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As the calendar turns to 2010, business owners and managers should be thinking about resolutions, especially those involving effective planning.

Here are several types of planning that decision makers should consider critical for the year ahead.

Strategic Planning: Take time to research how to go about doing strategic planning and with whom. Perhaps the company can do it on its own, or perhaps it should hire a facilitator. In any case, set aside one or two days for strategic planning. This is one of the most critical blueprints every business should have, and it should be done at least once a year. This process should include owners and key staff members and perhaps outside consultants and independent parties as well.

Technology Planning: Each business should minimally have an internal staff member or an outsourced consultant to guide every company through the rigors of changing and updating technology. Time should be set aside for owners and key staff to be educated on a continuous basis. Technology will drive efficiencies, productivity, and revenue for most companies.

Employee / Staff / HR Planning: Each business today minimally needs either a staff person or an outsourced consultant to keep them up-to-date with the constantly changing compliance issues involved with having employees. Additionally, this planning model should include internal company issues, benefit packages, recruiting, retaining, and staying competitive. Any company that has employees should have a handbook minimally. The handbook should be reviewed annually.

Succession and Long-term Planning: Depending on the size of the company and the owner’s philosophy about life and business, succession and long-term planning for a company, the owners, and key staff should be a priority. If the owner of a company has done a good job addressing his or her own retirement and succession issues, then the company will continue to thrive. Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear, so the more effort the company puts into proper planning for the owners and key personnel, the better chance it has to continue. Even if an owner indicates an unwillingness to do succession planning, then certainly having a plan that indicates when and how to sell or liquidate the company is important.

Tax Planning: This has been pretty much accepted as an annual task by most business owners and key personnel; however, it’s still surprising just how many businesses make decisions, take on risk, and do business without properly understanding the tax consequences of their decisions.

Budgeting and Financial Planning: I just can’t imagine a business — or an individual, for that matter — not making budgeting and financial planning a priority on an annual basis. Unfortunately, many, many businesses fail to do annual budgeting and financial planning. The budgeting process should include solid projections relative to revenue, expense planning, and profit expectations. This planning should also include cash-flow projections that take into account what capital expenditures need to be made, how much debt will be paid down, or how much debt or equity will be required to run or capitalize the business. The budget or financial plan should include the company’s ‘wish list’ for the coming year, and typically that list includes the items or initiatives from the strategic plan and all of the other planning during the year. The budget should be the by-product of all of the annual planning that has been done.

Kevin Vann is a principal with the Springfield-based Vann Group; (413) 543-2776.

Departments

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

Acevedo, Steven
81-83 _Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Adamczyk, Diane
30 Butler Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Algie, Elizabeth
34 Hazen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Alley, Douglas W.
50 Chestnut St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Arrastia, Erika H.
50 Biddle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Authier, Ronny W.
Authier, Karen J.
42 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Badillo, Robert
Hague-Badillo, Megan K.
169 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Bahamundi, Israel
289 Fernbank Road, Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Barnes, Amy B.
6 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Barnes, Timothy P.
6 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Barrett, Mary C.
100 Circle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Beals, Elliott
140 Joy St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Bontempo, Elizabeth J.
1139 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Borges, Ruth J.
105 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Bronner, Jillene M.
39 Vicardav Ave.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Bryant, Michelle D.
558 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Camilleri, Richard P.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Cantoni, John M.
150 Church St., Apt. 2
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Carson Ovitt Carpentry
Ovitt, Rene Carson
7 East Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Carter, Donald L.
Carter, Mary L.
112 Drury Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Casineau, Arthur Roy
4 John Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Chamberlain, David R.
39 Catalpea Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Cheney, Pearl S.
735 Memorial Dr., Lot 2
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Chouinard, Benjamin J.
415 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/09

Chrystal, Donna M.
a/k/a Tatro, Donna M.
27 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Cockcoros, Maria P.
559 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Collins, Alexis
79 Tokeneke Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Condon, Judy L.
1321 Brimfield Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Coulombe, Aimee B.
24 Nashawannuck St., 1
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Czubryt, Keith Allen
32f First St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/09

Davila, Joel E.
73 Meadow St., 2nd Fl.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Davis, Donald V.
110 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Dawson, Douglas E.
50 Squirrel Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Deedy, Carol E.
P.O. Box 1048
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Dion, Kevin Scott
83 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Duffy, Kathleen Frances
24B Sunflower Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Dupont, David F.
5 Anderson St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Figueora, Pauline
a/k/a Fuentes, Paulina
21 Clayton St. Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Fuhrmann, Jeffrey Todd
162 Woodlawn Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Gedmin, Frank S.
45 Larchly Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Gibson, Paulette D.
136 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Gondek, John A.
1366 Park St., Apt. 2
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Green Thumb Garden Florist
Hill, Robin L.
Hill, John S.
37 Boulay Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Groleau, Chad A.
90 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Hastings, Francis Adam
Hastings, Laura Lee
1790 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Hebert, Lynn Marie
143 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Henrich, Floyd F.
P O Box 464
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/09

Hernandez, Ileana I.
65 Beverly Lane
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Hickling, Linda A.
a/k/a Rosazza, Linda Anne
321 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Holland, Jon D.
Bouchie, Lisa M.
117 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Hussain, Samina E.
30 Wyndward Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Hutchinson, Gail M.
229 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Jennison, Deborah L.
38 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Jones, Amie Marie
156 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Joubert, James Y.
Joubert, Kathleen M.
15 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Knowles, Keith W.
Knowles, Elaine P.
a/k/a Sawin, Elaine P.
240 Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Kouzmouk, Roman V.
114 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Kreinest, John T.
689 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

 

Laboy, Nilsa E.
179 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Langlois, Margarita
2 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Lawlor, William E.
112 Ryan Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Lebron, Margarita
253 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Liquori, Lisa A.
84 Highland St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Lombardi, James M.
Lombardi, Dianna M.
P.O. Box 291
Otis, MA 01253
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Longo, Bobbie C.
1440 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

MacBeth Enterprises
Demoe, Scott B.
P.O.Box 2528
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Mancini, Andrea Y.
110 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Matthews, Michelle A.
131 Ashley Ave., Apt. A4
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

McMillan, Misty V.
a/k/a Eastman, Misty V.
a/k/a Eastman-Saalfrank, Misty V.
61 Overlook Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Mills, Pamela J.
Leist, Pamela J.
34 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Mills, Richard
145 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Monterosso, David M.
83 Williamsburg Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/09

Murray, Kim T.
92 Pine Grove Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Nieves, Harry
126 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Noel, Sylvain
Noel, Melissa
105 Laurel St.
Apartment 12B
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Ouimette, Kate J.
70 East St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Pettit, David A.
Pettit, Brenda L.
51 Draper Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Plasse, Paul G.
Plasse, Angela H.
25 Smith St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Poirier, Walter J.
87 Bellevue Dr.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Pollack, David A.
Pollack, Joyce A.
60 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Rauh, Albert E.
132 Magazine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Rivera, Angel
4 Locust St., Apt. 1R
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivera, Angel L.
PO Box 5090
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivera, Orlando
370 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivera, Sylvia E.
116 Stockman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivers, Sterling F.
45 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Robinson, William H.
Robinson, Ellen A.
502 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Rosa, Milagros
837 State St., Apt. 505
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Royland, Randy C.
Royland, Tiffany L.
a/k/a Bentancourt, Tiffany L.
a/k/a Neron, Tiffany L.
919 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Ruiz, Jose
837 State St., Apt. 440
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Scott, William L.
470 Memorial Dr., Apt 205
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Scribner, Linda K.
129 Old Stage Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Seddon, Faith Ellen
272 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Sherman, Diane S.
27 Montgomery Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Smith, Floyd James
Smith, Donna Mae
176 Brighton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Staelens, Jacqueline T.
12 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Stroganow, Peter
259 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Sunkist Tanning
Lavallee Custom Design
Lavallee, Stephen C.
Lavallee, Tina M.
PO Box 217
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Suriner, Peter M.
14 South Willow St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Taylor, Calvin L.
Taylor, Ann M.
32 Lewis St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Taylor, Charles F.
379 East St. #1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

TB’s Custom Woodworking Inc.
Brogle, Thomas Alan
233 South Shirkshire Road
Conway, MA 01341
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

The Wandering Wolf Gift Shop
Lennox, Richard H.
Lennox, Marie L.
a/k/a Gilbert, Marie
51 Bald Mountain Rd
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Thivierge, Cheryl Lynn
228 Old County Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Thompson, James R.
41 Elf Hilll Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Walhovd, Laurie A.
19 Crescent Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Walsh, Marion Doane
137 South Main St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Wark, Lourie J.
7 Nina Pierce Circle, Apt. 3
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Williams, Brian E.
Williams, Wendy D.
59 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Wrisley, Shawn S.
Wrisley, Alicia
a/k/a Henriquez Arenas, Alicia Beronica
61 Garfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Wynne, Christopher H.
40 Celestine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Zanoli, Raymond G.
Zanoli, Donna M.
36 Czepiel St
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Departments

A Primer on 201 CMR 17

Peritus Security Partners staged an informational seminar on the state’s new personal-information-security law on Dec. 2 at Spoleto restaurant in Northampton. Several business owners and managers were given a detailed briefing on the specifics of the measure and the steps for being in compliance. From left are Charlie Christianson, president of Peritus; Trish Tessier, office manager for the company; Bob Mathiason, vice president of Sales for Peritus; Kurt Baumgarten, vice president of Information Security for Peritus; and Kim Klimczuk, Esq., a partner with the Northampton-based firm Royal & Klimczuk, who provided a legal overview of the measure.


A Cut Above

Since 2007, cosmetology students (under the supervision of licensed instructors) have provided more than 500 free haircuts to veterans at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield. The school originally offered these free services exclusively on Veterans’ Day, but because of an overwhelming response, they increased the frequency to every eight weeks. Six times per year, veterans visit the school by the busload and enjoy a morning or afternoon of pampering and conversation with the cheerful students. This contribution was recently recognized by the West Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services and Veterans’ Council. On Nov. 14, the West Springfield Veterans’ Council staged its 8th Annual Veterans’ Memorial Breakfast at St. Thomas School. Here, Paul J. DiGrigoli (left), owner and president of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, receives the 2009 “Business of the Year” award from WSVC Treasurer Dorothy Richard. Looking on is master of ceremonies and WSVC President Dr. Frederick Conlin Jr. (U.S. Marines – Korea).


Comcast Digital Connectors

On Nov. 30, Comcast and One Economy were joined by elected officials and community leaders at the Urban League of Springfield to kick off a major digital learning and service initiative. The Comcast Digital Connectors program teaches teens and young adults from diverse, low-income backgrounds how to use broadband technologies and how to put that knowledge to work to increase digital literacy in the greater community. David Cohen, executive vice president of Comcast, was on hand to help celebrate the launch, and various elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Richard Neal, State Rep. Benjamin Swan, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and others, also attended and showed their support. In the Comcast Digital Connectors program, teams of high-school students, who attend New Leadership Charter School in Springfield, will gather at the Urban League three times a week after school throughout the year to learn digital literacy skills. The young people will then volunteer their time at community-based organizations, senior centers, churches, and even their own homes to help improve digital literacy. Additionally, they will be mentored by local Comcast employees, who will help develop leadership skills among the young people and lend expertise. From left are state Rep. Michael Kane; Swan; Kateri Walsh, Springfield city councilor; Sarno; Doug Guthrie, senior vice president of Comcast’s Western New England Region; Leon Crosby, Urban League of Springfield Digital Connectors Program director; Cohen; Neal; Henry Thomas, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield; Rey Ramsey, CEO of One Economy; and Karla Ballard, National Director of Digital Connectors.


Celebrating 40 Years on the Air

WTCC, the college radio station at Springfield Technical Community College, celebrated 40 years of broadcasting at an anniversary showcase at the college on Dec. 12. A number of area bands performed for the large crowd gathered in the school’s auditorium, including Jus’ Us, seen here. The event was broadcast live on 90.7 FM.


After 5

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield collaborated with the Lexington Group in West Springfield and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield for a special holiday bash on Dec. 9. The event was a double celebration — the Lexington Group’s 20th anniversary, and the chamber’s annual holiday After 5 gathering, staged the past two years in conjunction with YPS. More than 150 area business people were in attendance for the event, which featured a raffle, entertainment, lots of networking, and a chance to see some of the Lexington Group’s offerings in office furniture. Above left, James O’S. Morton of the YMCA of Greater Springfield and Carol Moore Cutting of WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM shared laughs and holiday cheer. Above right (from left), Kelly Zelta of Aflac, Jackie Fallon of FIT Solutions, and Drew Ritter of Mass. Rehab Commission gather for a picture. 

Opinion

Let’s face it, 2009 certainly wasn’t anything for the business community to write home about.

For many, this was a year to simply hang in and hang on, a time when “flat” translated into “pretty darned good.” For businesses large and small, this was a time best forgotten — and soon.

But there were some rays of sunlight that somehow managed to break through the clouds, some stories that offer hope of better times for those who live, work, and own businesses in the Pioneer Valley. Here are five, listed in reverse order of importance, in our view, of course.

5. A Focus on Literacy

OK, we can toot out own horn a little. Actually, it’s not our horn. Yes, BusinessWest created a new recognition program called Difference Makers, so-named to honor those who are making a difference in our community, and its first class was honored last spring. That was a good story; the better story came about a few months later when one of this year’s Difference Makers, Bill Ward, director of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, and that group’s project manager, Maura Geary, approached us with the idea of putting all of our winners to work.

That suggestion led to an ambitious project called ‘Creating a Culture of Literacy One Book at a Time.’ This past summer, the five Difference Makers helped collect hundreds of books donated to Hasbro Summer Learning Program, and agreed that all future winners of this award would continue to focus time, energy, and imagination on a matter of vital importance to the health and well-being of this region.

4. Qteros Lands in Chicopee

A little over a year ago, the news was that this region was going to lose Qteros, a company trying to revolutionize ethanol production by using not corn, by common switch grass, to the eastern part of the state. However, through the efforts of the company’s principals and some economic-development leaders in this region, the company has made good a commitment to maintain a noticeable presence in this area.

It will do so in a research and production facility that will be located in a new office facility at Westover in Chicopee. Having Qteros in this region will provide some jobs and some additional vibrancy in the Westover area, but perhaps more importantly, it will provide inspiration to fledgling ‘green’ businesses, while sending a message that they can do business in this area code.

3. UMass Comes to Downtown Springfield

It was announced recently that UMass Amherst will be locating one of the university’s programs “an urban design center ” in one of the buildings in Springfield’s Court Square early next year. The move indicates a firm commitment on the part of the university to play a substantial role in economic-development efforts in the region’s largest city.

And the better news is that all those involved with this endeavor say it is merely the beginning of efforts designed to make UMass more of a force in the City of Homes.

2. More Signs of Progress Downtown

Springfield’s central business district still has a long way to go in terms of returning to the vibrancy evident decades ago. But there were a few big steps in the right direction taken in 2009. They include the arrival of the Springfield Armor basketball team, a Developmental League franchise that should bring more people downtown; the opening of a new restaurant, Hot Table, in Tower Square; and, especially, successful efforts to re-tenant the former federal building with Springfield School Department offices, some employees of Baystate Health, and other agencies.

Together, these developments represent real progress in the work to bring more downtown ‘ to live, work, and play.

1. The High-performance Computing Center

Six months ago, hardly anyone in this region knew what a high-performance computing center was. In truth, many still don’t know today, but the picture is starting to come into focus. A center, which brings unprecedented amounts of computing power together in one place, is going to be built in Holyoke, thanks to an impressive partnership effort involving UMass, MIT, Boston University, Cisco, and a host of other players. Holyoke was chosen because of the vast amounts of inexpensive, ‘green” energy produced by that city’s hydroelectric facilities.

The center will create only a few dozen jobs to start, but there is enormous potential for this facility to attract government agencies, businesses from several different sectors, and support services.

This was easily the biggest and best story in a year when there was little competition.

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Applied Chemistries Inc., 619 Silver St., Agawam, MA 01001. Brian C. St. Pierre, 90 Maple St., Southampton, MA 01073. Manufacture chemicals/technical consulting.

CHICOPEE

Argus Security Corporation, 63 Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Anthony R. Gomez, 44 Eldridge St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Security services.

HAMPDEN

CU Companion Inc., 2 Country Club Dr., Hampden, MA 01036. Glenn David Goodman, 195 Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Provider of services to credit unions.

LONGMEADOW

Springfield Lacrosse Club Inc., 870 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Keith Bugbee, 14 Moosehorn Road, West Granby, CT 01090. Lacrosse training, instruction, practice, and competition.

SOUTHWICK

Southwick Acres Inc., 91 Jered Lane, Southwick, MA 01077. Janice S. Lafrance, same. To own and operate a campground.

 

SPRINGFIELD

AJI Sales Corporation, 468 Walnut St., Springfield, MA 01105. Anthony J. Impoco, 41 Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Fresh poultry and egg sales.

Medical Knowledge Institute Inc., The, 136 William St., Springfield, MA 01105. Peter J. Bittel, same. Engage in any religious, charitable, scientific testing for public safety.

Solution Inc., 80 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01103. Paul Ramesh, 172 Nottingham St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Cargo vessel.

Viviano Soccer Academy Inc., 121 Brandon Ave., Springfield, MA 01119. Ciro Viviano, same. Soccer league.

WILBRAHAM

Kinase Inc., 28 Stonyhill Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095.Kyung Won Kim, 215 Cislak Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Real Estate.

Departments

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
www.myonlinechamber.com  
(413) 787-1555

Jan. 6: ACCGS Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, West Springfield. Speaker: John Pantera, Elements Therapeutic Massage. Cost: members $20; non-members $30.

Jan. 7: West of the River Wine Tasting, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Studio Sergei, West Springfield. Cost: general admission $20, members $10.

Jan. 15: ERC 5 Business Information Forum, 7:45 to 9 a.m., hosted by Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Greenhalgh Gymnasium Board Room, Wilbraham. No admission cost.

Jan. 20: Women’s Partnership Business Expo, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sheraton Springfield. Cost: $75 for table/lunch.

Jan. 27: Executive Power Networking, 7 to 9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield. Cost: members $20; non-members $25.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Jan. 21: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., hosted by Smith’s Billiards, 207 Worthington St., Springfield. Cost: free for members; non-members $5, includes food and cash bar.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Jan. 13: Breakfast and Chamber Annual Meeting, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Courtyard by Marriott.
Jan. 27: After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

Jan. 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Days Inn, 450 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: members $18; non-members $25. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

Jan. 27: Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by Cafeno Cyber Cafe, 76 Main St., Chicopee. Cost: registered members $5 ($7 at the door); non-members $15.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

Jan. 26: Economical Development Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., hosted by Yankee Pedlar, Holyoke. More details will be forthcoming.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

Jan. 8: Legislative and Economic Forum with AIM (Associated Industries of Massachusetts), 9 to 11 a.m., hosted by Mestek Inc., 260 North Elm St., Westfield. Guest speakers: Rick Lord, president and CEO of AIM; and Brian Gilmore, AIM’s executive vice president for public affairs. An informal briefing on several political and economic issues important to the Commonwealth’s employer community. AIM stands for an economic policy that balances key public investments with a competitive cost structure that keeps jobs in Massachusetts. For reservations, contact Marcia Kielb at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].

Jan. 13: WestNet After 5 Event, hosted by Springfield Teachers Credit Union, 453 East Main St., Westfield. Food and beverages provided by Tucker’s Restaurant, Southwick; BusinessWest; and Silver Member Easthampton Savings Bank. Cost: members $10; non-members $15. For reservations, contact Marcia Kielb at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].

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

Jan & Lydia Wanat v. Sturdy Home Improvement Inc. and Adam Lucey
Allegation: Breach of contract for installation of windows on the plaintiffs’ home: $17,500+
Filed: 10/29/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Baron P. Spencer v. Heat Fab Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property, causing personal injury: $296,585.44
Filed: 11/13/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

American Express Bank FSB v. Francis & Phil Beaulieu & Son Home Improvement Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract on credit card accounts: $49,417.60
Filed: 10/13/09

Bank of America v. the Hot Spot Corp.

Allegation: Breach of contract and monies owed on credit card account: $33,679.27
Filed: 9/01/09

Christopher Eldridge v. Salty Dog Saloon Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $98,754.17
Filed: 10/07/09

Independent Expert Panel, LLC v. Patient EDU, LLC
Allegation: Action for breach of a consulting agreement: $68,280
Filed: 10/15/09

Julius & Dimitra Kenney v. GFI Prospect Development, LLC
Allegation: Enforcement of a judgment entered in district court: $62,142.70
Filed: 10/16/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

James Chicoine v. Paradise City Tavern
Allegation: Overcrowding of facility and negligent property maintenance, causing personal injury: $67,261.14
Filed: 11/02/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Cappaccio Home Improvement v. 33 Washington Street Apts.
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials for construction and repair work: $6,395
Filed: 11/04/09

SimplexGrinnell, LLC v. CAP Development Inc. and Trak Petroleum, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $27,320
Filed: 10/20/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

East Coast Orthodontic Laboratory Inc. v. Bruce S. Fieldman, D.M.D., P.C.
Allegation: Non-payment of orthodontic products sold and delivered: $14,180.22
Filed: 10/26/09

Liberty Mutual v. A&T Taxi & Livery, LLC
Allegation: Unpaid balance on workers’ compensation insurance: $27,778.86
Filed: 10/27/09

Liberty Mutual v. Bog Cat Builders Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid balance on workers’ compensation insurance: $7,618.24
Filed 10/27/09

Liberty Mutual v. D. Curring Trucking Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid balance on workers’ compensation insurance: $6,041.28
Filed: 10/27/09

Liberty Mutual v. J.G. Plastering Inc
Allegation: Unpaid balance on workers’ compensation insurance: $10,925.07
Filed: 10/27/09

Liberty Mutual v. J.B. Silva Co.
Allegation: Unpaid balance on workers’ compensation insurance: $9,351.10
Filed: 10/27/09

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. v. Omniglow, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of shipping charges: $4,422.12
Filed: 10/29/09

Plimpton & Hills Corp. v. Lessard Plumbing & Heating
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $19,986.53
Filed: 10/27/09

Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2009.

AGAWAM

John Kudlic
493B Springfield St.
$16,500 — New roof

AMHERST

Hampshire College
Bay Road
$12,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Engineering Associates
1247 East Main St.
$27,000 — Construct a 15-by-34-foot covered drive-thru area

EASTHAMPTON

City of Easthampton
413 Main St.
$20,000 — Renovate existing space

Easthampton Congregational Church
116 Main St.
$12,000 — Construct three meeting rooms

Fedor Realty Trust
36-40 Union St.
$2,000 — Create separation between food prep and food service area

Joseph Shu
334 Main St.
$1,500 — Repair stairs

Michael Schrauben
86-90 Cottage St.
$30,000 — New roof

Sansom, Sands, & Chandler, LLC
238 Northampton St.
$75,000 — Fitout 1,000 square feet for nephrology suite

GREENFIELD

Rosenberg Property, LLC
311 Wells St.
$9,600 — Replacement of branch line in sprinkler system

Town of Greenfield
321 High St.
$126,000 — New roof

HADLEY

Amherst Developmental Partners
360 Westgate Center Dr.
$98,750 — New roof

Manny’s
7 South Maple St.
$1,500 — Interior renovations

W.S. Development Associates, LLC
337-357 Russell St.
$75,000 — New racking at Bed Bath & Beyond

HOLYOKE

Albert Lafleur
399-403 Hillside Ave.
$15,000 — New windows, siding, and sidewalk

Mark Cudding
28 Appleton St.
$178,000 — Re-roof C&D electronics lab

LUDLOW

Anthony Mateus
5 Pell St.
$10,000 — Alterations

 

Ludlow Boys & Girls Club
91 Claudia Way
$6,000 — Installation of a shade structure

NORTHAMPTON

Biapita
15 Cherry St.
$11,400 — Interior renovations

David W. Biddle
184 Main St.
$27,000 — Renovate space for restaurant use

J-Barc Inc.
25 Pleasant St.
$76,000 — Interior renovations at the Pleasant St. Theatre

J-Barc Inc.
25 Pleasant St.
$189,000 — New fire escape addition and exterior renovations

James Jipe
70 Maple St.
$35,000 ­— Construct knee walls and new floor

Meadow Preservation Associates, LTD
491 Bridge St.
$1,262,000 — Demolish and replace building #21 foundation only

Smith College
100 Elm St.
240,000 — Install roof mounted photovoltaic solar panel system at the campus center

SOUTH HADLEY

Fire District #1
144 Newton St.
$24,000 — New roof

SOUTHWICK

New England Retail
215 College Highway
$1,031,000 — Construction of a new CVS store

SPRINGFIELD

155 Maple Trust Associates
155 Maple St.
$73,000 — New roof

Baystate Health Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$45,000 — New roof

J & C Alliance LLC
1192 State St.
$12,000 — Alter space for tattoo parlor

Michael Marshall
17A Rutland St.
$14,000 — Change of use from office to take-out restaurant

Three Pointer LLC
836 Bay St.
$29,000 — New roof

WESTFIELD

Home Depot
50 Campanelli Dr.
$16,329,000 — Construction of a new distribution center

Westfield Shops
East Main St.
$20,000 — Repairs for car accident at BonTon

Sections Supplements
It’s Good for Public Relations, Good for the Bottom Line

Lock four business professionals in a room, and chances are you’ll get four different opinions about what ‘sustainability’ means. Some may see it as a way that corporations can help stop global warming. Another might say that global warming is a lie, and corporations are wasting their time spending money trying to save the environment. Still others may say sustainability is simply replacing Styrofoam cups with paper or coffee mugs that can be washed.

The truth is that there really is no one definition of sustainability and all of the above answers have a kernel of truth. By adopting a sustainability plan, a company can take steps that may reduce their carbon footprint. Even if you don’t believe in global warming, your company may still see a financial benefit in switching from electrical heat to natural gas. But no matter how you slice it, sustainability is the new corporate buzzword, and, like it or not, the public is watching.

Right now most American companies are about a decade behind European companies when it comes to understanding what sustainability is and how a company can use sustainability efforts to not only save money but position themselves ahead of their competition. Sustainability efforts are no longer just being undertaken by hemp clothing retailers in San Francisco. In July 2009, Wal-Mart announced a major restructuring of the way it handles packaging and vendors based on a new sustainability index. And we all know that once a company like Wal-Mart is on board, the business landscape changes.

A modern sustainability program is based upon the idea of a triple bottom line, which refers to a company’s economic viability, its social responsibility, and environmental responsibility. Adopting a sustainability program doesn’t mean that your company has to generate all of its own power and convert its fleet to battery-operated cars. It simply means deciding what types of graduated steps you’d like to adopt to show social and environmental responsibility and then letting the world know what you’re doing through an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report.

“CSR reports are just starting to catch on among American businesses. A good example is one that is on the Starbucks Web site,” explains Kretz. “If you look at the Starbucks report, you’ll see that the company outlines various initiatives that it is undertaking to minimize its environmental impact and give back to the communities that it serves. For example, they talk about their transition to only selling fair-trade coffee beans, powering their stores with renewable-energy sources and employee volunteer programs. When you read it, you begin to understand that Starbucks hasn’t undergone a drastic transition. Rather, they are implementing something gradual but purposeful — and looking good while doing it.”

Winning the PR Battle

One of the benefits of developing a sustainability strategy is the fact that it automatically opens your company up to positive public-relations opportunities. The number of consumers who value environmental and sustainability efforts is growing every day, and by communicating your actions to those who are interested, you are positioning your company to look more attractive versus a company that has no sustainability plan.

“There are Web sites devoted to help interested people find information about what companies are doing with regard to sustainability,” says Kretz. “CSR reports are indexed and readily available online. And it’s important that they’re accessible because many consumers and business will refuse to patronize a business that isn’t implementing at least some type of sustainability initiative.”

A perfect example of using sustainability practices for PR comes from Kostin’s homebuilding clients. Many are building higher-end homes in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specs because, in a tough home market, a LEED rating can be the difference between a home selling or languishing on the market for months.

A commitment to sustainability also helps with internal PR because studies have shown that employees — especially younger ones — look favorably upon such efforts. A CSR is an easy way to illustrate your company’s commitment to sustainability, which can also be of use when hiring.

Going Green Means Saving Green

Remember that a good sustainability program is supposed to contribute to a company’s triple bottom line. This means that a good sustainability campaign will also help save the company money.

There are a number of ways that a company can help the environment and save money at the same time. The easiest way to do this is by taking advantage of the numerous tax credits and incentive programs for installing energy-saving equipment or replacing older equipment with newer, more efficient items. The recent stimulus packages included more than $61 billion in credits and grants for energy conservation.

Some examples of the government credits available are for adding insulation to your home and purchasing hybrid vehicles. On the business side, there are grants available for solar panels and wind, power, tidal, and geothermal power. Of course, these programs start and end all the time, so speaking with your tax professional is a good start to find out what types of programs are currently available.

Beyond tax credits and incentive programs, sustainability programs have other benefits that may be small but add up over time. For example, a company changing from disposable cups to having employees bring in washable mugs will not only reduce waste but will save the company the money they spent supplying the cups. Implementing a data-warehousing system can not only help a company reduce the need for printed, archival copies of files, but it will also reduce the square-foot cost for storage needs and usually results in quicker retrieval of data.

There are experts who specialize in sustainability audits who can come into a company, see how it is currently operating and suggest small measures that can really add up. When the price of gas spiked above $4 a gallon, many companies started trying to figure out ways to reduce travel with videoconferencing or by stacking together trips so that multiple clients could be visited in one day. Even though gas is now below $3 a gallon, that strategy of reducing travel not only enhances a company’s sustainability efforts, it will mean less money burned down the tailpipe.

The Wal-Mart example illustrates the ultimate bottom-line impact. Part of Wal-Mart’s plan is to measure the sustainability of every product it will sell. It is forecasting a day in the next couple of years when it will be able to label all of its products with a ‘sustainability index’ number. Those companies that aren’t currently working to minimize their packaging and quantify the environmental impact of their product and manufacturing processes will find that the large retailer will no longer sell their product. That’s where you can easily see that companies with no sustainability plan won’t be able to sustain their business model.

What the Future Holds

There’s no question that companies need to start working on assessing their sustainability efforts. The time is drawing nearer when it will be a necessity to have at least some type of report available that outlines what your company is doing with regard to minimizing its impact on the planet and maximizing its efforts to help members of your community.

For example, the American Institute of CPAs has set up a task force to figure out best practices around sustainability initiatives. In fact, Prince Charles, a proponent of sustainable farming and other practices, spoke to the group’s annual conference this year to encourage further development of sustainability in the U.S.

CSR accounting has only been around for a decade, and it’s still evolving. But companies that commit to measuring their sustainability can demonstrate their interest in the environment to their employees and communities, build trust and promote transparency, and show their commitment to their important stakeholders. CSRs are gaining momentum, and companies that aren’t taking action now risk finding themselves on the wrong end of business and consumer sentiment in a few years. n

Richard Kretz is managing member and Brian Newman is member of the firm at Kostin, Ruffkess & Co., LLC, a certified public accounting and business-advisory firm with offices in Springfield as well as Farmington and New London, Conn. Beyond traditional accounting, auditing and tax consulting, the firm also specializes in employee benefit-plan audits, litigation support, business valuation, succession-planning business consulting, forensic accounting, wealth management, estate planning, fraud prevention, and information technology assurance;www.kostin.com.

Sections Supplements
AirPark South in Chicopee Will Give the Region Inventory, Flexibility

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When the Home Depot Corp. purchased 70 acres for a new regional distribution facility in Westfield’s Campanelli Business Park in October, it heralded a major contribution to that city’s commercial portfolio.

But it also took one of the last developable parcels of land that size off the market, creating a void in the region’s inventory of commercial tracts. However, that void will only be temporary, thanks to a recent acquisition that will create a new industrial park — to be called AirPark South — in Chicopee.

The new facility, which will join parks covering the other compass points at Westover, should come online in 2013, said Blair, and when it does, it will be, at 110 acres, the largest contiguous parcel of developable industrial land in the region, giving the region both inventory and much-needed flexibility — as well as the opportunity to compete for Home Depot-sized projects.

“The searches for those big properties are infrequent,” said Allan Blair, president of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation (WMDC). “At the moment in time when you cut the ribbon and are ready to go forward with any new property of that size, then you are ready to compete for those few opportunities.”

The need for developable land the region is a constant, he said, citing such property as the location for future larger growth and investment. “If we don’t stay ahead of the curve on the development of those sites,” he continued, “then at some point we’re not going to be able to compete with other regions because we won’t have a place to put new construction.”

The ink is still wet on the paperwork for the purchase of 57 acres for that new park from the city of Chicopee, and Blair noted that there are a few other deals in the final stages of negotiation. When all is said and done, he said, the opportunity will be unique, not just for the city and the region, but for the Commonwealth.

Come Together

It was around five years ago, Blair said, that the WMDC purchased 38 acres from Tarnow Nursery, the first parcel destined to become AirPark South. Adjacent to that property is the recently purchased land from the city, which historically had been zoned residential. “It wasn’t really developable,” he explained. “Access was a problem, and it fell within the contours of a noise-mitigation study done by the Federal Aviation Administration. That granted us access to funds from the federal government.”

In January 2009, the talks began between WMDC and Chicopee, and by this past summer, the parties had agreed to a $1.45 million price for the parcel. There were voices within Chicopee that initially had been critical of what was seen as a relatively low price paid for the property, but a market evaluation assessment set the land at the final selling price.

When speaking to the press at the time of the closing, Mayor Michael Bissonnette said that he had hoped for a higher price tag for the 57 acres, but in the long run, a poor economy and a lack of alternatives quelled any lingering doubts. Also, he agreed with Blair that, in order to stay competitive within the commercial real-estate market, the WMDC had the best plan to put the property in motion.

Currently the wooded acreage is but a twinkle in any developer’s eye. A small access road between the municipal airport at Westover and the Covidian property on Padgette Street is the planned portal to the property. When the parcel is slated to go online for development in 2013, it will be the largest contiguous commercial property available within the region. “It’s probably the last big chunk of property that can be assembled in this way,” Blair said, “and quite possibly the last in the region of this size.”

With the airport next door, and significant frontage along the Mass Pike, he said that the last iteration of the successful AirParks might very well be the most exciting of them all.

“We want to make sure that this is planned properly,” he continued, “and that the uses have some vision in there that will make the highest and best use of the land. By that I mean creating significant jobs, significant taxes, or supporting industry clusters in our region that we have been trying to support — as opposed to just any use, just to sell the dirt. That’s not how we operate.”

Even though the property could be scooped up by one tenant, the proposals set on the boards envision the probability that the park will be parceled into as many as 17 sites. Roadways and utilities would be built out in phases as the properties sell. “That’s pretty much how our other parks have developed,” Blair explained. “We started with a big chunk and then gradually developed the smaller pieces.

“More than likely,” he continued, “we’re going to find users in the 50,000-to-100,000-square-foot range, so we will end up subdividing the property. But again, it’s important to have the ability to compete for those larger prospects.”

The WMDC estimates that between 1,000 and 1,100 jobs will be created by the park, with projected tax revenues for the city ranging toward $1 million. For the city, it’s a good opportunity to turn fallow land into economic prospects, and, according to Blair, good news for the airport as well.

“We’ve protected the approaches to the runway by eliminating the potential for incompatible land uses, namely residential,” he said. “That was the reason for the FAA’s willingness to invest in the property.”

If You Build It, They Will Come

When asked about the marketing prospects for AirPark South, Blair said that it’s really too soon to speculate. Environmental-impact studies over the next few years will determine what those prospects will be. But he said that, to his understanding, it would be for mixed-use development: from, in his words, “plain-vanilla” industrial to high-end research and development.

A lot will depend on what the market demands are for the region’s commercial interests in 2013, though. “How will we need to compete, and what will complement our existing properties?” he said.

Marketing the property will come about when those decisions are made, he said, but given the size and scope of the property, the sales pitch won’t be too difficult.

“That’s a good size even today in the marketplace,” he said. “It’s very difficult to find such a parcel anywhere that has access to such good utilities.”

The new property also comes at a good time for the future of Westover. Of the three other industrial parks comprising several hundred acres, only a handful of available acreage remains. “They are close to being maxed out,” Blair said.

With the sound of hammers ringing in the hallways outside his office at the airport, echoing the development to come around the corner, Blair said this latest project will be a good cap to development in that part of Chicopee.

“This conversion of property from military to civilian use has been one of the most successful of its kind in the country, in terms of taxes and jobs,” he said. “More than $2 million in taxes are paid to Chicopee from AirParks North and West alone, every year, and have been since the mid-’90s.”

Pointing to the map next to him containing the new plans, Blair said, “these are very important economic-development endeavors for the municipality, and for the region.”

Departments

Dean McKenzie, M.D., MHSA, has joined Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke as Chief Medical Officer. In this role, McKenzie acts as a liaison between administration and members of the medical staff to support patient care services, while focusing on quality of care, patient satisfaction, risk management, and patient safety. A graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan Medical School, McKenzie served his residency in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. He most recently served as Utilization Management Medical Director for Magellan of Arizona, a state-contracted, regional behavioral-health authority that provides a wide range of services, including crisis assistance, children’s services, and substance-abuse treatment.

•••••

Jennifer L. Snyder, Esq. has opened the Hadley Law Center at 216 Russell St., Hadley. Areas of practice include elder law, special needs, estate planning, and family law.

•••••

Christina J. Quinby has been promoted to Community Development Planner at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in Springfield. She joined the organization in 2008 as a Planning Assistant following an internship in the Community Development section. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College.

•••••

Attorney L. Alexandra Hogan of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. in Springfield recently lectured on “Massachusetts Data Security Law, Compliance, and Confusion” with Marco Liquori, President of Net Logix Inc., of Westfield, at the 48th annual Tax Institute seminar at Western New England College in Springfield. Their presentation focused on the new law and compliance requirements state businesses must have in place to protect their clients’ and customers’ personal information.

•••••

Susan Leschine, co-founder of Qteros, has been named one of the Top 25 Women in Tech by media trendsetter AlwaysOn. Those named to the first-annual list were chosen for overall innovation, ability to identify new market opportunities, and creation of stakeholder value, among other criteria. In her lab at UMass Amherst, Leschine continues to work diligently on the Q microbe for ethanol production.

•••••

Dr. Keisha A. Jones has joined Baystate Urogynecology where she will assist Dr. Oz Harmanli, Chief of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery division at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Jones completed a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. She earned her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, completed her internship and residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, and earned a master’s degree in clinical research from the University of Pittsburgh. She will serve as Resident Rotation Coordinator in Urogynecology at Baystate.

•••••

Ben Scranton, Executive Vice President of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, was recently honored by the National Assoc. of Realtors with its certified executive designation, which recognizes exceptional efforts made by association executives. Scranton is one of more than 360 executives who have achieved this mark of excellence.

•••••

Marysue Mooney has been promoted to Classified Advertising Manager at The Republican in Springfield.

•••••

Dr. Tashanna K.N. Myers has joined the Baystate Regional Cancer Program’s Gynecologic Oncology Division at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Myers completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Oklahoma. She completed her doctor of medicine in obstetrics and her residency at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University.

•••••

Paul Papaluca of the Sydney Hirsch Team at RE/MAX Prestige in East Longmeadow, has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.

•••••

Vikki D. Lenhart has joined the Hart & Patterson financial planning team in Northampton. She holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and is licensed in life, accident, and health insurance.

•••••

Howard Stanton III recently joined Rockville Bank as Controller. He will be responsible for planning, organizing and directing the accounting and financial control activities of the bank, its holding company, and all subsidiaries.

•••••

Dr. Neal C. Hadro has joined the medical staff of the heart and vascular program at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He comes to Baystate from the Cleveland Clinic and Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio, where he served as faculty and as a staff vascular and endovascular surgeon. He earned his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and completed his residency in general surgery, as well as a peripheral vascular surgery fellowship, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Hadro also completed an endovascular fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He is board certified in surgery with added qualifications in vascular surgery.

•••••

Corey M. Dennis has joined the law firm Skoler, Abbott & Presser in Springfield as an Associate representing management in labor and employment-law litigation.  

Sections Supplements
Year-end Is a Time for Businesses to Focus on Planning, Improving

Kevin Vann says that budgets are, by and large, discouraging, and they are especially so in times like these.

“Sometimes you look at it, and you think, ‘my God, another year of thinking about just trying to break even,’ or you wonder, ‘am I going to have to trim payroll?’” he explained. “You can be discouraged with a budget, and from my experience, that’s why a lot of clients put them away or don’t follow them.”

But putting together a solid budget is one of the key ingredients in successful business planning — short-term and long-term — and it’s one of the many management matters that business owners should be thinking about as they prepare to turn the calendar, said Vann, president of the Springfield-based Vann Group, a business-consulting firm.

Actually, things like budgets, retirement plans, tax planning, insurance packages, benefits programs, employee handbooks, and many more are topics that business owners should be thinking about all the time, said Vann, who owns or co-owns a number of ventures and practices what he preaches. But because people are busy — and now seemingly busier than ever — often they don’t, and thus year-end, as hectic as it is, can be an effective time to take action on such issues.

“People make resolutions every Jan. 1,” said Vann. “Well, businesses can and should do the same.”

Joe Messer agreed. A certified public accountant with the Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, he said year-end is obviously a time to be thinking about, and executing, effective tax planning. But it’s also a good time to make commitments to address everything from evaluating technology needs to preparing a succession plan — something far too many business owners put off until they have to, or until it’s too late.

“A lot of business owners tend to think that they’re invincible and they’ll be around forever,” he said. “And that’s why they don’t think about succession, which puts them in a bad situation when the time comes and they have to confront it.”

There are myriad other issues that should be confronted on a regular basis, and year-end is a practical time to visit or re-visit them, said Sean Wandrei, a tax manager at Meyers Brothers Kalicka who listed matters ranging from retirement plans to cash-flow issues; from bank finance issues, such as covenants, to tax matters including income deferral and accelerating deductions.

In this, its final issue of 2009, BusinessWest takes a look at how business owners and managers can use the act of turning the calendar to help make their ventures run more efficiently and effectively plan for the long term.

Date with Destiny

Vann said that one of the things business owners and managers might want to do at year-end is look at their computer desktop.

“I have about 35 icons on mine, and I’ll bet I’m using three or four of them, just those things required to do my job,” he said, adding that, as part of an exercise in technology planning, individuals may want to examine why all those icons are there. “All those other things … someone either taught it to me or installed it for me, and I’m not utilizing it properly.

“Technology is a huge part of business management today,” he continued, “not just on the strategic side, but on the process side; we’re all waiting for that next wave of technology to drive our backroom processes and help us manage our time better.”

What business owners can, and should, be thinking about this time of year is taking their desktop review exercise and doing roughly the same thing with every aspect of their organization, said Vann, who outlines several types of planning that managers should be doing in a related story on page 23. And they should do so with an eye toward making their operation run more smoothly, while also prepping it for long-term success.

But they must do so with the understanding that effective planning, be it with technology, taxes, personnel, or succession, are truly year-round exercises.

“These are things that people have to be thinking about at all time, not just year-end,” said Messer, adding quickly that the start of a new year can indeed be an effective time to make what may amount to resolutions. And one area he says should be at or near the top of the list is succession planning.

“It’s one of the most important, but also one of the most overlooked, aspects of business,” he said. “Who are we going to transition the business to when we’re ready to retire and move on to sunnier days?”

To answer that question, business owners and managers have to identify who that ‘next generation’ is going to be, he continued, and revisit the issue of succession on a regular basis to make sure the right party or parties have been identified and that the transition process stays on the right track.

While succession planning is important, especially for those business owners who have preferred to put off the inevitable, there are other business-management and planning issues that should also be considered at year-end, said Messer, who listed everything from cash flow to disaster-recovery plans, or, to be more specific, the lack thereof.

As for cash flow, accounts receivable is an issue impacting virtually every company in these trying economic times. Business managers should wait for year-end to put firm policies and procedures in place for collecting payments that are due, but if they don’t have them, now would be a good time to put them in place.

“In these tough economic times, receivables tend to get dragged out on a longer period and can make it very difficult for businesses to keep a positive cash flow,” Messer explained. “So business owners need to be proactive and implement strict collection policies and processes to help the cash flow remain positive.”

And a key element in such policies must be consistency, he continued, adding that the best approach for businesses is to be proactive, not passive, when it comes to collecting bills.

Other matters to consider at year-end, said Messer, include health plan coverage and whether a better package is appropriate, the broad subject of inventory (how to reduce it and examination of why it’s not moving), and retirement plans — and perhaps the need to diversify offerings.

“One size doesn’t fit all with respect to retirement benefits and retirement options you can offer to your employees,” he said. “Business owners and managers really need to look to identify the target group they’re trying to benefit. Do they want to benefit the business owner and a few key employees, or do they want to provide a benefit across the board to all employees?

“Once you make those determinations and identify your key goals,” he continued, “then you can structure a plan and put it in place to meet those goals. There are so many variables out there.”

Another important item for business owners to consider is insurance, said Wandrei, noting that year-end might be an appropriate time to think about possible courses of action when existing policies expire.

John Dowd, fourth-generation principal, specifically executive vice president, of the James J. Dowd & Sons Insurance Agency, said there are a number of factors to consider when reviewing one’s insurance package and determining whether it is appropriate.

Businesses change and expand from year to year, he explained, and insurance coverage must be adjusted to meet those changes, a point that is often lost on business owners trying to meet the day-to-day requirements of running their venture.

“It happens all the time; people say, ‘we don’t need to meet and review things because nothing’s changed,’” he said. “But then you sit down and talk, and the business owner says, ‘yes, we sold that piece of equipment, and we bought that piece of equipment, and, by the way, we’re storing things in a different location.’ All those things are important because they impact the coverage you need.”

Overall, Dowd said business owners must consider the worst-case scenario when it comes to calamity and possible loss, but, unfortunately, many do not, and they pay the consequences when the worst happens in a fire, flood, or other disaster.

“I have to think of the worst-case scenario, because what if it happens?” said Dowd, speaking as a broker. “Granted, it’s not likely to happen, but if it does happen, you’ll be out of business if you’re not properly covered. Business owners have to think about what they’ll be faced with when they get that call in the middle of the night that their business has just burned down.”

Another matter to consider at year-end is staffing, said Vann, noting that this issue has taken on a heightened sense of priority in this economic downturn. Indeed, many companies have downsized in recent months, and a good number have concluded that the smaller size is the right size. For others, more analysis is needed to answer that question.

“A lot of people are looking at staffing right now and wondering if they can continue to make do without people who have been laid off,” he said. “It’s a critical issue right now, and a very big part of the budgeting process.”

The Bottom Line

That’s the often-discouraging budgeting process, as he described it, and one of those matters that business owners and managers let slide, for whatever reason.

Putting together a solid, realistic budget — and then sticking to it — is just one of many commitments that people should make as they approach the new year, said Vann, stressing, again, that such matters deserve year-round attention.

Let the resolution-making begin.

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

Sections Supplements
Springfield’s ICT Center Forges Connections in a High-tech Global Marketplace
Gordon Snyder

Gordon Snyder says teaching the teachers is key to keeping young Americans competitive in the high-tech world.

Gordon Snyder has done a lot of blogging about some fairly complex technologies, but nowadays, he likes to communicate through Twitter at least as much.

“I find it’s much more effective if I have to condense something online to 140 characters or less,” he laughed.

Whatever the vehicle, social media like Twitter are among the latest in a series of communications advances connecting people around the world like never before. And Snyder, executive director of the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Center in Springfield, is all about making connections.

Specifically, the ICT Center — a division of Springfield Technical Community College located in the STCC technology park — forges partnerships with other schools, mainly community colleges, to encourage the teaching of the most up-to-date information in tech-related courses, in order to help maintain American competitiveness in the global marketplace.

That is essentially what the center was created to do when it was launched in 1997, and the way communications, Internet use, and other technology has dramatically changed in the past 12 years in many ways reinforces the need for such a resource.

After all, hardly anyone was blogging in the late 1990s, and tweeting was the domain of birds.

Using far more than 140 characters, Snyder recently spoke with BusinessWest about how the ICT Center has succeeded in helping teachers, students, and others stay atop the fast-moving world of computer and communications technology.

Foundation for Success

At its core, ICT helps to develop programs and curriculum, Snyder said. “We do a lot of faculty training, a lot of work with new and emerging technology, we offer workshops and conferences, and we provide subject-matter expertise.”

And in that latter regard, the center has certainly grown. In the early days, it was focused on three subjects: fiber optics, wireless communications, and networking. But today, ICT calls upon some 60 experts in a much broader range of subjects to speak at conferences and work with colleges and employers.

“We have faculty doing presentations on their work, giving presentations on things that people can take back to their own classrooms,” he explained.

The mission of the ICT Center is based on an assertion that the information and communications technology industry — driven by a demand for instantly accessible information — is profoundly changing the world, as partly evidenced by the modes of communications that have existed for only a short time.

Preparing a workforce to compete in this global communications marketplace is today’s major challenge for the ICT industry, and with even more rapid breakthroughs anticipated, education is the key.

In response to that rapidly growing need, STCC established the Northeast Center for Telecommunications Technologies in 1997. Aided by outside funding from the National Science Foundation and a number of businesses, the center was conceived as a resource for educators to help them stay abreast of the most current trends and technologies in their telecommunications programs, in turn preparing the experts of tomorrow.

“We’re a division of the college. We’re making sure the programs are up to date,” Snyder said. “Another large part of our effort is recruiting and retaining underrepresented populations” into the ICT fields.

To that end, the center works closely with organizations such as the Institute for Women in Technology and Trades (IWITT). “Their focus is to attract women into some of these underrepresented programs, like computer science programs,” he explained. “Very few women are graduating from these programs across the U.S., so how do we get women interested in these programs and then keep them from dropping out or changing their major?”

It wasn’t too long before the NCTT got its first name change, however.

“We wanted to expand our footprint beyond the Northeast,” Snyder said, “so we took the name of the National Center for Telecommunications Technologies.

“The center was working with community colleges, and some four-year schools, in the Northeast,” he continued. In changing its name to announce a broader focus, “we began to reach out to the rest of the country, creating more partnerships and relationships with community colleges. It has been pretty successful.”

So much, in fact, that two regional versions of the NCCT have been established in Fort Worth, Texas and San Francisco.

The center underwent another transition in the early 2000s that led to another name change just last year.

“Back then, the Internet bubble was bursting, and the infrastructure was in some ways built out in the U.S, as much as it would be for awhile. We started to see a change in industry needs, and we started to add IT stuff to our physical layer content,” Snyder said. “It was a natural migration over the years, so a year and a half ago, we became the Information and Communications Technologies Center, a better description of the work we’re doing here.”

Connecting the Dots

The ICT Center receives much less outside funding than it used to, but Snyder said it has developed a self-sustaining model that accomplishes a wider range of goals.

“A lot of what we’re doing is making connections,” he said. “We were funded more in the beginning than we’re getting now, but I think we’re doing more now with a lot less money because we’re finding these people and making connections.”

For instance, the center works on programs with the Economic Development Council of Western Mass. and the Regional Employment Board, hosting area business people at STCC for technology and communications conferences, which in turn raises the profile of the college.

“That gives exposure to the campus, and it builds credibility for our students and our graduates,” Snyder said. “If they’re impressed with the place, they’re going to look more closely at our students when it comes time to hire somebody.”

And community colleges, he said, are playing a key role in preparing students for high-tech careers, no matter what kind of credentials they have when they arrive.

“You may not come in prepared; you might not come in at the right math level to take some of these courses,” he said. “If you took a good track that included math and science, you’ll place, and will be able to jump into the programs right away. Computer skills are important. But a lot of students have some catching up to do — but that’s one of the great things about community colleges.”

Students who choose to study in the ICT fields might wind up working within that industry, but they can also apply those skills to an ever-widening number of other careers, said Nina Laurie, associate director of the ICT Center.

“Technology is a big part of other disciplines, like finance and biotech,” she said. “So if someone wants to focus on one area and apply it to another area, that’s really great, too.”

But it all starts with training the trainers, and the center continues to grow its offerings in order to keep educators up to date, whether or not they can attend educator conferences like one being held in San Francisco on Jan. 7 and 8.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get people caught up,” Snyder said. “With the reduced funding, we’re looking at other ways to help people. We have a YouTube channel, and we’re looking at streaming some conferences for people who can’t attend them live. Budgets are tight right now, and we’re looking at other ways to disseminate the work we’re doing.”

The ICT Center’s Online Impact conferences — which focus on social-media applications like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, are another good example of training people in the use of a business tool that didn’t exist a decade ago. The second annual Online Impact event is scheduled for Jan. 14 at STCC (see related story, page 13).

Such conferences are just another way of making those connections Snyder talked about.

“It’s not always the same people who participate, but there are always new people coming into the mix, and that always changes things,” he said.

An important thought — and, at just under 140 characters, one he can instantly share with the world.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at

[email protected]

Departments

BMC Touted by Leapfrog Group

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center is one of the top 45 hospitals in the U.S. for quality and efficiency, according to the Leapfrog Group’s 2009 survey of 1,206 hospitals across the country. Baystate is one of 34 urban hospitals to achieve this recognition, along with eight children’s hospitals and three rural hospitals, according to Dr. Evan Benjamin, vice president of Healthcare Quality for Baystate Health. Benjamin noted that the Leapfrog recognition is an affirmation of the hospital’s efforts to bring results to the best-practice level. Top hospitals in urban settings fulfilled criteria including meeting stringent performance standards for complex, high-risk procedures; meeting standards for staffing the ICU, shown to reduce mortality by 40% or more; meeting Leapfrog standards for implementing computer physician order-entry systems; and passing Leapfrog’s test of their system. The Leapfrog Hospital Recognition Program incorporates quality outcomes, length of stay, readmission rates, and incidence of hospital-acquired conditions and infections. The efficiency standard applies to heart-bypass surgery, heart angioplasty, heart attack, and pneumonia patients. The Leapfrog Group is a voluntary program aimed at mobilizing employer purchasing power to alert America’s health industry that big leaps in health care safety, quality, and customer value will be recognized and rewarded. In other news, Baystate Medical Center was recently honored in the Thomson Reuters Top 100 Cardiovascular Hospitals rankings.

MassMutual Attracts, Retains Call Center Employees

SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Retirement Services Division’s Call Center recently earned the ‘Gold Award’ for the Best Recruitment Campaign in the World by the North American arm of ContactCenterWorld.com. MassMutual’s call-center employee-recruiting campaign was selected from a global field of organizations from the Americas, Asia/Africa/Australia, and Europe. MassMutual’s program was distinguished for its partnership with local colleges near its headquarters in Springfield and its second site in Memphis, Tenn. MassMutual’s overall recruiting campaign also provides scholarship opportunities to local students and has co-developed a special college curriculum to help prepare students for new positions in all MassMutual call centers. The specially designed curriculum includes training on the topics of customer service and financial services as well as FINRA Series 6 test preparation. MassMutual’s call centers are staffed with professionals who are trained to assist individuals in managing a vast array of retirement planning and saving needs, from questions about investment options to taking full advantage of matching contributions. Call center associates also offer roll-in service so customers can consolidate savings from other qualifying retirement accounts to achieve a more holistic picture of their overall retirement savings.

DiGrigoli School Honored by Vets Council

WEST SPRINGFIELD — DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology was recently awarded the 2009 Business of the Year award by the West Springfield Veterans’ Council for its ongoing free hair services to area veterans. Since 2007, cosmetology students, under the supervision of licensed instructors, have provided more than 500 free haircuts to veterans at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology on Riverdale Street. The school originally offered the free services on Veterans’ Day, but, because of an overwhelming response, increased the frequency to every eight weeks, according to Paul J. DiGrigoli, owner and president of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology. Six times per year, veterans visit the school by the busload and enjoy a morning or afternoon of pampering and conversation with students, added DiGrigoli. The DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, offering hair, nail, and skin services to the public Tuesday through Saturday, is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences.

Baystate Rug and Flooring Recognized

CHICOPEE — Mohawk Floorscapes has named Baystate Rug and Flooring its Northeast Flooring Store of the Year. Mohawk awarded the local firm with the prestigious honor based on criteria including sales, growth, marketing techniques, and best practices. Baystate Rug and Flooring, a family-owned company, conducts both retail and commercial operations in the Western New England region.

Springfield Armor Launches Coaches Show, Partners With YMCA

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Armor recently launched a weekly coaches show with partner CBS 3 Springfield, called The Dee League, featuring head coach Dee Brown and NESN host John Chandler. Chandler is also the play-by-play announcer for all Armor home games, which are broadcast on ESPN Radio 1450 AM WHLL. The Dee League airs Sundays through April 4 at 11 a.m. Each week’s show includes highlights of the previous week’s games, as well as conversation about the upcoming games. Throughout the show, fans will meet members of the team and get to know the coaching staff. The Springfield Armor has a 50-game schedule through April 2, including 24 home dates at the MassMutual Center. In other Armor news, the organization teamed up with the YMCA of Greater Springfield and Playing It Forward on Dec. 10 to collect new and used sports equipment for disadvantaged children in Greater Springfield. The primary benefactor of all of the equipment donated that evening was the YMCA’s Youth & Teen Drop-In Centers, used by nearly 600 youth.

Windsor Federal Savings Named Box-office Sponsor

WINDSOR, CT — The SS&C SummerWind Performing Arts Center (SSCSPAC) has selected Windsor Federal Savings as the 2010 season box-office sponsor. The SSCSPAC is a 10-acre campus featuring a signature tent covering the stage and 1,500 luxury seats. A sloping lawn seats an additional 2,500 to 3,500 guests. SSCSPAC Board President Peter R. DeMallie thanked the staff of Windsor Federal Savings for their “outstanding commitment” to the rebirth of this cultural institution. DeMallie added that the nonprofit is embarking on a $1.3 million capital campaign in advance of its 2010 summer season, and recently received a $500,000 leadership grant from William and Mary Stone. William Stone is the CEO of SS&C Technologies.

Quality Printing Co. Wins Awards

PITTSFIELD — The Printing Industries of New England (PINE) recently announced that Quality Printing Co. won a Pinnacle Award for its 25th annual full-color calendar, “A Closer Look at the Berkshires.” The firm also won an Award of Recognition for a full-color brochure it printed for Bard College of New York. PINE’s annual Awards of Excellence competition attracted more than 200 entries from 34 printing and imaging companies in New England. PINE is the largest trade association to serve printing and graphic communications companies throughout New England.

Departments

Ten Points About : Roth IRA Conversions

By LORRAINE A. HART and CHERYL A. PATTERSON

1. 2010 represents an opportunity for all taxpayers, regardless of income, to convert traditional IRAs (including SEPs and IRA Rollovers) to Roth IRAs.

2. Prior to 2010, you were disqualified from this conversion option if you had a modified adjusted gross income over $100,000.
3. The main benefit of Roth IRAs is that all account growth and eligible distributions are income tax-free.
4. Unlike traditional IRAs, the original owner is not required to take distributions after age 70.

5. Roth conversions have income-tax implications in that all pre-tax contributions and earnings are taxed as ordinary income in the conversion year.

6. Income-tax rates are at historic lows. Paying income tax on a Roth conversion at current rates will insulate that amount, and any further growth it accumulates, from future tax-rate increases.
7. Being taxed at ordinary income rates is the trade-off for future tax-free accumulation and tax-free income.
8. If you elect to convert, you have the option of paying the federal income tax due in 2010, or paying in equal installments over the following two years (2011 and 2012).
9. Should you decide the conversion was not a good idea for any reason, you have the option to recharacterize back to an IRA before your tax-filing deadline, including any extensions.

10. Roth IRA conversions aren’t advantageous to everyone. It is important to consider all potential consequences.

Lorraine Hart and Cheryl Patterson are principals of Hart & Patterson Financial Services, LLP, an independent financial-planning firm with offices in Amherst and Northampton. Both are certified financial planners with more than 25 years of financial-planning experience.

Features
Today’s High-tech Gear Benefits a Generation on the Go

Societal trends point to a generation of professionals who are increasingly doing business away from traditional offices, and the tools they use — not just for work, but leisure time, too — reflect the need to stay connected with colleagues, clients, and friends when on the road. From lightweight notebook computers to cameras that upload quickly to the Internet; from GPS navigators to smartphones and MP3 players, there’s something for everyone — and, in many cases, at more affordable prices than ever.

Technology moves fast. Which is good, because today’s business professional is on the move, too.

So it’s not surprising that a look at this year’s top-rated high-tech offerings is also a crash course in how to work — and play — while on the go. From laptop computers to GPS systems; flash drives to iPods and e-readers, Americans are increasingly bringing their work and leisure activities with them wherever they go — and those devices are constantly improving in terms of power, storage capabilities, and (importantly) price.

Take, for example, the Toshiba Mini NB205, one of PC magazine’s most highly touted ‘netbook’ computers for 2009. At just $400, it weighs a little under three pounds — average by laptop standards, but still pretty lightweight — and boasts a roster of features including three USB ports, a webcam, fast 1.67GHz processor, 1GB of memory upgradable to 2GB, and battery life that ranks among the longest available.

Yes, its 10-inch screen is smaller than the 12-inch screen of some pricier notebooks, but it compensates with a full-size keyboard, large mouse buttons, and spacious touchpad. The NB205 also meets established standards of energy conservation and recyclability, another plus in todaqy’s ‘green’ business world.

For those with a slightly higher budget, but still in the affordable range, PC magazine gives high marks to the Acer Aspire 3935 ($900), which boasts a sleek, metallic cover, 1-inch-thick chassis, and 4.3-pound weight, all while supporting a 13.3-inch screen and good-sized, comfortable keyboard buttons. The system could be even thinner if not for one of its most desirable features, its built-in, dual-layer DVD burner. Its other features — the webcam, a 5-in-1 card reader, and a 250GB hard drive — are standard on ultraportables. With a 2GHz processor speed and decent batter life, the 3935 also meets standards of energy efficiency and recyclability.

On the go means more than carrying around notebooks, however; it also means actually driving between destinations, and professionals are increasingly relying on global positioning systems (GPS) to get them where they want to go.

According to cargpsreviews.net, the Garmin Nuvi 780 GPS navigator ($599) goes above and beyond what’s usually expected from a GPS, offering an easy-to-use interface, a Qwerty keyboard, and a wide array of features including spoken directions in real street names, integrated traffic receivers, an MP3 player and photo viewer, and an FM transmitter that will play voice prompts, MP3s, and audio books directly through the vehicle’s stereo system. In addition, its bright, 4.3-inch, widescreen display is readable even in harsh daylight from any angle, thanks to the integrated white backlight.

For less money, PC World gives high marks to the TomTom XL 340 ($299), whose 4.3-inch screen is larger than that of its predecessor, the TomTom ONE 140, and also features the company’s new IQ Routes technology, which is based on real-life user data rather than the traditional maximum speed method. It considers all possible routes and then selects the one that takes the least time, with the technology often trying to avoid main roads. The unit also boasts advanced lane guidance, by which an icon in the corner of the map screen highlights which lane the vehicle should be in, depending on the destination.

Point and Click

What better device to take on any journey — business or pleasure — than a camera? Digital cameras are being used increasingly for both work and play, as the rise of blogging, social media, and other Internet 2.0 applications has individuals and businesses uploading images online like never before. Fortunately, the top-rated models for 2009 come in a variety of price points, with a wide range of features, making it easy to find a camera to match one’s photographic needs.

PC World gives very high marks to the Nikon D3000 ($600), which is an evolution from its popular D40x, increasing its megapixel count from 6 to 10, and boasting a wider range of ISO settings, a larger LCD screen, an 11-point autofocus system, and a 3-frames-per-second burst mode. The redesigned menu makes it easy to maneuver through the menu options and to understand settings. The camera also features an array of scene modes and in-camera editing features, including scene recognition, Active D-Lighting, face detection, and a retouch menu.

For those on a budget, PC World recommends the Canon PowerShot SX200 IS point-and-shoot camera ($350), with a 12X optical-zoom lens. The camera represents a growing trend among point-and-shoot digital cameras: high-zoom models that are just a bit bigger than typical compact cameras but still stowable in a bag, purse, or large pocket. The body is still big enough to accommodate a 3-inch LCD screen on the back, and the display is sufficiently bright for composing shots in sunlight.

For many people, cameras are sheer leisure tools, and the same can be said for e-readers and MP3 players. In the former category, the Barnes & Noble Nook is making serious strides on the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader. The Nook ($259) competes with design and usability features such as e-book loaning, dual displays, and touchscreen navigation.

According to SlashGear, while the Nook is comparable in size and display to the Kindle, it employs a 3.5-inch color-capacitive touchscreen instead of the Kindle’s Qwerty keyboard, allowing for faster navigation. The reading experience is similar to other e-readers on the market; text is crisp and sharp-edged, with two to three font styles and different sizes supported, and since there’s no backlighting it’s an easier read than attempting to do the same with an LCD screen.

As far as MP3 players go, the iPod Touch, now on its third generation at 8GB ($199), 32GB ($299), or a whopping 64GB ($399), is still the product of choice, according to PC magazine. There’s no built-in video camera, as had been rumored, keeping the focus on music and portable gaming. With 480 x 320 resolution, the display is the best in the business, and Apple claims that the 32GB and 64GB versions are 50% faster than the previous generation.

Also, the higher-capacity Touch models support games and apps with better graphics. The existing Genius feature in iTunes lets users develop a playlist around a single song and suggest music they might like based on what they already listen to. Genius can also create custom playlists and organize music into ‘mixes’ based on genre. Apple rates the battery life for the iPod Touch at 30 hours for audio playback and 6 hours for video.

In Touch and Logged On

For staying in touch with work, friends, and family, smartphones continue to impress, adding new features each year. The Apple iPhone 3GS ($299) improves upon the original third-generation model by adding common cell-phone features like multimedia messaging, video recording, and voice dialing, according to a review on cnet.com. It also runs faster, its promised battery life is longer, and the multimedia quality continues to shine, although call quality and signal reception remain uneven.

Stuff magazine has some positive things to say about the BlackBerry Bold 9700 ($200), including praise for its compact design, user-friendly push E-mail service, tactile Qwerty keyboard, vivid display, and much-improved multimedia performance over previous models. The camera still has issues, the magazine notes — 3.2 megapixels is substandard by today’s smartphone standards — but it’s an improvement over the previous 2MP model and delivers average-quality photos for uploading to Facebook and Twitter directly from the camera interface.

Speaking of staying in touch, internet access is crucial on the road, and the Verizon Wireless USB760 allows anyone to stay connected, whether on a weekend getaway or on a business trip. The device provides high-speed Internet access on a laptop computer; just plug in and get online. The modem ($99.99) comes with a built-in, high-performance internal antenna to ensure the ability to log on whenever and wherever needed.

With business professionals zipping back and forth between homes, offices, and vehicles, flash drives have become an essential tool, carrying data and multi-media files in a small — sometimes very small — package. Take, for example, the Tuff-‘N’-Tiny family of portable USB drives ($30 to $40), toting 4GB or 8GB of data while measuring 1 inch long, a half-inch wide, and the thickness of a penny.

Eventually, however, most people find themselves working at a desk in an actual office — and perhaps eating quickly while working. Are you one of countless people who have spilled coffee or soda on a computer keyboard, or been frustrated at the difficulty of cleaning food crumbs from the cracks? Check out the Unotron Washable Keyboard and Mouse ($45.99), which are completely submergible and washable, which not only allows users to eat and drink safely at their desks, but also contribute to a reduction in germs and bacteria, a real plus with flu still a threat in homes and offices. If a spill occurs — or the equipment just gets a little dirty — just run it under the faucet, and it’s clean without incurring any water damage.

And considering how much time you’re spending there, get that car washed, too. You know how New England winters are.

Joseph Bednar can be reached

at[email protected]

Departments

YPS New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dec. 31: The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield has once again chosen downtown Springfield for its New Year’s Eve celebration. Only 300 tickets will be available for the affair at the Marriott Hotel in Tower Square. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship of the event should visit www.springfieldyps.com for more details. For ticket information, call Jill Monson of YPS at (413) 219-9692.

Hot Topics in Philanthropy Breakfast

Jan. 8: “Communicating in a Digital Age” is the focus of the next Hot Topics in Philanthrophy Breakfast at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. Nonprofit professionals are invited to the free event; however, registration is required. Keynote speaker Brian Reich, author of Media Rules! Mastering Today’s Technology to Connect with and Keep Your Audience, will provide a framework for understanding our technology-driven environment and how best to harness the appropriate digital tools to communicate an organization’s mission, vision, and purpose. In addition, panelists Suzi Craig, director of marketing at Fathom, and Megan Pete, director of development of the Food Bank of Western Mass., will share their organizational challenges and successes related to this topic. The 7:30 to 10 a.m. event is planned in the Blake Student Commons. To register, visit www.baypath.edu or call (800) 782-7284, ext. 1056.

Legislative and Economic Forum

Jan. 8: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce will present a Legislative and Economic Forum with AIM (Associated Industries of Massachusetts), from 9 to 11 a.m., at Mestek Inc., 260 North Elm St., Westfield. The guest speakers will be Rick Lord, president and CEO of AIM; and Brian Gilmore, AIM’s executive vice president for public affairs. This will be an informal briefing on several political and economic issues important to the Commonwealth’s employer community. AIM stands for an economic policy that balances key public investments with a competitive cost structure that keeps jobs in the Bay State. For reservations or more information, call Marcia Kielb at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected].

Women’s Partnership Tabletop Business Expo

Jan. 20: The Women’s Partnership will host its 12th annual Tabletop Business Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Springfield Sheraton. Plans include interactive exhibits. Businesses interested in exhibiting should e-mail Mary Petrone at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. at [email protected]. Booth reservations include one lunch ticket at $75; lunch and event tickets are $25. The Women’s Partnership provides career-oriented professionals with leadership and growth opportunities.

Rick’s Place Benefit

Feb. 6: Wilbraham Country Club will be the setting for the second annual Heart to Heart fundraiser to benefit Rick’s Place Inc. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place Inc. was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers bi-weekly bereavement support for families with children ages five to 18 at no cost. Tickets for the 6 to 11 p.m. fundraiser are $50. A silent auction and raffle drawing are among the highlights of the evening. Underwriting and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director, at (413) 348-3120, or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Difference Makers Celebration

March 25: BusinessWest magazine will stage its second-annual Difference Makers Gala at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, starting at 5 p.m. Difference Makers is a new program created to recognize individuals and groups that, through their efforts to give back the community, are making a difference in the Pioneer Valley. The first year of the program was a huge success, and organizers are expecting another sellout crowd to honor the Class of 2010. Additional details on the gala will be provided in upcoming editions of BusinessWest. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30, 2010: Bay Path College will host its 15th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Opinion
Decision Looms for ‘Death Tax’

I know you’re eager to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear — the Bush presidency — and there’s a pressing matter from that era on the national agenda: what to do about the estate tax. We have until New Year’s Day to settle this question, a small window on our values as a country. The background: on the charge that the ‘death tax’ was a punishing money grab from small businessmen and women — coming while they grieved a lost loved one, no less — opponents in 2001 succeeded in increasing the exemption; the tax currently kicks in on inheritances above $3.5 million rather than the old tax’s $1 million. The maximum tax rate, then 55%, was dropped to 45%.

When the Times Square ball rings in 2010, the tax will vanish altogether. Your ticket to the great beyond is tax-free next year. But not if you survive into 2011: because of deficit concerns, opponents had to agree that the tax would return that year, with a rate and exemption at their 2001 levels. This fiscal sleight-of-hand, disdained by all sides, has produced a yuletide debate. Should we repeal next year’s repeal to contain federal red ink, and if so, what should the rate and exemption be? Or do we just kill the tax permanently, as opponents have always urged? President Obama proposes threading the needle by keeping the tax next year but making permanent its current lowered rate and higher exemption. Boston College law professor Ray D. Madoff counters that that would cost the Treasury more in the coming decade than doing nothing. She proposes shielding family businesses under $10 million from the tax but preserving it at some level otherwise.

Both points are spot-on. The case against the death tax (opponents’ term) has always been daffy. Aug. 24, 2000 has passed into political lore as the day that Montana rancher Lynn Cornwell hopped atop a tractor to deliver a repeal plea to President Clinton at the White House. That same day, then-Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert declared that the tax “is so steep that sometimes the deceased owner’s children must break up a farm or sell a business just to cover the tax.’’ But the tractor drive was a stunt. Far from being a victim of the tax man’s greed, Cornwell has benefited from taxpayer largesse. In the years after his ride, he pocketed $400,000 in federal farm subsidies and fed his herd on federal land at below-market rates, according to William H. Gates Sr. and Chuck Collins, two well-off men who wrote a book supporting retention of the tax.

And Hastert’s point? You could fertilize Montana with what the speaker was shoveling. In 2001, the New York Times asked the American Farm Bureau Federation, a repeal advocate, for examples of families that had to give up their farms because they couldn’t afford the estate tax. The federation found exactly zero victims. Five years later, the Times reported that just 50,000 families will be subject to the tax in 2011. They’re in a tax bracket that means they’ll be able to pay the IRS without having to miss the mortgage payment, turn off the electricity, or eat cat food.

Won’t killing the tax help during a recession? Tax cuts for average people who need to spend their money on necessities would indeed be smart in a downturn. But with the estate tax, we’re talking about the wealthiest Americans, people more likely to save their windfall, not spend it. As for arguments that the tax smothers job growth, President Clinton left the tax alone during the 1990s. Job growth sure was slumming it then, wasn’t it? Keeping taxes low and simple is sound policy. It is perfectly compatible with an estate tax.

Many of the same politicians who oppose the tax bray out of the other side of their mouths about swelling deficits. Meanwhile, a writer for the Weekly Standard made the conservative case for the tax: success in America should come from hard work and talent, not from being one of the “undeserving winners of the sperm lottery.’’

Rich Barlow is a freelance writer in Cambridge.

Features

Those thinking about nominating a group or individual for BusinessWest’s Difference Makers Class of 2010 need to think — and move — quickly.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Dec. 31.

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien said a number of nominations have been received to date, involving a number of individuals and organizations who are, in myriad ways, making a difference in the community.

“We already have many excellent candidates to consider,” said O’Brien. “But there are many more people doing some incredible things who haven’t been nominated, and should be.”

O’Brien said the nomination form on page 15 is self-explanatory and simple to use, and he encourages readers to use their imagination to identify and then nominate people worthy of the Difference Makers award.

The inaugural class of Difference Makers included four individuals — Doug Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank; Kate Kane, managing director of the Springfield office of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Group; Susan Jaye-Kaplan, founder of GoFIT and co-founder of Link to Libraries; and Bill Ward, executive director of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County — and one group, the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield.

Together, these honorees represent an excellent cross-section of the types of groups and individuals the program was created to celebrate, said BusinessWest Associate Publisher Kate Campiti, who also urged readers to play an active role in shaping the Class of 2010.

While nominations continue to come in, details are falling into place for the awards ceremony honoring the next class, she said. The event will be staged at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke on March 25, beginning at 5 p.m. The celebration will feature live entertainment, heavy hors d’ouevres, and introductions of this year’s winners.

It will also include an update on an ambitious program called “Creating a Culture of Literacy — One Book at a Time.” It was created last summer at the urging of Ward and others at the Regional Employment Board to focus additional attention on the issue of literacy and its importance to the overall health and well-being of the region.

The initiative helped collect hundreds of books for the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative, and will be an ongoing concern for future classes of Difference Makers.

Additional details on the March 25 celebration will be published in upcoming issues of BusinessWest as they become available.

Sections Supplements
York Mayo Has Made Giving Back an Art and a Science
York Mayo

York Mayo encourages others to put their dreams down in writing — and then be willing to do the hard work necessary to reach them.

York Mayo says it was one of the more challenging speeches he’s given during what would have to be described as his second career.

The audience was comprised of roughly 50 12- to 18-year-old inner-city youths gathered at the Worthington Pond Farms in Connecuticut. “I don’t speak to that age group very often,” said Mayo, a former executive with what is now Lenox American Saw who now carries a business card announcing him as a ‘public speaker, advisor, mentor, and worthy grand pooh-bah.’ “I didn’t really know where or how to begin.”

So he started with a question; he asked those assembled to identify the individual who started his famous speech in 1962 with “I have a dream.”

“Everyone knew the answer, of course, and I then went on to ask them about their dreams,” said Mayo. “Later, when one of them guessed correctly that I was 68, I asked if someone my age could still have a dream. When they said ‘no,’ it set me off like a rocket.

“I told them I not only have a dream, but I have it written out — something I told them they have to do,” Mayo told BusinessWest, adding that what’s down on paper is for him to someday, and preferably soon, become a nationally known motivational speaker. He admits that he’s not doing very well in that pursuit, and for a number of reasons.

“They say you need a Web site to be a national motivational speaker, and I don’t have one. It also really helps to have written a book, and I haven’t done that yet, either, so that’s two strikes against me,” he said with a laugh, adding quickly that perhaps the biggest reason is that he’s been too busy being those other things written on his business card.

He’s a mentor to many individuals, ranging from John Majercak, director of ReStore Home Improvement, to Angel Rodriguez, a 16-year-old student at Roger L. Putnam Vocational High School in Springfield, who Mayo has convinced to put some goals down on paper — and then do the hard work necessary to meet them.

“When I first him a year ago, I watched him, and I said, ‘this kid could go either way. He’s a great talker, he’s a very personable guy, a very charming guy, and a very smart person; I could see that he’d be a good salesperson, or he could go the other way and be a great con man,” said Mayo. “I said I would be his mentor, but only under the condition that he changed a lot of the things he was doing and develop goals and a vision, which we would work on together.”

He did, and they have (more on that later).

Mayo is also doing a lot of advising these days, with much of his time devoted to the building of a new Putnam. He’s the president of something called the Roger L. Putnam Technical High School Fund, which was set up to close an estimated $4 million gap between what has been allocated for the new school (projected to cost $150 million) and what it will actually cost to build the facility.

In that capacity, he’s spending a lot of time talking to business owners and organizing tours of Putnam for them. The goal is to convince them to make an investment in the school, the city, the region — and also their own futures in the Pioneer Valley.

When Mayo does get the occasion to speak in public, he’s spending most of his time and energy convincing people in the business community to do all those things he’s been doing since he retired early from Lenox in 1999. Summing up the past decade, he said he’s been making himself available to serve others.

“There are so many needs that are not being met by volunteers, and the government just can’t do it all and shouldn’t do it all,” he explained. “We as citizens should be setting aside a certain amount of our time every day to volunteer and serve others.”

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Mayo about the many ways he’s giving back, and why he believes others in business can, and should, do the same.

Talking the Talk

Mayo told BusinessWest that, while he is a mentor to many, he has several mentors himself. One of them is John Davis, the former president of American Saw & Mfg. and current president of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation.

Among other things, says Mayo, Davis has helped him make what he called a somewhat difficult transition from the business world to working with and for nonprofits — and also having to deal with governmental bodies like school committees.

“For someone like me who comes from a great company like American Saw and from the business world, dealing with the Springfield education system is very frustrating,” he explained, noting quickly that, while not all businesses are run effectively, American Saw was. “And to go from that culture into the education world … there’s a huge gap.

“So I call John and spout off and say exactly what I feel,” he continued. “He calms me down and gives me some advice — he’s my mentor now, and I’m glad he is.”

Making this difficult transition has been part of semi-retired life for Mayo, who spent 30 years with American Saw, much of it handling international sales. He said goodbye to the corporate world in 1999, and almost immediately began making that aforementioned transition.

In 2000, he became volunteer executive director of the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, and served in that capacity for more than three years. In the summer of 2005, he served as interim president and CEO of Goodwill Industries, and a year later took on that same role with Girls Incorporated of Holyoke.

With ReStore, Mayo has worked primarily on a capital campaign that began nearly three years ago. The goal was $1 million, to be used primarily to help the organization move from its current 8,000-square-foot facility to a 32,000-square-foot building, and more than $950,000 has been raised to date.

Over the years, he’s volunteered time to a number of groups and causes, ranging from the Advisory Board of the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center to the ReStore capital campaign; from the Business as a Force for Social Change Program, led by Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe, to the Minnechaug Land Trust. He’s even found time for the Wilbraham Men’s Chorus. (Mayo frequently sings to his audiences when giving speeches, and is noted for his Elvis impersonation.)

Mayo said that his top priority at the moment — and the biggest consumer of his time — is the Putnam High School fund, an assignment he took on at the behest of John Davis, who charged him, in essence, with getting area business leaders involved not only with the funding and construction of the new facility, but also with what will go inside the walls of the new school.

“The way I describe it is bringing the business community into the school,” he explained, “so that it has an effect on the curriculum, the equipment, and the overall well-being of the school.”

Mayo is at Putnam almost every day, with much of his time spent organizing tours of the facility that have a number of motivations, ranging from educating the business community to providing Putnam students with opportunities to gain confidence and public-speaking skills by helping to lead the tours.

The overriding goal, however, is the get businesses involved with the school, and with the education system in Springfield in general, he continued, adding that this constituency can, and should, have enormous sway over the curriculum in each program. “We want business to have more of a say in this school.”

The Mentor Mentality

While his work at Putnam keeps him busy, Mayo still finds the time for many other endeavors, particularly the art of mentoring.

He says business leaders should not only be mentors, but they should have at least one individual, and preferably several, mentoring them. The ReStore’s Majercak and Suzanne Parker, director of Girls Inc., serve as both mentee and mentor, said Mayo, adding that he has learned a great deal from both executives.

“I’ve learned much more from them then they have from me, that’s for sure, and that fact helps explain why every leader should have a mentor — they’re just invaluable,” he said, adding that he’s been relying on mentors all throughout his second career.

“When I started at Habitat for Humanity, I had no idea about Springfield … I really didn’t know the difference between State Street and Main Street,” he said. “Why? Because I worked in East Longmeadow and lived in Wilbraham. I went to Logan, Bradley, or Kennedy; the only place I went to in Springfield was the Student Prince to entertain customers. I had no idea what was going on in Springfield or any of the politicians or how it all worked.

“Fortunately, I had a great mentor,” he continued, referring to Bill Mazeine, one of the founders of Bank of Western Mass., owner of a distribution company, and a strong supporter of Habitat. “Every week we would meet, have a beer, and he would take a napkin and give me my marching orders.”

Mayo became a mentor to Angel Rodriguez through his involvement with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

As he mentioned, Rodriguez was at critical juncture when the two first discussed the matter of mentoring.

“I remember telling him that I thought he had great potential,” Mayo recalled, “but the potential to either go this way, which would not be good for you or for society, or this way, which would be very good for you and very good for society.”

The two sat down and wrote out some goals, said Mayo, who has his own copy. They included getting straight As the next year and earning a starting spot on the Putnam football team.

“He’s not a very big guy, so I thought maybe these goals were a little unrealistic,” said Mayo. “But while he didn’t play in the first game and didn’t play much in the second, I was there to see him go out with the starting offense for the third game. It was unbelievable; he had a goal, he put it in writing, and it came to fruition.”

When not advising or mentoring, Mayo is finding ways to get his message to business owners and managers — the one about how they need to get involved in the community as volunteers.

Often, the comments come back to the issue of time — how to find it, or make it, at a time when everyone is working harder and longer, and how to make the most of it.

“Business people … we generally do a lousy job of planning our time,” he explained. “Jim Davis [John’s father] was always talking about time, how it’s the precious commodity we have, and how we have to maximize the time we have in the day. Business people are filling up their calendars every day with business stuff, which is important, but we should learn to be in control of our time so we have the opportunity to serve our community.”

In Conclusion

Returning to the subject of his work with young Angel Rodriguez, Mayo again stressed the importance of putting goals and dreams down in writing, thus giving them more importance and permanence.

As for his own goal that’s down on paper? Well, maybe some day Mayo will become a nationally known motivational speaker. But for now, he’s too busy being a mentor, advisor, and grand pooh-bah. “My strategy is to take every single opportunity that I can to speak locally, and hope that leads to chances regionally and then nationally,” he explained. “So far, that strategy is not working at all; it’s mostly because I’m so busy volunteering that I’m not paying the attention to this that I need to.”

Besides, he still doesn’t have a Web site or a book with his name on the cover. He apparently doesn’t have time for those, either.

George O’Brien can be reached

at[email protected]

Opinion

What a difference a year makes.

Twelve months ago, people in business — and the media — were talking about how bad things were, and how much worse they could get. Today, as we get set to turn the calendar again, people are talking about how things are better (for the most part) and how much better they can get in 2010.

Unfortunately, the consensus among most economists and bankers is that, while we should expect a recovery, it will be of the slow and steady variety. Making matters worse is that the expectation that this looks to be a ‘jobless recovery,’ where perhaps some, but probably not many, of the jobs lost over the past 12 to 18 months are regained through expansion.

It is our hope, of course, that the experts are wrong. But, realistically, we believe that employers who have learned to make do with fewer people will be cautious and slow to bring people back on the payroll.

So, while waiting and hoping for things to improve, we would encourage area economic-development leaders and elected officials to pursue strategies and policies that will help create new avenues for jobs in our region beyond our existing base. Here are three key areas of focus.

• Continue to pursue green pastures. We’re starting to see the emergence of a ‘green sector’ in the Pioneer Valley. It’s small in comparison to what’s happening in other areas of the country and in comparison to other other industries in this region. But it’s something to build on.

With the arrival of Qteros, a firm striving to revolutionize ethanol production through the use of something called the Q microbe, near Westover in Chicopee; continued research into other green-energy breakthroughs at UMass; and the beginnings of a green-energy cluster in Greenfield, this region has the potential to become a base for a host of industries that will meet what is becoming a national desire to ‘go green.’

The planned high-performance computing center in Holyoke, heading there largely because of the city’s green and inexpensive hydro power, could also draw attention — and perhaps more jobs — to this region.

• Keep young people here — somehow. If this region is ever to develop new sources of jobs, it must have a workforce that is large and attractive enough to entice businesses and emerging sectors to come here. And a big part of this equation is young people.

Many in this constituency will be tempted to leave if there are few job opportunities, equally few chances to move up the ladder, and the perception that there will be no jobs down the road. Thus, companies have to work to engage their existing young employees in the community and make them part of the fabric of this region. They should also support the various young professionals’ groups in Western Mass. that are thus far having great success with helping individuals grow roots in the region.

In the meantime, they should endeavor to create internship and co-op opportunities that will expose young people to the many fine businesses in this area and, in the process, perhaps find their workers of tomorrow. Such internships come with a price tag for the employer in terms of both money and time, but they should be seen as investments, not expenses.

• Continue to grow the ‘eds and meds’ sectors. While this region must continue to look imaginatively toward new and different sources of jobs, it must also strive to support and grow those that already exist, especially health care and education.

These are strong, somewhat healthy sources of employment that must become healthier. Many health-care providers continue to be strapped by insufficient reimbursement. Meanwhile, public colleges and universities, which are becoming more popular as the economy continues to struggle and people seek out the skills to re-enter the workforce, are facing crippling state budget cuts. At a time when many could and should be adding to their faculty and staffs to serve more people, they are instead laying off or implementing hiring freezes.

Elected officials and economic-development leaders alike must understand that the health and well-being of our region is tied largely to the health of these sectors, and respond accordingly.

Departments

Marcus Printing Goes Green

HOLYOKE — Marcus Printing has recently earned several environmental certifications that will enable its clients to create ‘greener’ printed materials. In addition to being granted Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification by Scientific Certification Systems, the company is the first printer in New England to offset 100% of its carbon-dioxide emissions to achieve Certification of Carbon Neutral Status by Verus Carbon Neutral. Marcus Printing is a Holyoke-based, third-generation, family-owned commercial printing business.

Hannoush Jewelers Opens Flagship Store

SPRINGFIELD — Hannoush Jewelers, a privately owned jewelry manufacturer, retailer, and diamond importer, recently opened an innovative flagship store at Eastfield Mall. Hannoush Jewelers Vice President Camile Hannoush noted that her family was “looking forward to coming back home to the Eastfield Mall,” since their jewelry career began at Eastfield in 1980. The Hannoush family touts its flagship business as the “first-of-its-kind jewelry-manufacturing retail store.” The nearly 22,000-square-foot store includes a 3,300-square-foot jewelry showroom and a 700-square-foot Pandora boutique. The store also houses a manufacturing area with a glass wall that invites shoppers into the world of jewelry craftsmanship where they can view jewelry being repaired and manufactured.

MassMutual Achieves 76% YTD Increase in Sales

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has recorded a 76% increase in nonprofit retirement-plan sales through Oct. 31, 2009 vs. the same period last year. MassMutual’s nonprofit expertise and financial stability are attractive to advisors and their clients, according to Hugh O’Toole, senior vice president and head of sales and client management for MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division. O’Toole added that MassMutual’s strength in consolidating multiple plans under a single provider is “highly valued” in this market. In addition to tremendous growth in the health care market, MassMutual has achieved sales success in several nonprofit sub-niches, including charitable 501©(3) organizations, private education, and religious organizations, added O’Toole. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com/retire.

Bed Bath & Beyond Opens Hadley Store

HADLEY — Bed Bath & Beyond recently opened a 27,000-square-foot store at 337 Russell St., featuring domestic merchandise and home furnishings. The Hadley store is the 26th store in Massachusetts. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Bed Bath & Beyond is also located in Holyoke.

Lenovo Awards WCA for Customer Service

SOUTHWICK — Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) was recently recognized by Lenovo as a ‘premier servicer’ based on its record customer-satisfaction rating of 98.2%. WCA earned premier-servicer status based on its full-prior-year warranty performance of more than 800 warranty transactions. Lenovo noted in its recognition that “WCA excelled at repairing machines correctly the first time with a first-time fix rate of 94.1%, excellent parts efficiency, and an average parts per machine of 1.09. This placed WCA in the top 5% nationally of all of our Lenovo servicers.” In other company news, WCA was one of 18 members of the top 500 Solution Providers in North America to receive additional recognition as a best-practice leader by VarBusiness magazine. Also, WCA has received the IBM Chairman’s Award for Customer Service, recognizing the company’s outstanding commitment to service over a five-year period. WCA was the only New England-based company and one of six companies in North and South America to receive the prestigious industry award.

Best of Boston Road Winners Honored

WILBRAHAM — The Boston Road Business Assoc. recently honored the Best of Boston Road winners at the Wilbraham Country Club during its sixth annual gala awards dinner. A dozen winners were chosen based on approximately 200 votes received from local businesses and the customers who shop on Boston Road. The 2009 winners in their respective categories are: Lia Toyota, auto dealership; Countryside Auto Body, auto/gas service; Scantic Valley YMCA, recreational/fitness service; Boulder Brooke Dental, health/dental service; the Gaudreau Group, professional service; Wilbraham Animal Hospital, general service; Big Y in Wilbraham, food and beverage service; Horizons, restaurant; Quinn’s Fine Jewelry, retail store; Monson Savings Bank, banks/credit unions; Red Robin, Best New Boston Road Business; and Valley Stone Credit Union, Boston Road Business of the Year. The winners received award certificates and citations. Proceeds from the evening’s ticket sales and silent auction, exceeding $5,000, will help fund the Light Up Boston Road holiday spectacular. The awards dinner was sponsored by the Gaudreau Group, Country Bank for Savings, and the Eastfield Mall. The Boston Road Business Assoc. is a Massachusetts not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to unite the businesses along the Boston Road corridor in Springfield and Wilbraham to share resources and stimulate and promote growth and development of the business community.

Salvation Army Teams Up with Armor

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Salvation Army has partnered with Springfield’s NBA-D League team, the Springfield Armor, in its main fund-raiser of the holiday season. The Springfield Armor is the official sponsor of the Red Kettle Campaign. As part of the sponsorship, the red kettles will be present at various Springfield Armor games at the MassMutual Center. The Salvation Army’s goal this season is to reach $62,000, which will help assist thousands of people in the Springfield area.

Roadhouse Café Featured on WGBY

BELCHERTOWN — Joan Dahl-Lussier, owner of the Roadhouse Café, participated in a cooking segment on Dec. 3 on the WGBY program, On the Menu. WGBY chooses restaurants based on geography, the chef’s unique cooking style, and use of locally grown produce and farm-raised products. The Roadhouse Café was chosen for a breakfast segment featuring Dahl-Lussier’s award-winning organic blueberry pancakes, along with other specialty breakfast dishes. The Roadhouse Café is now open for lunch on weekdays, and fare includes homemade organic soups, salads, and hot panini sandwiches. Café hours are weekdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

AETNA and Pets Best Insurance Reach Agreement

HARTFORD, Conn. — Aetna and Pets Best Insurance recently announced an agreement with the Chamber Insurance Program to provide 50,000 local businesses and chambers of commerce in Massachusetts access to discounted rates on pet-insurance plans. Pets Best Insurance is the administrator for plans underwritten by Aetna Insurance Co. of Connecticut. These plans have earned the exclusive recommendation of the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. Group Health and Life Insurance Trust. The plans reimburse 80% of veterinary bills after payment of the deductible. Monthly premium rates are based on breed, the pet’s age, and the typical veterinary costs within a policyholder’s area. Plans are subject to limitations and exclusions, but there are no benefit schedules or fee restrictions. Plans do not include maximum age restrictions, and allow pet owners to choose any licensed veterinarian. For more information on the pet insurance offering, visit www.chamberpets.com.

Departments

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

Allard, Ronald E.
Wanat-Allard, Patricia M.
20 Martel Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Allen, Charlene Rose
107 S. Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Allen, Michael E.
107 S. Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Allen, Theresa P.
Allen, Richard W.
9 Jackielyn Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/16/09

Asklipious, Alexandra
15 Buel St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Barrus, Scott M.
309 Winsor St., Apt B
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Beasi, Paul David
Beasi, Melinda Jane
44 Spring St. Ext.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Bergstrom, Gregg G.
34 Overland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Blanchette, Ellen J.
37 Sunrise Terrace
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/09

Bohl, Sarah J.
450 Church St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/22/09

Bottomley, Walter J.
Bottomley, Debra
4 Orchard Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Boutet, Shawn Lee
Boutet, Jennifer Lynn
990 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Breault, Robert D.
31 Montgomery Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/09

Bullock, Andrew Ellis
178 Eden Trail Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Bullock, Joni Elizabeth
a/k/a Schriver, Joni
4 Spring Terrace
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Busiere, Jodi A.
289 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/16/09

Cantoni, Joseph M.
Cantoni, Karen J.
188 West Shaft Road
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Caron, Richard E.
Caron, Diane A.
928 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

CDS Developement LLC
1 Roger Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Clark, Hugh V.
Clark, Ellen M.
51 Arden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/09

Claudio, Joselito
303 Maple St., Apt. 327
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Collins, Brad Garett
1038 North St., Ext.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Cordero, Luis A.
Cordero, Irbian R.
30 Arlington St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/09

Cote, Earl L.
Cote, Karen L.
1273 Brimfield Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Croelle, Daniel Gene
760 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/09

Cruz, Carmen M.
51 Wait St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Cruz, Linda I.
75 Walnut St., Unit A
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/22/09

Custom Framing by Robert
MacKenzie, Robert R.
MacKenzie, Dawn T.
68 Hapgood St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/09

DelValle, Juan
a/k/a DelValle Rodriguez, Juan
P.O. Box 514
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Dubour, Jennifer A.
121 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/21/09

Dunham, Shannon Marie
122 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Eichstedt, Brian L.
Eichstedt, Bonnie J.
77 East St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Escalante, Michael
26 Muzzy St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/09

Fontanez, Maria
16 Farragut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Francis, Anna D.
Francis, Edward W.
15 Macomber Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Furnelli, Edward George
Furnelli, Donna Marie
20 Gill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/09

Furtado, Carlos R.
Furtado, Paulina D.
395 B Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Gagnon, William P.
Gagnon, Melanie E.
a/k/a Beauvais, Melanie Elize
205 Tamarack Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/09

Garcia, Adalberto
12 Mattoon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Garcia, Jose M.
37 Miller St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Giedrowicz, Maciej
228 E. Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Gillis, Jason R.
Gillis, Christine D.
72 Fowler Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Gingras, Robert J.
Gingras, Michelle S.
73 Beaver Lake Rd.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Grice, Queenie V.
15 Darling St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Hadley, Linda J.
37 Burford Ave
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Hatzipetro, Gary E.
491 S. West St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Heffernan, Eileen M.
53 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Jilson, Keith R.
18 Hilltop Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Judd, William E.
12 B Standish Court
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Kanaley, Richard A.
Kanaley, Cynthia L.
26 Helen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Kavey, James R.
PO Box 3171
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Kenyon, James R.
Kenyon, Sandra L.
a/k/a Coogan, Sandra L.
740 Mill St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Kibbe, Gretchen Elizabeth
20 Cottage St. #3
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/09

King, Steven Paul
41 Central Shaft Road
Florida, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Lanfair, Timothy Jerry
144 Church St., Apt 2
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

 

LaPierre, Leon D.
47 Glenvale St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Laviolette, Sandra E.
7 Davis Way
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/09

Law Offices of Colin Keefe
Keefe, Colin
388 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Lemay, Roger E.
Lemay, Eileen A
407 S. Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Leskowitz, Andrew T.
P.O. Box 15262
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Levin, Jonas P.
431 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Licence, Anna M.
25 Thomas St., Apt. 60
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/09

Linscott, Gregory J.
41 Bissell Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Maldonado, Linda
196 Corcoran Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Mayo, Florence C.
391 Main St., Apt. 306
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

McDonald, James E.
McDonald, Linda A.
12 Daniel Square Ext.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Metro Builders
Lemieux, Wilfred Paul
127 Country Club Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Miller, Stephen Douglas
56 Hillside Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Minkos, Mark A.
112 Carpenter Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Monsees, Donald T.
433 West Main St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/09

Mortimer, Rivera
a/k/a Mirta, Rivera M.
377 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Mulero, Neida
176 Keddy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/16/09

O’Connor, Phyllis E.
a/k/a Herman, Phyllis
26 Village Green Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Ojeda, Maria A.
93 Grochmal Ave., Lot 8
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

On The Level
United Landscaping and Co.
Mill River Landscaping
Fournier, Christopher M.
17 Franklin St.
Millers Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Pedevillano, Elizabeth Dolly
159 Glendale Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Peloquin, Christopher M.
Peloquin, Karen R.
202 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Planadeball, Wanda L.
a/k/a Planadeball-McGriff, Wanda L
226 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Plouffe, Edmond J.
Plouffe, Phyllis J.
27 Julia Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Poirier, William P.
21 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Proctor, Charles C.
37 Shumway St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/21/09

Proctor, Christina M.
a/k/a LeBlanc, Christina M.
37 Slumway St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/21/09

Ramsdell, Ann M.
61 Lealand Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Randall, Zsuzsana E.
32 Hollans Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Rau, Jennifer Ann
a/k/a Pieciak, Jennifer A.
74 Silver St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Ray, Susan
62 Wellesley St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Renkowic, Norrene
a/k/a Gaudreau, Norrene
71 Ice Pond Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Rick’s PC Service
Scott, Richard Allen
Scott, Lori Lynne
a/k/a Leberman, Lori Lynne
839 Florence Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Rowbotham, Christopher
55 Pine St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Sanderell, Kathlene A.
655 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Santana, Carmen I.
92 Wilber St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Santiago, Israel
Lopez, Margarita
a/k/a Lopez-Matias, Margarita
299 Allen Park Road, Apt.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Sayball, Stephanie L.
16 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/09

Schuster, Dave P.
10 Winthrop St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Suse, Joseph C.
88 Berwick Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Sylvester, Kyle
32 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/09

Szymkiewicz, Todd E.
Szymkiewicz, Katherine A.
526 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/09

Thomas, Bruce P.
1009 Town Farm Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Thomson, Keith M.
Thomson, Jennifer L.
Collins, Jennifer L.
2000 Cape St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/16/09

Valliere, Cynthia Jean
275 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Walker, Beth A.
a/k/a King, Beth A.
P.O. Box 50
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/09

Warren, John
161 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

White, Diane L.
a/k/a Merron, Diane L.
134 Drury Ave, Apt 2
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

White, Stephen M.
White, Shannon L.
54 Oxford St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/16/09

Williams, Francis A.
27 Bungalow St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/09

Williamson, Henry G.
3 Ash Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/09

Wojcieszek, George
PO Box 338
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/09

Wojcik, Edward A.
Wojcik, Carrie A.
12 Prospect St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/09

Wright, Dorothy A.
251 Greenaway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/09

Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of November 2009.

AGAWAM

Town of Agawam
68 Main St.
$89,500 — New acoustical ceilings in three rooms

OMG
153 Bowles Road
$3,000 — Construct partitions for office

AMHERST

GPT – RG Amherst LLC
422 Belchertown Road
$31,000 — New roof

Hills House, LLC
81 McClellan St.
$10,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Housing Authority
630 Chicopee St.
$15,000 — Install 20-by-14 canopy over rear entrance patio

EASTHAMPTON

Calvary Baptist Church
413 Main St.
$5,000 — Install coal burning stove

Eastworks, LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$10,000 — Roof repairs

Kim McCarthy
97 Cottage St.
$55,000 — Create new offices

Nick & Betty Dupre
54-60 Ferry St.
$9,500 – 45 replacement windows

Robert Powers Jr.
77-79 Union St.
$20,000 — Renovations

Williston Northampton School
191 Main St.
$32,000 — Create means of egress for second-floor dormitory

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$17,500 — Provide fire protection pre-action system in generator and air compressor rooms

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$10,000 — Renovate stair enclosure

HADLEY

Marc Morrocco
446 Russell St.
$550,000 — Renovation of existing gas station

Young Men’s Club of Hadley
138 East St.
$40,000 — 20-by-20 one-story addition

HOLYOKE

Sunoco Products Company
200 S. Water St.
$288,000 — Construct a 50’ x 62’ pre-engineered building

LUDLOW

Big Y Foods Inc.
433 Center St.
$3,000 — Alterations

 

Citizens Bank
645 Center St.
$27,000 — Alterations

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
42 Gothic St.
$49,000 — Install new ramp with footings, walls, and rails

Coolidge Northampton, LLC
249 King St.
$5,000 — Interior renovations to suite #212

Raymond Realty Trust
1 Lovefield St.
$6,000 — Non-structural interior renovations

Smith College
64 Kensington Ave.
$7,000 — Sheetrock dining room and kitchen ceiling

Smith College
126 West St.
$5,000 — Enlarge loading dock

The Homeowners at Laurel
Laurel Park Meeting House
$4,400 — Re-roof

West Arnold Land Trust
12 Arnold Ave.
$2,100 — Install six replacement windows

SOUTH HADLEY

Loomis Village
10 Bayou Dr.
$12,500 — New porch

SOUTHWICK

Southwick Recreational Center
64 Powdermill Road
$9,000 — Interior renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Children’s Home Study
30 Sherman St.
$52,000 — Minor renovations to create new office and bathrooms

Chris Arilotta
755 Liberty St.
$8,000 — Interior renovations

Columbus Ave. Realty, LLC
765 East Columbus Ave.
$40,000 — Interior renovation of existing tenant space

Laura Fitzgerald
195 Wachusett St.
$9,000 — Installation of storage area

Peter Houser
318 Boston Road
$25,000 — Interior renovation

Springfield Girl’s Club
100 Acorn St.
$35,000 — New Windows

WESTFIELD

Westfield Oaks, LLC
404 Southwick Road
$2,000 — Replace windows

Departments

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock announced that Darcy Rogers has joined the resort’s conference sales team as Sales Manager. In her new position, Rogers will be responsible for soliciting new business, managing existing accounts, and working with other departments at the resort to offer high-quality conference and meeting services to clients. She works with clients in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a particular emphasis on the Albany area.

•••••

Fuss & O’Neill, an engineering firm with offices in Springfield and several other locations, announced the following changes in senior management:
• Jeffrey Heidtman has been elected CEO and Chairman of the Board, and is stepping down as President;
• Peter Grose, PE will be assuming the duties of President. He is a 30-year Fuss & O’Neill employee who has directed some of the firm’s largest design and construction services programs;
• Michael Curtis, PhD, PE has been promoted to the newly created position of Director of Strategic Initiatives; and
• James Parry, PE has been promoted to Director of Business Development and Marketing.

•••••

TSM Design in Springfield announced the following:
• Janet Bennet has joined the firm as an Account Executive. She will develop clients’ marketing communications strategies as well as manage day-to-day account activity; and
•Michael Sjostedt has joined the firm as a Copywriter. He will be responsible for generating copy for clients’ communications.

•••••

Andrea Comstock-Tague has joined the staff of United Bank as a Human Resources Officer. In her new position, she will be responsible for the daily management of the bank’s human-resources functions, with an emphasis on training and development.

•••••

J.M. O’Brien & Co., P.B., with offices in Springfield and Easthampton, announced the following:
• Ryan Sabin has joined the firm; and
• Natalya Zubenko has joined the firm.

•••••

Karen King of the Karen King Group, Re/Max Prestige Realty in Wilbraham, has been accepted into the Allen Hainge CyberStars group, an invitation-only group of 200 top real-estate agents from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the Bahamas. King is the only representative selected from Western Mass.

•••••

Elizabeth Howell has joined the All About Women Midwifery practice as a certified Nurse Midwife with the Baystate Ob-Gyn Group.

•••••

Anthony J. Worden recently joined Greenfield Co-operative Bank as Vice President for Commercial Lending.

•••••

Deborah Duncan, Senior Program Manager for the Day Treatment Program at Behavioral Health Network in Springfield, was recently awarded the Moe Armstrong Award for adult peer leadership for her contribution to strengthening the role of consumers in the mental-health and substance-abuse treatment systems by the Assoc. for Behavioral Healthcare.

•••••

Tighe & Bond of Westfield announced the following:
• Elizabeth G. Baldwin has been promoted to Project Manager. Her experience lies in water resources and wastewater projects;
• Marc J. Richards, a professional Engineer and licensed site professional specializing in environmental assessment and remediation projects, has been promoted; and
• Antonio J. daCruz, with more than 16 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, has been promoted.

•••••

James Haughey of the Behavioral Health Network in Springfield has been recognized with the Innovation Practice Award by the Assoc. for Behavioral Healthcare.

•••••

The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau has appointed seven new officers and members to its Board of Directors. They are:
• John Doleva, of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, to serve as Vice Chairman;
• Anthony Frasco of the Williams Distributing Corp.;
• Joanne Gadoury of the MassMutual Financial Group;
• Michael Jonnes of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra;
• Bruce Lessels of Zoar Outdoor;
• Anthony Maroulis of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; and
• Remo Pizzichemi of the Hampton Inn in West Springfield.
Officers nominated to serve a two-year term include:
• Michael Hurwitz of the American Restaurant Corp., to serve as Vice Chairman; and
• Kathleen Anderson of the Holyoke Office of Planning and Development, to serve as Treasurer.
Continuing as officers with terms expiring in 2010 are:
• Greg Chiecko of the Eastern States Exposition to serve as Chairman; and
• Robert Schwarz of Peter Pan Bus Lines as Secretary.
Members of the board nominated to serve an additional two-year term include:
• Bill Hess of the Springfield Marriott;
• John Hesslein of CBS-3;
• Matt Hollander of the MassMutual Center;
• Shardool Parmar of the Pioneer Valley Hotel Group; and
• Rod Warnick of the Hospitality Tourism Management Department at UMass Amherst.
Other board members include:
• Joseph Carvalho of the Springfield Museums Assoc.;
• Carolyn Edwards of Prime Outlets;
• Debra Flynn of Eastside Grill;
• Robert Gilbert of Dowd Insurance;
• Stuart Hurwitz of Rein’s Deli;
• Harlan Kent of Yankee Candle Co.;
• Larry Litton of Six Flags New England;
• Bruce Nable of SER Expo Services;
• Christina Pappas of Open the Door Communications;
• William Rogolski of the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside;
• Peter Rosskothen of The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House and The Delaney House; and
• Daniel Walsh of the Columbus Hotel Group.

•••••

SS&C SummerWind Performing Arts Center announced the appointment of insurance executive Michael D. Rabbett to chair its Development Committee. Rabbett is owner of Rabbett Insurance in Windsor, Conn., recipient of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business of the Year Award, and a member of the Professional Insurance Agents and Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut.

•••••

Kate Putnam, president of Package Machinery Co. Inc. in West Springfield, has been named a Top Woman Entrepreneur for 2009 by Work Life Matters magazine. She will be honored at a breakfast on Dec. 14 at Club 101 in New York City. Package Machinery Co. is a manufacturer of wrapping machinery for consumer products. Putnam has been president since the company’s inception in 1996.

•••••

Bacon Wilson, P.C. of Springfield announced that the following lawyers were named “New England SuperLawyers” in the November issue of Boston magazine:
• Paul R. Salvage, Co-Chairman of the Insolvency Department;
• Gary L. Fialky, Chairman of the Corporate Department;
• Michael B. Katz, Co-Chairman of the Bankruptcy Department;
• Paul H. Rothschild, Chairman of the Litigation Department;
• Stephen N. Krevalin, Managing Partner;
• Hyman G. Darling, Chairman of the Estate Planning and Elder Law Departments;
• Francis R. Mirkin; and
• Stephen B. Monsein.
Also, in the same issue, the following Bacon Wilson lawyers were named “Rising Stars”:
• Justin H. Dion;
• Adam J. Basch;
• Todd C. Ratner;
• Mark A. Tanner; and
• Kevin V. Maltby.

Departments

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
(413) 787-1555
www.myonlinechamber.com

Dec. 9: ACCGS After 5/WRC, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by the Lexington Group, 380 Union St., West Springfield. Tickets: $20 general admission, $10 members.
Dec. 11: East of the River 5 Town Chamber Holiday Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m., hosted by  Elmcrest Country Club, East Longmeadow. Speaker: Dr. John Glick, the Humor Doctor. Tickets: $25 general admission, $20 members.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Dec. 16: After 5/Holiday Party, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by PeoplesBank, Amherst.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
(413) 594-2101
www.chicopeechamber.org

Please see Web site for upcoming events.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
(413) 773-5463
www.franklincc.org

Dec. 22: Holiday Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Recorder Citizen of the Year Award, Deerfield Academy. Music, gifts, and great food. Tickets: members $23, non-members $25.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
(413) 527-9414
www.easthamptonchamber.org

Dec. 17: Holiday Dinner Dance, 6 to 11 p.m., hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. An evening of friends and holiday spirit, including the chamber’s annual awards. Big raffle with $5,000 drawing, butlered hors d’oeuvres, multi-station entrees, Viennese dessert table, cash martini and full-service bar, music provided by Michael J Productions. Public invited. Excellent business party opportunity. Group reservations available. Tickets: $45 inclusive.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
(413) 534-3376
www.holycham.com

Dec. 9: Holiday Salute Breakfast, doors open at 7:30 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Holyoke. Tickets: $20.

Dec. 16: Chamber Holiday After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Holyoke. Tickets: $5 members, $10 cash non-members.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
(413) 584-1900
www.explorenorthampton.com

Dec. 9: Northampton Area Young Professionals Party with a Purpose, 5 to 8 p.m., hosted by Silverscape Designs. Free for members, $5 for guests.

Dec. 11: New Member Breakfast, 8 to 9:30 a.m., hosted by the chamber. Free for members.

Dec. 15: Meet & Eat, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Tickets: $15 members, $20 guests.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
(413) 283-2418
www.qvcc.biz

Please see Web site for upcoming events.

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
(413) 532-6451
www.shchamber.com

Please see Web site for upcoming events.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
(413) 283-6425
www.threeriverschamber.org

Please see Web site for upcoming events.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
(413) 568-1618
www.westfieldbiz.org

Dec. 11: Annual Holiday Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Shaker Farms Country Club, Westfield. Santa will appear, and the Westfield High School Concert Chorale, under the direction of Kory Bruno, will provide musical entertainment. Premier members:Westfield Gas and Electric, Westfield Bank, and Easthampton Savings Bank. Tickets: $20 members, $25 non-members. Deadline for Reservations is December 8. All reservations after this date will be billed at $25 per person. To register, call Marcia at (413) 568-1618, e-mail [email protected], or log onto www.westfieldbiz.org. Please bring an unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army, and also bring a door prize to highlight your business.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Dec. 9: For December, we will not hold a Third Thursday, but instead will join the ACCGS After 5 on Dec. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lexington Group, 380 Union St., West Springfield. In the spirit of the holiday season, we encourage everyone to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to the children of the Children’s Study Home. For non-members, a toy will be accepted in lieu of the $5 entrance fee.

Dec. 19: Ring the Red Kettles, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in front of Macy’s inside the Eastfield Mall. We ask that you donate two hours of your time for this worthy cause. If interested, e-mail Maureen Pick-nally at [email protected].

Cover Story
Experts Predict a Slow, Steady
Cover

Cover

While there are concerns about a double dip and a largely jobless recovery, the general consensus among economy watchers is that the worst is over and better times are ahead. But ‘better’ is certainly a relative term, they say, and in this case it refers to what will likely be slow, steady growth, with the accent on slow, with the eventual pace to be impacted by the level of job recovery and, perhaps more importantly, by overall confidence among consumers and business owners alike.

Bob Nakosteen feels like most of those people watching the economy for signs of what’s to come. He says he’s pretty much convinced that the worst is behind us … but he’s not at all sure how much better things are going getting to get, or when.

After discussing all the major talking points — from the housing market to consumer and business confidence; from the employment scene to the latest, and improved, gross domestic product numbers and whether he believes them (he doesn’t) — Nakosteen, an Economics professor at UMass Amherst, finally drew an analogy between the current economy and an oil tanker.

“You can turn it around, but it’s not going to happen quickly or easily,” he said, projecting that recovery will indeed come in 2010, probably by the second or third quarter by his estimates, making this what he termed a “slow-motion process” in the Bay State.

Continuing his search for words, phrases, and images to describe his sentiments, he said this region and the state as a whole are due to experience what he called a “U-shaped” recovery, meaning a pronounced slide (already behind us, by most estimates), followed by a long, relatively flat stretch, which we’re in now, by most accounts, followed by a sharp tick upward.

Quick Quote

But when that ascension will begin is anyone’s guess, and other economy watchers found words similar to Nakosteen’s to describe what they see coming in the months and quarters ahead.

“I don’t see much happening that’s going to be terribly vibrant; I don’t see a robust recovery coming,” was how Richard Collins, president of West Springfield-based United Bank summed up his thoughts. “We have money to lend here, but we don’t see people knocking on our door demanding it because they’ve got more pressing things to do.”

Such passive activity is a clear sign that consumer and business confidence, while improving, according to some yardsticks, is still not where it needs to be for a quick, strong recovery, said Collins, who is certainly not alone in his use of the word ‘slow’ to describe his thoughts on the pace of this much-anticipated recovery.

Andre Meyer used it early and often as well. He’s the senior vice president for Communications and Research at the Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM) He said that while only a few quarters ago, all economic signs were pointing down, some, but not all, are now pointing up. He’s seeing it in AIM’s Business Confidence Index, which, at 44.9 for the November reading, is still below the 50 mark (indicating general positiveness about the economy), but it has gained a point or two seven of the past eight months and is now well above the low point of 33.3 recorded this past February.

He’s also seeing it with regards to employment, despite widespread projections for a jobless recovery (see related story, page 22). There hasn’t been a marked uptick in hiring, but there are some indications that matters have improved, said Meyer, citing a slight surge in hiring among in an area he called ‘professional business and scientific services.’

“That tends to be a real bellwether,” he explained, “because that’s money that companies are spending on outside vendors, and it’s often the kind of thing they’ll put off if they don’t absolutely need it; you don’t need an architect if you’re not going to build a building.”

Meyer says he’s also seeing hints of progress in such things as improving sales figures for some categories of retail, a slight bounce for the housing market, and rising export levels, and that together, the signs validate the heavy use of the words ‘slow’ and ‘steady’ with regard to a turnaround

“Barring some unforeseen setback, we’re looking at a year of recovery, but slow growth overall,” he told BusinessWest. “But things will accelerate as we get into the year.”

Just how much they’ll accelerate is the question on everyone’s minds as they prepare to turn the calendar. The consensus seems to be that there are too many related question marks — concerning everything from jobs to confidence to the housing market — to effectively answer that question.

The Hoard Way

Before looking ahead to 2010, Meyer chose to start with a glance back, to about a year ago, when the dark clouds had gathered and the conjecture focused on just how bad things were going to get.

“The last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 were just terrible,” said Meyer, stating the obvious. “Everyone was hunkered down, and companies weren’t even filling critical jobs if they became vacant; they just didn’t want to make any kind of commitment because there was a sense that almost anything could happen.

“In retrospect, 2009 hasn’t been the complete meltdown and disaster that a lot of people thought it would be,” he continued, adding that, regionally, what has occurred over the past 12 to 15 months is not in most ways unprecedented, and, in fact, not as bad as the last great recession, the one in the early ’90s, in terms of duration and the impact on the financial-services sector.

All that said, the region was hard-hit, especially with regard to employment — which came close to but didn’t actually hit double figures in Massachusetts — as well as construction, residential, and commercial real estate, and companies’ bottom lines, Meyer continued. But things were much worse in many other parts of the country.

And while there is come concern about what’s known as a double dip — a recession followed by a slight uptick and then another downturn — most experts believe that the worst is in the rear-view mirror and that the nation and the region are in recovery mode.

But how pronounced will the recovery be, and when will business owners see real improvement?

Nakosteen is not particularly optimistic because he doesn’t see the requisite fuel he says is needed for a pronounced recovery.

“This has been a recession that’s killed off a lot more small businesses than most other recessions have,” he explained. “Couple that with the stagflation we’re seeing, and I just don’t see anything that’s going to pull us out of this.”

There is still a great deal of stimulus money remaining to be spent, Nakosteen continued, noting that maybe 75% of the nearly $1 trillion package has yet to be allocated. But he has doubts about whether that money will have any real impact on the pace and overall level of recovery.

“The only sector that’s really spending is the government,” he said, “but all that’s really done is put a bottom on the recession.”

Real recovery is only going to come when individuals and business owners possess enough confidence to start spending again, Nakosteen explained, adding quickly that he hasn’t seen any solid evidence indicating that day is here, or even close.

“For the most part, people are keeping are keeping their wallets in their pocket and their credit cards in their wallet,” he explained, noting that both consumers and business owners are hording cash and paying down debt — trends that are generally positive, but not when businesses need sales and the national recovery needs that aforementioned fuel.

Interest-bearing

Collins has witnessed this cash-hoarding first-hand. Like most all bank presidents, he’s seen growth in deposits far surpass growth in the loan portfolio.

Part of the reason for this has been a tightening of credit, which has been industry-wide, he continued, but the far bigger factors have been confidence, or a lack thereof, and the fact that many people — and businesses — don’t have the wherewithal, even if they do have the confidence.

Indeed, looking across the board, Collins said his bank has near-historically low rates on mortgages (around 5%), attractive products for new and used cars, and solid commercial packages. But demand for such offerings simply isn’t there.

“There are people who are really just hanging on, and they’re going to continue to have to hang on for a while,” he explained. “It gets tough; if you’ve been laid off, you can continue to pay your mortgage for a while, but if you’re out of your job for a long time, it gets more difficult.”

Overall, those at the bank are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, he continued, but all expectations have to be grounded in realism, and the reality, as he sees it, is limited growth potential with regard to the loan portfolio.

Allan Blair, president of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., sounded similar notes about realistic expectations. He described 2009 as a quiet year in terms of both new-business attraction and growth of existing businesses, and a big year for hunkering down for businesses large and small.

“Most all of them have cut their costs; they’re hoarding cash and paying down their debt,” he explained. “Some have laid off as part of their cost-cutting, but most of the smaller ones have tried to hold onto their people because they’re expecting an uptick and their workers have unique skill sets that they’re trying to preserve. In general, this has been a year of people weathering the storm, and most have done that well.”

When asked when business owners will come out of the proverbial storm cellar, Blair said much depends upon the sector in question and the level of confidence reached by decision makers. In health care, he explained, there is widespread concern about the debate on national reform of that sector and the impact it will have (see related story, page 25). Meanwhile, in public higher education, there has been a collision between rising enrollment and budget-cutting on the state level (trends seen in most recessions), which might hamper growth of that important sector.

Springfield Technical Community College President Ira Rubenzahl said his school, like all other public institutions, was helped considerably by stimulus funding, which nearly offset state cutbacks. His concern is that the same level of federal help won’t be there for fiscal year 2011, for which STCC is facing what could be a 14% budget cut.

The school has responded to the budget adversity with some fee increases, a hiring freeze, and a number of steps to control costs, said Rubenzahl, adding that recessionary times, and especially this recession, present challenging times for public schools. On one hand, their services are in greater demand, among both those seeking to upgrade their skills and high-school graduates (and their parents) recognizing the value of starting at a community college, but on the other hand, it becomes more difficult to deliver those services.

“What we’re seeing is people recognizing that they need a college education to get a high-paying job these days,” he explained. “Our mission is more important today than before the recession. But we need adequate funding to deliver a quality product.”

Looking at other sectors, and the larger issue of business recruitment, Blair said the EDC has not abandoned those efforts, although 2009 has been a tough year in that regard. And he is seeing signs of what could be light at the tunnel.

“We’ve seen more interest among European companies in having a U.S. presence than ever before,” he explained. “Much of this has to do with the favorable exchange rate with the Euro, but a big part of it is a need to get into the big U.S. marketplace. These companies are looking for partnerships and manufacturers’ representatives.

“We’ve been busy responding to the interest expressed by European companies,” he continued. “We haven’t seen any making any final decisions yet, but there is a lot of interest and a lot of talking.”

Meanwhile, Blair said, over the last part of the third quarter, his agency has seen an uptick in searches by national site selectors, an indication that perhaps some of the nation’s larger companies are looking at expansion opportunities or relocation of distribution facilities.

“That’s been a fairly encouraging trend,” said Blair, adding that the EDC is watching the distribution sector closely because it is usually a good barometer when it comes to developments in their respective sectors, and also because there is a trend toward decentralization in that industry that may bode well for this region given its strong infrastructure.

Still Laboring

Overall, both Meyer and Nakosteen say the Bay State is trailing the nation by at least one-quarter when it comes to recovery.

In fact, a report in the latest issue of MassBenchmarks, the quarterly publication produced by the UMass Donahue Institute in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, indicated that the state’s economy is estimated to have declined at a 1.1% annualized rate in the third quarter, a time when the national economy was, by many accounts, beginning to grow.

“The state entered the recession later than the U.S., and so appeared to be performing better than the U.S. through the spring of this year,” wrote Alan Clayton-Matthews, MassBenchmarks senior contributing editor and associate professor of Economics and Public Policy at Northeastern University. “However, recently released income and tax data suggest that the state’s economy continued to decline through the third quarter, and that recent economic performance may be weaker than that of the nation as a whole.”

When and to what degree the state catches up and experiences real recovery depends mostly on two factors — jobs and confidence, said Meyer.

Regarding the former, he said he expects to see some turnaround in 2010, at least in several sectors of the economy, and that, long-term, he expects the state will recover all or most of the jobs it lost to the recession, something that didn’t happen with the last downturn in 2001.

“There’s been some disagreement among economists about how quickly employment comes back,” he said. “Some people feel that employers actually let too many people go and will need to hire some back.

“In many industries, the jobs will come back, but they’ll come back slowly,” he continued. “It’s hard to hire the people you want, and it’s expensive to hire the people you want, and employers are going to be somewhat reluctant to hire people.”

Meyer sounded a cautionary note about falling too far behind the rest of the country.

“It’s very damaging to us here in this state when we lag seriously in the recoveries, as we have in the last two recessions,” he explained. “A big thing that happens is that people, particularly young, well-educated people, leave. If they think they can get a job somewhere else and not get one here, they’ll go to where the jobs are. But so far, the signs look pretty good on that.”

But many, including Blair, are somewhat less optimistic when it comes to jobs.

“Employers continue to be extremely cautious,” he said, “and from a broad economic-development point of view, the forecast of a jobless recovery in 2010 continues to be the predominant view. A lot of companies have invested in technology that reduces their reliance on labor, and so they’ll be productive as the economy’s demand increases without having to add workers.

“So it may be a a year from now before we see an uptick in job growth,” he continued, “which is obviously very important to our region.”

Sea Change

Returning to h
s comparison between the economy and an oil tanker, Nakosteen said that, for the most part, the change in course has begun.

But it will take some time to turn this ship around, he continued, adding that the so-called Great Recession touched every sector and nearly every business, and the specter of a jobless recession looms large.

It won’t be full-speed ahead any time soon, Nakosteen concluded, but the slow-motion process he described is at least underway.

George O’Brien can be reached

at[email protected]

Sections Supplements
The Economy Is Improving, but Where Are the Jobs?
Suzanne Bump

Suzanne Bump says a recent, slight drop in unemployment in Massachusetts bodes well for the Bay State.

Just before President Obama hopped aboard Air Force One en route to China earlier this month, he announced a December ‘jobs summit’ to address a big question facing his administration — will this be a jobless recovery, as many experts are predicting?

And the focus of the summit will be on preventing, or minimizing, such an eventuality.

Nationally, unemployment has crept over the 10% mark, and there are signs that many companies that have made do with fewer employees in an effort to ride out the downturn are still cautious about hiring again. This has prompted questions, both regionally and nationally, about what kind of recovery can be expected if there is no real surge in employment — and if such a development could even be called a recovery.

Gerald Epstein, a professor at the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at UMass Amherst, doesn’t believe that term applies to what he’s seeing.

“If you have an unemployment rate that is measuring 10.2%, that doesn’t take into consideration discouraged workers, or part-time workers who want to work full-time, because then it’s upwards of 17%, and for certain demographic categories, like young people, it’s over 20%,” he explained. “Statistics like that are not those of a recovery.”

Elaborating, he said the current surge on Wall Street, which has seen a more-than-50% climb since March, cannot be expected to continue unless or until there is substantial job growth.

“The stock markets can’t continue to go up if the underlying basis of the economy, people’s ability to work and spend and consume, isn’t supported,” he said. “Any growth will just be a bubble, and an unsustainable one at that.”

Here in the Bay State, the numbers look a little better, jobs-wise, at least according to the state Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which announced last month that unemployment had actually dropped from 9.3% to 8.9%. LAWD Secretary Suzanne Bump told BusinessWest that such news is not only encouraging — in that things are not getting any worse — but also heralds signs of the Commonwealth’s climb onward and upward.

However, she added that job loss is a significant concern for the Patrick administration, and that while the state has seen some growth in key sectors — health care, professional, scientific,and business services — there are still some residual effects from past recessions.

“Coming out of this recession, we will be regaining some jobs,” said Bump. “But it has taken us a long time to regain those past job losses. In fact, I’m not sure that we did regain all of the jobs that we lost during the last recession of 2001-02.”

For its Economic Outlook 2010, BusinessWest looks at the recession from the lens of employment, both regionally and nationally. Epstein and some his colleagues at PERI discuss the likelihood of a jobless recovery, but also about ways in which job growth can be stimulated.

Help Wanted

On the day the latest unemployment figures were released in the Bay State, Bump told BusinessWest that such numbers bode well for the state’s economic health.

“We are as surprised as anyone by the magnitude of the drop in unemployment,” she said. “It is evidence that this particular recession continues to defy economic predictions.”

The construction sector continues to be hard-hit, she noted, adding quickly that while this is bad news for the overall health of the state’s economy, that particular sector isn’t as dominant an economic force as it is in other states. However, key sectors that are “growth engines,” as she called them, for the Bay State’s economy are gaining stability.

“Looking at health care,” she offered as one example, “we’ve maybe missed one beat over the past year, and in general they have been in an upward trend. I think that, literally, there was one month that we saw a contraction in health care and social assistance.”

The sectors that are seeing growth in Massachusetts are those that require advanced skills or education, said Bump, adding that, consequently, the Patrick administration has ambitious goals for its education-reform agenda. Citing training that leads to credentials, certifications, and post-secondary degrees as key areas of necessary spending, she said that, “if we are going to grow our economy, that’s what we have to focus on. Job training is not just about putting someone through a simple computer class, or giving them advanced manufacturing training.”

But while Bump sees reason for optimism, Epstein and others at PERI sound far more somber notes, and on many aspects of the employment scene.

According to Jeannette Wicks-Lim, an assistant research professor at PERI and author of several books on wages and employment in the U.S., while many are understandably focused on the number of jobs lost and the potential for gains, it is also important to bracket that with the quality of existing employment nationwide.

“When you don’t have job growth, there is slack in the labor market, and jobs don’t get wage gains,” she explained. “It’s great that you do have a job, but if your pay is stagnating over time, then it becomes harder and harder to meet your budget’s needs.”

Meanwhile, Epstein, Wicks-Limm, and and Robert Pollin, co-director at PERI, say the forces, or tools, of recovery are simply not strong enough for them to express much optimism for at least the short term.

Two main tools the government has been employing to help shore up the nation’s stability are stimulus funding and low interest rates, which these days hover close to zero. However, some ask, if that low-interest money doesn’t get into the right hands, then what is the benefit?

“It’s not generating real loans to small businesses, to businesses that want to borrow to invest to hire new workers,” said Epstein. “A lot of the money that is available right now is going into speculation that’s driving up stock prices, or it’s going overseas and driving up the value of other currencies, but it’s not going into generating new jobs.”

Work in Progress

Pollin said that such untapped reserves could offer a very real possibility of an immediate boost to the nation’s business sector — those very entities who can and would contribute to increased job creation.

“There’s about $700 billion sitting in bank reserves that wasn’t there a year ago,” he explained. “Banks received all this bailout money, and now they’re sitting on it in cash; they’re not putting it out. There’s no reason to lower interest rates if the banks are just going to sit on that money.”

Incentivizing the distribution of such money into the economy wouldn’t cost taxpayers a single penny, he added, and loan guarantees would encourage lenders to loosen their grasp on the funds.

“The government needs to create ways for loan guarantees, with other kinds of benefits, for those banks to get the money out,” he said. “Yes, loan guarantees have gotten a bad reputation because of TARP, but at the same time, we have massive loan guarantees in the economy, about $300 billion per year in student loans, small-business loans, agricultural loans … we do have a reasonably effective system.

“The way you create jobs,” he continued, “is to spend money.”

Increased spending on jobs could very easily occur, all three professors agree, in sectors that would not migrate overseas. Echoing a sentiment often heard lately in this region, Wicks-Lim said that “we know we could invest our resources in a green economy, and a lot of jobs could be created by focusing our energies there.”

Pollin said a recent idea put forth by both former President Clinton and venture capitalist John Doerr has both great potential and a great name: Cash for Caulkers. Money could, and should, be invested in energy-saving building retrofits, from the highest echelons of the federal government on down to the simplest of home renovations. But, it is up to Washington, Pollin said, to lead the way.

“The Pentagon itself owns 55,000 buildings in the U.S.,” he said. “If the government just put out a procurement for those buildings, that would be an enormous stimulus, and it saves money down the line.”

Pollin said he has long been an advocate of ideas like Cash for Caulkers. “I’ve been in debates where the questions are, ‘is the return on investment 30%, 20%, 35%, 40%?’ Nobody questions that you get your money back in five years at the most. So, why aren’t we doing it?”

He explained that the market for such large-scale retrofitting is still immature, acknowledging that it is a financial outlay for homeowners at a time when their priorities are on money coming in, not going out.

“Someone once told me, we need to get to the point where we have a McDonald’s for retrofits,” Pollin said. “You call someone, and it’s easy. But the only way it’s going to happen fast is if the government begins this massive spending on retrofits. You hire the 2 million construction workers who have been laid off in the last two years, and that will mature the market and create momentum and publicity for the private market. This could be a major undergirding for a recovery for the next few years.”

Meanwhile, Epstein told BusinessWest that funds must be diverted directly to the states more effectively than has been the case. “Otherwise, we’re going to start seeing large numbers of teachers, firefighters, and other jobs like that joining the unemployment rates,” he said.

Pollin added that these jobs funded by the states are not only desirable, but non-exportable.

“Just think of this — reducing classroom sizes, hiring more teachers,” he said. “This has been a goal for 50 years, raising the quality of education. If the average size of classrooms was 25 students, what if we lowered it to 20? That would increase the number of teachers by 20%.”

The Job at Hand

These are all ideas that will come up during Obama’s jobs summit, said Epstein. But a comprehensive situation still needs to be addressed that will focus on employment and green initiatives, something other countries have already started doing.

“Unless we pursue a green agenda,” said Epstein, “when we start recovering, instead of manufacturing in these kinds of products and having the R&D here, we’re going to end up importing it from abroad. And that’s neither sustainable nor going to create jobs.”

Overall, Epstein and others said the recovery, in whatever shape it takes, doesn’t have to be jobless — and, for the long-term health and well-being of the country, steps have to be taken to ensure that it isn’t.

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Mehar Inc., 308 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Rashad Rauf, 41 Royal St., Agawam, MA 01001.

AMHERST

Vita Nova Inc., 55 North Pleasant St., Amherst. MA 01002. Scott Hsu, 15 New Ludlow Road Apt 10, Chicopee, MA 01020. A corporation organized entirely for religious purposes, and with the goal of teaching, preaching, and spreading the gospel of Christ and ministering to the local and worldwide community in the name of Christ Jesus and through The Holy Spirit.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Bertelli Holdings Inc., 328 Parker St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Brent Bertelli, same. To purchase, operate, and control other companies.

Meadows Dental Group Inc., 100 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Thomasz A. Chrzan, 89 Pendleton Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Rendering professional dental services.

EASTHAMPTON

Art Bar Café Inc., 1 Northampton St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Alexei Levine, 81 Pine Grove, Amherst, MA 01040. Café bar.

FLORENCE

Liberty St. Global Enterprises Inc., 56 Liberty St., Florence, MA 01062. Gretchen J. Hendricks, same. eCommerce.

GRANBY

TLJ Realty Corp., 72 Pleasant St., Granby, MA 01033. William E. Johnson, 79 Amherst St., Granby, MA 01033. Retail management of own real estate.

 

HOLYOKE

M.J. Norton Security Inc., 25 Pinehurst Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Robert Allen, Same. Security company.

Runway Corp Inc., 50 Holyoke St., D258, Holyoke, MA 01040. Kenneth Michael Dupuy, 12 Greenfield Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708. Retail clothing chain.

LUDLOW

S. Landscaping Inc., 37 Highland Ave., Ludlow, MA 01056. Vania M. Silva. Same. Landscaping, retaining walls.

SOUTHAMPTON

Truehart Inc., 23 College Highway, Southampton, MA 01073. Paul E. Truhart, same. Ownership, development, and management of commercial real estate.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Allied Drywall Inc., 900 Riverdale St., P.O. Box 146, West Springfield, MA 01089. Geraldine A. Pelc, 17 Forest Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. Residential and non-residential construction including ceilings and walls.

WESTFIELD

Pioneer Valley Volleyball Academy Inc., 549 Russell Road Unit 11B, Westfield, MA 01085. George Robert Mulry, same. Organized and operated to offer competitive volleyball team play for all youth age groups and skill levels.

Departments

Ten Points About : Efective marketing

By DENNIS KUNKLER

Effective marketing is all about communicating a well-defined brand. A well-defined brand is the result of well-executed positioning. Growth comes when a brand is focused on the right customers about the things that are most important to them, letting them know exactly what they get when they make a purchase, and then giving them such compelling reasons to do so that they wouldn’t think of going elsewhere.

The very first rule in branding is that it’s not about you. The above statement does not include I, me, we, us, our, or any company names because customers only care about what they get.

When a company understands and enforces their positioning and branding, they will already have the answers to the following questions:

1. Why is it important to really understand what we are selling?

2.How do we avoid running ineffective ‘nobody cares’ ads and promotions?
3. How do we make sure we’re speaking to the right audience?
4. Why do we need a marketing strategy that all key players have agreed to?

5. Why should we have certain core principles and focus in our marketing?

6. How do we attract the right kind of business?
7. What’s ‘ego’ advertising, and how do we avoid creating it?
8. Why is it important that we understand and define our brand?
9. Why should we know the purpose of an ad or brochure before designing it?

10. Why is our advertising constantly re-inventing the wheel?

Hint: All the answers are in the first paragraph.

Dennis Kunkler, a 30-year creative veteran of high-profile brands, is a partner with Grow My Company, a brand consultancy that defines brands for service professionals and other entities; [email protected]

Departments

Six Hospitals File Lawsuit Against Massachusetts

BOSTON — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC), Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, and four other community hospitals are suing the Commonwealth for millions of dollars in unreimbursed payment for health care services delivered to residents. The hospitals are known as ‘disproportionate share hospitals’ (DSH) because at least 63% of their patients are covered by public insurance. While health care reform has brought the state closer to universal coverage, the unintended consequence of that success is that many DSH hospitals are experiencing significant shortfalls in payments as they treat additional patients whose public insurance doesn’t cover the full cost of care. The other four plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital in Brockton, Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill, and Quincy Medical Center. The lawsuit was filed on Dec. 1. The hospitals claim that the state has violated a law requiring financial reimbursement equal to the costs of providing care to Medicaid recipients. They say that the state has set Medicare, Medicaid,and other reimbursement rates so low that many of them are facing severe financial distress as they fulfill their state mandate to care for more and more individuals covered by public insurance. Talk of a lawsuit heated up earlier this year when Boston Medical Center, the Commonwealth’s largest disproportionate-share hospital, sued the state, accusing it of reneging on promised Medicaid reimbursement rates. However, other hospitals argue that BMC already soaks up too much available funding and, by angling for more through the legal system, could harm other hospitals. As HMC President and CEO Hank Porten recently told BusinessWest, “the concern we had is that, if this proceeded through the litigation or settlement process, Boston Medical Center could end up with a large amount of what’s available for disproportionate-share hospitals.” The community DSH hospitals that are party to the lawsuit handle nearly four times as many patients covered by government insurance, as measured in patient days, than Boston Medical Center and Cambridge Health Alliance combined. The hospitals provide care for more than 1.5 million patients and handle more than 300,000 emergency care visits annually. Some of them are the only hospital within 25 miles in their communities. “We might not be smart enough to know what amount is fair,” Porten said, “but we’re smart enough to know that there are at least two definitions of fair now, and we want the legal system to define for us what is fair. We should be paid at Boston Medical Center’s rate, or, if we’re all being paid at our rate, then Boston Medical Center shouldn’t get additional money. We don’t begrudge Boston Medical what they’ve received; we all need the funding. But there has to be some parity. There shouldn’t be any difference between the poor of Holyoke and the poor of Boston.” The six hospitals in the lawsuit maintain that unfunded mandates have resulted in significant financial losses as well as prevented or delayed investment in capital projects, equipment, and other updated health care resources for their communities.

Survey: Black Friday Retail Results Mixed

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A National Retail Federation (NRF) survey conducted over the weekend of Black Friday confirms experts expected: more people shopped, but spent less, than a year ago. According to NRF’s Black Friday shopping survey, conducted by BIGresearch, 195 million shoppers visited stores and Web sites over Black Friday weekend, up from 172 million last year. However, the average spending over the weekend dropped to $343.31 per person from $372.57 a year ago. Total spending reached an estimated $41.2 billion. “Shoppers proved that they were willing to open their wallets for a bargain, heading out to take advantage of great deals on less-expensive items like toys, small appliances, and winter clothes,” said Tracy Mullin, NRF president and CEO. “While retailers are encouraged by the number of Americans who shopped over Black Friday weekend, they know they have their work cut out for them to keep people coming back through Christmas. Shoppers can continue to expect retailers to focus on low prices and bargains through the end of December.” Shoppers’ destination of choice over the weekend following Thanksgiving seemed to be department stores, with nearly half (49.4%) of holiday shoppers visiting at least one, a 12.9% increase from last year. Discount retailers took an uncharacteristic back seat, with 43.2% of holiday shoppers heading to discount stores over the weekend and another 7.8% heading to outlet stores. Shoppers also visited electronics stores (29%), clothing stores (22.9%), and grocery stores (19.6%). More than one-fourth of Americans shopping over the weekend (28.5%) were shopping online. “In an economy like this one, every retailer wants to be a discounter,” Mullin said. “Department stores have done an admirable job touting both low prices and good quality, which are important requirements for holiday shoppers on a budget.” According to the survey, nearly one-third (32.2%) of shoppers purchased toys, an increase of 12.9% from last year. Additionally, more people purchased sporting goods (12.6% vs. 11.4% last year), personal care or beauty items (22.4% vs. 19%), and gift cards (21.2% vs. 18.7%). The most popular purchases were of clothing (40.9%) and books (40.3%), which remained nearly unchanged over last year.

Unemployment Claims Down Nationally, Locally

The Massachusetts unemployment rate dropped in October for the first time in two years, and job losses slowed, signs the state’s struggling job market may be stabilizing. The jobless rate in Massachusetts fell to 8.9% in October, down from 9.3% in September, the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Unemployment in Massachusetts had not fallen since June 2007. The October employment report, with 900 job losses statewide, represents a sharp improvement from September, when employers slashed 9,300 jobs. Still, many sectors continue to struggle. Manufacturing shed another 2,300 jobs in October, bringing job losses over the past year to nearly 18,000, or 6% of employment. Real-estate employment, down 15% over the year, fell by another 800 jobs last month. Retailers shed 700 jobs, and state and local governments cut 800. On the plus side, three key sectors in the Bay State — education, health services, and professional, scientific, and technical services — each added about 1,500 jobs last month. Massachusetts has lost 125,000 jobs, or just under 4% of employment, during this recession, slightly better than the nation as a whole, which has lost more than 5% of employment. Nationally, the number of first-time filers for unemployment insurance fell to 466,000 in the week ended Nov. 14, the lowest level in 14 months, according to a government report. However, “it seems to be a statistical pop,” Tim Quinlan, an economist at Wells Fargo, told CNN. “As much as I’d like it to continue, I don’t see claims continuing to fall at this pace.” Still, Quinlan said he expects a gradual decline in initial claims throughout the coming months.

Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank v. Ace Industrial Cleaning Co.
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $2,466.21
Filed: 10/29/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Larry G. Cushing & Sons Inc. v. Atlantic Ground Source
Allegation: Non-payment of well drilling services rendered: $43,075.70
Filed: 10/30/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Gary Wing v. Westside Finishing Inc. and John Roth
Allegation: The defendant negligently unloaded a steel box, causing the box to strike the plaintiff: $363,167.02
Filed: 9/24/09

Karen L. Melikian, administratrix of the estate of Mary Ann Charter, v. Life Care Center of Wilbraham
Allegation: Wrongful death caused by a cerebrovascular accident, after the decedent was negligently dislodged from a wheelchair and struck her head: $350,000
Filed: 10/21/09

Prime Plywood & Panel Inc. v. Formica Corp.
Allegation: Price discrimination and unfair and deceptive trade practices: $600,000
Filed: 10/29/09

Velma Chase v. Wing Memorial Hospital Corp.
Allegation: Medical malpractice; patient described as being at high risk for fall was left unattended for an extended period of time, fell, and suffered personal injuries: $140,000
Filed: 10/22/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

DeForche Construction, N.V. v. Hampden Structural Systems d/b/a Private Garden Greenhouse Systems and Joseph Hickson
Allegation: Breach of contracts and failure to pay subcontractor for materials and services rendered: $1,109,702
Filed: 10/22/09

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Utica Mutual Insurance Co., subrogee of NEFCO Corp. v. Commercial Auto Service and Rafael de la Cruz
Allegation: Defendant’s customer negligently operated his motor vehicle, causing damage to building: $3,010.27
Filed: 10/14/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

First Bank – Mt. Pleasant v. Classical 5-Element Acupuncture and Margaret Gold, M.D.
Allegation: Non-payment of judgment: $13,907.13
Filed: 11/5/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

ABC Supply Co. Inc. v. BB Roofing
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,746.89
Filed: 10/21/09

Bank of America, N.A. v. Ribbery Sports Bar & Grill
Allegation: Non-payment of monies loaned: $18,642.42
Filed: 10/14/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Premier Club Enterprises Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $1,947.02
Filed: 10/13/09

Johanna Rosario v. Springfield Area Transit Authority
Allegation: Pedestrian struck by PVTA bus, sustaining multiple injuries: $4,168.76
Filed: 10/20/09

Karen L. Myrade v. Ames Design Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of accounting services rendered: $5,983.70
Filed: 10/09/09

Lifting Gear Hire Corp. v. Global Demolition & Recycling, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of rental equipment provided: $25,220.99
Filed: 10/14/09

Whitney Building Products Inc. v. Tetreault Masonry Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,687.68
Filed: 10/19/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Leanne Barrett v. Century 21 A-1 Nolan Realty, LLC
Allegation: Breach of real-estate agreement and failure to return deposit: $5,000
Filed: 10/30/09

Features
Community Music School’s Expansion Program Reaches a Crescendo
Eric Bachrach

Eric Bachrach says the Community Music School has faced — and overcome — daunting challenges since its inception.

The Community Music School of Springfield, which has battled considerable adversity since it was founded a quarter-century ago, has been hitting some high notes lately. Indeed, the school has completed more than $3 million in renovations to its facilities on State Street, and is set to show off its new performing hall.

It’s breathtaking. It’s a jewel. It’s magnificent.”

That’s how Eric Bachrach feels about the new performing hall at Community Music School of Springfield. “It’s quite miraculous and very emotional for me,” he said.

Bachrach opened the school in 1984 with a dream of providing democratic access to music education at a time when budget cuts handed a death note to arts education in public schools.

Today, CMSS is celebrating its silver anniversary and a $3.1 million renovation to its facilities at 127 State St. The school has created a grand new performance hall and the Prelude Preschool of the Arts, located on the third floor of the facility.

The projects are the result of a successful “Fanfare for the Future” capital campaign that presented an imposing challenge to board members after the economy took a downturn last fall. But a symphony of concerted efforts brought the goal to fruition, and on Dec. 10, the community is invited to the hall for a concert and program, which will honor Bachrach and celebrate the completion of the ambitious renovation and program expansion.

The performance kicks off a series of six concerts to be held next year. It will feature two noted talents: Metropolitan Opera tenor Russell Thomas, and pianist and UMass professor Estela Kersenbaum Olevsky.

“This is an extraordinarily exciting time for the music school and for Greater Springfield, and it’s fitting that Estela plays on the school’s silver anniversary,” said Jeanie Connor, director of development and communications for CMSS. “She and her late husband, violinist Julian Olevsky, gave the very first benefit concert for CMSS 25 years ago to raise money for scholarships.”

In this issue, BusinessWest takes a look at how a fledgling school matured into a vibrant arts center that has provided more than $1.25 million in scholarships to area families, added vitality to downtown Springfield, and is now poised to bring new life to the community via exciting performances and films.

Bachrach’s Overture

Bachrach grew up in a family where education was valued. He developed a love for the arts, especially music, at a young age and became a music teacher after graduating from college.

But he wanted to introduce his passion for music and social justice to far more than a classroom of students. After teaching in New York City schools, Bachrach came to Springfield and spent a year meeting with city officials and getting to know the area.

Although the idea of a community music school was welcomed, funding was a different matter, and the CMSS executive director and his board have faced daunting challenges from the beginning of their 25-year history.

“The school has gone through a lot of trials, tribulations, and economic challenges,” Connor said. “Eric founded the school in 1983, and it opened its doors to its first students in 1984. It took almost a year to get funding.”

At the time, the school was housed in the lower level of what is now German Gerena School on Birnie Avenue in a space dedicated to after-school programs.

The school remained at that location until September 1994, when a major water-main break in the North End flooded Gerena School. “The lower level was hit the worst, and all of our student records were lost,” Connor said. “Only one piano survived.”

For the next two years, CMSS operated out of churches that generously opened their doors to the nonprofit organization.

But the loss of the school’s home didn’t deter Bachrach from his calling. His board was equally inspired and tirelessly searched for a new base of operations. They were rewarded when Fleet Bank partnered with them and the music school took possession of an empty former bank building at 127 State St., along with a nearby parking garage. “The bank was reinvesting in the community by giving the music school a facility and a garage,” said Bachrach.

CMSS moved into the Art Deco building in the heart of downtown Springfield in 1996. The structure’s design presented a challenge, as it had been built as a bank, and CMSS had no money to make renovations. So faculty and adminstrators worked with what they had.

“Classes were held in offices, and executive bankers’ offices became music studios,” said Connor. “It’s functioned that way ever since.”

Working in Harmony

In 1999, CMSS board members launched their first capital campaign and raised about $2 million. The money was used to renovate the second floor of the building and create teaching studios there, as well as make structural improvements.

In 2003 they began developing a strategic plan for the next five years. “There were several goals,” said Connor. “One was the creation of a preschool focused on the arts. The other was to create a dedicated performance hall and to move the administrative offices to the fourth floor.” The plan also included improvements to the parking garage, scheduled to take place next summer.

Connor explained that the former bank had a large lobby with glassed-in offices lining its sides. “The space served as our main recital hall as well as providing access to and from lessons, even during recitals,” she said. “It was truly a multi-purpose room.”

But certainly not a place to stage major concerts or film festivals. “So the board undertook a $3.1 million capital campaign to accomplish its goals,” Connor said.

In May 2007, board members kicked off the campaign by making personal donations. “They were extraordinarily generous and not only set the pace for the campaign, but really laid a strong foundation for other funders,” she told BusinessWest.

Board members also began seeking support from major foundations, and in June 2008 they obtained a $300,000 Kresge challenge grant. The terms of the grant required them to reach their $3.1 million goal by Sept. 1, 2009.

It was questionable whether such an ambitious goal could be reached.

“Roll back the calendar to 2008; the economy had gone into a tailspin, and not only were we faced with the challenge of meeting this goal, but individual and corporate donors were feeling very compromised and nervous about giving,” said Connor. “By the end of 2008, we had raised close to $2 million, but we clearly had a long way to go.”

But they realized their goal, on their own, without any help from the city.

“It’s a true testament to the tenacity of our board members and their belief in what the music school accomplishes,” Connor said.

They had to borrow some money from their endowment, so they are still fund-raising as part of their plan was to increase the fund by $500,000. The interest from it is used to fund scholarships for the school’s 650 students, who play 30 different instruments.

The school’s Community Partnership Division serves an additional 750 children and youth through a variety of collaborations, which includes Department of Youth Services juvenile detention centers and other alternative settings.

Connor was so impressed by the board’s success that she purchased a copy of the children’s book The Little Engine That Could for each of the members. “They spent a great many waking hours talking to people, meeting with them, and telling them the story of the music school,” she said. “I thought they were a lot like the little engine. In 25 years they have never given up, through floods and all kinds of financial challenges.”

Bachrach agreed. “I would never minimize the difficult challenges we have had to vault and endure,” he said. “But underlying every aspect of the journey was a wonderful faculty and great board members who all understood the mission of what we are about — trying to democratize access to the arts.”

Corporate donors who contributed include the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, MassMutual Financial Group, the Beverage Family Foundation, the Steiger Foundation, the SIS Foundation, the Bardon Cole Foundation, the Nirenberg Foundation, as well as corporate support from Big Y and many local banks. CMSS also received $391,000 from the Mass. Cultural Council Foundation Facilties Fund.

Bass of Support

The first step in transforming the old bank into a center for the arts was to move the administrative offices to the rear of the first floor, which was accomplished in August 2008.

About three years ago, a tenant that occupied a portion of the fourth floor left, and the board decided to renovate the space and create more teaching studios there. Today, a dozen new studios have been built and share the space with the administrative offices.

The third floor has become a preschool for children ages 3 to 5, which opened in September 2008 with a new playground, two classrooms, and about three dozen students. Some pay full tuition, while others attend via scholarship aid, keeping with the school’s mission of providing equal access to the arts to everyone.

“It is the only full day arts program in Massachusetts, and every subject is infused with the arts,” said Connor. “Every child is learning to play an instrument, and two days each week there is a Suzuki guitar instructor and a violin instructor.” Guest artists also make appearances, and the children are learning dance and creative movement.

Bachrach’s love for music is reflected even in the playground, where large, artificial musical instruments stand tall. Storytellers visit the school, and renowned bassist Avery Sharpe and his trio spent a month there as artists in residence. They worked with the children and helped them compose a song and concert for their parents.

“There is an infusion of resources from larger institutions; it is extraordinary and really magical,” Connor said.

After those projects were completed, the next step was to create a performance hall worthy of Bachrach’s vision.

Visitors who walk through the front doors today will be drawn to the enormous pastel mural on the far wall, which extends onto the ceiling between the 175-person seating area and the stage.

It is a visionary work, which depicts the George Washington Bridge in New York City in the forefront, with buildings set in the rear. The artist added CMSS, the MassMutual Center, and a rendition of the old Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Co. to the New York scene, which continues onto the ceiling.

“It’s like a Michelangelo,” said Bachrach. “This whole thing is breathtaking. We call it our own little Alice Tully Hall, which is part of the Lincoln Center.

“But the best is yet to come,” he insisted. “I truly believe the advent of this performing and film hall will provide the community with something no one can yet imagine. There will be a cultural pulse that adds to the vitality of State Street and all of the other cultural venues that exist downtown. It will make the community that much more healthy, animated, and vibrant.”

And so beautiful that Bachrach has to pinch himself every day when he walks inside.

Departments

Lexington Group Open House/After 5

Dec. 9: Lexington Group Inc. will celebrate 20 years in business by hosting an After 5 event of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lexington Group, 380 Union St., West Springfield. All area business professionals are invited to attend. Partnering in the celebration are Table & Vine (beer and wine tasting), Lattitude Restaurant (catering), Eric Bascom Trio (music), the Springfield Armor, Tekoa Country Club, and the National MS Society. Attendees can network with fellow professionals while participating in events including a golf simulator, basketball shootout, chair hockey, games of chance, and raffles of thousands of dollars’ worth of new office furniture, including two Herman Miller Aeron chairs. Proceeds from the raffles will support the National MS Society. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com,  or call Lexington Group at (413) 746-3064 with any questions.

Winterfest

Dec. 9: The Bay Path College Performing Arts Department will celebrate the themes of light, hope, goodwill, and peace for all people during its annual Winterfest program as part of the fall Kaleidoscope Series. The free event begins at 7:30 p.m. in Mills Theatre, Carr Hall, on the Bay Path campus, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

YPS New Year’s Celebration

Dec. 31: The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield has again chosen downtown Springfield for its New Year’s Eve celebration. Only 300 tickets will be available for the affair at the Marriott Hotel in Tower Square. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship of the event should visit www.springfieldyps.com  for more details. For ticket information, call Jill Monson of YPS at (413) 219-9692.

Hot Topics in Philanthropy Breakfast

Jan. 8: “Communicating in a Digital Age” is the focus of the next Hot Topics in Philanthrophy Breakfast at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. Nonprofit professionals are invited to the free event; however, registration is required. Keynote speaker Brian Reich, author of Media Rules! Mastering Today’s Technology to Connect with and Keep Your Audience, will provide a framework for understanding our technology-driven environment and how best to harness the appropriate digital tools to communicate an organization’s mission, vision, and purpose. In addition, panelists Suzi Craig, director of marketing at Fathom, and Megan Pete, director of development of the Food Bank of Western Mass., will share their organizational challenges and successes related to this topic. The event is scheduled for 7:30 to 10 a.m. in the Blake Student Commons. To register, visit www.baypath.edu  or call (800) 782-7284, ext. 1056.

Rick’s Place Benefit

Feb. 6: The Wilbraham Country Club will be the setting for the second annual Heart to Heart fundraiser to benefit Rick’s Place Inc. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers biweekly bereavement support at no cost for families with children ages 5 to 18. The fund-raiser is scheduled for 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets cost $50. A silent auction and raffle drawing are among the highlights of the evening. Underwriting and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director, at (413) 348-3120, or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30, 2010: Bay Path College will host its 15th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Westfield Chamber Holiday Breakfast

Dec. 11: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Breakfast from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Shaker Farms Country Club. Santa will appear, and the Westfield High School Concert Chorale will provide musical entertainment. Tickets cost $20 members, $25 for non-members. Deadline for reservations is Dec. 8; all reservations after this date will cost $25 per person. To register, call Marcia at (413) 568-1618, e-mail [email protected],  or log onto www.westfieldbiz.org. Please bring an unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army, and also bring a door prize to highlight your business.

Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2009.

AGAWAM

Pleasures & Treasures
610 Springfield St.
Deborah Sullivan

Shear Techniques
711 Main St.
Diane Palazzi

Shoulder Your Style
33 Cypress Terr.
Catherine M. Gionet

Traveling Admin.
179 School St.
Jacqueline M. Brusa

AMHERST

Caizan Home Improvement
171 Colonial Village
Juan Caizan

GranAuto
171 Colonial Village
Juan Caizan

Harchik AARP Associates, LLC
239 Aubinwood Road
Alan Harchik

Okapi Cab
534 Main St.
Dieudo Etinde

CHICOPEE

Dunkin Donuts
820 Memorial Dr.
Ana Capela

Miami Nails
591 Memorial Dr.
Alphonso Can

Myeties.com
87 Baystate Road
Scott A. Bieda

New Image Siding & Windows
17 High St.
Jeremy Dion

Perfect Fit Dental Lab
210 Exchange St.
Vitaliy Trachenko

Stephanie’s Painting Service
1226 Montgomery St.
Stephanie Tardif

The Sheffield Cartage Co.
340 McKinstry Ave.
James Royce

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton Art School
150 Pleasant St.
Marilyn Sturgill

Hinkie Pinkie
62 Briggs St.
Audrey Hyronen

Papa Georges Pizza
135 Northampton St.
John Tsishakis

Quality Carpentry
180 Northampton St.
Said Lmaalem

Wild Sky Farm
4 Kingsherry Way
Kristen Wilmer

EAST LONGMEADOW

Apex Underwriting Solutions
115 Canterbury Circle
Gregg R. Secor

Jeffrey Schiff
354 Elm St.
Jeffrey Schiff

GREENFIELD

Baystate Health Ambulance
338 High St.
Keith McLean–Shinaman

Garden Gate Recordings
140 Davis St.
Robert LaMountain

GCB Financial Services
277 Federal St.
Eric A. Marsh

Goodies Restaurant
256 Federal St.
Goodies Restaurant, Inc.

Green River Auto
144 Shelburne Road
Richard Andrew

Help Around the House
406 Country Side
Robert S. Page Jr.

Lapine Multimedia
14 Farren St.
William & Kathy White

Liebenon Auto Body
163 Wells St.
Robert Liebenon

The Beancake Factory
324 Wells St.
Francis Mozea

V.O. Rell Institute of Real Estate
38 Bank Road
Dan Viorel Oros

HADLEY

Aaron Transportation
58 Russell St.
Scott Bellemore

HOLYOKE

Rack Room Shoes Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Peter R. Barr

Sturbridge Yankee Peddlar
50 Holyoke St.
Michael Slate

LUDLOW

Community Counseling Solutions
733 Chapin St.
Janice Loboda

Grey Nook Flowers
343 Winsor St.
Allan Floyd

Reptiles Crossing & Shagg’s Pets
204 West St.
James Maciag

Walgreen’s
54 East St.
Walgreen Eastern Co.

NORTHAMPTON

Pleasant Auto Detail
297 Pleasant St.
Omar de Jesus

Strom Remodeling
144 North Maple St.
Richard Strom

Vegamica
245 Main St.
Derek Goodwin

 

PALMER

Alternative Marketing Concepts
12 Vernon St.
Walter Haggerty

Tri Town Flea Market
1311 Park St.
Jennie Grimaldi

SOUTHWICK

Back In Balance
10 Gloria Dr.
Donna Davis

Dewey Landlord
14 Hunters Ridge
Nadia Martin

Don’s Chocolates
168 Berkshire Road
Donald H. Roy

SPRINGFIELD

A & D Appraisals
46 Crittenden St.
Donald R. Bailleul

A.O. Wash Innovations
61 Wollaston St.
Arenzo O. Washington

Amato Catering
1127 Main St.
Joseph R. Amato

Apremont Productions
125 Main St.
Robert H. Ryan

Arcadis U.S. Inc.
51 Taylor St.
Steven J. Niparko

Around the Clock
130 Fenwick St.
Linda M. Sheehan

Beacon Sales Company
75 Cadwell Dr.
Ross D. Cooper

Branford Hall Career Institute
112 Industry Ave.
William Anjos

C and C Cleaning Service
239 Senator St.
Glenn W. Cole

City Line Café
9-11 Rimmon Ave.
Joseph Vecchiarelli

Congregation B’Nai Torah
2 Bunice Dr.
Kenneth Abrahams

CPR Prompt Corporation
114 Marengo Park
Donald Clarke

Custom Travel Concepts
72 East Alvord St.
Charlene Corris

DCD Consulting LLC
1 Federal St.
Dennis Driscoll

Dexom Mobile Corporation
383 Belmont Ave.
Hai V. Le

E-Globalliiquidators.net
73 Mobile Home Way
Edith I. Savoy

Energizing N’ Touch Massage
529 Main St.
Hermenia Grayson

Eram Enterprises Inc.
766 Liberty St.
Mark Flagg

Finish Line Trucking Inc.
43 School St.
Karl V. Flash

Grez Automotive
604 Boston Road
Walter Joseph

Impoco’s Poultry Market
468 Walnut St.
Anthony J. Impoco

Irizarry’s Towing
72 Elijah St.
Emmanuel Lewis

J.V. Services
44 Calhoun St.
Juan Vazquez, Jr.

JTK Arts
85 Trafton Road
Justin Timothy

WESTFIELD

Bills Repair Service Inc.
530 Pochassic Road
William A. Sorel

Diamonds Cut
246 Elm St.
Pete Nales

Low Key Auto
174 Main St.
Brandon Furches

Pyrofax Propane
28 Arch Road
Timothy Casey

Redline Action Hobbies
53 North Elm St.
Libia Marco

Timberline Tree Service
760 Montgomery Road
Edwin C. Rafus

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Fran’s Transcription Service
100 Virginia Ave.
Frances Demont

Integrated Marketing Communications
117 Upper Beverly Hill
Page One Product, LLC

It’s a Lucy Life
92 Cataumet Lane
Catherine R. Hedges

Keuco Group of Bernardston Inc.
1299 Riverdale St.
Kevin Pernice

R & T Handyman Services
23 Elmdale St.
Richard C. Allen

Rossen & Sons Landscaping
37 Squassick Road
Ronald O. Rossen

Siano’s Plumbing Repair
145 Poplar Ave.
William L. Siano III

Sections Supplements
Understanding Liability Issues Is a Must to Avoid Costly Mistakes

With the economy entrenched in a deep global recession, people across the economic spectrum are looking for ways to minimize expenses. Because the housing market was particularly hard-hit, there appears to be an unprecedented number of new landlords joining the ranks of seasoned investment-property owners renting to tenants.

Many of these new landlords are unable to either pay the mortgage or sell their property and are, therefore, forced to rent the property to raise some much-needed capital. For existing residential landlords, decreasing rents or income may be affecting the bottom line on the investment. Both groups, however, may be looking for ways to shave costs and raise or increase the income from properties and, in doing so, choosing to ignore some basic upkeep to their properties. This decision may prove more costly, however, in increased insurance premiums, more expensive renovations caused by delayed upkeep, and liability for injuries to people on the property.

From a liability standpoint, a recent decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) may give property owners pause, as the court extended another claim for liability to non-tenants. In the case of Scott v. Garfield, the SJC recognized that a claim for breach of the implied warranty of habitability could be brought not only by persons leasing and living on the property, but by lawful visitors who suffer personal injuries caused by such a breach.

As the court explained, the “implied warranty of habitability … is a multifaceted legal concept that encompasses contract and tort principals, as well as the State Building and Sanitary Codes. Although the warranty itself arises from the residential leasing contract between landlord and tenant, [the Court] has imposed a legal duty on the landlord, in the form of an implied agreement, to ensure that the dwelling complies with the State Building and Sanitary Codes throughout the term of the lease.”

Traditionally, this implied warranty was based in part on the contract between the landlord and tenant and in part on the recognition that a tenant may recover tort damages for personal injuries caused by a breach of this implied warranty. The SJC decided to extend a claim for breach of the implied warranty of habitability to lawful visitors because of “the expectation that a tenant might invite a guest into his home, and the concomitant expectation that the tenant’s home must be safe for a guest to visit — which together go to the very heart of the landlord’s contractual obligation to deliver and maintain habitable premises that comply with the Building and Sanitary Codes.”

Indeed, the SJC cited the State Sanitary Code as a document whose purpose is to provide minimum standards of fitness for human habitation to “protect the health, safety, and well-being of the occupants of the housing and of the general public.” This implied warranty would also extend to any area of the rented unit that must comply with the minimum standards prescribed by Building and Sanitary Codes. In Scott v. Garfield, the landlord could be liable to a lawful visitor who was injured by a defective porch railing.

Snow Fall

This decision comes in advance of another potential decision of importance from the SJC in the case of Papadopoulos v. Target Corp., a case that addresses a property owner’s liability due to a slip and fall on snow or ice. The key issue in that case is whether to maintain the distinction between natural and unnatural accumulations of snow and ice when determining the liability of a property owner. While the duty owed by a property owner to someone lawfully on the premises is one of reasonable care in the circumstances, currently the law provides that “this duty is not violated by a failure to remove a natural accumulation of snow or ice.”

While seemingly a clear-cut rule, courts have developed several nuances when defining the distinction between a natural and unnatural accumulation of snow or ice. Therefore, there are scores of cases discussing tire marks and ruts, trampled snow, a property owner’s efforts to clear snow or ice, and what activity could morph a natural accumulation into an unnatural accumulation of snow or ice. For example, where snow or ice is cleared into a pile that subsequently melts on to a sidewalk and refreezes, that refrozen surface is considered a natural accumulation. It is also unclear from the law as to what is considered clearing property and what falls short.

Indeed, in the lower court’s decision of Papadopoulos’ case, the court engaged in this strange analysis and found that, “whether the piece of ice fell from the snow pile on the median strip or melted and refroze, it constituted a natural accumulation of ice. The presence of dirt on the ice does not alter our analysis.”

Evidence had shown that the parking lot where the injury occurred had been plowed, and “to the left of the plaintiff’s car was a raised median strip with snow piled on it.” The piece of ice “had either fallen off the snow pile or was created by runoff from the pile.” The court, in coming to its decision, noted that “the presence of dirt, without more, is of slight, if any, prohibitive value in determining how long ice, water, or other substance has been in a particular spot.” This sort of language shows the remarkable intricacies that exist in examining liability in a snow-and-ice claim.

The Connecticut standard for such cases is less complicated and has been adopted by several neighboring New England states. The Connecticut rule provides that a property owner has a duty to exercise reasonable diligence in removing dangerous accumulations of snow and ice, thereby removing the distinction between unnatural and natural accumulations.

That said, the courts applying this rule have instructed that property owners can wait until the end of the storm and a reasonable time thereafter before removing ice and snow from outside walks and steps, explaining that “to require a landlord or other inviter to keep walks and steps clear of dangerous accumulations of ice, sleet, or snow or to spread sand or ashes while a storm continues is inexpedient and impractical.”

The effect of any change in this case law could require plaintiffs or landlords and other property owners to be more diligent about snow and take measures to ensure that all accumulations are addressed following any storm; that may include inspecting the property even after the snow or ice is initially removed. This could also include addressing the freezing, thawing, and refreezing process that naturally occurs throughout the winter.

Safety First

From a practical viewpoint, landlords should institute some very basic safeguards. First, conduct inspections of the property on a regular basis. While using a trained professional is favored, the context of this article is the global recession. As such, property owners should use their common sense: walk or inspect the property, and give it a good eye and shake test. If something is missing, moves, or presents a danger, remedy it by fixing it or hiring someone to fix it. Also, be sure to document these inspections. With the proliferation of computers, all landlords should have access to software that allows for word processing (for creating formal letters) and spreadsheets (for creating records of events).

Second, provide tenants with a mechanism for reporting problems, and, where possible, build in redundancies (such as providing phone numbers and e-mail addresses). Liability often rests on notice; therefore, the first defense to a claim is that the property owner did not have knowledge of the defect. Also, once the tenant has communicated a concern, be sure to acknowledge it and take action on that concern.

Providing open communication lines and keeping these records will also be important if the owner must evict the tenant. Under Massachusetts law, a tenant being evicted through the judicial process has the ability to counterclaim against the landlord. These counterclaims can include allegations that the property’s condition breached the implied warranty of habitability or that the property owner’s conduct is actionable. In these cases, the property owner’s ability to evict the tenant may be barred, and he can even be forced to pay the tenant. By taking the actions outlined in this article, some of these potential counterclaims can be avoided by diligence and documentation.

Finally, plan ahead, and be sure to set aside some funds for emergency purposes. Issues will inevitably occur with any property; therefore, property owners should have access to funds to at least remediate the issue.

While these changes to the law, notwithstanding the area of landlord-tenant law in general, may chill one’s desire to be a landlord, the upside can be extremely positive with some diligence and common sense.

Jeff Trapani is an associate at Robinson Donovan, P.C. where he litigates a wide variety of civil cases;[email protected]