire and cable.”

Quirk Product

A board of directors made up of three internal employees and four community members, including Dee and Hoddy Quirk, rounds out the company structure and keeps tabs on Quirk Wire’s performance.

As the business moves forward, said Thibodeau, new opportunities are presenting themselves in the wire and cable sector, including the emerging area of energy conservation. Quirk Wire’s facilities sit on 14 acres in West Brookfield, and Thibodeau added that, if further expansions are desired or necessary, that footprint can accommodate them.

“Business is good, and this is a big industry,” he said. “We have a good cross-section of customers, and I don’t think we’re ever going to put all of our eggs in one basket.”

Indeed, there are many lines of business running in and out of Quirk Wire, and now more than ever, its employees are wearing many hats.

But those hats, and sometimes the hairstyles under them, are signs of a business moving full steam ahead. A letter included in the back of the hardcover book compiled for Dee and Hoddy Quirk probably says it best.

“We are both thankful for the great place that Quirk Wire has become and that we have been given the rare opportunity to share in its success,” it reads.

Signed, the Quirkers.

Setting Their Sites Near and Far

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Tourism Sector Seeks Visitors from Across the Valley — and Across the Big Pond

As the peak summer tourism season approaches, the players in this sector are tempering their expectations against the backdrop of a softened economy and soaring gas prices. They see potential opportunity with regard to two quite different constituencies — those who may stay closer to home due to the current economic conditions, and Europeans who can take advantage of a weak dollar, and can now take a flight directly into Bradley International Airport in order to do so.

Western Mass. Woos International Travelers

Ray Smith, vice president of Marketing and Operations with the Berkshire Tourism Council, said he’s heard one intriguing statistic that speaks to current trends within European tourism in the U.S., regarding the number of new suitcases that are purchased to bring back to home countries.
“Apparently, a lot of Europeans are coming here and making specific trips to buy new bags, leaving the old ones here,” he said.

With a laugh, Smith added that he’s more than happy to capitalize on whatever “keeps them coming back.”

“All the more power to the luggage stores,” he said. “That’s one of the things that is already wonderful about Western Mass. — those shopping areas, from the outlets to the outdoor shopping venues and eclectic galleries. Those are a key part of a region’s entire flavor.”

That flavor is something the Berkshire Tourism Council and other regional tourism councils (RTCs), including the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB), are working diligently to highlight of late, as they are in the midst of a new, stronger focus on attracting international tourists to the state, particularly from European countries.

Mary Kay Wydra, president of the GSCVB, said Europeans already have an understanding and appreciation for the Bay State and New England as a whole, making them a prime audience to target. Now, the various regions of the Commonwealth, from the Cape and Islands to its most westerly borders, are trying concurrently to bring new tourists in, with significant assistance from the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism.

“MOTT has taken international tourism on 100% this year,” said Wydra. “The office has facilitated contacts in various European countries — Germany and the U.K. being the biggest markets for visitors to Massachusetts.”

Just as day and driving trips are gaining popularity among domestic travelers seeking more cost-efficient vacation options in light of soaring gas prices and a weak U.S. dollar, European travelers are taking advantage of this economic downturn in the states as well. For them, there’s never been a better time for a trip across the pond, and MOTT and its member RTCs are hoping they can turn an economic downturn into a traveling boom.

Selling the State

Smith said Massachusetts, and the Berkshires in particular, have already seen some healthy numbers in terms of European and other international travelers, but this is the first time the entire state has worked as one to create a cohesive plan that, after it’s been given time to root itself, could return some significant, measurable results.

“The exciting aspect for the Berkshires and many other regions is that now, we have a significant plan,” he said. “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has an international marketing plan that started when Gov. Patrick was elected, and we’re doing quite a bit of outreach.”

Smith added that MOTT secured press contacts abroad and created a number of targeted marketing plans for each country. In addition, the department has planned several ongoing ‘sales missions’ to Europe that involve representatives from all of the RTCs across the Commonwealth.

“We have been challenged, and are in fact required, to talk about the entire Commonwealth and to sell the entire Commonwealth,” he said. “MOTT has created teams covering various countries, and we need to be able to sell our own regions as well as New England. It’s a total team effort.

“It’s exciting to see this occurring in this fashion,” Smith continued. “We’re knocking down borders that international travelers never see anyway. They don’t care where the Berkshires end and Greater Springfield begins.”

Smith added that the collaborative aspect of MOTT’s approach to international tourism does more than offer an opportunity for RTCs to bone up on attractions in the rest of the state. It also makes available precious funding that each region could not otherwise access.

“This goes a long way toward pooling resources,” Smith said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this alone. The state is taking the lead to make it easier for its regions to execute plans, because we don’t have the dollars to put into the initiative solely. That means we’re working with MOTT and partnering with the GSCVB and the Mohawk Trail Assoc., too.”

He went on to note that this collaboration, especially on the local level, is important in calling attention to Western Mass. as a destination.

“Boston and New England in general are already recognized by international travelers, but the Berkshires and the Pioneer Valley are not on their radar yet,” he said.

Western Ideas

Still, there are several existing facets of the region that are well-suited for further development in order to attract the international tourism market. The most recent and perhaps notable of these is Bradley Airport’s recently added direct flight from the Hartford/Springfield corridor to Amsterdam.

“It’s not just Amsterdam,” said Wydra. “That airport is a major hub, with connections to 84 different cities.”

That direct access to Western Mass. is a huge benefit for the region, and adds one more option for European travelers, who can already fly into Boston’s Logan Airport. But there are other strengths as well, including that existing general understanding overseas of the diversity of New England.

“Europeans in general love New England,” said Smith. “They know it, and they understand its history. Their sense of discovery is big. By and large, once they come once, they come back.”

Smith noted that, of all U.S. destinations, California, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and New England are the first four attractions Europeans will consider, based in part on name recognition.

“Plus, New York City and Boston are generally the first entry points for Europeans, so geographically, we have an advantage there,” he said.

To keep them coming back to Western Mass. specifically, the GSCVB and the Berkshire Tourism Council have put a number of initiatives in motion, designed to build on existing strengths and take advantage of that one big weakness — the U.S. dollar.

A considerable amount of preparation is necessary; Wydra said the GSCVB has already translated ‘lure pieces’ featuring the Pioneer Valley into Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish, and German.

The same information is available in multiple languages on the GSCVB’s Web site, valleyvisitor.com, as are sample itineraries for all types of travelers.

Beyond that, Wydra and Smith agreed that a deeper understanding of international travelers is a large part of the puzzle. To that end, the GSCVB is taking steps to better-prepare members of the convention and visitors bureau for welcoming international travelers, particularly Europeans.

“It’s important for people to know how to greet European travelers,” Wydra said. “We’re talking to various market segments about customs and communication, and offering profiles of travelers from different countries. For instance, Germans tend to be very punctual, so it’s doubly important to ensure that events don’t begin late.”

There are other European habits to understand; most, for instance, use a travel agent or tour operator to help plan their initial visit, whereas Americans are more likely to use Web-based travel-planning tools.

“The leap across the pond necessitates using someone who knows what they’re doing for Europeans,” Smith explained. “Because of that, we see a lot of larger to mid-sized groups of travelers taking their first tour around, and we need to be ready to welcome them as soon as they step off the plane. Often, a first impression sets the tone for the entire trip, so we’re working to ensure that those first lines of hospitality — the concierges, help desks, and maitre d’s — are properly trained.”

Once they’ve arrived, both the GSCVB and the Berkshire Tourism Council have a number of day trips from which travelers can choose, based on their specific interests. These include outdoor activities, fine dining, historic-tourism opportunities, and cultural destinations that define Western Mass., but there’s one major activity that nearly all Europeans seem to be interested in lately.

“Europeans like to get an overall flavor for an area by doing many different things,” Smith said. “But bar none, the main component in these trips is shopping.”

As part of the materials used to woo European travelers to Western Mass., the GSCVB presents a list of popular items and the difference in cost between the U.S. to Europe to really drive that difference home. A pair of Levi’s, for example, is £45 in London and the equivalent of about £20 in Massachusetts. Nike tennis shoes are three times more expensive in Europe in the current economic climate, and Ralph Lauren bath towels are the equivalent of a paltry £5 to £8 here, whereas they’re about £15 in the U.K.

Making Inroads

There are several reasons why international audiences are integral to Western Mass. and the Commonwealth as a whole in terms of travel and tourism. The most basic and yet most important of these is that international travelers tend to stay at their destination longer, and therefore spend more money. The strong Euro is only helping to boost that trend.

That said, it will still be some time before these efforts can be evaluated in terms of economic impact, but Smith said that, in the Berkshires and beyond, this is an important building year in moving Massachusetts to the next level as an international tourist destination.

“The tough part is that we’re just starting, so it’s going to be difficult to really gauge,” said Smith. “It will take about three years to see measurable results. But we’re investing dollars in this initiative, and tracking is going to be extremely important. This year is going to be one of taking the plunge.”

Thrill of the Hunt

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Cover Story
Brimfield’s Antique Shows: A Regional Treasure

Nearing its 50-year anniversary, the Brimfield Antique Shows are a tourism magnet for shoppers from around the globe. As the events continue to evolve, celebrity endorsements, technological advances, and increasing interest in the unique experience of hunting for treasures are creating a solid base for growth in this tiny New England town.

It’s one of Martha Stewart’s favorite ‘good things.’
It’s a constant haunt for staffers from Ralph Lauren, who come armed with cameras to snap photos of vintage fabrics that could inspire new clothing lines.

And recently, Oprah Winfrey caught wind of the oldest outdoor antique show in the U.S. and its acres of one-of-a-kind items, featuring it in her magazine, O.

Not a shabby following for a flea market that began back in 1959 with one man operating out of the tailgate of his pickup truck.
What’s now known as the Brimfield Antique Shows started with a local auctioneer looking for a way to sell some of his goods without the use of a podium and gavel, who began holding informal sales on Saturday afternoons. Other entrepreneurs saw passersby stopping to have a peek, and gradually began setting up their own tables of wares, and from there, it mushroomed.

Today, the shows, held three weeks out of the year in May, July, and September, are among the most widely recognized markets of their kind around the world, and are almost synonymous with the town of Brimfield’s name to many antique aficionados. The shows are sometimes still referred to as the flea markets or just ‘the fleas,’ but residents closely involved with the show, such as Bill Simonic, owner of the Yankee Cricket B&B and Web master for the privately maintained site Brimfield.com, say that’s become a bit of a misnomer.

“People come for the antiques before anything else — that’s why they’re here,” he said. “Plenty of people have tried selling plenty of other things on the grounds, but there’s nothing like seeing and touching something that might not exist anywhere else. There’s nothing like the hunt.”

The shows operate under an intriguing business model, too, with no one coordinator or managing body, but rather a number of property owners (also known as show promoters), local business owners, and dealers working in concert with the town and its government to make each week-long event a success.

The Brimfield Show Promoters Assoc. (BSPA) is a major driving force, made up of promoters — primarily those who own the fields and buildings that accommodate dealers, and line Brimfield’s share of Route 20. The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce works closely with promoters and the town to promote the shows, and professional associations such as the Heritage Corridor Bed & Breakfast Group, made up of B&B owners, keep tabs on this important source of bread and butter. All of these groups serve as watchdogs over publicity, show information, developing regulations on the legislative level, and even the weather.

Each promoter advertises individually through the usual channels (newspapers, trade journals, radio, and some new forays into television), and sometimes, more frequently now than ever, as a group. There’s no official Web site for the shows, but many exist, including Brimfield.com, maintained by Simonic; BrimfieldExchange.com, maintained by Tim May, who also owns May’s Antique Market and the Brimfield Pocket Guide; and a site created by the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce.

All of the promoters’ fields that are flooded with dealers, buyers, and individual shoppers during the shows are individually owned plots of land — there are about 20 of them. In the off-months, these fields are downright desolate, but during show weeks, people line up on opening day like runners in the Boston marathon, maps in hand, ready to pick the tables over for the perfect find.

And, as various show promoters have realized over the years, one of the secrets of the Brimfield Shows’ success is that the proverbial ‘perfect something’ is different for everyone. Sometimes, it’s a Japanese tourist staying at the Yankee Cricket, shrugging off jetlag to be the first to find some specific vintage books. Other times, it’s a wealthy socialite looking for new furnishings for her vacation home. And sometimes, it’s Martha Stewart, looking at shabby chic teapots and tableware, and taking careful notes.

A New Day Dawning

While shoppers strain at the gates before a show opens at daybreak (“that’s part of the draw,” said May), most are unaware that a complicated, if not choreographed, dance is happening on the other side of the entrance.

May explained that the shows grew relatively unchecked until the late 1980s and early 1990s, when residents began realizing the lack of a pre-approved schedule for the shows, and the days dealers would begin arriving en masse were causing disruptions across town.

“It wasn’t until then that the town instituted new regulations on the shows,” said May, “and the result is largely what you see today, which works pretty well for everyone.”

The town government imposed limitations on the events — each of the three show weeks must now be identified more than a year in advance (they’re different every year, but begin on a Tuesday and extend until Sunday) — and approved by the Board of Selectmen. The 2008 show schedule kicks off on May 13.

Show promoters also work in concert with the town to secure police and fire personnel to staff the events, and even to keep an eye on the weather. While once, field owners and dealers came to the shows equipped with hand-held radios to listen to forecasts, now the town’s Doppler radar system helps tremendously in watching for storms and ensuring that no major issues — hurricanes, microbursts, and the like — sneak up on the tents that cover a third of the show grounds during the markets.

Don Moriarty, another show promoter who owns Heart-o-the-Mart, location self-explanatory, explained that dealers are assigned various opening times within that six-day period to lessen the stampede of new people into town all at once.

“All of the dealers open at different times because of logistics,” he said, “and as a result I think opening works very well.”

E-Brimfield

Over the years, promoters have watched the shows grow, change, and evolve with the times. There was a period when some feared that online access to the same kinds of items found in Brimfield, however vast, could adversely affect the events. But as the Internet matures, the opposite is proving true.

David Lamberto, owner of Hertan’s Antique Shows, said the tangible quality of the shows is likely one reason why.

“The education, the interesting wares, the nostalgia … all of these are things that connect people in a world that can be very disconnected,” he said. “The shows are a destination for antiques, but also for face-to-face interaction and an opportunity to see, feel, and touch things.”

Plus, said Lamberto, the sheer amount of items at the shows ensures that there’s something for everyone, and moreover that the events remain relevant in terms of design and decorating trends.

“People follow what the trade journals and Martha Stewart promote,” he said, noting with a laugh that, a few years ago, it seemed like everyone was toting a metal sap bucket or two back to their cars. This year, he expects to see large metal stars in people’s hands, ready to be hung on the outside of a house.

“Not only are we a source for these trends, we’re a source for ideas for designers, and we promote ourselves as that,” he said.

May added that technology is augmenting the shows’ role in the design sector rather than lessening it.

“It used to be that dealers had little black books and were constantly running back and forth from pay phones, with walkie-talkies in their hands trying to seal deals,” he said. “Now, technology is part of the evolution of the shows. Many dealers have Internet access. Buyers can take a photo of an item with their iPhone and send it to a colleague for an instant assessment. Instant gratification has become part of the game, and it’s not taking people away.”

Moriarty said that, as technology continues to become a greater part of everyday life, he has nothing but optimism for its role in Brimfield. Even the online auction giant eBay has become a complement to the events, not a drain.

“eBay and other online auctions are a big advantage for Brimfield, not a bane,” he said. “It has an impact on the volume of sales, and Brimfield isn’t always competing with online auctions. In fact, it’s an outstanding buying source.”

The Economics of Antiquing

There, Moriarty hits upon another hidden strength of the Brimfield Shows — the buyers. While many outsiders see the events as prime shopping time for homeowners and antique lovers, it’s also a hotbed for professionals such as antique dealers, shop owners, and online sellers, not to mention film and television crews that routinely visit Brimfield to find props and set design materials.

Camera phones, for instance, are not to be taken lightly on the grounds; often, they’re in the hands of ‘runners,’ people sent to the shows by major corporations including restaurants, magazines, film studios, and interior-design outfits to capture the flavor of a show and make purchases based on what are seen as hot sells.

“The 20 contiguous fields are a buyer’s mecca because of the social aspect and the opportunities to see people in the trade,” said Moriarty. “It’s almost like a convention.”

And, similar to conventions, the Brimfield Shows’ economic impact on the region is diverse and far-reaching, including the sought-after extended hotel stays and increased restaurant business. It’s estimated that the shows bring in between $30 and $50 million a year in revenue, and not just to Brimfield. Adjacent Sturbridge is home to more than 40 restaurants that are often filled to capacity during show weeks, and bed-and-breakfasts in the Quaboag area begin booking reservations a year in advance, if not sooner.

“The B&Bs and motels are filled in Brimfield, Sturbridge, and into South-bridge,” said Simonic, “and at this point, we usually start sending people toward Worcester and Springfield. Many hotels, even in those areas, have begun running special ‘Brimfield rates.’”

Essentially, Simonic said, an entire city — albeit a tent city — springs up in Brimfield three times a year, and the return to the region and even the state through room taxes is unmistakable.

“Brimfield has a population of 3,400,” he said, “but during the May show, which is typically the largest, there are a half-million people in attendance. There are between 3,000 and 5,000 dealers, 80% of whom are returning dealers who man the same booth at every show, and all of them need supplies — everything from gas to food to packing tape. The domino effect is very visible.”

Even the town’s churches have a stake in the shows. Moriarty noted that about a third of the budgets of Brimfield’s churches, including the First Congregational Church on North Main Street, is derived from parking fees during the antique shows, and many residents have had similar success.

“A lot of children from this town have gone to college thanks to parking cars,” he said.

The softened economy in the U.S. this year has slowed room bookings somewhat, said Simonic, but he expects that the numbers will reach similar heights as previous years, with a greater number of last-minute bookings.

“People are making their decisions in a shorter time period, so I think what we’re really losing is that long-term security we’ve had in the past,” he said, noting other trends, including solid interest in culture, history, and the antiques that are part of both among the European market.

“The shows get a great deal of international travelers,” he said. “Antiques are a major attraction and a huge market.”

The Future of the Fleas

Moving forward, promoters are hoping to continue to streamline the show-planning and organizing process, with the town’s needs always in mind as well as those of its many visitors. Next year marks the 50th year of the Brimfield Antique Shows, and Simonic said he and several others are now in the midst of planning events they hope will span the entire year, not just its three flagship weeks.

In addition, some of those varied groups working together in town are lobbying to extend public transportation from the Greater Springfield area to Brimfield to create a stronger connection between the westerly part of the region and the shows.

“We’d like more attention from the Springfield area,” said Simonic. “The tourism profile in the Quaboag Hills is still in its infancy, but we’re making progress. Better lines of communication and transportation between Springfield and here would definitely help, though we understand that it will take a little time.”

That sentiment is proof of an appreciation across Brimfield for things that take time to grow — sometimes, 50 years. It’s taken that long to build to a point where the atmosphere of the Brimfield Antique Shows is palpable in the air and sightings of Martha Stewart are commonplace.

“We could fill an encyclopedia with stories,” said Simonic. “They’ve become part of the area, and they add to the excitement that keeps people coming back. You can’t put a price tag on that.”

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Departments

Current Events

Rodney Powell, right, president and COO of Western Mass. Electric Co., presents a check for $50,000 to Springfield Technical Community College as part of the college’s major-gifts campaign. The donation will be used for student scholarships in the School of Math, Sciences, and Engineering Transfer at STCC. From left are RushikeshPatel (partially hidden), STCC President Ira H. Rubenzahl, Quynh Anh Tran, Paola Santiago (partially hidden), Alex Lukomskiy, Karla Santiago, Matthias Galvin, Christopher Childs (holding the check), and Powell.

Maximum Exposure

Robert Charles Zemba, who founded a photography studio that took his name, recently retired after 30 years in the broad business of photography. More than 250 friends, family, and colleagues turned out to salute his work and wish him well in retirement. In a bit of role reversal, he had to pose for the pictures and not take them. Here, he does so with his daughter, Christine Little.

Summit Meeting

More than 70 area business leaders participated with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield in the annual Beacon Hill Summit in Boston on April 30. The participants heard from many legislators about issues that affect the cost of doing business in Massachusetts.

Business Market Show 2008

The MassMutual Center was buzzing May 7, as the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce staged Business market Show 2008. More than 150 exhibitors graced the floor of the exhibition hall. At right, representatives of Agawam-based Hastie Fence greet visitors to their booth.

By
Departments

Pamela Monaco has been named Director of the University Without Walls program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Berkshire Bank, has named Gary M. LeBlanc as its Branch Manager for the Ludlow location at 431 Center St.

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Brenda Cuoco of Wilbraham Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has achieved the International Diamond Society award for 2007. Cuoco is ranked the No. 1 agent in Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, according to the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors.

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Robert S. Wheten has been elected to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Credit, at Easthampton Savings Bank. He was hired by the bank in 2001 as a credit analyst. He was promoted to senior credit analyst in 2005 and to commercial credit officer in 2007. Wheten manages credit quality issues and supervises the underwriting of the bank’s larger commercial loans.

•••••

The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the following:
• Erin Tierney has been named a Convention Center Sales Manager, and
• Caitlin Casali has been named a Convention Center Sales Manager.
Both women will work with Todd Greenwood, Vice President of Convention Center Sales and Marketing, in selling and marketing the MassMutual Center for citywide convention groups.

•••••

Stephen L. Kuhn, Senior Vice President, Secretary, and Deputy General Counsel at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in Springfield, has been named to the 2008 In-House Leaders in the Law list published by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This is the second consecutive year that Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly has published the list, which recognizes corporate attorneys throughout New England who serve as either general counsel or staff attorney. Kuhn was one of 15 attorneys throughout New England chosen by five panelists.

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Elizabeth Solomon’s wallpaper titled “Lily with Buds” is featured in the April 2008 edition of Real Simple magazine. The article, “Wallpaper Made Easy,” appears in the “Home” section of the magazine. Solomon recently created Elizabeth Solomon Designs, a new and whimsical line of work which celebrates her love of color, pattern, and design. Given Campbell, owner and designer of Given Campbell Design Studio, has licensed many of Solomon’s designs, and is manufacturing and retailing her wallpapers. Samples of Solomon’s wallpaper will be on display in her studio at the spring Cottage Street Open Studios event on June 7-8 in Easthampton.

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Lia Sophia recently announced top honors for its Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers for outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism. Eileen Maunsell was honored for attaining certain sales levels in her first 15 weeks and by sharing Lia Sophia with other new advisors.

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Health New England has announced the following:
• Patricia Scheer has been promoted to Director of Quality Operations;
• Michelle Sears has been promoted to Accounting Manager;
• Susan Keser has been promoted to Director of Provider Contracting;
• Renee Wroth has been promoted to Director of Service Operations, and
• Barbara Berthiaume has joined the firm as a Director of Health Services.

•••••

Ronald X. Johnson recently joined the staff of Springfield School Volunteers as the Program Manager for Employer Outreach.

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Patrick J. Willcutts, Vice President-Investments CFP for UBS Financial Services Inc., has earned the Certified Investment Management Analyst license through the Investment Management Consultants Association. Willcutts, who works in the firm’s Springfield office, attained the license following coursework and an examination at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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PeoplesBank has announced that Paul E. Hillsburg will serve as Assistant Vice President for PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services at the Bank’s South Hadley office located at 494 Newton St. As a representative of Infinex Investments Inc., Hillsburg will provide customers with financial planning and investment guidance, including retirement, estate, and college education planning. Hillsburg has served as a Financial Consultant for Infinex Financial Group and as a Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch. He holds Series 7 and 66 registrations and holds an insurance license with life, health, and variable products.

•••••

The Howdy Awards Committee of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) has selected Bruce Landon, President of the Springfield Falcons Hockey Club, as the recipient of the 2008 Spotlight Award. The Spotlight Award is bestowed at the GSCVB’s annual Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence. Unlike the winners in eight Howdy Award categories who are selected by hospitality judges from outside the Pioneer Valley, the recipient of the Spotlight Award is chosen by the committee based on his or her dedication and outstanding contribution to the region’s hospitality industry and the long-term impact their efforts have had on tourism in the Pioneer Valley. Landon has served as general manager for 24 campaigns and as president for 14 seasons with the Springfield Falcons Hockey Club. Originally a player with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League, he was selected in the 1969 amateur draft, then relocated to Springfield in October of that year. After eight seasons of playing professional hockey in Springfield, Hartford, and Providence, he suffered a knee injury that ended his playing days, but not his involvement with the sport. He was soon appointed director of Marketing and Sales for the Springfield Indians and was the color commentator on the team’s radio broadcasts. In 1979, Landon received the Ken McKenzie Award, the American Hockey League’s (AHL) award honoring the individual that best promotes his or her team during the season.  Three years later, he was promoted to general manager, a title he holds to this day. He has overseen two consecutive Calder Cup-winning teams, and was the recipient of the James E. Hendy Award, which honors the league’s top executive, in 1981. In 1994, he made the firm commitment to keep hockey in Springfield. After the city lost its professional hockey team, Landon joined forces with Wayne LaChance to spearhead Pro Friends Inc., an investment group that was awarded an AHL expansion franchise: the Springfield Falcons. Prior to the 2002-03 season, Landon was involved in the creation of a new ownership group, Springfield Pro Hockey, LLC, which purchased the Falcons from Pro Friends Inc. Through the years, Landon has served as a key member of the AHL’s Board of Governors as well as several of its committees. Landon will receive his award on May 20 during the 13th annual Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke.

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Departments

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

AGAWAM

Majestic Tile & Grout Restoration Inc., 59 Sunnyslope Ave., Agawam 01001. Darren A. Jacobs, 62 Home St., Springfield 01104. Tile & grout restoration.

AMHERST

Community Funding Partners Inc., 6 University Dr., Suite 206-239, Amherst 01002. Irvin Rhodes, same. (Foreign corp; DE) Marketing and sales.

MW Photonics Inc., 433 West St., Amherst 01002. Jeannie E. Williams, 152 Boston Road, Groton 01450. Scientific research in optical technologies.

BELCHERTOWN

Bruce Goodrich Cancer Survivor’s Fund Inc., 450 North Washington St., Belchertown 01007. Ken Goodrich, same. (Nonprofit) To promote awareness and raise money to help cancer victims, etc.

BERNARDSTON

Z-M Performance Systems Inc., 203 South St., Bernardston 01337. Allan P. Zitta, same. To develop, own, license and otherwise exploit intellectual properties of all kinds.

CHICOPEE

Mass Terror Inc., 57 Davenport St., Chicopee 01013. Shaun Foley, same. Retail and wholesale merchandising including manufacturing.

Westfield Ready Mix Inc., 652 Prospect St., Chicopee 01020. Leo Ouellette, Jr., 15 Easton St., Granby 01033. Sale and processing of concrete, sand, gravel.

EASTHAMPTON

Creative Autism Services Inc., 53 Holyoke St., #1, Easthampton 01927. Rebecca C. Belopsky, same. Relationship-based consulting.

Suzi’s Way Inc., 300 Reservation Road, Easthampton 01027. Suzi Buzzee, 22 Reservation Road, Easthampton 01027. Real estate sales and purchases.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Western Massachusetts Institute For Social Research Inc., 4 Oakwood Circle, East Longmeadow 01028. Raymond J. Zucco, same. (Nonprofit) To promote the advancement of social research, help raise public awareness of the contributions and use of sociology to society, etc.

FEEDING HILLS

Alycat Inc., 63 Poplar St., Feeding Hills 01030. Robert F. Johnson, III, same. To operate a restaurant.

D.J. Concessions Inc., 15 Belmont Ave., Feeding Hills 1030. David Jalbert, same. Retail sales.

FLORENCE

Freedom Post 28 Inc., 63 Riverside Dr., Florence 01062. Thomas P. Ouimet, same. (Nonprofit) A veterans organization for social and recreational activities.

HOLYOKE

Danny’s Electric Inc., 11 Hendel Dr., Holyoke 01040. Luis D. Arroyo, same. Any and all electrical work.

LONGMEADOW

V & S Management Co. Inc., 66 Dwight Road, Suite #1, Longmeadow 02206. Raymond G. Stevens, 36 Elm St., East Longmeadow 01028. Real estate development and related activities.

  

LUDLOW

Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corp., Moddy St., Ludlow 01056. H. Bradford White, 289 Spring St., Shrewsbury 01545. To acquire property for wind turbines, etc., to produce wind energy in Hancock and known as the “Berkshire Wind Facilities”, etc.

NEW SALEM

Stages of Life Inc., 283 Wendell Road, New Salem 01355. Dylan W. Flye, same. (Nonprofit) A performing arts after school and summer program to offer disadvantaged and at risk youth, etc.

NORTHAMPTON

Evolve-IBB Inc., 167 South St., #2, Northampton 01060. Elena Tunitsky-Bitton, same. Marketing, sales and business development, advertising.

SHELBURNE FALLS

Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club Inc., 75 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls 01370. Meta Nisbet, 146 Smead Hill Road, Colrain 01340. (Nonprofit) To increase the beauty of the Village of Shelburne Falls, award college scholarships to local area youth, etc.

SPRINGFIELD

Alian Consultants Inc., 57 Florence St., Springfield 01105. Darnel Ali, same. (Nonprofit) New business consultation and development.

Billups World Entertainment Inc., 113 Lyman St., Springfield 01103. Stefan Billups, 3 Silver St., Springfield 01107. Multimedia and print production and distribution.

Bridgers Property Inc., 73 Cambridge St., Springfield 011089. Cynthia A. Bridgers, same. Real estate ownership.

Concilio Pentecostes Ya Es Tiempo De Que Te Levantes Talita Cumi Inc., 246 Walnut St., Springfield 01105. Felix Torres, 56 Montrose St., Springfield 01109. (Nonprofit) To perform Christian services and food services to the needs of our community.

Denise’s Designs Inc., 132 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield 01108. Asiala Dickson, same. (Nonprofit) Promote awareness in art and design in fashion ware and culture.

DJAV Corp., 105 Woodlawn St., Springfield 01108. David J. Virella, Jr., same. Carpentry and construction.

Elite Consulting Services Inc., 293 Bridge St., Ste. 328, Springfield 01103. Eliezer Serrano, 20 Windermere Dr., Feeding Hills 01030. Consulting services.

Nuvo Bank & Trust Co., 1500 Main St., Springfield 01115. Jeffrey Sattler, 21 Magnolia Terr., South Hadley 01075. Transacting the business of a trust company.

Podjockey Inc., 650 Belmont Ave., Springfield 01108. Michael Harrison, 212 Deepwoods Dr., Longmeadow 01106. Media production and delivery services.

Springfield City Youth Organization Inc., 1350 Main St., 10th Fl., c/o Hare, Stamm & Harris, Springfield 01103. Richard F. Williams, 43 Pearson Dr., Springfield 01119. (Nonprofit) To provide a non-profit community-based athletic program for youth in the City of Springfield.

VK Transport Inc., 534 Union St., Springfield 01089. Vadim V. Kot, same. Trucking company.

WESTFIELD

Pioneer Valley Propane Inc., 389 Southampton Road, Westfield 01085. Jeffrey S. Hunter, 16 Kylene Cirle, Southampton 01073. Distribution and sale of propane fuel and related products.

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Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the months of April and May 2008.

AGAWAM

Odds N’ Ends
23 Editha Ave.
Jason Broussard

Sabrina’s Pizzaria
4 Southwick St.
Daniel Loftus

AMHERST

Hospice of Hampshire County
1165 North Pleasant St.
Friends of Hospice House Inc.

CHICOPEE

Aerys Electrolux
104 Edbert St.
Eugene Looney

Agnew Quality Painting & Staining
33 Oliver St.
Val Shvetson

Anything Goes
29 Mt. Royal St.
Steven E. Humel

Dunkin Doggies
205 Chicopee St.
Laurie A. Holland

Iona Holdings, LLC
248 Springfield St.
Scott D. Crosson

Wilson Market & Sales
95 Washington St.
Grant H. Wilson

EASTHAMPTON

In & Out Cleaning Service
29 Mt. Tom Ave.
Brandon R. Learned

Reasonable Lawn Care
39 Sterling Dr.
Brian Ross

Sisyphus Woodworking Inc.
One Cottage St.
Greg Larson

Valley Vascular
2 Mechanic St.
Zubin Irani

EAST LONGMEADOW

Casa Café
520 North Main St.
Antonio & Amerinda Coelho

N2 Construction
15 Benton Dr.
Nathan Nadeau

Set In Concrete
89 Pine Grove Circle
Timothy Sirard

HOLYOKE

Artsee
233 Maple St.
Sylvia Robello

H.M. Spencer Company
78 North Canal St.
Daniel Johnston

Oasis Dance Fitness
187A High St.
Darlene M. Sattler

Personal Touch Caterer
2 Country Club Dr.
Susan Peloquin

Renaissance Manor
279 Cabot St.
Stuart Dindeman

Tony’s Tech Auto Repair
580 South St.
Anthony Elias

V&J’s Mini Market
149 Suffolk St.
Samuel Aviles

LONGMEADOW

Baby Joia
3 Herbert St.
Heidi Kelly

Keller Williams Realty
66 Dwight Road
Laura Stevens

Lynn Katz Photography
407 Bliss St.
Barbara Katz

LUDLOW

Jesko Machine
State St.
Zdzislaw Kowalski

The Tailored Touch Massage Therapy
314 Sewall St.
Lori E. Jones

NORTHAMPTON

Antiques Corner
5 Market St.
Louis Farrick

Communications Angle
26 Center St.
Michael Kusek

Every Pet’s Dream
94 Pleasant St.
Jessie Byrnes

Healthy Lifestyles
43 Center St.
Victoria Ahrensdorf

HomeWorks
18 Ridgewood Terrace
Lori Steiner

The Celadon Studio
2 Conz St.
Malea Rhodes

Whole Child & Parent
25 Main St.
Julie B. Rosenshein

PALMER

2 Guys With Tools Handyman Service
2114 Baptist Hill Road
Robert Anthony Nenzel

Three Rivers Tavern
2052 Main St.
Belchertown Pheasant Run Inc.

  

Penny’s E. Picks
51 Squier St.
Jay W. Heinicke

SOUTH HADLEY

D&R Home Services
5 Harlow Place
Arthur R. Hogan Jr.

Liberty Installations
240 Brainard St.
Richard Liberty

SOUTHWICK

Amici Salon
515 College Hwy.
Susan Shlosser

Anson Flower Farm & Nursery
591 College Highway
Warren Baker

Design Presentations
1 Logie Lane
Michael Pietruska

Jimmy’s Landscaping
98 Vining Hill Road
James Stellato

Oak N’ Keg
1 Chapman St.
Vimal Patel

SPRINGFIELD

Art in Action Fine Art
229 Connecticut Ave.
Toni Marie Stabilo

Auric Services Inc.
15 Dorset St.
Lance D. LeTourneau

Chili Dogs
50 Sanderson St.
Eugene Pretlow

D & J Lock & Key
244 St. James Blvd.
James Michael Lage

Daviau Business Services
11 Dorset St.
Christine Elaine Daviau

Elegant Prints
45 Valley Road
Lakisha Marie

Envy Nails
1777 Boston Road
Dien Nguyen

Europa Cleaning Service
1350 Main St.
Luisa Cardaropoli

First Fruit Online Marketing
40 Sylvan St.
Suzette

Gee Barber Shop
21 Rutland St.
Johaim Santiago

Golden Bar & Restaurant
1127 Main St.
Rudy Renoso

Jenn Jemm Photography
54 Vincent St.
Rosa M. Torres

Lee’s Sports
47 Pearl St.
Winston Lee

Mi Isla Music
35 Indian Leap St.
Jose Antonio Amaro

WESTFIELD

Law Office of John F. Kavanagh, Jr. PC
10 School St.
John F. Kavanagh, Jr.

PPM
57 Pleasant St.
Craig Purdy

Pyramid Nutrition Service
144 Elm St.
Nicole K. Frank-Masler

Tatro’s Mobile Mechanic Services Inc.
16 George St.
Gregg Tatro

Y&G Handyman Services
216 Sackett Road
Yuriy Rudenko

WEST SPRINGFIELD

All Trash Connection
389 Park St.
Ty Geas

Cori’s K9 Clip
242 Elm St.
Cori Napolitan

Healthy America Marketing Solution
49 Fairview Ave.
Joel Gauthier

JF Investigative Service
48 George St.
Juan Fernandez

Lattitude
1338 Memorial Ave.
Jeffrey Daignzau

Mayers Home Repair
42 Baldwin St.
Simeon Mayers

Nescor
148 Doty Circle
Sharon Tariff

New Season
1098 Memorial Ave.
Orsana Mozolevskaya

North Garden Chinese Restaurant
42 Myron St.
Raymond Kan

Ron’s Income Tax Service
454 Main St.
Roland M. Navone

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Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank v. Past Perfect Antiques
Allegation: Default on contract: $7,111.98
Filed: 3/17/08

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Ronnie & Robin Chamberlain v. Nova Star Mortgage Inc. & Saxon Mortgage Services Inc.
Allegation: Wrongful foreclosure of property: $25,000
Filed: 3/25/08

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Fleetpride Inc. v. Eastern Weatherization Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,886.50
Filed: 4/8/08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Deaton Industries Inc. v. Trident Alloys Inc. and Galaska Partners, LLP
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $31,376
Filed: 2/7/08

Innovative Roofing v. Northeast Interiors Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $119,626.93
Filed: 3/18/08

John C. Otto Company Inc. v. Hartford Stamp & Office Works
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $100,000
Filed: 3/3/08

Joseph and Rita Selah v. Dixon Inc. and Northeast Stucco Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and negligence and personal injury: $1,011,289
Filed: 3/17/08

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Wendy Dixon v. 1st Advantage Dental
Allegation: Breach of contract for dental services and non-payment of wages: $75,000
Filed: 4/3/08

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

E. O. Ross Electric Contractors Inc. v. Southern New England Spice Company
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,241.09
Filed: 4/7/08

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Debbie’s Cookin’-Caterin’ v. TDWF Inc.
Allegation: Breach of agreement to reimburse for restaurant kitchen hood and fire suppression system: $8,826.34
Filed: 3/27/08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

A. Boilard & Sons v. BSF Construction Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $39,845.17
Filed: 1/29/08

Complete Disposal Company Inc. v. Al Leger Home Improvement
Allegation: Non-payment of trash removal and disposal services: $19,439.70
Filed: 2/25/08

Czar Distributing Inc. v. Regal Homes & Development Corporation
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,619.62
Filed: 1/18/08

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Wells Fargo Bank v. The Dragon Lair
Allegation: Non-payment on a business line of credit: $22,462.06
Filed: 3/7/08

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Departments

Comfort Inn Opens in Hadley

HADLEY — The Comfort Inn at 237 Russell St., franchised by Choice Hotels International Inc., is now open. Formerly a Quality Inn, the hotel underwent renovations to convert to a Comfort Inn hotel, including updating bed linens, a deluxe continental breakfast, and the lobby area. Owned and operated by Parmar & Sons of Hadley, the Comfort Inn features 86 guest rooms and one meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people. The hotel also offers free high-speed Internet access, free in-room Comfort Sunshine Roast coffee, complimentary USA Today, and an indoor heated pool.

Yiddish Book Center Caps $32M Campaign with Groundbreaking

AMHERST — The National Yiddish Book Center has completed a six-year fund-raising campaign that brought in $32 million, and, to mark the occasion, conducted a groundbreaking ceremony on May 4 on a $7 million construction and renovation project that will double the size of its facility. The campaign has allowed the center to eliminate organizational debt, increase its endowment from $600,000 to $5.8 million, proceed with expansion plans, and significantly strengthen its donor base. Funds raised will also benefit educational and public programs. Built in 1997, the center’s current, architecturally distinctive headquarters offers exhibitions, galleries, open stacks of Yiddish books, a reading library, a bookstore, and public gardens. With the 21,000-square-foot expansion, the structure will include a state-of-the-art book repository for 500,000 of the center’s most important Yiddish volumes; a Yiddish Education Center with classrooms, a distance-learning center, and a student center; a 4,000-square-foot multipurpose space with a stage, professional lighting and projection equipment, and flexible seating for 275; a large kosher kitchen for conferences and other events; expansive galleries for traveling exhibitions and permanent installations; and offices for faculty and program staff. For more information about the center, visit www.yiddishbookcenter.org.

J. Polep Acquires Lesco Distributors

CHICOPEE — J. Polep Distribution Services recently announced the acquisition of Lesco Distributors in Mattapoisette. The sale adds $40 to $50 million to J. Polep’s annual sales, according to Jeff Polep, president and treasurer. Polep noted he will be employing 10 of Lesco’s sales representatives. J. Polep is a wholesale candy, tobacco, cigarette, grocery, and food-service distributor.

AIC Formalizes International Student Agreement

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) took a step toward becoming an international college recently by formalizing an agreement to bring undergraduate and graduate international students to campus. The college entered a partnership with Global Systems Management of Australia that could result in up to 100 new undergraduate students and even more graduate students. Global Campus Management Pty Ltd., headquartered in Australia, develops programs for students who may or may not speak English as their first language and who desire to study in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. As part of the agreement, Global Campus Management will recruit, process admission files, and manage student services for international students. AIC is the only college partner on the East Coast working with Global Campus Management. AIC President Vince Maniaci noted that the new agreement is an “excellent opportunity” for AIC to exercise its historic sensibilities. Maniaci said AIC was founded as a school for immigrants in the 1800s, and this is one way to get back to its roots.

MassMutual Participates in Pro-bono Housing Court Project

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Financial Group recently announced its participation in a local pro bono program in which attorneys in its Law Division offer free legal services to income-eligible tenants and landlords in Hampden County Housing Court. The program was founded by local members of the Mass. Women’s Bar Foundation, which provides free legal services for litigants who are facing either eviction or loss of their home and who do not have the financial means to retain the services of an attorney. In addition to this project, MassMutual attorneys are also doing pro-bono work for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in the Springfield area, which offers free tax-preparation help to low- and moderate-income individuals. If area attorneys are interested in participating in the Housing Court program, contact Suzanne Garrow at (413) 739-7094.

NewAlliance Sees 18.3% Increase In Earnings

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — NewAlliance Bancshares Inc., the holding company for NewAlliance Bank, recently announced net income of $12.9 million for the first quarter of 2008, compared to $10.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2007 and $9.3 million for the first quarter of 2007. The company also voted to increase the quarterly dividend to $.07 per share from $0.65 per share, payable on May 16 to shareholders of record on May 6. The dividend is up 8% from the prior quarter. First-quarter highlights included average loan balances increasing by $376.5 million, or 8.6%, and the net interest margin increasing six basis points to 2.56%, compared to 2.50% for the first quarter of 2007. On March 31, NewAlliance Bancshares had $8.18 billion in assets with 89 banking offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Chicopee Bancorp Reports Income Drop

CHICOPEE — Chicopee Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Chicopee Savings Bank, recently announced net income for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2007 was $107,000 compared to $369,000 for the same period in 2006. The decrease in net income for the quarter is primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense relating to expenses associated with the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, according to bank officials. The company’s assets increased by $13.4 million or 3.0%, from $450.0 million at Dec. 31, 2006 to $463.4 million at Dec. 31, 2007, primarily as a result of an increase in loans of $10.9 million, short-term investments of $8.1 million, as well as federal funds sold of $7.5 million. The loan growth was offset by maturities of securities held-to-maturity of $10.1 million. In other news, the company reported a net income for the first three months of 2008 of $188,000, compared with $555,000 in income for the first quarter of 2007.

Big Y Plans Mother’s Day Promotion

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. is donating 5 cents for every package of Big Y-branded products purchased during the Mother’s Day week sale through May 14 to the fight against breast cancer. Funds raised will benefit the Massachusetts and Connecticut affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

O & P Labs Acquired

SPRINGFIELD — James Haas, CO, and Blaine Drysdale, CP, recently purchased Orthotics & Prosthetics Laboratories Inc., with offices in Springfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield. Haas, of Easthampton, is a certified orthotist at the facility with more than 16 years of experience, and Drysdale, of Northampton, is a below-knee amputee who has been a certified prosthetist at the company for more than seven years. Drysdale is also a licensed physical therapist specializing in amputee gait analysis. Both Haas and Drysdale look forward to a continued relationship with Salvatore LaBella, who founded the O & P Labs in 1984.

Whalley Computer Adds Course for Teachers

SOUTHWICK — Whalley Computer Associates recently announced “Integrating Technology in the Classroom” courseware to its eLearning Training Program for Educators. The program focuses on using the knowledge gained from learning computer programs such as Microsoft Office and incorporating it into daily lessons to enhance the students’ learning environment. The courseware consists of more than 28 chapters and will earn the educator 24 Professional Development Points. For more details, visit www.wca.com.

Easthampton Savings Sees Assets Rise

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank President William S. Hogan Jr. recently announced that bank assets were more than $764 million at the end of the first quarter. The bank’s total assets were up $48 million from a year ago, an increase of 7%. In other news, the loan department reported loans now at more than $575 million, with a total loan portfolio that has increased by more than $39 million, and the bank’s deposit growth was $47 million, or up 9% from this time last year. Total deposits now exceed $544 million. During its annual meeting, the following elections took place: Richard A. Perras, clerk of the corporation, for one year; Thomas W. Brown, corporator, re-elected for a 10-year term; David K. Bridgman, William S. Hogan Jr., and Carol A. Perman, trustees, re-elected for three-year terms; and Thomas V. Giles, Carol A. Perman, and Stanley Paulauskas, elected to the Audit Committee for one-year terms.

River Valley Market Opens

NORTHAMPTON — The 15,000-square-foot River Valley Market recently opened its doors featuring large fresh produce, meat, and seafood sections; a deli seating area; beer and wine, bulk foods; cheese; dairy; grocery; and more. The community food store — specializing in fresh, organic, and locally grown foods — is unique in its concept as a member-owner investment. Membership at $150 is still available, and the co-op currently consists of more than 2,500 founding member-owners. Benefits to membership include savings on hundreds of specials and discounts on case purchases, and rebates on purchases when the co-op becomes profitable.

pton Inn Voted No. 1

HADLEY — The Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst was recently named the number one Hampton Inn among the more than 1,400 Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn Suites hotels in the United States, Canada and Latin America for the first quarter of 2008. The Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst was recognized for quality, guest satisfaction and business performance.

Goff Media Receives Addy Award

NORTHAMPTON — Goff Media recently received a Gold Addy Award for its ad campaign for Providence Auto Body to distinguish themselves from insurance affiliated auto body shops. The campaign features an insurance executive whom undergoes a lie detector test for installing cheap and inexpensive repair items in a vehicle in an effort to save money. Goff Media entered the 60-second radio ad, titled “Lie Detector,” in the radio category for the 2008 Addy Awards. Gold is the highest achievement in the regional competition, and the entry will now move onto the finals. The Addy Awards are the advertising industries version of the Grammies. For more information, visit www.goffmedia.com.

Chicopee Bancorp Reports Income Drop

CHICOPEE — Chicopee Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Chicopee Savings Bank, recently announced net income for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2007 was $107,000 compared to $369,000 for the same period in 2006. The decrease in net income for the quarter is primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense relating to expenses associated with the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, according to bank officials. The company’s assets increased by $13.4 million or 3.0%, from $450.0 million at Dec. 31, 2006 to $463.4 million at Dec. 31, 2007, primarily as a result of an increase in loans of $10.9 million, short-term investments of $8.1 million, as well as federal funds sold of $7.5 million. The loan growth was offset by maturities of securities held-to-maturity of $10.1 million. In other news, the company reported a net income for the first three months of 2008 of $188,000, compared with $555,000 in income for the first quarter of 2007.

MassMutual Graduates Special Care Planners

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual recently graduated more than 110 Special Care Planners, strengthening the company’s ability to provide help to families with special needs. The agents received advanced training in estate and tax-planning concepts, special-needs trusts, government programs, and the emotional dynamics of working with people with disabilities and other special needs and their families, among other topics. The Special Care Planner certificate program is offered by the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., exclusively for MassMutual financial professionals. All agents also take an Emotional Intelligence Assessment to help them determine if they have the kind of emotional resiliency and personality that make them well-suited for this type of work. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com/specialcare.

Noble Hospital Earns High Grades for Patient Care

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recently posted new survey information at the Hospital Compare consumer web site offering consumers more insight about the hospitals in their communities. In addition to adding the new information about Medicare patients about their hospital stays, CMS has added information about the number of certain elective hospital procedures provided to those patients and what Medicare pays for those services. For the first time, consumers have the three critical elements – quality information, patient satisfaction survey information and pricing information for specific procedures – they need to make effective decisions about the quality and value of the health care available to them through local hospitals. The updated information is part of the public health effort to strengthen consumer choice and create incentives to motivate providers to provide better care for all Americans. Five hospitals across Western Massachusetts were among the more than 2,500 hospitals in the country that participated in the patient satisfaction survey from October 2006 through June 2007. Local hospitals participating in the survey which was optional were Noble Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers. Noble Hospital in Westfield ranked tops among the regional hospitals in nine of the 10 categories in the patient satisfaction survey. Patient survey questions ranged from “nurses communicated well,” “doctors communicated well,” “received help as soon as wanted,” and “pain was well controlled,” to “staff explained medicines before giving,” “room and bathroom clean,” “room was quite at night,” “received home recovery information,” “hospital ranks 9 or 10 on scale from 0 to 10,” and “definitely recommend the hospital.” For more information, visit www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

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