April 2014 - Page 3 of 3

The 5 C’s to Recruit, Engage, and Retain Quality Staff

By KIM SEELING SMITH

The war for talent is over, and talent has won. Over the past 20 to 30 years, technology and globalization have dramatically changed the way we work. However, very little has changed in how we hire and manage staff — which has led to low employee engagement and productivity and high employee turnover.

Instead of doing the routine, tactical, and predicable work of yesteryear, the Social Age requires us to be more strategic, creative, and innovative — more solutions-oriented. Yet, for the most part, we are still hiring for skills and experience and using the same levers we have used for decades (if not centuries) to motivate and manage staff.

We must evolve our business practices to remain competitive in our digitally connected, globally oriented economy.

With any evolutionary process, a guide or roadmap proves invaluable. When your company decides to take the leap and join the Social Age, there are 5 C’s to adhere to so you can maximize employment efficiency and effectiveness, retain your staff, and ensure that your employees are fully engaged on a daily basis.

Correct Hiring

We must start this evolution by hiring the right people — without them, efforts to engage and retain staff become moot. The Industrial Age paradigm emphasized hiring for skills and experience. But skills can be taught, and in today’s rapidly changing world, experience is far less important than agility and the ability to learn and adapt.

To not only survive, but thrive in the Social Age, companies need to hire for both culture fit and competencies — those innate abilities that can’t be taught but will make someone successful in the workplace.

Proper interviewing technique is essential to guaranteeing you get the right hire. Unlike the stock market, when it comes to potential job candidates, past performance is indicative of future results. The majority of interview questions have to be answered with past examples of how the candidate actually dealt with real-world scenarios.

Classify and Manage Appropriately

Even when you do everything right during the hiring process, you may still be surprised once the employee comes on board. Team dynamics or changing personal circumstances can affect individual behavior and performance.

You must continually keep your finger on the pulse of your staff — a daunting task to many managers who either try to devote equal time and energy across the board, or spend time with the wrong people.

Employees typically come in three ‘flavors’: critical people, squeaky wheels, and the fat middle. Most managers end up spending most of their time trying to grease their squeaky wheels, which perpetuates poor performance or behavior. Counterintuitively, by devoting the majority of your attention to your critical people, you will bolster the productivity of the whole team. Squeaky wheels? Train, motivate, or move them on. Quickly.

Compensate Fairly

Many companies diligently strive to create attractive incentive programs in an effort to engage and retain staff. Unfortunately, these efforts actually may be counterproductive to accomplishing these goals.

Studies have suggested that rewards can narrow our focus, innovation, creativity, strategic thinking, and problem solving — the very things needed from a Social Age workforce. Higher pay does not necessarily equal higher productivity. Managers should set their salary benchmark at or a little above market rate for individual functions.

Even more importantly, managers should ensure that employees feel they are being adequately compensated for the work they do, and this can only be accomplished by speaking to them about the issue directly.

Currencies of Choice

Once your staff feels well-paid, real productivity and engagement can be unlocked by tapping into your their internal motivators, or currencies of choice. What your staff really needs to be fulfilled, and to go the extra mile, is to:

• Work for someone they trust and respect in a company they support;

• Be appreciated and have their voice and opinions respected;

• Have a firm career path that allows them to grow and develop;

• Realize their underlying motivators; and

• Be able to do what they do best every day.

By understanding and acknowledging your team’s individual currencies of choice, you can help keep them engaged and decrease turnover.

How do you recognize which currencies of choice will motivate your staff? By talking to them. Unfortunately, many managers don’t talk to their staff enough, or don’t know what to talk about or how to structure their conversations.

Communicate with FOCUS

FOCUS is an acronym that describes the best practices in leadership communication. Communication between staff and managers should revolve around:

• Feedback. Ensure your team is updated on company information, initiatives, and new hires. Give praise when it is due, and maintain an open door for their questions, concerns, or comments.

• Objectives. The heart of sterling performance management is structuring specific and measurable job objectives and holding staff accountable for achieving them.

• Career Development. Many studies list career development as a main factor that employees gauge to determine whether to stay with their current employer or seek a new position elsewhere.

• Underlying Motivators. What does your staff need to go the extra mile, and how do they respond to motivational techniques and rewards?

• Strengths. According to the Gallup Organization, those innate abilities that make them unique and good at what they do is the number-one predictor of success.

Bottom Line

The process of changing the way you hire and manage your staff may appear daunting at first, but experience shows that, by taking it step-by-step, you can make significant changes quickly. The result will be a lifetime of more engaged, happier, and more productive staff, as well as more free time, less stress, and higher job satisfaction for yourself and your team.

Are you up for the challenge?

Kim Seeling Smith is an international human-resources expert and author of the forthcoming book Mind Reading for Managers: 5 FOCUSed Conversations for Greater Employee Engagement and Productivity. With her expansive knowledge of human-capital practices in today’s market, Seeling Smith helps companies build healthy work environments and increase employee engagement and productivity in our digitally connected, globally oriented world; igniteglobal.com

How to Create a Positive Work Culture

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Modern Office Sections

Employees Want to Feel That They’re Making a Difference

By BILL SIMS Jr.

Creating a positive workplace culture is extremely important to cultivating a productive and profitable company. The quality of work we do depends on the quality of our workplace culture. When the environment we work in is positive, we become more engaged and committed employees.

By definition, workplace culture is a pattern of behaviors that are supported by a management system over time. Harnessing the power of positive reinforcement is the quickest and most efficient way to a better workplace culture.

The first step in creating a more positive workplace culture is recognizing that your current culture is not where you want it to be. It can be difficult to define your culture — almost like nailing Jell-O to a wall — because it is made up of many small behaviors. But it starts at the top with company leaders. The way they act and behave will be mirrored by employees. So if you want to change the behavior of your employees, start by changing the behavior of your leaders.

Leaders can start doing this by listening to their employees and understanding what motivates them. Get to know them, ask them their opinions, and share yours in return. I think the most powerful things that bosses can do are communicate, be transparent, and tell people where the ship is headed. Bosses should be asking questions like, “what are we doing that we could be doing better? What’s broken, and how can we fix it?” Ask those questions, listen to the employees, and, most importantly, empower the employees to go fix the problems.

Research tells us that that, more than money, employees want to feel like they are making a difference at work and getting recognized by their boss for making that difference.

As employees, we want the ability to do things, to change things. So often, employees’ ideas are not listened to or acted upon. It is the boss’s responsibility to provide the money, time, and resources for employees to complete tasks and make improvements, and then to celebrate and recognize those people for their contributions.

Now, this goes against many traditional management styles — the command-in-control, my-way-or-the-highway mindsets of old. The majority of bosses do what I call ‘leave alone/zap’ management. Simply put, it means that we leave employees alone and say nothing when they do something right, but we are quick to ‘zap,’ or punish, them when they make a mistake.

This kind of aggressive management style might get the job done temporarily, but it doesn’t create an environment where employees will take initiative to do things when their supervisor isn’t watching. And it will not produce the highest-performing culture possible.

Rosabeth Moss-Kanter, a professor at the Harvard Business School and an author of numerous books on business-management techniques, said, “compensation is a right; recognition is a gift.” In other words, paychecks get people to show up at work. But getting more from people than just average performance requires you as a leader to provide additional coaching and feedback when people demonstrate the behaviors that drive results in your company.

Bosses who think they don’t need to tell their employees they are doing a good job are not fully engaging them. It doesn’t cost you any money to tell somebody they did a great job. Believe it or not, saying ‘thank you’ for doing a good job is a much more powerful motivator than a paycheck.

Bosses should give employees immediate, sincere feedback when they demonstrate desired behaviors. That way, employees will be more likely to repeat those behaviors in the future. That’s the power of positive reinforcement. If you don’t do that, then you won’t get those extra behaviors.

For four decades, my company has designed and implemented behavior-based systems and approaches that bring continual improvement with positive reinforcement. In my work as a business consultant, I have built more than 1,000 recognition programs for companies including DuPont, Coca-Cola, and Ford. They recognized that their work environments could be better and sought help and ways to fix it.

What I’ve learned from helping so many companies is that, without positive reinforcement, you are getting less performance from your team than you could be, and your workplace culture will suffer. It’s only a matter of time before some other company does it better and leaves you in the dust, taking your good employees with them.

In my workshops, I frequently ask bosses, “is culture change fast or slow?” Most people think it’s slow, but in reality, you can change culture in one day, if you know how. Culture change is as simple as changing the behavior of the leadership team. By inverting the leadership structure and delegating responsibility to employees, culture can shift dramatically and quickly. Move too slow, and employees might think you are not taking their ideas and suggestions seriously. But, like going on a diet, culture change is something you must continue to work at day in and day out.

So there you have it. When a workplace culture is positive and happy, the employees are happy, and they work harder to make their clients happy. The end result will be that profitability will increase and turnover will decrease.

But remember: creating a positive work culture starts at the top. If you want a positive team, you must be a positive leader. And the best leaders are those who truly harness the power of positive reinforcement to create high-performing teams who do the right thing even when leaders aren’t watching.

Bill Sims Jr. is President of the Bill Sims Co. Inc. For nearly 40 years, Sims has created behavior-based recognition programs that have helped large and small firms to deliver positive reinforcement to inspire better performance from employees and increase bottom-line profits. A sought-after speaker, he has delivered leadership workshops and keynote speeches around the globe, and has built more than 1,000 positive-reinforcement systems at firms including DuPont, Siemens VDO, Coca-Cola, and Disney; www.greenbeanbook.com; www.greenbeanleadership.com

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

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.

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Carol Kestyn v. Green Acres, LLC and PCE Management Co. Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of carpet in the common area causing trip and fall: $250,000
Filed: 2/18/14

Marcia Vincent v. Mackin Construction Co., and ABC Corp.
Allegation: Failure to properly remove and treat accumulated snow causing injury: $487,500
Filed: 2/25/14

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Cheyda Rodriguez v. Premier Education Group, LP, William Anjos, and Paul Ferrise
Allegation: FMLA interference and retaliation: $36,630
Filed: 2/28/14

Commerce and Industry Insurance Co. v. C.D.A. Roofing and Siding Contractors Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on services rendered: $41,780
Filed: 2/21/14

Preferred Mutual Insurance Co. a/s/o Jose Santos v. Alves Fuels Inc.
Allegation: Defendant negligently overfilled fuel oil tank and pumped fuel into the plaintiff’s home: $59,021.71
Filed: 2/19/14

Ryder Truck Rental Inc. v. Souse Seafood Inc.
Allegation: Breach of vehicle lease agreement: $27,403.44
Filed: 2/24/14

Western Mass Electric Co. v. Videll Healthcare Springside, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $118,409.33
Filed: 2/20/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Adam Farnum v. Windalier Springdale Mall, LLC
Allegation: Slip and fall causing injury: $14,440
Filed: 2/4/14

Bernardo A. Sanchez Jr. v. Town Fair Tire
Allegation: Plaintiff sustained injuries when hit by a scissor lift, which was operated by an employee of the defendant: $13,077.10
Filed: 2/19/14

Juan Wollmershauser v. The Mercy Hospital Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff was struck in the face by an automated door: $14,651.37
Filed: 2/14/14

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Agenda Departments

UMass Dine and Dash
April 12: Dining Services at UMass Amherst will host the fifth annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus. The run/walk is held annually to raise funds for the Amherst Survival Center and to promote health and fitness at the university. The race fee, $5 for UMass Amherst community members and $15 for the public, includes registration and a complimentary meal at the newly renovated Hampshire Dining Commons following the award ceremony at the university’s dining facilities. The first 500 registrants will receive a T-shirt. Last year’s event raised a total of $5,000 for the center, but the goal this year is double that. “We’re looking forward to yet another successful Dash and Dine 5K this year to help to benefit the Amherst Survival Center,” said Ken Toong, executive director of UMass Auxiliary Enterprises. “This event is a great way to help neighbors in need and to involve both the students and the public in raising funds for an incredible cause, while working toward being fit and healthy.” Check-in begins at 9 a.m. at Berkshire Dining Commons, and the race begins at 11 a.m. At noon, prizes will be awarded to the top three runners in different age and gender groups, as well as the top male and female finishers in the event’s costume contest. To register or make a donation, visit www.runumass.com.

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day
April 26: Breast-cancer survivors, their families, and friends are invited to celebrate life together at the 17th annual Rays of Hope Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day on Saturday, April 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. Former WNBA player and breast-cancer survivor Edna Campbell will deliver the keynote address, titled “Bouncing Back,” at the popular event sponsored by Rays of Hope. The WNBA veteran — best-known for her time as a point guard with the Sacramento Monarchs — was diagnosed with breast cancer during her second season. After retiring from the WNBA four years later, Campbell became a nurse and now travels across the country sharing her story of survival while encouraging women to have regular breast exams and inspiring those who’ve been diagnosed. In addition to the keynote address, participants will be able to select two workshops from a number of topics, including “Breast Reconstruction,” “Coping Strategies for Caregivers,” “Personal Safety Tips,” “Let Your Yoga Dance,” “Advances in the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer,” “Mindful Eating,” “Unclutter Your Life and Start Living,” and “The Joy of Card Making.” Two sessions will be offered in Spanish only: “Recomendaciones Sobre Seguridad Personal” and “Promoviendo la Caminata de Rays of Hope.” As part of this year’s Survivors’ Day, there will be a special art exhibit made up of artwork completed by participants in the Rays of Hope-sponsored “Art from the Heart” program facilitated by art therapist and silk artist Pat Hayes. The program — a series of art-therapy workshops offered twice a year — provides a creative outlet for women to work in watercolor, precious metal, clay, and other media. The day will also offer networking opportunities and the chance to visit with several exhibitors selling a variety of breast-related products. A continental breakfast and buffet luncheon will be served. The cost is $35 per person, with the remaining cost underwritten by Rays of Hope. Parking will be validated for the Civic Center Parking Garage only. For those unable to afford the event fee, a limited number of scholarships are available by calling Sandra Hubbard at the Rays of Hope Outreach Office at (413) 794-9556. For more information on the 17th Annual Breast Cancer Survivors’ Day, or to request a registration form, call (413) 794-9556. For more information about Rays of Hope, visit www.baystatehealth.org/raysofhope.

Journey Around the World for Literacy
April 30: Link to Libraries invites you to travel to India, Asia, Latin America, France, Ireland, and Italy — all within the Delaney House and D. Hotel and Suites. A selection of ballrooms and suites will be transformed into different global destinations, complete with costumes, cuisine, décor, and local flavor. The event, which runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Delaney House on Route 5 in Holyoke, costs $25 per person, which includes multiple food stations. An optional $10 buys unlimited sampling at specialty drink stations. There will also be a cash bar. Funds will benefit literacy programs through Link to Libraries. To register, send a check, payable to Link to Libraries Inc., to the following address: Link to Libraries, Attn. Karen Blinderman, Registrar, P.O. Box 958, West Springfield, MA 01090. Your check is your reservation.

Not Just Business as Usual
May 1: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual event is a key networking event for business leaders in Western Mass. This annual celebration, in its fifth year, is a celebration of innovative thinking which gives participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. It will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A cocktail and networking reception will be run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and keynote speaker to follow from 7 to 9 p.m. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Alan Robinson, award-winning author and associate dean of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Robinson will discuss his latest book, The Idea-Driven Organization: Unlocking the Power in Bottom-Up Ideas. Drawing on his work with companies worldwide, Robinson will review the strategies needed to develop a management team open to grassroots innovation and the policies and practices that encourage — and those that discourage — employees’ ideas. Robinson has advised more than 200 companies in 15 countries. Both tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are $175 each or $1,500 for a table of 10. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC’s director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

40 Under Forty
June 19: The eighth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The 40 Under Forty program, launched in 2007, has become one of the region’s most-anticipated annual events, and the recognition has become a prestigious badge of honor for its recipients. Judges recently chose this year’s class from more than 150 nominations, a record. They will be announced, and their stories told, in the April 21 issue. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues, but tickets cost $65, and they typically sell out quickly. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments People on the Move

Bay Path College announced the following:

Brian Basgen

• Brian Basgen has been chosen as Executive Director for Information Technology. Basgen is a collaborative leader with a decade of experience managing IT in both higher education and the private sector. Most recently, he was the Assistant Vice Chancellor for IT at Pima Community College in Tuscon, Ariz. He holds an MS in IT management from Trident University and a BA in history and philosophy from Flinders University;
• Phylis Gedeon has joined the college as Associate Director of Compliance. Most recently, she was the Assistant Director of the Processing Unit in Financial Aid Services at the UMass Amherst. She earned her master’s of education in higher education at UMass and brings extensive and diverse knowledge in student financial services; and
• Michael Albano has been named Associate Director of Operations, Student Financial Services for Bay Path. Albano was the Associate Director of Financial Aid at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A graduate of Western New England University, he earned his master’s of education at Springfield College and is currently working on his doctor of education degree at Northeastern University.
•••••
Chuck Gijanto has resigned as president of Regional Markets for Baystate Health. In this role, he serves as CEO of Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Baystate Mary Lane Hospital and is responsible for Baystate Medical Practices in the Northern and Eastern regions. His last day will be June 27. Giganto joined Baystate Health in 2008 and has done much over the last six years to engage physicians, senior leaders, employees, community members, and donors in important discussions to set strategic direction for the system’s community hospitals. He has strengthened operations; led patient satisfaction, service, and financial-improvement initiatives; overseen the medical staff development plan; fueled new programs; and recruited critical physicians and healthcare leaders to the organization.
•••••
Becker’s Hospital Review recently released its list of the Top 100 Chief Medical Officers of Hospitals and Health Systems. That list of notable physician leaders in the nation includes Dr. Mohammed Shafeeq Ahmed, COO and CMO of Baystate Mary Lane Hospital and Baystate Health Eastern Region. Physician leaders were selected for inclusion on this list based on their healthcare experience, awards they’ve received, and their commitment to continuous improvement in safety and quality care. Many of the leaders were nominated by their peers, and the list was vetted by industry experts. Ahmed joined Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in 2003 as a practicing physician, medical director of Baystate Medical Practices – Mary Lane Ob/Gyn, and chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has also served as vice president of the medical staff and regional medical director for the Baystate Affiliated Physician Organization. In 2010, he began serving as chief medical officer. In 2012, he also assumed the role of chief operating officer for Baystate Mary Lane Hospital and Baystate Health Eastern Region.
•••••
Big Y Foods announced the promotion of Eric Swensen to Vice President of Center Store for the 60-store chain. Swensen will oversee all grocery, dairy, frozen food, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmacy, retail pricing, space management, and store brands. He will be responsible for developing strategies and tactical direction as well as planning and support for each of these departments. He will report to Michael D’Amour, executive vice president.
•••••
Diane Dukette has joined the Sisters of Providence Health System as Vice President of Fund Development. In this role, she serves as a key member of the Sisters of Providence leadership team, is responsible for all fund-raising and development efforts, and will lead major gifts. She will also design and implement a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating individual and philanthropic support. She will play a key role in driving philanthropic support for key system initiatives, including the recently announced expansion of the Sr. Mary Caritas Cancer Center. Dukette returns to SPHS with more than 20 years of experience in development, strategic marketing, and fund-raising. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Development at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Chamber Corners Departments

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• April 9: ACCGS Lunch N Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Lattitude Restaurant, 1388 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Featuring “The Art of the Brand,” presented by Mary McCarthy of Andrew Associates. Attendees will learn the core elements of successful branding and the necessary building blocks that should be put in place in order to ensure that your brand successfully conveys meaningful messages that resonate with your customers or audience. Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• April 30: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hosted by state Sen. Gale Candaras. Spend a day at the State House and hear from key legislators, members of the Patrick administration in its final months in office, and our local delegation. Reservations are $180 and include transportation, lunch at the Union Club, and a wrap-up reception at the 21st Amendment. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

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

• April 9: Chamber Breakfast, “The Power of Video,” 7:15-9 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 423 Russell St., Hadley. Learn about using videos to promote your business. Sponsored by Epic Filmmakers. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
• April 23: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Western MA Family Golf Center, 294 Russell St., Hadley. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

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

• April 16: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. Tickets: $20 for members, $26 for non-members.
• April 16: April Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

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

• April 10: Networking by Night, 5:30 p.m. More details to follow. RSVP appreciated. Contact us at (413) 527-9414 or [email protected]. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• May 02: Wine & Microbrew Tasting, 6 p.m., at Wyckoff Country Club. Unfamiliar with wines? Looking for the perfect wine for dinner? You’ve had the Wente Merlot and Chardonnay, but want to try the St. Michelle Riesling? Well, then, step up to the tasting bar. All of our guests (21 years of age and older) are welcome and encouraged to enjoy samples of more than 42 unique grape and fruit wines. Not interested in wine? That’s OK, because we have a microbrew tasting going on for you, too. One location, one price. Every year the event has grown. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

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

• April 10: Seminar, “Art of Small Business,” first in a three-part series, 9-10:30 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Tickets: $20 for members, $25 for guests. Registration is required due to limited space.
• April 21: Seminar, “Art of Small Business,” second in a three-part series, 8:30- 9:30 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Tina Stevens of Stevens 470. The program is free, but registration is required due to limited space.
• May 2: Spring Swizzle: Chamber Auction with a Twist! Hosted by Eastside Grill, 18 Strong Ave., Northampton, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Presenting sponsor: Cooley Dickinson Hospital. The 21st auction has a whole new look. This private party is the chamber’s first and best social of the spring, an auction that showcases chamber members, and a night to dress up and step out for dinner to die for and music to swizzle to. Proceeds from the auction help the chamber keep membership affordable and offer a rich program of benefits for members and the community. Cost: $75, or $100 at the door. To order tickets, contact Esther at (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].
• May 7: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at King & Cushman Inc.; 176 King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Applied Mortgage Services Corp., King Autobody, and Goggins Real Estate. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• June 4: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Black Birch Vineyard. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, the Creative, and viz-bang! Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].

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

• April 7: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Renaissance Manor, 37 Feeding Hills Road, Westfield. The GWCC invites you to have coffee with Mayor Daniel Knapik in a very informal setting. Hear first-hand from the mayor about key issues and get an update on construction projects. The mayor also welcomes any questions or concerns you may have. Free, informative, and open to the pubic. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].
• April 9: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Czar Energy, 53 North Elm St., Westfield. Don’t forget your business cards. Great connection opportunities. Bring a prospective new member for free. Members: advertise your business with a table top for $50. Hors d’oeuvres served. Walk-ins welcome. Haven’t been to an After 5? Your first one is free. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash at the door). To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].
• April 30: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hosted by state Sen. Gale Candaras. Spend a day at the State House and hear from key legislators and members of the Patrick administration in its final months in office. Cost: $180, which includes bus, lunch, and reception. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

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

• April 16: Networking Lunch, hosted by Cal’s, 12-1:30 p.m. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost is lunch; attendees will order off the menu and pay separately that day. We cannot invoice you. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Company Notebook Departments

FieldEddy Acquires John Pires Agency
EAST LONGMEADOW — FieldEddy Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Western Mass., continues to expand its footprint after recently acquiring the Ludlow-based John Pires Agency. The FieldEddy network is made up of agencies throughout Western Mass., with locations in South Hadley, Monson, and Ludlow, with headquarters located in East Longmeadow. “We feel that this is a great opportunity for the customers of John Pires as well as our agency,” said FieldEddy President Timm Marini. “We look forward to delivering our top-notch service and value to these customers, which is what FieldEddy has become known for.” The transition is expected to be seamless and is already underway, he added.

Balise Collision Repair Receives Prestigious Certification
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Balise Collision Repair on Riverdale Street in West Springfield has been officially certified as a Lexus-approved repair facility. There are fewer than 25 Lexus-certified repair facilities in the U.S., and Balise Collision Repair is the only one in New England. To achieve certification status, a facility’s technicians, supervisors, managers, and office staff must complete a rigorous training program, including online classes and on-site practicums. Employees are then tested in various areas depending on their job classification. Dave Thomas, Lexus Eastern Area customer service operations manager, made the presentation to Jeb Balise, president and CEO of Balise Motor Sales. Balise cited the dedication of the staff at the collision facility. “This is a tremendous honor for us, and all the credit needs to go to the people who work at this facility for making it happen.”

Hazen Paper Dominates AIMCAL Awards with Record-setting Seven Wins
HOLYOKE — Hazen Paper Co. was honored an unprecedented seven times with awards at the annual management meeting of the Assoc. of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 16. The seven distinct Hazen products that merited the judges’ votes included packaging for sports equipment, drugstore and luxury healthcare, cosmetics and toiletries, a digital promotional poster for a pop/rock band, and DVD packaging. “We’re very pleased to have impressed the judges,” said President John Hazen. “Each award is validating alone. A combination of custom work we produce from the concept forward in our holographic lab and popular materials we stock to convert, as a whole they demonstrate Hazen’s versatility and exceptional ability to develop materials that ignite interest and turbo-charge sales in a wide variety of applications and markets.” Hazen received a technical award in the Nonfood category for Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x premium golf-ball sleeves and folding cartons featuring a rich, glowing finish created by transfer-metallizing film and laminating it to board, which Hazen completes in house. In addition to delivering a result that is twice as bright and reflective as foil, the surface achieves source reduction (95% less aluminum) and enhances recyclability, while improving folding, gluing, and filling operations. Hazen also received a technical award in Healthcare, Cosmetics and Toiletries for metallizing and converting setup boxes for Procter & Gamble’s Gucci Pour Homme and Made to Measure gift sets. Hazen metallized and laminated polyester with an Ultracure coating to litho paper for a luxurious package that resists fingerprints. AIMCAL judges awarded marketing honors to Hazen in multiple categories. In Retail Label, Hazen was recognized for a custom holographic label for Warner Home Video’s 75th-anniversary limited edition of The Wizard of Oz. The litho label features precisely registered custom holography as well as embossed lettering. In Healthcare, Cosmetics and Toiletries Packaging, folding cartons for Ultradent Opalescence Go Tooth Whitening System gleaned top honors for an eye-catching double-rainbow hologram and die-cut ‘bubbles’; Hazen metallized Double Rainbow holographic film and laminated it to solid bleached sulfate (SBS) to deliver a compelling package that simulates motion on the shelf. Custom holography earned Hazen the marketing award in Nonfood Packaging as well, for Pure Fishing’s Spiderwire Stealth Glow-Vis Braid, in a package for a unique fishing line. Hazen collaborated with Olympak Packaging and Printing to design a hologram, applied an embossable coating to polyester film, embossed and metallized the holograph, then laminated it onto recycled paperboard and sheeted it for printing in register. In Decorative/Display, Hazen Paper provided the digital substrate for a poster designed by Dwight Maddox for Don Miggs’ pop/rock band, miggs, to be printed on an HP 7500 Indigo digital press. Finally, in the Other category, Hazen custom holography won over the judges with an album cover for Gap Dream’s Shine Your Light, on Burger Records). Hazen created copyrighted holograms for front and back, and transfer-metallized the film to SBS, precisely registered for printing.

Mercy Home Care Receives Top Rating from DPH
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Home Care has earned a perfect, deficiency-free survey from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). To receive such a survey, home-care agencies must successfully complete a rigorous, unannounced evaluation that includes a review of medical records, clinical procedures, staffing levels, and quality data. Surveyors also accompany staff members on home visits and interview patients about their experience with the agency. “The very nature of such a DPH survey leaves no room for preparation prior to the arrival of reviewers. Consequently, this deficiency-free survey underscores Mercy Home Care’s daily success in providing outstanding in-home nursing and rehabilitation services to patients who are recovering from illness or injury,” said Christopher McLaughlin, chief operating officer of the Mercy Continuing Care Network within the Sisters of Providence Health System. In Massachusetts, home-care agencies are reviewed by DPH surveyors every three years. Mercy Home Care’s most recent survey took four days to complete and involved 10 home visits with different clinicians as well as intensive reviews of 20 records. “Mercy Home Care patients are at the center of a multi-disciplinary approach to care that is designed to help them maintain or regain their independence. This approach requires staff members to work as a cohesive group, and the deficiency-free survey is a reflection of the outstanding teamwork at Mercy Home Care,” said Sue Pickett, executive director of Mercy Home Care.

More Than $800,000 Given to Schools Through Big Y Education Express
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. announced recently that more than $800,000 in free educational materials was awarded to more than 2,000 schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut through the grocery chain’s Education Express program. The company provided a partial list of those supplies, which included 2,236 playground balls, 975 books, 372 calculators, 97 digital cameras, 59 computer tablets, 579 musical instruments, 1,313 packs of crayons, 2,523 reams of copier paper, and 27,128 pencils. Since its inception in 1993, the Big Y Education Express Program has awarded close to $14 million in free supplies and equipment to local schools. “At Big Y, we believe it is important to support our communities and the education of our children,” said Donald D’Amour, Big Y Chairman and CEO. “The Education Express Program helps our local schools supplement their tight budgets and get items for the arts, technology, and even necessities like paper and pencils. It’s just one way we are able to give back and help our future generation receive the essential tools they need for the best education possible.” Community support was the key ingredient to the success of Education Express, and the program was a win-win for customers, he added. Customers purchased money-saving products designated throughout the stores by specially designed school-bus logo shelf tags to earn valuable merchandise points for the school of their choice. Schools then redeemed those points for free educational supplies such as computers, art supplies, musical instruments, and sports equipment. The program was free to Big Y customers, and shoppers could track their donated point totals on their register receipt and through a Facebook app. In addition to the Education Express Program, Big Y operates the Big Y Scholarship Program, which awards 300 scholarships worth $250,000 annually to academically outstanding students in its market area. Big Y also donates food valued at more than $4.5 million to local nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and educational programs each year.

Fallon Health Marks Milestone
WORCESTER — Fallon Health, a not-for-profit healthcare-services organization, recently celebrated a historic milestone in the growth of community-based care for seniors. With its opening of four new programs last month, the number of Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) now exceeds 100 across the U.S. PACE, which was developed in San Francisco in the 1970s, helps to keep nursing-home-eligible elders living in the community. “The story of PACE is a rarity in today’s healthcare policy environment,” said Shawn Bloom, president and CEO of the National PACE Assoc. “PACE is a common-sense approach to providing care to older people that was rigorously studied and tested and then able to become a permanent part of our healthcare system. We don’t often see successful innovations allowed to thrive and grow like PACE.” The various PACE programs bring together a coordinated team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and therapists to provide seniors with an individualized care plan that addresses each person’s unique medical care and social needs. The result is higher-quality care and more favorable outcomes compared to traditional care options. More than 90% of PACE enrollees reside outside of nursing homes. “In Massachusetts, Fallon Health is proud to have led the way in senior-care services with our PACE program, Summit ElderCare, which we’ve offered for the last 19 years,” said Richard Burke, president of Senior Care Services and Government Affairs. “Today, Summit ElderCare is the largest PACE organization in New England and the fifth-largest in the nation.” There are now 103 PACE organizations operating in 31 states. As the only health plan in Massachusetts that is both an insurer and a provider of care, Fallon Health operates its PACE program in six locations in the Commonwealth: Worcester (two sites), Charlton (two locations), Leominster, and Springfield.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Briefcase Departments

North Adams Regional Hospital Closes
NORTH ADAMS — The board of trustees of Northern Berkshire Healthcare (NBH) approved a resolution late last month to close North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH), the Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice of Northern Berkshire, and three medical practices owned by NBH. The decision was made in response to NBH’s worsening financial status. The organizations closed on March 28, but a court order kept the hospital Emergency Department open for the time being. “In the six years that I have been on the board, we have investigated every possible avenue and exhausted all options as we searched for a way to continue operating the hospital and its affiliates,” said Julia Bolton, board chair. “Board members, management, physicians, and employees have worked together with dedication and commitment to prevent this outcome. But now, given our finances and the daunting challenges that small rural community hospitals are facing in this healthcare environment, we can no longer continue.” More than 500 affected employees received layoff notices and assistance in filing for unemployment benefits. Northern Berkshire Healthcare Physicians Group includes Northern Berkshire Family Medicine, Northern Berkshire Ob/Gyn, and Northern Berkshire General Surgery, all in North Adams. “The implications of this decision are far-reaching, but our primary concern is for our patients,” said Timothy Jones, president and CEO of NBH. “We are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition to other care providers including other hospitals in the region.” Patients of Northern Berkshire Family Medicine and the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire are being transitioned to other practices and agencies. “North Adams Regional Hospital opened 129 years ago in 1885, and as an institution we have served the people of this area with dedication and pride,” Jones said. “Many of those who work here have served our patients for decades, and today’s news is a shock. We wish it could be different.” Meanwhile, lawyers working for the state are seeking to keep emergency services operating for at least 90 days during any ownership transition or closure. Lawmakers are also discussing the possibility of merging NBS with a larger, more stable partner, most likely Berkshire Health Systems in Pittsfield.

Springfield Armor to Bolt for Michigan
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Armor, the NBA Developmental League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, have signed a deal with the Detroit Pistons to become that team’s minor-league affiliate and moves to Grand Rapids for the 2014-15 season. Owner Michael Savit’s decision to sell, first reported by Michigan-based mlive.com, came as a surprise to Springfield officials. The team has played at the MassMutual Center for the past five years. The new Grand Rapids franchise has an undisclosed multi-year affiliation agreement with the Pistons in place, and the sale has met league approval, according to mlive.com. It will play home games at The DeltaPlex Arena in Walker, a Grand Rapids suburb. The franchise will be locally owned, and the Pistons will establish a single-franchise affiliation with it. Currently, 14 of the 17 D-League teams have single-franchise affiliations with NBA parents. Detroit currently is one of six NBA teams sharing the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Mad Ants. D-League teams follow one of two ownership models — exclusive ownership by the parent NBA club, or a hybrid affiliation in which local ownership controls day-to-day and business operations while the parent club controls basketball operations. The Grand Rapids franchise will follow the hybrid model, whereby the Pistons will pay players’ and coaches’ salaries and run basketball operations, but local owners operate autonomously in other business areas, including marketing and merchandising.

UMass Football to Leave Mid-American Conference
AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts has announced that it will end its football affiliation with the Mid-American Conference (MAC) following the 2015 season. Athletic Director John McCutcheon said the decision was made after the MAC President’s Council elected to exercise a contract clause that offered UMass a choice of becoming a full member for all sports in the MAC or opting to remain a football-only member for just two more years. The university has been conducting a study of its current and potential conference alignments with the assistance of Carr Sports Consulting. “While the report is not complete,” McCutcheon said, “we believe full membership for all sports in the MAC is not a good fit for us. Because most of the MAC schools are in the Midwest, the additional travel would strain our athletic budget and pose considerable time-management challenges for our student athletes. We are confident that, within the next two years, we will find a more suitable conference for our FBS football program.” Currently, UMass Amherst has 21 varsity athletic teams (10 for men, 11 for women). Football plays in the MAC, and the other 20 teams compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference, Hockey East (men’s ice hockey), and the Colonial Athletic Assoc. (men’s lacrosse). UMass began playing as a football-only member of the MAC in 2012. McCutcheon added that “we remain committed to FBS football. Many institutions have successfully navigated this challenging period of conference realignment, and we will do the same.” Football coach Mark Whipple expressed confidence in the future of the university’s football program. “I was aware of this possibility when I accepted the position of head coach, and I believe this move is in the university’s best interest,” he said. “My focus is on building a program that we all can be proud of and that provides a great experience for our student athletes.” Whipple, the coach with the most wins in UMass football history, returned to the helm of the program this year. The Minutemen’s 2014 home schedule includes three games at refurbished McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst and three games at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.

Leadership Pioneer Valley Seeks Applications for Fall
SPRINGFIELD — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LVP) is now accepting applications for its 2015 class, which begins in late September. LVP is a regional leadership-development program for 40 existing and emerging leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. It helps businesses retain employees; enhances leadership skills, including collaboration, team building, confidence, and cultural competency; builds wider and more diverse networks; and increases community and regional understanding. The 10-month program immerses participants in an inspiring and results-driven curriculum that teaches hands-on leadership skills while examining critical issues that impact the region. LVP combines seminars and experiential learning at different locations throughout the Valley to foster the skills, collaboration, networks, and commitment needed to build the next generation of area leaders. The competitive application process prioritizes diversity by employment sector, geography, race, gender, and sexual orientation. “I have had the opportunity to work with some of the Baystate graduates of LPV,” said Steven Bradley, vice president of Government and Community Relations and Public Affairs at Baystate Health. “They are taking their learning seriously and upped their leadership within their departments and in the organization as a whole. It was a great experience for them and Baystate.” To find information about tuition, upcoming open houses, the 2014-15 program schedule, and how to apply, visit www.leadershippv.org. The application deadline is July 1.

Ted Hebert to Sue Big E Over Casino Fallout
WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield resident Ted Hebert, owner of Teddy Bear Pools, who was opposed to the Hard Rock Casino proposed for the Big E fairgrounds and defeated in September by West Springfield voters, recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of himself and Teddy Bear Pools against the Eastern States Exposition, claiming his West Springfield casino opposition has led to Big E management to exclude Teddy Bear Pools from the 2014 Fair after 28 consecutive years as an exhibitor. “We filed suit today [March 31] in Hampden County Superior Court seeking injunctive relief that would allow Teddy Bear Pools, an exhibitor at the Eastern States Exposition for the past 28 years, to have a continued presence,” said Hebert’s attorney, Paul Rothschild of the Springfield law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. “Prior to the referendum and after Ted Hebert expressed his personal opposition to a proposed West Springfield casino, documents we are prepared to submit in a hearing before the court will show that Big E management suggested Hebert ‘be a team player’ and withdraw his opposition to the casino. Since the referendum this past September, Ted Hebert has repeatedly reached out to fair management and members of the exposition’s board of trustees to maintain the long-standing relationship between Teddy Bear Pools and the Big E, and to continue a presence on the fairgrounds for this year’s fair. Hebert learned his company would not be welcomed at the 2014 Big E, and Teddy Bear Pools was omitted from the standard exposition communication about leasing space for the fall fair.” Big E President Gene Cassidy told the Republican that he was not aware of the lawsuit until he was asked about it by the newspaper. Rothschild said he planned to seeking a hearing in Superior Court based on the Massachusetts Civil Rights Statute, claiming that Hebert’s civil rights were interfered with by “threats, intimidation, or coercion” and exclusion from the upcoming Big E by fair management. The lawsuit will seek reinstatement as an exhibitor and an award of damages.

Business Confidence Up Slightly in March
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index, continuing to hold close to a neutral 50 on its 100-point scale, rose slightly to 51.1 in March. “Business confidence in Massachusetts has been in neutral range for a year, dipping below neutral when there was a threat of federal default and when the government shut down in October, but otherwise with not much upside,” said Raymond Torto, global chairman of research at CBRE and chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors. Torto pointed to several factors that are holding the confidence index down. “One is a generally negative view of national conditions, attributable in part to deadlocked politics. The confidence numbers are persistently low in relation to the actual performance of the economy. Another, as we noted last month, is particularly weak confidence among small employers, who face severe competitive pressures and feel the weight of regulatory burdens. Finally, hiring trends are built into our index, and among employers participating in our survey, the ability to contribute to job creation has been less hearty than might be expected during a recovery period.” AIM’s Business Confidence Index has been issued monthly since July 1991 under the oversight of the Board of Economic Advisors. Presented on a scale on which 50 is neutral, its historical high was 68.5, attained in 1997 and 1998; its all-time low was 33.3 in February 2009.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

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

F. Fusco Inc., 384 Walnut St. Ext., Agawam, MA 01001. Anthony F. Grassetti Sr., 32 Alexander Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Retail sales of liquor, beer, wine, food, and meals.

Inspired Marketing Inc., 168 Elm St. Ste. B-10, Agawam, MA 01001. Jill Christine Monson, 86 Russell St., Springfield, MA 01004. Marketing and event planning.

MyEcigs Inc., 154 Beekman Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Joseph M. Rondolettom, same. Retail sale of E-Cigarettes.

Amherst

Pita Pocket Inc., 5 Eaton Court, Amherst, MA 01002. George Ejja, same. Fast food and vegetarian food restaurant.

Chicopee

Inteliface Solutions Inc., 50 Austin St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Paul P. Barrasso, 23 Belgrade St., Revere, MA 02151. Biotechnical software and applications.

LC Corporation, 472 Burnett Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Laurie A. Kareta, PO Box 295, Ludlow, MA 01056. Hair styling salon and spa.

Granby

RJ’s Outdoor Power Inc., 6 West State St., Granby, MA 01033. Robert W. Jennings, 116 Dixie Terrace, Chicopee, MA 01020. Engine-powered equipment repair.

Great Barrington

Fiddleheads Grille Inc., 252 Park St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. David Michael Pullaro, same. Restaurant.

Great Barrington Auto Supply Inc., 227 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Anthony S. Lioy, same. Retail/wholesale auto parts.

Holyoke

One Stop Technology Inc., 4 Open Square Way, Ste. 120, Holyoke, MA 01040. Robert L. Albrecht, 667 West Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Computer technology.

Longmeadow

Express Flooring Inc., 551 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. James R. Beach, same. Flooring services.

Jag Geriatrics, P.C., 15 Pendleton Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Udaya Banu Jagedeesan, 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Geriatric medical services.

Pittsfield

Burrito Grande Inc., 37 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Samir Abdallah, same. Restaurant.

David L. DeGiorgis Wood Craftsman Inc., 418 ½ West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA 01021. David L. DeGiorgis, 71 Thomas Island Road, Pittsfield, MA 01021. Construction contracting.

FBR Painting Corp., 18 Copley Terrace, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Fabiano Robadel, same. Painting.

DOING BUSINESS AS CERTIFICATES

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of and March 2014.

AGAWAM

Alexa McCabe Esthetician
833 Springfield St.
Alexa McCabe

Allure Med Spa
159 Main St.
Mary Jo Carruthers

Crafty Cookie
1226 Springfield St.
Angela Jordan

Gregory’s
50 Kanawha Ave.
Gregory Ruge

JK Deliveries
29 Sutton Place
Jason Kendall

Tiffany M. Smith Realty
814 South West St.
Tiffany M. Smith

CHICOPEE

Ear 2 Track
1 Springfield St.
James Kometani

Gauron Provision
576 Fuller Road
William Guaron

Lilly Photography
254 Frontenac St.
Stephanie Knoll

The Spa at Stoney Brook
477 Britton St.
Marci Ryder

GREENFIELD

Absolutely Fabulous Hair
305 Wells St.
Jodi Kocsis

Chinese Bodywork
41 Main St.
Qing J. Luo

Hair Affairs
30 Mohawk Trail
Joshua Candelaria

MJM Aviation
108 Hastings St.
Michael McIntyre

Re-bath of Pioneer Valley
6 French Kings Highway
PV Bathrooms Inc.

Sketch Design
30 Warner St.
Matthew Beaudoin

HOLYOKE

Giggles Daycare
53 Argyle Ave.
Siobhan M. Sullivan

Ind Court Deli Mart
301 High St.
Roberto Rivera

Lalla Jolie Scarves & Accessories
97 Franklin St.
Lalla B. Ornan

Mr. Mold Finder
12 Arbor Way
Arthur Marshall

PALMER

Menard Garage Doors, LLC
1020 Central St.
Brenda Menard

Rainbow Gardens
3023 Foster St.
Nancy Golas

Ziggy Enterprises
1029 Park St.
Christiane Torchia

SPRINGFIELD

5 Star DJ Alliance
49 Nursery St.
Myrtho Lambert

A-One Mini Mart
431 White St.
Mohammad R. Awan

Acceptance Now
665 Boston Road
Rac Acceptance

B & D Dollar & Discount
494 Central St.
Louis Brantley

BPM Installations
22 Geneva St.
Brian P. Marceau

B.L. Cleaning Service
93 Duggan Circle
William E. Lowe

Bio Cleaner of Main Street
806 Main St.
Jong N. Joo

Chi Chi Sullivans
520 Sumner Ave.
Sarno Enterprises

City Beat Multimedia
70 Cornell St.
Anthony S. Bass

Ci Leigha
183 Maynard St.
Ci L. Woods

Dan Auto Sales
201 Berkshire Ave.
Daniel Rios

Durraingd Myndz Entertainment
1139 Sumner Ave.
Hector Emilio

EZ Services & Travel
16 ½ Longhill St.
Ricardo Del Valle

El Shaddai Daycare
70 Leete St.
Helen J. Salem

Express Grocery
1133 State St.
Gavy G. Pimentel

Felix’s Breakfast
67 Liberty St.
Lesbia I. Nieves

Fred Sellica Travel
672 Dickinson St.
Fred P. Sellica

Hampshire Hills Inc.
620 Page Blvd.
Hampshire Hills

Hunter Kelly Entertainment
76 Greene St.
Lamara S. Hunter

WESTFIELD

Alexander Ruge Trend Sound
356 Valley View Dr.
Alexander Ruge

Allied Logging
167 Prospect St.
Adam Roberts

Comp Control Inc.
7 Pineridge Ave.
James O’Neill

Danis Promotion
45 Northridge Road
Danis Slivca

Eastwood Self Storage
61 Union St.
Ronald Schortmann

GDM
111 Airport Road
Michelle Grassi

I Zing Thing
22 Elm St.
Suzanne A. Tracy

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A and J’s Used Auto Sales
44 Exposition Terrace
Julio A. Miranda

DMP Supply Company Inc.
21 Bramble Ave.
Donald Del Buono

Green Stone
34 Lewis Ave.
Sami Hajrizi

Neverlow Apparel
119 Highland Ave.
Jonathan Karas

Pho B6 Vietnamese Cuisine
764 Riverdale St.
John Huang

Picture Awards Inc.
871 Elm St.
Joseph J. Esile, Jr.

Scuderi Group Inc.
1111 Elm St.
Salvatore Scuderi

T-Shirt Station
1458 Riverdale St.
2P Designs, LLC

The Vape Bar Escape
209 Elm St.
Maria Filippone

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of and March 2014.

AGAWAM

Alexa McCabe Esthetician
833 Springfield St.
Alexa McCabe

Allure Med Spa
159 Main St.
Mary Jo Carruthers

Crafty Cookie
1226 Springfield St.
Angela Jordan

Gregory’s
50 Kanawha Ave.
Gregory Ruge

JK Deliveries
29 Sutton Place
Jason Kendall

Tiffany M. Smith Realty
814 South West St.
Tiffany M. Smith

CHICOPEE

Ear 2 Track
1 Springfield St.
James Kometani

Gauron Provision
576 Fuller Road
William Guaron

Lilly Photography
254 Frontenac St.
Stephanie Knoll

The Spa at Stoney Brook
477 Britton St.
Marci Ryder

GREENFIELD

Absolutely Fabulous Hair
305 Wells St.
Jodi Kocsis

Chinese Bodywork
41 Main St.
Qing J. Luo

Hair Affairs
30 Mohawk Trail
Joshua Candelaria

MJM Aviation
108 Hastings St.
Michael McIntyre

Re-bath of Pioneer Valley
6 French Kings Highway
PV Bathrooms Inc.

Sketch Design
30 Warner St.
Matthew Beaudoin

HOLYOKE

Giggles Daycare
53 Argyle Ave.
Siobhan M. Sullivan

Ind Court Deli Mart
301 High St.
Roberto Rivera

Lalla Jolie Scarves & Accessories
97 Franklin St.
Lalla B. Ornan

Mr. Mold Finder
12 Arbor Way
Arthur Marshall

PALMER

Menard Garage Doors, LLC
1020 Central St.
Brenda Menard

Rainbow Gardens
3023 Foster St.
Nancy Golas

Ziggy Enterprises
1029 Park St.
Christiane Torchia

SPRINGFIELD

5 Star DJ Alliance
49 Nursery St.
Myrtho Lambert

A-One Mini Mart
431 White St.
Mohammad R. Awan

Acceptance Now
665 Boston Road
Rac Acceptance

B & D Dollar & Discount
494 Central St.
Louis Brantley

BPM Installations
22 Geneva St.
Brian P. Marceau

B.L. Cleaning Service
93 Duggan Circle
William E. Lowe

Bio Cleaner of Main Street
806 Main St.
Jong N. Joo

Chi Chi Sullivans
520 Sumner Ave.
Sarno Enterprises

City Beat Multimedia
70 Cornell St.
Anthony S. Bass

Ci Leigha
183 Maynard St.
Ci L. Woods

Dan Auto Sales
201 Berkshire Ave.
Daniel Rios

Durraingd Myndz Entertainment
1139 Sumner Ave.
Hector Emilio

EZ Services & Travel
16 ½ Longhill St.
Ricardo Del Valle

El Shaddai Daycare
70 Leete St.
Helen J. Salem

Express Grocery
1133 State St.
Gavy G. Pimentel

Felix’s Breakfast
67 Liberty St.
Lesbia I. Nieves

Fred Sellica Travel
672 Dickinson St.
Fred P. Sellica

Hampshire Hills Inc.
620 Page Blvd.
Hampshire Hills

Hunter Kelly Entertainment
76 Greene St.
Lamara S. Hunter

WESTFIELD

Alexander Ruge Trend Sound
356 Valley View Dr.
Alexander Ruge

Allied Logging
167 Prospect St.
Adam Roberts

Comp Control Inc.
7 Pineridge Ave.
James O’Neill

Danis Promotion
45 Northridge Road
Danis Slivca

Eastwood Self Storage
61 Union St.
Ronald Schortmann

GDM
111 Airport Road
Michelle Grassi

I Zing Thing
22 Elm St.
Suzanne A. Tracy

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A and J’s Used Auto Sales
44 Exposition Terrace
Julio A. Miranda

DMP Supply Company Inc.
21 Bramble Ave.
Donald Del Buono

Green Stone
34 Lewis Ave.
Sami Hajrizi

Neverlow Apparel
119 Highland Ave.
Jonathan Karas

Pho B6 Vietnamese Cuisine
764 Riverdale St.
John Huang

Picture Awards Inc.
871 Elm St.
Joseph J. Esile, Jr.

Scuderi Group Inc.
1111 Elm St.
Salvatore Scuderi

T-Shirt Station
1458 Riverdale St.
2P Designs, LLC

The Vape Bar Escape
209 Elm St.
Maria Filippone

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Aguiar, Yabet
49 Russell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Baer, Carol B.
a/k/a Pafenbach, Carol B.
83 Whilshire Dr.
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Beam, Dorothy H.
125 Simonich Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Belcher, Mark D.
Belcher, Ann M.
15 Gilmore Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/10/14

Borey, Steven W.
Mosher-Borey, Renee L.
44 West Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Chace, Jeremy E.
120 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Charlton, Stephen W.
10 Number 9 Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/14

Croteau, Nicole L.
22 Tiderman Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Ferrando, Angela M.
21 Mayo St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/14

Ferris, William F.
474 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Flamand, Gregory R.
109 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/10/14

Flynn, Brandon K.
73 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Gustafson, Dorothy A.
7 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Hillard, Raymond F.
101 St. James Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/14

Jabeen, Nargis
478 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/10/14

Lord, Lorraine A.
47 Pleasant St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/14

Lunden, Kristen L.
355 School St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Neill, Diane Marie
P.O. Box 231
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Pasiecnik, Michael S.
Pasiecnik, Debra A.
P.O. Box 88
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/14

Pocograno, Joseph E.
602 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/04/14

Ramirez, Juana M.
33 Pembroke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/14

Ramos, Omar L.
34 Barbara Lane
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Razzaq, Sheikh A.
478 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/10/14

Stanikmas, Kevin M.
Stanikmas, Wendy M.
a/k/a Case, Wendy
a/k/a Melanson, Wendy
1026 Lincoln Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/14

Streit, Laura J.
139 Robbins Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Universal Quality Machine Inc.
650 Beaulieu St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 03/10/14

Varnot, Rosemary
46 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/14

Wiater, Paul N.
Wiater, Susan J.
280 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/14

Wise, Marcy L.
20 Herbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/14

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

COLRAIN

96 Jurek Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Allan C. Smith
Seller: Cheryl A. York
Date: 03/07/14

GREENFIELD

52 French King Highway
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Megan Edson
Seller: S&S Realty LLC
Date: 02/25/14

3 Grove St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $166,500
Buyer: Lewis Gordon
Seller: Marcus D. Curran
Date: 02/28/14

39 Grove St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Daniel M. Majewski
Seller: Michael J. Winn
Date: 02/27/14

60 Overland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Sandra J. Lively
Seller: William J. Bontempi
Date: 02/28/14

20 Phyllis Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Yedod Snir
Seller: Christopher L. Jones
Date: 03/03/14

HEATH

11 Modoc St.
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Clifford B. Long
Seller: Wendy Giard
Date: 02/28/14

NORTHFIELD

189 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Gabriel D. Lapollo
Seller: Michael S. Fontaine
Date: 02/26/14

SHELBURNE

106 Bridge St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $199,434
Buyer: Everbank
Seller: Marc Carcio
Date: 03/05/14

SHUTESBURY

505 Pratt Corner Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Steven C. Wolf
Seller: Clarke, Richard B., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/14

WHATELY

61 State Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: 5 DAWG NT
Seller: Michael A. Labelle
Date: 03/07/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

57 Harding St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $149,900
Seller: Zerbinopoulos, M., (Estate)
Date: 02/27/14

178 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Joseph G. Baldarelli
Seller: Sharon M. Baldarelli
Date: 02/27/14

236 Mill St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $298,000
Buyer: Yichao Xu
Seller: Yong S. Dong
Date: 02/28/14

113 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Robert G. Vincent
Seller: CJA 3 LLC
Date: 02/28/14

287 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Benjamin Bobianski
Seller: Paula S. Robidoux
Date: 02/24/14

66 Ramah Circle South
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,500
Buyer: Popowich Family Inv. LLC
Seller: Pelter Inc.
Date: 02/27/14

712 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Vitaliy Ganovskyy
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 02/26/14

318 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $127,200
Buyer: Joseph G. Baldarelli
Seller: Sharon M. Baldarelli
Date: 02/27/14

146 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Eric J. Eaton
Seller: Stratum LP
Date: 02/28/14

25 Windermere Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $459,900
Buyer: James J. Meade
Seller: Caroline Morales
Date: 03/05/14

BRIMFIELD

6 North Main St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Christina C. Mealey
Seller: Derek M. Casinghino
Date: 03/06/14

CHICOPEE

24 8th Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Joshua A. Sroka
Seller: Campbell, Edith C., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/14

54 Bonner St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Brad P. Labonte-Banas
Seller: Paul R. Banas
Date: 02/28/14

57 Boucher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Elizabeth L. White
Seller: Kim M. Small
Date: 02/28/14

16 Brightwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: LTL LLC
Seller: James L. Domingos
Date: 02/25/14

250 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $167,900
Buyer: Richard A. Funk
Seller: Anthony E. Ceria
Date: 02/26/14

596 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Carla L. Brodeur
Seller: Michael M. Levesque
Date: 02/28/14

40 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $152,750
Buyer: Chad A. Beaudette
Seller: John S. Godin
Date: 03/05/14

1466 Donohue Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Donald R. Peluso
Seller: Beauchemin, Donald G., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/14

58 Dunn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Gregory J. Vanoostveen
Seller: Margo Abelson
Date: 02/27/14

44 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ryan L. King
Seller: Anthony J. Carraturo
Date: 02/28/14

945 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Sandra J. Treat
Seller: Marie Ann Forni
Date: 02/28/14

55 Highview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $176,209
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Dennis P. Zygarowski
Date: 03/06/14

89 Jacob St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kaitlyn B. Jones
Seller: Martin E. Laliberte
Date: 02/28/14

Jefferson Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Amanda R. Huerta
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/06/14

22 Marble Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Fede
Seller: Philip W. Costello
Date: 02/28/14

20 Mount Carmel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Alexander Hripak
Seller: Matthew F. Dusseault
Date: 02/28/14

108 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $187,803
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Kristoffer Costa
Date: 02/27/14

36 Olko Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Lynn A. Maciolek
Seller: Steven P. Nicora
Date: 02/28/14

21 Overlook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $152,900
Buyer: Ashley K. Shinkwin
Seller: Kenneth P. Senecal
Date: 02/28/14

89 Rochester St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $144,900
Buyer: Caitlin M. Casey
Seller: Donna Blazey
Date: 02/28/14

35 Saint Onge St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Suzanna Smith
Seller: Daniel J. Garrity
Date: 02/26/14

2070 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $1,150,000
Buyer: Microtek Inc.
Seller: Kodiak Realty LLC
Date: 02/24/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

23 Betterley Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Raffaele S. Carrano
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 03/03/14

37 Old Farm Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $807,500
Buyer: Andrew W. Artenstein
Seller: Susan A. Alfano
Date: 03/06/14

270 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Brian D. Basgen
Seller: Nu Way Homes Inc.
Date: 03/04/14

HAMPDEN

66 Forest Hill Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Bienvenue FT
Seller: Thomas J. Kane
Date: 03/04/14

23 Kibbe Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Jessica Rodrigues
Seller: Tennessee Jed RT
Date: 02/28/14

211 South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Jason A. Foerster
Seller: Sherry Himmelstein
Date: 02/27/14

134 Thresher Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Jason T. Broom
Seller: Joseph M. Hickson
Date: 05/22/13

29 Wehr Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Hebert
Seller: Alan J. Murray
Date: 03/04/14

HOLLAND

11 Fenton St.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Michael Peltier
Seller: P. S. Roman
Date: 02/28/14

HOLYOKE

397 Apremont Highway
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Justin Laliberte
Seller: Wayne F. Falardeau
Date: 02/25/14

6 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $268,500
Buyer: Drew W. Nalewanski
Seller: Timothy S. Noonan
Date: 03/07/14

202 Easthampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Eloyd Molina
Seller: Patrick Moody
Date: 03/03/14

37 Francis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $166,824
Buyer: Provident Fund Assocs. LP
Seller: FHLM
Date: 02/25/14

19 Green Willow Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Griffin
Seller: Margaret A. Parsons
Date: 02/28/14

71 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $181,500
Buyer: Christopher Draper
Seller: Elizabeth A. Krok
Date: 02/25/14

LONGMEADOW

Colony Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $402,500
Buyer: Boulder Hill Construction
Seller: Elizabeth Pava
Date: 03/04/14

505 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Thomas R. Abbott
Seller: Daniel J. Swords
Date: 02/26/14

505 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $282,500
Buyer: Michael J. Richard
Seller: Michael C. Paul
Date: 02/26/14

64 Nevins Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $215,500
Buyer: Michael S. Block
Seller: Ellen M. Foley
Date: 02/25/14

99 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Cartun
Seller: Carmel Armon
Date: 03/06/14

53 Williamsburg Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Aroosa Alam
Seller: Katherine Papazoglou
Date: 02/28/14

LUDLOW

74 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Leigh M. Cardarelli
Seller: Brad M. Dakers
Date: 02/28/14

34 Cypress St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $152,955
Buyer: Gail P. Rodrigues
Seller: Sticks & Stones Inc.
Date: 03/05/14

393 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Jack C. Mendes
Seller: Pros Choice Inc.
Date: 03/07/14

32 Grimes St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Joshua J. Auclair
Seller: David K. Carrington
Date: 02/28/14

7 Parker Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $349,376
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Michelle Baillargeon
Date: 02/25/14

MONSON

59 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Ronald L. Poremba
Seller: Boulder Hill Construction
Date: 03/06/14

PALMER

8 3rd St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $452,000
Buyer: K3 Technology LLC
Seller: Wayne L. Buxton
Date: 02/28/14

139 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Stanley R. Lamb
Seller: William D. Bacyk
Date: 02/27/14

8 Cedar Hill St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Adam J. Skowyra
Seller: Bilton, Albert E. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 02/28/14

331 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $254,039
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kenneth J. Edwards
Date: 02/25/14

1051 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $218,019
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: James J. Russell
Date: 03/03/14

34 Shearer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $227,282
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Debra J. Earle
Date: 03/04/14

RUSSELL

Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Russell Acquisition LLC
Seller: Texon USA Inc.
Date: 03/03/14

SPRINGFIELD

22 Ainsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Ana M. Perez
Seller: Aaron L. Miles
Date: 03/03/14

23 Albee St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Valentina Thadison
Seller: Susan M. Szczebak
Date: 02/25/14

20 Alberta St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Raleigh Properties LLC
Seller: Paul J. Bailey
Date: 03/05/14

18 Angelica Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Oketo S. Williams
Seller: Ilidio A. Rodrigues
Date: 02/28/14

13 Banbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $132,653
Buyer: Roberto L. Maymi
Seller: Robert D. Valentine
Date: 03/03/14

54 Catalpa Terrace
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Karen M. Eagle
Seller: Shirley H. Morin
Date: 02/27/14

124 Donbray Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Justo R. Sepulveda
Seller: Bretta Development LLC
Date: 03/07/14

99 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $189,850
Buyer: Mon K. Tiwari
Seller: Miriam Steinberg
Date: 02/27/14

62 Grattan St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Carol J. Flores
Seller: Peter R. Carmichael
Date: 02/27/14

178 Hampshire St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Richard A. Pereira
Seller: Margaret M. Desellier
Date: 02/26/14

203 Jewett St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Christian A. Barthelette
Seller: Carlos A. Corredor
Date: 02/24/14

418 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Mark A. Ballard
Seller: Doanes, Aric M., (Estate)
Date: 03/03/14

65 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $131,750
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Alejandro Cabrera
Date: 03/06/14

53 Martha St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $156,400
Buyer: Somontia S. Smith
Seller: Haydee Bou
Date: 02/28/14

203 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Randolph Coates
Seller: Albert P. Shlosser
Date: 03/03/14

129 Moxon St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $131,000
Buyer: Gyasi Sellers
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/26/14

125 Oakwood Terrace
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Viktoriva Romanchenko
Seller: Elaine C. Graham
Date: 02/28/14

39 Old Farm Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Winnie Ly
Seller: Ruth E. Marcial
Date: 02/28/14

3 Silver St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Radwan Zaitoun
Seller: Lisa J. Russell
Date: 03/07/14

691 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: CF SBC UST 3 LLC
Seller: Tracey A. Crawford
Date: 02/27/14

54 Timber Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: David Muniz
Seller: Natalie Rose LLC
Date: 03/07/14

343 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: James G. Ekmalian
Seller: Russel G. Webster
Date: 02/28/14

13 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: James P. Murphy
Seller: James M. Niedbala
Date: 02/28/14

49 Trinity Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $171,400
Buyer: Kris Ludwig
Seller: Melro Associates Inc.
Date: 02/28/14

178 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Melissa Arce
Seller: Marth E. LLC
Date: 02/27/14

26 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,900
Buyer: Carmine Manzi
Seller: Neil G. Newman
Date: 02/28/14

218 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: Catherine E. Reynolds
Seller: Michael J. Richard
Date: 02/26/14

SOUTHWICK

14 Buckingham Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Cindy L. Degray
Seller: Michael Gavioli
Date: 02/28/14

10 Overlook Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $186,500
Buyer: Lisa K. Baltronis
Seller: Pinnacle Estates At the Ranch
Date: 03/07/14

200 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $259,900
Buyer: Robert M. Ducharme
Seller: Lon C. Winchell
Date: 02/28/14

136 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Lon C. Winchell
Seller: Thomas Witham
Date: 02/28/14

TOLLAND

Clubhouse Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Edward N. Allen
Seller: Ronald Mack
Date: 02/28/14

WESTFIELD

164 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Andre J. Dion
Seller: Greg H. Connors
Date: 02/27/14

19 Bush St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Cassandra L. Jaeger
Seller: Esther C. White
Date: 02/28/14

81 Carroll Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Valerie K. Dulude
Seller: Hagan, Helen G., (Estate)
Date: 03/07/14

132 Foch Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Jerah L. Organek
Seller: Kenneth H. Stomski
Date: 02/25/14

9 Gladwin Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Retained Realty Inc.
Seller: Matthew R. Swayger
Date: 03/03/14

21 Jeanne Marie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $426,274
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Vincent L. Petrangelo
Date: 02/24/14

12 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Edward J. Rondeau
Seller: Andrew D. Janicik
Date: 02/27/14

312 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Elaine Hawks
Date: 03/04/14

71 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Schultze
Seller: Carlos Quiles
Date: 02/28/14

1168 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Kristopher B. Johnson
Seller: Theresa M. Dion
Date: 02/28/14

70 Westwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Henry O. Wefing
Seller: Bernadette K. Gove
Date: 02/28/14

WILBRAHAM

67 Cherry Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $336,344
Buyer: Howard C. Eldridge
Seller: 2301 Boston Road LLC
Date: 02/25/14

5 Meeting House Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $377,500
Buyer: Christian P. Damour
Seller: Gerald T. Eady
Date: 02/28/14

5 Russell Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: David H. Silva
Seller: David H. Silva
Date: 02/28/14

98 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Augusto Coelho
Seller: James J. Szmyt
Date: 03/07/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

106 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Hebert
Seller: Sequoia Properties Realty
Date: 02/28/14

99 City View Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Erik G. Sudnick
Seller: Thomas Scott-Smith
Date: 02/28/14

336 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Lynda Peters
Seller: Frechette, Stephen L., (Estate)
Date: 03/07/14

274 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: 274 Westfield Street LP
Seller: 3 Diamond Realty Corp.
Date: 03/06/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Kestrel Land TR
Seller: Thatsaul LP
Date: 03/06/14

310 Belchertown Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Rocky Hill Road Partner LLC
Seller: Stanley E. Stosz
Date: 02/28/14

43 Country Corners Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $645,000
Buyer: Christine S. Hutchins
Seller: Benjamin C. Hammond
Date: 03/04/14

BELCHERTOWN

454 State St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Richard K. Shone
Seller: Bonnie Robert
Date: 02/28/14

85 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Kevin R. Green
Seller: Raymond R. Rex
Date: 03/07/14

211 Warner St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Robb E. Kapinos
Seller: 21st Century Green Homes
Date: 02/28/14

44 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Katherine F. Jekanowski
Seller: Jeffrey D. Skrocki
Date: 02/24/14

EASTHAMPTON

65 Glendale St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: 65 Glendale Realty LLC
Seller: 65-67 Glendale St. Realty
Date: 02/28/14

1 Summer St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $684,000
Buyer: North Harlow 2 LLC
Seller: Stephen C. Robinson
Date: 02/26/14

134 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: David L. Pogue
Seller: Tofino Associates LLC
Date: 02/26/14

HATFIELD

115 Elm St. #30
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Paula M. Corbett
Seller: Hatfield Village LLC
Date: 02/27/14

NORTHAMPTON

72 Drewsen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Casey H. Krone
Seller: Linda Mondschein
Date: 02/28/14

53 Emerson Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $447,500
Buyer: Nicholas P. Lata
Seller: Countryside Homes Builder
Date: 02/25/14

16 Ford Xing
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $563,009
Buyer: Sherry H. McKenney
Seller: Wright Builders Inc.
Date: 03/05/14

65 Franklin St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $408,800
Buyer: John P. Berkowitz
Seller: Mark C. Wineburg
Date: 02/24/14

108 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $154,275
Buyer: Bruce P. Volz
Seller: Monska FT
Date: 02/28/14

200 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: Demers Family Realty LLC
Date: 02/28/14

206 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $434,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: Demers Family Realty LLC
Date: 02/28/14

56 Meadow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Michael J. Behrens
Seller: Doppman, Magdalene T., (Estate)
Date: 02/28/14

172 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: John P. McAllister
Seller: Paula M. Corbett
Date: 02/27/14

91 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $980,000
Buyer: Yarland Properties LLC
Seller: Minnick Real Estate LLC
Date: 02/28/14

91 Turkey Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Christopher J. White
Seller: Timothy V. Parsons
Date: 02/28/14

383 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Gleason Johndrow Rentals
Seller: Jacob W. Schrader
Date: 03/04/14

SOUTH HADLEY

154 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Maxine Szydziak
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 03/04/14

SOUTHAMPTON

71 Gilbert Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Jessica I. Saraceno
Seller: Robert K. Eckert
Date: 03/05/14

WARE

93 Beaver Lake Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Elsie C. Rutan-Heningham
Seller: Hunky Dory & Umps RT
Date: 03/06/14

42 Crescent St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $288,512
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kevin M. Fleming
Date: 03/03/14

15 Lee Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Friberg
Seller: David J. Armstrong
Date: 02/28/14

WILLIAMSBURG

42 South St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jennifer Smith
Seller: Leonika R. Allen
Date: 02/26/14

Bilding Permits

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2014.

AGAWAM

Community Shops Plaza
1325 Springfield St.
$10,000 — Interior renovations

CHICOPEE

City of Chicopee
816 James St.
$5,000 — Construct offices and storage

Riverbend Medical
444 Montgomery St.
$250,000 — Renovate Adult Medicine East

GREENFIELD

Arts Block, LLC
285-291 Main St.
$16,000 — Install snow guards on roof

Center for Human Development
148 Montague City Road
$284,000 — Building renovation

LUDLOW

Buckeye Pipeline Company, L.P.
1 Tank Farm Road
$70,000 — Foundation for new commercial structure

SOUTH HADLEY

Town of South Hadley
14 Mulligan St.
$15,000 — New antennas

SPRINGFIELD

405 Armory Street, LLC
405 Armory St.
$18,000 — Alterations to expand dining area at existing Subway

Al Alves
1291 Boston Road
$35,500 — Convert store front for pizza shop

Derf Realty
190 Carando Dr.
$133,000 — Convert 1,365 square feet of existing space into offices for Mass. State Police

Pizza Hut Inc.
793A Boston Road
$120,000 — Remodel existing Pizza Hut

Tahminh Kausar
590 Boston Road
$8,000 — Build new counter area for cash register

WESTFIELD

Kenia Associates, LLC
65 Springfield Road
$214,000 — Finish existing office space

L & R Market Inc.
35 North Elm St.
$111,000 — Masonry addition

RSP Realty, LLC
57 Union St.
$200,000 — 4,753-square-foot medical office build-out

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Emmanuel Baptist Church
38 Front St.
$132,000 — Restore portion of fire-damaged building

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments Picture This

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

Fueling Momentum

F.L. Roberts and Co. hosted its second annual Managers Meeting and Awards Dinner on March 14 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The fourth-generation, Springfield-based company operates gas station/convenience stores (including truck-refueling facilities and the Whately Diner), Golden Nozzle car washes, and Jiffy Lubes. Employees and business partners were treated to a football-themed evening including a pregame cocktail hour, featuring cigar rollers and a photo booth, followed by dinner, awards, and a keynote address by Joe Theismann, entrepreneur and former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins. Veterans were also recognized for their contributions and sacrifices. Top left: from left, Tom Hart; Peter Borucki; Edward Borucki, U.S. Navy veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor; and Barbara Hart. Top right: Joanne Palmer, Kevin Fay, and Steve and Katy Sanchioni enjoy the pregame cocktail hour outside the Premier Ballroom at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. Above: Richard Smith, center, vice president of Operations for F.L. Roberts, and other managers present the Pandolfo Company Inc. with the Business Partner of the Year 2013 award for its service and dedication to the company over the past year and early completion of the new Golden Nozzle car wash on East Columbus Avenue in Springfield. In recognition of its service, F.L. Roberts has given the company a $1,000 donation for the charity of their choice. Right: from left, Angelo Rota and his father, guest of honor Nello Rota, U.S. Army Americal Division veteran; with Richard Smith, vice president of Operations for F.L. Roberts, and his wife, Debra Smith.

Hometown Heroes

The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter recently honored 11 individuals at its 12th annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast. The Hero Award is given to people who have shown courage, kindness, and unselfish character when a friend, family member, or stranger faced a life-threatening situation, or who have had an extraordinary impact on his or her community. Top left: award recipients Gina Lopez (left) and Sandra Land. Top right: from left, Andrea Luppi of presenting sponsor Columbia Gas; recipients Joseph Allen, Maryann Alben, and John Weston; and Sheila Doiron of Columbia Gas. Center left: John Duffy of presenting sponsor Grainger Foundation (middle) with recipients Kevin Collins (left) and Art Hardy. Center: recipient Steven Berube with Ann Makkiya of presenting sponsor Smith & Wesson. Center right: recipient Dr. Wilson Pyle (right) with Dr. John Santoro of presenting sponsor Baystate Health. Bottom left: recipient Alan Kraefft (left) with Richard Taylor of presenting sponsor MGM Springfield. Bottom right: recipient Vincent Ferrero with Julie Vodde of presenting sponsor Health New England.

Making a Good First Impression

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Modern Office Sections

Understand That Your Staff Is Your Best Publicity Asset

By RUSSELL TRAHAN

Throughout the business landscape, countless days and hours are spent on the hiring process — rifling through résumés, conducting phone and in-person interviews, and vetting potential hires — and for good reason. Company payroll budgets only contain so much flexibility for new employees, and selecting the correct individual to fill an open position involves much more than just ensuring their competence in the role; your new employee is also joining the best weapon in your company-wide publicity arsenal: your staff.

Your selection of staff should go beyond just the tangible skills they bring to the office and their ability to complete projects and achieve goals during the workday — it should also include their talent for recruiting and driving business when the day is done as well. Your salaried or commission-based employees — present and future — should recognize the value of out-of-office networking skills and practices, as even simple interactions after hours or on the weekends could potentially engage new customers or clients.

It is for that reason that you, as a manager or business owner, should consider the people you employ an essential component to any of your publicity efforts, because they are often your establishment’s first impression and top recruiting asset once the lights go out for the evening.

There are multiple best practices for instilling a sense of off-the-clock commitment in your present and future employees, and utilizing them to foster a sense of organizational pride will work wonders in your efforts to bolster your company image. Online, in person, and over the phone, your staff should recognize their value away from the office.

The Social Ovation

Incalculable business relationships are now created and nurtured in the social-media stratosphere, and acuity in this area can be an accurate barometer for real-world success. Along with your business’ online presence and activity, your employees can boost your impact in the social-media arena by broadcasting company-wide or individual accomplishments from their personal profiles. This can be as simple as a sharing a blog post that a staff member is particularly proud of or that garnered an extensive degree of attention, or actively promoting any sponsored events or appearances.

Client or customer bases can be developed through your employees’ relationships, especially if they are sufficiently pleased with their individual contributions and the level of work coming out of your office to show it off. Regularly recognize and applaud their performance in the office, and they may be compelled to share it outside the office — chiefly on their social-media platforms. A fulfilled employee is an employee that enthusiastically wants to share your achievements.

Word of mouth is often the most powerful form of promotion or advertising, and your staff can be the premier vehicle for this type of reputation enhancement.

The Business Card Is Timeless

There is no action in the business world more common than the time-honored tradition of exchanging business cards. Even with a shift toward Internet centricity and networking, every executive should always have a business card on hand, which should contain their array of online links and contact information.

Employers should encourage their staff to keep a few cards at the ready. Any chance interaction outside the workplace can quickly shift into a professional conversation, and a casual swap of business cards Saturday night may result in a new product order or contract Monday morning. Many things will change in the business environment, but the business card is a timeless object that will remain a fundamental networking component.

Maintaining a Convention Game Face

Regardless of your primary field or industry, chances are you will send out staff representatives to attend a conference or convention on your company’s behalf at some point. Effectively working a booth is an imperative skill that your employees need to possess to ensure that you receive a tangible return on your sponsorship investment.

Part of making an appearance at a corporate convention a fruitful one is the overall demeanor from inside the booth. Your employees should understand the value of simple, conversational engagement with those who stop by. Not everyone will want to secure your services, but they should all be treated as such. A smile and a simple greeting to passersby can be the easiest route to increased booth traffic and solid sales leads at the event’s conclusion.

E-mail Etiquette Has No Day Off

With the culture of connectedness that was ushered in by the widespread adoption of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, your salaried employees are now within reach at all hours of the day, every day of the week.

When receiving work-related e-mails or text correspondence while away from the office, your staff should remain acutely aware that in-house etiquette still applies, and not allow themselves to slip into casual text-speak or a tone they may utilize on their day off. Improper e-mail decorum is an immediate strike against company credibility, so make sure you instill in your workforce the importance of proper electronic communication.

Bottom Line

Your product or service is only as good as the people you have onboard. When your employees and associates realize and appreciate their value to your operation and the role they play in actively promoting your business, the more cognizant they become of their actions when they leave the workplace. When you impress upon your staff their importance to the company and their influence on overall accomplishments, you create a workplace culture of collective input and shared success.

When your employees realize their fundamental position in your business, they ardently become an extension of your publicity undertakings, and make a point to contribute even when they are away from the workplace. n

Russell Trahan is president of PR/PR, a boutique public-relations agency specializing in positioning clients in front of their target audience in print and online. PR/PR represents experts of all kinds who are seeking national exposure for their business or organization.

Celebrating the Difference Makers

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Difference Makers

More than 300 people turned out at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on March 20 for a celebration of the Difference Makers for 2014. The photos on the next several pages capture the essence of the event, which featured entertainment from the Children’s Chorus of Springfield and the Taylor Street Jazz Band, as well as fine food and some poignant comments from the honorees. This year’s class, chosen by the editors and publishers of BusinessWest from dozens of nominations, and seen in a group photo above, are, from left: Paula Moore, founder of the Youth Social Educational Training (YSET) Academy; the Melha Shriners, represented by Potentate William Faust; the Gray House, represented by Executive Director Dena Calvanese; Colleen Loveless, executive director of the Springfield office of Rebuilding Together; and Michael Moriarty, attorney and president of Olde Holyoke Development Corp., chosen for his work with youth literacy.

For more photos go to here

Sponsored By:

Baystate Medical Practices • First American Insurance • Health New England • Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. • Northwestern Mutual • Royal LLP • Sarat Ford Lincoln • 6 Pt. Creative Works

For reprints contact: Denise Smith Photography / www.denisesmithphotography.com / [email protected]

Difference Maker Colleen Loveless, center, stands with her parents, Jim and Pat Shanley, left, her husband, Donald Loveless, and her daughter, Taylor Loveless, prior to the ceremonies.

From left, Srs. Jane Morrissey and Cathy Homrok, members of the Sisters of St. Joseph and two of the founders of the Gray House, one of this year’s honorees, with Dena Calvanese, executive director of the Gray House, Leyla Kayi, director of Donor Relations, and Glenn Yarnell, director of Adult Education.

Lynn Ostrowski, director of Brand and Corporate Relations for Health New England, one of the event’s sponsors, with Brian Kivel, right, sales executive for Health New England, and Patrick Ireland, president and founder of Neutral Corner Inc.

Carol Katz, member of the Difference Makers Class of 2010, talks with 2014 Diffference Maker Michael Moriarty, director of Olde Holyoke Development Corp., during the event’s VIP hour.

Jim Vinick, senior vice president of investments at Moors & Cabot Inc. and member of the Difference Makers Class of 2013, poses with speech pathologist Marjorie Koft, left, and Jane Albert, vice president of development at Baystate Health, another of the event’s sponsors.

Corey Murphy, far right, president of First American Insurance, one of the event sponsors, with, from left, team members Dennis Murphy, document processor, and Edward Murphy, chairman, network with Adam Quenneville, president of Adam Quenneville Roofing and Siding (second from right).

Kate Kane, left, managing director of the Springfield office of Northwestern Mutual (an event sponsor) and member of the Difference Makers Class of 2009, talks with Cathy Crosky, senior leadership consultant for Charter Oak Consulting Group, and Jeremy Casey, assistant vice president of Commercial Services at Westfield Bank, and president of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, Difference Makers Class of 2009.

Karina Schrengohst, left, an attorney with Northampton-based Royal LLP, an event sponsor, talks with Crystal Boetang, an intern with the firm.

Paula Moore, founder of the Youth Social Educational Training (YSET) Academy and 2014 Difference Maker, networks with Robert Perry, a retired partner of Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (an event sponsor) and member of the Difference Makers Class of 2011.

Team members of Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., an event sponsor, gather prior to the ceremonies to show their support at the event. Front row, from left: John Veit, marketing and recruiting coordinator; Cheryl Fitzgerald, senior manager of Taxation; Brenda Olesuk, director of Operations and Development; and Robert Perry, past honoree and retired partner. Back row, from left: James Barrett, managing partner; Kelly Dawson, manager of Audit and Accounting; Kevin Hines, partner; and James Krupienski, senior manager of Audit and Accounting.

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse takes a few minutes at the podium to welcome the audience to his city and commend Difference Maker Michael Moriarty for his work in the realm of youth literacy in the Paper City.

Difference Maker Paula Moore, recognized this year for her outstanding work with Springfield’s youth, offers words of inspiration after receiving her award.

Continuing a Difference Makers tradition, the Children’s Chorus of Springfield kicked off the festivities. Led by Wayne Abercrombie, artistic director, the chorus performed three inspiring songs.

Gwen Burke, senior advertising consultant at BusinessWest, talks with Jeff Sarat, general sales manager at Sarat Ford, one of the event’s sponsors.

Difference Maker Colleen Loveless, executive director of the Springfield chapter of Rebuilding Together, was recognized this year for her work to help low-income families stay in their homes. Here, she introduces Oscar and Carol Granado, a couple whose home was renovated thanks to the organization.

The Melha Shriners were recognized as Difference Makers for their commitment to bettering children’s lives, especially through their support of Shriners Hospitals for Children. Here, Potentate William Faust shares some thoughts with the audience after receiving the award on behalf of the organization.

Michael Moriarty, honored as a Difference Maker for his work in youth literacy, shares his thoughts on that subject after receiving his award.

Meghan Lynch, right, president of Six-Point Creative Works, an event sponsor, networks with, from left, Gwen Burke, senior advertising consultant at BusinessWest; Jeremy Casey, assistant vice president of Commercial Services at Westfield Bank; and Peter Ellis, creative director at DIF Design.

Month: April 2014

The Evolutionary Workplace of the Social Age

The 5 C’s to Recruit, Engage, and Retain Quality Staff

How to Create a Positive Work Culture

Employees Want to Feel That They’re Making a Difference

Court Dockets

Agenda

People on the Move

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

Company Notebook

Briefcase

Incorporations

Doing Business as Certificates

Bankruptcies

Real Estate Transactions

Bilding Permits

PictureThis

Fueling Momentum

Hometown Heroes

Making a Good First Impression

Understand That Your Staff Is Your Best Publicity Asset

Celebrating the Difference Makers

Blog Posts

United Way of Pioneer Valley Officially Names Megan Moynihan CEO

Liberty Bank Funds Programs for Underserved Women

Freedom Credit Union Collecting Cash Donations to Provide a Bed for Every Child

BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for 40 Under Forty Alumni Achievement Award

Jie Chen of Dietz & Company Earns Architecture License

Cambridge College Launches MBA Degree in Spanish

UMassFive Collecting Personal-care Items for Local Survival Centers

Legacy Counsellors, P.C. Celebrates 30 Years in Business

Holyoke Community College, I Found Light Against All Odds Sign Pact

Liberty Bank Donates $5,000 to Square One

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