Departments

Groundbreaking Event

City leaders joined AIC students, administrators, and trustees for the official groundbreaking for new athletic facilities on May 6. John T. Short, vice president for institutional advancement, said the new facilities will accommodate the needs of AIC’s intercollegiate teams, as well as enable the expansion of intramural programs, and allow for greater student and community usage of facilities. The new construction, to total $4.3 million, will include taking out grass and installing artificial turf, lights, new grandstands, and a new press box. The project, financed by Westfield Bank, will be constructed by Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare Inc., of Chicopee. A large portion of the funding for the project is coming from the AIC students. Darren James, president of the AIC Student Government, said students have pledged $50,000 for the new facility. “The money we donate to the capital campaign will help to facilitate the realization of our long-awaited athletic turf field and track,” he said. Pictured, from left, are Lauren Silva and Darren James, AIC students; Vince Maniaci, AIC President; and Frank Colaccino, chairman of the AIC board of trustees.


Lamplighter Award

The Brattleboro Retreat was honored with the “Best in New England” Lamplighter Award at the spring conference of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCO) held May 4-6 in Providence, R.I. The Lamplighter Award represents the top honor among Gold Award winners in more than 50 categories. It went to the Retreat for the organization’s six-minute DVD titled “Helping People Find the Strength.” The DVD, which also won gold in the category for audio/visual presentations, was produced by Sunnyside Films. It was filmed on the Brattleboro Retreat campus and features interviews with many Retreat staff. The Retreat also received NESHCO awards for the following marketing and communications pieces: Gold Award: Design/Printed Pieces (for the 2009 wall calendar); Gold Award: Special Events Communications (for communications pieces in support of the December 2008 fund-raising event featuring the Moscow Ballet performance of the Great Russian Nutcracker in Springfield); Silver Award: Design/Logo (for the institution’s new clock tower logo); Silver Award: Publications/Annual Report (for the “2007 Annual Report to Stakeholders and Friends”); and Award of Excellence: Overall Marketing Campaign (for the Retreat’s 2008 overall marketing campaign). From left, Jeff Whitcomb, president of Communicators Group Inc.; Dr. Robert E. Simpson, president and CEO of the Brattleboro Retreat; and Julia Sorensen, director of Marketing and Communications at the Brattleboro Retreat.


SBA Award

Florence Savings Bank President John Heaps addresses a large audience gathered at a recent press conference at Northampton’s Thorne’s Market, where the bank announced its receipt of a special achievement award from the Small Business Administration for having the highest percentage of SBA loans to women-owned businesses by banks statewide. “Women-owned businesses play a major role in the local economy, and we’re committed to helping them, as well as all local businesses, get the financial resources they need,” said Heaps. The press conference was staged in front of the clothing store Jackson & Connor, one of the women-owned businesses to which the bank has given financing.


Market Business Show

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield staged its annual Market Business Show on May 13 at the MassMutual Center. Thousands of visitors took in more than 150 exhibits featuring companies and institutions across Western Mass. and across every business sector. Here, Ginny Knapp, left, president, and Teresa Utt, sales representative, with Andrew Associates in Enfield, mix and mingle at the event.

John Prenosil, left, principal with Springfield-based JMP Environmental Consulting, and Peter DeMallie, president and CEO of South Windsor, Conn.-based Design Professionals Inc., shared a booth and a conversation at the show.

Unveiling the new look of ERC5 — East of the River Chamber (Hampden, Wilbraham, Ludlow, East Longmeadow, and Longmeadow), are, from left: Jim White of GoGraphix and Whitestone Marketing, creator of the new graphics, branding, and booth design for ERC5; Bill Russo-Appel, director of Marketing and Public Relations at Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers; Beth Pecia, with the Town Planner; Edward Zemba, principal with Robert Charles Photography in East Longmeadow; Amy Scott of the Town Planner; and Charlie Christiansen of East Longmeadow-based Peritus Security Partners.

Helene Curto, left, owner of Wilbraham-based Distinctive Tables, draws in attendees Janet Egelhofer and Maria Burke, both with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, with one of her unique collections.

Scott Bottino, manufacturer’s representative (second from right), stands with team members representing West Springfield-based Northeast Security Solutions; from left, Joe Jarman, sales representative; George Condon Sr., chief operating officer; and David Condon, account representative.

From left, Edward Zemba, co-owner, and Susanna Zemba, customer relations manager, of Robert Charles Photography in East Longmeadow talk with Melissa Meites and Coty Boyer, both employees of DiGrigoli Salons in West Springfield.

Barry Sanborn, general manager of Proshred Security in Wilbraham, staffs the company’s booth.

Features
Ethanol Pioneer Qteros Has Designs on a Strong Western Mass. Presence
The Qteros management team, from left: Jon Gorham, Steve Rogers, Sarad Parekh, Bill Frey, Sarah Matthews, Jeff Housthor, and Jef Sharp.

The Qteros management team, from left: Jon Gorham, Steve Rogers, Sarad Parekh, Bill Frey, Sarah Matthews, Jeff Housthor, and Jef Sharp.

As area business writers and economic-development leaders were compiling their top stories of 2008 last December, one near the top of that list was the apparent loss of a green-energy venture called Qteros, which was working with something called the ‘Q microbe’ to revolutionize ethanol production, to the Worcester area. But while the company’s headquarters has in fact moved, Qteros still has plans for a big presence in Western Mass., with a pilot plant it wants to develop in Indian Orchard. The talk now is that Qteros isn’t a loss; instead, it’s a potential spark for clean-energy-sector growth.

t was only a few months ago that Qteros, the company formerly known as Sun Ethanol, was also referred to as the ‘one that got away.’

It earned that distinction after company leaders announced last December that the venture, created to take the so-called ‘Q microbe’ and use it to revolutionize production of ethanol, would be moving its headquarters from Hadley to the Worcester area. Many area economic-development leaders referred to that announcement as a sad day for the region.

But now, Qteros isn’t simply the one that didn’t get away, it’s also the one that could produce a spark with regard to efforts to create ‘green,’ or clean-energy, jobs in the region.

“We’re Western Mass. people,” Qteros co-founder Jef Sharp told BusinessWest recently. “The company was founded in Western Mass., the technology came from the Quabbin and UMass Amherst, and we still work closely with the university on sponsored research. We live in this area, and we want the pilot facility to be within driving distance to our Marlborough lab.”

This sudden and dramatic change in fortunes and presence within the community came into focus last month, when the leadership team at Qteros announced their intentions to create a multi-million-dollar pilot facility in Indian Orchard at the sprawling Solutia complex. During and after that press event, attention shifted to the massive potential such a development would have in terms of giving the region some cache as it attempts to become a center for clean-energy jobs.

Indeed, Qteros isn’t alone in looking to the Springfield area as a home base for pioneering technologies. Mayor Domenic Sarno has a commitment to his city becoming a hub for green industry, and with a multi-million-dollar investment by Qteros, the company sees this as a foundation which will be laid for others.

Over the next several weeks, Qteros officials will be spending as much time in the nation’s capital as in the lab, with the goal of securing $18 million in Department of Energy grant money, all for advanced stages of development at that Indian Orchard pilot facility.

Sharp said that the DOE has already been a partner of earlier Qteros projects, “and they’ve given us a couple of smaller Small Business Innovation Research grant awards. We’ve got a relationship with them that we hope will be fruitful as they review the grant applications.”

In this issue, BusinessWest looks at how and why Qteros is, once again, a Western Mass. business story.

In the Beginning

Qteros’ history in the region goes way back before the company came into existence, and it all started with a walk in the woods.

Dr. Susan Leschine, a microbiologist at UMass Amherst, was looking in the Quabbin Reservoir watershed for a microbe that would break down plant matter. However, what she and her research assistant found one day in 1996 was something of far greater importance.

From a “spoonful of dirt,” they discovered what was later identified as an incredibly efficient microbial engine for breaking down cellulose, found in all plant and woody matter, into ethanol. The director of the National Renewable Energy Lab has termed this Q microbe (so named for its point of origin) a “holy grail” of cellulosic ethanol production.

It would take 10 years from that day in 1996 for the company to finally launch into the big leagues of the biofuel industry. SunEthanol Inc. was the first company that Leschine and Sharp began, and before long the world took notice. By late 2008, the company had secured more than $25 million in private funding.

Ethanol is considered to be one of the best potential replacements for gasoline, what is known as a biofuel, but the common concern heretofore has been the costly means of its production.

Sharp explained the Q microbe’s process. “It basically consumes plant matter and spits out ethanol. We have so far scaled its productivity up 15-fold, and if we can scale that up another two-fold, there will be no question that it will be the most cost-effective solution for manufacturing ethanol.”

“It wasn’t hard convincing the investors to invest,” Sharp told an ethanol industry journal recently. “They recognized that the industry has been searching for a microbe that could do this for some time.”

But with that outside funding came outside influence, and by the end of that year, Qteros officials announced that they were leaving their Hadley offices and taking up residence in Marlborough, in the hot biotech corridor around Worcester.

At the time, Leschine mentioned that the company’s needs had outstripped the resources in the Pioneer Valley, and that Worcester County had systems in place for their immediate vertical expansion. What had been a great year for Qteros was turning out to be bad news for the company’s Western Mass. roots. The migration meant a loss of both jobs and a benchmark biotech firm, not to mention the stinging blow of another homegrown industry moving east.

But the big news this past month was that the Q is back.

Plant Maintenance

Actually, it never left, said Sharp, who spoke to BusinessWest from Washington D.C., where he and company CEO William Frey have been spending a lot of time recently. Qteros is in the midst of negotiations with the DOE to secure close to $20 million for the company’s expansion into Indian Orchard, at the old Fiberloid factory site on Worcester Street.

In addition to that lump sum from the DOE, Sharp mentioned a goal for a $4.5 million matching fund requirement that Qteros hopes the Commonwealth will endorse. He said that, with such funding in place, the company can greenlight later phases of operations at the site, currently occupied only by Solutia.

The company is the only tenant on the 250-acre site, which is the largest chemical manufacturing facility in New England, currently employing more than 700 people. Sharp thinks that the company will make a good neighbor.

“We have a good relationship with the people at Solutia who have helped us right along,” he said, adding that “we are currently storing some feedstock for the process there.

“We’ve had conversations with them about the different stages of the pilot programs, and they happen to have a very good location for it,” he continued. “Our engineers have looked at the site, it’s appropriate, we have permits in place there, there’s excess capacity, they have the ability to bring the biomass necessary for the Q microbe in via water and rail, and they have the ability to burn the residuals of the biomass at the power plant there.”

However, he added, “It’s a relatively small power plant, so it’s not going to have a tremendous amount of emissions or anything like that. It’s very benign. Even if we were running one ton of material a day, which we won’t be right away, that’s like a pickup-truck load of grass. From an industrial scale, it’s a pretty small quantity, so it wouldn’t have any negative impact on the air quality or anything else.”

There are three phases in the works for the Qteros pilot plant in Indian Orchard. The first is to put the Q microbe to work beginning later this year. Second and third phases will involve a larger, full-scale plant, depending on those all-important DOE grants. “The second phase is a one- to two-ton-per-day pilot plant that will demonstrate our technology in a much larger scale than we currently can at our labs in Marlborough,” said Sharp. He and his colleagues hope to know the future of the federal funding by the end of June.

If all goes according to plan, the company will soon be a major employer — and perhaps serve as inspiration to other startups in the clean-energy and biotechnology realms.

“The plant will bring at least several million dollars of a project into the city this year,” said Sharp, “and hopefully it will grow into a much larger pilot, and from there into a manufacturing facility, where instead of employing the tens of people that we do, we could employ 100-plus people. If we are successful beyond that, well, there could be the potential for a bio-ethanol facility which would be an ultimate goal for Qteros and the Commonwealth.”

Sharp is quick to point out that the company is happy to be back in the area for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is to acknowledge the connection and contribution of its partner at UMass Amherst.

“The university is a great partner to Qteros,” he said. “There’s work being done in a couple of labs there with the Q microbe, and we sponsor some of that research with contractual arrangements, but we also continue to be engaged with the school due to the fact that we’re their partners. We’ve licensed the technology from them, and they will benefit from a royalty stream once we start producing revenue with the product.

“Obviously you can put a facility in Eastern Mass.,” he continued, “but the UMass campus is very strong, the talent there is impressive, and we want to be able to be closer to that talent.”

Sarno told BusinessWest that he is thrilled to see this component to green technology coming to his city as part of his initiative to see Springfield become a hub for the green-technology industry. Mentioning the UMass Amherst/Qteros development in Indian Orchard, he said, “the idea is that UMass is really putting its footprint here. We already have great colleges in the city, and don’t want to step on their toes, but I see UMass as an economic engine on the R&D that these other colleges just can’t do.”

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal has also been supportive of Qteros and its work in both Western and Central Mass. “Obviously I’m delighted that this is a homegrown technology, once again reminding all of us once again of just how important UMass is as a research institute,” he said. “I think that, based upon the visits I’ve had with Qteros, there’s promise here.”

Neal said he has been active with Qteros both in Massachusetts and in Washington, and he’s confident that the company will spearhead a birth of similar ventures in the city. “I think that, for any start-up, they need a bit of a floor from which to build, and the federal government helped out here in the past and hopefully will continue to with the DOE grant.”

Center of Energy

Sharp sees Qteros, and Springfield, being at the beginning of something big. “We’re thinking that there’s potential for a tremendous impact for the city and the state, not to mention the entire country. We’re pretty convinced of the importance of this technology and the impact it could have.”

He looked past the walls of his new pilot plant, though, saying, “Springfield has the potential to become a bioenergy center and a technology center. I think that Qteros siting the first pilot plant there will be the first phase of what could be a facility that could work with a lot of spin-off technologies from UMass. There are some great bioenergy technologies that are being developed in the labs there now. We’re hoping that this will encourage and accelerate those technologies.”

Sharp said he sees no reason why Western Mass. can’t start to create the momentum needed to build upon one success and to have multiple companies, or an industry cluster. “When you have one company in a hot field, then you have more technologies coming out of the University that are in that hot area.

“Before you know it,” he continued, “you’ve got companies that are supporting each other and having a cumulative effect of people wanting to live there, wanting to do business there.”

The Indian Orchard plant is still a ways from becoming reality, but it already looks like a remarkable turnaround for the company known just a few months ago as the “one that got away.”

Sections Supplements
How to Save Your Nest Egg From Nursing-home Costs

You have spent the majority of your life working and building your nest egg so that your retirement will be well-funded. Unfortunately, retirement comes at a time when the possibility of catastrophic illness is more likely.

Of all Americans age 65 or older, approximately 43% will enter a nursing home during their lifetime. Given that the average yearly cost of nursing home care is $90,000, and that the average stay will last two and a half years, planning for long-term-care costs is crucial, as these costs will deplete your nest egg at an alarming rate. Planning ahead, which is planning several years prior to nursing-home admission, will mean the difference between spending your nest egg to finance your care and preserving your nest egg for your family.

Long-term nursing-home care is not paid for by Medicare or Medicare supplemental insurance. While Medicare may provide benefits for a short time period, once Medicare benefits end, the nursing-home resident must find another source of payment. Medicaid benefits are available to help pay for nursing-home care, but they are available only after eligibility requirements, which include strict asset limits, have been met.

Recent changes in Medicaid law have significantly reduced last-minute asset-protection opportunities. While there are still a few beneficial options available if you fail to plan ahead, they apply only in very specific situations and are much less fruitful than plans completed several years in advance. The only surefire way to maximize the assets protected for your family is to begin planning at least five years prior to a nursing-home admission.

Obtaining long-term-care insurance can alleviate the draining of assets and provide increased financial stability. Most long-term-care insurance policies will pay for long-term nursing-home care, although some pay benefits only for home care. Benefits are paid according to what is specified in the contract purchased.

A wide range of policies is available, including unique combinations of benefits and pricing structures. For example, some policies will pay for nursing-home, assisted-living, or home-health-care expenses, thus increasing one’s long-term care options.

Some policies provide that, if long-term care benefits are not used, the premium may be refunded as a death benefit. In order to purchase long-term-care insurance, you must be insurable, which means that you must not have a health condition that would prevent the insurance company from providing you with insurance.

Assuming you do not purchase long-term-care insurance or that you are already uninsurable, you should consider purchasing assets that will not count toward the asset limit for Medicaid benefits. Non-countable assets presently include an irrevocably prepaid funeral, a burial account of no more than $1,500, a minimal amount of life insurance, a car, and, in some cases, a home. The payment of outstanding debts, such as a mortgage or credit-card balances, can also be beneficial in some cases.

Assuming that five years will pass before your admission to a nursing home, a gifting plan may be considered. When applying for Medicaid benefits, the Division of Medical Assistance will look at the five-year period immediately preceding the application to determine if you made any gifts. If gifts are found within this time period, a penalty period will be assessed, during which time the division will not pay any Medicaid benefits on your behalf. If at least five years and one day have passed since the date of the gift, under the current rules, the gift will not need to be reported when applying for benefits. Hence, no penalty period will be assessed.

A gifting plan may consist of outright gifting to your beneficiaries, usually your children, or to an irrevocable trust that can continue to provide you with income until you pass away. There is danger involved in gifting, as you may be admitted to the nursing home prior to the expiration of the five-year-and-one-day period. You must plan for this possibility before beginning any gifting.

As opposed to a gifting plan, if you are presently being cared for by one of your children, you might consider establishing a paid-care agreement with your child. Rather than gifting assets, you pay your child for the care provided to you according to the terms of the agreement. As you pay for care, you are spending down your assets to purchase the services, as opposed to gifting the assets, and you are also benefiting your child by providing him or her with additional income. These agreements must be reasonable and fair to you and your caregiving child.

The planning strategies mentioned in this article are extremely complex and contain various benefits and detriments. Should you wish to determine which strategy, if any, is best for your situation, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of your elder-law attorney before you take any further steps. Do so now to avoid paying later. n

Gina M. Barry is a partner with the law firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C. She is a member of the National Assoc. of Elder Law Attorneys, the Estate Planning Council, and the Western Mass. Elder Care Professionals Assoc. She concentrates her practice in the areas of estate and asset-protection planning, probate administration and litigation, guardianships, conservatorships, and residential real estate; (413) 781-0560;[email protected].

Sections Supplements
O’Leary Group Respects the Past While Tackling New Trends
From left, Patricia Titcomb, executive assistant at Aero Fastener; James Avery; Kevin Donovan; and Michael Byrnes outside the new facility.

From left, Patricia Titcomb, executive assistant at Aero Fastener; James Avery; Kevin Donovan; and Michael Byrnes outside the new facility.

Horizon Solutions has offices across the Northeast, “from Bangor to Buffalo,” as Rob Barcome put it.

So the company decided that Holyoke would be ideal for a central location that will serve as a training mecca for the electrical/industrial distributor.

“It’s a place where we can train our customers, employees, and vendors on site, with some corporate personnel in another portion of the building,” said Barcome, the company’s purchasing and inventory control manager. The building, now being completed by the O’Leary Group, will house 50 employees and feature a demonstration lab and remote meeting capabilities, among other features.

“O’Leary was able to be accommodating to us, giving us suggestions as to what would look good and not look good, responding to our changing needs,” Barcome said. “Seeing something on paper come to fruition was easy.”

That’s the goal of every project O’Leary takes on, said Michael Byrnes, general manager of the Easthampton-based general contractor, which came under new ownership last year but continues to emphasize its reputation as a one-stop shop for design, construction, and maintenance.

“Design-build is simply a process where the builder is the designer, and you’re able to take it from paper to brick and mortar with any changes in between,” said Kevin Donovan, O’Leary’s director of sales. “It’s a streamlined process because all the different services are in-house.”

“That made it easy for us when we needed changes,” Barcome said. “It wasn’t a complicated process; we just got on the phone and made the changes that were necessary.”

The project didn’t happen overnight, Byrnes explained, noting that the company first contacted O’Leary in September 2007.

One holdup was obtaining the property, said Barcome. Once the Kelly Way site came on the market last July, Horizon Solutions bought it, and the project design began the following month. Construction started in January, and despite a series of weather-related obstacles stemming from an unpredictable winter, the building is set to open for business in June.

“Because we can design something and build it, we know what it costs; we know what the rough budget is going to be,” said Donovan. “We do a lot of feasibility up front, and we can make changes without taking the project back to the drawing board two or three months into the process.”

In this issue, BusinessWest takes a look at two recent O’Leary projects, why the company’s use of pre-engineered materials saves money and time, and why it’s important to stay ahead of construction trends — including an increasing focus on ‘green’ building — in order to stay competitive in a shifting marketplace.

Under One Roof

In 2008, ownership of the O’Leary Group changed hands, when the company was purchased by a team of three investors. “All of them have considerable construction background of 25-plus years,” Donovan said. “They basically wanted the company to do the same things it had been doing since 1955 under prior ownership.”

That means a heavy emphasis on design-build, which essentially brings the design and construction of a project under one roof, and is becoming a more popular model in the industry for several reasons, said Byrnes, from the cost-consciousness rising from the slow economy to a tendency for customers to demand projects completed faster than ever before.

“The nice part about the building process is, when customers like Rob come to us, we can tailor the project to meet their exact needs, and it allows flexibility for revisions during the process as a customer further defines their actual building needs,” he added. “The other thing it does is, it allows for cost control along the way, which is obviously critical in this business environment.”

Although O’Leary can tackle any type of building, said Donovan, 95% of its projects use pre-engineered metal frameworks manufactured under the Butler name, which provides not only strength but flexibility of design and efficiency during the construction process.

“Butler has been involved with pre-engineered building systems since post-World War II, and they’ve developed an attractive product line that’s one of the best in the pre-engineered building market,” said Byrnes, ticking off a series of benefits to property owners, from lengthy roof warrantees to state-of-the-art finishes and exterior wall treatments. “They maintain their durability over the years. We’ve got buildings still functioning well that were built in 1957.”

“The ease of construction means more flexibility than other buildings,” Donovan added. “A pre-engineered building doesn’t have to be a metal-sided building. It can have any finish you want on the outside, from clapboard to a log-cabin look.”

The fact that pre-engineered components arrive at the site already punched not only saves time, said Byrnes, but it ensures that every piece will have the necessary plumbness and squareness, which eliminates waste. “Because of that, you can move more quickly than with traditional welded buildings.”

To James Avery, however, none of that mattered as much as timing.

“The specifics of the building weren’t the key to the project; getting it built on time and on budget was,” said Avery, owner of Aero Fastener Co., an aerospace-industry distributor, which opened its new site in Westfield in mid-February — a date that was set in stone when the construction project began last summer.

“We could not be without an approved site; all our qualifications have to be in line for us to ship our parts,” he explained. “For us to miss the completion date by a week would cost Aero $300,000. So we needed a commitment to getting the building done on time. That was an essential ingredient in picking O’Leary. And we were successful; we were operational within five business days of moving in.”

Avery had worked with O’Leary’s previous ownership on a massive remodeling of another property, increasing its size from 10,000 to 25,000 square feet, and his recent experience was equally smooth. One of the key factors, he said, was the fact that the company’s final price hardly moved from the bid price, as it tends to do with many projects. “Other people lowball you at first,” he said.

Byrnes said that consistency in pricing speaks to the nature of pre-engineered structures; it’s easier to anticipate changes using the Butler system, which means fewer surprises for clients.

“Because of what they know about the business, it was an easy bid process,” said Avery. “They didn’t come back with any excuses.”

Going Green

Byrnes said the O’Leary Group also boasts an extensive service department to maintain buildings it has erected.

“We’ve been constructing buildings since 1957,” he said, “and as customers’ building needs evolve and change, we provide ongoing services and products they need to maintain the function and appearance of their building.”

And priorities in the industry are changing all the time, perhaps most notably in a growing emphasis on green building, which considers the overall environmental impact and energy efficiency of a structure.

The Horizon Solutions building boasts several green features, including extra insulation to reduce heating costs; a white, reflective roof that keeps the structure cool during the summer and holds air-conditioning costs down; and sensory lights in many areas that automatically switch off when a room isn’t occupied.

“Green seems to be the trend; a lot of people are asking for it, given fuel costs and operating costs,” Byrnes said, noting that all construction companies have to stay up to date on this trend. In fact, every green feature earns a company points with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. And LEED isn’t only concerned with construction processes; it also promotes healthy lifestyles, which is why bike racks, vending machines that carry healthy snacks, and building locations along bus routes all earn points as well.

But despite shifting trends, some priorities are timeless — and cost and speed are certainly among them.

“Our bank told us that we should budget 10% to 15% worth of overages, and we came in at 4%,” said Avery of his Aero Fasteners project. “That was important to them because they didn’t want the mortgage to increase very much. In the end, we paid for the overruns with self-funding.

“In today’s market, you can’t have surprises,” he added. “It’s important to know that the costs are going to be fixed.”

Because green is important in more ways than one.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at

[email protected]

Features
Social Media Seminar Will Show How to Tap Online Tools

Tom Lewis says that, while Facebook has definitely expanded beyond the college crowd that spawned it, far too many business owners still believe its usefulness — as well as its inherent value — is restricted to that narrow constituency.

This is a mistake that could prove costly, said Lewis, president of Needlemine, a marketing consultancy specializing in search engine optimization of Web site content and cost-per-click/AdWords management strategy, and especially if one’s competition fully understands how beneficial and cost-effective the free-access social-networking Web site can be in getting a company’s message across.

“How can any business owner say that he or she doesn’t need a place where about 200 million people are actively using it and could come across that business in some way?” he said. “Whether you’re a regional business or an online business, there’s a lot of value there; it provides a forum for you to interact with your customers, it offers a community space for your own employees to communicate with each other and your customers, and the fact that it’s free is what’s so fascinating about it.”

This is a message that Lewis has spent considerable time before the microphone trying to spread, and he’ll be back at it June 5 as one of several experts who will be sharing their knowledge of social media and how those in business can use it at a program called “Online Impact: Tapping Twitter, Facebook & Other Online Tools to Grow Your Business.”

Sponored by BusinessWest and host of other businesses and organizations, the how-to seminar will be staged at the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) from 8 a.m. to noon.

Those presenting the program are taking the view that, while most in the audience will walk in knowing something about the social-networking sites being discussed, they generally won’t know enough about how to fully tap their vast potential, explained Gordon Snyder, director of the National Center for Informational and Communications Technology at STCC, and another of the seminar’s presenters.

By the time they leave, they’ll know much more, he told BusinessWest, and will hopefully be inspired to continue the learning process.

Snyder said he can attest to the benefits of incorporating social-media tools into an organization’s pre-established advertising and marketing methods. He told BusinessWest that tools like Twitter have allowed him and his colleagues to inexpensively inform the public about what they’re doing on a real-time basis. The use of these sites has also allowed the center and STCC as a whole to build a strong online reputation, and has made retrieving information about the school a quick and easy task.

“Twitter for Business” is the title of the breakout session Snyder will lead. It is one of many, and others include: “Leveraging LinkedIn for Business,” led by Ann Latham, president of Uncommon Clarity; “YouTube for Business,” led by Dave Sweeney of the Communications Department; “This Business Sucks! — Enhancing your Business Reputation Online,” led by John Garvey, president of Garvey Communications Associates; “Facebook for Business,” led by Lewis; and “Online Advertising for Local Businesses,” led by Mary Fallon of Garvey Communications.

The seminar will begin with a panel discussion addressing the impact that social networking has had on the Internet. Contributing panelists will include Snyder, Veronica Cintron of WWLP 22 News, and Garvey.

For the duration of the event there will be a help desk available to assist attendees in getting online during the breakout sessions, and PCs will also be available for attendees to do their own exploring.

The reality that business owners have to face is that these sites are not going to simply disappear and melt into the technological woodwork, said Lewis. Advertising, marketing, and networking through these Web sites may very well be the future of business, and it’s important for business owners not to get left behind.

It is Snyder’s hope that the seminar will aid attendees in learning about social-media tools and how to use them in a way that will be most beneficial to their business or organization. After all, technology is only going to continue to grow, and there’s no better time than now for businesses to gain their technological footing.

The cost to attend the seminar is $45, with all proceeds going to the Regional Technology Corp. To register, contact Suzanne Parker at (413) 755-1301 or at[email protected].

The seminar is being sponsored by BusinessWest, the Communications Department, Garvey Communications, STCC, NCICT, Needlemine, Uncommon Clarity, and WWLP 22 News.

Opinion
Why Manufacturing Still Matters

On May 13, ‘Manufacturing Day in Holyoke,’ the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, the mayor’s Industrial Advisory Committee, and Associated Industries of Massachusetts recognized nine local manufacturers, each more than 100 years old. This celebration is a reminder that manufacturing remains a pillar of our economy and a vital step on the ladder of social mobility.

Manufacturing does matter — for Holyoke, for Massachusetts, and for the nation. Manufacturing is evolving, and despite fierce competition both domestically and abroad (and often a lack of appreciation by government at all levels), the state’s manufacturing sector is competitive, and in some sectors growing.

The Mass. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) notes that Census Bureau figures reveal a startling change: for the first time in the state’s history, small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) are employing more people than the larger firms of more than 500 employees. In 2002, manufacturing establishments operated by companies employing 500 or more had 167,433 employees in Massachusetts, while SMEs employed 162,917; by 2006, employment by larger manufacturers declined 24% to 127,364, while employment by SMEs declined by less than 10% to 147,816.

The numbers of establishments tell the same story: large employers declined from 738 in 2002 to 624 in 2006, but SMEs remained steady at just under 7,000. As a recent report from Northeastern University, Staying Power: The Future of Manufacturing in Massachusetts, notes, “it is remarkable, given the situation facing manufacturing across the U.S., that Massachusetts still sustains a manufacturing base that employs nearly 300,000 people.”

So much has public opinion lost sight of the contributions made by manufacturers, however, that few in government, education, or the population at large are aware that the manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to the Massachusetts Gross State Product (GSP). As the financial-services bubble deflates, we should understand that making products produces real wealth, and recognize that we still manufacture many things in the Bay State.

In 2007, the manufacturing sector in Massachusetts contributed $42 billion to the GSP (13.7%), as compared to real estate, rental, leasing ($40 billion), professional and technical services ($35 billion), finance and insurance ($34 billion), and health care and services ($25 billion).

Manufacturing, moreover, has a large multiplier effect, creating economic activity and jobs in other segments of the economy. Without manufacturing, the Massachusetts economy would be about 40% smaller, we would all be poorer, and many of us would be out of jobs — or out of the state.

We all know about the problems of the automobile industry, and the current economic downturn has hit most industries hard, but some manufacturing sectors are actually growing in Massachusetts, including pharmaceuticals with 2008 gross sales of $5.9 billion, navigation measuring and control instruments at $8.8 billion, and medical equipment and supplies at $3.6 billion. And since 2001, there has been growth in several other sectors, including food manufacturing, beverages, plastics, and machinery.

Massachusetts SMEs have remained vibrant and competitive although our state ranks in the bottom 10 in perceived economic climate, according to the Gallup Poll, and fourth-worst in cost of doing business, in the Milken Institute’s index.

Some of our economic disadvantages are natural; many are self-imposed. To put Massachusetts in a position to generate new jobs when the current recession abates, lawmakers should review every single Massachusetts-only cost of doing business, law, or regulation. They should focus on advancing not only new industries and emerging technologies, but established ones as well. And they should shape policy to encourage graduation from research and development to full-scale manufacturing here in our state. Such an agenda will help ensure the Commonwealth’s economic future for all of our residents.

Meanwhile, let’s tip our hats and congratulate the nine Holyoke manufacturers who have made it in Massachusetts for more than 100 years! v

John Regan is executive vice president of government affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts, an employer association of 6,500 Bay State employers. Doris Ransford is president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

Sections Supplements
A Time of Challenge, Opportunity for STCC’s Technology Park
Bob Greeley

Bob Greeley says Building 104 at the Technology Park is unique space that should catch the attention of the market.

After an unsuccessful bid to land the state’s backup data center and the departure of long-time tenant Springboard Technologies, managers of the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College have a 116,000-square-foot challenge on their hands. Re-tenanting the property known as Building 104 won’t happen quickly or easily given the current state of the economy, but those charged with that task see an opportunity to add new jobs and bring stronger fiscal health to the park for the long term.

When the Assistance Corporation that administers the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College commissioned a feasibility study on what’s known as Building 104 last fall, there were several possible scenarios in play for the structure built at the start of World War II.

Plan A, if it could be called that, would see the 116,000-square-foot facility become home to the state’s backup data center, an $80 million operation that would store and transfer information on everything from traffic tickets to tax collection and employ hundreds of people. But the tech park site was one of two being considered for the center, and the competition, the former Technical High School, or what’s left of it, on Elliott Street eventually got the nod from the state in January.

Knowing this was a possible eventuality, the Springfield-based architectural firm Dietz & Co., which handled the feasibility study, considered other options, including a consolidation of Building 104’s long-time occupant, Springboard Technology, into a portion of that structure and subdividing what remained for new tenants.

But when Springboard, which handled contract work maintaining and repairing computer components, and had been struggling for some time, eventually fell victim to the faltering economy earlier this year and informed the Assistance Corp. that it couldn’t remain in the park in any capacity, that essentially brought the board to Plan C. This amounts to starting with a clean slate in a building that comprises roughly one-third of the space in the ambitious, 13-year-old technology park created out of several manufacturing complexes in the old Springfield Armory.

The timing could obviously be better for starting anew, said Bob Greeley, president of R.J. Greeley Co., which will be tasked with leasing out the space, noting that the economy has made many companies cautious about moving or expanding. But the space in Building 104 is unique, he said, in that it can handle heavy loads and features redundant power and heavy-fiber connectivity.

This combination should make it attractive to data-center-like facilities and also some manufacturers, he said, noting that, while it may take some time to fill the space, the tech park may likely emerge fiscally stronger from Springboard’s departure. Indeed, while that company took one-third of the space in the park, it certainly wasn’t providing one-third of the revenue, said Greeley, adding that new tenants taking advantage of the building’s highest and best use — data storage and high-tech manufacturing — could yield substantially higher revenues for the long term.

Paul Stelzer, president of Holyoke-based Appleton Corp., which manages the complex, agreed. He said that, while Springboard was a solid, long-time tenant, it was essentially underutilizing much of the space it occupied.

“Looking forward, we see an opportunity for the technology park,” he said, adding quickly that seizing on that opportunity won’t be easy given the current economy.

In this issue, BusinessWest looks at what will certainly be an intriguing next chapter for the tech park, which was created with the help of the state Legislature to house technology-related businesses and startups, and thus bring new jobs to the region.

Park Place

While giving BusinessWest a tour of Building 104, Greeley stopped at what was a $5 million clean room built by Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) when it occupied most of what is now the technology park in the 1980s.

The clean room, later converted for general assembly work by Springboard, is part of the facility’s long history, which dates back to the early ’40s, when the Springfield Armory used it for some manufacturing, but mostly warehousing operations. It has held that role for most of the past 70 or so years for the Armory, then Milton Bradley and General Electric, which both occupied the site for many years after the Armory closed in 1967, and later Digital, from which the Springboard operation was spawned.

But it won’t be a warehouse in the future, said Greeley, noting that it has much more to offer than high ceilings and several loading docks. Indeed, the building’s redundant power and what’s called ‘heavy fiber’ will make it ideal for technology-related ventures, especially data storage.

“There’s a lot of warehouse space on the market in this region,” said Greeley, “but there isn’t any other space like this.”

And it this uniqueness that provides a measure of optimism for park administrators as they go about the task of trying to re-tenant Building 104 in the middle of the worst recession in decades.

Tracing the history of Springboard and its influence on the evolution of the park, Greeley said the company, founded by long-time Digital plant manager Tony Dolphin, originally occupied much more space in the park, including part of what’s known as Building 111. In the late ’90s, park administrators consolidated Springboard’s operations into 104, thus opening up space to be used as a call center by RCN and, later, by current occupant Liberty Mutual, which arrived last summer.

Springboard has struggled for the past several years, said Stelzer, but the Assistance Corp. and park managers remained committed to helping it remain viable — and in the park, albeit in much smaller space.

Springboard’s difficulties and the increasingly pressing need to find a new, more-stable tenant for 104 prompted the Assistance Corp. to propose that space as a suitable home for the state’s data center, he continued. When that two-year-long battle was lost, and when Springboard made its departure official a few months ago, park administrators quickly launched an ambitious effort to market the space.

Until a few weeks ago, however, they didn’t have much to show prospective tenants, said Greeley, noting that Springboard was still in the process of moving out. With that work now completed, he continued, “we can expose the space to the marketplace.”

Getting more specific, he said the target audience will be operations that store, process, and transfer information. There are already a few smaller ventures of this ilk in the park, he said. As one example, he cited Crocker Communications, which occupies 5,000 square feet, in which it operates what would be considered a small co-location facility.

Such operations run 24/7/365 and require high levels of redundancy that doesn’t exist in most facilities, especially in Western Mass., said Greeley, adding that he’s already had some informal inquiries about the site, despite limited marketing to date.

Stelzer told BusinessWest that, while one large tenant is a possibility for the site, it is far more likely that the space will be subdivided into four and possibly more smaller spaces.

“There just aren’t that many 100,000-square-foot tenants out there,” he said, adding that the feasibility study indicates that the property can, and probably should, be divided into spaces ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 square feet.

There are some potential tenants currently doing business in the 413 area code, Stelzer continued, but the property will likely be filled with a mix of businesses from this area and other regions, meaning the potential for additional new jobs for the region.

The wild card in the equation, of course, is the economy, which is currently defined by question marks, said Greeley. “People don’t know what things are going to look like in a few months, let alone a year,” he said. “This recession is not like other recessions I’ve seen; no one can say with any degree of certainty what’s going to happen, and this has left many businesses unsure of what to do.”

New Lease on Life

One thing is for certain: filling the space in Building 104 is critical to the long-term success of the technology park, say those charged with re-tenanting the property.

Yet, the assignment isn’t simply to fill the space, but to find tenants that can make the most of its unique properties, and thus provide better, more-reliable revenue streams for the park.

Time will tell how successful Greeley and others will be in completing their mission, but they’re cautiously optimistic that they can make the most of what they ultimately view as a stern challenge and a unique opportunity.

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

Departments

Ten POints About: Facebook Privacy

By CHRISTINE PILCH

1. Restrict profile access only to friends. The default is everyone, so your Facebook profile is an open book until you restrict access.

2. Use groups. Set up groups for different sets of friends. This allows you to control specific data access by group rather than on an individual level.
3. Carefully consider who you want to post to your wall and view posts by others. If you have a combination of personal and professional connections, you might not want everyone to see what others write.
4. Protect your photos and videos. Avoid embarrassing photo and video flubs by restricting certain individuals and groups from seeing those you post and that others tag with your name, and remember to set album security levels too.

5. Disable news stories about posting on friends’ walls. Nobody needs to know that you’ve written on a friend’s wall.

6. Don’t post your relationship status or allow news feeds when your relationship status changes. If you’re happily married, that’s one thing, but if your relationship status is subject to change, you don’t need to broadcast it, thereby causing potential embarrassment.
7. Restrict search results information. It’s great to be able to be found by everyone, but strangers don’t need to see your friends and pages you’re a fan of.
8. Delete your public search listing. You don’t need to have the personal information in your profile accessed by search engines.
9. Check and see how individual friends see your profile. Look at your profile with a critical eye. You will likely find that there are certain aspects of your personal life that you don’t want some friends to see.

10. Safeguard your personal contact information. Think about who you want to have access to your address and phone numbers.

Christine Pilch is a partner with Grow My Company and a social-media marketing strategist. She trains clients to utilize LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other social-media tools to grow their businesses, and she collaborates with professional service firms to get results through innovative positioning strategies; (413) 537-2474; linkedin.com/in/christinepilch; twitter.com/christinepilch; growmyco.com; “Miracle Growth for Your Company.”

Departments

Dawn Creighton has been named Regional Director of Member Relations for Western Mass. by Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM), based in Boston. In her new position, Creighton will work with AIM-member firms and organizations to ensure they are fully aware of the range of resources and services that are available to them, and to serve as a liaison with a number of civic and business groups operating throughout the Pioneer Valley that are concerned about the state’s economic prospects for the future.

•••••

Dr. Jeanne S. Steffes has been named Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Western New England College in Springfield.

•••••

Tighe & Bond in Westfield announced the following:
• Paul Fiejdasz, P.E., LEED AP, CEM has joined the company as a Mechanical Engineer. He adds 15 years of experience in all aspects of mechanical building systems including HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection; and
• Amy Lane, P.E., was the winner of the Young Professionals Fresh Ideas Contest for the best presentation given by a young professional at New England Water Works Association’s 2009 Spring Regional Conference and Exhibition in Worcester. Her presentation, titled “Water System Improvements in the Town of Amherst,” discussed the challenges coordinating upgrades to one of the town’s wells and its surface-water-treatment plant with the unique seasonal demand patterns of a college town.

•••••

Greenfield Co-operative Bank announced the following:
• William F. Ahlemeyer has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Commercial Lending;
• Christine M. Eugin has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Residential Lending;
• Deborah J. Falcon has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Retail Banking;
• Eric A. Marsh has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and CFO; and
• Mary J. Rawls has been promoted to Compliance Officer.

•••••

Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP has elected William E. Hart as Partner. Hart has been counsel to the firm during 2007 and 2008. He practices in the areas of estate planning and probate, taxation, real estate, and business matters, and has been named co-chairman of the firm’s Estate Planning and Administration Department. Hart practices from the firm’s offices in Amherst at 21A Pray St. and in Springfield at 1500 Main St.

•••••

The Women’s Partnership, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, has named Nancy Mirkin of Hampden Bank as its 2009 Woman of the Year recipient. Mirkin is Vice President in the Business Banking Division at Hampden Bank, where she has worked for 13 years. Mirkin has also been involved with several organizations over the years, and currently volunteers with the Credit for Life-Financial Literacy Program and Habitat for Humanity Women Build II. The annual Woman of the Year Banquet is planned for June 23 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

•••••

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., TD Banknorth, and Moriarty & Primack, P.C., recently co-sponsored a seminar titled “Fraud Prevention” at the Springfield office of TD Banknorth. Speakers included Michael O’Reilly, special agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Gene Griffin, postal inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Susan Chamberlain, director of Cash Management of TD Banknorth, who shared the sophistication of fraudulent activities of current times and the proactive solutions to protecting personal data.

•••••

The American Council on Education (ACE) Board of Directors has named Evan S. Dobelle, president of Westfield State College, to serve on the council’s Commission on Effective Leadership. The national commission advises ACE and also guides the ongoing development of Center for Effective Leadership programs and directs new initiatives. It serves as a forum for member presidents to explore issues related to leadership and institutional development in higher education.

•••••

John R. Cristoforo has joined the Insurance Center of New England in West Springfield as an Account Executive in the personal lines division.

•••••

Kathleen P. Mullin has been appointed Vice President and Credit Risk Manager at PeoplesBank.

•••••

Lori A. Siedlarczyk-Nadeau has joined TD Insurance in West Springfield as a Sales Executive in the small-business division. She consults on employee benefit plans to small businesses.

•••••

Martin Kane recently completed 80 hours of training as an Auctioneer at the International Auction School in South Deerfield. He is now a licensed auctioneer in Massachusetts. Kane is also a commercial real estate broker with King & Newton, LLC Commercial Real Estate in Springfield. In addition, he is a board member of the new Realtors Commercial Alliance, and president of Sanford Management Services Inc.

•••••

Dr. Catherine Spath, a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon, has joined the Cooley Dickinson Hospital medical staff in Northampton.

•••••

David J. Martel, a Partner in the law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, has been honored with the Leadership Institute’s Community Service Award for exceptional commitment to the Greater Springfield community.

•••••

Adrienne M. Connolly, co-owner of Stinky Cakes in Springfield, has been recognized as one of the top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation’s 2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition. VerticalResponse sponsored the competition, which recognizes the achievements of mothers across the country who run outstanding businesses.

•••••

Gail Young, Breakfast Hostess at the Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst, was recently honored by Hampton Hotels with the Spirit of Hampton Award, signifying Young as a top performer within Hampton Hotels.

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Don’t Poke the Bear Inc., 365 Walnut St. Extension, Agawam, MA 01001. Mark E. Watkins, 150 Southwick St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Restaurant.

Lola Foote Enterprises Inc., 499 Meadow St., Agawam, MA 01001. Lola Foote, Same. To engage in E-commerce activities.

AMHERST

Celia’a Home and Biz Services Inc., 228 Grantwood Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Ohmead Celia Snow, same. Residential and commercial cleaning.

Scyler Inc., 124 High St., Amherst, MA 01002. Andrea E. Rulenko-Catlin, Same. Sotfware consulting service in the financial industry.

CHICOPEE

Manahil Inc., 51-D Gratton St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Faiza Bari, same. To operate a convenience store.

Marta’s Insurance Agency Inc., 799 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01020. John P. Slosek Jr., Same. Insurance agency.

Mitesh G. Brahmbhatt, D.M.D., P.C., 749 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Mitesh G. Brahmbhatt, 305 Dutton St., Apt. 326, Lowell, MA 01854. Family dentistry.

EASTHAMPTON

N. B. Chicken Inc., 36 Union Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Nasir Bary, 7 Arlington St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Fast food service.

EAST LONGMEADOW

AP Flooring Inc., 98 Colony Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Stephen J Silansky, Same. Installation and refinishing of hardwood floors.

Vanguard Mold Remediation Inc., 25 Maynard St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Pamela A. Barthelette, Same. To provide mold remediation services and water recovery services.

HADLEY

Tenchi Inc., 48 Russell St., Hadley, MA 01035. Ting Jiang, 770 42nd St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232. Restaurant.

HOLYOKE

Trendz Stores Corporation Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Samantha Lantz, same. Retail clothing.

HUNTINGTON

Sleeping Giant Young Equestrian Fund Inc., 139 Kinne Brook Road, Huntington, MA 01050. Shirley Winer, same. To raise money for equestrians and provide education on horsemanship.

 

LONGMEADOW

T. Hurley Inc., 860 Frank Smith Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Timothy Hurley, Same. Retail.

NORTHAMPTON

Matikilock Inc., 20A Crafts Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Jeffrey Wheelock, 54 West St., Apt. 1, Northampton, MA 01060. Retail and Internet sales, books, and gifts.

The Sperry Group Inc., 136 West St., Suite 205, Northampton, MA 01060. Charles R. Sperry, 324 Audubon Road, Leeds, MA 01053. Consulting and product development.

SPRINGFIELD

Allen Restaurant & Deli Corp., 2895 Main St., Springfield, MA 01107. Yoselin A. Almonte, 50 Quebec St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Restaurant business.

Fuel First Elm Inc., 592 Birnie Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Sanjay Patel, same. Gas station and convenience store.

Iglesia De Dios Lazos De Vision Inc., 1119 St. James Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Jose A. Hernandez, Same. Non-profit, preaching the gospel and working with the communities to form a bond with each other and help the needs of the families.

J & E Edwards Services Corp., 155 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01104. Julio Ernesto Edwards, 84 Sylvan, Springfield, MA 01108. Community services.

L & L Builders and Remodeling Inc., 18 Baywood St., Springfield, MA 01109. Joe C. Long Sr., same. Commercial and residential remodeling.

Latino Food Distributors Inc., 90 Avocado St., Springfield, MA 01104. Luis A. Feliciano, 23 new Bridge St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Food distribution.

Scope by Trade Inc., 202 College St., Springfield, MA 01109. Rory Waterman, Same. Estimating and construction consultation.

Springfield Pic’s Hockey Inc., 340 Peekskill Ave., Springfield, MA 01129. Brian Collins, same. Organization and provision of skilled youth hockey teams to compete at an elite level.

WESTFIELD

Ecomat Inc., 1931 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Paul J. St. Pierre, Same. Operation of a Laundromat.

Westfield Landscaping Inc., 43 Indian Ridge Road, Westfield, MA 01085. William A. Mead, same. Lawn care.

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

Gilbert & Sons Insulation Inc. v. Dupuis Construction
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $4,413.80
Filed: 4/13/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

American International Recovery (Subrogee) and Kent Hicks Construction Co. v. Ragan Builders and Joseph Ragan
Allegation: Defendants failed to carry worker’s comprehensive insurance: $206,876.37
Filed: 4/17/09

Barbara Martineau (Executrix) v. Joshua Garriga, M.D. and Connecticut River Internists, LLP
Allegation: Delay in diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old man: $25,000
Filed: 4/08/09

Lynne Gosselin v. Baystate Visiting Nurses & Hospice Inc. and Baystate Health Inc.
Allegation: Failure to properly monitor and care for patient, causing hospitalizaton for 7.5 months: $1,379,000
Filed: 4/15/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Brennan Builders
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered on credit: $6,271.78
Filed: 5/07/09

Dodson Associates, LTD and Turowski Architecture Inc. v. Avotu Inc. and Gorodetsky Engineering, LLC et al
Allegation: Breach of contract for site design and construction and architectural design services rendered: $21,705.75
Filed: 5/04/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Bradco Supply Corporation v. REI Roofing
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $47,147.01
Filed: 4/10/09

Marion Rice v. Big Y Foods Inc.
Allegation: After eating a deli sandwich from Big Y, the plaintiff suffered salmonella infection, resulting in three weeks of hospitalization: $17,524.52
Filed: 4/06/09

Meaghan O’Connell v. 80 Worthington Street, LLC
Allegation: Negligence by employees of plaintiff, causing personal injury and hospitalization: $250,000
Filed: 4/08/09

Nancy Labrie v. John M. Zeroogian, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $1,108,000+
Filed: 4/28/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Montgomery Company Inc. v. Gould’s Florist Inc. and John Robert Ramsey
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $47,101.08
Filed: 4/14/09

Pamela A. Brown v. Service Link Inc.
Allegation: Negligence and unfair and deceptive trade practices in home-sale transaction: $110,000
Filed: 4/05/09

Sandino McDonough-Sieben v. One Pearl Street Inc.
Allegation: Assault in licensed premises, resulting in injuries: $30,000+
Filed: 4/08/09

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Hadley Printing Co. v. Hallmark Institute of Photography Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment of printing services rendered: $3,207
Filed: 4/29/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Charlene Mitchell Lyman v. Master Mark Plastics Inc.
Allegation: Negligence and breach of warranty requiring plaintiff to replace defective deck material manufactured and distributed by defendant: $23,384.55
Filed: 5/11/09

Janet M. Kopacz v. Mass. Energy Savers Corp. and Christian P. Poirier
Allegation: Breach of home-improvement contract and fraud: $10,133
Filed: 4/21/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Irving Forest Products Inc. v. Northeast Wholesale Lumber Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay for merchandise received: $24,874.96
Filed: 4/03/09

Rockville Roofing Inc. v. Monaco Restorations Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of material and labor on several projects: $9,315.83
Filed: 3/31/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Excalibur Services
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $7,377.79
Filed: 4/09/09

Louis Michaelson & Son Co. v. Blue Sky Diner Restaurant
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,208.10
Filed: 3/25/09

Louis Michaelson & Son Co. v. O’Driscoll’s Irish Pub
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,820.55
Filed: 3/25/09

Sherwin Williams Cos. v. William Painting & Wallpapering
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,690.22
Filed: 4/09/09

Tangerine’s Kitchen & Bath Inc. v. New Future Development Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,207.71
Filed: 4/09/09

T.D. Banknorth, N.A. v. T.S. Mann Lumber Co. Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid and defaulted promissory note: $19,910.90
Filed: 4/09/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Creative One Services
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $5,568.04
Filed: 5/07/09

City of Westfield v. R.G. Carr Civil Contracting, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay for off-duty police detail: $3,246.38
Filed: 5/07/09

Departments

Credit Union Opens in Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON — A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Polish National Credit Union’s newest branch location was conducted April 30 at the Southampton Branch, 32 College Highway. Other locations include the main office at 46 Main St., Chicopee, as well as the Chicopee Center Branch, 244 Exchange St.; Granby Branch, 34 West State St.; Westfield River Branch, 1 Parkside Ave., Westfield; and the Mortgage Center, 43 Main St., Chicopee.

Springfield College Plans New Center

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College (SC) will open a Center for Wellness Education and Research on Sept. 1 to conduct groundbreaking research, be a national source of the latest wellness information, and design and present public-wellness-education programs. Jean A. Wyld, vice president for academic affairs, noted that SC’s intention is to be a “premier national resource on wellness across the lifespan.” Housed in the School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, the new center will focus on research in exercise, nutrition, health, wellness and physical activity. Also participating in the interdisciplinary research and programs will be the faculty and students of the college’s schools of Social Work, Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies, Human Services, and Arts and Sciences. Research will include studies funded both by governmental and private grants and by the college. In addition, the center will expand educational activities at the college, particularly in its undergraduate and graduate programs in Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training, Health Education, and Physical Education.

Hampden Bank Farmer’s Market Returns; $10,000 Grant Awarded

SPRINGFIELD — For the second year, Hampden Bank and the Pioneer Valley Growers Coop are sponsoring a local farmer’s market at the bank’s Wilbraham branch office at 2005 Boston Road. The market runs every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through mid-October, with new produce, fruits, and vegetables being added as the growing season progresses. In addition, a host of locally grown flowers and plants will be available, as well as baked goods and handmade items. Hampden Bank has also opened a farmer’s market on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Indian Orchard office at 187 Main St. Local farmers, growers, or merchants who would like to learn more about participating can call (413) 586-6947 or (413) 452-5125 for more information. In other news, the Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes for children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 with life-threatening medical conditions.

Agency Launches Unique Fundraising Campaign

HOLYOKE — Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co. has launched the Charter Oak Truck — a 1948 Chevy pickup to be used for appearances at charitable walks and races throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Charter Oak will dispense from the truck’s bed donated refreshments to walkers, runners, and other fund-raiser participants. Companies who donate their goods will be recognized on truck signage as well as in any public relations issued by Charter Oak. The agency hopes to team up with local food and beverage companies in this effort. Companies or walk coordinators interested in using the Charter Oak Truck should contact Cami Foley at (413) 539-2000.

Ad Club Takes First Place in National Competition

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Mass. recently took first place in the Program category of the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Club Achievement Competition. The achievement awards are presented annually to AAF-member organizations that display exceptional accomplishments in club operations. Sixty advertising clubs entered the national competition, and 297 entries were received. The entries were judged by association professionals outside the AAF. There are five divisions of competition and clubs compete based on size. The Ad Club of Western Mass. received first-place honors for the quality of its programs in Division III, clubs with 100-249 members. All winners will be honored at the Salute to Achievers Luncheon at the June AAF national conference in Washington, D.C.

Brattleboro Retreat Wins Award

BRATTLEBORO, VT — The Brattleboro Retreat was recently honored with the ‘Best in New England’ Lamplighter Award at the spring conference of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCO) in Providence, R.I. The Lamplighter Award represents the top honor among Gold Award winners in more than 50 categories. The award went to the retreat for its six-minute DVD titled “Helping People Find the Strength.” The DVD, which also won gold in the category for audio/visual presentations, was produced by Sunnyside Films. The organization also received NESHCO awards for the following marketing and communications pieces: Gold Award: Design/Printed Pieces (2009 wall calendar), Gold Award: Special Events Communications (Fundraising Event featuring the Moscow Ballet), Silver Award: Design/Logo (new clock tower logo), Silver Award: Publications/Annual Report (2007 Annual Report to Stakeholders and Friends), and an Award of Excellence: Overall Marketing Campaign (2008 overall marketing campaign). The Brattleboro Retreat credits its marketing and communications success to the Communicators Group Inc. of Keene, N.H., which was hired in early 2008 to help the hospital with a major rebranding effort.

Big Y Foods Offers Advice to Novice Cooks

SPRINGFIELD — Tough economic times have renewed an interest in home-cooked meals, according to officials at Big Y Foods, Inc. As more novice cooks seek advice, Big Y Foods and Fruits & Veggies – More Matters want to help. Home cooks will find easy-to-understand, healthy recipes that are quick and easy to prepare at www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, which can be accessed from Big Y’s Web site, www.bigy.com, in the Living Well Eating Smart section.

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Building Specialties
16 Ramah Circle South
$34,000 — Interior renovations for offices, closets, and workspaces

MWI Inc.
61 Industrial Lane
$32,000 — Interior renovations

AMHERST

Bank of America
1 South Pleasant St.
$1,500,000 — Renovations including replacement of most systems

New England Telephone Company
20 Fearing St.
$157,000 — Install new AC with exterior drycoder on roof

CHICOPEE

Bogdan Konarzewski
333 Front St.
$5,000 — Remodel office and basement

Val Shvetz
259 East Main St.
$80,000 — Interior repairs and sprinkler system

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$15,000 — Interior renovations

Greenfield Co-Op Bank
63 Federal St.
$6,000 — To replace posts and handrail at main entrance

Kathleen McIntyre Bernier
259 Federal St.
$7,700 — New roof

Yeshi Gyaltsen
10 Fiske Ave.
$3,000 — Renovation of existing second-floor office

HADLEY

Alendev, LLC
245 Russell St.
$6,000 — Interior alterations

Hopkins Academy
131 Russell St.
$40,000 — Renovation of teachers lounge and addition of accessible bathroom

LUDLOW

Victor Swist
40 Ravenwood Dr.
$60,000 — Commercial addition

 

NORTHAMPTON

Gerald Archambault
178 Industrial Dr.
$46,000 — Enlarge job training area

Pioneer Contractors
85 Main St.
$95,000 — Renovate basement space into two offices

SOUTHWICK

Alan Gendron
520 College Highway
$55,000 — Commercial addition

SPRINGFIELD

Answer is Fitness
380 Cooley St.
$22,000 — Build a new juice bar in lobby

City Vue Commons II
926 Worthington St.
$6,000 — Repair exterior brick veneer

Eastfield Association LLC
1655 Boston Rd.
$10,000 — Interior renovations at food court

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$130,000 — Construction of a new restaurant on first floor

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield PD
15 Washington St.
$24,000 — Installation of a handicap ramp

Dr. Mark Fisher
48 East Silver St.
$7,000 — Building repair

God in Care of Christ Kingdom Church
297 Russell Road
$15,000 — Installation of handicap ramp

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cermac, LLC
88 Westfield St.
$15,000 — Interior renovations to third floor

Slavic Pentecostal Church
2611 Westfield St.
$1,000,000 — Renovate 30,000 square feet of space

Departments

Liberty Mutual Receives Tax Incentive

SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and its new customer-service center have been approved for tax incentives by the state Economic Assistance Coordinating Council. The new center, located in the Springfield Technical Community College Technology Park on Federal Street, has 124 employees. To qualify for the tax incentives, it must hire an additional 164 workers. The tax savings for the first year in fiscal year 2010 is expected to be $50,000, based on a 50% exemption on the new growth in the property’s value. Under a five-year approved plan, the exemption will decline by 10% each year, from 50% in fiscal year 2010 to a final-year exemption of 10% in fiscal 2014. Liberty Mutual is expected to invest $6 million in the project.

Pioneer Valley Tourism Guide Has New Format

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) has published the 2009-2010 Guide to Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, which is now available free to potential visitors to the region, as well as local residents. The guide has been restyled as a more-portable, 5-inch by 8-inch, 98-page, four-color, glossy magazine. Guide highlights include information on the region’s top attractions, accommodations, and restaurants, all of which are GSCVB members. The guide also features useful maps of the downtown areas of Springfield, Amherst, and Northampton, and was designed by Design & Advertising Associates of Springfield and printed by Dynagraph in Canton. For more information on the tourism guide, call (413) 755-1351 or (800) 723-1548, or log onto www.valleyvisitor.com.

Business Confidence Rises Slightly in April

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM) Business Confidence Index added 1.9 points to 35.4 in April, its second consecutive monthly rise following February’s historic low of 33.3. Though two small gains barely constitute a trend, AIM officials have been seeing signs in its survey since February that the economic decline — now the longest of the post-World War II era — could bottom out soon, according to Raymond G. Torto, global chief economist at CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. Torto also serves as chair of AIM’s board of economic advisors. The index, which is based on a 100-point scale on which 50 is neutral, was down 14.7 points from April 2008, when it recorded its last ‘positive’ reading (50.1). The past five months have produced the five worst readings since the index was initiated in July 1991.

Foreclosures Remained at Record Levels in April

NEW YORK — RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, recently released its April 2009 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows foreclosure filings — default notices, auction-sale notices, and bank repossessions — were reported on 342,038 U.S. properties during the month, an increase of less than 1% from the previous month and an increase of 32% from April 2008. The report also shows that one in every 374 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in April, the highest monthly foreclosure rate ever posted since RealtyTrac began issuing its report in January 2005. Total foreclosure activity in April ended up slightly above the previous month, once again hitting a record-high level, according to James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. Saccacio added that much of this activity is at the initial stages of foreclosure — the default and auction stages — while bank repossessions, or REOs, were down on a monthly and annual basis to their lowest level since March 2008. Saccacio noted that this trend suggests that many lenders and servicers are beginning foreclosure proceedings on delinquent loans that had been delayed by legislative and industry moratoria.

Economy Stabilizing Despite Trade Deficit

WASHINGTON — U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke recently reported that U.S. exports decreased by 2.4% to $123.6 billion since February 2009. Imports decreased 1.0% to $151.2 billion. Overall, the trade deficit grew 5.5% during the same time period. Locke noted that the numbers are better than many economists had predicted, and it is worth noting that the trade deficit is half of what it was in the first quarter of 2008. Locke added that, while the country has begun to see a few “promising shoots of green,” there is still much work to be done.

Unemployment Rises to 25-year High

NEW YORK — In the week ending May 9, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 637,000, an increase of 32,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 605,000. The four-week moving average was 630,500, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised average of 624,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.9% for the week ending May 2, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week’s unrevised rate of 4.8%. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.01 million. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 565,395 in the week ending May 9, an increase of 27,856 from the previous week. There were 325,480 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.6% during the week ending May 2, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 6,166,785, a decrease of 95,837 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.1%, and the volume was 2,845,952. Extended benefits were available in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin during the week ending April 25. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 25 were in Michigan (7.8%), Oregon (7.5%), Pennsylvania (6.5%), Wisconsin (6.4%), Nevada (6.3%), Idaho (6.1%), Puerto Rico (5.9%), Vermont (5.8%), Alaska (5.7%), and Rhode Island (5.7%). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 2 were in Illinois (2,052), Kansas (2,025), Puerto Rico (1,781), Indiana (1,051), and Ohio (1,013), with the largest decreases in New York (13,386), Michigan (10,952), North Carolina (8,988), Massachusetts (3,705), and Connecticut (2,802).

Departments

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

Abad, Jose Francisco
38 Greenleaves Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Amlaw, Robert A.
61 Reed St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Barree, Richard D.
5 Grandview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Berman, Mark R.
P.O. Box 164
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Bezio, Edward Daniel
P. Bezio, Janice Marie
O Box 54
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Blanco, Diana Alexis
568 South East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Borer, Daniel
P.O. Box 27
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Bourdon, Hope A.
376 Church St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Bousquet, Dianne Marie
71 East Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Boyes, Frances Kathleen
252 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Brennan, Mary B.
P.O. Box 8011
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Bretta, Laura L.
48 Brookside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Brown, Martha W.
39 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Burgos, Orlando
8 Chapel St.
Easthampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Cadorette, Laurie A.
27 Ontario St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Cavoli, Joan Elizabeth
611 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Cin Design Studio
Crooked House Designs
Bianchi, Donald S.
Kunz, Cynthia M.
68 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Cizek, Robert George
46 Vadnais St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Clary’s Carpet
Wager, Mark W.
5 Crown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Collins, Kevin M.
57 Central St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Colon, Efrain
191 Nursery St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Conroy, John Paul
Conroy, Mary Ellen
780 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Coomer, Laura Ann
46 Reed St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Cote, Diane Lynn
38 Orlando St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Cruz, Jesus M.
Cruz, Luz M.
96 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

DelSoldato, Darlene A.
24 South Atlantic Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Demarey, John Paul
280 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Disley, Shawn
275 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Dube, Steven L.
Dube, Luigina M.
a/k/a Dube, Gina M.
69 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Dupre, Roy W.
45 Spring St., Apt. 51
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/09

Evans, David Andrew
Boldea-Evans, Jennifer Louise
18 Harriet St., 1st Fl
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Fahey, Jane Barbara
26 Morton Meadows
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Ferry, Michael J.
a/k/a Brouillette, Michael
P. O. Box 1352
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Fisher, Kathleen J.
33 Kellogg Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Fortune, Joanne M.
96 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Fredette, Francis E.
24 1/2 Hamlin St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Fuentes, Marilyn
43 Matoon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Full Circle Design
Cooney, Roger William
13 Grove St.
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Galarneau, Denise F.
19 Jennifer Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Grant, Timothy C.
Grant, Jocelyn L.
a/k/a Livingston, Jocelyn L.
65 Fairview Park Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Guertin, Randy A
Guertin, Karen A.
29 Pine St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

H.W. Brown Roll Off
Brown, Nicole M.
Brown, Harry W.
a/k/a Fay, Nicole M.
272 Mount Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Haughton, Ann Marie
92 Buckingham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Healy, Dina D.
703 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Kaio, Lincoln K.
Kaio, Adrienne E.
22 Norway St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Kobis, John P.
Kobis, Veronica M.
22 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Lafond, Robert W.
191 Pheland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Langer, Paula J.
56 Central Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

 

Leary, Thomas X.
109 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

LeClair, James L.
316 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Ludlow Electric LLC
Ketchale, Matthew Thomas
Ketchale, Bethany Ann
673 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Major, Thomas D.
881 North King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Mansfield, Stephanie D.
284 Main St., Apt. 3
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Marshall, Rebecca Anne
a/k/a Marshall, Kiki
222 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Martin, Gary P.
170 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Martin, Thomas M.
Martin, Sandra L.
423 West Main St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

May, April Dawn
35 Mountainbrook Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

McCarthy, William J.
101 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

McGuire, Richard
50 Laurel Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

McManus, Robert B .
79 East Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Meuse, Jerilyn H.
20 Loomis Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Monserrate, Esteban
108 South St., Apt. C4
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Montesdeoca, Brian
21 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Moore, Carlton
88 Cromwell Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Notre, Patricia Lynn
a/k/a Rauh, Patricia Lynn
a/k/a Kemp, Patricia Lynn
44 Meadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Olivares, Otilda M.
85 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

O’Neil, Susan C.
44 South Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Ortiz, Joaquin
20 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Osborne, Connie R.
49 Old South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Pen, Pich
33A Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Perretta, Wayne V.
Perretta, Julie L.
3 Morris St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Reardon, Peter M.
58 Albert St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Richmond, Nelson Alan
Richmond, Charlotte Marie
371 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Rodriguez, Enoc
79 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Roe, Thomas Joseph
Roe, Cindy A.
59 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Rose, Maureen D.
3 Wright Place
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Saginario, Joyce M.
2 School St., Apt # 4-
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Salmond, Michael P.
Salmond, Dawn M.
115 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Sava, Renato A.
85 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013-2438
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Simonds, Michael Joseph
Simonds, Wendy Jean
701 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Smith, Glenn Allen
Smith, Donna Marie
a/k/a Cummings, Donna
178 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Smith, Holly M.
1000 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Souza, Penny A.
14 Whittier Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Stanton, Laura L.
234 Brown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/09

Stasiowski, Debra Ann
P.O. Box 402
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Studio IV
Bogins, James E.
26 Glory Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Talley, Nyree A.
10 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Tinney, Gary A.
104 Larchley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Torres, Ezequiel
Velardo, Rosaly
834 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

True Construction
True, William G.
113 Oakland St., #7
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Ware, Selma J.
321 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Wilson, Floyd R.
Wilson, Lois T.
59 Howland Ave.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/09

Yazel, John E.
1398 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119-2941
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Zaccari, Joanne
a/k/a Garafolo, Joanne
259 Main St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Ziarnik, Joshua D.
Ziarnik, Jacqueline A.
a/k/a Malloy, Jacqueline A.
25 Orchard St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Departments

Estate Planning Workshops for Parents

May 27, June 3: Attorney David K. Webber of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., with offices in Springfield and Northampton, will present two free workshops titled “Estate Planning Workshops for Parents of Young Children” at the Sunderland Library Community Room, 20 School St. Workshops are planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and are open to the public. Pre-registered participants will be offered the opportunity to complete a will, health care proxy, and durable power of attorney at a reduced rate. For more information and to register, call (413) 737-1131.

Economic Illusions Lecture

May 28: Edward Guay, principal of Wintonbury Risk Management in Bloomfield, Conn., will present a lecture titled “Recovering from Economic Illusions and Global Credit Shocks” at noon at One Financial Plaza, Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Guay is a global macro strategist. He has a long history of accurately predicting major shifts in business, financial, and political conditions. Guay specializes in the identification of those forces for change that will shape future events, either gradually or in climactic fashion, causing consensus business, investment, political, or geopolitical strategies to go awry. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Extreme Business Makeover

June 5: The Western New England College Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship will host an “Extreme Business Makeover” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the TD Banknorth conference center at 1441 Main St., Springfield. The event features experts in the fields of law, accounting, marketing, and finance, offering advice on a range of issues to a pre-selected business or nonprofit group. This year’s makeover recipient is JELUPA Productions Inc. The event is free and open to the public and will be of particular interest to entrepreneurs, small-business advisors, and anyone interested in nonprofit management.

New Energy Landscape Seminar

June 9: The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Western Mass. Electric will sponsor a seminar titled “The New Energy Landscape: An Overview for Economic Development Professionals” from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. The seminar is free; however, registration is required by June 1. For more information, contact Lori Tanner at (413) 781-6045 or visit www.pvpc.org.

Wine & Microbrew Tasting

June 12: Members of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce will host a Wine & Microbrew Tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. at One Cottage St., Easthampton. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the chamber’s community programs. Organizers expect more than 50 wines and microbrews to be available for tasting, as well as fine food and a raffle. Tickets are $25 per person or $30 at the door. To purchase tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or visit www.easthamptonchamber.org.

Leadership Development & Teambuilding

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a daylong conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Also, “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.’ The conference is targeted for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead, and succeed. Enrollment fee is $199 per person. or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

Departments

Women’s Leadership Conference

“Soaring” was the theme of the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference on April 30 at the MassMutual Center. The day-long event, staged by Bay Path College, featured a number of keynote speakers and break-out sessions, all designed to help attendees reach higher. At left, keynote speaker and neuroanatomist Jill Bole Taylor speaks about her recovery from a stroke and how that event changed her life. Below, keynote speaker and comedian Anita Renfroe entertains the audience. Above, Bay Path student Kathleen Rodrique visits the YMCA of Greater Springfield booth, one of many set up the lobby outside the convention hall, and tries to balance herself on a Wii Fit balance board. Representing the Y are Toussant Paskins, with YMCA membership services, and Meg Swanson, membership director.


Room to Grow

Fallon Community Health Plan is the latest organization to support Square One’s Room to Grow campaign. Through its contribution, Fallon is helping Square One to fulfill its mission of providing early education and care to children from working and inner-city families by underwriting a classroom at Square One’s Main Street Children’s Center. Above, children in classroom 7 surround Kate Mcevoy-Zdonczyk, left, senior director of Government & Community Relations for Fallon Community Health Plan, and Cheryl Schmaltz, senior community relations associate, to thank them for their recent contributions. At right, Mcevoy-Zdonczyk and Schmaltz prepare to install the new room plaque recognizing the company for adopting a preschool class.


SBA Award

United Bank assistant vice presidents Tony Franco (left) and Dale Mazanec of the Commercial Lending Team hold up a citation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) honoring the bank as Lender of the Quarter in Massachusetts. Lending activity during the first quarter of 2009 ranked United Bank as the 12th-most-active lender in the state.

Departments

C. Gene Kirby has been named President of NewAlliance Bank, based in New Haven, Conn. In his new position, Kirby will oversee each of NewAlliance Bank’s primary lines of business — retail banking, business banking, trust services, and investments.

•••••

Attorney Carol Cioe Klyman of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. recently presented a training session titled “Drafting Effective Durable Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies” for the Mass. Bar Assoc. In her presentation, Klyman covered the practical intricacies of health care proxies and durable powers of attorney, such as choosing the right person to serve, tailoring documents that work and meet a client’s needs, and avoidance of common pitfalls. The event was part of the six critical-skills sessions, “Expanding Your Practice in a Shrinking Economy — Is It Time to Rethink Your Practice,” sponsored by the Mass. Bar Assoc.

•••••

Douglas A. Price has been hired by the Boston general office of New York Life Insurance Co. as an agent. Price has been in the financial-services business for more than 25 years.

•••••

Peter P. Fenton has joined Royal & Munnings to practice in the area of labor relations. He brings more than 26 years of experience in management-side labor relations to the firm.

•••••

The Board of Trustees of Springfield Technical Community College announced the following elected officers for April 2009 through March 2010:
• Ronald A. Copes, retired Vice President for Community Relations at MassMutual, was re-elected Chairman;
• Hector F. Toledo, Vice President and Director of Retail Sales at Hampden Bank, was elected Vice Chair; and
• David P. Fontaine, President of Fontaine Brothers Inc., was re-elected Secretary.

•••••

Communication Solutions Partners announced the following:
• Mike Lata has been name to the Account Executive Team; and
• Melissa Derouin has been promoted to manage the back-office operations.

•••••

Dr. Ian L. Goldsmith has joined Baystate Neurology at Baystate Medical Center’s outpatient care facility in Springfield. Goldsmith specializes in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

•••••

The Baystate Health Foundation in Springfield announced the following:
• David J. Obedzinski has been appointed Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. He has worked in fund-raising for over 23 years, was previously chief development officer and executive director of Institutional Advancement for the Hospital of Central Connecticut. He successfully directed two capital campaigns for the hospital and supervised mergers of operations. He has also served as director of Development and director of Alumni Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Conn.; and
• Carol L. Baribeau has been appointed Director of Annual Fundraising and Events. Baribeau, who began working with New England Telephone and Telegraph while in high school, most recently was regional director of public affairs for Verizon’s Western and Central Mass. districts before retiring after 38 years with the company. Since leaving Verizon, Baribeau started her own consulting business, which specializes in business management and marketing and public-relations strategies.

•••••

Sandra J. Marsian has been promoted to Vice President of Membership, Marketing, and Public Relations for AAA Pioneer Valley.

•••••

Ken K. Toong, Executive Director of Dining and Retail Services at UMass Amherst, has been named Food Service Director magazine’s Food Service Director of the Year for 2008.

•••••

Denise M. Dowd has been named Program Director of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network Center for Wound Healing at Manchester Memorial Hospital. The center is slated to open this month in Manchester, Conn.

•••••

The Spirit of Springfield announced two new officers elected for two-year terms:
• Dan Walsh, Vice President for Columbus Hotels, was voted to serve as Vice Chair; and
• John Hesslein, Station Manager of CBS3-Springfield, was elected Treasurer.

•••••

Judy Rickson of Shannon Donohue Real Estate in Palmer has completed the loss-mitigation certification course of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors. The course covered foreclosures, properties at auction, short sales, and properties owned by banks.

•••••

Jeffrey E. Pilgrim, Associate Director of Admissions at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, has been appointed Director of Admissions at Emma Willard School in Troy, N.Y.

•••••

Samuel E. Johnston II has joined Environmental Compliance Services in Agawam as an Energy Services Program Manager.

•••••

Zack Colson has joined the Feeding Hills office of Park Square Realty in Westfield as a Sales Associate. Colson specializes in residential listings and sales.

•••••

Michael Petro has been named Director of Business Development at Erland Construction., working in the company’s East Windsor, Conn. office.

Sections Supplements
Oncoplastic Surgery Gives Breast-cancer Patients Another Choice
Drs. Susan Cash, left, and Holly Mason are leading the way in oncoplastic surgery in Western Mass.

Drs. Susan Cash, left, and Holly Mason are leading the way in oncoplastic surgery in Western Mass.

Breast cancer, and the prospect of surgery to fight it, is always an anxious experience in a woman’s life, and the decision between a mastectomy and a lumpectomy often a difficult one. Now, however, patients have yet another choice.

It’s called oncoplastic surgery, and it offers some women the opportunity to have cancerous tissue removed and their breast repaired cosmetically — all in one surgery.

“We borrowed a few techniques from plastic surgeons, from augmentation to lifts, to use in breast-cancer patients,” said Dr. Susan Cash, a breast surgeon at Baystate Medical Center. “We have the ability to remove cancer with good margins, and we’ve observed decreased recurrence rates with a much more cosmetically acceptable breast.”

Traditionally, women with breast cancer would have the cancerous tissue removed by one surgeon — through either a lumpectomy or mastectomy — and later undergo a separate procedure with a plastic surgeon for either repair or reconstruction.

But oncoplastic surgery essentially merges the two fields. Cash and Dr. Holly Mason, Baystate’s director of Breast Surgical Services, are among a slowly growing number of cancer surgeons becoming trained in these cosmetic techniques that better preserve the breast’s shape with fewer procedures and less trauma.

In this issue, BusinessWest examines how this breakthrough injects more flexibility into the decision-making process — and offers greater peace of mind to women in Western Mass.

Fewer Complications

Breast cancer afflicts one out of eight American women at some point in their lives. That’s a lot of tough decisions to be made between women and their families, said Dr. Thomas Frazier, a Philadelphia-based surgeon who serves on the advisory board of Breastcancer.org, a nonprofit informational resource.

“When I explain to a patient that they have more than one option, many ask, ‘what would you do if it was your wife?’ and I say that I’d explain the options to my wife in the same way and let her make the decision,” Frazier wrote. “But for myself, in this group of patients who have the choice, I’d feel comfortable going either way based on the scientific information. It’s basically a matter of where your comfort level is.”

That comfort level touches on what risks and side effects are acceptable to each patient. Although, statistically, most women who have a choice prefer the less-invasive lumpectomy over mastectomy, the choice between the two procedures incorporates factors ranging from whether it’s important to keep the breast — in which case lumpectomy with radiation might be the call — to how anxious the patient is about reoccurrence; some patients worry less about this possibility after a mastectomy.

Both procedures have disadvantages, however. Because lumpectomy is usually followed by several weeks of radiation, the timing of reconstruction can be thrown off, and the risk of reoccurrence is higher. Additionally, the tissue will not safely tolerate additional radiation if there is a recurrence in the same breast after lumpectomy, meaning a second cancer in the same breast will usually necessitate a mastectomy.

As for choosing mastectomy, it takes longer and is more expensive than lumpectomy, with more post-surgery side effects and a longer recuperation time — in addition to the permanent loss of the breast and the likelihood of additional reconstructive surgeries.

Oncoplastic surgery lessens some of these impacts. Making plans for breast reconstruction at the same time as cancer surgery, some doctors say, can speed the pace of recovery, both physical and psychological. Combining procedures may also reduce the risk of complications from successive surgeries.

In a typical lumpectomy, the surgeon makes an incision, removes the cancerous tissue, and then closes the opening, which often leaves the breast with a disfiguring dent. In oncoplastic surgery, however, a wedge is removed, and then tissue under the skin is pulled together to close the defect.

Doctors who pioneered the procedure say it not only maintains the shape of the breast, but usually its sensation and lactation capability as well. An oncoplastic approach may be taken by two surgeons teaming up to do cancer removal and reconstruction in the same operation.

“You need a dedicated breast surgeon willing to do these techniques and to have good relationship with a plastic surgeon in order to take care of these patients with oncoplastic techniques,” Mason said.

Many women will want to follow up the surgery with a cosmetic reduction of the other breast to even out the size and shape. Mason added, however, that some women’s breasts are asymmetrical to begin with, and occasionally oncoplastic surgery will bring them more into proportion than before.

Mason said that most cancer surgeons are accustomed to doing lumpectomies for small cancers and mastectomies for larger ones, but oncoplasty has provided an option of removing a larger cancer without the trauma of mastectomy.

It’s important, Mason said, for surgeons to be able to take out the cancer but also manipulate tissue so that the breast, while smaller than before, still retains a natural shape.

“It’s an enhanced lumpectomy,” Cash said. “What we do depends on where the cancer lies in the patient. There are several options for how we can approach it, based on the size of the patient, how big the cancer is, and where it’s located.”

In some cases, she added, chemotherapy is recommended first, in order to shrink the tumor down to a size that will allow an oncoplastic lumpectomy.

Pioneer in the Valley

Baystate is among the few hospitals in the Northeast with cancer surgeons trained in oncoplasty, but Cash said the procedure is gaining traction across the country. She and Mason traveled to Baylor University in Dallas to receive specialized training.

“For these women, the alternative is either mastectomy or lumpectomy, both which may result in a significant breast deformity,” said Dr. Mia Talmor, assistant attending surgeon at the Breast Center of the Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center at New York-Presbyterian, interviewed for the hospital’s Web site. “After surgery, both breasts will look the same, and look no different from breasts that have been reduced for strictly cosmetic reasons.”

Of course, doctors must consider more than aesthetics when guiding patients in their decision-making process. “We’re very much committed to keeping things cosmetically nice,” Mason said, “but at the end of the day, cancer surgeons must adhere to the principles of minimizing risk and reoccurrence.”

Still, many cancer patients do have choices, and Mason is happy to add another one to the list.

“We’re trying to reduce our rate of mastectomies, but some patients actually choose mastectomy over lumpectomy for their own comfort level,” she added. “We certainly respect the patient’s wishes. The nice thing is that we also have newer technologies for doing mastectomies to minimize scarring.”

“We’re giving patients more options,” Cash said.

And more confidence when it comes to deciding on one.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at

[email protected]

Sections Supplements
UMass Amherst Crafts a “Framework for Excellence”
Robert Holub

Robert Holub says the university’s vision plan stresses not only goals, but levels of accountability in striving to achieve those benchmarks.

Robert Holub is becoming a seasoned veteran in the art of creating vision plans for major universities.

He played a key role in developing such documents for Berkley and the University of Tennessee, the last two stops on his résumé, and, at the request of the board of trustees, he recently completed one for UMass Amherst, which he now serves as chancellor.

Through all that experience, he’s come to learn some things. First, that this must be an inclusive process, with input from a number of key constituencies. At the same time, however, the process can’t drag on for years — which it can if too many people get involved.

But maybe the most important thing Holub says he’s learned is that such plans must contain levels of accountability when it comes to goals and stated benchmarks. This is one of the keys to keeping a document like UMass Amherst’s “Framework for Excellence — the Flagship Report” from sitting on a shelf and gathering dust.

Holub, who came to the university late last summer, is confident that this won’t be the fate of his plan, because there are measures of accountability when it comes to stated goals on everything from faculty development to research; from development to establishing a larger physical presence in Springfield.

“What we want to do is create some sort of spread sheet with some of the goals, who’s responsible for them, and what kind of unit should be developing strategic plans that are in line with the overall goals for the institution,” he explained. “For example, I’d like to see the office of research come up with a plan of its own that will go into more detail than what’s in this plan, and get into what they need to do the make the Office of Research more effective.”

This process will continue on down to the department level, he continued, adding that the plan will play a large role in his efforts to take the university to the proverbial next level in terms of prestige, quality of the educational programs, and even size of the endowment.

In this issue, BusinessWest takes a look inside the Flagship Report and details how Holub intends to take what’s in print and make it reality.

Course of Action

Holub said the name of the report, which provides a roadmap of sorts for planning over the next decade, to 2020, was chosen carefully. This is not a detailed plan, he explained, but a true framework, created with the expectation that individual campus units will build upon it with their own plans as to how to meet stated targets.

“This is a good starting point,” said the chancellor, adding that, to the best of his knowledge, UMass Amherst has not drafted such a report in some time. And when putting it together, the authors acknowledged the current difficult economic conditions, but didn’t factor them into the goals or stated objectives.

The economy is an obvious caveat, however, said Holub, meaning it will impact when and to what degree many, if not all, of the stated goals can be reached. And in the meantime, the plan can help the college as it goes about deciding how and where to make cuts if the conditions demand them.

“I thought it was important at this time, when we’re faced with potential cutbacks, to have a framework in place for going forward,” he explained. “This will help guide in our decision-making; decisions on where to invest money and where to cut are determined by your strategic plan and the vision you have for the campus.”

When asked if there are priority areas within the report, Holub started by saying that there are things the university simply doesn’t do well, or as well as it should, and that these would obviously be considered priorities. He put development in this category, and noted that the university recently hired a vice chancellor of Development, and that one of his first assignments will be development of a strategic plan for that office to ultimately improve fund-raising efforts.

Research is another area Holub believes can and must be improved. “We’ve gone up in terms of our numbers, but we haven’t significantly improved market share; we haven’t moved up in the rankings, and we’re looking to see how to do that.”

Faculty development is still another area of concern, he said, noting that there are 225 or so fewer tenured faculty members than there were in 1987. However, this is one matter that will likely have to wait until the state’s fiscal condition improves before significant progress can be achieved.

Doing some quick math, Holub said that, to bring the number of tenured staff back to 1,200, the desired goal set down in something called the “Amherst 250 Plan,” created several years ago,” will cost roughly $25 million, a price that will be met, ultimately, through revenue from increased student enrollment and some help from the state.

Thus, a reasonable goal, he continued, would be to achieve net growth in the size of the faculty — there could be reductions in size over the next few years due to the state’s budget woes — by the middle to later years of the 10-year planning period.

One of the more subjective goals moving forward is the strengthening of the partnership between the university and the city of Springfield. Holub stressed that one already exists, as evidenced by the creation of the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, which is a collaborative effort between UMass and Baystate Health, but the university and its trustees desire a larger presence.

“As the state’s land grant institution, we maintain commitments in many of the state’s ‘gateway cities,’ and as the public flagship institution located in the western part of the state, we have a particular and abiding interest in our closest neighbors and their welfare,” the report states. “We are committed to Amherst and Hadley, where the campus is located. However, we are also concerned about other communities in the region, especially the future of the city of Springfield, the largest city in the region and the third-largest city in Massachusetts, and one threatened by declines in its economic base.

“Our new partnership with the city will continue to nurture the various programs we have offered Springfield over the years, and will lead to the development of fruitful connections in the coming decade,” the report continues, “particularly in the areas of creative economy and green-industry development.”

Just how this nurturing process will play out remains to be seen, and much depends on the economy, said Holub, adding that there will be a physical presence of some sort, probably in the form of an office.

“I don’t think that presence will be in the form of giving instruction — we probably won’t be moving a college down there — but we will have activities that will be beneficial to Springfield and beneficial to the campus,” he said.

“We have many programs already running in Springfield, but we don’t have that physical presence,” he continued, adding that the university will likely explore doing something in the downtown area, where the school’s efforts will be visible and also provide support to other businesses.

Holub said that Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration supports the university’s plans for a greater partnership with Springfield and that he hopes this support translates into funding included in this year’s budget.

Learning Curves

Holub told BusinessWest that time will tell how well the university is able to meet the goals set down on that spreadsheet he wants to create.

The economy will obviously factor into efforts to achieve improvement in faculty development, fund-raising, research, and even the partnership initiatives in Springfield.

But the university now has a framework for excellence — something it hasn’t had in recent years — and, to the extent that it can, the school will now try to build on it.

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

Sections Supplements
A list of all Market Show exhibitors

AffiliaTED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD INC.

(413) 787-1555

1441 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

www.myonlinechamber.com

Booth: 94

An African American Point of View

(413) 796-1500

688 Boston Road, Suite B

Springfield, MA 01119

www.afampointofview.com

Booth: 84

Am B Care Ambulance Service

(877) 624-4199

100 Verge St.

Springfield, MA 01129

www.ambcare.com

Booths: 115-117

American Convention Services

(413) 739-6811

50 Turnbull St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Booth: 5

AmericanInternational College

(800) 242-3142

1000 State St.

Springfield, MA 01109

www.aic.edu

Booth: 182

American Laser Centers

(800) 242-3142

1111 Elm St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.americanlaser.com

Booth: 4

Answer is Fitness

(413) 782-7587

1739 Allen St.

Springfield, MA 01118

www.answerisfitness.com

Booths: 88 & 89

Associated Builders Inc.

(413) 536-0021

4 Industrial Dr.

South Hadley, MA 01075

www.abuilders.com

Booth: 185

Azon Liquors

(413) 786-0015

384 Walnut St. Ext.

Agawam, MA 01001

www.azonservices.com

Booths: 127 & 128

Bert Hill Moving and Storage

(413) 485-0050

978 Southampton Road

Westfield, MA 01085

www.berthill.com

Booth: 114

BFP Associates

(413) 739-2352

1233 Westfield St., Suite One

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.bfpassociates.com

Booth: 134

Branford Hall Career Institute

Healthcare Education Center

112 Industry Ave.

Springfield, MA 01104

(413) 781-2276

www.branfordhall.edu

Booths: 165 & 166

Branford Hall Career Institute

TechnicalTraining Center

189 Brookdale Dr.

Springfield, MA 01104

(413) 732-0546

www.branfordhall.edu

Booths: 165 &166

BusinessWest & The Healthcare News

(413) 781-8600

1441 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

www.businesswest.com

Booth: 25

CambridgeCollege

570 Cottage St.

Springfield, MA 01104

(413) 747-0204

www.cambridgecollege.edu/springfield

Booth: 82

Casual Elegance Inc.

(413) 596-2334

P.O. Box 9

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Booths: 51-53

Chamber Insurance Program/Connecticare

(800) 953-4467

P.O. Box 581

Orange, CT 06477-0581

www.citrust.com

Booth: 192

Charter Business

1-888-GET-CHARTER

355 Front St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

www.charter-business.com

Booth: 105

Chicopee Savings Bank

(800) 662-0974

70 Center St.

Chicopee, MA 01014

www.chicopeesavings.com

Booth: 99

Citizens Bank

(413) 589- 0111

33 Center St.

Ludlow, MA 01056-2788

www.citizensbank.com

Booth: 186

Clarion Hotel and Conference Center

(800) 870-0486

1080 Riverdale St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.wsclarionhotel.com

Booth: 74

Clear Channel

(413) 781-1011

1331 Main St., Suite 400

Springfield, MA 01103-1621

www.clearchannel.com

Booth: 56

Collegeof our Ladyof the Elms

(413) 594-2761

291 Springfield St.

Chicopee, MA 01013-2839

www.elms.edu

Booth: 22

Comcast Business Services

(413) 730-4540

3303 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01107-1111

www.comcast.com/business

Booth: 50

Command Security Corporation

(413) 746-2349

601-1605 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

Booth: 72

Concero Networks

(413) 525-4900

P.O. Box 772

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

www.conceronetworks.com

Booth: 106

Cooperative Systems

(860) 523-1000

282 Murphy Road

Hartford, Connecticut 06114

www.coopsys.com

Booth: 54

Country Bank

(413) 967-6221

75 Main St.

Ware, MA 01082

www.countrybank.com

Booth: 190

Crestview Country Club

(413) 786-2593

Shoemaker Lane

Agawam, MA 01001

www.crestviewcc.org

Booth: 42

Curry Printing

(413) 785-1363

191 Elm St.

West Springfield, MA 01089-2726

www.curry-printing.com

Booth: 93

n Cyalume Technologies Inc.

(888) 858-7881

96 Windsor St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.cyalume.com

Booth: 73

Development Associates

(413) 789-3720

630 Silver St.

Agawam, MA 01001

www.devassociates.com

Booth: 2

DiGrigoli Salons

(413) 827-8888

1578 Riverdale St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.digrigoli.com

Booths: 195 & 196

Disability Management Services Inc.

(413) 747-0990

1350 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103-1641

www.disabilitymanagementservices.com

Booth: 110

Eastfield Mall

(413) 543-8000

1655 Boston Road, Unit A11

Springfield, MA 01129-1130

www.eastfieldmall.com

Booth: 101

EDC of Western MAss

(413) 593-6421

1441 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103-1449

www.westernmassedc.com

Booth: 126

Ener-G-save, a program sponsored by Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation

(866) 634-3021

380 Union St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.ener-G-save.org

Booth:112

East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce

(413) 755-1309

1441 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103-1449

www.myonlinechamber.com

Booth: 157

Fallon Community Health Plan

(508) 368-9395

One Chestnut Place

Worcester, MA 01608

www.fchp.org

Booth: 60

FastSigns

(413) 732-9900

1102 Riverdale St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.fastsigns.com

Booth: 11

FasttrackAirportParking

(800) 590-6789

24 Ella Grasso Turnpike

Windsor Locks, CT 06096

www.avistarparking.com/fasttrack

Booth: 3

First National Merchant Solutions

(860) 584-9294

87 Atkins Ave.

Bristol, CT 06010

www.firstnationalmerchants.com

Booth: 103

Freedom Credit Union

(413) 739-6961

P.O. Box 3009

Springfield, MA 01101-3009

www.freedomcoop.com

Booth: 199

Get Set Marketing, LLC

(413) 781-7800

125 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01105

www.getsetmarketing.com

Booth: 10

The Graduate School at Bay Path College

(413) 565-1000

588 Longmeadow St.

Longmeadow, MA 01106-2292

www.baypath.edu

Booth: 189

Health New England

(413) 233-3178

One Monarch Place, Suite 1500

Springfield, MA 01144-1500

www.healthnewengland.com

Booths: 90 & 100

 

H.L. Dempsey Company

(413) 736-8742

103 Baldwin St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.hldempsey.com

Booths: 35 & 45

HolyokeCommunity College

(413) 538-7000

303 Homestead Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040-1099

www.hcc.edu

Booth: 144

Holyoke Gas & Electric Department

(413) 536-9463

One Canal St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

www.hged.com

Booths: 197 & 198

Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start Inc.

(413) 788-6522

30 Madison Ave.

Springfield, MA 01105

www.hcsheadstart.org

Booth: 68

JMP Environmental consulting

(413) 967-5601

439 Belchertown Road

Ware, MA 01082

www.jmpec.net

Booth: 36

Johnson & Hill Staffing Services Inc.

(413) 746-3535

95 State St., Suite 501

Springfield, MA 01103

www.jhstaffing.com

Booth: 120

King Ward Coach Lines

(413) 539-5858

70 Justin Dr.

Chicopee, MA 01022

www.kingward.com

Booths: 175-179

Law Office of Kimberly L. Stevens

(413) 306-6030

82 Main St., Suite 4

West Springfield, MA 01089

stevenslawma.com

Booth: 191

LibertyMutual

(413) 567-2000

175 Dwight Road

Longmeadow, MA 01106

www.libertymutual.com

Booth: 98

Lil’ Dogs

(413) 583-3435

393 East St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

www.lildogs.com

Booth: 65

Marcus Printing Company Inc.

(413) 534-3303

750 Main St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

www.marcusprinting.com

Booth: 66

MassLive, LLC

(413) 733-2000

32 Hampden St., 4th Floor

Springfield, MA 01103

www.masslive.com

Booths: 70 & 80

MassMutualCenter

(413) 787-6610

1277 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

www.massmutualcenter.com

Booth: 92

Mercy Medical (Bloodmobile)

(413) 748-9000

271 Carew St.

Springfield, MA 01104

www.mercycares.com

Booths: 146-149

McNamara Waste Services, LLC

(413) 566-8300

P.O. Box 327

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

www.mcwaste.com

Booths: 6-9

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

(413) 536-8510

330 Whitney Ave., Suite 800

Holyoke, MA 01040

www.meyerskalicka.com

Booth: 63

Moriarty & Primack, P.C.

(413) 739-1800

1414 Main St., Suite 1300

Springfield, MA 01144

www.mass-cpa.com

Booth: 95

Northeast Security Solutions Inc.

(413) 733-7306

33 Sylvan St.

West Springfield, MA 01089-3441

www.northeastsecuritysolutions.com

Booth:113

Patriot Energy Group

(413) 732-0272

201 Westfield St., 2nd Floor

West Springfield, MA 01089

www.pariotenergygroup.com

Booth:113

Peter Pan Bus Lines

(413) 781-2900

P.O. Box 1776

Springfield, MA 01102-1776

www.peterpanbus.com

Booths: 75-79

PioneerValleyPlanning Commission

(413) 781-6045

26 Central St., Suite 34

West Springfield, MA 01089-2742

www.pvpc.org

Booth: 47

Porter & Chester Institute

(413) 593-3339

134 D
long Circle

Chicopee, MA 01022

www.porterchester.com

Booth: 13

ProShred Security

(413) 596-5479

75 Post Office Park

Wilbraham, MA 01095

www.proshred.com

Booth:140

Protective Security Services

(413) 569-1335

630 Silver St., Suite 9C

Agawam, MA 01001

www.myprotectivesecurity.com

Booth: 86

Reeds Landing Retirement Community

(413) 782-1800

807 Wilbraham Road

Springfield, MA 01109

www.reedslanding.com

Booths: 15 & 16

Regional Employment Board of Hampden County Inc.

(413) 755-1357

1441 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103-1449

www.rebhc.org

Booth: 168

Reminder Publications

(413) 525-3247

280 North Main St., Suite 1

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

www.thereminder.com

Booth: 207

The Republican

(413) 788-1000

1860 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01103

www.masslive.com

Booth: 81

Resavue Exhibits

(860) 627-6399

10 Stran Road

Milford, CT 06460

www.resavue.com

Booth: 20

Robert Charles Photography

(413) 525-4263

33 Prospect St.

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

www.robertcharlesphoto.com

Booth: 155

Roger Sitterly & Son Inc.

(413) 737-2641

P.O. Box 2530

Springfield, MA 01101

www.sitterlymovers.com

Booth: 91

Ron Alberti’s After Hours DJ

(413) 562-2632

1310 Russell Road

Westfield, MA 01085

www.afterhoursdj.net

Booths: 43-44

Rosa’s Candies Inc.

(413) 736-4591

54 Robbins Road

Springfield, MA 01104

www.rosasfudge.com

Booth: 181

Select Comfort

(413) 552-3690

50 Holyoke St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

www.selectcomfort.com

Booth: 150

Sage Engineering, LLC

(413) 562-4884

199 Servistar Industrial Way, Suite 2

Westfield, MA 01085

www.sage-llc.com

Booth: 85

Sheraton Hotel/Columbus Hotels

(413) 781-1010

One Monarch Place

Springfield, MA 01144

www.sheraton.com/springfieldma

Booth: 160

Springfield Business Improvement District

(413) 781-1591

1441 Main St., 1st Floor

Springfield, MA 01103

www.springfielddowntown.com

Booth: 193

SpringfieldCollege

(413) 748-3000

263 Alden St.

Springfield, MA 01109-3797

www.springfieldcollege.edu

Booth: 96

SpringfieldFalcons Hockey Club

(413) 739-3344

45 Falcons Way

Springfield, MA 01103

www.falconsahl.com

Booth: 55

STCU Credit Union

(413) 732-9812

145 Industry Ave.

Springfield, MA 01104

www.stcu.com

Booth: 67

Steve Lewis Subaru

(413) 584-3292

48 Damon Road

Northampton, MA 01060

www.stevelewis.subarudealer.com

Booths: 38 & 39, 48 & 49

T-Mobile, USA

(617) 630-3101

60 Wells Ave.

Newton, MA 02459

www.t-mobile.com

Booth: 200

Turley Publications Inc.

(413) 283-8393

24 Water St.

Palmer, MA 01069

www.turley.com

Booths: 153 & 154

United Personnel

(413) 736-0800

1331 Main St., Suite 100

Springfield, MA 01103-1669

www.unitedpersonnel.com

Booth: 180

United StatesPostal Service

Phone:(413) 731-0502

1883 Main St.

Springfield, MA 01101-9998

www.usps.com

Booth: 119

Valley Communications Systems Inc.

(413) 592-4136

20 First Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01020-4619

www.valleycommunications.com

Booths: 187 & 188

Verizon

(413) 731-8606

365 State St.

Springfield, MA 01105

www.verizon.com

Booth: 62

WesternNew England College

(413) 782-3111

1215 Wilbraham Road

Springfield, MA 01119-2693

www.wnec.edu

Booth: 71

Westover Job Corps

(413) 593-5731

103 Johnson Road

Chicopee, MA 01022

www.westoverjobcorps.com

Booth: 169

WFCR 88.5 FM/WNNZ 640 AM PUBLIC RADIO

(413) 577-0779

Hampshire House, UMass

131 County Circle

Amherst, MA 01003-9257

www.wfcr.org

Booth: 87

WGBY

(413) 781-2801

44 Hampden St.

Springfield, MA 01103-1286

www.wgby.org

Booth:111

Whalley Computer Associates

(413) 569-4200

One Whalley Way

Southwick, MA 01077

www.wca.com

Booth:130

Whalley Technology Corridor

Communications Solutions Partners

Booth: 131

n Blue Moon Industries

www.bluemoonind.com

Booth: 121

 

cisco

www.cisco.com

Booth: 132

Direct Color Systems

www.directcolorsystems.com

Booth: 134

Epson America

www.epson.com

Booth: 123

Meru Wireless Networks

www.merunetworks.com

Booth: 133

Okidata

www.okidata.com

Booth: 124

Zix Corporation

www.zixcorp.com

Booth: 122

Wilbraham & MonsonAcademy

(413) 596-6811

423 Main St.

Wilbraham, MA 01095

www.wmacademy.org

Booths: 151 & 152

WMAS Citadel Broadcasting Corporation

(413) 737-1414

1000 West Columbus Ave.

Springfield, MA 01105

www.947wmas.com

Booth: 12

Women’s Partnership

(413) 739-2731

c/o Hatheway Homes & Properties

West Springfield, MA 01090

www.myonlinechamber.com

Booth: 102

Zasco Productions, LLC

(800) 827-6616

340 McKinstry Ave., Suite 400

Chicopee, MA 01013

www.zascoproductions.com

Booths: 202 & 203

Zip N Sort Mail Services

(413) 443-9071

20 Taconic Park Dr.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

http://www.zipnsort.com

Booth: 129

The Zoo in Forest Park

(413) 733-2251

P.O. Box 80295

Springfield, MA 01138

www.forestparkzoo.com

Booth: 64

Sections Supplements
Gov. Patrick’s Keynote Address Will Focus on the State’s Budget Challenges
Gov. Deval Patrick

Gov. Deval Patrick

Organizers of the annual Market Trade Show are always looking for a special drawing card to bring attention — and crowds — to the spring event. This year, they’ve found an ace in the presence of Gov. Deval Patrick.

He is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the breakfast portion of the May 13 show, and expected to touch on most matters involving the budget — from possible tax increases, including a controversial sales-tax hike recently approved by the House, to where cuts may come as the Commonwealth attempts to close a $400 million budget gap.

He won’t have time to respond to questions, but if all goes according to plan, Patrick be walking the show floor when it opens at 9 a.m.

Show organizers anticipate the governor to draw a significant crowd and give the show some momentum. “We think the governor will create quiet a buzz and get people to arrive early,” said Russell Denver, president of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, which sponsors the annual trade show.

Denver is optimistic that year’s Market Show, which is open to the public with the price of admission being a business card, will draw between 3,000 to 4,000 attendees throughout the day. It’s worth noting however, that the keynote breakfast is $20, limited to 600 people, and requires advanced registration.

Visitors of the show can look forward to a full day of networking, free seminars, food, and possibly even a haircut.

Show Time

“More than last year” was Denver’s enthusiastic response when asked how many booths will be at trade show this year. While the show featured 155 companies in 2008, this year, he expects 165 companies and 190 booths.

With booth spaces going for between $600 and $950, the event remains “a low-cost way for companies to get the word out,” said Denver, and a time (a severe economic downturn) when businesses should be looking for ways to gain exposure.

“We’re awfully close to being sold out,” Denver said. “We might have seven or eight booths left, but that’s it, really.”

Every year the show turns over about a third of the booths, so while visitors can expect many of the same businesses as last year, there will be plenty of new ones, too, he explained. The types of business run the gamut. “You name it, we have it,” he said. “We have printers, hotels, security-alarm companies, an ambulance company, financial companies, colleges, environmental companies, and over-55 living facilities, and the list goes on.”

Now in its 21st year, the show seems to have settled on a venue that works, with few changes from last year. Yet even with a similar format, it’s never the same show twice, said Denver.

“It’s never stale … every year the exhibitors compete to be more creative than the last,” he said, citing, as one example, the staffing company United Personnel, which over the years has featured a surfing theme, a ’50s look and feel, and even karaoke.

This year Whalley Computer Associates is expanding the tech footprint of the event with a ‘technology corridor’ featuring several vendors, including Cisco Systems, Zix Networks, and Epson America, to present a comprehensive array of solutions.

Networking opportunities abound, said Denver. “Where else can you find 165 different businesses all in one place?”

Plenty to Learn

Throughout the day, the show will feature nine business seminars presented in the MassMutual meeting rooms. Attendees do not need a separate pass to attend the seminars, but since each room holds only 50 people, arriving early guarantees a spot. The schedule, which is still unfolding, looks like this:

Sections Supplements
Springfield’s Children’s Study Home Has Long Been a Safe Haven
Steve McCafferty

Steve McCafferty has a passion for working with troubled children.

He’s the most disruptive kid in class, the worst the school has ever seen. He comes from a broken family and has gotten passed from one foster home to another. Almost every person and agency thus far has thrown up their hands at him. But if he is lucky, there’s one place left that might offer help.

It’s the Children’s Study Home in Springfield, home to some of the Pioneer Valley school system’s toughest kids. Through its three campuses (two in Springfield and one in Falmouth), the agency offers education, residential housing, and family support to students with severe behavioral issues.

Some of its residents have heartbreaking stories. Yet, when one drives up to the tidy lawn and flower beds that line the Study Home headquarters on Sherman Street, it’s hard to imagine any trauma exists inside. The old building has an almost homey feel. Staff members greet visitors with warm smiles that seem to indicate they’ve found something promising in the work they do.

That’s because they have.

Place to Live and Learn

“You see changes in the kids,” said Steve McCafferty, explaining what he gets out of his job, which at times can be challenging. “Not in every single case, but in many, you see a lot of change.”

McCafferty started his career with the Department of Youth Services in the Juvenile Justice System. He later spent 20 years with the Center of Human Development (CDC) in Springfield. When he got a chance to return to his first love, working with troubled children, he took it. He’s been executive director at the Study Home for 14 years now.

Over that time, McCafferty says he’s learned that part of seeing change in young people is giving them an opportunity to believe in the future.

That’s why education is a key priority of the Study Home. The agency has two schools on its 16-acre campus: Kathleen Thornton Elementary School and Mill Pond Middle and High School. Classrooms are small and intimate with five to seven students. Each class has one teacher and one aide who focus on education and behavior management.

“We do a point-and-level system, and that helps kids manage their behavior effectively,” said McCafferty. “You gain points, and you move up in the system and get rewards.

“And frankly, we build strong relationships with kids so they begin to trust us,” he continued, while also talking about the importance of self-esteem building. “We have a strong art program and do a lot of physical education. Kids who have never been able to play on a basketball team learn the discipline and the skills, which really makes them feel they are succeeding.”

When the school bell rings, not all of the students return home to their families. Several reside on campus in one of the two Study Home residential facilities in Springfield: the Cottage for boys ages 6 to 12 and SHARP (Study Home Adolescents Residential Program) for males 12 to 18. A third facility in Falmouth, called the Cape START (Short-Term Adolescent Residential Treatment) program, serves males and females 12 to 18. Each of the three facilities houses 15 residents.

“You can say two things about our younger kids who come here,” said McCafferty. “By and large, they’ve been subject to some pretty severe abuse and neglect, so they have horrible histories. And in some instances, they’ve gone through 12, 16, even 18 foster homes.”

At the Cottage residential home on Sherman Street, each boy gets his own room with a bed and dresser and, in some cases, even a TV. Staff members are on duty 24 hours a day to make sure kids don’t hurt themselves or run off. There’s a kitchen, a game room, a laundry room with clothes stacked in neat little piles along a shelf with each child’s name below, and even a ‘time out’ room with carpeted walls where kids can safely blow off steam.

The average stay at a Study Home residential facility is 12 months, but some kids remain for four to six years, because “this is really the best place for them,” said McCafferty.

“It’s true, we have more boys than girls,” he explained. “Years ago, the program was coed, but in recent years, we weren’t getting as many female referrals. It’s part of the identification process. Boys tend to act out more, so they find their way to these programs more often than the girls do.”

As part of its residential program, the study home also has 25 kids in foster homes. It also works closely with families to try and break cycles of abuse, so that one day kids can go home.

Long Roots

Children’s Study Home has been doing what it does for a long time, with roots that stretch back 140 years.

Folks don’t think of it today, but the Civil War devastated families. With no adult males left to help on farms, women and young children traveled in numbers to nearby cities in search of help. Many widows arrived in Springfield with their young kids as what we think of today as the classic homeless family —poor, uneducated, with no skills for urban survival.

Rather than leave them to fend for themselves on the streets, church leaders opted instead to open a shelter on Union Street, which they initially called the Springfield Home for Friendless Women and Children. It was a true charitable organization, relying on the community for donations.

Shortly thereafter, the organization realized it needed a house for children arriving in Springfield with no parents, so it constructed its first residential facility. Throughout the 1930s, the agency’s focus shifted more and more to the needs of troubled children. No federal or state funding was available, and the organization was still largely dependent on the community.

As the agency evolved and got noticed for its work with children, it changed its name to the Children’s Study Home in 1940. In the ’60s and ’70s, it evolved to the culture it is known for today.

Tightening the Belt

“Out of balance” are the words used by McCafferty to describe the Study Home’s current budget situation. The economy is of huge concern to the ongoing health of the facility.

“Two things are happening right now,” he said. “Bad economic times are hitting families and kids, so the need for service is rising. On the other hand, the money is disappearing, so we have less funds available to pay for the services they need.”

With a yearly operating budget of $7 million, the Study Home receives most of its funding from the state, which pays for the agency’s residential and foster-care programs. The second-largest funders are the school departments who cover the cost of each student they refer out of system to the study home.

The facility started feeling the squeeze about two years ago, when the economy first started to falter. So far, the agency is holding steady. It hasn’t laid off any staff members yet, but it’s not adding new ones, either. According to McCafferty, the Study Home has lost seven of its 145 employees over the last year through attrition.

Yet, it’s also juggling fewer caseloads. Schools, grappling with their own diminishing budgets, can’t afford to refer out as many kids to the Study Home as they did in the past. Now, the schools are more apt to try less-expensive options first. And kids who are sent to the facility are staying for shorter periods of time.

Right now McCafferty has his eye on Gov. Patrick’s plan for the fiscal year 2010 budget. Still on the drawing board, the budget gets finalized in June and goes into effect in July.

“We do have people at risk,” he admitted. “It’s hard to determine how many at this point, but we have positions at risk, and we have services at risk.” He hinted that the agency may have to make cuts as early as this July, and more in September.

New Models

In the midst of ongoing budget cuts, McCafferty is charting a slightly modified course for the future.

“In the long term, the real concern is strategic,” he said. “I mean, the budget cuts are the budget cuts, and you sort of can live with that in a way. But the larger question facing all of us in social services is, can we find ways to serve children and families that are quicker, cheaper, and yet still effective?”

The Study Home is now experimenting with new care models that provide service in the home and community, while cutting back on costly residential treatment.

One approach involves a partnership with a for-profit mental health clinic in Springfield called Community Services Institute (CSI). CSI uses an intensive, in-home treatment program to treat families in crisis. Since insurance companies pay for the service, it doesn’t impact the Study Home’s existing budget.

Another model is the Family Support Project (FSP), which the Study Home is trying out of its Falmouth office. Similarly to CSI, FSP provides intensive support in the home and through a community youth center, which kids visit several times a week after school.

Even with a shrinking budget and fewer staff members, the Study Home stays committed to keeping kids safe. After all, the agency has survived a century and a half already; there’s no reason to think it can’t ride out this storm as well.

Opinion

If you look carefully, you’ll notice that some things are different in this issue of BusinessWest. There is a subtle new look that we believe is a little cleaner, more modern, and easier to read.

These minor changes come as BusinessWest marks 25 years of serving the business community in Western Mass., and represent about the only thing we’re doing to mark the occasion, other than to restate our mission and stress our commitment to honoring it.

This publication was started as the Western Mass. Business Journal, and first arrived at area businesses in May 1984, when the world — and the Pioneer Valley — were much different places. Now, as then, the magazine’s purpose is to hold up a mirror to the region and especially the business community, write about the reflection in that mirror, and comment on what it all means.

It’s been a challenging, yet enjoyable and rewarding assignment, one that has changed in some respects, but is still very much a constant.

First, let’s look at what hasn’t changed. For more than 300 years now, and especially the past quarter-century, the region’s business community has been a force in constant motion. People, names, products, technology, issues, needs, and desires are always changing and seemingly moving. It has always been our mission to capture this motion, describe it in great detail, and examine its significance. And we think we’ve done that pretty well.

Since this motion is constant, as we said, that aspect of our mission won’t change. But what has changed, and what will continue to evolve, is BusinessWest’s role in how this movement takes place. Where once we were content to merely observe and report, the magazine has become increasingly involved in shaping response to change and the issues of the day.

How? By becoming more involved with groups such as area chambers of commerce, the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield, area colleges and universities, and agencies like the Regional Employment Board and the Tourism and Convention Bureau to inform, educate, and perhaps inspire progress.

The word you’re hearing more often with regard to BusinessWest is ‘partner,’ and you’ll be hearing it much more in the months and years to come.

We want to partner with those aforementioned groups and many others to make this region’s business community stronger, more diverse, and, ultimately, more competitive. We don’t want to sit and hope that the region and its capital, Springfield, become more vibrant; we want to help make that happen.

We won’t do this only by reporting the good news, but also by partnering in efforts to promote the region, its businesses, and the people who make those businesses run. If we’re successful, then perhaps there will be more good news to report.

As BusinessWest turns 25, those of us who bring it to you every two weeks want to say thank you for supporting our efforts, but more importantly, we want to thank you for inspiring us to reach higher, do what we do better, and create more of those partnerships mentioned earlier.

Such collaborative efforts are necessary; these are exceedingly challenging times, and our region is facing a number of hurdles to achieving desired progress — from closing the skills gap in employment to keeping talented, young individuals from leaving this market; from reducing poverty in many area cities to identifying new sources of jobs for future generations of area generations — and no one group or individual can tackle them alone..

The magazine you’re reading now doesn’t look anything like the one that first debuted in 1984. We’ve come a long way in 25 years, but there’s still a lot of work to do. We’ll hold the celebration and get right to it.

—Kate Campiti, Associate Publisher and Advertising Director

Uncategorized

From a sheer numbers perspective, the work of Springfield’s Finance Control Board — which winds down its work this month — has been impressive, guiding the city from a $41 million deficit several years ago to $50 million in reserve today. But Springfield still faces a daunting list of challenges, from poverty and neglected neighborhoods to high dropout rates and image problems centered on public safety. Overall, there is confidence that the city is on the rebound.

It’s a day that many people have looked forward to for some time. It’s also a day that some have quietly, or not so quietly, dreaded.

At the end of this month, the Finance Control Board — put in place roughly five years ago to guide Springfield out of an economic quagmire — will end its tour of duty, with all those involved with it believing that the primary mission has indeed been accomplished: maneuvering the city onto sound financial footing while also putting in place new systems that should prevent it falling into disarray again.

“I believe the Control Board has been successful in the major task that it had before it, to create a system to better manage our financial resources,” said Mayor Domenic Sarno. “We’ve been able to make personnel changes and to put systems in place. We have been able to reaffirm that key people were in place who were the best people to be in those positions. We’ve brought in some people who have been able to enhance our abilities to do that work well.

“All in all,” he continued, “the bottom line to all of these different strategies is that we’ve gone from a deficit of $41 million before the control board got here, and from a situation where we hadn’t set aside money in reserves from 1987 to 2004, to a situation where we have more than $50 million in reserve today.”

Despite this more-stable financial picture, Springfield still faces a laundry list of challenges, from image issues and a perception that the streets still are not safe to persistent poverty and alarmingly high dropout rates. Meanwhile, the city’s central business district remains in need of a spark, and many neighborhoods, especially the South End, face a long road back to prosperity.

All these issues and challenges are reflected in the comments made by civic and business leaders when they were asked about where they believe Springfield is in the process of revitalization and what remains to be done. Those asked to comment expressed general confidence and optimism, but also the feeling that, while the control board is leaving, much work remains.

“We are the model city at this moment,” said Nancy Urbschat, a principal with TSM Design, located in the city’s downtown. “What the control board has been able to do, in conjunction with city government, is to turn an inefficient, broken system into … well, we have spare cash, we have systems in place, systems are automated now … apparently we’re a bit of a poster child for successful cities in the Commonwealth.

“We have an opportunity now to prove we can do this without a benign dictator,” she continued. “There are some glimmers — there are young people moving to the city because it’s affordable, they are bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm, and there are some new community initiatives springing up.”

Jack Dill, president and CEO of Colebrook Reality Services, agreed, while acknowledging that the city still has work to do to convince people that its problems are mostly behind it.

“There are some real challenges here, and I think the solutions are simple, but not easy,” he said. “In a broad sense, I think our issues are public safety and education.

“As far as downtown is concerned, security, cleanliness, and parking are the issues. But I think those things are manageable, and to a great extent are being managed. The building owners downtown spend a lot of time on those issues. However, if there’s a perception that there’s a problem, then that itself becomes a problem. Safety is a threshold, and there’s no level of rent concession or parking rates that offset security concerns. But, again, if people look carefully at the situation, or they talk to people who are here every day, they see that it’s really not an issue.”

In this issue, BusinessWest gathers a number of perspectives on Springfield, what’s been accomplished over the past several years, and what still must be done to bring the City of Homes all the way back.

First Things First

As he talked with BusinessWest, Sarno recounted a trip he and his financial team took to Wall Street recently. The issue was the city’s bond rating and whether it was worthy of being upgraded.

“Springfield was in a junk-bond status just a few years ago,” he said. “We went to Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s just a week ago, and took three hours of grilling. When you’re before these financial individuals on Wall Street, sound bites don’t cut it. You have to be on your game. I was very proud of my financial team. In this unheard-of challenging economic environment, we received a full upgrade, moving up to triple B grade plus.”

This development is one of many that would seem to confirm that the control board has succeeded in putting the city on a course to better fiscal health — not good, necessarily, but better.

“The future will be the gauge by which our work will be most appropriately viewed,” said Stephen Lisauskas, executive director of the control board. “One of the board’s goals was stabilizing the city’s finances. Even at that point in time, the goal wasn’t stemming the bleeding and then leaving, but rather working with the city to develop the tools, systems, processes, and structures which can succeed into the future.”

Sarno told BusinessWest that, in addition to those systems and processes, the city also has officials in place — specifically Police Commissioner William Fitchet and School Superintendent Alan Ingram — to address current problems and perception issues and generate more momentum for Springfield.

“When we hired both of these fine gentlemen,” he said, “and I do believe they are the absolute best people possible for their jobs, we’ve created a process, so we can now trust the process to be successful in the future. That same process will be used to hire a chief administrative officer for the city, to assist the municipal government, to ensure that we will use the practices and policies that we put into place in the control board.”

Sarno said both Fitchet and Ingram understand the importance of their work to not only improving the city’s image, but also generating economic development. As one example, he cited the city’s new Flex Squad, created with the broad goal of addressing quality-of-life issues before they become problems.

“That’s unheard of,” the mayor told BusinessWest. “Something like this has never been done before in the city’s history. What we’re doing here is dealing with nuisance issues before they become larger problems.”

Fiscal Fitness

James Morton echoed the mayor’s sentiments on how the city’s critical issues, especially public safety, education, and economic development, are all interconnected. He’s seen this phenomenon at the various stops in his career — as a lawyer, schoolteacher, director of the Mass. Career Development Institute, and in his current roles as director of the Greater Springfield YMCA and control board member.

He told BusinessWest that, moving forward, what the city needs most are a clear vision of what it wants for the future and the leadership it will take to make this vision become reality,

“Where are we going? What do we want our city to become? What kind of city do we want to be? What is going to be the economy that we want to foster? We lack that vision right now,” he said.

“We have an abundance of individuals in our city who want to be involved in the renaissance of the city of Springfield; they want to help,” he continued. “But without a vision, we don’t have a way to plug them in to the strategy for the renaissance. So the greatest challenge that I believe will confront city government, and Mayor Sarno, will be the creation of that vision. His job, his major job moving forward, is to be a visionary, and to provide our city with a road map and a strategy for its future. That is both an enormous responsibility and an enormous opportunity.”

Summing up his thoughts as a man who has been both at the control board desk as well as in the trenches with the city’s population, Morton said, “we want that strategy to be an inclusive process where everyone can feel a part of it. If we are ever going to be successful as a city, there has to be city-wide ownership of that process. There are a lot of talented people who want to participate in that renewal.”

Russell Denver, president of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, agreed. Springfield has come a long way over the past five years, in terms of everything from financial stability to small-business development, he said, adding that one area it must focus on moving forward is to make Springfield more competitive in what has become a more-global economy.

“The one thing that people need to know now more than ever is that Springfield is affected by global change,” he explained. “One needs to look only at the number of manufacturing companies that have left to realize the global impact on the city. Another thing that people should realize is that we are a community of small businesses, with about 80% of our companies having fewer than 20 employees. There has been a great deal of small-business creation in the city recently.”

To generate more growth, and jobs, the city must make itself more attractive to both those already doing business here and those looking for a place to start, he continued, and this will be one of the objectives of a two-phase initiative called Springfield 20/30, which involves the chamber and MassInc, and will develop an economic vision for the city for the next 20 years.

“Phase two will take where we currently stand and compare us with other communities that were in similar situations and then worked their way out of those situations,” said Denver. “Specifically, I think the city needs to be more business-friendly; the zoning code needs to be revised, and we need to reduce the commercial real-estate tax rate in Springfield because, unfortunately, it is the highest one in the state. When developers look around, and they can choose many different places all over Massachusetts, and they see Springfield as having the highest rate … well, it’s not desirable.”

The Long View

From what she sees outside her window on Bridge Street, Urbschat believes Springfield has become more desirable, in some ways, and that the city and its leaders must seize the moment and capitalize on the momentum she believes has been created.

“It feels like this is the time, and I’ve been waiting a long time; for the past 14 years I’ve waited for this to happen. I thought there would be a trail of businesses following us downtown, but they never materialized,” she said of her company’s move from East Longmeadow to Springfield.

“We have this incredible history in Springfield, and for most of that time, this was a successful city,” she continued. “It has only been since the 1960s, when the city didn’t respond well, like all industrial cities, that we didn’t get around to redefining the city.

“It feels like this is the moment when that could happen.”

Joe Frigo, owner of Frigo’s Gourmet Foods, located in the South End, believes the city hit bottom some time ago and has begun moving its way back up — slowly, but surely.

“There’s a lot of stuff on the drawing board that’s supposed to come about here in the South End; we’re seeing Columbus Avenue come alive with construction, new offices … a few buildings have been cleaned up or renovated. That’s a key artery into the South End. There are a lot of us that run specialty markets that still exist. It still seems to be a draw,” he said.

“We draw people from all different communities, whether it’s the Berkshires, the Northampton area, Connecticut. Some of us are still hanging in there — myself, Milano’s Fine Foods on Main Street, Mercolino’s Bakery, all the beautiful pastry shops. That’s a draw, that ethnic feeling that made this area vibrant at one time. People are still coming here for that. That’s a good aura that presides over us all, and I think we need to expand upon that.”

Overall, he said, Main Street needs some additional drawing cards, or anchor stores that will bring more people in to downtown Springfield and perhaps more retailers as well. “Main Street definitely needs better economic development as far as the city helping us come forward enforcing better signage, better store frontage, putting the proper businesses where they belong.”

Thomas Walsh, communications director for Sarno and a lifelong resident of Springfield, said the city has to take better advantage of its location and amenities.

“I see Springfield as a great city with a lot more potential for a lot better things, even though there are already great things now,” he said. “We’re located at the crossroads of New England, which makes easy access to New York, Boston, Hartford, the major cities of the Northeast, New Hampshire, Vermont … it makes us a hub, really, and a vital place for business investment because of that — all that would make the city more marketable and a more lucrative business climate.

“I think that one of the major challenges facing us right now is the perception of the city,” he continued. “I know some of the surrounding communities look at us as not necessarily being a safe place. I feel very safe here, very comfortable here, regardless of what time of day or night. The local media sensationalizes what crime that does take place here. When the headlines say that there was a shooting or some other crime like that … when you actually read past the headlines, it doesn’t report the time of day that it transpired. Crime like that happens at 4 in the morning, not at 9 or 10 o’clock on a Friday or Saturday during the dinner and theater hours. It’s at times when most people are home sleeping.”

Angela Oyola, a victim witness advocate with the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, agreed. “I think that what deters most people from wanting to settle here is what they see on the news. People who are familiar with the city understand that this isn’t necessarily the reality of day-to-day life,” she said.

“Whether it be crime or financial instability … unless you live here, you wouldn’t know the quality of people that actually do live here. Those people don’t always make it onto the news — the schoolteachers, the people who add to the community. For the news, unfortunately, they aren’t as exciting as a shooting. The 5 o’clock news is not the best perspective on what the city has to offer.”

Under Control

There are no celebrations planned for the day the control board packs up and departs Springfield. There will be some deep breaths, though, and maybe some sighs of relief.

What Mayor Sarno would like to see is acknowledgement that progress has been achieved, but that the end of the control board’s work is not the end of the story when it comes to the work necessary to bring Springfield back to prosperity.

And also some acknowledgement that, as Urbschat said, now is certainly the time.

Sections Supplements

Jobless Benefits Are Keeping Many Laid-off Workers on the Sidelines

Allison Ebner says high-level candidates are tough to find, even when hiring is slow.

Allison Ebner says high-level candidates are tough to find, even when hiring is slow.

With layoffs in Massachusetts soaring to levels not seen in almost 20 years, one might expect employment agencies to see a huge influx of job seekers for the limited number of openings that are available. But that has not been the case across the Pioneer Valley. Sure, the available talent pool is larger than before, but not significantly so, as many laid-off individuals are apparently taking advantage of government-extended unemployment benefits and waiting out the storm.

In a time of economic freefall, it seems people appreciate a good safety net.

As the job market has soured nationally, Massachusetts has seen its unemployment rate soar from 4.3% in April 2008 — and just 5.4% as recently as October — to 8.2% this past March. Typically, a trend like that translates to a rush of new applications at employment agencies, as the ranks of the newly laid-off scramble for available work opportunities. But in that regard, this recession has been somewhat different than others.

“We’ve seen recruiting become easier for sure,” said Andrea Hill-Cataldo, president of Johnson & Hill Staffing Services in Springfield — but only to a point. “It’s definitely easier to find skilled people, but typically in a recession like this we would be inundated with people. We’d be so busy, we’d have to turn people away.”

Simply put, the current recession isn’t bringing that huge influx typical of past downturns Hill-Cataldo has witnessed. Part of that, she told BusinessWest, might be the larger safety net being set out for jobless Americans.

“I’m thinking that part of it is that unemployment benefits have been extended so much, and the government is backing COBRA,” she said, referring to the program that allows people to hang onto their health insurance after leaving a job. “Meanwhile, people are hearing so much bad news that they’re kind of opting out of searches for awhile. They’re just not looking.”

Most of those hunkering down seem to be individuals who have worked and advanced steadily in their careers for some time and have a reasonably strong skill set — exactly the sort of applicant an agency wants to see in its talent pool.

“It’s a really interesting market,” said Allison Ebner, executive vice president of United Personnel in Springfield. “We have not seen a huge influx of high-level candidates or really solid workers who are looking to make a change because of layoffs. Those people seem to be staying at home.”

The story changes for lower-paying positions requiring more basic skills, she noted. “We’re able to find those folks out there.”

The extended benefits won’t last forever, of course, and no one knows how the behavior of job seekers will change as the recession drags on. But for now, the number of Western Mass. residents taking a deliberate break from punching the time clock is on the rise.

Helping Hand

One of the ongoing economic stories in Western Mass. is that of a persistent gap between the skill level of job seekers and the demands of potential employers. And by most accounts, it hasn’t narrowed appreciatively for area agencies.

“Certainly there’s still a recruiting challenge, and there still is a skills gap,” said Hill-Cataldo, particularly in typically hard-to-fill areas such as legal and administrative. That challenge isn’t helped when promising individuals stop looking for work, instead filing for unemployment pay.

Indeed, the federal government has actively intervened in extending unemployment benefits across the nation. In two separate extensions, one last July and another in November, Massachusetts has seen the benefit ceiling raised from 26 weeks to 46. (Typically the state limit is 30 weeks, but that base period drops to 26 weeks when federal extensions come into play.)

However, the incentive to stop looking for work can vary with one’s previous income level. That’s because, while unemployment pay in Massachusetts covers around 50% of someone’s previous salary, it maxes out at $628 per week.

So, while someone in a lower pay bracket might see their income halved if they don’t find new work, an individual who brought in, say, $1,200 a week before being laid off might be reluctant to take a lower-paying job when they could collect almost as much by staying at home.

At the same time, however, someone laid off from an especially high-paying position isn’t likely to find much relief in even the full unemployment benefit. These factors, and how they affect each family differently, has made it tough for employment agencies to predict when, and in what fields, they’ll see an influx of new job seekers.

In addition, as Hill-Cataldo noted, the federal stimulus package passed by Congress in February includes a subsidy that covers 65% of the COBRA premium, for up to nine months, for laid-off workers who use the program to maintain their group health insurance.

COBRA is a lifeline for millions of Americans, particularly at a time of soaring job losses, but it’s also expensive; typically, workers must pay the entire premium, plus a 2% administrative fee, when before their employer picked up most of the tab. The average family’s cost of COBRA coverage is around $1,100 per month, which is being reduced to less than $400 with the 65% benefit — further persuading many individuals to ride out the economic storm using unemployment benefits, rather than looking for a new job.

With people able, in many cases, to pocket from the government a sizable portion of their paycheck while retaining health coverage, said Ebner, many are choosing to do so — in some cases taking advantage of worker-training resources or going back to school, but in others simply taking an extended vacation from working. The benefits, in other words, provide a much more emphatic reason than usual to pass up jobs at lesser pay rates than they’re used to.

“A common assumption is that folks out there are willing to take less money for more work, but we have not seen that to be true,” said Ebner. “People who made $20 an hour and are now willing to work for $14 — those people are not there.

“It’s a case where unemployment benefits have been extended, and Washington is giving people longer to collect,” she continued. “Right now, the career centers are flooded with people filing for unemployment; they’re swamped. But the employment agencies, the temporary help services, they’re not seeing an influx of highly qualified people.”

Indeed, the area’s one-stop career centers, FutureWorks in Springfield and Career Point in Holyoke, have not only reported a massive surge in new filings, but their leaders have lamented being forced to pull limited resources away from their key missions, such as job training, to meet the need.

Geography plays some role, too, in how aggressively people pursue new jobs, Ebner explained. “There are positions in Monson and Palmer at an entry-level rate, but folks in Springfield who are unemployed are not willing to go out there,” she said. “Most people are not willing to make that drive.”

Glass Half-full

Despite those factors, Joseph Ascioti, president of Reliable Temps in Agawam, still senses a desire for work out there.

“There are more candidates. When we do off-site job fairs, we’re getting double the amount of people we did in the past,” he said — and that, in his agency’s case, has eased the skills gap somewhat.

“For instance, with some of the machine-shop positions, a year or two ago we couldn’t find anybody. But now, at least some people are responding with the skill level the company is looking for. That’s interesting. But we still have jobs, some of the higher-skilled positions, that go wanting because we can’t find the right skill set.”

At the same time, he told BusinessWest, many applicants don’t fully recognize how much an employers’ market this is, and come in with higher expectations than they should about pay and benefits.

“We’re definitely seeing more people come in,” said Ascioti, particularly on the low end of the pay scale. “But we’re also seeing some people who don’t yet understand what the reality is. Maybe they’re more willing to work a job they don’t like once they understand what’s out there.”

The fact remains, of course, that harsh realism could turn into desperation for many out-of-work individuals if the frozen job market outlasts government assistance.

“A lot of our clients are in hiring freezes right now,” said Ascioti, “and it doesn’t matter how many people we have coming in the door if we don’t have any work for them. Companies are being very cautious right now, and it’s a little worrisome. But I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll see some light at the end of the tunnel.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at

[email protected]

Departments

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

AGAWAM

The DHL Group Inc., 387 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 010010. David Ceron, Same. Installation of doors, hardware, and locksmith services.

BELCHERTOWN

Dharma Properties Inc., 21 Evertett Ave., Belchertown, MA 01007. James Moran, 20 Short Road, Hardwick, MA 01037. Real Estate.

FLORENCE

Garbaryan Violins Inc., 121 Sandy Hill Road, Florence, MA 01062. Andranik Gaybaryan, same. Stringed music instrument-making and restoration.

GRANBY

Linda Robinson Dental P.C., 231 Amherst St., Granby, MA 01033. Linda M. Robinson DMD, Same. Dental services.

HOLYOKE

20089 Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Harry C. Chen, same. Retail fast food service.

IMS Realty Corp., 663 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Ilya M. Shnayder, same. All business relating to the development, management, and investing in real estate.

Riverside Logistics Inc., 20 Hadley Mills Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Michael J.
‘Sullivan, same. Sale of graphics arts supplies.

PALMER

K.E.Y. Property Services Inc., 53 Fuller Road, Palmer, MA 01069. Robert A Young, same. Landscaping and construction services.

SPRINGFIELD

Blitzin Bears Inc., 187 King St., Springfield, MA 01109. Eric M. Brown, same. To promote and carry out athletic exercises, including a football club and special organization in order to promote civic, educational, charitable, and benevolent purposes.

 

Concerned Citizens of Mason Square Inc., 153 Princeton St., Springfield, MA 01109. Synthia Scott-Mitchell, same. To increase the availability of nutritious, locally-grown competitively priced produce, and to participate in collaborations aimed at increasing food security in the Mason Square neighborhood of Springfield.

Fortune Infinite Enterprises Inc., 132 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Anthony Gibbs, 356 Newton St., South Hadley, MA 02075. Retail and entertainment.

MMY Convenience Inc., 295 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01108. Yasir Osman, 197 Florida St., Springfield, MA 01109. To operate a convenience store and gas station.

RICKAA Inc., 685 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 02208. Rizk G. Abiassaf, 15 Bryant St. Springfield, MA 01108. Auto repair, gas station, and convenience store.

WESTFIELD

Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education Inc., 577 Western Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Tracy Charbonnier, 184 Summer St., Abington, MA 02351. To strengthen the status of women as professionals and to advance the role of women in public higher education.

McCoubrey Enterprises Inc., 231 Union St., Westfield, MA 01085. John A. McCoubrey, 344 Valley View Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Auto repair shop and sale of auto parts/used cars.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

JI Cleaning Services Inc., 117 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089 John Silva, Same. To operate a general cleaning service.

WILBRAHAM

Bonavita Health Care Services P.C., 28 Shady Lane, Wilbraham, MA 01095. William E Bonavita, Same. To provide health care.

IAPP Richard Fowler Foundation Inc., 568 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Francis Stetina, 13108 Idlewild Dr., Bowie, MD 20715. To raise funds for the education of photographers about panoramic photography.

Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the months of April and May 2009.

AGAWAM

Cotton’s Performance LLC
105 Walnut St.
John Cotton Jr.

Helen’s Bra Clinic
62 Suffield St.
Cynthia L. Lydiard

Paul Brodeur Plumbing & Heating
27 Cecile St.
Paul Brodeur

Strictly Safety
150 Walnut St.
Derek Benton

AMHERST

M & M Exotics
15 High Point Dr.
Brian Dimetres

The Viaggio Group
112 Leverett Road
Sarah Bevilacqua

CHICOPEE

Custom Built Personal Training
1501 Memorial Dr.
Stephen Dow

Nelson’s Home Improvement
18 Beeler Ave.
Nelson L. Pantoja Jr.

EASTHAMPTON

Language Learning Innovations
2 Aloha Dr.
J. Scott Payne

EAST LONGMEADOW

Ciao Bella
128 Shaker Road
Donna L. Brayton

Regarp Booksellers
15 Crescent Hill
Stan Prager

Salon 511
511 North Main St.
Mark Leonard Raina

TEXCEL Medical
55 Deer Park Drive
TEXCEL LLC

GREENFIELD

America Agro Products
32 Rockland Road
Ronald R. Weaver

Tranquil Realm Therapeutic Massage & Healing Arts
486 Main St.
Elizabeth Adams

HOLYOKE

Aurylius The Salon
74 Cabot St.
Margot Lugo

Chittenden Bank
1515 Northampton St.
Paul A. Benoit Sr.

D & R Recycling, LLC
867 Main St.
Daniel Deschaine

Elmwood Property Associates
2014 Northampton St.
Anthony Keane

Maya Express
43 Beacon Ave
Antonio Ventura

Saia Electric Co.
176 West King St.
Matthew F. Saia

Tony Kelley’s Pro Shop
233 Easthampton Road
Anthony W. Kelley

Uno Chicago Grill
50 Holyoke St.
Steven J. Hurwitz

LUDLOW

John’s Corner
204 1/2 Sewall St.
Tony Esoo

Ludlow Laundry
200 Center St.
Elvira Kolenovic

Precision Aluminum
476 Fuller St.
Lee Schneider

Suburban Heating & Cooling
1056 Center St.
Gary F. Sheehan

The Hair Gallery Inc.
345 Holyoke St.
Joseph R. Malvinni

NORTHAMPTON

Chorion Silver Lining Inc.
36 Main St.
Waheed Alli

Healthy Home Improvements
20 Fruit St.
Jeffrey Dan

Northampton Country Club
135 Main St.
James Casagrande

Repair Collective
20 Linden St.
Tim McNerney

PALMER

Matco Tool Franchise
1125 Thorndike St.
Craig Murphy

Solar Ray
244 Burlingame Road
Raymond R. Croteau

 

SOUTH HADLEY

Jason Laflamme Roofing
355 North Main St.
Jason Laflamme

Meticulous Matters
42 Pine Hill Road
Wendy Poirer

Turf Care LLC
30 Harvard St.
Robert Hartley

SPRINGFIELD

Accu-Vista
20 Maple St.
Edward Wood

All In One and Some Fun
29 St. James Blvd.
Daryl Jamal Hill

Appliance Centro
1129 1/2 State St.
Thomas Carrasquillo

Community Chiropractic CA
1387 Carew St.
Michael John O’Connor

Davila Tax Service
71 East Alvord St.
Victor Davila

District of Entertainment
1655 Main St.
Tyrone Polk

Ennis Bell and Associates
166 Tamarack Dr.
Cornell W. Lewis

Flo’s Services
25 Daniel St.
Florin Muradian

Fonseca’s House & Office
53 Milford St.
Ruben Fonseca

GEG Auto
145 Michon St.
Gil Gomes

Glo Ultra Lounge
272 Worthington St.
Paul Ramesh

Indian Orchard Seafood
335 Main St.
Juana Rosario

Kevin’s Painting & Wall Papering
10 Rollins St.
Kevin Dowe

MAG Designs
114 Arnold Ave.
Michael Antonio

Mascaro’s Service Station
356 Walnut St.
Ronald Mascaro Sr.

MEI Management LLC
86 Merrill Road
Mei Nuan Li

Motivate-Educate-Graduate
79 Villa Parkway
Neel Pasha

Ordinari U
15 Leete St.
Helena Darku-Jackson

Pretty Nails
786 State St.
Oanh Hoang

Sam’s Pizza
370 Belmont St.
Sadia Kausar

The Barber Shop
423 State St.
Angel Luis Castillo

TM Cleaning Service
73 Atwater Road
Therese A. Leger

XAF
187 Wollaston St.
Michael James Cross

WESTFIELD

Dave’s Lawn Service
94 Riverside Dr.
Dave Gauthier

Hair By Debbie
174 Elm St.
Deborah Szenkum

K Modern
627 Russell Road
James A. McBryar

Prospect Valley Farms
201 Pochassic Road
James F. Phelon

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Charm Beauty Salon
520 Main St.
Natalya Poltavets

Dynamic Dock & Door Inc.
64 Lowell St.
Bret J. Leveillee

Hair & Nail Company
1346 Elm St.
Kara Moores

Maverick Marketing
20 Brightwater St.
David D. Curti

Paper Presence
61 Progress Ave.
George Sullivan

Super Petro Inc.
230 Day St.
David J. Vickers Jr.

Yulian Barber Shop
770 Main St.
Yulian Arytian

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

Bank of America v. Westover Greenhouses Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of money loaned: $24,382.03
Filed: 3/16/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Five Point Farm v. Cape Cod Stove Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of 24 tons of corn purchased and delivered: $5,846
Filed: 3/18/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Berkshire-Westwood Graphics Group Inc. v. Lavigne Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $142,729.88
Filed: 3/26/09

City of Springfield v. Comcast Cable Communications Inc. et al
Allegation: Breach of contract and implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, and breach of warranty: $12.9 million

Michelle Sherman v. The Salty Dog Saloon Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $37,497.10
Filed: 3/27/09

Valley Management Inc. v. Boston Road Mobile Home Park Tenants Assoc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination and termination based on race: $100,000+
Filed: 3/23/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Andre Mercier v. Morse Manufacturing Inc.
Allegation: Breach of warranty, negligence, and product liability causing injury: $650,000
Filed: 3/23/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Dax Transportation Inc. v. PrideK Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff purchased diesel gas but was given regular gas, causing damage to vehicle’s fuel pump and injectors: $3,843.99
Filed: 4/02/09

Ralph’s Blacksmith Shop v. Monaco Restorations Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of monies owed: $24,517.50
Filed: 3/24/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Bank of America v. Computer Ambulance and Michael Smith
Allegation: Non-payment of money loaned: $12,063.47
Filed: 3/10/09
Carolina Eastern-Vail Inc. v. G. K. Mood & Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of promissory note: $15,370.11
Filed: 3/18/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Unique Expressions by Gallagher’s Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $4,390.78
Filed: 3/27/09

Thomas D. Lesperance v. Leonard E. Belcher Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and unfair and deceptive practices: $20,000
Filed: 3/18/09

David Clark, D.C. v. Clark Family Chiropractic, P.C.
Allegation: Non-payment of promissory note: $18,948.50
Filed: 3/18/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

David C. Brooks v. MJDB Construction Services, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of monies loaned: $200,000
Filed: 3/18/09

Lashco Tree Service, LLC v. Carr Landscaping, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment for tree removal services rendered: $2,800
Filed: 4/03/09

Departments

SBA Honors United Bank

WEST SPRINGFIELD — United Bank has been recognized as Lender of the Quarter in Massachusetts by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The award was presented to United Bank’s commercial-lending team members Barbara-Jean DeLoria, senior vice president, and Dale Mazanec, assistant vice president, at a recent financial-services conference in Central Mass. The designation is awarded for the period ending March 31, 2009, acknowledging United Bank’s continued outreach and support of local businesses, helping them to advance despite current economic conditions.

Hampden Bancorp Declares Dividend

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc. has reported a net loss of $57,000 for the three months ended March 31, as compared to a net profit of $305,000 for the same period in 2008. Net income for the nine months ended March 31 was $180,000, as compared to $980,000 for the same period last year. The company’s total assets increased by $33.9 million, or 6.2%, from $543.8 million at June 30, 2008 to $577.7 million at March 31. Net loans, including loans held for sale, increased $23.9 million, or 6.6%, to $384.7 million at March 31. Deposits increased $50.8 million, or 15.3%, to $382.2 million at March 31 from $331.4 million at June 30, 2008. The board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per common share, payable on May 28, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 13.

Credit Union Helps Students Pay for College

AMHERST — The UMassFive College Federal Credit Union has introduced a private student-loan program, Credit Union Student Choice, to help students bridge the funding gaps that federal aid can leave behind. Unlike alternative loan products, UMassFive’s student loan offers lower rates, zero origination fees, and more-flexible repayment terms. As a not-for-profit institution, UMassFive COO Rich Kump noted, the organization has the “unique ability” to design products that are in the best interest of the student and their family. For more information, visit umassfive.studentchoice.org.

NewAlliance Reports Strong Business Momentum

NEW HAVEN, CT — NewAlliance Bancshares Inc., the holding company for NewAlliance Bank, has announced net income of $11.6 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $9.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 and $12.9 million for the first quarter of 2008. The company also announced that its board of directors voted to pay a quarterly dividend of 7 cents per share on May 19, 2009 to shareholders of record on May 8, 2009. This will be the company’s 20th consecutive quarterly dividend payment. Company officials note that NewAlliance continues to be “well-capitalized” and in strong financial health with no need for federal assistance. On March 31, 2009, NewAlliance Bancshares had $8.50 billion in assets and was operating 89 banking offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Pioneer Training Relocates to Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — Pioneer Training Inc., originally based in Holyoke, has made a successful transition to its new offices at 1398 Damon Road, Northampton. Pioneer Training has also partnered with Innovative Business Systems on Northampton Road in Easthampton to address its growth in programming and on-site support services. For more information, visit www.ptraining.com or call (413) 387-1040.

Balise Chevrolet Donates Baseball Equipment

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC, in conjunction with the Chevrolet division of General Motors, has donated baseball equipment to the John L. Sullivan League. Donated items include baseballs, softballs, batting helmets, catching equipment, and first-aid kits. Nick Athas, parts manager for Balise Chevrolet, spearheaded the endeavor that provides children with a chance to play in a competitive and nurturing environment. The John L. Sullivan League is affiliated with the Amateur Baseball Club of Springfield and governed by the American Amateur Baseball Congress.

AIC Stages Groundbreaking for Athletic Facilities

SPRINGFIELD — While many nonprofits have put expansion plans on hold due to the sluggish economy, American International College (AIC) has opted to move forward with construction of a $4.3 million project. City leaders recently joined AIC students, administrators, and trustees for the official groundbreaking for new athletic facilities next to the Butova Gymnasium on Cortland Street. John T. Short, vice president for institutional advancement, said the new facilities will accommodate the needs of AIC’s intercollegiate teams, as well as enable the expansion of intramural programs, and allow for greater student and community usage of facilities. The construction will include taking out grass and installing artificial turf, lights, a track, new grandstands, and a new press box. The project, financed by Westfield Bank, will be constructed by Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare Inc. of Chicopee.

Comcast Launches High-Speed Internet Service

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast now offers small and medium-sized businesses in 10 local communities access to some of the fastest Internet speeds available with the launch of next-generation DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Comcast provides two tiers of wideband service — Deluxe at 50 Mbps and Premium at 22 Mbps — to businesses in Agawam, Granby, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, South Hadley, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. For molre information, visit www.business.comcast.com.

Chicopee Bancorp Sees Drop in Profit

CHICOPEE — Chicopee Bancorp Inc. has reported net income of $114,000 for the first quarter of 2009, compared with $188,000 for the first three months of 2008. With falling interest rates and expenses related to the opening of new branch offices, the bank’s assets decreased by $2.2 million, from $527.6 million in December to $525.4 million. Chicopee Bancorp is the parent company of Chicopee Savings Bank.

Hadley Printing Mailer Receives Addy Award

WESTFIELD — Stevens 470’s design of a promotional package titled “as green as it gets” recently won a Gold Addy Award during the 2009 Addy Awards competition. The promotional mailer informed Hadley Printing’s clients of its FSC certification and emphasized its continued commitment to the environment. The Addy Awards, hosted by the Advertising Club of Western Mass. (ACWM), are the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, recognizing and rewarding creative excellence. The ACWM represents marketing and communications professionals in Western Mass. and Northern Conn.

Bay State Gas Files New Rates

WESTBOROUGH — Baystate Gas Co. has filed a petition with the Mass. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to increase total annual revenues by $34.6 million, or 6.4%. The reasons for the request include increases in capital costs associated with upgrading and maintaining the natural-gas system infrastructure, and increases in operating and maintenance costs since the last base-rate filing approved in 2005. If approved by the DPU, the increase would mean the typical residential heating customer’s gas bill would increase $7.36 per month, or 5.9%, beginning in November. Public hearings on the filing will be conducted within the next several months. A decision on the filing is expected by Oct. 31. In other company news, due to an unprecedented downward trend in natural-gas commodity prices, the summer seasonal gas costs paid by Bay State Gas customers will be the lowest since 2002. The proposed cost of gas would result in the average Bay State Gas heating customer using 53 therms per month paying approximately $57 per month between May and October 2009, reduced from $90 last summer. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dpu.

MassMutual Earns DALBAR Recognition

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services division has been recognized by DALBAR for its Taft-Hartley member statements. The DALBAR Communications Seal is awarded to financial-service communications that display excellence in meeting the needs of customers, and recognizes the importance of communicating in a manner that is calculated to be understood by the average investor.

Fallon Supports Square One

SPRINGFIELD — Fallon Community Health Plan has signed on to support Square One’s Room to Grow campaign. Through its contribution, Fallon is helping Square One to fulfill its mission of providing early education and care to children by underwriting a classroom at Square One’s Main Street Children’s Center. In all, Square One is seeking sponsorship of 34 classrooms.

Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of April and May 2009.

AGAWAM

O’Leary Vincunas #2 LLC
200 Silver St.
$250,000 — Interior build-out of dental office

CHICOPEE

Grace Slavic Pentecostal Church
5 Meadow St.
$5,000 — Replace staircase

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
48 Sanderson St.
$107,500 — Re-roof

HADLEY

Amherst Development Association
300 Westgate Center Dr.
$52,500 — Interior building alterations

Goodwin Memorial Library
50 Middle St.
$87,000 — Build compliant ramp and entrance

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco, LLC
367 Russell St.
$3,500 — Replacement of RTU at J.C. Penney

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Economic Development
724-728 Main St.
$5,000 — Construction of dividing walls

LUDLOW

Healthsouth Rehab Hospital
14 Chestnut Place
$51,000 — Interior alterations

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
170 Glendale Road
$22,000 — Add antennas and equipment to existing cell tower

Colvest Northampton LLC
327 King St.
$22,000 – Install 3 antennas to existing cell tower

 

Trident Realty Corporation
109 Main St.
$80,000 – Re-roof

Village at Hospital Hill LLC
51 Village Hill Road
$49,000 — Repair fire and water damage

SOUTH HADLEY

KJK Wireless
10 Industrial Dr.
$22,000 — Construction of a new cell tower

KJK Wireless
50 College St.
$22,000 — Construction of a new cell tower

SPRINGFIELD

Agnoli Sign Company
722 Worthington St.
$86,500 — Remove existing roof and install new

Baystate Health
759 Chestnut St.
$118,142,000 — Hospital addition to existing Baystate

Christian Life Center
1590 Sumner Ave.
$5,500 — Construction of two non-load bearing walls

Forest Park Zoological Society
302 Sumner Ave.
$21,000 — Interior renovations to create meeting room and two new offices

K.S. Kantor, LLC
594 Sumner Ave.
$70,000 — Expand store to space next door

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Pocket Communications
1353 Riverdale Road
$8,000 — Renovate space to be used as retail phone store

Departments

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

Ackley, Keith Edward
Ackley, Marie Christine
7 Birch Hill Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Acosta, Israel
53 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Adams, Mechelle L.
a/k/a Gardner-Adams, Mechelle L.
240 Prospect St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Aldrich, Michael D.
Aldrich, Kimberly A.
3 Park Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Alicea, Domingo
81 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Andrade, Carrie-Ann
a/k/a Gaynor, Carrie-Ann
3 Jeanne Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Anello, Patrick J.
22 May Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Ansaldo, Marie L.
3 Golden Court
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Ashe, Steven T.
194 East Longmeadow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Austin, Calandra B.
260 Pittsfield Road #3A
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Barnes, Cynthia I.
110a Hillside Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Barton, Christopher C.
Barton, Sarah E.
a/k/a Smith, Sarah E.
51 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Batchelder, Amanda
a/k/a Bessette, Amanda
a/k/a Batchelder, Amanda W.
38 Stanley Place
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Beyer, Gloria J.
132 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/09

Beyer, William D.
Beyer, Suzanne C.
53 Pitroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Biancucci, Peter
140 Vincent St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Blais, Claudette E.
12 Temple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Boulanger, Ronald H.
Boulanger, Jennifer L.
96 Sunflower Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Bray, Vernon L.
Bray, Patricia A.
268 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Brown, Angela
120 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Bryant, John W.
62 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Buoniconti, Lucy V.
79 Almon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Byron, Daniel P.
354 Vine St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Canedy, Bruce Emery
278 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Carlson, Stephanie A.
a/k/a Sermini, Stephanie A.
45 Pearl St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Carpenter, Randy A.
213 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Chapman, Bruce W.
Chapman, Anna M.
62 Foss Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Chittenden, Sharon Ann
93-C Grove St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Christianson, John E.
Christianson, Leona F.
28 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Christie, Shannon L.
a/k/a Forgues, Shannon
38 South St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Christina’s Country Store
Just Doggin’ It
Czerwiec, Keith
25 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Clawson, Wendell L.
41 Piquette Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Clemens, Kelli R.
26 Irvington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Cloutier, Daniel M.
Cloutier, Tara J.
a/k/a Phelps, Tara J.
86 Meridian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Coe, Adrianne M.
PO Box 1026
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Conrad, Georgina R.
760 Williamsville Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Convery, Cheryl A.
919 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Cote, Merle G.
81 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Cruz, Ronald
Cruz, Tammy W.
127 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Dalinsky, Debra M.
47 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Del Padre, Emily E.
199 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Dionne, Carol A.
39 Payson Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Dionne, Michael F.
39 Payson Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Dixon Titles, Inc.
Sinkora, Denise S.
a/k/a Dixon, Denise S.
54 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Donnelly, Maureen L.
a/k/a Labossiere, Maureen L.
150 Freedom St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Drew, Jason
25 Pleasant Green
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Drummond, Randolph T.
367 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Egan, Richard C
Egan, Diane M.
90 Harris St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Ellsworth, Peter R.
717 Crane Ave., Apt. A
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Etown Videos
Brunswick Consulting
MyWAN
Kielhorn, Sven
54 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Fernandes, Jose
a/k/a Fernandes, Joe
Fernandes, Rosemary A.
88 Phoenix Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Fitzgerald, John K.
379 East St., #402
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Fleming, Thomas K.
76 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Fleurent, Theresa
a/k/a Jackson, Theresa Marie
a/k/a Woodard, Theresa Marie
16 Rita Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Flores, Susan
28 Grosvenor St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Foley, Mary C.
10 B Crandall St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Gilmartin, Nicholas A.
55 White Birch Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Girhiny, Bart Allen
44 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Gleitsmann, Eleanor A.
354 Vine St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Gonzalez, Viana I.
a/k/a Velez, Viana I.
35 Cliftwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Grechka, Ivan
Grechka, Tatyana
68 Merrick St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Gress, Kenneth J.
8A Arbor Way
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Grover, Robert E.
740 Riverglade Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Guyette, Christopher P.
Guyette, Jill E.
Henrich, Jill E.
Beane, Jill E.
202 High Meadow Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/05/09

Haines, Shaun P.
a/k/a Haines, Megan E.
Parent, Megan Elizabeth
280 Garnet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Hamilton, Andrew S.
Hamilton, Bethany A.
a/k/a Desrosiers, Bethany A.
34 Pond St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Handerhan, Amanda
a/k/a Thacker, Amanda
2113 Stewart St.
Hatfleld, PA 19440
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Harris, Kelsie F.
49 Clem Ct.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

 

Holness, Favian L.
Holness, Venice A.
199 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Ianello, Anthony J.
414 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Johns, Elizabeth
775 Armory St.
P.O. Box 1011
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Johnson, Ronnie D.
Johnson, Katherine W.
42 Amherst Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Kelley, William D.
Kelley, Vivian A.
153 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Killeen, Katherine A.
79 Birchwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Kimball, Aric S.
Kimball, Meghann E.
Gradowski, Meghann E.
35 Knollwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/05/09

Liebel, Kevin
Liebel, Mary A.
a/k/a Liebel, Mary
114 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Loper, Michael
Loper, Miranda
33 Foch Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Lowell, Irving R.
Lowell, Barbara A.
86 Independence Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Lynch, David J.
Lynch, Karolyn N.
77 Danek Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Lynn, Joseph Francis
35 McClellan St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Maccarone, Peter J.
P.O. Box 5510
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Maher, Michael P.
P O Box 312
Greenfield, MA 01302
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Malcovsky, Linda L.
P. O. Box 192
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Mallette, Ronald P.
283 Bearsden Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Martin, Scott G.
2 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057-9429
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Mascolo, John J.
144 Paige Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Masse, David A.
18 Melinda Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

McClendon, Cheryl
a/k/a Smith, Cheryl L.
1470 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

McIntyre, Michael A.
P. O. Box 808
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

McKinley, Larry
McKinley, Joan L.
17 Westminster St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Meisner, Victoria A.
a/k/a Merry, Victoria A.
37 Moriarty Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Mercado, Sr. Pedro A.
PO Box 5430
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Millenium Women Destine Fund
Betts, Jacqueline
Simmons, Jacqueline
2473 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Murray, Michael S.
24 Holly Court
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Nelson, George E.
Nelson, Jessica L.
a/k/a Tucker, Jessica L.
80 Orange St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Ochenowski, Walter E.
886 Main St. #28
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

O’Connell, Brian G.
O’Connell, Lyn A.
51 Liberty St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Ogorzalek, Jeffrey M.
Ogorzalek, Toni
a/k/a Loguidice, Toni
P. O. Box 261
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Ortiz, Esther
88 Marble St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Ovitt, Travis B.
Ovitt, Christine M.
74 Adelaide Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Padua, Lisa Y.
Padua, Lisandro
15 Alden St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Provost, Kim M.
22 Fair Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Reilly, Thomas M.
336 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Reyes, Maria D.
183 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Riel, Monica A.
67 Bissell Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Righi, Catherine A.
29 Commonwealth Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Roberts, Steven Dennis
Roberts, Shannon Marie
441 East Main St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Rodriguez, Juan B.
Rodriguez, Yelitza
62 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Roger E. McGinnis Trucking
McGinnis, Roger E.
McGinnis, Grete M.
a/k/a Graves, Grete M.
a/k/a Raffa, Grete M.
Uncommon Cuts
7 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Roy, Gerard P.
20 Maybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Roy, Susan M.
20 Maybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Sanders, Carol M.
281 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Sarrette, Cheryl
10 Fairview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Shah, Lack
Shah, Kaziban B.
43 Fisher St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Sharif, Tammy
1809 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Shelton, Carl W.
570 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Silva, Melissa
29 Decatur St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Slater, Warren Robert
Slater, Delma Quimque
100 Forest Hill Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Smith, Patrick J.
96 Hazelwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Stevens, Sandra Gates
56 Prospect St., #4
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Sullivan, Jr. James M.
Sullivan, Jamie L.
44 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Taylor, Deborah A.
148 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Torres, Eugenio
1421 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Uva, Kenneth Richard
20 Indian Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Vasco, Maria C.
188 Center St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Vergara, Blanquita
24 Joanne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Wackerbarth, Mark J.
383 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Walker, Samantha J.
142 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Walz, Christopher J.
Walz, Beverly A.
420 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Weagle, Barbara Ann
217 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Wiggins Gamble, Julia Pamela
Wiggins-Gamble, Pamela
Gamble, Julia W.
a/k/a Wiggins, Julia
192 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Fi
ing Date: 04/07/09

Willers, George
91 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Winco, Jeffery L.
Winco, Kerry A.
a/k/a France, Kerry A.
144 Cedar St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Winslow, Brian P.
219 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Winter, Hollie L.
163 Leyden Road
P.O. Box 174
Greenfield, MA 01302
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Worrell, Susan M.
120D Lamplighter Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Departments

Business Market Show

May 13: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. will showcase the products and services of some 200 regional businesses at the 2009 Business Market Show Conference and Exhibition at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The seventh annual Taste the Market will also be conducted during the show, featuring food prepared by restaurants and caterers chosen and sponsored by participating exhibitors. The day begins at 7:15 a.m. with the May Breakfast Club, featuring speaker Gov. Deval Patrick, who will share his insights on the state’s upcoming fiscal year as well as some of the current initiatives of his administration. Doors to the show will open following the breakfast at 9 a.m. In addition, there will be a host of free business seminars offered throughout the day. A complete schedule of seminars and exhibitors can be found at www.businessmarketshow.com. A microbrew tasting given by Azon Liquors is planned from noon to 2 p.m., and the Taste the Market will be conducted from 3 to 5 p.m. The conference and exhibition ends at 5 p.m.

World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast

May 16: Springfield’s annual breakfast of hot, hearty pancakes will be served by hundreds of volunteers from 8 to 11 a.m. on Main Street to celebrate the city’s 373rd birthday. The family-friendly event includes breakfast, entertainment and interactive activities. Tickets cost $1 for children, $3 for adults, and are free to area students with a complimentary ticket distributed through area school systems. For more information, visit www.spiritofspringfield.org.

Brown Bag Lunch Series

May 21: Amherst-based Marigold Fund founder Gary Moorehead will present a lecture titled “Afghanistan Lives and Labor” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Moorehead has lived in Afghanistan since 2003, founding Marigold Fund in 2004. Until 2008, he worked as a program manager on projects funded by the U.S. State Department and others, building schools and homes for returning refugees. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Estate Planning Workshops for Parents

May 27, June 3: Attorney David K. Webber of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., with offices in Springfield and Northampton, will present two free workshops titled “Estate Planning Workshops for Parents of Young Children” at the Sunderland Library Community Room, 20 School St. Workshops are planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and are open to the public. Pre-registered participants will be offered the opportunity to complete a will, health care proxy, and durable power of attorney at a reduced rate. For more information and to register, call (413) 737-1131.

Economic Illusions Lecture

May 28: Edward Guay, principal of Wintonbury Risk Management in Bloomfield, Conn., will present a lecture titled “Recovering from Economic Illusions and Global Credit Shocks” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Guay is a global macro strategist. He has a long history of accurately predicting major shifts in business, financial, and political conditions. Guay specializes in the identification of those forces for change that will shape future events, either gradually or in climactic fashion, causing consensus business, investment, political, or geopolitical strategies to go awry. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Leadership Development & Teambuilding

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a daylong conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Also, “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.” The conference is targeted for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead, and succeed. The enrollment fee is $199 per person, or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

Departments

Workplace Preparedness in the Face of a Pandemic

 By AMY ROYAL

1. Begin by planning a course of action designed to minimize disruption to your operations; however, be sure to prepare and plan to operate with a reduced workforce.

2. Determine your emergency coverage needs. Identify key positions within your company, such as employees who maintain business-necessary functions. Ask yourself: when these key employees or managers are out, how will that impact your operations? Is there someone else who can step in for them? Are your managers and employees cross-trained?
3. Consider different scenarios. Varying scenarios may call for different measures of preparedness and action. For instance, your business might devise one course of action if several employees are sick and another if an entire department or the whole company is sick.
4. Establish clear guidelines for your business regarding whether or not employees who are sick or exhibiting symptoms should report to work. Review your existing sick-leave policies for consistency.

5. Classify employees’ risks to occupational exposure. For instance, employees working within the health care field have a much greater on-the-job exposure than employees who have minimal occupational contact with the general public.

6. Identify a point person. Select an individual in management to be designated as the pandemic coordinator. This individual should be responsible for implementing the company’s response plan and fielding employee questions or concerns.
7. Create and distribute an emergency communication plan to all employees. Include name and contact information for the pandemic coordinator and any other relevant information, such as a Web site or phone number for employees to utilize for the latest information.
8. Make a list of customers, vendors, suppliers, or clients who may need to be contacted in the event that your business must close or modify its operations due to the outbreak of illness within your business or community.
9. Review all of the above on an annual basis and revise as needed.

10. Contact your attorney before implementing any plan to ensure its compliance with applicable laws.

Amy B. Royal, Esq. is a partner in the law firm Royal & Munnings, LLC. She focuses her practice in management-side labor and employment law; (413) 586-2288; [email protected].