August 30, 2011 - BusinessWest

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2011.

AGAWAM

Kathy Ayre
644 Main St.
$40,000 — Interior renovations to office space

Mushy’s Golf Center, LLC
369 Main St.
$40,000 — Install 6 new antennas

AMHERST

Amethyst Farm, LLC
89 Northeast St.
$1,500 — Install new stairway to basement

Amherst Cinema, LLC
28 Amity St.
$9,000 — Converting existing space to GoBerry

Yosrex Limited Partnership
266 East Hadley Road
$3,000 — Repair roof

CHICOPEE

Callaway Golf Sales Co.
425 Meadow St.
$90,000 — Enclose room

Chicopee Housing Authority
28-100 Debra Dr.
$64,000 — Repair brick facade at Memorial Apartments

JND Property
107 South St.
$8,000 — Insulate existing walls and attic

Chicopee Village Limited Partnership
149-155 Eastern Dr.
$11,200 — Strip and re-shingle roof

HADLEY

Lancomb Holdings, LLC
191 Russell St.
$19,800 — new roof

W/S Hadley Properties, LLC
353 Russell St.
$30,000 — Replace existing HVAC rooftop units

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall
50 Holyoke St.
$100,000 — Remodel existing Spencer’s Store

LUDLOW

Oak Tree Inn
782 Center St.
$30,000 — Repair fire damage

NORTHAMPTON

Evert N. Fowle
20 Center St.
$17,000 — Install replacement windows

Florence Fire Station
69 Maple St.
$10,500 — Replace windows

Gandara Mental Health Center
25 Graves Ave.
$3,500 — Exterior renovations

Northampton Sewerage Treatment Plant
33 Hokanum Road
$10,000 — Install flat plate solar thermal collectors

Robert G. Curran Jr.
244 Main St.
$65,000 — Renovate interior

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
50 College St
$7,000 — New roof

Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corp.
87 Canal St.
$13,000 — Install new hood and exhaust fans

SOUTHWICK

Mount Tekoa Group
7 Veteran St.
$10,000 — Remodel store

Southwick Historical Society
86 College Highway
11,000 — Remodel bathroom

SPRINGFIELD

Cityview2 Limited Partnership
102 Armory St.
$150,000 — Exterior renovations

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
28 West Silver St.
$1,976,000 — Erect two stair towers and elevators

Frank Demarinis
217 Root Road
$139,000 — Construction of 2,950-square-foot addition

North Elm Realty Inc.
55 North Elm St.
$17,000 — Interior renovations

Rocky’s
2 Free St.
$1,540,000 — New construction

Shell Oil Company
259 North Elm St.
$80,000 — Remodel interior

Westfield Alpine Company, LLC
1029 North Road
$10,000 — Repair fire damage to Nino’s Pizza

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Center for Human Development
332 Birnie Ave.
$137,000 — Renovate 3,088 square feet of office space

Fred L. Aaron
1472 Riverdale St.
$237,000 — Renovate 4,193 square feet in existing retail space

Fred L. Aaron
1472 Riverdale St.
$99,765 — Renovate 2,050 square feet in existing retail space

Hayden Corp.
333 River St.
$17,000 — Repair tornado damage

Hofbrahaus
1105 Main St.
$47,000 — New roof

Taco Bell
298 Memorial Ave.
$60,000 — Interior renovations

Activating the Downtown

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Commercial Real Estate Sections

Arts Initiative Strives to Breathe New Life into Springfield’s Central Business District

Evan Plotkin and Annie Waters in the soon to be “activated” courtyard at Morgan Square. At top, one of Waters’ sketches of what the rejuvenated block would look like.

Evan Plotkin is a firm believer in the power of the arts as an economic driver. He says he’s utilized the creative economy to improve the ‘quality of life and experience’ for the tenants in two downtown office buildings — One Financial Plaza and 1550 Main — and now he’s planning to take his so-called “downtown revitalization through the arts” initiative to another dimension with ambitious plans for the Morgan Square area. As with those other properties, his plan is to take dormant or underutilized facilities, and “activate” them.

Evan Plotkin needed both hands as he gestured to various components of the spacious courtyard within the Morgan Square apartment complex in downtown Springfield — the ornate clock, the large shade trees, the walkway to the back door of the deli that’s been closed for nearly a decade, and an alleyway that would connect the courtyard with Main Street, except the gate at the front is always locked.
“It’s a beautiful area, but very underutilized,” said Plotkin, president of Springfield-based NAI Plotkin, which recently won a contract to manage the property. “It’s asleep … and we need to wake it up.”
He would use similar language as he discussed other aspects of the massive Morgan Square/Armory Commons complex — including a host of vacant storefronts, another courtyard behind a building along Taylor Street, and a traditionally large inventory of vacant residential space — and other properties in that section of downtown.
The word he used most often, and pointedly so, as he talked about various properties and assets was “activate.”
That’s what he intends to do through the expansion of an ambitious project he calls the “downtown revitalization through the arts” initiative, which, as that name suggests, attempts to use the arts as an economic driver to change the look and feel of that part of Springfield. There are many moving parts, but the concept is fairly simple — to incentivize artists to live and work in that area, and to provide them with vehicles for showcasing — and selling — their work.
Plotkin is quite optimistic about the prospects for the Morgan Square property, which would be rebranded as the “Art Space at Morgan Square,” because he’s already conducted a good amount of ‘activation’ in other buildings managed by NAI Plotkin, and with considerable success in his estimation.
He pointed to 1350 Main St., the office tower also known as One Financial Plaza, as an example. There, a long-dormant fountain has been restored, a café has been opened on the ground floor, the lobby’s walls have become artists’ galleries, and a small patio area has become a venue for performing artists. These changes and added amenities have no doubt contributed to a higher occupancy rate and success in turning on the lights within several previously dark floors, said Plotkin.

The lobby at 1550 Main, rebranded as the 1550 Gallery, is one of many locations downtown, where artists can now display their work.

Similar activation has occurred at 1550 Main St., the former federal building now occupied by the Springfield School Department, Baystate Health, and other tenants. Outdoor performances, art in the lobby (now branded as the 1550 Gallery) and imaginative landscaping have helped improve quality of life for tenants while bringing vibrancy to a location that for years had been cordoned off by Jersey barriers following the Oklahoma City bombing.
The Morgan Square project represents the latest and most comprehensive activation effort to date, said Plotkin. Based on models created in Pittsfield, North Adams, Washington, D.C., and other communities, the arts initiative calls for attracting artists to the vacant retail spaces in Morgan Square through reduced or forgiven rent, and using downtown office buildings, such as 1550 Main, One Financial Plaza, and others, as well as perhaps the downtown hotels, as galleries to showcase the art.
The broad objective is to use the arts to create energy in the downtown and make it a true destination, said Plotkin, who has spent the past several years advancing his theory that the creative economy is one of the keys — and perhaps the key to revitalizing Springfield’s central business district.
“This is the culmination of a lot of thinking, a lot of thought about the creative economy,” he said. “It’s a chance to really make something happen in the city; I almost look at this as the great Springfield experiment.”

Works in Progress
Plotkin told BusinessWest that the arts initiative amounts to a manifestation of a philosophy that defines the Plotkin company’s approach to property management.
“While most management companies can perform the perfunctory physical aspects of managing the property, our approach also focuses on improving the quality of life and experience for the individuals who live and work downtown,” he explained. “This is achieved in part by programming events, and improving downtown parks, neighborhoods, and other public places.”
The Morgan Square initiative contains all these elements, said Annie Waters, a Smith College student, artist (some of her work is currently hanging in the lobbies at 1550 Main), and summer intern at Plotkin who nonetheless has her own business card, complete with the title “chief imagination officer.”
Waters has been involved in many arts-related projects over the past few months, including a proposal to use scrap metal from Springfield junkyards to create industrial- history-themed sculptures — depicting the Duryea brothers’ car, the monkey wrench, and other Springfield firsts — that would be displayed at 1350 and 1550 Main St.
But most of her time has been spent blueprinting a plan of action for Morgan Square, an initiative aimed at removing those ‘Now Leasing’ signs from storefronts (some of which have been in the windows for years) and otherwise activating dormant or underutilized properties.
The broad goals are to inspire more artists to live and work in the complex, she explained, adding that the endeavor is modeled after a number of successful programs, such as Mather Studios in the Penn neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The 10-floor building has 50 loft-style condos occupied exclusively by artists, and it has become a destination, not simply a mailing address.
Moving past images from D.C., North Adams, and Pittsfield on a Powerpoint presentation she’s shown to many in the area, Waters stopped at images of the vacant storefronts in Morgan Square. Outlining the plans for the complex, she and Plotkin said these commercial spaces will be offered at reduced rents to qualified artists.
There will be a lottery of sorts, said Plotkin, noting that applicants must complete a questionnaire and impress those reviewing them with answers to such questions as ‘how do you plan to utilize the studio and gallery space if accepted?’ and ‘how do you plan to actively participate and contribute to the creative economy at Morgan Square?’
Other components of the initiative call for development of a restaurant/coffee shop (probably on the site of the former deli) and reactivation of that aforementioned courtyard through outdoor seating for the restaurant, decorative lighting, sculpture, art, and music.
In addition, the apartments would be marketed to teachers who work in the city’s public schools and Baystate employees working at 1550 Main. “The goal is to develop market-rate apartments that will attract talented professionals to housing in downtown Springfield,” he said. “The new workforce and talent pool will eventually attract site selectors and new businesses downtown.”
Still another component is to create gallery space in the downtown’s office buildings and perhaps its hotels, said Plotkin, adding that the overarching goal is help artists and their ventures become more economically viable.
“What we’re trying to do is offer artists living space, studio space, and gallery space,” he said. “They need all three to be successful.”
Plotkin told BusinessWest that he’s optimistic about the plans for Morgan Square, and this positive outlook is fueled by what has transpired at 1350 and 1550 Main St., but also by other developments currently unfolding or on the drawing board.
These include the ambitious development projects launched by the New England Farmworkers Council and its president, Heriberto Flores — the expanded portfolio now includes the Hippodrome and the Bowles Building (home to the Fort restaurant), across Main Street from Morgan Square — and the planned redevelopment of Union Station, which can be seen out the windows of some of the apartments.
“If I was a single person and an artist, I couldn’t think of a cooler place to do my work,” he said, expressing the hope that others will be saying such things in the not-too-distant future.

Brush with Fame
Time will tell how Plotkin’s great Springfield experiment, or at least the Art Space at Morgan Square component, shapes out.
But he believes that in time, and probably not much of it, the project will become a poignant symbol of how the creative arts have helped revitalize the downtown area.
Always the optimist, Plotkin said there is already plenty of evidence that the arts can improve the experience of working and living downtown, and he’s energized by the prospects of creating more.
“This is a very exciting project for Springfield that could really change the feel of this area,” he said, while standing in the Morgan Square courtyard. “All we have to do is activate the many assets we have.”

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

Must Visits

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Sections Travel and Tourism

A listing of the region’s major tourist attractions

TouristAttractions BW0811c

Staying Power

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Sections Travel and Tourism

A chart of the area’s largest hotels

Click here:Hotels&MeetingFacilities BW0811c

Questions and Answers

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Entrepreneurship Sections

, entity

Jeffrey Fialky

Individuals forming new business enterprises, or perhaps those whose business enterprises have matured to the standpoint of pursuing the next level, often approach their accountants and attorneys when considering whether or not to incorporate.
Really, the term ‘incorporate’ is euphemistic for whether an individual, and in some cases multiple business partners, should proceed (or continue to proceed) on their own behalf or, alternatively, form a limited-liability entity pursuant to the laws of the respective jurisdiction. The question of whether to engage in business operations in an individual capacity or to form a limited-liability entity within which to conduct business operations is generally a question answered by a thorough analysis of the respective liabilities and tax implications.

Sole Proprietorship
The simplest manner of doing business is in the form of a sole proprietorship. That said, a sole proprietorship is a bit misleading by name, in that it is not a business entity, but rather the absence of a business entity.
There are no registration or filing requirements, and simply engaging in the business operation commences the sole proprietorship, in the individual’s own name, or on their own behalf. As a result, an individual who engages in a business practice as a sole proprietor personally exposes himself to any liabilities that could arise as a result of such business operations without any legal protection from same.
While an individual doing business as a sole proprietor may register a fictitious name in which to conduct his or her business by filing a DBA certificate in the community in which the business operates, from a legal standpoint, the fact that the business operates pursuant to a fictitious name has no bearing or legal effect relative to liability. By way of example, assume Joe Smith, d/b/a XYS Construction, is named in a lawsuit as a result of an injury occurring to a third party on a job site. A judgment against Joe, personally, could certainly result in a lien against Joe’s personal residence, subject to subsequent sale in order to satisfy such judgment.

General Partnership
Another form of business operation is a general partnership. This consists of essentially two or more individual sole proprietors engaging in business operations in a joint capacity. Often, a general partnership will be governed pursuant to the terms of a partnership agreement; however, such as with a sole proprietorship, there is no formal legal registration requirement.
Additionally, as with a sole proprietorship, the general partnership does not protect the individual partners from personal liability arising out of the business operations. Worse, partners pursuant to a general partnership are not only liable personally for their own acts or omissions relative to the ongoing business venture, but, additionally, each individual is personally liable for the acts of other partners in the partnership.

Corporation
For many reasons, including avoiding the personal liability attributed to sole proprietorships and general partnerships, parties are often counseled to consider forming limited-liability legal entities, which provide a barrier of protection for the business owners.
Among the host of legal entities available for formation, the most commonly used in contemporary business are the corporation and limited-liability company (LLC). That said, the term ‘corporation,’ as generally used, often includes two specific types of corporations — subchapter ‘C’ corporations (C corps) and subchapter ‘S’ corporations (S corps), the distinction between which arises pursuant to the respective subchapter of the IRS tax code.
Generally speaking, a corporation is a legal entity that is formed by the filing of articles of organization, is governed by its bylaws, and which is owned by its stockholders. Corporations are managed by their board of directors, with day-to-day operations overseen by their officers. Unlike a sole proprietorship or general partnership, a corporation is an independent legal identity, which is independent from that of its stockholders. Accordingly, a substantial degree of protection is afforded to owners of the corporation relative to liabilities arising as a result of the ongoing business operations of the corporation. The tax treatment of a corporation, including the potential tax effect on individual stockholders, varies in accordance with the nature of the corporation formed, specifically whether it is a C corp or an S corp.

C Corporations
Subchapter C corporations, or C corps, enjoy the benefits of limited liability for stockholders, and are operated pursuant to the traditional corporate formality of being governed by their directors and officers. One significant potential tax disadvantage to C corps, however, is the potential for double taxation of corporate earnings. C corps pay tax on income at the corporate level, and in the event that earnings are distributed to stockholders as dividends, the dividends are often subject to tax at the individual shareholder level upon distribution. This so-called potential for ‘double taxation’ can often be avoided by forward thinking and anticipatory tax planning.

S Corporations
Unlike C corps, subchapter S corporations, or S corps, while providing many of the advantages of the limited liability corporate structure as provided by a C corporation, have the added advantage of not being subject to the potential for double taxation. In fact, income and losses from the business flow through to the individual stockholders and are reported on their personal tax returns. That said, S corps are subject to their own specific limitations and potential disadvantages, most notably the fact that they are limited to a maximum number of stockholders, that stockholders generally must be individuals as opposed to other legal entities, that the S corporation may not have more than one class of stock (e.g. common vs. preferred), and that distributions must be in direct percentage to ownership interest.

LLC
Another commonly utilized business entity is the limited liability company (LLC), which is an entity that shares many characteristics of sole proprietorships and general partnerships, but with the limited liability protection afforded to corporations. The LLC, much like a corporation, is formed by the filing with the secretary of the respective state jurisdiction, with a simple certificate of organization filing, and payment of the respective registration fee. Unlike a corporation, which is owned by its stockholders, LLCs are owned by its member or members, as opposed to directors and officers, and managed by their manager or managers.
LLCs afford a great degree of flexibility in that most states have enacted a limited-liability company act permitting LLCs to be owned by a single member, to have multiple classes of membership (e.g. common vs. preferred), and to determine the capital structure, ownership, and management, all as determined by the business owners. Additionally, unlike S corps, profits and losses may be allocated in a manner that is disproportionate to direct percentages of ownership interests.
Unlike a corporation, which is operated pursuant to its articles and bylaws, LLCs are operated pursuant to a document called an operating agreement, which is a recitation of the respective rights and obligations of each member and manager of the LLC.
Members of an LLC have additional flexibility relative to taxation in that members can be taxed much like a sole proprietor or like a partnership, although distributions to members may be subject to self-employment taxes.
As a result of the flexibility of LLCs and the avoidance of the potential for double taxation, they provide ideal entities for the purposes of taking title to real-estate holdings and investments. For similar reasons, LLCs are additionally valuable tools for estate-planning purposes.

In Summation
As you can see, the determination of whether to form a limited liability entity and, if so, the choice of entity itself, is a fact-dependent analysis. Naturally, consultation with legal and tax professionals is recommended to ensure that you may enjoy the maximum level of liability protection and the most favorable tax consequences for your situation.

Jeffrey Fialky is an associate with the regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C, specializing in business, corporate, municipal, and real-estate law. A former assistant district attorney in Hampden County, Fialky joined the firm after a decade of holding senior attorney positions with some of the country’s most prominent telecommunications and cable television companies, where he negotiated large-scale licensing, acquisition, and distribution agreements; (413) 781-0560; baconwilson.com/attorneys/fialky

Vested Interest

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Entrepreneurship Sections

Amherst Engineer Creates Pressure Vest for Children with Autism

Tina Champagne says not every patient responds to deep pressure, but for those who do, the Vayu Vest is groundbreaking.

The power of a hug can work wonders in relieving anxiety and stress. But many children with autism spectrum disorder are overly sensitive to touch and cannot tolerate the comforting gesture.
However, they do need something to quell their anxiety, which can result from their heightened response to sounds and sights most people don’t even notice.
And thanks to a groundbreaking new medical device, children with sensory processing disorder are being soothed and comforted by a lightweight, therapeutic vest that can be inflated to produce the exact amount of pressure the child needs at a given moment.
It’s called the Vayu Vest, and it has taken mechanical engineer Brian Mullen years of collaboration, research, and trial and error to create. “About 87% of people with autism have sensory processing issues,” said Mullen. “They experience the world and respond to it differently than typical people.”
Tina Champagne agrees. “Children with autism are often oversensitive to touch, sounds, visual stimulation, and even temperature,” said the program director for the Center for Human Development’s Institute for Dynamic Living in Springfield.
The launch of the vest, which is named after a Hindu wind god, took place in May and was initially inspired by Champagne’s work as an occupational therapist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
Champagne and Mullen have collaborated on the project for seven years, doing research and clinical trials to develop a product that not only helps children with autism, but may have other applications in mental health treatment.
Two years ago, Mullen and his business partner, Chris Leidel, started a business named Therapeutic Solutions to market the vest. The duo and their Amherst-based operation were recently named as finalists in the prestigious Mass Challenge competition in Boston that runs through the end of September. They are hoping to win a portion of the $1 million in cash awards, as well as generate interest in their product.
They have received help and won awards along the way for their work, which they are grateful for, and Mullen says their business is growing, thanks to support from the Western Mass. community. Their hope is to get the cost of the $2,000 device reimbursed by insurance companies. If they succeed, it will be the first medical device for autistic children paid for by insurance.
“This was and is all-consuming,” said Mullen. “It’s an incredibly important thing to do, and we are getting calls and e-mails from people thanking us.”

Research Project
The story of how the vest came to be begins when Mullen was a student at UMass Amherst. At the time, Champagne was working as group program director in Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s acute inpatient behavioral unit and was focused on collaboratively incorporating healing and nurturing interventions into clients’ treatment plans.
“I was working in conjunction with the state Department of Mental Health to find tools to help decrease the need for seclusion and restraints,” she said, explaining that people were sometimes put into mechanical restraints or injected with medication when their behavior spiraled out of control. “It was and continues to be an international initiative, and part of my job was to help staff learn new approaches and interventions that were safe and nurturing.”
One of the tools she incorporated was a weighted blanket, traditionally used to help calm people with autism when they became anxious. “The clients would wrap themselves in them,” she said. “The belief is that the pressure helps to decrease the autonomic nervous-system response of overarousal connected to anxiety.”
Research had been done in the field by Temple Grandin, an author, engineer, seven-time Emmy award winner, and well known woman with autism, who has spoken and written about autism for more than 20 years. Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State Unversity, created a so-called “squeeze machine” for herself as well as for livestock waiting to be slaughtered.
Mullen began his documented collaboration with Champagne when he was in graduate school at UMass Amherst, and was looking for a project for his thesis. They had been introduced by his professor, Sundar Krishnamurty.
Mullen was fascinated by the subject, and soon became immersed in research himself, learning how weighted blankets and vests were being used with people with autism to help them self-soothe and regulate anxiety. “I saw a real need for this,” he said.
Champagne said other students had tried developing inflatable sleeping bags and vests, but the sounds they made as they inflated, and the feel of the fabrics used, upset children with autism.
And although Mullen was completely committed to his research project, he said it was a risky and unconventional topic for someone in the mechanical engineering program.
“I was taking a non-traditional path, the path less traveled,” he explained. “This was something different and new, and it appealed to me. I knew that what I was doing could have a large impact on people’s lives and I figured, ‘why not help when I have the opportunity?’”
Mullen said great progress has been in the field of autism research over the past seven years, “but the population is still drastically underserved. And it became compelling for me to help reduce the use of restraints and seclusion and come up with better solutions for people. After I saw and heard about this and was exposed to it, I felt I had to take action.”

Trial and Error
After earning his graduate degree, Mullen decided to continue to work toward a doctorate. In 2006, a feature story was written in the Boston Globe about the research he and Champagne were conducting. “We received a lot of very positive feedback from people in this country as well as on the international level,” he said.
About that time, he met with a parent who asked him to make a vest for her daughter to help curb her anxiety. Although he had interacted with others via e-mail, “it was very different when I had to sit across from a parent. It was very moving, and I decided to make sure that our research got to the people who could benefit from it.”
At that point, Mullen decided to start his own company with the goal of creating an inflatable vest that was portable, comfortable, and would allow pressure to be adjusted to an individual’s needs. He entered a 2006-07 UMass business-plan competition and lost in the finals.
“But I learned a lot from mentors and the judges who gave me a crash course in how to develop a business,” he said. He re-entered the 2007-08 competition and won the grand prize.
At that time, Leidel and Mullen joined forces. They had been in the same class as undergraduate students, but after graduation, Leidel had worked in an industrial setting before deciding to return to get a master’s degree in business administration.
He helped Mullen write an essay for an entrepreneurial competition, which won them a monetary award. In addition, they also received a grant from the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance in Hadley. “It was a very important grant, as it helped us do some consulting work to further the idea and develop it to see if could actually become a business,” Mullen said.
The money also allowed them to work with Dielectrics in Chicopee, which specializes in medical devices. “They helped us to make a prototype and really took an interest in the product,” Mullen said.
After graduating in 2009, he and Leidel were able to raise seed funding for their business from local investors who were following their work.
Feedback has been integral to product development, and the duo continues to collaborate with local organizations. Champagne has found the vest works well for some children who have attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, children with autism, and those who have suffered trauma.
However, she and Mullen stress that it is not for everyone. “Studies show that 75% of individuals like deep pressure, but 25% don’t,” Champagne said, citing results obtained from the first study they conducted and published, using the modality with adults aged 19 to 64 who had no mental health issues.
But for those who respond to pressure, the vest is groundbreaking, Champagne said. “And Brian and his staff have taken it on themselves to meet the highest possible standards for medical equipment.”
Today, vests have been donated by sponsors for use at the OTA Watertown Clinic, which is one of the largest occupational therapy facilities in the country, and also at River Street School in Windsor, Conn. and at the Center for Human Development, where it is used under Champagne’s direction. Mullen and Leidel are also renting out the vests on a individual basis.
The Vayu Vest was registered as an FDA Class I exempt medical device with the U.S. Food and and Drug Administration last fall, and Mullen and Leidel hope to get it reimbursed by insurance.
“We think we have a significantly better solution than anything that has been tried in the past to apply pressure on a personal level whenever and wherever it is needed. It’s our passion to get it to children who can benefit from it,” Mullen said.
So that they can be held and comforted in a way that is personalized, safe, discreet, and makes a lasting difference in their reaction to the world. n

Class Acts

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Education Sections

A chart of the area’s early childhood education facilities

Click Here:
EarlyEdChildCareFacilities BW0811c

Board Feat

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Rick Lee, director of the Pioneer Valley chapter of American Red Cross

Education Sections

WNEU Program Introduces Young People to the Nonprofit Realm

Julie Siciliano says the board intern program has injected youth into area institutions, while opening students’ eyes to the world of community service.

Julie Siciliano says that things tend to move slowly in the world of academia, especially when it comes to the process of taking concepts for new learning initiatives from the drawing board to the classroom — in whatever form it may take.
There is a great deal of due diligence involved in such matters, noted Siciliano, dean of the College of Business at Western New England University, adding that at her school — and across higher education in general — building consensus on if, when, and how to proceed with new ideas can often be a time-consuming proposition.
Such was not the case, however, with a relatively new course of study at WNEU — the so-called “nonprofit-board-internship” program. As the name suggests, the for-credit initiative places students on the boards of area nonprofits — the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the Pioneer Valley Chapter of American Red Cross, and the Springfield Boys & Girls Club were early participants — and gives them full voting privileges.
First suggested by College of Business adjunct faculty member Gerry Fitzgerald in early 2008, the program was ready to be implemented for the next semester, a much quicker pace than is generally the rule with such matters.
“That’s because everyone could see early on that this was going to be a real win-win,” said Siciliano. “It was going to be a win for the nonprofits, and a win for the students taking part; the organizations would get an injection of youth on their boards, and the students would gain an appreciation for the important work these nonprofits do — and become involved in that work.”
And just three years in, it’s apparent that this optimism, not to mention those fast-tracking efforts, were well warranted.

Tashia Kay says her time spent on the board of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club provided a number of learning experiences.

Consider these comments from Tashia Kay, who spent a year on the board of the Boys & Girls Club, as exhibit A: “It was great to be part of an organization that was passionate about the kids and the community, and not just focused on money and profits,” she said, drawing a distinction between what she saw in her Business classes and what she observed on the board. “I was very lucky to be part of the board for the seven months I was there.”
As for input on the nonprofit side, Rick Lee, director of the Pioneer Valley chapter of the Red Cross, was among the many who went into the program with optimism and high expectations. But even with all that, he remembers being pleasantly surprised, not by the many ways his organization has benefitted — he fully anticipated that an infusion of youth would become a real asset — but how the participating students gained confidence he could see and hear as the year went on.

Rick Lee, director of the Pioneer Valley chapter of American Red Cross, says the board intern program has helped introduce young people to career possibilities in the nonprofit realm.

“While these young people have certainly made some contributions to our organization and helped to move things forward, I also saw in the time each one of them was with us, progress in their own personal development that was just as gratifying and just as important,” he explained. “They brought youth to the discussion and different viewpoints, and over the course of their year gained a great deal of confidence and ability to express opinions and back up what they were saying.”
Beyond this development professionally, there are many other benefits to be derived from this program, said Lee, especially the ability to introduce young people to the realm of nonprofit management and perhaps inspire them to make this a career.
“As someone who has been in nonprofit work for more than 30 years now, I’ve always been aware of how important it is to attract young people to the kind of work we’re in,” he said. “Whether it’s attracting them as a paid staffer in the future, or, as we’re trying to do here, getting them to think about their role as a leader so they may choose a different career path — as a leader in a nonprofit organization when they’re a young professional, not just when they’re in their ’40s.”
This is exactly what has happened with Diane Garcia, a business major who graduated in 2009 and took part in the pilot program that launched the nonprofit-board initiative. She said her experiences with the YMCA of Greater Springfield definitely helped determine her career course, which has taken her into the nonprofit realm in a few different ways.
Indeed, upon graduating from WNEU, she accepted an Americorps Vista position in the National Development Office of Jumpstart in Boston. And today, she works for Boston-based Commongood Careers, an executive search firm that specializes in finding top-level managers for nonprofits.
“My position at the YMCA really jump-started me into thinking about going that route,” she said, adding that she didn’t arrive at WNECU’s business school thinking about working for nonprofits, but her role on the board definitely widened her scope of thinking.

Seats at the Table
Garcia admits that she’s not a big baseball fan. She can’t recall, for example, which member of the Red Sox organization took the podium as keynote speaker for the YMCA’s huge spring fundraising breakfast in 2009 (it was knuckleballer Tim Wakefield).
What she does remember, however, is all the hours she spent helping to plan the event and then work it. Specifically, she recalls the teamwork necessary to pull off such a happening, and the satisfaction that comes when it is staged successfully.
“It was a lot of work, and it was interesting to see how it all came together,” she said. “Working on the event gave you an appreciation for the organization and the role it plays in the community.”
This is what Fitzgerald, Siciliano and others at WNEU had in mind when they blueprinted the nonprofit-board program. They wanted to create learning environments that would accomplish a number of goals — everything from giving students confidence-building experiences, to opening their eyes to the intriguing world of nonprofit management, to injecting youth onto those boards.
The program is still a work in progress, but most believe that to say it is accomplishing those goals would be an understatement.
Here’s how it works: Students in Business, Management, and Accounting are encouraged to apply for the internships, said Siciliano, adding that many are actually recruited by faculty members. There are a few prerequisites — a 3.0 grade point average, for example — but mostly, faculty and administrators are looking for individuals with leadership skills and an interest in serving the community.
Meanwhile, they are also recruiting nonprofits on which students can serve, organizations that, first and foremost, are open to the idea of a 21-year-old sitting on their board with full voting privileges (some are not) and that can offer those valuable learning experiences mentioned earlier.
It’s all part of a comprehensive matching process, said Siciliano, adding that from the beginning, the school has worked to create solid fits that maximize the experience for both parties.
And for this coming year, the school has created five such matches, involving the YMCA, Boys Club, Red Cross, United Way, and Dress for Success. The individual experiences will be different, said Siciliano, but there are important common denominators — especially opportunities to learn and participate.
And both of these qualities come in a number of varieties, said Gary McCarthy, executive director of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club. He noted that his organization has nearly two dozen board members, but even within that large group, the WNEU students who have served on that body have managed to stand out and make notable contributions.
“We found that the young people from Western New England were very committed to the process,” he said. “They were very vocal, and when they were passionate about something they definitely spoke up and put in their 2 cents and their recommendations on things.”
He specifically recalls them being active in efforts to engage the large alumni base.
“They were involved with some others in getting a Facebook page up and staging reunions,” he recalled. “They also got engaged in our fundraising events, like the Festival of Trees, and so they learned about the many aspects of putting on large events, like recruiting volunteers and public relations work, but they were also there on the front lines and doing the work.”
Meanwhile, the students also helped build stronger bridges between the club and the college, creating more connections in matters such as mentoring, he said, adding the organization has had student board members from both WNEC and UMass Amherst, and has forged stronger relationships with both institutions through those programs.

Votes of Confidence
Kay remembers all the work that went into the Festival of Trees, the hugely popular program in which businesses, institutions, and area families donate decorated trees, which are then raffled off, with the proceeds supporting club programs.
“I got to take part in the planning and behind-the-scenes work,” she explained, “but I really had no idea just how big this was and how many companies got involved to help the club. The day of the event, I was running around, helping everyone put trees together, getting the electricity going, making sure there was enough room for everyone, working on the premiere party, selling raffle tickets … and it was great to see what everyone was working so hard for.”
What she remembers more from her year on the board, though, was taking part in key votes on a proposal to merge the agency with another Boys & Girls Club, a concept that was eventually rejected.
“I got to be part of that decision, which was a real learning experience,” she recalled. “There was a feasibility study to determine if it was beneficial for us to move forward with the merger, and in the end, we decided that it just didn’t make sense to do it.
“Each club gets grant money, and if there was a merger, there would be one entity, and less money to go around,” she continued. “Taking part in that important vote was a real experience for me.”
Other participants in the program have had the opportunity to become involved with similarly important decisions and the research that goes into them.
Indeed, Lee told BusinessWest that the injection of youth to his board has come at a time of what he called “watershed change” for the Red Cross, and the interns have added tremendously to the dialogue.
“It began three years ago, and it has escalated over the past 11 months,” he said of the fast-paced evolutionary process. “It has literally changed the way chapter borders are defined, and changed the roles of staff members and board members; it has upset a number of apple carts as we try, to extend the analogy, and restack the fruit for the 21st century.
“And having young people be part of those discussions has helped with the breadth of the discussions we’ve had,” he continued, “and brought some different perspective to the conversation.”
Lee and other nonprofit managers we spoke with expressed the hope that the students’ experiences would inspire them to continue their involvement with nonprofits after they left the respective boardroom — and the college. And the reality is that many of them are.
Kay, for example, said she does a lot of work with nonprofits as a part-time accountant with Nicholas Lapier, CPA, and is confident that wherever her career takes her she will make time to get involved in the community.
Meanwhile, Garcia said her work with Jumpstart, as well as her current position with Commongood are reflections of her desire to make work within the community part of her career portfolio.
“I really enjoy working at Commongood,” she explained, “ because it’s a combination of the two things I love the most — working with nonprofits and HR and recruiting, which I developed an interest in while I was in college. This is perfectly in the intersection of the two.”
Her sentiments about nonprofits are reflected in the comments she offered for a piece in the spring-summer edition of the newsletter for the School of Business: “My internship on the board of the YMCA opened my eyes to a whole different idea of what business can be,” she said, “and how my skills can really serve others.”

The Bottom Line
Tom Marsh will be among the students serving on boards starting this September. His assignment is with the YMCA, and he’s hoping to take his experiences in sports and fundraising — he founded the club soccer program at WNEU, which involves both — and his desire to get involved in the community, and make them the basis for what he believes will be a memorable learning experience.
“I’m really excited about the prospects of getting a real-world experience and seeing how decisions are made and ideas arise,” he said when asked about his upcoming stint on the Y board. “I’m just hoping that I can contribute to the process and learn things I can take with me on my career path.”
Those who have done this before him would say he’ll accomplish all that and much more.

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

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Opinion

Finding Ways to Engage Young People

Diane Garcia will tell you that she didn’t enter the General Business program at Western New England University with the intention of pursuing a career in the nonprofit realm. By her junior year, when people said the word ‘boardroom,’ she was thinking about Corporate America, multi-national corporations, and money.
By the time she graduated in the spring of 2009, however, those words meant something else altogether — the word ‘community.’ That’s because she’d not only been in a boardroom, but had a seat in one — serving the YMCA of Greater Springfield. Indeed, Garcia was a participant in the pilot program that became the school’s nonprofit board internship initiative (see story, page 24).
Inspired by her tenure at the Y, she accepted an Americorps Vista position in the National Development Office of Jumpstart in Boston upon graduation, and today works for a search firm that specializes in finding executives for nonprofits. Her story speaks to the success of WNEU’s program in accomplishing its broad mission of benefiting both students and area nonprofits by injecting youth onto those agencies’ boards. But it also speaks volumes about the ongoing need to engage more young people in this community, its businesses, and institutions.
More evidence is provided by the story on page 50, which relates the work done by Smith College student Annie Waters to help piece together a strategy to utilize the arts to bring more vibrancy to Springfield’s downtown.
As these programs clearly show, everyone wins in these situations, and especially the region, even if those young people don’t stay in the 413 area code.
Backing up a bit, the WNEU initiative was started with the idea that by placing top students on nonprofit boards and giving them full voting privileges, the students would gain experience, confidence, and a front-row seat with which to view the important work these agencies do in the community — something they couldn’t accomplish in the classroom.
Students have had the opportunity to help plan and execute such events as the YMCA’s annual fundraising breakfast, the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s Festival of Trees, and the Hometown Heroes breakfast staged by the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. And while doing so, they’ve gained an appreciation not simply for the work these agencies do, but how much support they need to keep on fulfilling their missions. And, by sitting on the boards and taking part in key votes, they can see first hand the importance of leadership and involvement in quality of life.
Meanwhile, the nonprofits have received an infusion of youth, a different perspective on the issues to come before the board, and probably an experienced voice when it comes to the matter of fully utilizing technology and social media to inform and educate.
In short, what was a theory three years ago is no longer a theory; it’s fact. And along the way, this program has provided more evidence that when we engage young people from our colleges and universities in the community, good things result, and for all the parties involved.
Moving forward, this region needs more programs like this, initiatives that not only offer real-world experiences, as people like to call them, but thrust students into the community, and into leadership roles as well. Placing a 21-year-old on a board with full voting privileges is an extreme, but there are myriad other ways in which area schools can put the talent in area classrooms to work in area businesses, nonprofits, city halls, and town halls.
On the flip side, too many businesses look upon internships and co-ops as time-consuming endeavors that are more trouble than they’re worth. This thinking is shortsighted and a hindrance to the long-term vibrancy of the region.
As Diane Garcia’s story and others like it show, the word ‘classroom’ has many definitions, and most of them don’t involve four walls and a blackboard. We need to create more ways to expand that definition further, and strengthen our region in the process.
All it takes is a little imagination.

Profile in Business

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Features

Jack Dill Successfully Manages Time and Space

Jack Dill, President and Principal, Colebrook Realty Services

Jack Dill was asked about the currently slumping commercial real estate market, and, more specifically, how this prolonged downturn compares to the one from two decades ago, and if this sector has finally hit bottom and started back up.
He paused and offered a few facial contortions that conveyed the message that this would be an exercise in basic futility, one not really worth his time or energy. And, speaking broadly, he said that while there have been times when the market is more subdued than others, there are few, if any, occasions when conditions in this realm could actually be called ‘good.’
“How do you know what the bottom is until you’re past it?” he asked. “I said this to someone the other day: ‘I never remember a period of time when I was picking up the financial news and reading that we were in a great economy.’
“If you go back and find the high points of the metrics and read the contemporary business literature at the time,” he continued. “I think you’ll see more things that are concerns, worries, and negative comments about the economy; I don’t think you’d see too many articles saying we’re in the tall grass. It is what it is, and you just have to come to terms with it.”
So rather than discuss about how bad things are, or how bad they are now compared to the recession of the early ’90s, Dill talked instead about a sign that he hung in the offices of Colebrook Realty Services — the former wholly owed subsidiary of what is now TD Bank that he acquired in 1998 — during that slump 20 years ago.
“It said, ‘No Whining Zone,’” he recalled, adding that this became a basic operating philosophy for the firm, which has both brokerage and property-management divisions that have grown steadily over the years.
“I had observed to someone at that time that we tried whining as a strategy and it just wasn’t very productive,” he noted, adding that while the sign is long gone, the attitude prevails. Indeed he told BusinessWest that while the current market is slow, the company continues to search out — and find — opportunities to expand its portfolios and gain market share.
The ‘no whining apparoach’ is an attitude that Dill takes with all aspects of his work at Colebrook — and within the community as well. It was much in evidence during his recent, and ongoing, efforts to assist the diocese of Springfield in its efforts to bounce back from the June 1 tornado, especially with regard to the comprehensive search for temporary quarters for Cathedral High School (see related story, page 19). That search ended with the selection of the former Memorial Elementary School in Wilbraham, after a spirited attempt to place the school on two floors of a building at Springfield Technical Community College failed to materialize due to logistics and time constraints.
“That was a fascinating project in and off itself,” Dill said of the relocation efforts, which were both typical in some respects and atypical in many others, of the site-selection work the company handles for clients. “We spent a lot of time on STCC because there was a lot of sentiment to try to keep things in Springfield.
“We had great cooperation from STCC, FEMA, the congressman’s office, the mayor’s office, and from our contractors and architects,” he continued. “It was a full-court press, and we spent four weeks in intensive analysis … at the end of the day, we just ran out of time. We had the elements in place to pull that off, but when we ran the critical paths schedule from that point forward, we would have been starting school Oct. 19, which really doesn’t work.”
Meanwhile, within the community, Dill has spent years on the board at Baystate Health, and was chairman as that institution blueprinted its $250 million Hospital of the Future, and more recently, he’s become involved with efforts to promote early childhood education as an economic development strategy as important to the region as building a new industrial park.
Looking at the sum of everything he’s doing these days, it’s clear to see that his focus is squarely on what’s down the road, and not what’s in the rear-view mirror.
For this, the latest in its profile series, BusinessWest talked with Dill about everything from the state of the real estate market to the importance of child literacy programs. The common denominator in each case is the passion with which he approaches all matters he’s involved with.

Signs of the Times
Dill leaned back in his chair and glanced toward the ceiling, as if the answer might be written there.
He was asked how many times the signs had changed on the building at 1441 Main St. — where Colebrook, which manages the property, is headquartered — since the brand SIS (Springfield Institution for Savings) disappeared from the local landscape.
“Had we known how the banking business was going to change in the’90s, we would definitely have gone into the sign business,” he started, displaying his trademark dry wit before starting to list off the names that have appeared over the front entranceway, from Peoples Heritage to First Massachusetts, to TD Bank.
Much has changed for Colebrook over the past several years as well, but the same basic operating philosophy hasn’t, said Dill, referencing the ‘No Whining Zone’ without actually saying the words.
Tracing his career path, Dill said he essentially grew up in the real estate financing realm — his father was in the mortgage business on a national level.
“From a very early age, I traveled with him and met his business associates and contacts, said Dill, “and from the age of about 14 on, I could calculate mortgage and bond yields.”
He maintained his interest in finance and real estate, and upon graduating from Williams College in 1974, went to work for SIS, even with opportunities to go to larger institutions in much bigger cities.
“I was sitting in the Friendly’s (in what is now known as Tower Square) on interview day, looking across the street at the bank building, and wondering ‘what am I doing here?’” he recalled. “My offers at the time were in New York and Boston. But SIS had a reputation for a really good management-training program that got people very quickly into the stream of doing things, as opposed to a multi-year credit training program that other people were offering.”
And rise quickly he did. Dill neventually become executive vice president of the bank’s Colebrook Corp. and affiliates, and thus actively engaged in commercial real estate development, finance, brokerage, and consulting work.
“It was highly unusual for a bank to do direct development, rather than just passive financing, so every chance I had when I was in my early career here, I would arrange to be lent to Colebrook, to do consulting work, survey work, or project work,” he said. “I spent time migrating back and forth between the bank and Colebrook.”
Projects initiated by SIS fell into the broad category of community development, he said, adding that initiatives included the Stockbridge Court and Armory Commons apartment projects in downtown Springfield, but also direct investment in high-tech office-park development in the Boston market.
Fast-forwarding a little, he said that over the years, the Colebrook Group, as it came to be called, underwent a steady course of evolution, and is today a multi-faceted service business, with diversity being its strongest asset.
Its individual service areas include brokerage work, property management, asset management, development services, and construction management, he explained, adding that the operating philosophy in each case is to “look at client business like it’s our money.”
The company has enjoyed steady growth across the board, especially in the property-management realm, where a trend toward outsourcing that began in the late ’80s continues in earnest today. As the pictures in the lobby of the Colebrook office attest, the portfolio of managed properties is diversified, including everything from the PeoplesBank building in Holyoke to the the Basketball Hall of Fame complex in Springfield, a contract the company earned last year.
“Our label on a building means something, even if we don’t own it,” Dill continued, “because we’re the day-to-day contact for people.
“That’s part of our value-added, because one thing we’ve learned in 30 years of developing, owning, and managing buildings is that you really cannot afford to lose tenants,” he went on. “A rational owner will try to avoid losing a tenant at all costs, because it’s very hard to make up that cash flow; in an economy like this, good tenants are hard to find.”

Success Stories
Like most people who were in or near the path of the tornadoes on June 1, Dill has little trouble remembering where he was and what he was doing that fateful afternoon.
After the first tornado tore through downtown Springfield — missing 1441 Main St. by just a few hundred yards — he remembers trying to get updates on several clients that were more in harm’s way, such as the Hall of Fame and the Community Music School, for example, and heading out, first on foot and then by car, for some first-hand accounts.
He remembers being “embargoed” at the Hall of Fame as reports of a second tornado approaching from the Northeast starting coming in, and essentially waiting it out there until the skies cleared.
Starting on June 2, however, most of his energies have been directed toward assisting the diocese of Springfield, which had many facilities damaged by the twister, and specifically the efforts to find temporary quarters for Cathedral, as well as the middle school and a pre-school facility all located at the Surrey Road complex.
“It took 48 hours for people to understand how serious that damage was,” he explained. “The tornado hit on a Wednesday, and by Friday afternoon we were working on solutions. We surveyed the market, and eventually identified about 30 buildings sorted by various criteria that we developed with the diocese.
“About six or eight buildings into the tour, it occurred to me that with the new building codes, adoptive reuse of non-school buildings was going to be a problem,” he continued. “So we shifted gears, with the aphorism I was credited with developing that ‘schools make good schools,’ and that limited the inventory of things that we were considering to schools or buildings that had been schools.”
That list included STCC and the MacDuffie, the latter of which was also extensively damaged by the tornado, he said, adding that for logistical reasons, the former Memorial School made the most sense. And while conducting the search for new quarters, Dill said he’s become inspired by the energy and momentum the Cathedral community has created as it has forged ahead from the disaster.
“This will focus people,” he said of the recovery efforts,” and what I hope it will do is bring the alumni out and get people thinking about how important Cathedral is to this community, and bring resources to bear on this. And I think it will.”
While he admitted that education is not one of his areas of expertise, Dill has nonetheless become involved in many education- and community-oriented endeavors during his career.
In addition to his work with real estate-related groups, such as the Mass. Housing Investment Corp. and the Councilors of Real Estate and its New England and Upstate New York chapter, Dill’s resume includes work (past and present) with the Springfield School Volunteers, Mass. Business Alliance for Higher Education, Greater Springfield YMCA, Community Music School, Springfield Library and Musems Assoc., American International College, for former StageWest, and even the Springfield Parks Commission.
Many of these assignments date back to when he was an SIS employee, he said, adding that in recent years he has scaled back his community work, but remains quite active, especially in the broad realm of education. One current passion is promoting early childhood education and, especially, the importance of literacy, through a project undertaken in conjunction with the Irene E. and George A. David Foundation called “Effective Reading by the Fourth Grade.”
“The research is really clear that if you’re not an effective reader by the fourth grade, the chances of a successful outcome, meaning graduation from high school, are much slimmer,” he said. “The Davis Foundation has reversed engineered education reform in some sense and come to the realization — and they’ve convinced me, at least — that early focus is absolutely critical; the earlier the better.”

The Lease He Can Do
Although somewhat reluctantly, Dill offered some commentary on the state of the local commercial real estate market.
“It’s been a tenant-driven market for 28 of the 30 years I’ve been doing this,” he said. ‘There have been a few very brief periods when landlords had leverage, but for most of that time, it’s been tenants that have had leverage. And in a way, that’s good, because it has a positive impact on the cost of doing business here, and that’s been helpful to growing service businesses and smaller providers of services, and that’s good for the economy.
“We’ve talen some hits with major tenant relocations and consolidations,” he continued. “It’s always great to be dealing with one big transaction with a few hundred employees, but if that goes away, the market has a bigger program. We’ve seen some pretty good growth among smaller, flexible firms, and I think that gives us a better-integrated economy.”
Which led him to again borrow from Bill Bellichick: “it is what it is.”
And with that, he returned to what is still the ‘No Whining Zone,’ even if the sign identifying it as such is gone.

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

For Sale, for Lease

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Commercial Real Estate Sections

A listing of available commercial real estate

Click here:CommercialRealEstateBW0811c

Pic This

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Departments Picture This

Send photos with a caption and contact information to: ‘Picture This’ c/o BusinessWest Magazine, 1441 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or to [email protected]

Kids Safety Event

At left, the staff and family members of the Law Offices of Thomas M. Libbos, P.C. hand out hundreds of free bike safety helmets to children at the 3rd Annual Kids Safety Event staged recently at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. From left, are: attorney Thomas Libbos, Samantha Wrinkle, Catherine Wrinkle, Melissa Cintron, and attorney Katherine Lamondia-Wrinkle. Below left, Shriners Clown Lenny Horowitz, a.k.a. “Paintbrush,” waves from a Springfield Fire Department Fire Truck during the event, which was produced by Market Mentors LLC of West Springfield.

Extreme Makeover

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is coming to Springfield. That announcement was made recently in front of City Hall, with dozens of city officials, volunteers, and builders in attendance. Here, Brad Campbell, left, executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Mass., standing with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, thanks Western New England University students for volunteering their time to help with the project, which will kick-off with the ceremonial “door knock” at the home of the lucky family on Sept. 11. At right is Nick Riley, owner of N. Riley Construction and lead builder for this project. Visit http://www.joinextreme.com/mass to register as a volunteer or donate to the project. For behind the scenes photos and videos visit http://www.facebook.com/emheSpringfield.

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Allen, John E.
143 Ardsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 07/09/11

Alukonis, David P.
616 Cottage St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Alvarado, Carmen I.
311 Columba St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Alvarado, Pedro
405 Allen Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/11

Baker, Jason Allen
Baker, Carrie Lyn
60 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Beach, Diane Rita
240 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/06/11

Belanger, Donald A.
Belanger, Evelyn C.
a/k/a Poteralski, Evelyn C.
27 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Bellofatto, Mark A.
Bellofatto, Kristen T.
105 Via Maria
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Belyshev, Stanislau
Belyshev, Lyudmila
56 Federal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/13/11

Brewster, William R.
Brewster, Janet T.
19 Muzzy St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Cairns, Thomas C.
30 Willow Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Cavanaugh, Susan F.
59 Los Angeles St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Champagne, Donald
115 Wilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Chase, Susan S.
a/k/a Cohen, Susan Chase
1070 West Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/11

Collins, Raymond J.
53 Liberty St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Conception, Luz E.
15 North Summer St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Cook, Janice M.
52 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Cordi-Allen, Barbara M.
143 Ardsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 07/09/11

Cortes, Zahiara C.
82 Roberto Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Coviello, Scott C.
a/k/a Knight, Scott
Coviello, Marcy V.
125 South Loomis
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Crockwell, Jason M.
102 Brown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/11

Dean, Gary E
Of Sports, Gary Dean D/ Sorts
37 Enterprise St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Delgado, Ramon A.
Delgado, Marina A.
660 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Dodge, Christopher James
Dodge, Yvette Marie
17 Mountain Road
Gill, MA 01354
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Dumas, Nicole
a/k/a Lowell, Nicole J.D.
23 Yvonne St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Ellery, Sheryll Ann
48 Demont Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Flagg, Joseph M.
PO Box 233
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Fournier, Mary Ellen
72 Witheridge
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Garstka, Gregory Frank
Garstka, Nancy Kay
a/k/a Garstka, Sunshine
10 Tammy Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Gilsinger, Michael R.
Gilsinger, Krystal L.
a/k/a Ouellette, Krystal L.
14 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Haber Home Improvement
Haber, Fred C.
Haber, Alice
1 Lansing Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/11

Hamel, Sandra
671 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Haskins, Thomas L.
Haskins, Terri J.
a/k/a Moore, Terri J
5 Sanders St., Apt. D
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Heap, Donna M.
34 Pearl St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Herman, Leta Gwen
122/130 Old Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Hindle, John M.
Hindle, Beverly A.
17 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Hopkins, Marie D.
383 East River St. Apt. #5
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Johnson, Barbara L.
110 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Keepin It Local
Michelin, Omer R.
Michelin, Sandra-Ann M.
161 West Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/11

Kleczek, Gregory T.
439 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Kopacsy, Margaret S.
167 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Kuzminski, Casimir
Kuzminski, Doris
27 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/11

Lanouette, Karen M.
a/k/a Rust, Karen
39 Robinson Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Lanouette, Philippe J.
39 Robinson Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Latham, Henry Francis
17 Moody Bridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Ledgard, John P.
Ledgard, Maria J.
185 Simonds St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/09/11

Lemieux, James A.
604 Poole St
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Leroux, Kevin
1241 New Braintree Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/06/11

Longto, Dennis Norman
27 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Longto, Raya Chandreyee
a/k/a Ontanada, Raya C.
P.O.Box 204
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Mahon, Patrick R.
50 Tyringham Road
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Mann, Brian M.
669 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Martin, Martha H.
32 Pascal Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Mathieu, Amy Beth
20 Beaver Dr.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/11

McAlister, Noeline R.
a/k/a Symons, Noeline
a/k/a Ahsha, Neline
97 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

McGale, David J.
7 Constitution Ave.
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Milfort, Peter M.
Milfort, Marjorie L.
a/k/a Armitage, Marjorie L.
86 Fuller St. #15
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Miner, Raymond
Miner, Diane M.
92 Massachusetts Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Mongeau, Christopher L.
9 Ralph Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/06/11

Mosijchuk, Nadezhda
38 Spencer St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

MT Trucking Co., Inc.
457 Old Dana Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Myers, Deborah
88 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Myers, Philip J.
88 Rondeau St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Naumowicz, Lori A.
13 Benefit St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Niedzielski, Joseph D.
Niedzielski, Cynthia B.
25 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Ohlson, Beryl Elizabeth
34 Greenleaves Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/11

O’Neal, Michael S.
a/k/a Oneale, Michael S.
1130 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Page-Lacoff, Teri O.
38 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/11

Palmer, Deborah Ann
28 Bridge St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Paquin, Lester W.
120 Pleasant St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/04/11

Parks, Neal Stuart
122/130 Old Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/12/11

Patridge, Gordon W.
Landers-Patridge, Donna L.
15 Dugan Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Pitts, Victoria Ann
252 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/06/11

Porter, Ronald N.
Porter, Elizabeth Tomaya
3 Birch Knoll Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/07/11

Potter, Nancy R.
82 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/11

Pouliot, Jeffrey
Pouliot, Faith M.
a/k/a Robare, Faith
786 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Rahal, Ali
5 High St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Roache, Donald R.
82 Fargo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Roes, Robert N.
Roes, Sandra E.
10 Third Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/11

Russell, Theodore C.
Russell, Lisa D.
32 Shirley St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095-2000
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/11

Sandgren, William
Sandgren, Heather
202 Brookfield Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Santiago, Arcangel
245 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/11

Sias, Annemarie
a/k/a Spear-Sias, Annmarie
155 Woodland Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/05/11

Smith, Philip Todd
70 Shumway St., A-1
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Soares, Isabel M.
21 Bristol St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Soto, Anthony
10 James St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Sponberg, Julieanne
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/11

Stefanelli, Paul T.
Stefanelli, Candice S.
14 Como Drive
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/11

Stratton, Micah P.
Stratton, Diana L.
660 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Tom’s Siding and Window
Breault, Thomas J.
Breault, Michele
4 Huntington Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/11

Total Property Maintenance
O’Brien, Daniel S.
O’Brien, Deborah A.
a/k/a Janik, Deborah A.
88 Butternut St.
Springfield, MA 01128-1049
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Turcotte, Raymond G.
52 Littleville Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/11

Turner, Kimberly M.
a/k/a Broussard, Kimberly Marie
8 Conifer Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/11

Vandini, Judy Ann
1286 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/13/11

Weinberg, James
Weinberg, Helene
1072 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/11

Zantouliadis, George
20 Hampton Terrace
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/11

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2011.

AGAWAM

Bonavita Law Office
1775 Main St.
Anthony Bonavita

Jack Patterson Medical Sales
77 Debra Lane
Jack Patterson

Pondside Garage
704 Springfield St.
John Warren

Pure Power RF
50 Witheridge St.
Fred Stefanik

Silver Leaf Enterprises, LLC
36 Danny Lane
Bradley Wright

AMHERST

Game Central Station
220 North Pleasant St.
Younis Ghulam

Minuteman Cleaners Inc.
5 Pray St.
Moon J. Chang

V.I.D. Nail
181B University Dr.
Huy N. Thai

Winsome Smiles
50 Autumn Lane
Danielle Intile

CHICOPEE

Accounting Solutions
64 Robin Ridge Road
Traci Hopkins

Cosmo Cut & Style Salon
1890 Memorial Dr.
Viet N. Nguyen

Royal Coach Limousines, LLC
658 Fuller Road
John Garcia

HADLEY

Easy Mattress Stores, LLC
206 Russell St.
Paul Neto

Gomes Homes Health Care
18 New Lane
Ester Gomes

HOLYOKE

All in One Plus
92 Suffolk St.
Javier Rosa

B & V Automotive
101 North Bridge St.
Robert S. Vogel

M & L Car Audio & Clothing Accessories
119 High St.
Miguel A. Vega

Points East Accupuncture and Herbal Medicine
4 Open Square Way
Mark Mamuszka

The Hair Place
103 Chapin St.
Ronald E. Holland

NORTHAMPTON

L & T Respess Books
136 West St.
Linwood Respess

Pilar’s Cleaning Service
51 Con St.
Pilar Serpa

Kelli @ Continuous Creations
30 North Maple St.
Kelli Richardson

SOUTHWICK

Dang Shades
45 Rosewood Lane

Jimmy’s Pizza
81 Point Grove Road
K & S Restaurant Group, LLC

NWST, LLC
267 Hillside Road
Ralph Depalma

Silvercrest Farm
233 Mortvining Road
Paul Gregoire

Splatter Room
108 Congamond Road
Jeffrey Caron

SPRINGFIELD

M & P Cleaning Services
49 Ranney St.
Michely Acevedo

Omar’s Fashion
469 Main St.
Djibrilla Bonkano

Orchard Medical Associate
835 Worcester St.
Kevin Epstein

P & J Rentals
31 Florida St.
Jack Rodrigues

Pea Soup Catering
183 Emerson St.
Dianna Lemieux

Quick Pic Convenience Store
1343 Carew St.
Amir M. Paracha

Radiance Wellness Center
108 Dartmouth St.
Will G. Llewellyn

Santos Home Repair
76 Edgement St.
Jesus M. Santos

Smartalk
351 Bridge St.
Leonard Weitz

The Onlinebiz
55 Revere St.
Ormond Husbands

Town Pizza
459 Main St.
Waqar S. Khokhar

Travel Adventures
26 Hanson Dr.
Yelena Vatnikova

Wicked Tan
1760 Boston Road
Anna M. Major

WESTFIELD

DAS Alarm Systems Inc.
845 Airport Industrial Park Road
David Schenna

Debbie Reynolds Dance Academy
132 Elm St.
Debbie Reynolds

Guidance for Inner Peace
509 Southwick Road
Janice Pagano

Mayflowers at Pilgrim Candle Market Place
16 Union Ave.
Melissa Fouche

Menard Construction & Design
46 Stuart Place
Dennis Menard

P & C Group
50 Castle Hill Road
Paul Byrne

Patriot Freightliner Western Star, LLC
910 Southampton Road
Deborah Barss

Real China
116 Elm St.
Bizhen Zhu

Roberts Construction
31 Valley View Dr.
Jeffrey Roberts

Salvador’s Engraving and Awards
22 North Cherry St.
Bernadette Salvador Toomey

Shaker Farms Country Club
866 Shaker Road
Daniel Kotowicz

Tina Escalante Cleaning Service
80 George St.
Tina F. Escalante

TSC International
20 Camelot Lane
Todd S. Cieplinski

Western Mass Alliance
21-25 Montgomery St.
Brandon Palmer

Yellow Stonehouse Farm
354 Root Road
Constance Adams

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Absolute Transportation
59 Day St.
Ismat Niyazov

Agawam Melody Band
181 Park Ave.
George W. David

Anthony Wheeler Real Estate
116 Cedar Woods Glenn
Anthony Wheeler

Avada Hearing Care Center
459 Riverdale St.
Edbar Corporation Inc.

Capital Enterprises
172 Harwich Road
Arthur A. Arena

Discount Medical Depot, LLC
70 Windsor ST.
John Crean

Entre Computer Center
138 Memorial Ave.
P.C. Enterprises Inc.

HGL Transport
59 Lowell St.
Latipsha Kaimov

Kozar Realty, LLC
70 Greystone Ave.
Steven Kozar

LTG, Inc.
41 Oleander St.
Rachel L. Aibee

Mass Trans Insurance Agency
54 Oleander St.
Roman Shtetan

Music Tuitions
66 Irving St.
Mera Goroshit

Quality Appraisal Company
73 Rogers Ave.
Donald C. Pinkerman

The Friendly Barber Shop
90 Elm St.
Daniel V. Dineen

The Klassic Beauty Spot
2003 Riverdale St.
Sukhpal Kaur

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

JFBH Business Consulting Inc., 54 Colonial Ave., Agawam, MA 01001. James Hansmann, same. Business consultation services.

AMHERST

Local Links Inc., 36 Hallock St, #2, Amherst, MA 01002. Katie Byrne, 50 Castle Hill Road, Westfield, MA, 01085. Nonprofit organization designed to promote volunteerism and create opportunities for people to volunteer with various charitable organizations.

BELCHERTOWN

RBN Construction Inc., 38 Cedar Glen, Belchertown, MA 01007. Roman Nowakowski, same. Construction services.

CHICOPEE

New Amazon Foods Corp., 96 Chestnut St., #2, Chicopee, MA 01013. Luis Tavares Junior, 22-19 74th St. East Elmhurst, NY 11106. Frozen foods distribution.

GRANVILLE

Houston Enterprises-CT Inc., 43 Dickinson Dr., Granville, MA 01034. Thomas Houston, same. Pizza Hut franchise.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Lux Boutique Inc., 632 North Main St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Patrizia Anna Liquori, 35 Cross Meadow Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Clothing and accessories retail store.

EASTHAMPTON

Music and Poetry Synchronized Inc., 116 Pleasant St., Suite 328, Easthampton, MA 01027. Thomas Willits, 39 Massasoit St., Northampton, MA 01060. Nonprofit organization developed to provide music and poetry educational programs to children.

FEEDING HILLS

Responsible Driver Inc., 547 Springfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Gerald Smith, Jr. 52 Clematis Road, Agawam, MA 01001. Driving school.

GREENFIELD

Just Roots Inc., 97 Shelburne Road, Greenfield, MA 01301. Ted Wat, 87 Oakland St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Nonprofit organization.

HAMPDEN

La Cucina Express Inc., 4 Allen St., Hampden MA 01036. Geri Ann Cimmino, same. Restaurant.

HOLYOKE

HIM Tech Inc., 62 B Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Sirjana Lamichhane, same. IT consultation services.

LEE

Sullivan Station Restaurant Inc., 109 Railroad St., Lee, MA 01238. Darleen Marie Zradi Miss, 3 Vin Bebert Blvd., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Restaurant.

MONSON

Suffield Lumber Company Inc., 202 Palmer Road, Monson, MA 01057. David Kenniston, same. Lumber sales.

NORTHAMPTON

Wilde Investment Corp., 126 Vernon St., Northampton, MA 01061. Will Carswell, same. Investment holding services.

SPRINGFIELD

G.R.A.M.M. Corporation, 62 Kirk Dr., Springfield, MA 01109. Terrelle castle, same. Distribution of finished goods.

Hampden Entertainment District Inc., 11-13 Hampden St., Springfield, MA 01103. Heriberto Flores, 833 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01107.

Iglesia Pentecostal La Senda De La Vida En Cristo Inc., 312 Locust St., Springfield, MA 01118. Jose De Jesus, 1144 Summer Ave., Springfield, MA 01118. Church.

Jablonski Devriese Architects Inc., 29 Elliot St., Springfield, MA 01105. Stephen Jablonski, 22 Green Lane, Springfield, MA 01107. Architectural design firm.

New England International Chaplaincy Inc., 39 Groton St., Springfield, MA 01129. Religious ministry.

Northstar Recycling Company Inc., 89 Guion St., Springfield, MA 01104. Seth Goodman, 47 Academy Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Materials Brokerage.

Roebuck Investment Corporation Inc., 1331 Main St., 2nd Floor, Springfield, MA 01103. John Santanella, same. Investment company.

Tropical Food Marketing Deli Inc., 343 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Antonio Jimenez, same. Deli.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

OGI Trans Incorporated, 39 Colony Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Zdenko Dosen, same. Trucking and freight transportation services.

WESTFIELD

First Slavic Pentecostal Church of Springfield Inc., 64 Kennsington Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Pawel Lubanski, same.

Genesis Spiritual Life and Conference Center Inc., 53 Mill St., Westfield, MA 01085. Frank Irr, 18 Huntington Lane, Norwich, CT 06360. Retreat and educational conference center for individuals and groups.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Briefcase Departments

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Coming to Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — A deserving family in Springfield will have their dreams come true in just a few weeks thanks to ABC’s Emmy-winning reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. That family will learn of their good fortune with a knock on the door on Sept. 11, when the show’s team of designers will surprise them with the news that their home will be completely renovated. The build is a race against time involving a team of designers, contractors, and several hundred workers who have just seven days (one week for the actual construction) to rebuild an entire house — every room, the exterior, and landscaping. Normally, a project of this scope would take months, not days. Chicopee-based N. Riley Construction was selected by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s producers to be the lead builder on the project. The Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass. has also signed on to collect donations and help coordinate volunteer contractors. “We look for builders with big hearts, great skills, and a strong connection within their own community,” explained Milan Vasic, the show’s senior producer. “Nick and his crew at N. Riley Construction were the perfect fit.” The build officially kicked off with an announcement by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno on Aug. 19. A kickoff pep rally is scheduled for Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. (location TBA) with work beginning on Sept. 11, and continuing around the clock until Sept. 18. “We are thrilled to be part of this project and already have tons of support from the community,” noted Riley. “But we need your help and donations. So please go online and sign up to volunteer and donate.” Organizations and companies that have already signed on include: the city of Springfield, Abide, Ingram and Associates, Southampton Environmental, Durkee, White, Towne, and Chapdelaine, Ondrick, Kohler, Kitchen Encounters, Kraftmaid Cabinets, Silestone, Emtek, Dki, John Pelland Electric, Fontaine Bros., Galen and Sons, Superior Walls, Mvg Home Improvement, Crystal Brook Decorative Concrete, Sherwin Williams, Masterpiece Finishes, Shubee, Contemporary Structures, USG, ABC Supply, Daltile, Baystate Rug and Flooring, Bouchard, Pro-Tech, Select Blinds, Lumber Liquidators, Garvey Communication Associates Inc., James Langone Photography, and Viz-Bang. To donate, volunteer, or for more information, visit www.joinextreme.com/mass. Several families are being considered, and the recipients will be announced on the door-knock date. Local information, including the most up-to-date sponsors’ lists, behind-the-scenes photos, and news flashes, will be posted at facebook.com/emheSpringfield.

State’s Jobless Rate Holds Steady
BOSTON — Massachusetts continues to outperform the nation in job growth, according to the latest statistics from the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Employers in the state added nearly 13,000 jobs in July, building on strong gains in the first half of the year, the agency reported. The state’s unemployment rate held steady in July at 7.6%, well below the national rate of 9.1% in July, the office reported. Massachusetts has added more than 50,000 jobs since the beginning of the year.

HCC Plans ‘Working Green’ Training, Certification Programs
HOLYOKE — This fall, the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College will introduce new training courses that provide technical skills and a framework for developing sustainable facilities. “Green Facilities Training for Managers” is an introductory course that focuses on practical ideas and a plan of action for businesses to immediately save money. In addition, HCC will offer “Introduction to Cleaning Green,” “Getting to Sustainability Through Changes in Waste Contracting,” and “Introduction to Green Purchasing.” Also, a “Facility Team Green” program is designed for restaurant and lodging establishments. For more information on programming, visit www.hcc.edu/bcs or contact Rachel Bishop-Cook at (413) 552-2730 or [email protected].

Kindergartners to Receive Literacy Packets
SPRINGFIELD — Children entering the Springfield Public School kindergarten programs this fall will receive a special gift thanks to Link to Libraries Inc. Welcome to Kindergarten, the newest initiative by Link to Libraries, will include a bookbag, new book, bookmark, and educational materials that are bilingual. It is hoped that the selected youths participating in the test pilot program will have the opportunity to read their book with their parents or guardians at home. Classroom teachers will be asked to generate discussion among their pupils to gauge if the sharing of the book occurred at home between the parents or guardians and the youths. It will be requested of each teacher to return a brief survey to Link to Libraries to help determine the success and effectiveness of the program. Link to Libraries has donated more than 26,000 books to schools and nonprofit organizations throughout Western Mass. and Northern and Central Conn., and more than 10,000 books to Springfield public elementary schools since its inception in 2008. For more information, visit www.linktolibraries.org.

NH, Maine Join FastLane/E-ZPass Pacts
BOSTON — The Mass. Department of Transportation recently announced agreements with New Hampshire and Maine enabling all three states to impose sanctions on FastLane/E-ZPass toll violators across each other’s state lines. Enforceable penalties now include registration suspension (Maine) and denial of vehicle registration renewal (New Hampshire and Massachusetts). The tri-state reciprocity agreements are the first such agreements in the nation and mark an important step in ensuring toll equity by addressing revenue losses caused by motorists without FastLane or E-ZPass transponders or whose electronic accounts perennially have insufficient funds. “Electronic tolling accounts accounts for about 70% of our toll revenue,” said Jeffrey Mullan, MassDOT secretary and CEO. “These first-in-the-nation agreements allow us to continue to collect tolls more efficiently, to address toll equity issues, and to collect tolls from out-of-state violators.” The agreements will be in force for one year. After that, the agencies have the option to extend the term of the pilot program for up to two additional one-year periods or create permanent agreements. For more details, visit www.mass.gov/massdot.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Company Notebook Departments

HNE Files for Decrease in Premium Rates
SPRINGFIELD — Health New England (HNE) recently filed for a decrease in rates effective Oct. 1, 2011. HNE is the only plan in the state to have filed for a decrease. Juan Campbell, vice president of sales, noted in a statement that, over the past 16 months, HNE has experienced a “slowing in the rate of increase in costs and lower utilization of services which has lowered the overall medical trend.” Campbell added that medical trends drive approximately 90% of costs, while 10% covers administrative costs. “We are pleased to be in a position to pass on a reduction to individuals and employers,” he said. HNE, a provider-sponsored plan, is majority-owned by Baystate Health (approximately 97%), and the remaining 3% is held by independent practicing physicians in Western Mass. “We believe that to be successful in controlling health care costs requires a partnership between the health plan, the health care delivery system, and engagement with the member/patient,” added Peter Straley, HNE president and CEO.

Mercy Medical Center Scores High in Two National Rankings of Hospitals
SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center has been ranked in U.S. News Media & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” rankings, available online at www.usnews.com/besthospitals. The rankings, annually published by U.S. News for the past 22 years, will also be featured in the U.S. News Best Hospitals guidebook, which will go on sale August 30. The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide. Each is ranked among the country’s top hospitals in at least one medical specialty. Mercy ranked as high-performing in urology. “At Mercy Medical Center, we continuously strive for clinical excellence through the delivery of high-quality care. The U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of Mercy Medical Center among the nation’s best hospitals provides additional validation of our team’s success in providing the highest quality of patient care,” said Daniel Moen, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System. In other news, Mercy Medical Center has once again been recognized as a Top 100 Community Value hospital by Cleverley + Associates of Columbus, Ohio, a leading health care financial consulting firm specializing in operational benchmarking and performance-enhancement strategies. Mercy’s designation is noted in the independent organization’s recent publication, State of the Hospital Industry — 2011 Edition. “The concept of health care value has become increasing important to payers, employers, and individuals, not just here in Massachusetts, but also across the country,” said Moen. “Mercy Medical Center’s reputation for providing high quality care at a reasonable cost has again been independently validated by the presentation of both the Community Value 100 and Community Value Five Star Awards. At Mercy Medical Center, we believe that providing high-quality care is the right thing to do for our patients. As experts in medical economics have demonstrated, high-quality care actually costs less.”

Baystate Medical Center Recognized as a ‘High-performing Hospital’ in Report
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center is recognized as Massachusetts’ top hospital outside of Boston based on the most high-performing specialties, according to the latest edition of the U.S. News Media & World Reports 2011-12 Best Hospitals rankings. The rankings, annually published by U.S. News for the past 22 years, listed Baystate Medical Center as “high-performing” in the following specialties: cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, geriatrics, gynecology, nephrology, orthopedics, pulmonology, urology, and ear, nose, and throat. The latest rankings showcase 720 hospitals out of about 5,000 hospitals nationwide. Each is ranked among the country’s top hospitals in at least one medical specialty and/or ranked among the best hospitals in its metro area. “We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report for the quality of care we provide to patients right here in Western Mass. Baystate Medical Center has invested significantly in our quality and safety programs, and we are gratified by this recognition,” said Dr. Evan Benjamin, the hospital’s senior vice president of Healthcare Quality.

Big Y Opens New Store in Meriden
SPRINGFIELD — State and community officials attended a cake-cutting ceremony Aug. 25 as Big Y Foods opened its newest World Class Market at 533 South Broad St. in Meriden, Conn. The 55,500-square-foot market was completely refurbished after being vacated by its former operator. The new Big Y reflects todays modern supermarket standards along with an in-store pharmacy, prepared meals section, and eat-in café. Bowdoin Construction of Needham served as general contractor for this expansion in conjunction with several local subcontractors for the completion of the $3 million project. As part of Big Y’s grand reopening celebration, 15 schools in Meriden will each receive a check for $500 as part of the companys longstanding commitment to education.

WMECo, Employees Assist Tornado Victims
SPRINGFIELD — Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECo) and its employees recently contributed $28,600 to the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter and the Salvation Army to assist victims of the severe storms and tornado that struck Western Mass. on June 1, and for future disaster relief initiatives. “Many of our customers experienced unprecedented losses and disruptions to their lives,” said Peter Clarke, WMECo president and CEO. “We’re privileged to be able to help those organizations that are providing such essential services to the residents of the affected communities.” A check for $13,600 will be presented to the Red Cross, and $15,000 will be donated to the Salvation Army. The contributions are from WMECo employees; members of the Greater Springfield Reliability Project team, including its contractor, Burns & McDonnell; and corporate donations.

Chicopee Savings Bank Awards Scholarships
CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation recently awarded six scholarships, each for $3,000, to eligible high-school students attending one of eight participating high schools within the market area. Scholarships were awarded to Amanda Pierce, graduate of Ware Jr./Sr. High School; Allison O’Shea, Chicopee High School; Kyle Benoit, Ludlow High School; Kaitlyn Baranowski, South Hadley High School; Trent Domingos, Chicopee Comprehensive High School; and Alyssa Sawyer, West Springfield High School. For the fifth year, this program replaced the Chicopee Savings Bank Medallion Scholarship Program, which was established in 1976 in conjunction with the nation’s bicentennial celebration. After 30 years in existence, an estimated $80,000 was awarded to high-school students residing in Chicopee.

Credit Union, CES Create Partnership to Assist Students
AMHERST — The UMass Five College Credit Union and the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES) have formed a unique partnership to provide loans to eligible students enrolled in the CES educator licensure and graduate programs. The collaborative offers programs leading to initial licensure in a wide variety of subjects, including high-need areas such as special education, English as a second language, science, and math. The loan offers a variable interest rate and terms up to seven years. Payment deferments are also available. The maximum loan amount is $20,000. Students enrolled in any CES program are eligible to join the credit union and apply for the financing opportunity. “Over the next few years, many teachers who are Baby Boomers are going to retire, opening up a lot of jobs in the educational field,” said Phyllis White, director of programs for the Franklin Hampshire Career Center. “With the new loan program, students enrolled in the collaborative’s licensure programs can get the financial help they need to enter teaching or school administration careers.” For more information on the loan program, visit www.umassfive.org/ces_student_loan. For more about the CES licensure program, visit www.techinmass.org.

MassMutual Webcast Attendance Up
SPRINGFIELD — More than 800 retirement-plan advisors and sponsors attended the recent “Plan Health and Retirement Readiness” webcast hosted by PLANSPONSOR magazine and sponsored by MassMutual Retirement Services. The informational webcast addressed two key challenges facing the retirement industry today — the importance of measuring plan health and helping plan participants prepare for retirement. Presenters reviewed the critical characteristics of the new retirement plan and discussed ways that plan advisors and sponsors can help improve overall plan health, prepare participants for retirement, and fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities. An integral part of this framework, the MassMutual PlanSmart Analysis report, allows advisors and sponsors to gauge the health of a plan by assessing the percentage of employees likely to have enough income in retirement. And for participants, the RetireSmart Ready tool provides a simple way to assess their personal level of retirement readiness. “The outstanding attendance of this webcast signifies how important the topics of plan health and retirement readiness are to the retirement services industry today,” said Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division and chairman and CEO of MassMutual International LLC.

Central Scores High in Ranking of High Schools
SPRINGFIELD — The Washington Post recently recognized Springfield Central High School among the top of all academic high schools in the United States, citing the school’s strong commitment to preparing students for college as a key factor in its rating. Principal Thaddeus Tokarz said the school is elated by the good news. “This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to all of the tireless hours our students and staff put in every day,” said Tokarz, adding that the ranking places Central in the nation’s top 5% of high schools. “It affirms we are on the right track toward our goal to be one of the top high schools in the country by 2015. This is a terrific step along the way.” The ranking by the Post places the school as one of the top 1,900 academic high schools in the country, and identifies the school as a national leader in college preparation. Over the past five years, the number of Central High School students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses more than doubled going from 222 to 517. And Central High School students’ performance on Advanced Placement examinations outpaces the national average. Advanced Placement classes are college-level courses that earn high school students college credit upon successful completion.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Departments People on the Move

Nicolle Cestero

has been named Associate Vice President of Human Resources at American International College in Springfield. Her role includes overseeing recruitment, employment relations, compliance with governing regulations, HR process and procedures, classification and compensation services, and performance management. Cestero will also focus on benefits administration, training and development, and contract negotiations.
•••••
Big Y Foods Inc. in Springfield announced the following:

Guy McFarlane

• Guy McFarlane has been appointed Senior Director of Fresh Foods.
Gary Bolduc

Gary Bolduc

• Gary Bolduc has been appointed Director of Meat and Seafood.
•••••
Allan Costello has joined Berkshire Bank as Senior Vice President and Audit and Compliance Manager. He will lead the internal audit and compliance teams throughout the company.
•••••
Fallon Community Health Plan has named Attorney Gerard Campbell as Privacy Officer and Compliance Manager at its Worcester headquarters. He will serve as the company’s primary resource for questions related to privacy and confidentiality as they pertain to FCHP and its employees, customers, vendors, and business partners.
•••••
Chicopee Savings Bank announced the following:

Anthony Antonopoulos

• Anthony Antonopoulos has been promoted to Vice President of Compliance and serves as the bank’s Security Officer;

Henry Downey

• Henry Downey has been promoted to Vice President of Commercial Lending; and

Elizabeth Maroney

• Elizabeth Maroney has been promoted to Vice President of Loan Administration.
•••••
The Western Mass Wellness Center in West Springfield announced the following:

Kelley Hamaoui

• Tai Chi instructor Kelley Hamaoui has begun offering tai chi classes;

Bonnie Coopersmith

• Bonnie Coopersmith, LMFT, a licensed Individual and Relationship Therapist, has begun offering consultation services;
• Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman, owner of the Clutter Doctor, has formed the Western Mass. Clutter Support Group through the wellness center; and

Lynn LaDuke

• Lynn LaDuke has joined the wellness center as a presenter and speaker on holistic options for pain relief for fibromyalgia sufferers. Her program is titled Restoring Quality of Life.
•••••
Bevan Brunelle has been appointed Marketing Manager at CityStage & Symphony Hall in Springfield.
•••••
MassMutual Retirement Services in Springfield announced the following:
• Garrett Carlough has joined MassMutual as Sales Director. He is based in New York City and is providing additional coverage for New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, and Northern New Jersey; and
• Andrew Hanlon has been appointed Sales Director. He is based in Boston, increasing coverage for eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine.
•••••
Danielle Goldaper has been named Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at American International College in Springfield.
•••••
Best Tile of Springfield announced the following:
• Walt Sawa, Manager, has announced his retirement after 44 years of service with the company.
• Karen Belezarian-Tesini has been promoted to Branch Manager. She has served as Showroom Manager since 1996.
•••••
Mark Haynes, President and Chief Operating Officer of Environmental Compliance Services in Agawam, has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Chamber of Business and Industry.
•••••
Karen Stonehouse has been invited by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime to take part in establishing a national curriculum to train new protective-service caseworkers. This initiative is part of a nationwide pilot program to develop standardized competency trainings that can be used as a framework by other states to adapt to fit their regulations. In most states, the protective-service caseworkers are the first responders to report elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Stonehouse will conduct a course titled “Working within the Criminal Justice System” in September. She is a Supervisor in the Protective Services Unit at Greater Springfield Senior Services Inc., based in Springfield.
•••••
Wayne Budd, a longtime member of AAA Southern New England’s Board of Directors and most recently the Vice Chairman of AAA’s National Board of Directors, will now serve as Chairman of the national board. A Springfield native, Budd is a Senior Counsel at the Boston law firm of Goodwin Procter, and is a former U.S. attorney and former U.S. associate attorney general.
•••••
Michael Tucker, President of Greenfield Co-operative Bank, has been elected Treasurer of the Mass. Bankers Assoc.
•••••
Keith G. Roy Construction of Westfield announced the following:
• Keith Roy, President, has completed the Vinyl Siding Institute’s certified installer program; and
• Joshua Roy, Crew Leader, has also completed the certified installer program.
The firm has been in operation since 1946 and is a second-generation, family-owned company that provides siding and roofing installation and repair as well as other home-construction services.
•••••
Linda Carfora has been named Assistant Director of Educational Services for the Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow. She is responsible for coordination of the school’s two campuses, the management of the center-based home campus in Longmeadow as well as the partnership, mainstreaming campus in the East Longmeadow Public Schools.
•••••
Shanda Reynelli has been appointed Clinical Director of Children’s Services for the Center for Human Development, based in Springfield. Reynelli, a licensed mental health counselor, will oversee clinical services for all CHD programs serving children and adolescents.
•••••
Thomas Devivo has joined the Charter Department sales team at Peter Pan Bus Lines in Springfield. Devivo handles outside charter sales business for Peter Pan throughout the Greater New York and Northeast areas.
•••••
Western New England University in Springfield recently announced new members of its Board of Trustees. They are:
∙ Stephen J. Rourke, Vice President of System Planning for ISO New England.
∙ Neville S. Bogle, Senior Financial Consultant with Travelers Insurance Co. in Hartford, Conn.
∙ Robert W. Dobek, Pharmacist, in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Sept. 6: Springfield Chamber of Commerce board of directors meeting, noon-1 p.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

• Sept. 7: Business @ Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m.,Twin Hills Country Club. Members, $20; non-members, $30. To reserve tickets, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 755-1313 or [email protected].

• Sept. 9: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

• Sept. 14: After 5, 5-7 p.m. at Mama Iguana’s, Main Street, Northampton. Members, $10; non-members, $20. To reserve tickets, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 755-1313 or [email protected].

• Sept. 15: ACCGS board of directors meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

• Sept. 19: ACCGS Golf Tournament, Ludlow Country Club, Tony Lema Drive, Ludlow. Shotgun start at noon. Cost per golfer, $150. Contact Cecile Larose, [email protected].

• Sept. 21: ERC board of directors meeting, 8-9 a.m., the Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, 2 Lodge Lane, Wilbraham.

• Sept. 21: ACCGS ambassadors meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.

• Sept. 21: PWC Luncheon, “Up the Ladder: The Power of Education.” Special guest speaker: Carol Leary, president, Bay Path College. Reserve tickets through Lynn Johnson, [email protected].

• Sept. 30: Hampden/Wilbraham Golf Classic, Country Club of Wilbraham. Shotgun start at noon. Cost per golfer: $110. Contact Sarah Tsitso, [email protected].

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• August 31: The University of Massachusetts Amherst & Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce 45th Annual Community Breakfast, 7:30-9. Hosted by UMass Amherst Student Union Ballroom (free parking in the Campus Center Garage). Sponsored by UMass Amherst and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $8 when you register and pay on-line at www.umassconferenceservices.com/registration. Tickets will be available at the door for $10. For more information, call (413) 577-1101, or [email protected].

• Sept. 7: Multi Chamber After 5 Networking Event, 5-7 p.m. at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. (Amherst Area Chamber, Greater Easthampton Chamber, and Greater Northampton Chamber). Sponsored by: Traditional Health First, UMass Fine Arts Center, and Murphy McCoubrey Attorneys at Law. Tickets: $5 for chamber members; $10 for non-members. RSVP at (413) 253-0700, or [email protected].

• Sept. 21: Chamber breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. Hosted by: Applewood at Amherst. Topic updates on North and South Amherst and Kendrick Park. Sponsored by Elite Home Health Agency. Tickets: $15 for chamber members; $20 for non-members.
RSVP at (413) 253-0700 or [email protected].

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

• Sept. 7: Summer Sizzle, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Chicopee Moose Family Center #1849, 244 Fuller Road, Chicopee. Tickets: $20 for members, or if you have five or more employees, $18 each; $25 for non-members. Sponsors: Championship: Pilgrim Interiors Inc., Chicopee Electronics, LLC, and United Bank; Pennant: Dave’s Truck Repair Inc., Days Inn, and Wingate at South Hadley.

• Sept. 21: Salute breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. at the MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, 350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Tickets: $19 for members; $26 for non-members.

• Sept. 27: Rake in the Business Table Top Expo & Business Networking Event, 4:30- 7 p.m. at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Presented by the Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, Greater Westfield, and the North Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. Exhibitor fee: $100 per table. Admission fee: $5 pre-registered, $10 at the door. Sign up online www.chicopeechamber.org, or call (413) 594-2101

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

• Sept. 7: Multi-Chamber Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. Join with the Greater Easthampton, Amherst Area, and Greater Northampton Chambers for a special evening of business networking. Sponsored by: Fleury Lumber Company and Innovative Business Systems. Door prizes, hors d’ouevres, host beer and wine. Tickets: $10. RSVP to [email protected] or (413) 527-9414 by Sept. 6.

• Sept. 24: Recycling Day, 8:30 a.m-1 p.m. Responsibly dispose of your old computer, monitor, television, stereo and/or home and office appliances. Open to all members of area communities. Location: Valley Recycling, 245 Easthampton Road (Route 10), Northampton. Contact the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or [email protected] for recycling fees. Recycling services courtesy of Duseau Trucking, Hatfield. Proceeds to benefit chamber community programs.

Northampton Area Young Professional Society
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

• Sept. 15: Vote the Valley, 5-7 p.m., Springfield Country Club, West Springfield. YPS (Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield) in Partnership with NAYP (Northampton Area Young Professionals) bring back Vote the Valley.

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

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

• Sept. 13: Skinner Museum Stroll, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Mount Holyoke College. Special guest: Lynn Pasquerella, president of Mount Holyoke College. Highlights: tours of Skinner Museum collection; refreshments under the tent. Tickets: $5 for chamber members.

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

• Sept. 12: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m. Hosted by the Holiday Inn Express, Barnes Meeting Room. Complimentary coffee and Danish. Call the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618 if you plan on attending.

• Sept. 16: Chamber September Breakfast. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m. Hosted by 104th Fighter Wing Air National Guard Base, 175 Falcon Dr., Westfield. Guest speaker will be Allan W. Blair, President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass. Cost: members, $20; non-members, $25. Contact Carrie Dearing at (413) 568-1618 or at [email protected].

• Sept. 27: 14th Annual Rake in the Business Table Top Showcase. The Greater Westfield, Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, and North Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce will hold a multi-chamber trade show. Members may purchase a table for $100; purchase includes four complimentary admission tickets. Admission for the public is $5 for anyone who pre-registers, $10 at the door. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at a platinum, gold, or silver level. Call the Carrie at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail, [email protected].

YPS-Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

• Sept. 15: Vote the Valley, 5-7 p.m. at Springfield Country Club, West Springfield. YPS (Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield) in Partnership with NAYP (Northampton Area Young Professionals) bring back Vote the Valley.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Court Dockets 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
Tayisha Guzman v. Chicopee Village Townhouses
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property, causing slip and fall: $3,389.33
Filed: 6/30/11

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Edwin Diaz v. CSX Intermobil Inc.
Allegation: Defendant misclassified as an independent contractor instead of employee, transferring numerous costs unlawfully from the defendant to the plaintiff: $495,463.91
Filed: 4/25/11

Geodesign Inc. v. Purcell Associates and the Town of West Springfield
Allegation: Collection of outstanding fees for design services rendered on a construction project: $1,090,295
Filed: 4/20/11

Peter Mayberry v. Allcare Dental Management Inc.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $50,000+
Filed: 4/27/11

Ted Ondrick Company, LLC v. Green River Development, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of paving services rendered: $25,350.30
Filed: 5/6/11

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Rose P. Gamin v. Five Star Aviation Inc.
Allegation: Crash of aircraft due to negligence of maintenance facility: $65,000
Filed: 7/18/11

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
JP Elastomerics Corp. v. Soltech Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay commission: $16,646.80
Filed: 6/14/11

Shawn Mineau and Kevin Mullen v. Decosino Construction and Five Star Building Construction
Allegation: Failure to pay prevailing wages: $25,000
Filed: 6/9/11

Michael Elbery v. City Tire Inc.
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive trade practices and fraud: $10,000
Filed: 6/27/11

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Advanta Bank Corp. v. Alpha Builders Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on credit account: $10,533.95
Filed: 6/19/11

Arthur C. Lamb Co. Inc. v. National Maintenance and Service Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,417.37
Filed: 6/3/11

Beacon Sales Co. v. Keith G. Roy Home Improvement and Construction
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,629.76
Filed: 6/19/11

BSI, LLC v. Tigar Refrigeration Co., LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,123.72
Filed: 6/19/11

Catherine Nguyen v. Faces of Phobia
Allegation: Plaintiff was injured after being struck in the face by another patron who was startled and trying to flee: $24,999.99
Filed: 6/6/11

Concord Electrical Supply Limited v. Precision Electric Enterprise, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $22,243.99
Filed: 6/24/11

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Industrial Air Solutions v. Creative Hardware Floors Inc.
Allegation: Enforcement of a previous judgment: $5,488.54
Filed: 6/3/11

Law

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Law Sections

Autism Legislation: What It Means for Your Child

By MELISSA R. GILLIS, Esq. and DENNIS G. Egan Jr.

Melissa R. Gillis

Imagine this: an issue so big that when the governor signs a much-anticipated bill into law so many parents and families want to view the historic event that the signing has to take place at Fenway Park in Boston, instead of the State House, to accommodate the crowd.
Well, that’s exactly what happened on August 3, 2010 when Gov. Deval Patrick signed House Bill 4935 (an Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ARICA) into law. As the crowd cheered, Massachusetts, finally having recognized the unfair and unreasonable burden imposed on families with children diagnosed with autism, became the 23rd state to pass such legislation.
Effective Jan. 1, 2011, private health-insurance plans, employees and retirees under the state plan, hospital service plans, and HMOs are now required to provide coverage of evidence-based, medically necessary autism therapies for diagnosed persons of all ages. After being deemed medically necessary by a doctor, coverage will include habilitative and rehabilitative treatments, psychiatric and other therapeutic care, diagnostic tests, applied behavioral analysis and health treatments, pharmaceuticals, and other care provided, prescribed, or ordered by a licensed physician or psychologist for a person on the autism spectrum, including speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. There is no age restriction for any of these treatments to begin or end.
Additionally, insurers cannot establish dollar-amount, annual, or lifetime service limitations on the required coverage that are less than that for other physical conditions, and they are prohibited from limiting the number of visits an individual makes to an autism-service provider. Implementation of ARICA is, however, based on each policy’s specific annual renewal date, so coverage goes into effect only when your company’s insurance plan renews after Jan. 1, 2011.

Dennis G. Egan

There are several types of plans, however, that are not subject to ARICA. These include self-funded plans, which are regulated by ERISA and therefore subject to federal laws, unless they comply with state laws as a matter of practice. Importantly, services received under MassHealth and CommonHealth are also not subject to ARICA.
Contacting your employer is the easiest way to determine if they are subject to this new law, and for those covered by MassHealth and CommonHealth, families with autistic children under the age of 9 can apply for the Mass. Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver through the Department of Developmental Services. Additionally, if your plan is regulated by ERISA, the recently enacted federal health care reform contains language that will eventually cover autism treatment. Other caveats to the new law include a clause wherein insurers can opt out of providing coverage for three years if their costs rise by more than1% per year. However, this determination is to be made based on an independent review and not by the insurers themselves.
Opponents of ARICA and small-business owners argue that the cost of providing health care benefits to employees will become even more difficult for businesses already struggling to absorb rising plan premiums. Concerned that increased costs will ultimately cause business owners to offer less-quality health care packages or be reluctant to hire new employees who would be eligible for health insurance, they may have no alternative but to pass the cost along to employees.
ARICA leaves those who are skeptical asking, ‘what’s the catch?’ Many suspicious parents believe the insurance companies will use it as a way to deny claims and force parents to jump through a number of hoops before agreeing to cover services, or that some will simply give up trying. Others don’t want their children to be forced into a label of being on the autism spectrum disorder, and urge everyone to make sure there are proper medical assessments and treatments prior thereto, which seemingly is a catch-22 scenario in and of itself.
Yet advocates, including Autism Speaks, say this law is one of the most comprehensive in the nation, and will finally provide families with the relief desperately needed so that children can receive the therapies they deserve in order to meet their full developmental potential. Your child will no longer be denied, and parents will no longer have to pay out of pocket for health treatment if it’s deemed medically necessary because of an autism diagnosis. Other ARICA proponents argue that, until now, many parents were prevented from actually getting a diagnosis of autism for their child because of a lack of proper insurance coverage.
Under ARICA, educational services provided under an individualized education plan are unaffected. But while insurers are not required to pay for in-school services, studies show that, in other states that have similar legislation, towns and the states themselves end up actually saving money because, when children with autism receive appropriate treatment, more of them are likely to be able to participate in regular classes, thereby reducing the cost of expensive special-education services.
That said, as with any new law or significant change, time is required to work out the kinks, but generally speaking, Massachusetts has certainly made a huge step in the right direction with the acknowledgement that autism is a growing national health crisis, if not an epidemic, and that the time is now for insurance companies to assist families in ensuring their children get the proper treatment and care, just as they would for the flu or common cold.

Melissa R. Gillis, Esq. is an associate with Bacon Wilson, P.C. in the special education, family, and real estate departments; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]. Dennis G. Egan Jr. is an associate with Bacon Wilson, P.C, concentrating in special education, business, and corporate law; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]

Programming the Future

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2011

Features

For Holyoke, the High- performance Computing Center Is Only the Beginning

Holyoke Canals

The high-performance computing center soon to take shape in downtown Holyoke is a large project creating a good deal of excitement. Two things it won’t create directly, however, are large numbers of jobs and tax revenue. So area planning officials are hard at work looking at ways to generate both indirectly. They call it leveraging an asset. The strategies being developed have many facets, and are summed up by one official as a “surround-sound approach to economic development.”

The high-performance computing center being developed in downtown Holyoke brings together a group of public and private partners in a groundbreaking initiative that will eventually provide unparalleled computing power for the state’s most prestigious universities.
Imagine its impact on … farming.
No, really.
“The high-performance computing center will generate a lot of heat,” said Kathleen Anderson, director of Holyoke’s Office of Planning and Development. “If we did urban agriculture, we could take the heat from the computing center and pump it into greenhouses or possibly older mill buildings and start growing things.”Such a project, she said, could generate more than 100 jobs.
“Then there’s distributors, processing plants up and down the Valley … how do you include them? An asset like that in Holyoke would need distribution, processing, transportation — how can we leverage that asset to help other businesses in the Valley?”

Tim Brennan says efforts to leverage the computing centers can be described as “the surround-sound approach to economic development.”

Tim Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, also cited agriculture as a way to create economic development from a facility that in itself won’t generate many jobs for the city.
“Can we capture the heat it gives off and create a very large-scale urban greenhouse where we could have vegetable production year-round?” he said. “That’s an asset to much of the region; many farmers are active in agricultural production but see the winter period as downtime, because the climate in New England is not conducive to growing in every season. And it could help create middle-income jobs with benefits for people in Holyoke.”
What has members of the Holyoke Innovation District Task Force — a broad partnership charged with leveraging the computing center and related downtown efforts into large-scale economic development — so excited isn’t the prospect of growing crops in a former mill. It’s that urban agriculture represents only one of many ways to make the city’s (and region’s) economy more robust.
Urban farming, said Brennan, “is an example people can get their heads around of how we can create leverage out of the computing center and get jobs and also off-site benefits that ripple positively to the regional economy. This region is disposed to being at the cutting edge, so can we use that quality to fuel more innovation, more technological entities here? And they don’t necessarily need to all be in Holyoke.”
“The strategy,” said Anderson, “is basically to determine what industries are most likely to take advantage of the assets in Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley and where they’re likely to locate. So we’re looking at economic opportunities within the Innovation District, the entire city of Holyoke, and the whole Pioneer Valley, and asking, what are the related investment pieces and strategies needed to achieve this economic potential?”

Thinking Big
The task force, Anderson explained, developed strategies with a threefold overall goal in mind: to increase and improve job opportunities for the residents of Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley, to attract an increased level of private investment into Holyoke, and to connect the green high-performance computing center and various regional assets into an integrated economic-development marketing and delivery system.
The eight broad strategies that sprung from this multi-pronged goal target different aspects of economic development, but tend to originate from strengths Holyoke already possesses. Clean-energy innovation and development is one example.
The idea is to maintain the city’s low-cost, renewable-energy-based competitive advantage by expanding the city’s portfolio of cost-effective renewable-energy generation capacity, and eventually transform Holyoke into a global leader in clean-energy research and applications. A longer-term objective is to convert that research into the widespread manufacturing of clean-energy products.
That goal makes sense in the context of Holyoke’s hydropower capacity, one of the significant factors in the computing center being located there.
“Holyoke Gas & Electric has the cheapest electrical rates in New England for industrial customers,” Anderson said. “They (center developers) saw the low-cost real estate and also wanted clean energy with hydro, and we were able to do that.”
Holyoke Mayor Elaine Pluta is certainly thinking big about Holyoke as a renewable-energy leader.
“Our overall goal is to become as close to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible,” she said. “That’s the message, and the word will get out, because we’re going to be promoting that to the economic developers and letting them know that, if they want to do green projects, this is the city to come to. The computing center is going to be a green project, and that’s going to be one of the first of many, we hope.”
Brennan has long been an advocate of moving toward renewable energy as the world’s primary source of power — and of thinking urgently about the issue.
“High energy costs, uncertainty of supplies, and threats from climate change are changing everything,” he said. “The transition from coal as the primary fuel source in this country took 30 to 50 years. I don’t think we have 30 to 50 years this time, so those parts of the country that don’t get out in front of this wave are going to fall behind it. We’ll also take that message about low energy costs and carry it as far as we can.”
Other strategies the task force has developed include:
• making the Innovation District a sort of laboratory for innovation and entrepreneurship, with assets in place to support startups;
• leveraging the region’s colleges and universities as a critical part of its talent base and reputation;
• creating more sites ready for development and redevelopment by identifying priority sites, selectively clearing and remediating abandoned properties, and providing incentives to encourage investment;
• coordinating among all regional economic-development players to streamline the processes for attracting and retaining businesses;
• creating and growing an information-technology industry cluster; and
• retaining and growing manufacturing opportunities in Holyoke by building from the city’s existing advantages, such as low-cost energy and real estate, available workforce, and transportation access.
In short, “the high-performance computing center is coming to Holyoke, so how do we leverage that opportunity?” Anderson said. “We know there’s going to be a minimal amount of jobs and no taxes — it’s a tax-exempt entity — so this task force was established to leverage this opportunity for economic-development opportunities.”
Pluta partly disputed those jobs-and-taxes claims, noting that “there will be a small amount of jobs, and we are going to be looking at a small amount of tax revenue from them. But, yes, we are mostly looking for the spinoff on that development, and it’s going to have an effect on all our economic development, especially in the immediate area.
“We already have the building across the way from [the computing center] being rehabbed for office space, and we’re looking for more of that,” she added. “We are making progress, and I’m assured that, within a short period of time, we’ll be targeting pieces of property where we anticipate seeing development and preparing those parcels for someone to come in and develop. We’re getting very close to being at that point in time.”

Scoring Opportunities
Brennan noted that the strategy part of the process is complete; “now we’re working with what’s been handed to us and trying not to fumble it, but taking it up the field to score.
“There are multiple tracks,” he noted. “What does Holyoke need to do, and what benefits can be derived locally, and what things does the region have to do, and what benefits can be derived from a regional perspective? Then there’s obviously heavy state interest in the whole property, as much as the state itself has an investment. This is sort of a surround-sound approach to economic development.”
Brennan stressed the need to prioritize. “We can’t do everything. We have to take these recommendations and assign some priorities to them, put them into time zones. What do we need to do in the short term that’s achievable? Mid-range and longer-range items need more time, but might have a more significant payoff.”
Pluta said she foresees a snowball effect once economic development related to the Innovation District begins in Holyoke, in no small part due to factors such as the city’s affordability and capacity for renewable energy.
“We want to create a climate for businesses to come, not only to Holyoke, but to the Pioneer Valley,” Anderson said. “A lot of people in Holyoke need jobs, so what kind of strategy could we use to create them? What things can we do to deal with that?”
Again, Brennan said, the idea is to determine what can be accomplished right away, and what needs to be cultivated over time.
“I think the Holyoke high-performance computing center is an attractive force, but the ability to be a magnet and pull firms from outside the region and outside Holyoke is one of the mid- or long-term targets,” he told BusinessWest. “I honestly see that, in the short term, small and mid-sized businesses are where the action is, and we have these within this region. We need to grow our own economic base in the Valley through entrepreneurship, and nurture the businesses we have and allow them to grow.”
In Brennan’s view – and he’s been observing the business culture in the Pioneer Valley for a long time – the raw materials are there.
“One of the things this work reinforces is that what matters most to all future economic development is not tax breaks, it’s not land – it’s about talent,” he said. “Talent matters most, and diversity is a close second. There are disguised opportunities here that the work of the task force has teased out.”
Anderson heartily agreed.
“I think right now, between the urban-renewal plan in our urban core and the whole Innovation District task-force strategies, there are a lot of eyes on Holyoke and how we can make a better business climate in the region,” she said. “To me, this work solidifies the things I know to be true, but we’re still trying to accomplish what’s been very difficult to accomplish.”
Still, she added, “I’m confident we have the strategy moving forward to benefit Holyoke and the region.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

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