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Paul-Thierry de la Blotier of the Shelburne Falls Wine Merchant.
Paul-Thierry de la Blotier

Paul-Thierry de la Blotier of the Shelburne Falls Wine Merchant.

Western Massachusetts has a long, deep tradition of entrepreneurial spirit, and there is ample evidence that it is alive and well today. Across the region, people are mixing imaginative ideas with old-fashioned hard work and some support from area small business development agencies to get new ventures off the ground. In this issue, we profile some of these enterprises, with a special focus on the people who have the courage and determination to go into business for themselves.

Paul-Thierry de la Blotier says that, if he can’t do something impeccably, he’d rather not do it at all. That’s the driving force behind his burgeoning business, the Shelburne Falls Wine Merchant, on State Street in Shelburne Falls, just a stone’s throw from the historic Bridge of Flowers.

“If you’re going to specialize in something, you need to do it right,” he said, “and you need to offer exemplary service. It’s what people deserve.”

de la Blotier and his business partner, Karen Datres, opened the Shelburne Falls Wine Merchant on July 1, 2004. The shop sells a wide selection of fine wines, a smattering of local brews such as Berkshire Brewing Co. offerings and People’s Pint beers, and a selection of local specialty products; a fine-wine investment service is also offered, assisting clients with identifying, sourcing, and cellaring bottles.

The venture, said de la Blotier, is predicated on the English model of service in small, specialty stores. French and Welsh by descent, he said the Shelburne Falls Wine Merchant is his way of coming full circle, in both his professional and personal lives.

“I have a Ph.D., but I didn’t know much about running a business,” he said, noting that the Mass. Small Business Assistance Center was integral in helping him open the shop’s doors. “I think my business plan may have been more like a dissertation. But I’m learning, and I think I always will be.”

One thing he knows a great deal about, though, is wine. He holds a degree in Viticulture and Enology — a horticulture concentration that focuses on the growing of grapes and the production of wines — in addition to degrees in Japanese and Political Geography. He’s also worked in the wine trade in various positions for more than 30 years.

de la Blotier’s shop includes scores of French, Italian, and California wines, many of which are produced at small, family-owned vineyards. He said he doesn’t sell a lot of ‘branded’ wines — those that are produced in larger quantities and bolstered by recognizable marketing campaigns, such as Kendall Jackson and Yellow Tail.

“We try to find wines in limited production,” he said, noting that as a rule, he and his staff also avoid wine rating systems, such as the Wine Advocate Rating System, until after they’ve tasted and decided upon new wines to stock.

That, said de la Blotier, adds to his and his staff’s knowledge base, and thus helps in providing the top-notch customer service he strives for.

“When someone comes in, we first ask what their budget is, and then proceed to a series of other questions. ‘What are they looking for?’ ‘What are they having for dinner?’ ‘Are they partial to a light, medium, or full-bodied wine?’ These are the same questions we’ll ask if they’re coming in for a $2.99 bottle of wine, or a very expensive one.” This kind of service is personal, not rushed, and customer-centered, de la Blotier added.

“We’re here to defuse the mystique of wine purchasing,” he said. “And it should be a social thing, because wine is social. A beer or a vodka? You might enjoy one of those by yourself. But a glass of wine is always shared with friends.

“Wine is a part of gracious living,” he added, “and this store is now a part of that world. Coming in here is not an escape from reality … it’s more like a parallel universe. It’s the way it should be.” —Jaclyn Stevenson

Sections Supplements
Get Your Points Across with LASER Accuracy

Communication skills are at the crosshairs of success. Whether your communication is done verbally or virtually, your ability to do it effectively, and with influence, will determine your success or failure. Research shows that 80% of people feel that they could achieve better results if they were able to communicate better. Millions of companies, small and large, experience communication problems on a regular basis, but in most cases, a simple shift in focus does the trick.

If you find that your communication is no longer influential, and it’s often missing its intended target, the solution is simple: It’s called the LASER model, which is unique because its focus is internal. The starting point for effective communication is within us. What happens if you initially focus externally rather than internally? Well, it’s like operating your business without a business plan; achieving anything — even nothing — is acceptable. In order to truly achieve influential communication, you must focus internally first, pointing the LASER at yourself. Here’s how.

Listen. Listen to the environment you are in, and listen to your own thoughts. Is it so noisy that you can’t hear yourself think? The key to successful internal communication starts with peace and quiet. Shut your office door, find an empty cubicle, take that walk around the building, and locate a place where you can hear yourself think. You want to be able to hear your best thoughts.

Ask questions. Ask yourself the questions that count for the conversation you are going to have. What do you want the end result to be? What will it look like? How will you feel when you accomplish it? These are the easy questions to ask and answer. However, in order to be truly influential, you need to ask the difficult ones by aiming dead center. What will it look like if my communication is ineffective and we don’t realize the end result? Where might we come up short of our goal? What will it look like then? How will you feel when you don’t accomplish it? Get uncomfortable when you ask these tough questions. The more uncomfortable you feel, the better the results will be.

Enjoy the silence. Yes, that’s right; the third step is to sit in silence and listen to the answers that come to you. Don’t interject your opinions on the results you receive. This will be difficult. Instead, just be quiet and listen to the results as they flow forth from asking those difficult questions. Make certain that you write them down; they’ll come to you fast and furious, so keep track of them. Use shorthand if necessary. You’ll need to recall them when you are done.

Erase the past. There is a reason why the rear-view mirror is smaller than the windshield in a car; it’s crucial that you see more of where you’re going than where you’ve been. We steer toward where we look, or aim, our focus. Unfortunately with communication, we let our thoughts of how things went in the past dictate how things will go in the future. If we are always focusing on where we’ve been, rather than where we are going, we’re liable to encounter some obstacles head on, making future successful communication either unlikely or impossible. The past has a way of clouding our vision, making our current communications not the best that they could be. Instead, we need to future-focus on what we want to occur.

Realize the future. You have yourself in position to listen without the noise and clutter that usually surrounds each of us. You’ve made yourself uncomfortable by asking questions that dug deep into what you are trying to accomplish. You’ve moved out of your own way and answered those uncomfortable questions. You’re future-focused on the target ahead. Lastly, determine who needs to hear what it is you have to say, and lay out how you will say it. The time, place, or medium in which you choose to communicate may change, but the message will not. In order to realize the future, you must be strategic with not only what you say, but also to whom you say it.

What results will you achieve when you use the influential communication LASER model? You’ll have an influential edge in becoming the best leader you can be, making your best decisions and achieving your best results. However, implementing only the internal communication habits will still cause you to miss your target. Why? The influential leader combines these internal communication habits with the external communication discipline necessary in order to achieve truly influential communication.

So the next time you communicate, remember to first focus internally before communicating externally. As a result, you will achieve success.

Sam Palazzolo authored ‘The Influential Leader: 10 Critical Skills You MUST Possess For Success.’ As president and chief influence officer at Pathos Leader-ship Group LLC, he conducts keynotes, workshops, Webinars, and one-on-one coaching;www.pathosleadershipgroup.com

Features
Caterer Peg Boxold Has Persevered Through Determination, Diversification
Peg Boxold

Peg Boxold says her recipe for success has always had creativity as the main ingredient.

Peg Boxold knows what it’s like to maneuver one’s way through a recession.

She and partner Mike Martel, both veterans of the Marriott Hotel in downtown Springfield, started their catering business, Elegant Affairs, in early 1989, about the same time as the start of a severe economic downturn that would last, by some estimates, for four years.

The company was launched almost exclusively on corporate functions, and many of the companies that headed up the early client list — Monarch Capital, Bank of New England West, and Heritage Bancorp — would soon disappear from the landscape. Meanwhile, most all of those left were thinking about survival, not lavishing clients and employees with smoked salmon and shrimp cocktail.

Boxold told BusinessWest that she and Martel survived those lean years by being, in a word, creative. As an example, she said the company would work with businesses of all shapes and sizes to stage events that were fun and cost-effective, if not exactly elaborate.

“We were creative … we did whatever we had to do to make it through those times,” she explained. “We picked up a lot of business with people who couldn’t afford a big hurrah, but still wanted to do something.”

Today, entrepreneurial creativity is still the watchword, but Boxold, who would become sole proprietor of this venture after Martel left to pursue other business opportunities in 2001, is being challenged by much more than the economy these days.

Indeed, the landscape for caterers, especially in this market, has changed dramatically over the years, she said, so much so that many of the traditional caterers doing business in the Pioneer Valley years ago are no longer doing so. There are many more banquet halls now vying for corporate and personal events such as weddings and showers, and many of these establishments, as well as a number of area restaurants, are catering events off their own sites, she said, citing a few of the additional challenges facing her nearly two decades after she started out.

Meanwhile, downtown Springfield, where she has always based her business, is far less vibrant than it was years ago, with many banks and other corporate clients and potential clients now gone or relocated to the suburbs. Very recently, the soaring prices of food and gasoline have brought additional burdens in the form of expenses she can’t easily pass on to clients.

And then, there’s the Basketball Hall of Fame and the exclusive catering contract awarded to Max’s Tavern, located in the Hall complex, for all events staged at the shrine.

Boxold handled hundreds of events at the old Hall, and a few at the new one, before Max’s arrived, and she’s still quite bitter about that deal and how it went down.

“No one told us anything,” she explained, adding quickly that, amid swirling rumors, she sought and was granted a meeting with Hall officials, who gave her the news. “We did a number of events for free or at cost to help them raise the money to build the new Hall, and then they turn around and give the contract to a Connecticut-based restaurant chain…”

She didn’t actually finish that thought before moving on to another one — the fact that the loss of the Hall of Fame business nearly doomed her venture.

But she has persevered, through determination and diversification, which, in this case, means everything from handling the food service at Springfield’s Franconia Golf Course to successfully managing a vegan wedding a few years ago.

“That’s tougher than kosher catering — you have to read a lot of labels,” she said with a laugh, adding that every additional event or contract helps with the all-important task of keeping the calendar full, which is the ultimate recipe for success for any catering venture.

In this issue, BusinessWest looks at how Boxold has managed to find the right ingredients for continued success in a field where entrepreneurs have to think outside the box lunch.

Food for Thought

As she talked about the very early days of Elegant Affairs and the years that preceded them, Boxold eased back in her chair, smiled, and shook her head slightly, as if to indicate a degree of disbelief as to just how good things were, at least when compared to today.

“The money was flowing in those days,” she recalled of the mid-’80s, when the economy, downtown Springfield, and most of the major corporations doing business there were booming. Monarch Capital, then based in the office tower that bears its name, hosted a number of lavish affairs, she said, and the 28th floor of Baystate West (later renamed Tower Square), home to Baybank, was also hopping with events that kept several catering companies busy. “Downtown Springfield was the place to be,” she said.

It all came to a crashing halt not long after Elegant Affairs was launched, she recalled, adding that it was a weekly, or seemingly daily, struggle to keep the fledgling operation going, an experience that steeled her for subsequent downturns in the economy and a host of other challenges.

Boxold says she gained the necessary experience — and intestinal fortitude — for her chosen entrepreneurial venture through years of hard, disciplined work at the Springfield Marriott.

She started there in 1976 as housekeeping manager, later moved on to human-resources functions, and eventually shifted gears and went into the catering side of the operation — working her way up to director of on-site operations at the downtown hotel. Martel, meanwhile, ascended to supervisor of outside catering. In early 1989, the two decided to go into business for themselves, and set up shop in the Marketplace building, where they operated an on-site deli (mostly to provide cash flow) and an off-site catering business that soon became the main focus, especially as the recession took its toll on the deli.

Success with the catering venture, both before and especially after the recession hit, came through relationships and thus cultivation of a client list that included a number of major corporations, such as MassMutual and Baystate Health, but also business and civic groups ranging from chambers of commerce to the Spirit of Springfield to the Springfield Civic Center. And the Basketball Hall of Fame.

In 1991, the business was moved across the road, to 1380 Main St. and space that includes what has come to be known as the Glass House — there are windows on three sides — that seats about 80 and has hosted everything from bridal and baby showers to events for a host of Springfield mayors.

Over the years, there have been some memorable events, on-site but especially off-site — such as a small dinner arranged for relatives of a coma patient who came out of that coma as the meal was being consumed — as well as some catering for celebrities; that list includes Tony Bennett, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pearl Jam, and several past NBA greats.

As the landscape in the region has changed, literally and figuratively, Boxold and her venture have had to adjust accordingly. There are fewer major corporate players than there were 20 years ago, she explained, and as for those that remain, the extravagance of the past has been replaced by a general cost-consciousness that places a premium on value, but also the necessary elegance and, increasingly, creativity.

Meanwhile, there are a number of new players in the field, making it that much more difficult to fill the slate, which Boxold says she still manages to do through imagination and cultivating opportunities when and where she can.

Just Desserts

As she talked with BusinessWest, Boxold stopped for a minute to get some water for Sophie, her cairn terrier, who was rather loud in her requests for something to drink, and then louder still as she sought — and was granted — a game of ‘fetch the empty water bottle.’

“She’s here (at work) a lot,” said Boxold. “When mommy’s working 15-hour days, there’s no one at home to be with her, so she comes here.”

Long hours are part of the equation in this business, and have been since the beginning, said Boxold, noting that she, like others in this field, must rely on volume — in whatever ways it can be amassed.

Indeed, on a recent Thursday, Boxold was prepping for a busy but typical weekend, one that would feature several events, including a wedding, on Friday evening, two more weddings and several smaller get-togethers on Saturday, and another 14 or 15 hours worth of catering jobs on Sunday, including two bridal showers.

Pulling off such weekends requires logistical skills as well as some imagination, especially when it comes to staffing, she explained, adding that she has a cell phone full of numbers for employees past and present, as well as family members — and she isn’t shy about using it.

“Sometimes, you wind up calling people you haven’t seen in two years,” she said of staffing demands. “You just do what’s necessary — you have to be creative, and you’ve got to make it happen; these days, there are some times when you can’t really say ‘no’ to someone — you’ve got to stay alive.

“On Monday mornings, I’m dead,” she continued. “It takes me until nearly noon to clear my head and get on with planning out another week.”

But packed calendars in June, July, August, September, and especially December are needed to get the company through what have become painfully slow winters and early springs, said Boxold, who shook her head as she talked about the many challenges involved with keeping a staff of 60 working and her company in the black.

A big part of that challenge has come in the form of increased competition, she said, noting that the field still has traditional caterers, although fewer of them, and a host of restaurants and banquet facilities now doing work on- and off-site. Couple this with a weakened economy, a desire among many business owners to cut back on entertainment, fuel surcharges that come with every delivery, and $4-per-gallon gasoline for her own fleet, and it makes for some rough going.

In this environment, players in the catering field have to be flexible and imaginative, she said, adding that the addition of the work at Franconia provides a steady, helpful addition to the cash flow.

A few years ago, Boxold formed a relationship with the owners of Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke, giving her a steady supply of weddings that put her volume well above what it was before that arrangement. Wyckoff has since been sold, and that relationship has ended, but she still handles dozens of weddings a year at venues such as the Carriage House at the Barney Estate, Look Park in Northampton, Stanley Park in Westfield, Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens in Somers, Conn., and many others.

The best source of business remains word-of-mouth referrals, she said, and they are amassed by doing more than putting together a good menu, said Boxold, adding that her company has to go a step, or many steps, beyond what might be expected.

With regard to weddings, this means being more like a wedding coordinator than a company that simply handles the food and the bar, she explained.

“You have to take the bride and the groom and make them think about the details and how their day is going to unfold,” she explained.

“And the timing is key. At most venues, people have five hours for a wedding, and that goes by like that,” she said, snapping her fingers. “It’s a blur, and that’s why I tell people I have to give them great food, great service, and also help them maximize their time.”

Success also comes from being able to handle just about anything a potential client might throw at you, she said, adding that this means everything from an exotic venue for a wedding — like the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, in one case — to different or exotic menu offerings, such as that vegan wedding.

“You have to keep your food items updated and trendy — and healthy,” she explained, adding that she must stay atop everything from the latest attitudes on carbs to the growing problem with peanut allergies to finding gluten-free ingredients. “It’s all part of paying attention to details, which clients want and appreciate.”

Taste of Success

Boxold’s office, one of the unique workspaces carved out of the old Haynes Hotel, which was once one of Springfield’s finest, is cluttered with some items reflecting her fondness for the Red Sox — a framed photo of Ted Williams and Babe Ruth, a calendar with photos of players, and one of those pink hats, among others. There are also a few gifts from clients (bottles of wine and rum, for example), and a sampling of the small tokens given to guests at weddings.

And on the far wall is a framed copy of a Republican article from Oct. 10, 1993. The newspaper did a series of stories on recession survivors under the banner “Beating the Odds,” and Elegant Affairs was that Sunday’s profile.

Boxold actually has the piece framed in a few places in her headquarters space downtown. She told BusinessWest that it reminds her of the hardships she’s overcome and how business is a persistent struggle.

And given the many new challenges facing her today, she’s still beating the odds.

George O’Brien can be reached at[email protected]

Opinion

We’ve said this before, but it bears repeating.

The most significant economic development initiative taking place in the City of Homes — and this region, for that matter — isn’t riverfront development in Springfield. It’s not the former York Street Jail site or the Court Square project. It’s not South End revitalization or the so-called State Street Corridor project. It’s not the new industrial park at Smith & Wesson, nor is it Union Station. It’s not the ongoing marketing of the Knowledge Corridor, and it’s not the work to create so-called ‘green-collar’ jobs — although all those efforts are important.

No, the most critical economic development work happening at the moment is a multi-faceted undertaking called Building a Better Workforce — Closing the Skills Gap on the Road to Economic Resurgence, and if it doesn’t make the headway its planners anticipate, then none of those other projects really matter.

That’s because workforce quality and quantity are the most pressing issues facing Greater Springfield today. Improvement in both is absolutely necessary if existing companies are going to be able to grow and prosper, if new businesses can be attracted to this region, and if new industry clusters, such as sustainable energy and the biosciences, can be developed here.

Knowing this, area civic and economic development leaders came together late last year with a mission to craft a strategic plan to stabilize and improve the workforce for today and, especially, tomorrow. The first steps in this ambitious initiative were announced late last month, and by all accounts they appear destined to do what the plan’s authors want — create some quasi-immediate results while also generating much-needed momentum for what will be a massive undertaking.

Building a Better Workforce has four main strategic initiatives: establishing universal pre-kindergarten; improving youth education proficiency and career awareness; increasing adult literacy education services; and increasing technical training in high-growth/high-demand industry sectors. The initial steps announced last month address all four, and include a project within the health care sector to increase career pathways for both incumbent workers and external candidates; an endeavor to create opportunities for education and training for those involved with early-childhood education or looking to enter that field; internships, mentoring, and year-round learning opportunities for disadvantaged students (a project funded by several area companies), and efforts to improve adult basic education.

These first steps are being taken out of an awareness that most of Springfield’s workforce-related problems stem directly from high poverty rates and equally high drop-out rates at the city’s high schools. Breaking the cycle of poverty and keeping people in school are the primary directives.

Building a Better Workforce organizers have identified projects that will help bolster early-childhood-education programs — a recognized ingredient in the broader effort to develop learning skills that will enable individuals to compete in a global economy — and also help clear some of those ‘career pathways’ mentioned by all those involved.

The health care initiative, for example, is designed to enroll some lower-skilled workers, such as housekeepers and food-service employees, in a training program to become certified nursing assistants in an acute-care setting. This step up the career ladder is intended to give those individuals involved some confidence, as well as exposure to higher-paying health care positions they will hopefully aspire to.

It all looks good on paper — as do the other first steps in this three-year, $13 million program. As they talked about this plan and its components, those gathered at a recent City Hall press conference used words like ‘ambitious,’ ‘aggressive,’ and ‘critical’ to describe it. But they also used the terms ‘realistic’ and ‘achievable.’

Let’s hope they’re right, because, as Bill Ward, director of the Regional Employ-ment Board of Hampden County, told BusinessWest, Springfield is at a “tipping point” in terms of economic health and vitality. Steps must be taken to ensure that it tips the right way, and Building a Better Workforce appears to be off to a solid start toward accomplishing that mission.

Opinion
Creating a State of Diversity in Massachusetts

‘Inclusion Incorporated’ is an excellent phrase for the new world of hiring and workforce development being faced by corporations and other organizations throughout New England every day.

The cover story with that title in the July 21 edition of BusinessWest focuses tellingly on the many factors that make diversity an economic imperative — a subject that is now urgently discussed in business schools and boardrooms, and would be even if it weren’t so prominent on the political pages.

As Lorie Valle-Yanez of MassMutual pointed out in that story, with Baby Boomers beginning to retire, organizations will need to find large numbers of new employees in the next few years, and they will be recruiting from a pool that is much more diverse than the group checking out. Workplaces that give a cold shoulder to employees of color will soon find themselves short of talent.

One big problem for Massachusetts is its reputation as a place that doesn’t welcome diversity. College recruiters, corporate human-resources directors, and others repeatedly find that talented people of color from other parts of the country are reluctant to locate here. The problem reached its peak during the bitter court-ordered busing conflicts in Boston in the 1970s, but it was simmering for decades before that. And it persists.

Commonwealth Compact, a statewide program, was launched earlier this year to face the problem squarely and turn it around. The stated goal is to make Massachusetts a location of choice for people of color. This is no small ambition, we know. But the response has been so positive, so broad, and so fast that we are encouraged to hope real progress can be made.

Driving our project is the belief that diversity is more than a moral or social issue. Real inclusion of all kinds of people, at all levels of organizations, is absolutely crucial if they hope to thrive in our shrinking world.

Together with a group of more than 50 advisors from all segments of the community, and with the support of Gov. Patrick, the group’s creators agreed to confront honestly the question of how much of the state’s poor reputation is a leftover from busing and how much is still deserved; build on the work of other groups in the field, collaborating to expand their efforts and not competing; and rally a statewide community response.

One first step was a survey by the McCormack School last year of more than 300 boards of directors. It found that 95% of members were white and 87 male in corporations, with numbers only slightly better for non-profit organizations. Other indicators were also discouraging: for instance, in paired tests of couples seeking housing, nearly half of those of color received fewer options or inferior financing.

Commonwealth Compact’s Bench-marks Initiative seeks to encourage organizations of all kinds to respond with individual actions that could be very powerful collectively.

Specifically, organizations are asked to measure annually their own diversity on a detailed list of 25 benchmarks, ranging from board membership through the workforce — including retention and promotion rates vs. white males — to policies relating to customers and suppliers. Individual information is confidential, but the data will be aggregated and reports issued. The object is improvement over time. To date, 125 organizations have signed on, including Staples, Raytheon, John Hancock, Harvard, MIT, UMass, Partners Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

This strong response shows an enormous and heartening appetite to make real progress. To build further, Commonwealth Compact is preparing an online talent database of people of color, and a clearinghouse to connect people with ongoing agencies, programs, and events.

We encourage organizations from all over the state to join the effort, so that inclusion really can be incorporated.-

Robert Turner is the director of the Commonwealth Compact; (617) 287-5579.

Uncategorized

Employing teens has always come with challenges, and that’s more true today than ever.

Raised while multitasking on life’s super technology highway, they can confuse, complicate, and, at times, consternate and at times contribute.

The truth is, every generation thinks higher of their own performance when recalling their teen years. How soon we all forget. Still, the reality for many businesses is that that teens are the employees closest to the customer, the face of their company. To remain competitive and maximize profits, it’s essential that employers capture, leverage, and contribute to the skills that teens can bring to the workplace. But that requires change on the employers’ part.

This is an age group, most born since 1990, whose entire lives have been enveloped in a world of technology, information, and communication change, as well as major shifts in cultural and societal norms. Less attention has been given to personal responsibility, and and basic work ethics are not taught in school or at home. They simply have never heard about the importance of being on time and in uniform, giving respect to a manager/supervisor, communicating clearly, making eye contact, or job commitment significance.

So what’s an employer to do?

Plenty. The following are are some guidelines to an effective strategy to working with teens. I call it catching “WAVES.”

  • Way of Life: This is about improving the workplace environment. Appreciate the fact that young staff members are the way they are. It’s not wrong, it’s not right, it just is. Meet them where they are. Allow some failure. Don’t focus on what they’ve done wrong. Build your relationship by encouraging them on what they are doing right. They can become fiercely loyal if they are taken seriously and treated with respect.
  • First impressions mean everything. Be welcoming, provide social events, and emphasize fun. Celebrate their successes, and not those just from the workplace; learn where they excel away from work. Make a connection to with their parents/, families, and friends.
  • Attitude: They come with an attitude of independence and ‘what’s in it for me?’ If you learn how to feed this, you’ll find highly motivated teens. Provide flexible scheduling and incentives for performance … and don’t make them wait. Instant prize programs are best. Recognize positive behaviors and catch them doing something right. Promote strong performers quickly and give them more responsibility. Patience is not a virtue with teens, so provide variety in job duties. Establish goals and empower them to come up with the answers. You’ll be surprised.
  • Since we are talking about attitude, what about yours? A condescending and inconsistent attitude from anyone with influence at work will send your teen employee out the door and working down the street.
  • Verbal, Video, and Visual Communication: This age group has watched 20,000 hours of TV by the time they are 18. More than six hours per day are spent in front of a video screen. You need to use this technology to your advantage. For example, create a training video for your staff to watch, or use computer programs to train new hires.
  • Names are important, so use their nickname. Applications should be online and your work schedules posted on your Web site. Don’t print mounds of paper and expect the information to be read and retained. Make handbooks and memos less complicated and smaller, while focusing on the most important items for your business success. Enhance communication by using E-mail and text messaging. When available, use computers and DVD training. Create a vibrant workplace through the use of photos and/or videos of your employees at work and away from work.

    • Education, Not Just Training: If training is the ‘how,’ then education is the ‘why.’ This age group requires to know the purpose, the why, behind tasks. Never assume anything, confirm their knowledge, and explain the purpose behind every task.

      Parents and teachers used to prepare teens for the workplace. That does not occur at the same level as it once did. Build education into your training process, and you will find a longer-term, more-committed young workforce. This is the new calling for today’s teen employers. If not businesses, then who?

      • Style Matters: Style is how employees look, the image of your company, and how they are treated at work. Teens care about how they look and how they’re treated. Uniforms shouldn’t embarrass your staff, and your grooming policy should be relevant. Be prepared to justify both to your employees.
      • Be knowledgeable of current teen trends in fashion, music, and entertainment, and pay attention to the techniques and strategies utilized by retailers to get teens to spend their hard-earned money they make working for you. Today’s retailers are very good at motivating teens.

        Teens don’t quit companies; they quit people. As a supervisor of teens, how you carry yourself has a huge impact on performance and retention. Every manager or supervisor needs to be on board with the commitment of getting the most from teens.

        These five principles can be used as overview that will help you determine what would work best for your operation. A fresh approach in working with your teens does not mean that you need to compromise the values and principles of your business. Instead, it should provide the opportunity for you to sharpen your focus.

        Teens can be inspired, motivated, and productive. Today’s teens are the most knowledgeable and adaptive group ever. Don’t judge them through the eyes of when you were a teen … look through theirs. You have nothing to lose, everything to gain, and you’ll have a positive impact on the lives of the teenagers you employ.v

        Ken Whiting is an industry expert on providing solutions for entry-level workforce challenges. His WAVES for Success program teaches companies what inspires young adults and teens to participate, contribute, and excel at work. His new book, ‘WAVES for Teenage Workforce Success,’ provides insights on recruiting, motivating, and retaining;[email protected]

        Sections Supplements
        The Sky’s the Limit at the New England Air Museum
        Michael Speciale

        The more interactive the New England Air Museum becomes, says Michael Speciale, the more interest it’s able to generate.

        Like other museums devoted to aviation and its history, the New England Air Museum has the ‘wow factor’ covered, with displays that excite and inspire people of all ages. But like other facilities of this type, the air museum understands that it must go beyond static displays of balloons, WWII-vintage bombers and ’60s-era spacesuits. There is a growing education element being developed at the Windsor Locks landmark, designed to augment math and science classes — and perhaps prompt young people to enter the still-vibrant field of aviation.

        It takes about two hours to take in everything the New England Air Museum has to offer, from the Army-green war planes of WWII to the luxury of the Excambian, the last of the so-called ‘flying boats,’ to the NASA moon-man, waving at passersby in the lobby.

        Michael Speciale, the museum’s executive director, says the facility does indeed offer a snapshot of aviation history in the U.S., with particular emphasis on the role played by the state of Connecticut, long known for its strength in aviation-focused manufacturing, at firms such as Sikorsky Aircraft, Pratt & Whitney, Hamilton Sunstrand, and others. Still, he said that times are changing; the world is a busy, fast-paced place, and museums with staid collections available for viewing only are no longer taking off as they once did.

        “In the past, it was enough to hand out tickets and let people discover things on their own, but today our visitors, especially kids, need new, exciting things going on,” said Speciale. “It’s our goal to be a vibrant, active museum.”

        In this issue, BusinessWest takes a look at how Speciale and his staff go about that assignment, through a host of recently developed programs designed to educate people of all ages, while also prompting young students to consider careers in aviation-related fields. These programs are aimed at creating a more-interactive attraction that honors the past, but uses the tools of today to teach and inspire.

        Plane Speaking

        About to enter its 50th year in existence, the New England Air Museum got its start in 1959 as the Connecticut Aeronautics Historic Assoc., an organization focused on preserving the Nutmeg State’s aviation legacy.

        Speciale said it didn’t take long before Connecticut residents, veterans, aviation enthusiasts, and others caught wind of the agency and its mission, and thus began making donations of artifacts of all types and sizes.

        “People started bringing things in as early as 1960, and after just a few years, the association knew it needed to find a place to store them,” he said. Around this time, the Conn. Department of Transportation (DOT), which oversees operations at Bradley International Airport, offered the group two WWII-era buildings on the airport grounds to create the beginnings of an aviation museum. “That’s when the artifacts started to come in a big way.”

        From that day on, the New England Air Museum has grown and relocated a few times, but has never left Bradley. In 1979, a tornado that tore through the state damaged airplanes and hangars at the airport, including the two that housed the museum. That prompted a move in 1981 to where the attraction now stands — on Perimeter Road off Route 75 in Windsor Locks. Speciale said the DOT was again instrumental in erecting the museum, offering 58 acres of land and a no-charge lease.

        Today, the museum operates as a private, non-profit business with a $1.3 million annual operating budget, overseen by a 24-person board of directors. The museum employs a staff of 16 (four are full-time), and works with a large cadre of volunteers numbering more than 200.

        Over the past 30 years, the museum has grown from one exhibition hangar to three, packed with historic artifacts including the oldest surviving U.S. aircraft, the Silas M. Brooks Balloon; a vast collection of WWII-vintage planes and memorabilia, the crown jewel being a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, still being restored by volunteers; and an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet like that used in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun.

        “We have some outstanding gems,” said Speciale, “but one thing we didn’t want is to be the kind of museum where people walk in, say ‘that’s cool,’ and that’s it.”

        Thus, there are new developments underway at the museum, and many of these initiatives are aimed at boosting attendance and diversifying the business model to ensure the facility’s longevity as a tourist destination. Speciale said this is a challenge for many cultural attractions across the country, which must compete with one another for visitors who have a multitude of options, but less time and money to spend than ever before.

        “We’re very much like other museums,” he said. “As part of a natural evolution, general interest has declined. It’s a very challenging time for museums; people are busy, their kids are busy, and yet there are more opportunities for leisure-time activities.”

        Last year, the museum welcomed about 61,000 visitors, a figure that’s down about 4% from previous years, said Speciale. To combat that drop in attendance, the facility has been making gradual changes to its repertoire. Some of those have been devised to partner more closely with Northern Connecticut’s robust business sectors, such as space rentals for unique banquets or parties among the massive planes, or for smaller business gatherings in the museum’s meeting rooms. But Speciale said the major focus is on education, and the role the museum can play in preparing today’s young people for the jobs of tomorrow.

        “Our core mission is still to protect and preserve the history of aviation in Connecticut,” he noted. “But we’ve also added several programs centered on education, and I believe these will define our present and our future.”

        Flight Plan

        Most of these new, educational programs have been unrolled at the museum over the past five years. The first, and perhaps most intriguing, is ‘Soar for Science,’ which partners the museum with schools and school districts to provide curriculum-based lessons for students at the middle-school level throughout the year.

        Speciale said the initiative was developed in response to two issues: first, a drop in the number of field trips made by schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut, which, in addition to being increasingly cash-strapped, must now adhere to strict, educational frameworks, and thus only schedule trips that fit into this predetermined model and assist students facing standardized tests.

        The second issue, he added, is an overall lag in interest in math- and science-based career paths — including those in aviation — among the country’s middle-school-aged students.

        “Using the collection, we’ve devised a number of science lessons that teach the laws of motion, and also utilize the collection,” said Speciale, noting, however, that this doesn’t amount to just a souped-up field trip.

        In fact, Soar for Science begins as a relationship between a school and the air museum’s education department, which travels to various school districts and works with teachers and administrators to prepare cohesive lesson plans. The capstone of the partnership becomes the students’ visit to the museum, an all-day affair that includes a tour, lesson, lunch, and finally a hands-on experiment to put theories to the test.

        “Kids spend all day here examining the artifacts, collaborating with each other, and comparing notes,” said Speciale. “Then, there’s follow-up in the classroom.”

        Last year, about 150 classrooms, including some from Springfield and Westfield, benefited from Soar for Science. What’s more, the program is offered free of charge to school systems through a unique sponsorship plan. The cost to accommodate one class is $1,250, and the museum works to secure corporate and foundation sponsors for each.

        Entities such as MassMutual, the Davis Foundation, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Northeast Utilities have picked up the cost of multiple local classrooms, and Speciale said demand is rising.

        Another program unveiled recently at the museum, a ‘scientific literacy’ endeavor, has been funded for three years by the Hartford Foundation of Public Giving. The initiative is less formal than Soar for Science, providing for a team of staff members who are not unlike docents, providing impromptu information and activities to children and families throughout the course of their visit. The grant from the Hartford Foundation provides for staffing and publicity of the program, which Speciale said has been added to an already-robust set of special events held throughout the year.

        These include ‘open-cockpit days’ on one of several large aircraft in the exhibition hangars, the LEGO engineering challenge, often held on the museum grounds, and educational workshops for children and adults, ranging from space science to women in aviation.

        Soon, a third initiative will be added to the list of activities: a new career-education attraction for young people that is now under construction.

        Dubbed KidsPort, the new area will be geared toward students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and teach the ins and outs of various aviation-related careers, from customer-service representatives to cargo handlers to engineers, through a set of child-oriented, touch-screen portals. The area is being constructed in partnership with software-development company Catabia, and is slated for completion this fall.

        Wheels Off the Ground

        Speciale said all of these projects have been developed to create a strong, interactive bond between visitors and the museum’s exhibits.

        “Everything is planned to train and inspire people,” he said as he strolled through the collection, pausing now and again to touch a propeller or wipe a speck of dust away with his thumb. “Overall, I think we’re doing very well.”

        Jaclyn Stevenson can be reached at[email protected]

        Departments

        ACCGS Breakfast Club

        Sept. 3: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield will conduct its first Breakfast Club for the 2008-09 season at 7:15 a.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. William M. Pepin, vice president and general manager of WWLP TV22, will present “Digital Television Transition and How It Will Affect You and Your Business.” Additionally, Allan W. Blair, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., will present an “Economic Snapshot Look at the Regional Economy.” For reservations and more information, call Diane Swanson, events manager, at (413) 755-1313, or via E-mail at [email protected].

        WP Program

        Sept. 10: Speaker Sasha ZeBryk will present “3 Wicked Ways to Win Over an Audience” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in West Springfield, sponsored by the Women’s Partnership, an affiliate of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The event is open to the public with advance registration required. The cost is $25. For reservations and more information, call Diane Swanson, events manager, at (413) 755-1313, or via E-mail at [email protected].

        Book Signing, Free Power-coaching Sessions

        Sept. 10: Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach J. Sheldon Snodgrass, MBA, one of the featured authors in the new book, Guerrilla Marketing on the Front Lines: 35 World Class Strategies to Send Your Profits Soaring, will be signing books and explaining how local business owners can apply the same low-cost methods presented in the book to overcome their most vexing marketing challenges. Sheldon will lead free, 45-minute power-coaching sessions at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce office for eight businesses at a time, from 9 to 11 a.m., and again from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information, call Snodgrass at (413) 244-2294.

        Big E

        Sept. 12-28: The 2008 edition of The Big E in West Springfield will present more than $1.7 million in free entertainment; ticketed concerts featuring Natasha Bedingfield, Sugarland, and Fergie; as well as new exhibits, the Mardi Gras Parade, rides, crafts, tantalizing treats, animals, and the best of the old and new that fairgoers have come to expect and enjoy. The Fair opens Sept. 12, honoring the men and women of the armed services with Military Appreciation Day. All military personnel, immediate families, and veterans with ID will be admitted free on opening day. Notable highlights throughout the fair will include: the Big E Super Circus, the Circus Museum, Sea Lion Splash, and the Harvest New England Kitchen Theater. Also, Cultura 2008, planned on Sept. 14, is a day dedicated to celebrating the many aspects of Hispanic culture, from food and art to music and dance. Musical performances by Latin artists will take place throughout the day at the Food Court. Salsa lessons and dance demonstrations will also be presented. Of course, the Big E’s roots are in agriculture, and that tradition continues by hosting competitions for prize-winning animals from across the country in the largest livestock show in the East. From milking cows to picking pumpkins, the Big E offers a wide variety of farm and outdoor exhibits. Whether in Farm-A-Rama or along the Avenue of Agriculture, animal lovers will observe cows, pigs, sheep, llamas, a chick-hatching exhibit, and a rabbit exhibit, among many other animals. Another Big E tradition is the Avenue of States, where each New England state capitol is represented by a replica of the original. Each building contains the native foods, products, crafts, and tourist information of each state. Big E hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Storrowton Village Gift Shop and the Yankee Candle Shop are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Village Craft Area is open until 10 p.m. The North American Midway is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekends from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Avenue of States hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For tickets, show times, and other information, visit www.thebige.com.

        Dinner Forum

        Sept. 16: The UMass Amherst Family Business Center will host a dinner forum titled “Boundary Issues in Love and Work” from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Northampton. Author Jane Adams will offer techniques and tools that can enable business owners to regulate their personal and professional relationships to get more of what they want and less of what they don’t in all their dealings with other family members, partners, friends, and colleagues. The evening will also feature a talk by Rick Giombetti and Paul Alves of Giombetti Associates titled “What It Takes to Be a Good Follower.” Their presentation will discuss how to recognize someone who can take your lead, pick up the ball and run, understand your vision, and make it real. For more information, call Ira Bryck, director of the Family Business Center, at (413) 545-1537, or E-mail [email protected].

        Instinctive Leadership Series

        Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 28, Nov. 11, Dec. 9: Clear Vision Alliance presents an Instinctive Leadership Workshop Series beginning Sept. 23 at the Baystate Reference Labs Conference Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. The topics for the series are: Sept. 23, “Instinctive Leadership Overview”; Oct. 7, “Relate”; Oct. 28, “Connect”; Nov. 11, “Inspire”; and Dec. 9, “Empower.” Throughout the series, participants will share their own childhood and parenting experiences and will discuss the skills and knowledge of good parenting and relate them to leadership skills that are needed at one’s workplace and in life in general. The cost for one workshop is $65 or $250 for the entire series. For more information, call (413) 283-7091, or E-mail [email protected]. Space is limited and early registration is advised.

        Step-Up-for-Kids Day

        Sept. 16: Every Child Matters Education Fund (ECMEF), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C, whose mission is to make children a national political priority, is working to organize a Step-Up-For-Kids event on the capitol steps of all 50 states on Sept. 16. HCS Head Start Inc. will coordinate a Greater Springfield Step-Up-For-Kids event scheduled for that date on the steps of Springfield City Hall. This event will bring people together in the Greater Springfield area to show widespread public support for new investments in children and families. The desired outcomes of Step-Up-for-Kids Day are to raise public awareness of the needs of children in the Greater Springfield area and across the country and to make children a priority. For more information, call (413) 788-6522; [email protected].

        Dinner Lecture

        October 14: Author Joel Barker will present “You Can and Should Shape Your Own Future, Because If You Don’t, Someone Else Surely Will” from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The dinner forum is hosted by the UMass Amherst Family Business Center. Barker will explain how to create extreme partnerships to transform your company and product; how senior leaders can continuously explore trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts; and how to better anticipate and deal with the effects of change. In addition to Barker’s presentation, the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP will present an educational talk on how to be a savvier user of expert advisers. For more information, call Ira Bryck, director of the Family Business Center, at (413) 545-1537, or E-mail [email protected].

        Departments

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

        Allen, Timothy L.
        Po Box 748
        Chicopee, MA 01021
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        Antonellis, Carl J.
        106 Northridge Road
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Arcidiacono, Shawn R.
        7 Homecrest Ave.
        Ware, MA 01082
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        Arnot, Jane P.
        174 Butterworth Road
        Orange, MA 01364
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Augustino, Christina R.
        103 Gilman St
        Springfield, MA 01118
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Banks, Michael Anthony
        9 Silver St.
        Pittsfield, MA 01201
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Bernier, Richard P.
        Bernier, Christina A.
        61 Prospect St.
        Athol, MA 01331
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        Bonilla, Osiris L.
        143 Kimberly Ave.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Brantley, Tyrone S.
        Brantley, Sabrena M.
        126 West Alvord St.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/07/08

        Bushnik, Jennifer A.
        28 Sumner Ave.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Clarke, Nancy A.
        69 Lathrop St.
        South Hadley, MA 01075
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        Colwell, Richard Owen
        Colwell, Louraine Doris
        a/k/a Brunt, Louraine D.
        17 Callender Ave.
        East Longmeadow, MA 01028
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Currier, Jeremy L.
        57 Cottage St.
        Athol, MA 01331
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        David, Derek J.
        173 S. Main St.
        Athol, MA 01331
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Dearborn, Paula A.
        104 Granby St.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Dudley, Destiny Louise
        108 Victoria St.
        Springfield, MA 01104
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/14/08

        Farrell, Vanessa R.
        80 Damon Road
        Northampton, MA 01060
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/14/08

        Flores, Jasmine Anna
        605 Northampton St.
        Holyoke, MA 01040
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/07/08

        Flowers, Larry G.
        470 Memorial Dr., Apt.
        Chicopee, MA 01020
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Fowler, Eric
        17 Vail St.
        Springfield, MA 01118
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Frazier, Ernest W.
        116 King St.
        Springfield, MA 01109
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/10/08

        Gautreau, Phillip R.
        222 Chapman St.
        Greenfield, MA 01301
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        Gentile, Michael M.
        Gentile, Calli A.
        27 Shirley St.
        Wilbraham, MA 01095
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/10/08

        Gerasimchuk, Nikolay
        Gerasimchuk, Nadezda
        a/k/a Gerasimchuk, Nadezhola
        54 Grenier Dr.
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        Gerber, Stuart M.
        20G Halifax Court
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Grout, Kathryn J.
        39 East Mrytle St.
        Orange, MA 01364
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/05/08

        Gullage, Linda A.
        312 Adams Dr.
        Athol, MA 01331
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Hernandez, Antonio
        Hernandez, Lizette
        137 Kimberly Ave.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/09/08

        Higgins, Elliott
        Higgins, Debbie
        519 East River St.
        Orange, MA 01364
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/09/08

        Hopkins, Bruce D.
        Hopkins, Lori L.
        3618 Chestnut Hill Ave.
        Athol, MA 01331
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Hopkins, Wayne T.
        330 North Brookfield Road
        Barre, MA 01005
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/09/08

        Houle, Travis J.
        Houle, Teresa B.
        a/k/a Kozlakowski, Teresa B.
        5 Raymond Ave.
        Hatfield, MA 01038
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/07/08

        Hunkins, Jeff A.
        P. O. Box 489
        Warren, MA 01083
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/12/08

        Hurwitz, Michael E.
        20 Elizabeth Circle
        Longmeadow, MA 01106
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Inserra, Tammy Josephine
        131 Ashley Ave.
        West Springfield, MA 01089
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Izyk, Richard J.
        48 Biela St.
        Springfield, MA 01104
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        Kreuzer, Sharon A.
        a/k/a Dionne, Sharon
        47 Warren St.
        West Springfield, MA 01089
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Kuntz, Lawrence G.
        173 Pine Grove Dr.
        South Hadley, MA 01075
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

         

        Lajeunesse, Bruce D.
        46 Palmyra St.
        Springfield, MA 01118
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Lalumiere, Mark E.
        147 Beesley Ave.
        Chicopee, MA 01013
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Lamagdeleine, Darryl
        91 Orange St.
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/09/08

        Lillie, Mark K.
        195 Dalton Ave.
        Pittsfield, MA 01201
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/09/08

        Lizana, Ora C.
        a/k/a Huddleston, Ora
        a/k/a Lizana, Ora B.
        52 Pheland St.
        Springfield, MA 01109
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/09/08

        Longo, Barbara Ann
        85 Doane Ave.
        Agawam, MA 01001
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Lopez, Wilfredo
        111 Wollaston St.
        Springfield, MA 01119
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Loughran, Catherine M.
        a/k/a Grosse, Catherine M.
        95 Park Ave. Court #19
        West Springfield, MA 01089
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/07/08

        Mahoney, Ramona M.
        4 Phelps Ave., Apt. 3
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Maloney, Mary C.
        11 Maplelawn Dr.
        Monson, MA 01057
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/10/08

        Mullen, Meghan P.
        110 Draper St.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Olson, Eric W.
        Olson, Jane
        98 Pleasant Hill Dr.
        Feeding Hills, MA 01030
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/10/08

        O’Neill, Edward H.
        O’Neill, Nancy A.
        20 Miner St.
        North Adams, MA 01247
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/10/08

        O’Quinn, Aaron M.
        O’Quinn, Marie C.
        a/k/a Garcia, Marie C.
        813 Berkshire Ave.
        Indian Orchard, MA 01151
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        Parkin Design
        Parkin, Karan E.
        56 Harvard St.
        Springfield, MA 01109
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Pasini, Robert M.
        111 Lumae St.
        Springfield, MA 01119
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/08/08

        Pettibone, Cindy L.
        a/k/a Foote, Cindy L.
        1057 North Westfield St.
        Feeding Hills, MA 01030
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Ramirez, Pedro R.
        Ramirez, Nathilda
        4 Langdon St.
        Springfield, MA 01104
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 06/30/08

        Robinson, Richard Allan
        Robinson, Patricia Anne
        119 Connecticut Ave.
        W. Springfield, MA 01089
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/07/08

        Rodriguez, Miriam
        100 Commonwealth Ave.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/08/08

        Rondeau, Thomas P.
        52 Kenwood Park
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/03/08

        Rusciano, Joseph R.
        Rusciano, Keri A.
        1068 James St.
        Chicopee, MA 01022
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/07/08

        Santiago, Maria C.
        34 Osgood St.
        Springfield, MA 01107
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Sawyer, Jennifer C. G.
        a/k/a Tibbo, Jennifer C.
        10 Dewey Court
        Northampton, MA 01060
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        Simmons, Aretha
        192 Kirk Dr.
        Springfield, MA 01109
        Chapter: 13
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Soriano, Narcisa
        215 Suffolk St.
        Holyoke, MA 01040
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/01/08

        St. Lawrence, Ronald H.
        382 Southampton Road
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Stratford, Richard James
        30 Greenleaves Dr.
        Hadley, MA 01035
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        Tallis, Karen C.
        276 Prospect St Extension
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Thivierge, Michael R.
        140 Union St., Unit 49
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        Torrey, Jason A.
        Torrey, Tricia A.
        19 Congress St.
        Greenfield, MA 01301
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/05/08

        Vega, Alfredo
        55 Horace St.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/02/08

        Williams, Barrington
        Williams, Peggy A.
        26 Claremeont St.
        Springfield, MA 01108
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/11/08

        Williams, David E.
        31 Bryant St.
        Springfield, MA 01104
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/15/08

        Woodruff, Joseph M.
        Woodruff, Melissa B.
        149 Elizabeth Ave.
        Westfield, MA 01085
        Chapter: 7
        Filing Date: 07/08/08

        Departments

        New Workforce- development Plan Launched

        SPRINGFIELD — Highlighting a continued commitment by the Patrick Administration to help revitalize Springfield, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne M. Bump recently joined city officials to launch a new comprehensive Workforce Development Plan. Bump announced $1.275 million in new workforce-development funding, $750,000 of which directly targets the city of Springfield in support of its workforce plan. The funding includes a $475,000 Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant to Baystate Medical Center to increase pathways for lower-skilled incumbent workers by providing certified-nursing-assistant and acute-care training to 10 incumbent workers and 45 external candidates. Additionally, $475,000 in Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant money will be given to the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County to provide 185 participants with access to education and training in early-childhood education with a focus on helping women, minority, non-English-speaking, and economically disadvantaged candidates. In related news, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno will present a proposal to the Springfield Financial Control Board to consider expanding job opportunities to East Longmeadow’s Garden Industrial Park. The control board will make the final decision on the proposal.

        State Labor Market Report Reveals Springfield Lags State in Job Growth

        BOSTON — The state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development recently reported that preliminary estimates show lower unemployment rates over the month in 11 of 22 Massachusetts labor market areas. Strong seasonal hiring resulted in the largest unemployment-rate declines in the Barnstable, Pittsfield, Tisbury, and Nantucket labor market areas. Over-the-year gains were seen in the Framingham, Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, and Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner areas, with the Framingham labor market area recording the largest annual rate of growth. Job levels were off in the remaining labor areas, with the Springfield labor market seeing the largest job declines over the year. Statewide, the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate edged down to 5.2% in July from 5.3% in June. Mirroring state and larger national trends, this rate is up from 4.7% one year ago. All 22 labor market areas recorded higher unemployment rates in July 2008 than in July 2007.

        Gaming Report Addresses Economic Impacts, Employment

        BOSTON — Spectrum Gaming Group recently presented an independent and comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of expanded gaming in the state, following Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal last September to authorize up to three destination resort casinos in Massachusetts. The study noted that each casino would create 3,000 construction jobs and 4,377 permanent jobs, and would add about $2 billion in goods and services to the state each year. Additionally, the study suggests that the casinos would hurt sales from the state lottery in the short term only. The study also noted that the effects of casinos on other businesses will be felt on merchants a relatively short distance from casinos, and would generate $596.7 million a year in total government revenues. Key facts from the study also suggest that the destination casinos could create serious demands on local police. The Mass. Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is currently reviewing the gaming analysis.

        Holyoke To Benefit From Implementation Grant

        HOLYOKE — Mayor Michael J. Sullivan and City Historian Kate N. Thibodeau recently announced that the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded a grant of $399,950 to the City of Holyoke and Wistariahurst Museum to develop a city-wide exhibit and heritage tourism plan called Creating Holyoke. Thibodeau noted that the grant also encompasses collaboration with Holyoke Heritage State Park, the Children’s Museum at Holyoke, the Holyoke History Room of the Holyoke Public Library, and Enchanted Circle Theater. Creating Holyoke’s total budget of $692,970 will allow Wistariahurst Museum and partner organizations to finalize collaboration with humanities scholars and advisers, finish design and fabrication of long-term museum exhibits in three locations, install walking/driving tour panels and way-finding signs, develop teacher guides and curriculum materials, develop a website portal, and implement community programs in the humanities. For more information, contact Thibodeau at (413) 322-5660, or e-mail [email protected].

        Initiative to Improve Connecticut River Underway

        WEST SPRINGFIELD — Five partner organizations in three states — Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont — recently kicked off a multi-year, $1.4 million project to improve the Connecticut River by addressing bacterial-pollution problems, storm water, combined sewer overflows, riverbank erosion, agricultural runoff, and pollution from growth and development. The project is funded by a $953,000 Targeted Watershed Initiative grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, matched by $458,000 in local funding commitments. The project is led by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and major partner organizations include the Connecticut River Joint Commissions, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, UMass Water Resources Research Center, and U.S. Geological Survey, as well as 18 other cooperating partners.

        PPC Headquarters Moves

        SPRINGFIELD — The Paperboard Packaging Council recently relocated its national headquarters to the Sovereign Bank building at 1350 Main St. The trade group closed its former offices in Alexandria, Va., on Aug. 11. As part of the transition, PPC is integrating its management, marketing, communications, data, and industry-analysis operations. For more information, visit www.ppcnet.org.

        Venture-capital Investment Holds Steady at $7.4 Billion

        WASHINGTON, D.C. — Venture capitalists invested $7.4 billion in 990 deals in the second quarter of 2008, according to the MoneyTree Report from Pricewater-houseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Assoc., based on data provided by Thomson Reuters. Quarterly investment activity was essentially flat compared to the first quarter of 2008, when $7.5 billion was invested in 977 deals. Growth in the clean-technology and Internet-specific sectors contributed to the solid level of investing seen in the quarter. The software industry gained top billing as the number-one industry sector in terms of deals and dollars in the second quarter with $1.25 billion going into 219 deals. The number of deals is nearly double the next-highest sector, which was biotech, with 111 deals for the quarter. Industrial/energy companies captured the second-highest level of funding in the second quarter with $1.2 billion being invested in the industry, pushing biotechnology out of the top two for the first time since the second quarter of 2003. The life-sciences sector (biotechnology and medical devices combined) saw a 14% drop in venture-capital investing in the second quarter with $1.9 billion going into 209 deals, a 9% drop in deals from the first quarter of 2008. In related news, U.S.-based venture capitalists invested $583 million into 47 deals in China, nearly doubling investment from the first quarter, when $296 million went into 34 deals. Investments into India by U.S. venture capitalists also jumped, rising 27% to $473 million going into 40 deals, compared to the $373.3 million going into 40 deals in the first quarter.

        Newsrooms Change with Times

        NEW YORK — The American daily newspaper of 2008 has fewer pages than three years ago, the paper stock is thinner, and the stories are shorter, according to a study recently released by the Project for Excellence in Journalism. Titled “The Changing Newsroom: What Is Being Gained and What Is Being Lost in America’s Daily Newspapers,” the report stresses that there is less foreign and national news, and less space devoted to science, the arts, features, and a range of specialized subjects. Additionally, business coverage is either packaged in an increasingly thin stand-alone section or collapsed into another part of the paper. The study also noted that while the crossword puzzle has shrunk and the TV listings and stock tables may have disappeared, coverage of some local issues has strengthened, and investigative reporting remains highly valued. Despite an image of decline, more people today in more places read the content produced in the newsrooms of American daily newspapers than at any time in years. The study notes that, as revenues continue to tumble, editors expect the financial picture only to worsen, and they have little confidence that they know what their papers will look like in five years. The study captures an industry in the grip of two powerful, but contradictory, forces. On one hand, financial pressures sap its strength and threaten its survival. On the other, the rise of the Web boosts its competitiveness, opens up innovative new forms of journalism, builds new bridges to readers, and offers enormous potential for the future. Amid the concerns and cutbacks, the study found that editors still sense their product is improving, not worsening, with more than 56% of editors reporting their news product is better than it was three years earlier.

        Departments

        Willie Ross School Undergoing Enhancements

        LONGMEADOW — The Willie Ross School for the Deaf is undergoing major enhancements on campus that will include $125,000 in new computers and related technology for its classrooms, the installation of energy-efficient windows, and new playground equipment. School administrators are also in negotiations to purchase approximately 37,000 square feet of land behind its campus, which would be used as an educational tool for students. Louis E. Abbate, executive director, noted that the entire project should be completed by 2010, and notes that the school anticipates raising most of the money needed on its own.

        Florence Savings Reaches $1 Billion in Assets

        FLORENCE — John F. Heaps Jr., president of Florence Savings Bank, recently reported that the bank has reached a milestone, surpassing $1 billion in assets for the first time in its 135-year history. The bank’s total assets on June 30 stood at $1.1 billion, up $120 million or 12.4% from the corresponding period last year. The asset growth was the result of continued growth in the bank’s loan portfolio. Additionally, total loans ended the quarter at $671.1 million, up $62 million or 10.2% from June 2007 levels. The loan growth was spurred by residential mortgage loans which increased $48.5 million or 12.2%, and commercial loans that grew $16.7 million or 13.0% in the year-to-year comparison, according to Heaps. Total deposits were $742 million at the end of June, up $71.5 million or 10.7% from June 2007 levels. Heaps credits the deposit growth to the success of its Rewards Checking program, which accounted for $63.2 million of the deposit growth. Since its inception in March 2007, the bank has paid $4.5 million in interest to its Rewards Checking customers.

        The Nut Lady Opens Store

        AGAWAM — Joanne Attardi, founder and CEO of the Nut Lady, LLC, recently moved her business to a large commercial facility at 303 Springfield St. The store is open Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. Attardi founded her company in 1997 from one of her grandmother’s old recipes, and today she has expanded her offerings to include sugar and salt-free nuts. Attardi also notes that all of her products are gluten-free. For more information, contact Attardi at (413) 335-0126 or [email protected], or check out her vendor space at the upcoming Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

        Burlington Coat Factory Partners with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

        SPRINGFIELD — Employees of the Burlington Coat Factory in the city are joining with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in a company-wide initiative to help raise money for the organization that promotes blood-cancer research and awareness. The initiative, Light the Night Walk, runs through Nov. 28, and encourages shoppers to purchase a balloon icon to support the cause, according to Regina Nyman, store manager of the Burlington Coat Factory at 390 Cooley St. In addition, the store’s employees and local members of the community will be invited to join the Burlington Coat Factory team in a local Light the Night community walk. The balloon icons cost a minimum of $1 each. For more information about the company’s fund-raising efforts, contact Nyman at (413) 426-9327.

        Century Center Is Putting on a Fresh Look

        WEST SPRINGFIELD — Century Shopping Center has launched a comprehensive facelift project that includes façade and signage renovations to the 285,000-square-foot retail site. The project was undertaken to keep the site looking “fresh and up-to-date,” according to Century owner Andrew M. Cohen. He noted that the last renovation to the retail site was in 1988. Century tenants include T.J. Maxx, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Big Y, CVS, McDonald’s, Pet Supplies Plus, Bank of America, AutoZone, Party Warehouse, Casual Male, Rainbow Shops, Dot’s, and Payless Shoe. Cohen added that the renovations “will keep us at the top of our game in the face of the economic challenges now confronting the national economy.” The entire project, which will be completed in stages, is expected to take 90 days.

        Big Y Opens in Wilbraham

        SPRINGFIELD — A Big Y World Class Market opened June 26 at 2035 Boston Road in Wilbraham. New England Retail Properties Inc. of Wethersfield, Conn., is leasing the 63,850-square-foot site to Big Y. In this transaction, Matthew Halprin of New England Retail Properties, Inc. was the sole broker. Based in Springfield, Big Y employs more than 9,800 people in its stores, warehouses, and support centers.

        Paychex Sponsors National Payroll Week

        WEST SPRINGFIELD — Paychex Inc., a national provider of payroll and human-resource services with offices in the city, is once again a major sponsor of National Payroll Week, Sept. 1-5. Founded by the American Payroll Assoc., the annual event celebrates the relationship among millions of U.S. workers, their companies, and the payroll professionals who ensure that workers are paid accurately and on time. Paychex is also celebrating 401(k) Day on Sept. 5, which spotlights the importance of employer-sponsored profit-sharing and 401(k) plans.

        Foundation Changes Name

        SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Home for the Elderly, one of the city’s oldest nonprofits, has changed its name to Mason-Wright Foundation. The donor-supported foundation operates the Mason-Wright Retirement Community, with a mission to serve low-income elderly men and women. The community on Walnut Street supports 118 assisted-living, dementia-care and independent-living units. For information, visit www.masonwrightfoundation.org.

        Epstein Financial Moves Offices to Holyoke

        HOLYOKE — At Epstein Financial Group, they’re not “fretting” over a short-term economic slowdown, according to Charlie Epstein, CLU, ChFC, AIF. In fact, Epstein notes that the firm is “confident” about what the future holds. Epstein added that the firm is growing and adding new staff, and recently moved to a larger space in the People’s Bank building at 330 Whitney Ave. For more information, visit www.epsteinfinancial.com.

        Associates Receive National Awards

        EAST LONGMEADOW — The culture at East Village Place centers on creating a community where residents can express themselves to fully experience and celebrate life. Recently, Watermark Retirement Communities recognized five associates from East Village Place, as well as the community itself, with “express your Self” awards, the Director of the Year Award, and the Principle Award, for their dedication, leadership, and creative efforts in fostering this philosophy. Wanda Isales, care attendant, received an award for express your Creativity. Annetta Webley, care attendant, received an award for express your Joy. The new “express” awards are part of Watermark’s express your Self program, which encourages both residents and associates to express their true selves. The awards are presented to associates who, by expressing their passion for creativity, leadership, compassion, and more, are acknowledged for their contribution to the East Village Place community. Bob Sheets, maintenance director, and Jessica Szczepanek, marketing director, received awards for Director of the Year, awarded to the director who has demonstrated leadership excellence by leading his or her community through a successful year. Lastly, Liz Davila, business office manager, has been awarded the Principle Award. The award is given to one individual in the entire Watermark company for his or her “supreme dedication” to upholding the Watermark operating principles.

        FamilyFirst Bank Supports EQLT

        WARE — FamilyFirst Bank’s community commitment to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s special programs for community investment in New England recently resulted in the award of a $1,000 grant to the East Quabbin Land Trust Inc. (EQLT). The program was established to recognize the importance of developing successful community-investment initiatives within partnerships between member institutions and community-based nonprofit organizations, according to FamilyFirst Bank President Michael Audette. Focused on the communities of Barre, Hardwick, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Oakham, Petersham, Ware, and West Brookfield, the EQLT is a local, not-for-profit group that works to permanently protect open space, including farms, fields, woodlands, and riverways, ensuring a high quality of life for generations to come. EQLT Executive Director Cynthia Henshaw said she is grateful for the recognition from FamilyFirst Bank of the important role that land conservation and stewardship play in supporting local communities. “Keeping farmland and forests open are tremendous boosts to our quality of life,” she said.

        Southbridge Savings Closes Branches

        SOUTHBRIDGE — Southbridge Sav-ings Bank announced recently that it is closing its branches in Amherst and West Springfield as a part of a strategic plan to focus on its core market area in Central Mass. The branch in Amherst is located in the Big Y Supermarket at 175 University Dr., while the West Springfield branch is located in the Big Y at 503 Memorial Ave. The bank’s branch in Palmer will remain open.

        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

        United Rentals Inc. v. Titan Roofing Inc.
        Allegation: Breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and negligence: $7,924.80
        Filed: 7/24/08

        HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

        Advance Foam Recycling v. Advance Wire Solutions & Equipment
        Allegation: Non-payment of judgment rendered: $50,685
        Filed: 7/11/08

        Charles Winston v. Commerce Insurance Co.
        Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $43,000
        Filed: 7/15/08

        Heather Carpenter v. Francis Cannizzo, M.D.
        Allegation: Medical malpractice: 180,000+
        Filed: 7/10/08
        Jeane Raudensky v. JGS Family Medical Care
        Allegation: Medical malpractice: $104,423+
        Filed: 7/09/08

        Jeanette Rivera v. Chrysler LLC & Hampden Dodge Inc.
        Allegation: Breach of contract and violation of consumer protection act: $17,000
        Filed: 7/11/08

        NAPA Auto Parts v. Midas-Ludlow
        Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $124,720.22
        Filed: 7/11/08

        William Moran v. City of Holyoke, Holyoke Fire Department, and David Lafond
        Allegation: Discrimination: 100,000
        Filed: 7/11/08

        HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

        Elizabeth Tap v. Holyoke Medical Center Inc.
        Allegation: Negligence in leaving patient unattended in wheelchair while waiting for transportation, causing injury: $11,493.87
        Filed: 7/16/08

        NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

        Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. v. Superior Mechanical Contractors Inc.
        Allegation: Breach of equipment-lease agreement: $4,481.24
        Filed: 7/22/08

        Zap Electric Inc. v. Valley Home Improvement Inc.
        Allegation: Non-payment of electric services rendered: $4,484.49
        Filed: 7/31/08

        PALMER DISTRICT COURT

        A & A Transport v. Nieroda Transport Inc.
        Allegation: Damages stemming from defendant’s conversion of plaintiff’s trailer: $14,278.42
        Filed: 6/27/08

        Northwave America v. Ski In Inc.
        Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,611.44
        Filed: 7/16/08

        SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

        Autoline Marketing Group, LLC v. Sarat Ford
        Allegation: Breach of contract: $2,659.88
        Filed: 5/08/08

        Integrated Illumination Systems Inc. v. Ledlight Illuminated Signs, LLC
        Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,964.44
        Filed: 7/23/08

        Michael St. Andre v. Commerce Insurance Co.
        Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $18,000
        Filed: 5/07/08

        Royal Harvest Foods v. Wellshire Farms Inc.
        Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $8,353.97
        Filed: 5/08/08

        Springfield Chiropractic Sports Rehab Center, LLP v. Premiere Insurance Co. of Mass.
        Allegation: Failure to pay personal injury protection: $4,207
        Filed: 5/08/08

        United Rentals Inc. v. the Coastline Co. Inc.
        Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services for various construction projects: $5,216.04
        Filed: 5/08/08

        Departments

        Witalisz & Associates Inc. of Westfield announced the following:
        • Bernadette Bain joins the firm as a Realtor/Consultant;
        • Grace Sullivan joins the firm as a Broker/Realtor, and
        • Barbara Petrucelli joins the firm as a Broker/Realtor.

        •••••

        Gary Gray has joined Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management Group in Springfield as a Financial Advisor.

        •••••

        Suzanne Cappella of Holyoke and Patricia Bray of Monson have received top honors in lia sophia’s Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers program for outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism.

        •••••

        April M. Beston has been promoted to Branch Manager for Berkshire Bank’s Ludlow branch on Center Street. Beston is responsible for branch sales and operations, new business development, and educating customers on products and services offered by the bank.

        •••••

        Lisa Patenaude has been named Partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka in Holyoke. In addition to her work in the Health Care Services Division, she also works with clients in the manufacturing, real-estate, retail, construction, and personal-service industries.

        •••••

        Dr. David I. Peck attended the fourth annual International Assoc. of Comprehensive Aesthetics (IACA) conference recently in Orlando. Peck’s aesthetic dental case was recognized at the IACA for case success and was chosen by the Aesthetic Eye of the IACA to be displayed at the conference.

        •••••

        Berkshire Bank of Pittsfield announced the following:
        • Eliot Chartrand has joined the bank as a Mortgage Originator and will work out of the Memorial Drive office in Chicopee, and
        • Michael A. Mirski has been promoted to Vice President and Regional Branch Manager for the Pioneer Valley region. Mirski will be located at the bank’s Court Street, Westfield location.

        •••••

        Bryarly C. Lehmann of Bryarly Consulting LLC has been certified as an owner’s project manager by the Massachusetts School Building Authority after completing the authority’s certification process this June. Lehmann is certified to manage, in accordance with the law, all aspects of school-building renovations and new construction for an owner within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as funded by the MSBA.

        •••••

        As part of its expansion into contract surety bonding to local construction firms, the FieldEddy Insurance network has hired Bruce Wilson as Account Executive.

        •••••

        Dr. Sean Dacus joins South Deerfield Family Practice and certified family nurse practitioner Gail Blanchard in providing primary-care medicine for infants through seniors.

        •••••

        Florence Savings Bank announced the following:
        • Kimberly L. Baker has been named Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Administration Officer;
        • Douglas B. Baker has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager of the Williamsburg branch;
        • Toby L. Daniels has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager of the Hadley branch;
        • Sandra P. Smith has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager of the downtown Northampton branch;
        • Beth M. Carr has been elected Vice President of Operations, and
        • Thomas G. Conner has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager for the Easthampton branch.

        •••••

        Peg McDonough has joined Bank of America as a Reverse Mortgage Equity Loan Officer for Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. McDonough will specialize in educating seniors on the benefits of a reverse mortgage and help determine if it’s the right financial tool to meet their individual needs.

        •••••

        New Alliance Bank announced the following:
        • Brandon E. Braxton has joined the firm as a Vice President in the bank’s business-banking unit, and will work out of the Park Avenue, West Springfield office, and
        • David A. Chase has joined the firm as a Vice President in the bank’s business unit, also working out of the West Springfield office.

        •••••

        Michelle N. Theroux has been appointed Vice President of Clinical Services for the Center for Human Development.

        •••••

        Dr. John Tsongalis has joined Northampton Family Practice. He provides primary and preventative care to family members of all ages, from newborns to adults.

        •••••

        Jeffrey J. Trant has been named Director of Lighthouse. Trant will be responsible for the operational and strategic management of the program, as well as the promotion of strength-based recovery practices.

        •••••

        Dr. Steven Weinsier, a cardiologist with specialized training in peripheral vascular disease and coronary interventions, has joined Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s medical staff and Northampton Cardiology Associates.

        •••••

        Grace L. Smith has joined Webster Bank as a Residential Mortgage Officer serving the Greater Springfield market.

        •••••

        The National Assoc. of Workforce Development Professionals announced the election of Keith Hensley, Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development at Holyoke Community College, to its board of directors.

        •••••

        Lisa Christie has been honored for her client service excellence in her work at the branch office of Norm Stafford in South Hadley.

        •••••

        The Scuderi Group of West Springfield has named Bill Wrinn as Director of the company’s global marketing and communications initiatives. Wrinn is responsible for building awareness of the Scuderi Group and the company’s Air-Hybrid Engine to the automobile industry and the investment and business communities worldwide.

        •••••

        Human Resources Unlimited of Springfield has appointed Aimee Bell as Transportation Manager. Bell is a National Safety Council Defensive Driving certified instructor.

        •••••

        Jennifer DeMoe has joined the staff of United Bank as Vice President of Finance.

        •••••

        The Mass. Supreme Judicial Court appointed Jacqueline E. Farrow to a five-year term on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp. Farrow is employed by the Stavros Center for Independent Living, where she serves on the Advocacy Committee.

        •••••

        Gerri Hedblom has joined Park Square Realty’s Westfield office as a Sales Associate. Hedblom has more than five years experience in the local real-estate market, specializing in residential listings and sales.

        •••••

        PeoplesBank has announced that Janice Mazzallo, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, has graduated with honors from the American Bankers Association’s National School of Banking at Fairfield University.

        •••••

        Thomas M. Cleary Jr., D.D.S., has joined the dental practice of Thomas M. Cleary, D.M.D., of Easthampton.

        •••••

        Michael and Traci Connors, owners of Sir Speedy at 1441 Main St., Springfield, announced they were recently honored with a Sir Speedy Century Club Award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes Sir Speedy’s top 100 centers by sales, placing Sir Speedy of Springfield in an elite group of franchises represented worldwide.

        •••••

        Jewish Geriatric Services announced the following:
        • Laurie Lipscomb Alves, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, was awarded Wound Care Certification granted by the National Alliance of Wound Care;
        • Donna Campbell has been honored as a 2008 Massachusetts Long Term Care Foundation Scholarship recipient;
        • Gina Francis-Wilson has been honored as a 2008 Massachusetts Long Term Care Foundation Scholarship recipient;
        • Diana Thamage-Kibodya has been appointed Resident Service Coordinator at Genesis House – Housing for Independent Seniors, and
        • Moira Chiusano will serve as a Social Worker at the Wernick Adult Day Health Care Center.

        •••••

        Franklin County Home Care has named Terrie Edson, R.N., as its Program Director of the Men’s Health Partnership and Women’s Health Network.

        •••••

        Lisa K. Reilly, APR, Assistant Vice President of Advertising and Public Relations for the Retirement Services Division of MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, has completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, allowing her to use the APR professional designation.

        •••••

        Neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Schapiro has joined Baystate Neurology in Springfield. He specializes in the treatment of tumors, spine and pediatric neurosurgery.

        •••••

        Heather Johnson has earned membership with the National Association for College Admission Counseling. She is an educational consultant specializing in boarding school and college guidance. She is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a member of the New England Association of College Admission Counselors.

        •••••

        Primary care physician Dr. Ritika Bhatt has joined Baystate Medical Practices in Springfield.

        Departments

        Lessons in Teamwork

        Michelle Abdow, left, and Janet Casey, principals with Market Mentors LLC, a full-service marketing firm based in West Springfield, take time out to pose with Red Sox players Kevin Cash, left, and Tim Wakefield while shooting a TV commercial in Boston for one of their clients, St. Germain Investments. Market Mentors is the exclusive booking agent for Cash and has access to athletes in a variety of professional sports organizations.  


        Down to a Science

        Below, Shavonna Johnson, Kayla Johnson, and Amelia Gonzales send the robots they built and programmed into a maze, as part of a week-long Robotics Camp at Springfield Technical Community College. The camp introduced middle-school children to education for high-paying careers in engineering technologies. At right, Danielle Miles, Tyeisha Prophet, and Tyles Graves set up a robot display to greet guests at the camp’s open house. The free camp program at STCC was funded by the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County.


        Code Green

        Kurt Rockstroh, president and CEO of Steffian Bradley Architects, recently addressed Baystate Medical Center employees and media members on the various ways in which Baystate’s $259 million “Hospital of the Future” project will use environmentally friendly techniques in both construction and operation. The expansion project will incorporate, among other things, a ‘green roof’ park-like area accessible to patients and employees; energy-efficient systems for lighting, heating, and cooling the facility; and large-scale recycling of materials from the Porter-Harris building, which will be demolished to make way for the expansion.


        Concerted Effort

        STCU Credit Union, in partnership with STCC and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, staged a series of four free concerts this summer on the STCC Green. Each concert was sponsored by a different area radio station. The first concert, seen here, featured a local group, the Dan Kane Singers.