2012 - Page 9 of 14 - BusinessWest

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

By BusinessWest Staff May 8, 2012

Banking and Financial Services Sections

Keys to Understanding and Negotiating Bank Covenants

Kristi Reale

Most commercial-loan agreements contain what are commonly referred to as financial covenants. These covenants often serve as an early-warning system to alert both the lender and the borrower that the business might not be headed in a positive direction.
Knowledge of how these covenants are constructed and why they might be included is very important in negotiating an effective loan agreement.
Covenants typically break down into three classifications: affirmative or positive, restrictive or negative, and financial. What follows is a review of these covenants and some of the language attached to them, as well as some answers to many of the common questions that business owners and managers have about these terms and conditions.
Affirmative or positive covenants are standards and requirements the borrower must meet while the business loan is outstanding. Examples include maintaining the proper level of insurance coverage, paying taxes in a timely manner, maintaining a checking account with the lender, submitting financial information to the lender, or maintaining the business.
Restrictive or negative covenants are requirements that limit the borrower’s actions in favor of the lender. Examples include limiting capital-acquisition purchases, restricting dividends or stockholder distributions, limiting owner compensation, or preventing new borrowings from other lenders.
Financial covenants are usually derived from common ratios and other metrics based on the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows, and require the borrower to maintain certain liquidity or performance ratios. Some of the most common are:
• Debt-to-equity ratio: This ratio, sometimes called a leverage ratio, is a benchmark of a business’ total liabilities divided by its total stockholders’ equity. This ratio highlights how much the owners have at risk (equity) vs. the lenders (liabilities). A ratio of 1.5:1 indicates that, for every dollar of equity in a company, there also exists $1.50 of debt.
• Debt-service ratio: This ratio is a cash-flow measure that reflects the borrower’s ability to service its debt obligations. It is usually calculated as a company’s net cash flow divided by its required debt service during a given period. A calculation of 1.2x indicates that, for every $1 of debt service (principal plus interest) a company is responsible for in a given period, it has $1.20 in net cash to service it. This is often a good measure of a borrower’s cash flexibility in meeting debt obligations.
• Working-capital ratio: This ratio is defined as those funds invested in a company’s cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and other current assets, and is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. Working capital finances a company’s cash-conversion cycle, which is the time required to convert raw materials into finished goods, finished goods into sales, and accounts receivable into cash. A positive working-capital covenant ensures that the borrower exercises prudent balance-sheet management and maintains adequate flexibility to meet interim cash needs.

Can You Negotiate Covenants with
Your Lender?
If your company is strong financially, you are in a better position to negotiate loan covenants with your lender when you are applying for a new loan. Lenders utilize covenants to minimize their risk and protect their interests; however, a lender would not be making a loan to your business if it did not want your business to succeed. Have a clear idea of where your strengths lie, and negotiate your covenants accordingly.
By submitting a well-developed business plan and having an honest discussion with them about your business, you might be surprised by how willing a lender will be to work with you.

Know What You Are Signing
Ignorance is not bliss when signing a loan agreement, so make sure you carefully read your loan document and understand what you are agreeing to. If you do not understand a covenant or how it is calculated, you should seek out professional guidance, as once you sign that document, you are bound by the terms and conditions of the loan agreement regardless of your understanding.

Monitor and Communicate
Do not wait until the end of the year to look at your covenants. Create a proactive system to monitor progress on all financial loan covenants. Covenants should be reviewed at least quarterly. Update your internal projections through the end of the year and calculate whether you will be in compliance.
If you determine that a covenant breach is apparent, you should contact your lender as soon as possible. Be open and forthright with your lender, as they do not like surprises. Set a meeting; bring your calculations, projections for the remainder of the year, and a realistic recovery plan for the future. The lender is now aware of a possible breach that could occur, and the conversation will be calmer than one conducted at the last minute. A well-informed lender may be willing to change the terms of your loan to your benefit.

What If I Do Not Pass?
Once you realize that you will not be in compliance with the covenants, you will need to notify your lender in writing and request a covenant-waiver letter. This letter basically acknowledges the non-compliance, and the bank then waives the company’s compliance for the period in question.
A covenant breach is a technical violation of the loan document, and allows the lender to take any action legally available under the terms of the loan agreement. One of the most severe actions is to call the loan and terminate the relationship; though not the most common action, it is a possibility.
More often than not, the lender will charge you a penalty for a covenant breach. These penalties can be an increase in the interest rate paid or a one-time monitory penalty. You can attempt to negotiate the penalty with your lender; however, once the covenant is breached the power shifts to the lender.

In Conclusion
It is very important for business owners to fully understand loan-covenant issues in today’s tight credit environment. Failure to do so can place your organization at significant risk. Maintain a healthy and open communication with your lender.
Remember, they would not be willing to loan you money if they did not want your business to succeed. Be prepared to negotiate with a detailed plan of action, and utilize outside professionals such as independent certified public accountants to ensure that covenants are fair, achievable, and address your company’s needs. Your CPA and your banker can be valuable resources in structuring your loan to be the most advantageous to all parties.

Kristi Reale, CPA, CVA is a senior manager with Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. in Holyoke. In addition to the tax, accounting, and consulting services she provides clients, she is also a certified valuation analyst; (413) 536-8510.

Adding Things Up

By BusinessWest Staff May 8, 2012

Banking and Financial Services Sections

Many Factors Go into Determining the Success of a 401(k) Plan

Charlie Epstein

The future retirement of many Americans depends on the success of their retirement plans. Although some believe that Social Security will be enough to provide a satisfactory standard of living in retirement, the administration’s funds are quickly running dry; Social Security trustees estimate that funds will be completely depleted by 2038.
The 401(k) retirement plan has increasingly become a means to providing an adequate retirement, but plan sponsors (employers) often have trouble determining what qualifies as a successful plan.
What follows are suggestions to ensure successful retirement for both plan participants and sponsors.

Creating Success for Plan Participants
The ultimate measure of the success of a plan is in providing paychecks for life, an adequate amount of money throughout retirement. However, many participants do not have the time, energy, or knowledge to ensure that their retirement years will be their desirement years — the time in which they enjoy everything they desire. Employers can help employees by using what I call the ‘401(k) on autopilot’ system:
• Automatic enrollment: Enrolling in a plan is the first step in creating a successful retirement. However, many employees do not enroll in their companies’ 401(k) plans. Each year, employers can notify employees that, if they do not opt out of the companies’ 401(k) plans, they will be automatically enrolled. More often than not, the employee’s inactivity will work in their favor, and they will begin saving for their future automatically. Not only does increased enrollment help the employees with their future retirement savings, but it provides additional tax benefits for the employer and, in certain instances, helps to boost the employer’s tax-deferred contributions as well.
• Automatic increase: This is another feature that employers can take advantage of in creating successful retirements for employees. It is commonly said that contributing 10% of one’s income will be enough for a successful retirement. However, most participants will start contributing at a level well below 10% (sometimes only 2% or 3%). By automatically increasing contributions by 1% each year until they reach 10%, employees can painlessly move toward the target percentage. By explaining automatic increases to employees, as well as other elementary financial concepts, employers help their participants become more financially savvy in understanding retirement benefits.
• Automatic default into a qualified default investment account (QDIA): Today, most 401(k) plans allow participants to choose their contribution allocations. However, many participants don’t have the time or knowledge to understand which investments will give them the greatest returns at an appropriate risk. Contributions without a predetermined destination default into QDIAs, which provide participants with greater returns on their money at appropriate risk, based on their target years to retirement. As long as plan sponsors conducts due diligence when selecting QDIAs, they receive fiduciary protection through ERISA.
• Automatic open re-enrollment: This auto feature not only keeps participants enrolled in the plan, but it also nudges them into QDIAs. Once a year, plan sponsors can inform their participants that they have 30 days to review their investment choices and that, if they do not make a selection, their contributions will go into QDIAs. This further enhances the fiduciary protection of the plan sponsor and ensures that participants’ contributions will be invested in appropriate funds.
If left to their own devices, most participants would not be able to create paychecks for life; however, employers can help by putting their 401(k) plans on the autopilot system and educating employees about fundamental retirement-plan concepts. For more information on how to use these auto-features for your plan, contact your financial advisor.

Creating Success for Plan Sponsors
Retirement plans don’t just help participants achieve paychecks for life. Employers receive a number of benefits from retirement plans as well, and should measure their plans’ success based on the following metrics.
Tax deductions: Employers are able to deduct the amounts that they match in employee contributions.
Tax deferrals: Success for employers, like success for employees, often comes down to how much money they can save. This money grows even more productively if contributed on a pretax basis. Employers have a number of plans that they can take advantage of, including 401(k), profit sharing, and cash-balance plans. If you are able to contribute up to $250,000 per year to retirement plans but are not doing so, you should consult an advisor. You will not only benefit from more tax deductions, but you will also have tax deferrals, which will allow your money to grow more rapidly than after-tax contributions.
Success in retirement ultimately depends on one thing: providing paychecks for life. As Social Security funds dwindle, employers must look for an alternative way to provide adequate retirement funds for themselves as well as their employees. By taking some of the steps listed above, plan sponsors can ensure adequate funds for participants in addition to receiving fiduciary protection and taking advantage of tax deductions and deferrals for their own retirement savings.

Charlie Epstein, CLU, ChFC, AIF is the president of Holyoke-based Epstein Financial. He is the author of the book Paychecks for Life, which offers nine principles for participants to turn their 401(k) plans into a secure retirement income. Epstein has frequently been named to 401(k) Wire’s Top 100 Most Influential People in the 401(k) Industry List and Top 300 Most Influential DC Advisor List. He is a member of the Legg Mason Retirement Advisory Council; (413) 932-6236; [email protected]

Specials Section — The 2012 Restaurant Guide

By BusinessWest Staff May 8, 2012

Cover Story Restaurants Sections

Christopher DiStefano: 39

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Certified Financial Planner and Owner, the DiStefano Group

When asked what he does for work, Christopher DiStefano modestly sums it up: “I specialize in helping people plan for retirement.”
Over his 16 years in that field, he’s not only been actively managing his clients’ futures, but also led the way in educating people on the changing nature of retirement and how they need to prepare. He started with classes at local colleges, preparing thousands of imminent retirees on their specific financial needs.
“Education is an integral part of the planning process,” he explained, “because the most important thing people lack when they’re approaching retirement is the knowledge of what to do. They’re crippled by taking no action because they’re afraid of making a mistake.”
“It’s becoming increasingly important for people my age that we’re investing properly, doing what we need to do now, and knowing how much to save,” he continued, adding that one of the main reasons for this is that traditional pension plans from an employer-based fund are “going the way of the dodo.”
The financial-services industry has taken notice of DiStefano’s accomplishments. The winner of numerous awards for his financial acumen, he said such recognition is flattering, and it’s gratifying to work with adults on preparation for retirement. But even more rewarding is the work he does on behalf of children, and it comes in many forms.
He’s a soccer coach in a league for youngsters, including his two children. Meanwhile, he’s an active supporter of the Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Children’s Miracle Network, and the YWCA. “I like to think that childhood is a special time,” he said. “There are children in broken homes and abusive situations, and agencies like the YWCA do such a good job to support them. Anything you can do for children is important.”
Taking care of the youngest to the oldest, DiStefano said there are common denominators. “A lot stems back to relationships I had with some teachers growing up. It’s so important to have a good teacher, and also to recognize in students the potential of what they can and should be doing.”
— Dan Chase

Michele Crochetiere: 36

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Supportive Housing Program Site Director, Springfield YWCA

Michele Crochetiere said that a famous quote from Madeleine Albright has stuck with her over the last several years: “there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”
Her jobs over the past decade have been in property management, but there was always something within that drove her to a higher purpose. Moving back to Western Mass. after a successful stint with a nationwide real-estate-management company, she said that she immediately joined the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield and sat on the board for Dress for Success. From there, she said, her involvement in the area “just blossomed.”
At the YWCA, she runs the residential-apartment communities for survivors of domestic violence, and much of her volunteer work is focused on areas of social justice — from her board position at Zonta, helping disenfranchised women, to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s strategic-planning commission for the Knowledge Corridor Project on Fair Housing, to the Rental Housing Assoc. of Greater Springfield, the AIDS Foundation of Western Mass., and many, many others.
“But ‘social justice’ is such a buzzword,” she said. “Everyone has rights, and everyone has needs. What it takes is figuring out what those are. Everyone needs help at some point; sometimes it’s the need for a place to stay, and sometimes it’s a network connection for a job.”
Her colleagues across the board praise Crochetiere as someone motivated to volunteer not for her own professional advancement, but as a genuinely driven participant in making the area a better place for all. “For me, it’s pretty simple,” she acknowledged. “I do this because I like it. I could come up with some abstract notion about the importance of donating one’s time — but it’s a selfish thing. I meet awesome people, and I always take away great experiences from those people I meet.”
In recognition for her efforts, Crochetiere has been named among the Women Business Owners Alliance 2011 Top 10 Business Women in the Pioneer Valley, and earned the 2012 Western Mass. Women magazine’s Volunteer of the Year Award. And now, she’s one of this year’s 40 Under Forty.
— Dan Chase

Jessica Roncarati-Howe: 31

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Executive Director, AIDS Foundation of Western Mass.

While working toward her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy at Bay Path College, Jessica Roncarati-Howe was asked by a professor — a trustee of the AIDS Foundation of Western Mass. — to assist with one of that organization’s events.
It turned out to be a life-changing experience.
“When I met with people and saw how dedicated and passionate they were, I was completely hooked,” she said. “After less than a year, I was invited onto the board of trustees.” About five years into that role, that board wanted to hire an executive director, and she got the job.
“I wanted to build a career around working with people with that much passion,” said Roncarati-Howe, who is also an accomplished visual artist. “It was a thrilling prospect.”
And also a challenging one. As the foundation’s only paid staff member, she’s in charge of marketing and development, administering the grant program, co-chairing most events, and overseeing a cadre of volunteers and interns — “everything from vacuuming to major executive roles.”
The AIDS Foundation has three missions: providing financial assistance to about 100 patients a year for expenses like rent, utilities, medications, and other basic needs; educational components, including the training of young peer educators to bring awareness into high schools and colleges; and referral services to help people with the disease access health care and other resources.
Those efforts are making a difference. Greater Springfield has the highest rate of infection in the state, with 1,200 known AIDS patients in the City of Homes alone — many more than that, actually, since typically, only 1 in 5 victims know they’re infected. So Roncarati-Howe knows that her organization’s initiatives are saving lives.
“Every time I’m able to help a person find the services they need, or they receive a grant from the foundation, it could be life-saving or life-altering. It is just unspeakably gratifying,” she said.
“How many people can get out of bed every day and do something they absolutely love?” she added. “Not only that, I’m able to do something that directly affects quality of life for people in our community. I can’t overstate how grateful I am to have that opportunity.”
— Joseph Bednar

Ben Craft: 38

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Manager of Public Affairs, Baystate Medical Center

You won’t find it on his résumé, but Ben Craft lists among many work experiences a short stint as “professional sumo wrestler.”
Make that very short, said Craft, noting that he was paid what amounts to $300 for a few appearances in the ring against college-level sumo wrestlers when he was on a one-year teaching assignment in the Japanese coastal town of Kuchinotsu, just outside Nagasaki.
This would be the first of many intriguing business mailing addresses for Craft. Indeed, other stops have been at the Wall Street Journal, where he served for some time as an assistant preparing the daily competition report and later served as editor, and the United Nations building, where he specialized in environmental issues in human development.
Today, he works in Baystate Health’s corporate offices on Chestnut Street in Springfield, but practically since the day he arrived in 2008, much of his focus has been on the $296 million project that used to be called the Hospital of the Future. Now, it’s the hospital of the present, or, more formally, the MassMutual Wing and Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center.
While that project has certainly dominated his time and energy, Craft said there are intriguing stories being written in the many departments within the Baystate system every day, and it is his informal job description to help relate them.
“I’m very fortunate in my job in that I get to tell the stories, and I get to be around the people who really make these things happen,” he explained. “I like to think of myself as a writer, and working here is a writer’s paradise; you have compelling stories, drama, larger-than-life characters, and emotional intensity.”
While his work keeps him quite busy, Craft has managed to find time for work in the community, especially with Best Buddies, which he serves as chairman of its advisory board; he was named champion of the year for Best Buddies of Western Mass. for his fund-raising and advisory leadership.
He saves most of his non-working time, though, for his wife Erin and daughter Emma — a family that will soon be larger, as the Crafts are expecting their second child in June.
— George O’Brien

Carla Cosenzi: 32

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

President, TommyCar Auto Group

As she talked with BusinessWest upon receipt of notification that she was not only a member of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2012, but the highest scorer, Carla Consenzi was making final preparations for a trip to Wolfsburg, Germany and the headquarters of Volkswagen.
This was to be a fast-paced, three-day visit that would include a tour of the company’s manufacturing facilities and several meetings with VW hierarchy about 2012 and 2013 models and the sales year ahead. The trip puts an exclamation point on the continued growth and expansion of the TommyCar Auto Group, which Cosenzi serves as president and main spokesperson, and, more specifically, the opening of Northampton Volkswagen earlier this year.
“We had been looking for opportunities to expand and to challenge ourselves,” said Cosenzi. “The timing was right, and the circumstances were right; it was too good to pass up.”
This addition to the lineup now gives TommyCar four dealerships in Western Mass. — the others being Country Nissan in Hadley, Country Hyundai in Greenfield, and Patriot Buick GMC in Charlton — and it adds another chapter to the compelling story being written by Cosenzi and her brother, Thomas, as they continue the legacy of their father, Thomas E. Cosenzi. He created TommyCar, and was grooming his children for the business when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007, a battle he fought bravely, but would ultimately lose two years later.
Sharing responsibilities with her brother, Carla Cosenzi has played a lead role in promoting and expanding the TommyCar brand — she is the face and voice of the company in radio and TV commercials — and making the company one of the leaders in the local automotive market. Meanwhile, she remains active in the community, continuing the Thomas E. Cosenzi Driving for the Cure charity golf tournament, which has to date raised more than $200,000 in support of brain-cancer research.
She also lends her time and energy as a volunteer at Baystate Children’s Hospital’s cancer center, and supports a number of organizations and causes ranging from the Food Bank to Toys for Tots to the Ronald McDonald House.
— George O’Brien

Erin Corriveau: 35

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, Reliable Temps Inc.

Erin Corriveau says she likes to “connect the dots” — to make connections between businesses and individuals. And she has found plenty of ways to do so over the years.
Early on, she worked as a customer-service representative in the MassMutual call center and then at Baystate Health in administrative support and community relations, giving her a firsthand look at two of the region’s largest employers. At Baystate, the man she calls a mentor, Steven Bradley, who handles government relations and public affairs for the health system, cultivated in her a dual passion for business and the community.
As if to prove it, Corriveau moved from there into the director’s chair of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. “I truly loved it, and I got to meet so many business people, and helped make those connections. I was able to be a resource to businesses while fostering my commitment to the community.”
These days, she’s making such connections in a different way, working for Reliable Temps. “I honestly think I’m in the best place possible for me,” she said. “We help connect companies that need a workforce with people who need jobs. Seeing both sides be completely satisfied is absolutely thrilling.”
She also writes a monthly column for Lioness magazine and hosts the local Businews Connect show online — two more ways of forging relationships and creating awareness of the local business scene.
The passion for community manifests itself in many ways outside of work as well; Corriveau is a board member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, as well as a board member for the Western Mass. chapter of Best Buddies and an executive council member of the Jimmy Fund.
Of the latter two groups, she said being a parent has given her a heart for organizations that help young people. “I’m lucky to have two very healthy children, but a lot of parents aren’t as lucky. For kids with cancer or kids with developmental disabilities, as a parent myself, I want to be as helpful in any way as I can be.”
— Joseph Bednar

Scott Conrad: 38

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Assistant Director of Information Technology, Center for Human Development

Scott Conrad joined the IT department at the Center for Human Development eight years ago and quickly started taking on more responsibility. It wasn’t too hard to find some.
“We’re actually a rather small department for an agency of our size and geographic location,” he explained. “We’re spread out wide, with a lot of locations, and to have an IT department as small as we are, we have to wear a lot of hats.”
Those hats include overseeing the support and administration of all data and network systems for more than 90 sites where CHD offers services, as well as strategic planning for the agency’s technology future.
“We’re kind of the architects of what our computer infrastructure is going to look like, and we also do a lot of troubleshooting,” said Conrad, who takes pride in providing that support for an organization known for meeting difficult needs.
“We help people when they’re at their worst or have got nowhere else to go. We run the gamut with all kinds of social services, making sure people are able to function as a society,” he said.
“We all have a responsibility to others who do not have the luxuries of good health or other things that many of us take for granted, to help them out,” he added. “I came from private industry, where everything was about dollars and the bottom line. Now I’m in a place where the money aspect is important, to be sure, but only to make sure it stretches as far as it can go to serve the client. And that’s a refreshing thing.”
As refreshing as a scuba dive, one of many outdoor activities Conrad enjoys. He is an accomplished Eagle Scout who has helped other Scouts with their community projects and personal development, both on a personal level and through service on the Eagle Boards.
“My experience with Boy Scouts and the lessons I learned there have truly shaped me into the person I am,” he said. “They gave me the confidence to handle any situation that comes up, and gave me the leadership ability to deal with people.”
— Joseph Bednar

Keshawn Dodds: 33

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Author, Motivational Speaker, and Playwright, 4King Edward Enterprises Inc.

When Keshawn Dodd was 18, his best friend died from cancer. The loss was severe and catapulted him into what has become his life mission.
“I want people to understand that life is precious,” said the educator, community activist, life coach, husband, and father. He also wants them to know that, no matter what someone’s situation is, “there are people who believe in you, and your faith will carry you through.”
His career has included teaching in two Springfield elementary schools as well as working as an aide for former Springfield Mayor Charles Ryan. He is director of Greek organizations and advisor for the Student Government Assoc. at American International College. He is also a motivational speaker and author of three books and a play titled Who Is On My Side, which are produced through his company, 4King Edward Enterprises Inc.
“My focus with 4King is to develop the minds of youth in education, entrepreneurship, and life,” Dodds said. “I want to make sure today’s young people become better than our current generation. I am big on growth.”
His personal mantra, which he recites daily, “you are better than what you think you are.” He encourages others to adopt it, too.
“It helps me to put things in perspective and know that I can handle anything that comes my way,” he said.
His friend’s death propelled him to write his first book about a character (himself) who morphs into a superhero with overwhelming responsibilities and battles an evil character (the cancer). He read the manuscript to students at Homer Street School when he was teaching there, and their response was so enthusiastic, he ended up publishing it and writing additional manuscripts.
Dodds has been extremely active in civic affairs, is keeper of records for the Springfield Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and has won a bevy of awards, including the 2012 Springfield Cultural Council Artists Fellowship, the Springfield Public Schools Beacon Award, and the Boston Globe All Scholastic Award.
— Kathleen Mitchell

Ben Einstein: 26

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Principal, Brainstream Design

Ben Einstein says it takes “a certain kind of crazy” to work as he does.
And by that, he means the life of a combination serial entrepreneur and inventor, someone who has worked on virtually every aspect of product development, from concept initiation and refinement to prototyping; from small-scale production to full-scale manufacturing.
He does all this through a venture called Brainstream Design, which, Einstein says, brings ideas to life. Such concepts, developed in collaboration with clients looking to bring products to the marketplace, have included everything from a folding chair and ottoman inspired by pop-up books to something called the Unity Remote, a smartphone accessory that, as the name implies, allows people to operate a host of devices with a single remote. And then there’s the Wine Bottle Table, which is sold as a single piece of acrylic with no legs. It is the user’s responsibility to drink wine and to decide how to create their own table.
And Einstein is taking his entrepreneurial flair to another level with a new business venture called Bolt, a Boston-based accelerator program that will focus exclusively on entrepreneurs who want to design physical products, rather than Internet-related concepts.
Einstein cultivated his passion for entrepreneurship and inventing at the Hampshire College Lemelson Center, which focuses students on art, design, and “innovation for social change,” through concentration in such areas as applied design, social entrepreneurship, and art and technology. Einstein said this project-based learning process appealed to him and helped get Brainstream, now based in Northampton, off the ground.
And while he’s made his own serious strides in entrepreneurship, Einstein is also committing large amounts of time and energy to helping others get their start and promoting a culture of innovation in the region. Indeed, he’s taken a lead role with a program called Idea Mill, a conference staged last fall that showcased emerging young businesses and attracted more than 300 attendees from across the Northeast.
Many of them, like Einstein, have that aforementioned certain kind of crazy, which is good for a region striving to become an innovation leader and create jobs.
— George O’Brien

Michael Fenton: 25

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Law Clerk, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C.; Springfield City Councilor

Michael Fenton has wanted to be an attorney since he was a young child. “I have a passion for justice and truth and a desire to fight for those ends,” he said.
The Springfield native is an Oliver Wendell Holmes Scholar at Western New England University School of Law and a member of its prestigious Law Review panel. He earned an MBA in December and will graduate with a juris doctorate degree in May. He plans to take the bar exam in July, and currently works as a law clerk at Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C.
“I have been developing my legal skills through different pathways with the end goal of becoming an effective business/corporate attorney,” Fenton said.
That effectiveness is put to use in a variety of volunteer and civic arenas as Fenton is determined to use his knowledge to make a difference in the community.
At the age of 22, he was elected to the Springfield City Council, then re-elected to a second term in Ward 2, where he has lived for most of his life. He is a trustee at his alma mater, Cathedral High School, and has dedicated countless hours to help rebuild the school, which was heavily damaged by last June’s tornado. “I really believe in Cathedral’s mission,” he said.
Fenton also belongs to the Ward 2 Neighborhood Council in Springfield and is a graduate of the Springfield Citizens Police Academy.
“The opportunities I’ve had have helped me to become more savvy about local issues,” he said. “I want to help people solve problems and achieve desirable results, whether I’m working as an elected official serving constituents, an attorney serving clients, or as a volunteer giving back to the community. I’ve been given a lot, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have had so many academic and professional opportunities at such a young age, and want to help others have the same opportunities.”
— Kathleen Mitchell

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

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

Gulf Horizons Property Services Inc., 335 Adams St., Agawam, MA 01001. Dennis Roberts, same. Residential remodeling.

BERNARDSTON

Dawndale Farm Wildlife Inc., 24 Library St., Bernardston, MA 01337. Nancy Bordewieck, same. Charitable organization designed to provide a place of rehabilitation for injured, ill, or orphaned wildlife.

CHICOPEE

ENP Inc., 44 Dwight St., Apt. 2R, Chicopee, MA 01013. Aristides Nunes, same. Bar and lounge.

DEERFIELD

Clarkdale Fruit Farms Land Corporation, 303 Upper Road, Deerfield, MA 01342. Thomas Clark, same. Farm.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Dorothy Day Institute for Social Justice Inc., 37 Old Farm Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Charles Alfano, 7 Meacham Dr., Enfield, CT 06082. Charitable organization designed to fund tax-exempt organizations.

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton Spirit Inc., 17 East St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Kevin Perrier, same. Non-profit organization designed to promote community spirit through local events.

High and Mighty Brewing Co. Inc., 180 Pleasant St., Studio 30, Easthampton, MA 01027. Michael Michon, 101 Hopkins Place, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Micro-brewing company.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Arcmetra Inc., 39 Hollenbeck Ave., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Robyn Allen, same. Energy-related consultation services.

INDIAN ORCHARD

H & M Cabinets Inc., 64 Devens St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Howard Gabaree, same. Kitchen cabinetry sales and installation.

LEE

Berkshire Gateway Preservation Inc., 200 East St., Lee MA, 01238. Garth Elias Story Jr., 30 Highfield Drive, Lee, MA 01238. Non-profit organization designed to preserve the historical structure located at 25 Park Place in Lee, MA.

LONGMEADOW

Gift Baskets and More Inc., 34 Green Hill Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Brian Kimball, same. Gift baskets for special occasions.

LUDLOW

Campora Construction Co. Inc., 77 Stivens Dr., Ludlow, MA 01056. M ario Campora, same. Construction services.

First Sun Solar Co., 350 West St., #35, Ludlow, MA 01056. Joseph Monzillo, same. Sales and service of solar-energy products.

MONSON

Cambridge Executive Services Inc., 146 Bumstead Road, Monson, MA 01057. William Skillman, same. Executive-search services.

NORTH ADAMS

Diversified Energy Solutions Inc., 121 Union St., North Adams, MA 01247. Gustavo Giron Jr., 50 Hyden Hill, Clarksburg, MA 01247. Energy-consultation services.

SOUTHBRIDGE

Coops Scoops Corp., 204 Worcester St., Southbridge, MA 01550. Gail Robin Leclaire, same. Ice cream shop.

SOUTHWICK

Global Maintenance Management Consulting Inc., 160 Point Grove Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Russell Seegars, same. Computer maintenance, management, and consulting.

SPRINGFIELD

C2C Home Improvement Inc., 24 Barrison St., Springfield, MA 01109. Steven Buzzell, same. Home improvement and remodeling.

Colony Care at Home Inc., 74 Walnut St., Springfield, MA 01105. Ellen Freyman, same. Home care services.

El Concilio Pentecostal Missionera En Victoria Inc., 22 Bayonne St., Springfield, MA 01105. Place of worship.

HD Entertainment Inc., 108 Lawton St., Apt, 4 Springfield, MA 01109. Chris Howard Jr., same. Provide artist development and training.

STOCKBRIDGE

Astore Quarry Restoration Inc., 40 Albany Road, Unit #35, West Stockbridge, MA 01266. Charles Astore, same.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Code-Ace Inc., 694 Roger Ave, West Springfield, MA 01089. Carlos, Saloio, Jr. 375 Holyoke St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Development, marketing, and sales of software.

Community Hope Works Inc., 366 Prospect Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Gregg Marshall, same. Building individuals, families, and community through holistic practices of mind, body, and spirit.

GBS Brows Inc., 1313 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Binda Neupane, same. Beauty salon services.

WESTFIELD

Bradford & Bradford Property Management Services Inc., 4 Linden Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Jeffrey Bradford, same. Property management and maintenance services.

DKS Music Inc., 107 Loomis Ridge, Westfield, MA 01085. Christine Kane, same.

WILBRAHAM

Creative Eyes, P.C., 223 Manchonis Road Ext., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Nissa Lempart, same. Optician.

Dr. Ronald Laprise: 38

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Chiropractor and Owner, Laprise Chiropractic & Wellness

Dr. Ronald Laprise was raised with strong moral values and believes that, if everyone did the right thing, the world would be a better place. He became an Eagle Scout at age 15, and his mission is to help people live healthier lives.
Laprise enjoyed watching James Bond and Indiana Jones flicks when he was younger. “The good guys always win, and when you do the things that are right and noble, the Hollywood ending can occur, and life can be happy,” he said.
He has a logical mind, graduated 10th in his high-school class, and decided to become a chiropractor at age 16, which he considers “the best decision of my life.” Laprise is in the process of becoming a board-certified wellness practitioner, and is passionate about health and wellness. “Chiropractic is a holistic profession, and I talk to people about their entire body and how the choices they make influence its function,” he said.
He is also dedicated to civic and charitable endeavors. Laprise is a second-term board member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. He serves on its Ambassador’s Committee and financial task force, and is the co-creator, organizer, and an event sponsor of the group’s annual dodgeball tournament, which raised more than $4,000 last year for nonprofits.
He is an active member of the Business Networking International Profit Partners Chapter, received several of its Notable Networker Awards, and has numerous professional affiliations. He serves on the Rotary Club, has volunteered at the Friends of the Homeless shelter, and is on the Trails for Nails committee of Habitat for Humanity, where he was the top fund-raiser in 2010 and 2011.
His newest venture came after his son, Massimo, was born with Down syndrome. He organized a team that raised more than $2,200 for the Down Syndrome Resources Group of Western Mass. during its 2011 Buddy Walk.
It’s a cause that Laprise, who is married with twin 4-year-old daughters, knows he will be involved with into the future. But today, like every other day, he is “doing my part to help others in a way that is right and noble.”
— Kathleen Mitchell

Kristen Kellner: 39

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Founder and President, Kellner Consulting, LLC

Before embarking on her own business, Kristen Kellner said that her professional history was long and varied. “I worked pretty much in the media and finance industries,” she explained, from Wall Street to NBC, where she was an operations manager, to producing special projects for Star Jones.
After a stint in the venture-capital world, another of those career twists and turns, Kellner was recruited to be billionaire businessman Ted Forstmann’s personal project manager, where she oversaw many facets of his estate. “It was a pivotal point in my career to work for someone like him,” she remembered. “He was a brilliant businessman and leader, and that’s where I first got my sense of how powerful philanthropy is, in finding a passion and then doing something with it.”
During that time with Forstmann and in her first years back in Western Mass., Kellner experienced a series of life-altering events. She was misdiagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, and was one day away from chemotherapy before she discovered the truth. “I realized then that life is too short,” she said.
Working at MassMutual, she and her husband were looking forward to their first child, but, “14 weeks into my pregnancy, we found out that our son had Trisomy 18 — three chromosomes. It’s not compatible with life,” she said.
But, Kellner proudly added, “I’ve been able to take adversity and traumatic experiences and turn them into something positive, by finding their special meaning.” What that translated into was an enduring involvement with the March of Dimes, where she is now vice chair of the board, and the successful implementation of an internal program at MassMutual designed to help with issues of pregnancy in the workplace.
She noted that her desire to help others wasn’t learned from Forstmann alone. She gives credit to her parents, Anne Marie and Ralph Ferraro of Springfield, 2003 winners of the Servian Award from the Italian Cultural Center for services to the community. “I’ve learned so much from their example,” she said. “I want to acknowledge them for who I’ve become.”
— Dan Chase

Kevin Jennings: 39

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

President, Jennings Real Estate

Looking back nearly a decade, to the day he decided to open his own business, Kevin Jennings recalls that it was an exciting, but also quite scary, time.
He had one young child, and a second on the way. Meanwhile, the commercial real estate market, which had been enjoying relative prosperity 10 years after its precipitous fall, was in what amounted to a holding pattern after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“It probably wasn’t the ideal time to leave the comfort of a job and go out on your own,” Jennings told BusinessWest. “But I had that entrepreneurial spirit within me; this was something I thought I could do — and something I had to do.”
So he left the comfort of the R.J. Greeley Company, and has never had any reason to look back. And while this entrepreneurial spirit is one of the big reasons why Jennings is a member of the 40 Under Class for 2012, there are many others, including his success with that venture he called Jennings Real Estate.
Indeed, starting with the sale of a small bakery building in downtown Holyoke within just a few weeks of setting up shop ‘— a modest sale that nonetheless provided Jennings with the needed cash flow to get a firm footing — he’s enjoyed steady growth, and had his best year in 2011, when the market was still struggling to recover from the lingering aftereffects of the Great Recession. He’s also handled a number of significant transactions, including the deals that brought Home Depot and Preferred Freezer to the Campenelli Industrial Park in Westfield.
But there’s also his contributions of time and talent to the community, especially his work on the board of directors for Gray House in Springfield’s North End, an organization that provides services ranging from literacy programs to a food bank; from after-school programs to citizenship preparation. He’s also on the board of the Alden Credit Union, and supports a number of charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and Chicopee Boys & Club.
— George O’Brien

Brendon Hutchins: 39

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Senior Vice President, St. Germain Investment Management

When Brendon Hutchins considers the view from the window of his office on the 25th floor of Tower Square in downtown Springfield, he is inspired to change the landscape.
He dedicates countless hours of professional and personal time working to make a difference, because he is concerned about the number of businesses that have left Springfield over the past 25 years due to the economic environment. “I have sought out projects to help Springfield change that trend,” said the father of three. “My wife and I grew up in Longmeadow, and we love the people and everything about the area. So, I have structured my career and charity work around causes I feel are most important to Springfield.”
He is a board member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, which he believes is the “cornerstone” of Springfield. He is also active on the board of Springfield School Volunteers, recently joined the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, and serves on the board of the March of Dimes. “Since I have joined, about a dozen people I know with premature babies have benefited from the organization,” Hutchins said.
He takes great pride in his work at St. Germain Investment Management as a certified financial planner and senior vice president, and is proud that the company focuses on doing business in the area. “I love helping people, and one of the greatest feelings I have is watching people learn about their finances. It is a very difficult concept that can overwhelm people.”
Hutchins is also grateful to his employer for encouraging his charitable endeavors. “They have created an environment,” he said, “where giving back to the community is fostered.”
The Longmeadow native lived in Cincinnati, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles before choosing to move back to Western Mass. “I could work anywhere, but this community is special,” he said. “When there is a tragedy, like last year’s tornado, everyone stands together. It’s something I have never seen anywhere else, and I would hate to lose that, so I am working to help the area thrive.”
— Kathleen Mitchell

Eric Hall: 38

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Sergeant, Westfield Police Department

Being a police officer in your hometown has a lot of challenges, said Eric Hall. “It can be easy for police officers to get cynical,” he explained, “because 90% of the time you’re dealing with 10% of the population.”
Five years into his job with the Westfield Police Department, Hall was a member of the Community Police Unit (CPU), which has a mission “to get out into the neighborhoods, have them set the agenda for which direction the police need to go — and do the will of the people.”
During that time, he successfully organized small, local crime-prevention units, established a Neighborhood Day event, worked closely with the Westfield Youth Detention Center to assist in job placement, and frequently could be found having lunch with students at the elementary school in his neighborhood — all with the intent to give back to the city which held such prized childhood memories for him. “Being in the CPU reminded me that there were people who wanted to make a difference, to make their town a nicer place to live, and that struck a chord.”
Hall calls himself “a Y man through and through,” and, indeed, most of his fondest memories as a boy were at the YMCA of Greater Westfield. “I had a great family structure growing up, but I still spent a lot of time at the Y when I was younger. And if I can help further an organization that will give other kids the same opportunity, I should be doing that.”
Currently, he’s the chairman of the board at his hometown Y, and for his efforts there, Hall has been awarded the organization’s Character Award. For his community outreach, he has been honored by American Legion Post 454 with its Outstanding Dedication to the Public Award.
For Hall, it all comes back to childhood, though. He remembers the Westfield where he grew up, and with his wife, Dena (herself a 40 Under Forty award winner in 2007), and their two small children, he wants the city to be the same place for them.
— Dan Chase

Elizabeth Ginter: 37

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

President, Ellis Title Company

Elizabeth Ginter believes that, if a person is successful, he or she has an obligation to give back to their community. It’s a code of ethics she lives by, and her involvement in the community is impressive.
She loves Springfield, and although her family moved to Pennsylvania when she was a freshman in high school and she earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Pittsburgh, she couldn’t wait to return to the City of Homes. “It is a unique community with a lot of diversity, and I think it’s a really good place to live,” she said. “There are so many things to do in the area.”
Ginter’s career at Ellis began before she graduated from Western New England University School of Law. Although she wanted to become a tax attorney, she answered an ad that contained the word ‘taxes,’ and was hired by the title company as a law clerk. She worked full-time there while studying for the bar exam, and discovered an immediate affinity for the work.
“I found the perfect job. I was a history major in college, and it suits me well,” she said. In fact, she did so well that she was promoted to president before the age of 30.
Ginter is also on the board of directors for the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, and serves on a committee that is rewriting YPS’ mission and vision statement. “Part of my quest is to get young professionals to stay in the area and want to work here. It’s important to me,” she said.
She has taken part in a number of charitable endeavors connected to YPS that include Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, and Keep Springfield Beautiful. “I’m on the community outreach committee and co-chair of the golf committee. If there is a committee that needs help, I feel compelled to volunteer. I get a good feeling from it,” Ginter said.
“I am not the loudest person in the room,” she added, “but I am always behind the scenes helping.”
— Kathleen Mitchell

Tim Fisk: 38

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Executive Director, the Alliance to Develop Power

Tim Fisk was asked to provide a concise explanation of what the Alliance to Develop Power (ADP) does, and, more importantly, how it goes about that assignment. He chuckled at first, because explaining it isn’t easy, but then he managed to effectively sum up this grassroots organization, now with more than 5,000 members in low-income areas and communities of color in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.
“What ADP has done is develop an alternative economic model,” he noted, “that puts power in the hands of those who have historically been cut off from civic life.”
Elaborating, he quoted the ADP mission — to “create a sustainable community economy that leverages power, relationships, and resources,” and said this work manifests in many different ways.
“ADP addresses racial and economic inequalities,” he explained, “ and we do it in three very distinct ways — first, through community organizing, changing policy locally, statewide, and nationally on many issues such as workers’ rights, affordable housing, immigration, and more. And we also do it through community-building initiatives, whether it’s youth-tutoring programs, peer groups, access to health resources, our four food cooperatives, and others.
“And then, the one that’s getting a lot of national attention is our economic-development initiatives,” he continued, adding that ADP owns a number of assets, including 770 units of affordable housing, worker cooperatives, and its most recent initiative, the Bodega Project, which involves neighborhood grocers that will open across the region.
Fisk brings to his job boundless energy, imagination, and skills honed through years of work in the arts, first with the Foundry Theatre in New York City, where he tripled revenues, and later with On the Boards, a renowned contemporary performing-arts facility in Seattle, where he managed the bottom line while also handling marketing, branding, development, and creation of new revenue streams.
Today, he’s taking center stage himself, through innovative, nationally acclaimed work to create and maintain local wealth. In other words, his achievements have always been a work of art.
— George O’Brien

Christopher Connelly: 36

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

President, Foley/Connelly Financial Partners

Right out of college in 1998, Christopher Connelly went directly into financial planning. And he knew there were several ways he could proceed in this business.
“You can go to work for a larger financial corporation, or you can become an independent,” he said, adding that, like most, he worked for a large firm with the goal of later becoming independent, which he did. “In 2004, through some networking and strategic planning, I partnered with Brian Foley, who owned a property and casualty insurance agency. We decided to build a strategic alliance, where you get a partner with a group of clients who isn’t in the same field as yourself, but similar.”
Jokingly, he added, “if I wanted to be what I thought was mediocre, I’d be in a large branch and have them pay for my hard costs. But what I wanted was to have my own world, and have my own company. I knew that, if I wanted to be extraordinary, independent was and is the way to go.”
It wasn’t long before the firm branched out itself. Connelly jointly founded the partner company Foley/Connelly Benefits Group, focusing exclusively on employee benefits. At the same time, he knows that life isn’t just work and no play.
Recognizing the abundance of charity golf tournaments held every year, Connelly and his friend Rob Desilets, owner of local screen-printing shop Pro Style Graphics, decided to capitalize on what he called his “fraternity of hockey-league friends.” Playing off the name of the NHL trophy, the two started the Stanley Keg Tournament, a fund-raising event that takes place annually at the MassMutual Center, and which donates thousands every year to a local charity decided upon by the member players.
Past recipients have included the American Cancer Society/Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, and Griffin’s Friends at Baystate. To acknowledge those who might prefer the links to the rink, the Stanley Keg has grown into a summer golf tournament, and there are plans to add poker to the events.
Independent and extraordinary — that’s an award-winning combination.
— Dan Chase

Allison Biggs: 30

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 The Class of 2012

Graphic Designer

“I love being creative,” Allison Biggs said, “and graphic design is something that allows me to be creative and support myself at the same time.”
But success as an entrepreneur didn’t happen overnight. Frustrated by the job market early in her career, she landed a position she wasn’t happy with — which ended up being eliminated anyway.
“I figured, if I wasn’t finding a job, it was as good a time as any to start working for myself,” she said, so she launched Allison Biggs, Graphic Designer in May 2007. Five years later, the enterprise continues to grow steadily.
Biggs — who teaches a class in Computer Graphics at Westfield State University — focuses her company mainly on branding and print design; she’s also writing a book titled Discovering Your Identity — Aligning Your Brand with Your Values. Her client base is mostly small businesses and new entrepreneurs, ranging from tradespeople, accountants, and manufacturers to hypnotists, massage therapists, and life coaches.
“I feel that’s where I can make the most difference, with people who are just starting their business and are passionate and excited about it,” she explained. “Sometimes, when you work for large corporations, you do something that ends up almost disposable. But when you work with someone brand-new to their business, every little thing you do is so integral to their success.”
The struggling economy, she said, has not slowed her down. “People are always saying, ‘we’re in a recession; haven’t you seen a drop in business?’ But my business has only grown since I started it. In fact, in the entrepreneur community, you almost don’t notice a recession because so many new businesses are starting.”
Biggs is active with organizations such as the Women’s Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley — she maintains the group’s social-media presence and markets its events — and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield.
“One of the things about being an entrepreneur is that, if you’re not careful, you can become isolated,” she said. “Networking isn’t just about going to events and getting business; it’s about meeting people in the same position as you, with the same mindset.”
— Joseph Bednar

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Opinion

Crowdfunding Could Spur Startups

The Great Depression led to the adoption of a series of laws designed to prevent individual investors from being fleeced by unscrupulous and fraudulent ‘businessmen.’ These laws provided the framework of securities laws that have been navigated by countless entrepreneurs since the 1930s seeking legitimate investment in their fledgling businesses. Conversely, the Great Recession has pushed Congress to adopt the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, signed into law by President Obama on April 5, which fundamentally changes the rules of the investment game for businesses of all sizes.
Perhaps the most significant change is allowing startups to use ‘crowdfunding” to raise capital. There is significant potential for a flourishing of startups as this new flavor of capital comes online. There is also the opportunity for regular Americans to get the same opportunity angel investors have had for decades — the small chance to make a lot of money and a much larger chance of losing every penny — investing in startups.
Crowdfunding is the modernization of an old process — raising small amounts of money from a large number of people — using the power and scope of the Internet. Crowdfunding via the Internet already exists in many different forms. Independent journalists fund investigative journalism not funded by the mainstream media via Spot.us; Kickstarter.com allows inventors and artists to raise funding directly from (and sell to) people passionate about the product; and Kiva.org assists developing-world entrepreneurs to connect directly to individual philanthropists to secure microloans.
Here’s how it usually works. Entrepreneurs create a ‘pitch’ profile on a crowdfunding Web site. The crowdfunding site reviews the profile to be sure it is appropriate and not fraudulent (with varying levels of success). The crowdfunding sites have an incentive to list only honest, worthy companies — otherwise, the ‘crowd’ will migrate to an alternate crowdfunding Web site. If the application is approved, the entrepreneurs use social media to promote their pitch to communities of people likely to be receptive to the idea. People who take interest review the profile, often engage in an online discussion with the entrepreneurs, and may make a financial contribution through the crowdfunding site.
The SEC will be finalizing the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding over the next 270 days; however, the JOBS Act already contains significant limitations on both the investor and the company seeking investments through crowdfunding. Companies can raise only $1 million every 12 months through crowdfunding (however, these companies still can — and many will — raise additional funds pursuant to the current, more traditional private-placement rules). Depending on the predefined target that the company establishes for its fund-raising round, the company will need to prepare detailed financial statements (audited if the target is more than $500,000) and deliver these to any prospective investor. The company must also provide both the SEC and prospective investors indepth information about the company and the offering, including the company’s business plan, the risks of the investment, and information about the officers, directors, or managers of the company.
Although any American can participate in crowdfunding as an investor, each crowdfunder will be able to invest only a limited percentage of their annual income (5% for individuals with income under $100,000, 10% for those over this threshold) in any 12-month period. Additionally, the equity that these crowdfunders receive will be restricted stock — it cannot be transferred for 12 months, with few exceptions.
The legalization of crowdfunding will also lead to the launch of a new kind of company — the fund-raising portal — as any company raising funds through crowdfunding must use these portals to act as the conduit between the company and the investors. These portals will exist only on the Internet — there will be no bricks-and-mortar storefront for these portals. The portal will need to register with the SEC and take reasonable steps to ensure that all participating in crowdfunding have followed all of the SEC’s rules — essentially the SEC will be ‘deputizing’ the portals to enforce the SEC’s rules. Companies using a portal should expect to pay 6% to 10% of the total funds raised as a service fee.
Congress and the president hope crowdfunding will lead to more startups obtaining critical funding early in their development, which should lead to more small businesses getting off the ground. However, the individuals investing in these early-stage companies need to be aware of the risks of these investments and remember the golden rule of investing: “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Attorney Scott Foster, Esq. and Paul Silva are co-founders of Valley Venture Mentors.

Getting Down to Business

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

From left, Edward Nuñez, Pamela Thornton, Somalid Hogan, and Jack Toner

Features

At Five Years, YPS Aims to Redefine Its Goals

From left, Edward Nuñez, Pamela Thornton, Somalid Hogan, and Jack Toner say the YPS is striving to redefine what it is and what it can do best.

On a night in early April, the Springfield Leadership Institute, a program created through a partnership between the city’s chamber of commerce and Western New England University, held its 2012 graduation ceremonies at the Sheraton in Monarch Place. Offering guidance, support, and the tools for members of the business community to become regional leaders, the institute’s proceedings had very special significance for several members in attendance.
Presenting their own organization’s annual award were several members of the leadership team and board of directors from the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS). Four of those individuals talked with BusinessWest about how the origins of their organization could be traced back to a similar graduation ceremony five years earlier.
“In 2006 there were five or six people that decided that this invigorating business course couldn’t stop here, and they decided to push forward,” said Pamela Thornton, current president of the YPS.
Jack Toner, one of two vice presidents of the group, said that he came back to the Western Mass. area a few months after that fateful night, but he remembers those early days of the group. “These individuals got together and determined a need for a young chamber of sorts,” he recalled. “They felt that there was a need for collective networking and such, and so a meeting was held at the Keg Room, here in Springfield.”
Joining Thornton and Toner to discuss the past, present, and future of the YPS were Somalid Hogan and Edward Nuñez, both members of the board of directors. Nuñez (also profiled in this issue as a member of the 40 Under Forty), said that, while the group is perhaps best-known for one of its signature events, the so-called Third Thursday, an informal monthly gathering, YPS has long strived to go well beyond networking.
And all agreed that the time for YPS to reinvent itself has come.
The organization is currently involved in a strategic planning, Thornton said, to define its mission and goals “with the help, advice, and input of our members. This will help us going forward as it will articulate who we are.”
Hogan said that there will always be plenty of social-networking opportunities for the group because this is a key component to their event schedule. But these inclusive and engaging events will strive for increased opportunities for professional development — an important suggestion from the surveyed members.
“The YPS is a great opportunity for people to find a role in their community,” she continued, “both for professional development or just to find others who have common interests to get connected.”
Picking up on that comment and extrapolating, Toner joked, “there even have been couples who have met and gotten married from the YPS.”
But after five years, the YPSGS is getting down to business, and that means examining its strengths, points of focus, and long-term goals for the vitality of the organization.
“The YPS is like a Rubik’s Cube, with so many different faces,” Toner told BusinessWest, “each with a great, unique energy. And most importantly, each has passion and a commitment to the city.”

Unison Rules
“At the first meeting I went to, one of the founding members immediately came up and said ‘hello’ to me,” Toner recalled. “That defines our group — no one ever stands alone. This is the consistent theme through all the events that we hold.”
“Live, work, play, and stay” — that has been a familiar mantra since the early days of the YPS, Nuñez said. “We’ve been having a lot of discussion about the fact that we think of ourselves as young professionals,” he added, “but as a group, we also strive to get the word out that Springfield has a lot to offer — and we need to retain those young professionals. Get them to invest in the city and see what it has to offer.
“If we engage them,” he added, “we can have our voices be heard.”
The business community certainly has been hearing those voices: Since the beginnings of the YPS, the membership has swelled to 500 active members, and there’s another tier of corporate membership for area businesses. Clearly, the YPS knows how to get things accomplished.
“We are the future leaders of this area,” Thornton said. “We have definitely grown over these five years. What we do really well is put on events, get people and organizations together, and get them connected.”
Toner said the YPS is committed to challenging negative stereotypes that may pervade the business and social spheres of the Springfield area. To address the members’ political perspectives, the organization is hosting its third Vote the Valley event this fall to correspond with the national presidential election.
“Rock the Vote came here in 2008, and they looked to us to fill their room,” Toner noted. “Now we’ve built our own room, and we’ve asked them to come back.”
Getting young people involved politically is just one of many accomplishments the YPS can claim beyond its monthly networking events. Indeed, the amount of charitable offerings and number of members on nonprofit boards of directors are both far too numerous to mention individually, but the four did count off some of their most recent beneficiaries — the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Keep Springfield Beautiful, among many others.
“The Third Thursdays are a signature event,” Nuñez said, “but by no means does that alone define us.”
Taking that opportunity to segue into the unfolding future of the organization, Toner added, “when we ask what kind of organization we want to be, that will still be our leading edge, but it’s also our hook.
“The concept is that we take the easiest thing to grab onto,” he added. “When people question the networking and social opportunities, well, here’s a guarantee of 150 people in a room; that’s a nice hook. Then those meetings are a means to unfold into the other events. People say, ‘oh, by the way, there’s a cancer walk coming up, or a charity golf tournament.’”

Definite Article
And in recent years, YPS members have clearly indicated that, while networking is an important aspect of the group’s mission, they want to take away something more.
To that end, all agreed that an important component of their strategic planning involves increased opportunities for professional development. But the sky’s the limit, according to Toner, when it comes to other goals that the YPS wishes to pursue.
“It’s a deeper commitment that we seek from our members,” he explained. “The first is an engaged membership to fill a lot of the programming needs. We always want to include everyone, but it’s almost like a triangle was flipped around, where the widest part of the triangle was at the top. We want to flip it around where the membership base feeds into the board.
“Once we do that,” he continued, “we can grow to the point where there’s enough critical mass, to work with others who have 501(c) foundations to support initiatives in the region — to offer scholarships, as an example.”
Such vertical trajectories are entirely probable for those members who would seek them, Hogan said. “I started going to YPS events when I wasn’t even a member. Then I got more interested in what we were about, got involved in the diversity committee with Ed [Nuñez], and then I decided that I wanted to join the board. And now I’m the one reaching out to other members.”
The work on YPS’ strategic initiative is ongoing, said Hogan, noting that the group “will be focused on those things that we already do very well, but to find those things that we can do very well.”

Greetings and Salutations
One of those things that the YPS will always do well is put like-minded people together, be it socially, professionally, or, as was mentioned, matrimonially. And an important part of that are the people themselves.
“When you’re talking to a peer, you’re more likely to hear what that person has to say,” Thornton said. “We can share the YPS mission with other young professionals, coming from young professionals. From that there is good communication, there is good understanding, and it’s relative. It doesn’t mean that other economic organizations aren’t doing a good job, because they certainly are — a lot of them are thriving. But this is a great introduction for young professionals into something bigger, a great place to cut their teeth on a board of directors.
“We’re the future leaders, but we have to start somewhere,” she continued.
In the age of seemingly incessant Facebook newsfeeds, LinkedIn updates, e-mails, texts, or any other number of online reminders, nothing can yet compete with face-to-face interaction, said those we spoke with.
“You can ignore all of that by just deleting,” Hogan said. “But you can’t ignore the person standing in front of you, extending their hand, saying, ‘hello, my name is…’”
That’s one signature experience that the YPS will always do very well.

Firm Resolve

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Law Sections

Bulkley Richardson Stakes Out New Ground

John Pucci, left, and Andrew Levchuk bring expertise to Bulkley Richardson in some key, growing niches of law.

John Pucci has amassed a considerable record in white-collar crime. No, not that kind of record.
Specifically, he prosecuted criminal cases for the government as chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Springfield before moving into private practice as a partner at Fierst, Pucci & Kane in Northampton.
For Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, the Springfield-based law firm that brought him on board as a partner earlier this year, his experience on both sides of white-collar-crime and other specialties make him a valuable asset. As part of his role, he’ll handle federal tax-evasion cases, public-corruption claims, and cases involving companies and individuals under pharmaceutical investigation — but, this time, fighting for the defense.
“It’s an enormous advantage for a practitioner in the white-collar crime arena to have worked inside government, because you really get a feel for how and why cases are prosecuted, where the fault lines are in terms of evaluating the case, and how the bureaucracy works — and doesn’t work,” Pucci said.
“Dealing internally with the IRS and FBI is a bit of an art form which takes years to learn,” he added. “When you come to the defense side, you have an ingrained sense of how the government is evaluating the same documents you’re looking at for a client.”
Pucci’s not the only new attorney at Bulkley Richardson. He actually hired Andrew Levchuk at the U.S. Attorney’s Office 20 years ago, “and we find ourselves back here, together, in 2012 by virtue of a collection of circumstances that were surely unforeseeable when I hired him,” Pucci told BusinessWest.
Levchuk, who also joined the firm earlier this year, most recently worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as deputy chief of the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section of the Criminal Division.
“I had spent part of my time in Washington as senior counsel at the computer crime and intellectual property section, and we worked on computer issues like data theft and data privacy, and also worked with international groups focused on those issues,” he told BusinessWest.
“That’s now a big issue here in Massachusetts and across the country,” he added. “Massachusetts has very strict data-privacy and data-protection regulations that apply not only to large institutions, but medium-sized businesses as well. In addition, these are very important concerns for health care clients.”
Pucci — who also brought to Bulkley Richardson his associate at Fierst, Pucci & Kane, Lizette Richards — is happy to be reunited with Levchuk. “By chance, we had a discussion, and Andy was interested in coming here.” Pucci said. “I told him he’d be a great addition, and at my suggestion, he came down to talk to the folks here, and here we are.”

Ahead of the Curve
Here they are, indeed — along with a diverse assemblage of fellow attorneys. As a law firm that traces its roots back to the 1920s and has grown to a roster of 45 lawyers with a wide diversity of specialties, Bulkley Richardson doesn’t want to stand pat, instead always considering what the current trends are in law, and trying to meet them, said Sandy Dibble, chair of the firm’s executive committee.
“Our size is incidental to what we are and what we can do,” he said, noting that it’s actually a relatively small firm when compared to some metropolitan and international firms.
The company expanded into Boston 10 years ago, an office that has thrived while focusing largely on representation of financial institutions. No one, Dibble said, could foresee the scope of the crisis that engulfed the financial-services industry in 2008.
“That turmoil has produced lots of litigation for banks. We represent mutual funds and most major banks. We rarely do foreclosures, but we do defend banks and other financial institutions when they’re sued,” he explained. “Banks like Sovereign, Bank of America, Citizens, JPMorgan Chase are big clients, and we do work for them in multiple states in New England through the Boston office. We have good lawyers out there, and it has been very successful.”
Bulkley Richardson has also seen plenty of growth in its health care specialty, particularly at a time when local and national health-insurance reform, and generally increasing compliance demands, require skilled legal aid.
“That’s a hugely active field from a legal perspective, with a tremendous amount of new legislation at the state and federal level, lots of new regulation, lots of new regulatory activity among the clients we represent,” Dibble said — among them Baystate Health and several other hospitals in Western Mass.
“We’re certainly not the only law firm representing these clients, but we do work with them in various areas of expertise,” he continued. “We do a lot of work involving government and how to structure organizations, how to manage them so they have a high level of compliance and ethical behavior. We also interact with the government agencies that supervise health care institutions.”
Among its other strengths, Dibble said, the firm handles plenty of litigation work and boasts a strong business and corporate practice, ranging from the purchase and sale of businesses and real estate to representing nonprofits and foundations in all facets of their operations; from drafting contracts for construction projects to that aforementioned advisory role for health care institutions.
Those efforts included handling financing for Baystate Medical Center’s $296 million expansion project. “That was a pretty challenging undertaking because we were putting it together right at the time the economy was collapsing,” he said. “So we were happy to be able to get that accomplished.”
The firm also represents many individual clients, including business owners and public figures; Bill and Camille Cosby are among the firm’s valued longtime clients, Dibble said.
Not every specialty thrives at any given time, he noted — for example, commercial real estate work has experienced an overall decline in the past few years. “Diversity is helpful to a firm, which is why we’ve made some significant additions, bringing in some additional resources in areas we weren’t as strong in.”

Keeping Secrets
Among those is corporate data security, one of Levchuk’s strong suits.
“Five years ago,” he said, “the big data-security issues involved large computer networks and hacking into banks of health care institutions, and by people seeking to obtain personal information which they could then use to steal identities, credit-card numbers, and so on.
“Now,” he continued, “that has evolved into data theft from a variety of other devices. We all walk around with handheld computers; that’s what smartphones are. Think about the data a smartphone contains. And from an employer’s perspective, think about the data that employees send and receive on smartphones, and you can see how security is now a major issue. Breaches can lead to serious civil liability — and occasionally criminal liability — so it’s important that companies have the right policies in place and get up to speed on these issues.”
For his part, Pucci said he’s built up a strong résumé of complex civil and complex criminal cases, but, having gotten to know Dibble and others at Bulkley Richardson, “I was desiring to make a change and get into a larger environment, a richer environment. I had a discussion that led to my decision to come here. There had not been a white-collar practice here for at least a decade, maybe never.
“This firm is an ideal place for us to settle into because it’s got a lot of rich history,” Pucci continued, as Levchuk nodded agreement. “It’s been here 80 years, which means it’s got a solidity to it and a sense of permanence. It’s got a lot of depth in its resources; just from among the lawyers who walk the hallways, you can get an answer to almost any question in any area, which is helpful.
“And on the service side,” he added, “we employ people who don’t exist in a smaller firm without our resources, and that allows you to lawyer instead of having to manage. Back in my old firm, as co-managing partner, I spent a lot of time managing issues and day-to-day problems, not practicing law. This is a great environment to practice law.”
That distinction is important, he said, for clients who, in many cases, are facing one of the more difficult situations in their life.
“It’s very important that we as lawyers keep in mind that our clients have a problem, and we should try to be problem-solvers,” Pucci said. “And the problem-solving process, working through the legal system, is a complex matter. Here, all our essential focus is on being a lawyer.”
But Dibble was quick to add that the firm’s attorneys are dedicated to helping people outside of work, too.
“We have a lot of people on the boards of dozens of organizations, people who volunteer their time, and we as a firm contribute financially to a lot of organizations,” he said. “That’s important to our culture. We want our people to recognize that we’re all part of a community — especially in a smaller city like this. That’s not to say that people in big cities don’t take part, but in a place like this, there aren’t so many people available to help out that you can skip it.”

Building a Case
With the Great Recession hopefully fading, Dibble said, Bulkley Richardson is hoping to build on a very strong 2011 — which followed a slightly-off 2010 — as it continues to diversify and grow.
“It’s a very competitive market out there; there are some very good firms in Western Mass. and some very good lawyers,” he said. “But the competition is not just local; there’s also a lot of competition from Boston and New York firms, national and international firms, who would like to do some of the work we do.”
And have been doing for more than 80 years.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Paid Sick Time?

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Law Sections

New Legislation Could Set the Stage for a New Policy in Massachusetts

John S. Gannon

Last year, Connecticut became the first state to pass legislation requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. The law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, requires most employers with 50 or more employees to provide paid sick days to their service workers, i.e. employees who regularly deal with the public.
Similar pieces of legislation have made their way up Beacon Hill over the last few years, but none have garnered enough support to raise eyebrows. However, with the new Connecticut law gaining national attention, Massachusetts may be more likely than ever to pass paid-sick-leave legislation.

Earned Paid Sick Time
Last month, paid-sick-leave supporters introduced their latest version of the bill to the state Legislature. The bill, titled “An Act Establishing Earned Paid Sick Time,” tracks analogous legislation proposed in previous years.
The law would require all employers with more than 10 employees to provide a minimum of 56 hours of paid sick leave to their employees on an annual basis. Employers with six to 10 employees would be required to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave, and the smaller ‘mom and pops’ with fewer than six employees need only give 40 hours of unpaid sick time.
Employees would accrue one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. They would also be entitled to carry over unused leave into their next year of employment. However, even if employees were able to carry over some unused sick leave, they would not be entitled to take more than their annual allotment during any given calendar year.

Define ‘Sick Time’
The proposed legislation would allow employees to use paid sick leave for a variety of reasons. First, they could use it to care for their own physical or mental illness that requires that they either stay home or seek professional medical care. This would permit usage for everything from the common cold to serious health conditions requiring a stay in the hospital.
Employees would also be able to use paid leave to attend routine medical appointments for themselves or for their children, spouse, and parents. Paid leave could also be used to care for an ill family member. Finally, employees could use the leave to address psychological, physical, or legal effects of domestic violence.

Prove It
In the ’80s classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Matthew Broderick is able to pull off a legendary sick-day scheme that begins with faking an illness. Will Massachusetts employees be able to follow in his footsteps?
The newest version of the legislation gives employers the right to request ‘reasonable documentation’ only when an employee is out for more than a day. This is more favorable to employers than earlier versions of the bill, which allowed a request for documentation only for absences of three days or greater. Still, it doesn’t take Ferris Bueller to realize that single-day trips to Fenway Park or the beach under the guise of an illness may go unnoticed.

Compliance
The good news is that employers who already provide paid sick leave under a PTO, vacation, or other leave policy will not need to change their policies if they already provide the requisite amount of leave and permit carryover as designed under the proposed legislation.
The current form of the bill would consider any such policy to be in compliance with the law. However, the paid-leave policy must permit the employee to use time for the reasons listed above, and documentation requirements can be no more demanding than specified in the law.

Going Forward
Naturally, the legislation has drawn praise from workers’ rights groups and criticism from business advocates. Supporters of the proposed law argue that employees should not have to sacrifice their health for wages. They also claim that paid sick leave would reduce the spread of communicable diseases among coworkers and to business customers.
Opponents are quick to point out that these benefits come at a price. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) estimates that mandatory paid leave will cost Massachusetts nearly 12,000 jobs over the next several years, with smaller businesses bearing the brunt of the losses.
Finally, it’s important to remember that mandatory paid sick leave is only proposed legislation in Massachusetts. The bill has several hurdles to leap before it could be fully voted on by the Legislature and put before the Governor for passage. Still, paid sick leave legislation is something to keep track of in 2012.

John Gannon is an associate with Skoler, Abbot & Presser, P.C. He received his juris doctor, cum laude, from Western New England University School of Law; (413) 737-4753; [email protected]

Minimize and Manage Risk

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Law Sections

Know Your Options When Incorporating Your Small Business

Michael Gove

The majority of companies begin as modest businesses owned by a sole proprietor or partnership, and often it is not until the company has grown do owners consider incorporating the venture. Whether small or large, all businesses can benefit from incorporating, but the most basic reason for considering a change in the business structure boils down to managing potential risk.
Incorporation is the act of forming a new legal entity (business structure) that provides certain business, tax, and legal advantages to its owners. The separate legal entity can own property, pay taxes, sign binding contracts, and, most importantly, protect its principals from many types of liability.
When deciding to incorporate, the following advantages should be considered:
• Limitation of Liability: The main advantage to creating a business entity is the limitation of liability faced by principals of the business. If a business is run as a sole proprietorship, the business owner assumes all liability, but when the business is a separate legal entity, an individual principal’s or investor’s liability is limited to the amount he has invested. In contrast, as a sole proprietor, your personal assets can be seized to pay the debts of the business.
• Raising Money Can Be Easier: Business entities can borrow or incur debt and can sell shares, which can make it easier to obtain capital for your business to develop.
• Deductible Expenses: Business entities may be subject to advantageous rules for business expenses.
• Protection of Trade Names: While not conclusive, the registration of your business-entity name with the secretary of state will provide additional protection against another business with an identical or similar name.
• Additional Credibility: A business entity may have more credibility with potential clients.
• Continuation of the Business: A business entity may continue to exist even beyond the death of a principal.
There are a variety of business entities that a business owner may use, and each provides specific legal and tax advantages and disadvantages. These include:
• Sole Proprietor: A sole proprietorship describes a simple business structure that is owned by an individual. Many smaller businesses operate as sole proprietorships; however, as mentioned above, one of the major disadvantages of this structure is that the owner is personally responsible for all legal and financial liabilities. A business-related lawsuit or IRS tax audit can place the owner’s personal assets at risk of seizure. Further, all business income is taxed as personal earned income by the owner. Though an owner may choose to use a trade name (also known as a d/b/a), there is no legal separation of the owner from the business.
• General Partnership: A general partnership allows two or more parties to share in the liability and profits of a company. Those parties can be comprised of corporations, individuals, other partnerships, trusts, or any combination thereof. Advantages of a general partnership include its ease of establishment and its ability to use the financial and managerial strengths of all partners. The disadvantages of a general partnership include the unlimited liability faced by the partners for the legal and financial liabilities of the business; that liability caused or incurred by one partner leaves all partners vulnerable to seizure of business and sometimes personal assets; and that one partner is able to commit the partnership to obligations without approval from the other partners.
• Limited Partnership: The limited partnership (LP) business structure creates a separate legal entity that involves one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. The limited partners typically invest capital in the business and are limited in their liability proportional to the amount of capital they invest. The general partner controls the operation of the partnership and is personally liable for its obligations and debts. (A corporation is often placed in the general-partner position in order to absorb the liability.)
A majority vote of the voting partners, unless specified otherwise by a written agreement, can change who serves as general partner. When a limited partner is sued personally and a judgment is issued, that limited partner’s interest in the limited-partnership entity is protected from seizure, as are any assets held by the limited partnership. Because of this protection, the limited partnership can be effective in shielding assets from creditors.
• Limited-liability Partnership: A limited-liability partnership (LLP) is most often employed in professional practices such as law, accounting, and architecture. This type of separate legal entity allows for liability protection for all general partners, as well as management rights. In most cases, the limited-liability partnership provides for the same limited liability found in a corporation. For tax purposes, the limited-iability partnership is a flow-through entity like a partnership.
• Limited-liability Company: The limited-liability company (LLC) combines the limited-liability benefits of a corporation and the tax benefits of a sole proprietorship (though one can choose to have the LLC taxed as a corporation). In an LLC, the owners are referred to as members. When the LLC is sued, its status as a separate legal entity can protect the individual members from liability. When the members are sued personally, the LLC and its assets are protected from being seized by creditors of the members. Because of these benefits, a limited-liability company is a popular choice of business entity for a wide variety of objectives.
• Corporation: Depending on a number of factors, a corporation can choose to file taxes either as a C corporation (where taxes are paid by the corporation) or as an S corporation (where income is passed through to the owners and is taxed on them individually). A corporation can choose to be an S corporation if it has fewer than 100 shareholders and all shareholders are U.S. residents. As a C corporation, there is no limit on the number of shareholders; additionally, C corporations can deduct employee medical expenses and insurance costs.
Once you have created a business entity, you will also need to request a federal employee identification number (FEIN) from the IRS. With a FEIN, your business will be able to open a bank account. Maintaining the company’s bank account separate from other business or personal accounts is crucial to avoiding a determination that funds have been ‘co-mingled.’ Updates with the secretary of state will be required at least annually, and more often if changes are made. Depending on the type of work being conducted, additional licenses or certificates may be required from the state or municipality where your business operates.
Remember, your business is ever-growing and changing. It is always a good idea to seek the assistance of a responsible tax professional and a qualified business attorney who can offer practical answers to your questions.

Michael S. Gove is an associate with Springfield-based Cooley, Shrair, P.C.; (413) 735-8037; [email protected]

Government Contractors Beware

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Law Sections

Audits Regarding Equal Employment Opportunity Are on the Rise

Karina L. Schrengohst

As an employer, the last thing you want is to face an audit for compliance with equal-employment-opportunity laws unprepared. Although an audit may be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself in the event an audit does occur.
This is especially important because the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has been conducting random audits to determine if federal contractors and subcontractors are in compliance with equal-employment opportunity laws.
One of the three equal-employment-opportunity laws that the OFCCP enforces is Executive Order 11246, which prohibits discrimination and requires affirmative action to ensure that women and minorities have an equal opportunity for employment. Under the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246, some federal contractors and subcontractors are required to develop and maintain a written affirmative-action plan. If you are a government contractor, you need to know whether you are subject to this requirement.
To determine if you need a written affirmative-action plan under Executive Order 11246, ask yourself: are you a non-construction (supply and service) contractor? Do you have 50 or more employees? Do you have government contracts of $50,000 or more? If you answered yes to these three questions, you must develop and maintain a written affirmative-action plan.
The objective of an affirmative action plan is to promote diversity in the workplace and ensure equal employment opportunity in the workforce. By analyzing current employment practices and the makeup of the workforce, employers can identify deficiencies in the utilization of women and minorities in their workforce. Once these deficiencies are identified, employers can create corrective policies and practices to achieve full utilization of women and minorities in their workforce.
Affirmative-action plans are complex to create and require specific elements. The following is a general overview of some of the required elements as detailed by the OFCCP regulations.
• Contractors must construct an organizational profile of their workforce, which is a detailed depiction of the staffing patterns within the company. This profile helps identify areas where women and minorities are underrepresented or concentrated.
• Contractors must perform a job-group analysis, which involves combining job titles into groups based on similar duties, responsibilities, compensation, and promotional opportunities. This analysis is the first step in comparing the representation of women and minorities in the company’s workforce with the estimated availability of women and minorities qualified for employment.
• Contractors must perform a utilization analysis, which involves determining the percentage of women and minorities employed in each job group, determining the availability of women and minorities who have the skills required to perform the jobs within the job groups internally (promotable, transferable, and trainable employees within the company) and externally (in the relevant labor market), and comparing the percentage of women and minorities employed in each job group with those available internally and externally. There is underutilization if there are significantly fewer women and minorities employed in each job group than are available.
• If underutilization is identified in job groups, contractors must establish placement goals for correcting such underutilization, and such goals are used to measure progress toward achieving equal-employment opportunity.
• Contractors must designate a specific person responsible for implementation of their affirmative-action plan.
• Contractors must identify problem areas where impediments to equal-employment opportunity exist.
• Contractors must develop and execute action-oriented programs designed to eliminate identified problem areas.
• Contractors must periodically conduct internal audits to measure the effectiveness of their affirmative-action plan.
• Contractors must maintain documentation to demonstrate their compliance and make such documentation available to the OFCCP upon request.
An affirmative-action plan is only one component of OFCCP compliance. For example, there are compliance requirements related to equal-employment-opportunity notice posting and record-keeping responsibilities. Also, as noted earlier, the OFCCP enforces three equal-employment-opportunity laws. Besides Executive Order 11246, the OFCCP also enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination and requires affirmative action in the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities; and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, which prohibits discrimination against specified categories of veterans and requires affirmative action in the employment of such veterans.
Similarly, these laws require a written affirmative-action plan, but with some variation from the elements required under Executive Order 11246. Thus, based on the complexity and extensiveness of equal-employment-opportunity laws, government contractors should consult with their employment counsel to ensure OFCCP compliance.
Being proactive will prepare you to face an OFCCP audit. The way to do that is by developing, maintaining, and annually updating your written affirmative-action plan.

Karina L. Schrengohst, Esq. specializes exclusively in management-side labor and employment law at Royal LLP, a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor- and employment-law firm; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

For Sale, For Lease

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Commercial Real Estate Sections

A listing of available commercial real estate

Click here to download PDF

Finance

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Columns Sections

The Research & Development Tax Credit

Kristina Drzal-Houghton

During these challenging economic times, manufacturers may be overlooking a significant source of revenue for hiring additional workers, expanding operations, and improving their bottom lines: the research and development (R&D) tax credit.
Large companies have banked on these credits for years, feeding a misperception that the credit is limited to high-tech, cutting-edge research companies, multinationals, or Fortune 1000 firms. However, when the credit was enacted by Congress, one of the important goals was to fuel innovation and hiring in the area which produces the most jobs in America: small and mid-sized companies. Recent changes to the credit have helped further this goal dramatically.
Over the past few years, Congress reduced the documentation and qualification requirements to make this credit accessible to companies outside of the Fortune 1000. Court rulings have also boosted eligibility and provided much-needed clarification. In the last two years, five major R&D tax-credit court cases added additional guidance in this area. All of these cases resulted in taxpayer-friendly outcomes that provide a clear, consistent, affirmative message toward estimation and costs that can be claimed. One case involving an automotive supplier had broad implications for companies in the plastics and manufacturing industry as a whole.
Specifically, the court ruled that a company could capture supply expenses incurred for the development of tooling and dies sold to the client. Another case reaffirmed this decision and expanded its applicability toward manufacturers developing products sold to clients. Specifically, the court ruled that the taxpayer could capture all of the expenses related to some of the unique boats the company developed. When viewed through the prism of the manufacturing industry, this applies to the tooling and prototypes sold to clients. An example could be the plastic injection mold developed to make a plastic car part.
Today’s manufacturer may not realize that their activities may entitle them to generous R&D tax incentives, and even if they do, the traditional notions of R&D may cause manufacturers to limit qualified research expenditures to activities associated with new-product and invention developments. However, in many cases, manufacturers spend a considerable amount of time and effort to develop product designs that achieve optimized manufacturing process performance. Furthermore, many manufacturers, including ‘job shops,’ conduct extensive activities to design and develop the manufacturing processes themselves to achieve specific project requirements or to stay ahead of competitors in the marketplace.
All these activities may require time and money both in the engineering department and on the production floor itself, which may be captured as qualified research expenditures leading to significant tax benefits. If you think you have to be a large public corporation developing products and inventions to be conducting qualified activities as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, think again.
Manufacturers with qualifying R&D activities are entitled to a 20% research tax credit (potentially equaling hundreds of thousands of dollars), subject to certain limitations for previous years. The credit is much more powerful than a deduction because it offsets taxes owed or paid, dollar for dollar, as opposed to just reducing a company’s taxable income. Even better, a business can obtain the credit for all open tax years — generally the last three years plus the current year. Any credits not currently utilizable can be carried forward 20 years.
To fully capture the eligible costs for this credit and defend your calculations should you be audited, you need a group of experts with either scientific or engineering experience to help qualify, quantify, and substantiate the credit. A company I’ve dealt with which has such expertise is an organization called Alliantgroup, a national, specialty tax-advisory firm. They provide businesses with a no-obligation assessment of their eligibility for tax credits. With recent changes to these incentives, they have been able to bring extra value to our clients, making this a win-win proposition for everyone.
A noted supporter of the R&D credit, former IRS Commissioner and Alliantgroup Vice Chairman Mark Everson, has urged manufacturers and their CPAs to educate themselves about the credit.
“Manufacturing is a foundational component of the American economy. The R&D credit can be a lifesaver for small and mid-size businesses, and in particular manufacturers. It is critical that businesses capture these funds.”
The U.S. Congress and many state governments realize how critical innovation is to the future of America’s competitiveness in the world, and the R&D credit is an important incentive to nurture that innovation. They also know that the companies engaging in these activities are supporting millions of high-skilled, well-paying jobs.
In addition to manufacturing, Brian Aumueller, director for Alliantgroup, has seen first-hand a variety of industries that are benefiting from the credit, including architecture, engineering, and contracting. He notes, “the broadened applicability of the credit has enhanced the opportunity for companies in various industries across the country — New England is no exception. In 2011, we have seen local companies capture over $16 million in credits, and expect that pace to increase in 2012 and beyond.”
The following examples illustrate how more businesses are taking full advantage of this important tax incentive program, resulting in a new stream of income in these trying economic times and saving jobs.
A contract manufacturer with $20 million in revenues realized a credit in excess of $400,000 due to changes in law that enable the costs related to plastic injection molds and tools sold to customers to be claimed.
Similarly, a tire-mold manufacturer realized about $60,000 in credits from the design of tire molds and the related costs of tire-mold prototypes.
For these and other reasons, the R&D credit will be around for a long time, and any company with relevant products or services would be smart to realize its benefits. By taking a strategic approach to R&D tax credits, businesses can realize significant cost savings benefiting the company, its employees, and the economy as a whole.

Kristina Drzal Houghton, CPA, is partner in charge of Taxation for Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; 536-8510; www.mbkcpa.com

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

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
Desiree K. Gibbons v. Zheng’s Garden, LLC
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing slip and fall: $9,337.60
Filed: 2/14/12

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Kathleen Hunter v. The Bank of Canton
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive trade practices regarding foreclosure on home: $269,000
Filed: 3/23/12

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Meadow Village, LLC v. City of Westfield
Allegation: Eminent-domain damage assessment: $35,000
Filed: 4/2/12

Northgate Medical, P.C. v. PSS World Medical Inc. f/k/a Physician Sales & Services Inc. and James Milewski
Allegation: Defendants converted business property belonging to plaintiff: $33,519.16
Filed: 3/15/12

TD Bank, N.A. v. NSS Contracting Inc. and Michael Scyocurka
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay: $26,071.71
Filed: 3/8/12

Varandas & Sons Contracting Inc. v. Geeleher Enterprises Inc. and Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials provided: $187,406.10
Filed: 3/13/12

Vulcraft of New York Inc. v. H.B.H. Steel Inc. d/b/a Metro West Steel
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $179,082
Filed: 4/2/12

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Tanya and Matthew Rogalski v. Gary Rome Hyundai Inc.
Allegation: The defendant failed to make the proper and required disclosures regarding the sale of an automobile: $22,907.89
Filed: 1/10/12

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Citibank N.A. v. Luzi’s Autobody Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on business-loan account: $24,796.13
Filed: 3/23/12

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Abide Inc. v. J.L.B. Enterprises and James L. Bent
Allegation: Balance remaining for asbestos-removal services provided: $5,740.49
Filed: 3/2/12

Dashaunna Porter v. Car Credit 1st
Allegation: Defendant sold the plaintiff a defective vehicle: $12,259.73
Filed: 3/9/12

Liberty Insurance Co. v. Xambioa Painting and Cleaning and Ivone Regina Freitas
Allegation: Non-payment on two workers’ compensation policies: $8,965.64
Filed: 3/8/12

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Agenda Departments

MCDI Career Showcase
April 26: The Mass. Career Development Institute will host an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. to showcase its extensive training programs. The event, the MCDI Career Showcase, will take place at 140 Wilbraham Ave. in Springfield. Instructors and staff will provide demonstrations and information about job-placement assistance and financial-aid programs available. MCDI programs include culinary arts, nurse’s aide/home health aide, sheet-metal fabrication and welding, medical office professional, and precision machining and manufacturing. To register or for more information, call (413) 781-5640.

Walk of Champions
May 6: The Goodnough Dike area of the Quabbin Reservoir will be the setting for the seventh annual Walk of Champions in Ware. Participants walk in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer, with the determination to make a difference in those affected by the disease. The event offers a five-mile or two-mile walk, with entertainment and refreshments along the route. For more information, visit www.baystatehealth.org/woc or e-mail Michelle Graci, manager of fund-raising events at Baystate Health at [email protected].

Small-business Seminar
May 16: Local business owners will talk about what they have done to keep ahead of the many demands on their time, and at the same time adjust for the economic environment, during a workshop titled “Adapt, Diversify, Reinvent & Grow” at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Presenters include Paul DiGrigoli of Digrigoli Salon & School of Cosmetology; Tara Tetreault of Jackson & Connor; Kate Vishnyakov of Kate Gray Inc.; and Rick Ricard of Larien Products. The 9 to 11 a.m. session is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

Management Fundamentals Workshop
May 24: Lyne Kendall of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will present “Business Plan Basics” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Amherst Town Hall, first floor meeting room, 4 Boltwood Walk. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals from startup considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

NYC Bus Trip
June 30: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host a bus trip to New York City, leaving the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returning around 9:30 p.m. Participants are on their own for the day in New York City. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, contact Lynn at (413) 594-2101.

40 Under Forty
June 21: BusinessWest will present its sixth class of regional rising stars at its annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The June 21 gala will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $60 per person, with tables of 10 available. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com.

Western Mass.
Business Expo
Oct. 11: BusinessWest will again present the Western Mass. Business Expo. The event, which made its debut last fall at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, will feature more than 180 exhibitors, seminars, special presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the year’s most extensive networking opportunity. Comcast Business Class will again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Details, including breakfast and lunch agendas, seminar topics, and featured speakers, will be printed in the pages of BusinessWest over the coming months. For more information or to purchase a booth, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Chamber Corners Departments

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

• May 2: Business@Breakfast, 7:15 at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. Breakfast Networking begins at 7:15. Panel discussion by Mayors Domenic Sarno of Springfield and Alex Morse of Holyoke. Jim Madigan of WGBY TV is the chief greeter and moderator. Sponsors include Freedom Credit Union, season ticket Sponsor; FastSigns, season sign sponsor; Verizon Wireless, coffee bar sponsor. Salutes go to MacDuffie School for 50 years of chamber membership, and Pioneer Valley Christian School on its 40th anniversary. Also, the Bell Ringers from the Pioneer Valley Christian School will be performing that morning. Cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or e-mail [email protected].
• May 9: After5, 5-7 p.m., Elegant Affairs/the Glass Room, 1380 Main St., Springfield. Enjoy a night of food, drink, great company, and fantastic networking. Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration may be done online at www.myonlinechamber.com, or e-mail [email protected].

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700

• May 9: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Red Barn. Cost is $12 for members, $15 for non-members.
• May 22: Chamber After Five, 5-7 p.m., at the The Lord Jeffery Inn. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• April 25: April Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, Memorial Drive, Chicopee. Tickets are $5 for pre-registered members, $15 for non-members.
• April 18: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. Tickets are $19 for members, $26 for non-members. Chairperson: Ron Proulx, Dave’s Truck Repair, Inc. Chief greeter: Jeffrey Hayden, Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. Guest speaker: Trevor Smith, Laugh For No Reason Salutes: Ashland Water Technologies, 100-year anniversary; King Ward Coach Lines, 25-year anniversary; Marcotte Ford, 50-year anniversary; and Minuteman Press, new facility. Bows: the Arbors at Chicopee, 10-year anniversary; Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, five-year anniversary.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• May 5: Spring Recycling Day, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dispose responsibly of your old computer, monitor, TV, stereo, and/or home or office appliance. Location: Valley Recycling, 245 Easthampton Road, Route 10, Northampton. Recycling services courtesy of Duseau Trucking, Hatfield. This event is open to the public. Contact the chamber office for recycling fees; 100% of fees benefit chamber community programs.
• May 10: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank and hosted by Amy’s Place Bar & Grill, 80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton. This event features hors d’ouevres, door prizes, and a cash bar. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• May 18: Wine & Microbrew Tasting, 6-8:30 p.m., One Cottage Street (corner of Cottage and Union streets) in Easthampton. Sample more than 50 wines and microbrews and enjoy fine food and an extraordinary raffle. Major sponsor: Easthampton Savings Bank. Event sponsor: Innovative Business Systems. Wine Sponsor: Westfield Spirit Shop. Microbrew sponsor: Big E’s Supermarket. Food Sponsor: Log Rolling at the Log Cabin/Delaney House. Benefactor: Finck & Perras Insurance Agency. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. To order tickets or for more information, call the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or order online at www.easthamptonchamber.org.
• May 20: “For The Kids!” Easthampton’s 12th Annual Big Rig Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine), at the Easthampton Municipal Building & Public Safety Complex, Payson Avenue, Easthampton. See trucks of all sizes — construction equipment, safety vehicles, and specialty cars and trucks. Free admission and parking. For more information, visit www.bigrigday.com.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• April 24: Business Person of the Year Award Dinner, 6 p.m., at the Delaney House, Country Club Road, Holyoke. The Greater Holyoke Business Community will honor Joseph L. Peters of Universal Plastics Corp. as Business Person of the Year. To register or for more information, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• April 25: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Members of area chambers, including Greater Holyoke, will participate in a one-day trip to the State House to meet with top leaders. Your payment of $180 covers coffee and danish, transportation to and from Beacon Hill, lunch with local legislators, a wrap-up reception, and legislative materials. Buses depart at 7 a.m. from the Plantation Inn at exit 6 off the Mass Pike and will return at 7 p.m. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376, or register online at holyokechamber.com
• May 16: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Simplicity Salon, 1735 Northampton St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Girls Inc. of Holyoke and Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. A marketing table is $25. Join your friends and colleagues for this informal evening of networking. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 21: The 44th Annual Holyoke Chamber Golf Tournament at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 11 a.m. Tee off at noon (scramble format). Cost is $125 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, prizes, dinner buffet, gift bag, and foursome photo. Awards, cash prizes, and raffles will follow dinner, consisting of an array of elaborate food stations. Call the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up, or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 30: Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 4 p.m.,
at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Program followed by grand reception with assorted food stations. Sponsored by Goss & McLain Insurance Agency; Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll; TD Bank; Dowd Insurance Agency Inc.; and PeoplesBank. Tickets are $25. Call (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• April 27: Greater Northampton Chamber Auction, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center. Sponsored by Coca-Cola Refreshments. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door ($40 for donors). Bid to win your favorites from an inspired offering of more than 250 dining, shopping, travel, and entertaining choices. Visit www.explorenorthampton.com/auction for details. Dine all night long from an abundant, three-course meal of appetizers, mini-entrees, and desserts. Taste the season’s special V-One Vodka concoctions prepared by creator Paul Kozub. Sponsored by V-One Vodka and Eastside Grill.

• May 2: May Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., at North Country Landscapes (Route 66, Westhampton). Sponsored by Czelusniak Funeral Home. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $20 for guests.

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

• May 10: May Networking Event, 5-8 p.m., at Ibiza Tapas in Northampton. Free to NAYP members, $5 for guests. Visit www.thenayp.com for details.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• April 26: Professional Women’s Chocolate Affair, 6-9 p.m., at Chez Josef in Agawam. Event features elegant chocolate desserts, appetizers, cordials, and shopping at vendor booths. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Proceeds will go to the Professional Women’s scholarship fund.

QUABOAG HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

• April 27: Lasagna Dinner to benefit Elm Hill Center, 5-7 p.m., at
Brookfield Congregational Church, 8 Common St., Brookfield. Enjoy a lasagna dinner with a great crowd. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children 12 years old and younger. The menu includes homemade lasagna, tossed salad, bread, beverages, and dessert. Make-your-own-sundaes will be available for a small additional cost. Take a chance in one of the great raffles. There is a family takeout meal deal for only $30. Proceeds will benefit therapeutic programming initiatives at Elm Hill Center. For more information, call Laurie Reynolds at (508) 347-8181, ext. 120.
n April 28: Volunteer Day at Elm Hill, 9:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., at the Elm Hill Center, 26 East Main St., Brookfield. Help at the spring cleanup of the Elm Hill grounds and mansion. Great for groups to work together. Refreshments will be available to thank all of the volunteers for their efforts in honor of National Volunteer Week. Proceeds will benefit therapeutic-programming initiatives at Elm Hill Center. For more information, call Ed LaPointe, (508) 347-8181, ext. 137, or visit www.rehabresourcesinc.org/elmhill/events.htm

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• May 18: Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Orchards Golf Club, South Hadley. Sponsors: South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce. Special guests: legislative representatives. Tickets are $15 at the door. RSVP at (413) 532-6451 by May 11. Seating is limited.
• May 21: South Hadley & Granby Day at the Orchards Golf Club. Tee times, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsor: South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce. Opportunity to win a foursome at the Orchards. Cost is $65 per person, lunch included. For tee times and details, call Tony Giannetti at (413) 533-1784, or e-mail [email protected].

THREE RIVERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425

• May 7: Chamber meeting, 7-8 p.m., at the chamber office, 2376 Main St., Three Rivers.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• May 2: Wicked Wednesday, 5- 7 p.m, at the Holiday Inn, Enfield. WRC invites you to join us on the first Wednesday of every month at businesses across Agawam and West Springfield. Get a little wicked with us and see what WRC is all about. These events are free for WRC members and $10 for non-members.
• April 24: Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Captain Leonard’s House, Agawam.
• May 1: Membership Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Westfield Bank, Agawam.
• May 2: Education Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at the Agawam High School Career Development Center, Agawam.
• May 10: Programs Committee Meeting, 7:30- 9 a.m., at Management Search Inc., West Springfield.
• May 17: Economic Development Committee Meeting, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at the Work Opportunity Center, Agawam.
• May 18: Executive Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Hampden Bank, West Springfield.
• May 22: Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Captain Leonard House, Agawam.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• May 16: WestNet Plus 1, 5-7 p.m. Hosted by Pioneer Valley Railroad, Old Montgomery Road, Westfield. Our monthly networking event will be held on the Pinsly Railroad Dining Car and Caboose with an opportunity to check out a locomotive in the shop. Our sponsor this month is Comcast. The featured speaker this month is Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. It’s a great opportunity to make business connections, so bring your business cards. Cost is $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.springfieldyps.com

• May 17: 4th Annual Great Golf Escape, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., at Shaker Farms Country Club, Westfield. Non-member registrations opens April 1. Only 32 foursomes available.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Briefcase Departments

Youth Summer Jobs Campaign Underway
SPRINGFIELD — The Regional Employment Board (REB) of Hampden County Inc., in conjunction with the FutureWorks and CareerPoint one-stop career centers, is seeking summer-employment opportunities for youth between the ages of 14 and 21. “The demand for youth summer-employment opportunities is great, with so many young people in search of a chance to work, learn, earn, and possibly be mentored,” said Joseph Peters, chair of the REB board of directors, in a letter to area businesses on the Youth Summer Jobs Campaign 2012. There are three ways employers can help: hire a youth, donate money, or become a work site. All youths receive 10 hours of work-readiness skills training before employment. “Youths are referred to you, and you make the final selection,” noted Peters. Also, a minimum donation of $150 is welcome from organizations and businesses to help pay wages for one week for a youth working in a community-betterment project in a park, camp, or nonprofit agency. Peters added that businesses should consider being a work site, and the youth will be paid by the REB. “It’s another great way to cover for employee vacations,” he said. Last year, 205 employers were involved in putting more than 1,200 young people to work. “Your private dollars expand summer opportunities to youth who may not meet the eligibility requirements of government-funded summer-jobs programs, as well as to those with limited family income,” said Peters. For more information, call (413) 787-1547 or visit www.rebhc.org.

Community-wellness Grant Projects Launched
HOLYOKE — Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse recently joined several state legislators to celebrate the expansion of the Mass. Department of Public Health’s (MDPH) Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. There are now 53 municipalities across the state that participate in the program. The Hampshire Council of Governments was awarded the Mass in Motion grant in October and will be partnering with the SPIFFY Coalition to implement efforts around healthy eating, nutrition, and physical activity. The Tobacco-free Living Initiative will be the work of the Tobacco Free Community Partnership, a Hampshire Council of Governments’ program. Targeted communities for this grant are Amherst, Belchertown, Northampton, and Williamsburg. The expansion, funded by a Community Transformation Grant awarded to MDPH by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adds Holyoke and communities from Franklin and Berkshire counties to the current Mass in Motion communities in Western Mass., which include Springfield, Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge. Through unique partnerships and cross-department collaboration, communities will work to develop and implement prevention-based policies, systems, and strategies to encourage healthy eating and active living to help reduce obesity and promote tobacco-free living. Collectively, these initiatives will work with local schools to improve walkability and bikeability to area schools; establish community-design standards to make streets safe for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of public transit; improve the nutritional quality of foods and beverages served or available in schools; increase the accessibility, availability, affordability, and identification of healthful foods by working with local retailers to promote healthier food and beverage options; and adopt policies to increase the number of multi-unit properties that are smoke-free. For more information on participating in the project, call Todd Ford of the Hampshire Council of Governments at (413) 584-1300, ext. 121, or Sue Cairn of the Hampshire Education Collaborative at (413) 586-4998, ext. 114.

Service Group Funding Replacement of Trees
SPRINGFIELD — Service Group Inc., the primary Clean and Safe contractor for the Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID), will fund the replacement of 11 trees in the downtown area damaged by last June’s tornado. Service Group, based in Malvern, Pa., is offering the trees as a gift to thank the downtown Springfield property owners who fund the SBID. “We walked the tornado-damaged areas over the summer, and saw that the void left by the lack of trees was stunning,” said Service Group executive Nick Bendistis. “This gift is a pretty obvious way of giving back to a community that we care deeply about. We are an engaged partner in Springfield’s revitalization.” Eleven trees throughout the downtown that were either damaged or destroyed by the tornado have been selected for replacement. The first tree to be replaced is outside of Tower Square by the CVS entrance at 1500 Main St.

Making Their Case

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Law Sections

A chart of area law firms

Click here to download PDF

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of April 2012.

AGAWAM

A. Russo Concrete
76 Highland St.
Anthony Russo

Cars by Joseph
33 Portland St.
Joseph Rose

HBH Direct
42 Warren St.
Victoria Orlova

JBM Odds & Ends
475 Meadow St.
Brian Anderson

Law Office of Tyson Ence
100 Main St.
Tyson Ence

Legacy Realty Group
32 Losito Lane
Mario Maloni

Most Build General Contractors
113 Bridge St.
Jason Wolfe

Romel’s Furniture Repair
420 Main St.
Romel Lteif

The Decksperts
6 Hope Farms Dr.
Dwain Devine

CHICOPEE

Encores
30 Asselin St.
Ruth Niernasz

Ironclad Security Systems
57 Elm St.
Jason Boulet

John’s Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
23 Polaski Ave.
John Derosambeau

Kamy’s Food and Fuel Inc.
817 Front St.
Kamini Sanghui

Muse Salon & Spa
665 Prospect St.
Teresa Moran

South Side Renegades
45 Pearl St.
Emanuel Floyd

EAST LONGMEADOW

Beauty Time LLC
16 Maple St.
Lillian Lam

Ciao Bella Salon
128 Shaker Road
Christine M. O’Connell

Elite Therapeutic Massage
489 North Main St.
Jennifer Fijel

Peppas by the Slice Pizzeria
33 Harkness Ave.
Argira DeGuglielmo

Reliable Bookkeeping & Tax Services
674 North Main St.
Ming L. Tsang

Tickets for Groups Inc.
337 Pinehurst Dr.
Deborah S. Axtell

Visual Changes
35 Harkness Ave.
Laura Webb

GREENFIELD

Cowan’s Garage
93 Vernon St.
James Cowan

Dollar Tree
255 Mohawk Trail
Dollar Tree Stores Inc.

Nlitn Media Group
310 Chapman St.
David Browning

Peaceful Body Works
278 Main St.
Aleashia Pease

Scott’s Barber Shop
372 Federal St.
Scott Greaves

Stitch Lounge
30 Mohawk Trail
Jenna L. Smith

Unified Body Therapy
5 Park St.
Charles Cooper

V.O. Rell Enterprises
332 Deerfield St.
Dan Oros

Walgreens
329 Conway St.
Michael Felish

HOLYOKE

JRE Masonry
24 Thomas Ave.
Jerome R. Ezold

Juju’s Boutique
592 Dwight St.
Dilli Vassallo

Nobody Productions
27 Wolcott St.
Roberto Deza

South Summer Motor
525 South Summer St.
John A. Galivan

LUDLOW

9 to 5 Business Solutions
1 Swan Ave.
Carmina Fernandes

Compass Restoration Services, LLC
563 Center St.
Victor Rodrigues

Tony’s Auto Appraisal and Service
25 Joy St.
Fernando Barros

PALMER

Blatant Beer, LLC
101 Bishop St.
Blatant Brewery, LLC

Fordable Used Cars
1317 Main St.
Ivan Vlasyuk

Hollywood Cuts and Styles
1622 North Main St.
Naomi L. Mills

Jimmy’s Pizzaria
1365 Main St.
James Carvalho

Nesco Sales, Inc.
89 ½ State St.
Kevin Comstock

SPRINGFIELD

Alpha to Omega Painting
126 Barre St.
Augustine J. Stuetzel

Awesome Windows
30 Aeden St.
Richard Bianchi

Baystate Builders
28 Gilman St.
Gino Decesare

Brr Mix A-Lot
888 Sumner Ave.
Vu T. Nguyen

Bryant Northeast
467 Cottage St.
Carrier Enterprise

Buckle-Up #2
1655 Boston Road
Victor Davila

Checkerboard Panini
43 Glenmore St.
Charyl A. Ricapito

Chili Dogs
50 Sanderson St.
Eugene Pretlow

Common Good Builders
250 Albany St.
Robert Anthony

Compucell
1097 State St.
David J. Rodriguez

De la Rosa Lawn Sprinkler
306 St. James Ave.
Rigoberto De la Rosa

Eastfield Tire and Auto
1514 Boston Road
Holyoke Tire and Auto

Equitable Real Estate
175 State St.
Albert J. Beaumier

Europa Cleaning Service
1350 Main St.
Luisa Cardaropoli

Exclusive
79 Gold St.
Myriam Vega

Family Mini Market
234 Orange St.
Erica I. Nunez

Fashion Rite
625 Boston Road
Muhammed Waseem

First Step
29 Marble St.
Linda Colon

G & T Lawncare
67 Johnson St.
Thuy Lee

HB Collectibles
34 Leyfred Terr.
William F. Boyden

Hair Cuttery
1712 Boston Road
Creative

Homans Associates
467 Cottage St.
Carrier Enterprise

I Can Help You
57 David St.
Donald E. Freeman

Innovative Roomscapes
1105 Sumner Ave.
Christopher Phelps

WESTFIELD

Aguda Services Run Your Errands
163 Joseph Ave.
Melody Aguda

AMR Building & Remodeling
113 Westwood Dr.
Stuart Richter II

Appalachian Enterprises
97 Reservoir Ave.
Denise Atkinson

Charter Tree Service
5 Pearl St.
Allison Charter

Cusson Remodeling
64 Yeoman Ave.
Christopher Cusson

First Choice Real Estate
72 Mill St.
Eve M. Crampton

Good Choice Home Improvement
21 Paper St.
Igor Khomichuk

Legacy Funeral Home Inc.
4 Princeton St.
Joseph Kozikowski

Sherry Dvorchak
45 Meadow St.
Sherry Dvorchak

The Wright Pet Sitter
85 City View Boulevard
William Wright

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cornerstone Construction Company
105 Hampden St.
Anatoliy Paliy

E. Scott Landscaping
320 Massachusetts Ave.
Eric Scott

Hale Channel Photography
124 Lincoln St.
Brian M. Hale

Lattitude
1338 Memorial Ave.
Jeffrey Daigneau

North Garden Chinese Restaurant
42 Myron St.
Raymond Kan

The Puppy Place
935 Riverdale St.
Richard Carty

Van Deene Medical Building Partner
75 Van Deene Ave.
Jonathan C. Sudal

Westside Checking
205 Elm St.
JMT Check Cashing Inc.

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Avery, Pamela J.
22 Elm St., Apt. #2
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Baker, Daniel M.
PO Box 187
Deerfield, MA 01342
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Barnes, Richard F.
95 Elm St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/12

Benjamin, Luz A.
28 Gerald Way, Apt. F
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Blasko, Roger F.
23 Spring St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Blavackas, Ilona E.
P.O. Box 486
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Bourcier, Mark A.
53 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Buor, Alexander K.
a/k/a Buor, Kofi A.
67 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/27/12

Cannon, Lawrence Wright
Cannon, Malin V.
5 Hill Crest Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Challet, Edward A.
320 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Challet, Susan
7 Lewandowski Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Chekovsky, Robert D.
143 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Comiskey, Shawn C.
42 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Connaughton, Dana L.
375 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Costello, Stephen J.
PO Box 124
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Cote, Garrett M.
97 Valier Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Coughlin, Steven J.
18 Yorkshire Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Cowles, Aden
Cowles, Kimberly
139 Root Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Crabbe, Jenny Lee
9 Jackson St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Danoff, Linda H.
169 Main St., Unit 12
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Deco Painting
Rohan, Scott E.
274 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Desroches, Gerald E.
8 Valley View Court, Apt. 7
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/12

Diecast Realty Holdings
Diecast Connections Company
896 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Dilboy, Rebecca Jo
a/k/a Allard, Reecca Jo
105 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Dotson, Delores
120 Sunrise Terrace
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Douglass, Michael R.
Douglass, Rachel R.
24 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Dupuis, Gail
95 Haynes Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Duquette, Benjamin J.
875 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Dwyer, Susan Ellen
a/k/a Kelly, Susan Ellen
38 Mountain View St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/12

Edwards, Melissa H.
331 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Farquhar, James
4 North Lane
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Farrell, William P.
90 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Frady, Deborah C.
127 Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/12

Germain, Gary S.
Germain, Jennifer L.
a/k/a Cos, Jennifer L.
25 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/12

Goodrow, Mary Ellen
a/k/a Keinath, Mary Ellen
3 Greenacre Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Gosselin, Philip H.
26 Hampshire St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Gran, Karl E.
438 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Gray, Jonathan J.
186 West Meadowview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Harrington, Jessica
a/k/a Schopman, Jessica
111 School St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Harrington, Kristie M.
12 Indian Park
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/12

InHome Handyman Services
Ahlstrom, Richard A.
Ahlstrom, Lisa M.
215 Madison West
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Jones News Room
Bouyea, Alan W.
81 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Kareh, Pierrot K.
48 1/2 Melrose St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Kearney, James Patrick
Kearney, Jaclyn Noelle
56 Beekman Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Kelley, Christopher D.
85 Nichols Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Lacey, Mary Ann T.
79 Mervyn St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

LaPrad, Thomas P.
P.O. Box 618
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Lemieux, Helen J.
9 Peterson Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Leone, Lois A.
36 Merrell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/12

Loop, Roger
126 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Lopez, Edward F.
1162 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Lopez, Juan Edwin
Rivera, Marily
63 Tina Lane
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/27/12

M&N Trucking
Merzoian, Jerier B.
31 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/22/12

M.D. Siebert Renovations
Siebert, Mark D.
37 Sterling Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Manley, Joseph P.
Manley, Heather A.
64 Fairview St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Mann, Eugene
29 Church St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Martin, Tammy L.
a/k/a Nardi, Tammy L.
37 Maynard St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Massey, Joseph W.
Massey, Diane M.
120 Meadowview Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Mastronardi, Stephen R.
30 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/12

McGaffigan, Richard
McGaffigan, Lisa K.
23 Pine St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/22/12

McWhinnie, Lauren
184 Daniel Shays Highway
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Micheli, Melanie
25 Chataeugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Mistalski, Michele
56 Church St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Moggio, David Allen
Moggio, Deborah Elizabeth
27 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Morin, Armand A.
75 Michigan St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Morin, Sharon
19 Elm St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Nebedum, Archibald Ogugua
55 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Ness, Timothy Scott
71 Gothic St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Nieves, Luz Z.
1451 Dwight St., Apt. 1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Nogueira, Alvaro
Nogueira, Deolinda
420 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Oduro-Tandoh, Kwasi
48 Bamforth Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Paul, Gayle A.
375 Massachusetts Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Perez, Carlos
Perez, Margarita
414 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/16/12

Perkins, Mark L.
Perkins, Melissa R.
68 Spence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/12

Poehler, Dorothy A.
36 Village Green
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Pouliot, Jeannine M.
875 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Provost, Justin
129 Reed St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Putnam, David Robert
Putnam, Lois Ann
a/k/a Strucek, Lois Ann
2014 Hawley Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Quatrone, Nancy L.
62 Midway St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Redmond, Carol A.
275 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/16/12

Renaud, Vincent L.
24 Coolidge Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Reyes, Manuel D.
26 Edward Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Riffenburg, Michael C.
Riffenburg, Rebecca T.
85 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/12

Rivera, Rosa M.
916 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Robidoux, Marc E.
28 Walnut St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Rosario, Victor M.
50 Old Lane Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Roy, Kimberly Marie
116 Mosier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Rufo, Ronni-Anne
33 Wellington Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Sam Leivry Transportation
AYAZ HOZIERY
Ahmad, Shahzad
693 Main St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Santa, Angel L.
Santa, Erin L
63 School St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Santiago, Evelyn
29 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Signorelli, Mary Ann
55 Greenlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/12

Slater, Francis M.
Slater, Elaine G.
2 Hunter Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/12

Souder, William P.
43 Randall St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/16/12

Sprague, Peter G.
29 Mystic St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/12

Starzyk, Michelle L.
63 Castle St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Stone, Lissa J.
84 Riverview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/16/12

Strange, Roger W.
800R Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Thomas, Horace C.
70 Walnut St., Apt. 10
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Thompson, Whitney Taylor
a/k/a Hebert, Whitney Taylor
190 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Trexler, Ann Marie
44 Royal St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Trombly, Anthony J.
19 Anthony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/12

Vareschi Plumbing & Heating
Vareschi, John A.
1151 Massachusetts Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/12

Volmar, Rosa Maria
1607 Main St. A519
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/12

Wall, Stephanie K.
80 Searle Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/12

Weise, John R.
99 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/23/12

Willor, Francis J.
455 State St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/21/12

Yell, Leonard W.
326 Main St., Apt D
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/12

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of April 2012.

CHICOPEE

Burke’s Truck Rental
1125 Sheridan St.
$2,000 — Roof repair

Mesa Enterprises, LLC
716 Prospect St.
$8,000 — Strip and re-roof

GREENFIELD

AR Sandri Inc.
400 Chapman St.
$60,000 — Interior renovations

Franklin Associates
87-91 Main St.
$30,500 — New roof system

Girls Club of Greenfield
Oak Hill Road
$7,500 — Roof renovations

Greenfield Garden Cinemas
361 Main St.
$20,000 — To replace floor and install new seats

Town of Greenfield
Nashs Mill Road
$10,000 — Install commercial hood system into building at Greenfield swimming pool

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$256,000 — Remodel Aeropostle store

Sacred Heart Parish
427 Maple St.
$4,000 — Construct pergola

NORTHAMPTON

548 Elm Street, LLC
548 Elm St.
$11,000 — Construct accessory building

Bally Bunion Realty, LLC
104 Main St.
$50,000 — Interior renovations

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St.
$108,000 — Replace slate roof on original building

Maplewood Shops Inc.
2 Conz St.
$14,000 — Install vinyl siding and trim

Perstorp Compounds, Inc.
238 Nonotuck St.
$39,000 — Install new roof

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
1 Park St.
$4,000 — Install insulation

Riverbend Village Condos
173 Riverbend Village Road
$17,000 — Renovations

SPRINGFIELD

C & W Realty Company, LLC
311 State St.
$8,000 — Exterior renovations to the front of the building

MD Trading Corp.
19 St. James Ave.
$16,500 — Interior renovation of retail space

Mercy Medical Center
300 Stafford St.
$1,314,000 — Build out of first floor including medical offices

Springfield VF, LLC
1057 Boston Road
$200,000 — Interior renovation for Sonic restaurant

Western New England University
1215 Wilbraham Road
$7,483,000 — Renovation to Herman Hall

Yukon Group, LLC
101 Wason Ave.
$1,700,000 — Construct building shell for new three-story medical office building

WESTFIELD

Dion Label
539 North Road
$44,000 — New roof

FRP Holdings
24 Main St.
$202,000 — Facade repairs

Pro Automotive
979 Southampton Road
$750,000 – Fire restoration

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Dean Sharpy
62 South Boulevard
$3,000 — Siding

Dr. Bob Salem
75 Van Deene st.
$55,000 — Renovate existing space

Kapstone Container
100 Palmer Ave.
$435,000 — 10,000-square-foot re-roof of commercial structure

Introducing the Class of 2012

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2012

40 Under 40 Cover Story The Class of 2012

The Young Business and Community Leaders of Western Massachusetts

In 2007, BusinessWest introduced a new recognition program called 40 Under Forty. It wasn’t unique — business journals across the country have similar initiatives — but it was new to this region.

It was designed to enlighten the region and introduce it to 40 rising stars in the realms of business, nonprofit management, and community service. It was also created to inspire others to become leaders and find their own ways to join the ranks of 40 Under Forty winners. Five years later, the program continues to succeed on all levels, and a 40 Under Forty plaque has become a coveted prize across the four counties of Western Mass.
It has become a symbol of excellence, an honor that speaks to the energy, drive, passion, and commitment to help others that all the winners share.
With that, we introduce the Class of 2012, a diverse group that includes entrepreneurs, professionals, nonprofit managers, a state senator, and a police sergeant. The stories are all different, but the common denominator is that these young men and women possess that most important of qualities: leadership.

2012 40 Under Forty Winners:

Allison Biggs
Christopher Connelly
Scott Conrad
Erin Corriveau
Carla Cosenzi
Ben Craft
Michele Crochetiere
Christopher DiStefano
Keshawn Dodds
Ben Einstein
Michael Fenton
Tim Fisk
Elizabeth Ginter
Eric Hall
Brendon Hutchins
Kevin Jennings
Kristen Kellner
Dr. Ronald Laprise
Danielle Lord
Waleska Lugo-DeJesus
Trecia Marchand
Ryan McCollum
Sheila Moreau
Kelli Ann Nielsen
Neil Nordstrom
Edward Nuñez
Adam Ondrick
Gladys Oyola
Shardool Parmar
Vincent Petrangelo
Terry Powe
Jennifer Reynolds
Jessica Roncarati-Howe
Dan Rukakoski
Dr. Nate Somers
Joshua Spooner
Jaclyn Stevenson
Jason Tsitso
Sen. James Welch
Karen Woods

Photography for this special section by Denise Smith Photography

Meet Our Judges

This year’s nominations were scored by a panel of five judges, who accepted the daunting challenge of reviewing more than 110 nominations, and scoring individuals based on several factors, ranging from achievements in business to work within the community. BusinessWest would like to thank these outstanding members of the Western Mass. business community for volunteering their time to the sixth annual 40 Under Forty competition. They are:

• Scott Foster, partner in the Business & Finance Department of the law firm Bulkley Richardson, develops practical, cost-effective legal strategies that complement the goals of the business and the business owner. His clients range from startups seeking venture capital to established businesses preparing for a transition to the next generation or a transfer to new owners. Foster, a member of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2011, is the co-founder of Valley Venture Mentors, an organization that provides critical mentoring to early-stage, pre-seed companies. He also serves on committees of local organizations focused on growing the business and entrepreneurial community in the Pioneer Valley.
• Jaimye Hebert is currently a vice president of Commercial Lending at Monson Savings Bank. Previously she worked for People’s United Bank (formerly known as the Bank of Western Massachusetts) as a vice president of Commercial Lending and various other positions, including credit officer and portfolio manager. A graduate of Springfield Technical Community College and Western New England University and a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2011, Hebert is a lifelong resident of Western Mass. and serves on the STCC Foundation board of directors. She is also actively involved with local organizations, including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Pioneer Valley Junior Soccer League.
• Lynn Ostrowski is the director of Brand & Corporate Relations at Health New England. Her role includes oversight of brand, marketing and advertising, graphic design, communications, community relations, sponsorships, public relations, and government affairs. She recently joined the faculty of Elms College, appointed program coordinator for the Health Services Administration undergraduate degree. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Fitness and her master’s degree in Health Promotion & Wellness Management from Springfield College, and her doctorate in Health Psychology from Capella University.
• Kirk Smith is president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, a position he took just over a year ago. He has been an operator of residential facilities and a nonprofit executive, minister, and motivational speaker for more than 17 years in Ohio, Florida, and Massachusetts. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in Science of Human Services and a master’s in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. Smith has been featured on several national and local television shows and in news publications and magazines discussing YMCA work in urban communities and professional staff development.
• Jim Theroux is the Flavin Professor of Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst. He had a business career in the cable-TV industry that began with Time-Warner Cable. After several years there, he went out on his own by raising $20 million in venture capital to start a new cable company. That company was sold in 1991, at which time Theroux joined the faculty at UMass Amherst. There, Theroux has partnered with scientists to form new companies. He is a co-founder of two biotech ventures and a food-science company. In addition to angel investing, Theroux is an advisor to many area businesses. He received his MBA at Harvard University and his doctorate in Educational Technology at UMass.

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It’s a Family Fare:

Sea Worthy:

Off the Menu:

Certified Financial Planner and Owner, the DiStefano Group

Supportive Housing Program Site Director, Springfield YWCA

Executive Director, AIDS Foundation of Western Mass.

Manager of Public Affairs, Baystate Medical Center

President, TommyCar Auto Group

Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, Reliable Temps Inc.

Assistant Director of Information Technology, Center for Human Development

Author, Motivational Speaker, and Playwright, 4King Edward Enterprises Inc.

Principal, Brainstream Design

Law Clerk, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, P.C.; Springfield City Councilor

Chiropractor and Owner, Laprise Chiropractic & Wellness

Founder and President, Kellner Consulting, LLC

President, Jennings Real Estate

Senior Vice President, St. Germain Investment Management

Sergeant, Westfield Police Department

President, Ellis Title Company

Executive Director, the Alliance to Develop Power

President, Foley/Connelly Financial Partners

Graphic Designer

Crowdfunding Could Spur Startups

At Five Years, YPS Aims to Redefine Its Goals

Bulkley Richardson Stakes Out New Ground

New Legislation Could Set the Stage for a New Policy in Massachusetts

Know Your Options When Incorporating Your Small Business

Audits Regarding Equal Employment Opportunity Are on the Rise

The Research & Development Tax Credit

The Young Business and Community Leaders of Western Massachusetts

2012 40 Under Forty Winners:

Meet Our Judges

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