SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) will stage its 25th annual Super 60 recognition celebration on Friday, Nov. 14 at Chez Josef in Agawam. The event’s keynote speaker will be John Maguire, president and CEO of Friendly’s, LLC. The program starts at 11 a.m. with a VIP reception for honorees in the Tivoli Room. Lunch will begin at noon, followed by the keynote speech and the awards presentation. For more information or to order tickets, call the chamber at (413) 787-1555.
Month: November 2014
WESTFIELD — Baystate Dental P.C., with 13 locations in the Greater Springfield region, recently received the 2014 Westfield Preservation Award from the Westfield Historical Commission for the renovation and repurposing of its former Morgan-Way House at 29 Broad St. in Westfield.
Nominated by the board of Westfield on the Weekends Inc., Baystate Dental P.C., owned and operated by Drs. Kevin Coughlin, Matthew Haluch, and Gary Circosta, were presented the award at City Hall on Oct. 23. Members of Baystate Dental, the Westfield Historical Commission, and the board of Westfield on the Weekends were all present. The Preservation Award recognizes those who have contributed to preserving Westfield’s heritage and historical integrity.
The Morgan-Way house, built in the 1820s, has a rich history, but in recent years had fallen into disrepair and was slated to be demolished. Baystate Dental purchased the property and rehabilitated and restored the structure while preserving the architectural integrity of the building. The former home is now a thriving dental practice, and the structure remains a historical stalwart of Westfield’s Park Square.
NORTHAMPTON — On Nov. 8, Tattoo Afterlife, located in the former car-dealership space on the corner of Pleasant and Pearl streets, celebrated its grand opening with guest artists and an afterparty at One Bar & Grill. Matt Olivieri and Timmy Barnes, the partners behind Tattoo Afterlife, invested more than $250,000 into transforming the space into a high-end tattoo studio and showcase for the artists’ work.
Olivieri is the entrepreneur behind Redemption Aftercare, an organic, vegan, petroleum-free balm designed to be applied during and after a tattoo. Barnes, known as “Timmy B.” in the tattoo world, is a renowned tattoo artist with several sponsorships, including Rockstar energy drinks. Olivieri and Barnes originally owned a tattoo shop on Long Island before relocating to Barnes’ native Pioneer Valley.
In addition to Timmy B., Tattoo Afterlife’s resident artists include Justin Harris, Lindsay Baker, Sam Fiorino, Jonathan Penchoff, and Doug Sparks. Tattoo Afterlife is committed to tattooing as a holistic experience to be conducted with organic inks and accompanied by proper diet and skin care. As part of that focus, the space also houses Tranquillity Massage, which is available to customers looking to relax before getting tattooed.
LONGMEADOW — A detailed documentary that focuses on the seemingly simple act of giving will be screened at Bay Path University tonight, Nov. 10, at Mills Theatre on the Longmeadow campus. The event is free and open to the public.
The documentary What Is Philanthropy? focuses on the details and nuance of charitable giving and philanthropy. Produced by Grand Valley State University Professor Salvatore Alaimo, the 86-minute film portrays and discusses philanthropy and giving through the perspectives of a wide variety of people from across the country. Subjects include Alex Smith, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs; U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley; Mike Farrell, Emmy-nominated star of M*A*S*H; Nell Newman, president and co-founder of Newman’s Own Organics; Evelyn Lauder of the Estée Lauder Companies; civil-rights leader Dr. William Anderson; and Amber Kriech, a young volunteer from Indiana.
“The purpose of the film is to enhance our understanding of the concept of philanthropy and its role in American culture and society,” said Alaimo. “It seeks to broaden our perspectives for giving, enhance our understanding for philanthropy’s capabilities, and provoke us to reflect on our giving.”
The film premiered at the Queens World Film Festival in New York in March and screened at the Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival in Muskogee, Okla. in April. More than a dozen other screenings are scheduled through the end of the year across the nation. View the trailer and find more information at whatisphilanthropy.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction employers added 12,000 jobs in October and the sector’s unemployment rate fell to 6.4%, the lowest rate for October since 2006, according to an analysis by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the construction-employment gains, along with rising wages and weekly hours, are consistent with survey results showing more firms having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to fill available positions.
Construction employment totaled 6,095,000 in October, the highest total since May 2009, with a 12-month gain of 231,000 jobs or 3.9%, said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. Residential building and specialty trade contractors added a combined 8,000 employees since September and 130,600 (6%) over 12 months. Non-residential contractors — building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering — experienced an overall gain of 3,600 employees for the month and 99,800 (2.7%) over 12 months.
“For the past several months, the construction industry has added jobs at double the all-industry rate of 1.9%,” Simonson said. “Construction wages, which were already higher than the private-sector average, rose 2.6% in the last year — the fastest rate since early 2010 — as contractors ramped up their search for qualified workers. There were fewer unemployed, experienced construction workers last month than at any time in the past eight years. Meanwhile, all construction employees worked an average of 39.2 hours per week, tying the highest mark since that series began in March 2006. Together, these indicators — high weekly hours, low unemployment, and accelerating wage gains — point to an industry that may be on the verge of acute difficulty filling key positions.”
SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Deval Patrick’s recent announcement of $2 million in MassWorks Infrastructure Program funding to MassDevelopment marks a critical step toward the creation of the Springfield Innovation Center. The project is a collaboration between DevelopSpringfield, the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, MassDevelopment, the city of Springfield, Valley Venture Mentors, the Springfield Innovation Hub, and MassMutual.
“The Patrick administration has been committed to providing support to communities like Springfield so that they can grow and prosper,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “Revitalizing a community through infrastructure improvements will make it easier for businesses to grow and communities to flourish.”
The project includes rehabilitation of more than 16,000 square feet of mixed-use space, which will include a 9,000-square-foot business-accelerator program with co-working, presentation, and function space and an innovation café, as well as additional office space. “We are really looking forward to collaborating on this project,” said Paul Silva, co-founder of Valley Venture Mentors. “This new space will provide a home that will bring together more than 50 startups a year to collide with each other, investors, customers, and the local business community.”
The Springfield Innovation Hub’s goal is to create a series of “watering holes” throughout the Pioneer Valley with the flagship location being in downtown Springfield, said Delcie Bean, founder of the Springfield Innovation Hub. “These cafés will cater to audiences ranging from students to professors, business people to entrepreneurs, and just about anyone else looking for a cool, energetic spot to grab a coffee, have a meeting, or meet a friend. We will be featuring a mix of high-tech and low-tech solutions that will create a space that is both exciting and approachable. The objective of these watering holes is to create concentrations of energy and people where ‘collisions’ can occur. The Springfield Innovation Hub will be a 501(c)(3) organization which seeks only to spur economic growth and development by creating centers for energy, collaboration, and collision.”
DevelopSpringfield purchased a building earlier this month at 276-284 Bridge St. in a block of historic buildings known as the Trinity Block. On Oct. 20, the Springfield City Council approved the sale of a vacant adjacent building at 270-272 Bridge St. to DevelopSpringfield in the same block to support the project. Funds to advance the development of this project, including property acquisition and rehabilitation of the two buildings, have been provided by the Commonwealth through a MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant to MassDevelopment by MassMutual.
“Less than 500 feet around the corner from 1550 Main, the Springfield Innovation Center will represent an exciting addition to the city of firsts,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment appreciates this vote of confidence in us from MassWorks, and looks forward to partnering with Mayor [Domenic] Sarno, DevelopSpringfield, and the local business community to continuing to make downtown Springfield a more attractive destination for businesses old and new alike.”
Planned rehabilitation includes the installation of an elevator, window restoration and replacement, mechanical-system upgrades, re-roofing, and re-pointing on the front exterior and interior fit-out for Valley Venture Mentors’ business accelerator and office space.
“The Springfield Innovation Center is conceived as a cornerstone of downtown Springfield’s newly designated Innovation District, building on the legacy of the area’s 19th-century history of industry and innovation, a wealth of architecturally significant historic buildings, and proximity to the downtown core,” said Jay Minkarah, President and CEO of DevelopSpringfield. The area was also impacted by a natural gas explosion in 2012, and the center will serve as a catalyst toward reinvestment and new development activity in this area. Added Sarno, “this is another initiative that will capitalize on the momentum that is building here in Springfield. This is another collaborative approach that we are taking to make downtown a more vibrant and eclectic mix of businesses and opportunity.”
SPRINGFIELD — Morrison Mahoney LLP announced that attorney Jennifer Rymarski has been elected a partner. Rymarski, who practices in the Boston-based firm’s Springfield office, serves a wide base of clients in the arenas of medical malpractice litigation, as well as employment, business, and corporate law. Morrison Mahoney is one of the 15 largest firms in Massachusetts.
“Jennifer’s varied experience is an asset to Morrison Mahoney,” said Dennis Anti, a partner at Morrison Mahoney. “She is a skilled medical-malpractice litigator who also is practiced in corporate law.”
Rymarski has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney and more than 15 years of experience in the legal field. She has a diverse background in medical-malpractice defense work and general business law, communications, and management. Rymarski advises healthcare clients on litigation matters and other issues involving healthcare law. She also serves as defense counsel for court cases and Board of Registration in Medicine investigations and complaints. For general business clients, she offers business advice, including dispute resolution, collections, adherence to corporate and regulatory formalities, and negotiations concerning leases, contracts, financing, and bankruptcy.
Rymarski earned a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University, a certificate of paralegal studies from Elms College, and a juris doctor from Western New England University School of Law. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. and the Hampden County Bar Assoc., and is also licensed to practice law in Connecticut. She serves as a board member of the Children’s Study Home. Rymarski has been named a “Rising Star” in Boston magazine for four consecutive years.
SPRINGFIELD — Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., serving Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, has received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2015 edition of U.S. News/Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.”
The firm has been recognized with Tier 1 metropolitan designations for Springfield in the practice areas of corporate law, real-estate law, and trust and estate law. Additionally, the firm has been recognized with Tier 2 metropolitan designations for Springfield in the practice areas of bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights, insolvency and reorganization law, and tax law.
The U.S. News/Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in each field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. As firms are often separated by small differences in overall score, a tiering system is used rather than ranking law firms sequentially. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metropolitan region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer who is included in The Best Lawyers in America 2015 in that particular practice area and metropolitan area.
“We are thrilled with our top-tier inclusion in this year’s Best Law Firms report,” said founding Partner Steven Schwartz, who has been with the firm since its inception 45 years ago. “Additionally, eight of our attorneys were named to the Best Lawyers in America 2015 list this year, demonstrating the significant individual achievements at the firm.”
SOUTHWICK – Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation announced the 30th anniversary of Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home, which opened on College Highway in Southwick in 1984.
“For three decades, we have had a professional and compassionate team caring for families in Southwick and surrounding communities,” said Frank Forastiere, president and funeral director of Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation. “Building a connection within the community and earning the trust of the families we work with are important aspects of our longevity, and we hope to continue to provide the same quality of service for years to come.”
Forastiere Family Funeral & Cremation has served the Greater Springfield area since 1905, when Frank M. and Carmela Forastiere opened the original storefront on Water Street (now Columbus Avenue) in Springfield. In 1911, Forastiere’s flagship facility moved to William Street in Springfield before finally settling on Locust Street in Springfield, where it still resides today. Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, located in Agawam, opened its doors in 1980, followed by Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home in 1984.
“We have a vested interest in this community. We care for its members during times of grief,” said Forastiere. “Our staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of each and every family that passes through our doors. That dedication means a lot to our clients.” For more information, visit www.forastiere.com.
BOSTON — MGM Resorts International received a unanimous vote from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) on Thursday, officially granting MGM Springfield a license to operate a resort casino in downtown Springfield.
In June, the MGC entered into an agreement to award MGM Resorts the Region B Category 1 license upon final resolution of a ballot initiative to make gaming illegal in Massachusetts. On Tuesday, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly supported keeping the gaming statute in place.
“This has been one of the most exciting weeks in MGM’s history,” said James Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “We are grateful to the voters of the Commonwealth, and especially the people of Springfield, for voting for jobs and economic opportunities. Today we want to thank the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for formalizing our agreement that will allow us to revitalize a great downtown.”
MGM will pay its $85 million licensing fee to the commission on Nov. 17. Following the historic vote, MGM Springfield immediately began work on the property. On Wednesday morning, heavy equipment was at Howard Street School to conduct geotechnical soil assessments. The site will house a 3,500-space parking garage. This is the first time since 2012, when MGM first formally announced its interest in a resort casino in Springfield, that construction activity has taken place on the site. It signals the kickoff to early preparations for a spring 2015 groundbreaking.
“It is extremely gratifying to have equipment on site, not only because it signals the start of the work, but because the people of Springfield no longer have to imagine MGM Springfield,” said President Michael Mathis. “Their future is now.”
HOLYOKE — On Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m., Wistariahurst Museum will host a workshop with local felt maker Sue McFarland. In this workshop, called “Painting with Wool: An Introduction to Felt Making,” participants will learn to make flat felt, beads, and ropes. The workshop will include a short history of felt making and a display of objects illustrating the different felt-making techniques.
A hand weaver since 1982, McFarland has expanded her fiber repertoire to include both two-dimensional and three-dimensional felt work. In 2004, she apprenticed with felt maker Christine White, author of Uniquely Felt. McFarland has sold her work at retail fairs and galleries in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont, and conducts workshops incorporating the fiber arts for K-12 students, adults, and educators. She has been published in the Interweave Press journal Hand-woven for her chenille tapestry scarves and her design for felted and needle-woven Temari (Japanese thread ball) ornaments. Her goal is to create aesthetically intriguing objects that are also functional.
The workshop is for adults and children over 12. Materials and equipment will be provided. The cost is $20, and registration is required, as space is limited. To register, call Wistariahurst at (413) 322-5660 or visit wistariahurst.org.
LONGMEADOW — Glenmeadow Retirement held its 130th annual meeting of corporators on Nov. 3. Newly elected to the volunteer board of directors were Crystal Diamond, a realtor with Coldwell Banker, and Ian MacNeill, director and branch manager with UBS Financial Services. Debra Taylor, a community volunteer, was also elected as a new corporator.
Diamond and MacNeill join existing board members Suzanne Smith, chair; Paul Nicholson, vice chair; Mark Cress, treasurer; Dusty Hoyt, clerk; Dr. Lawrence Bernstein; William Burrows; David Carlson; Christopher Gill; Richard Goldstein; Ellen McKenna; Susan Megas; Ann Marie Rome; and Marie Stebbins.
Established in 1884, Glenmeadow is a nonprofit, accredited continuing-care retirement community, providing independent and assisted living at its campus at 24 Tabor Crossing in Longmeadow and expanded Glenmeadow at Home services throughout Greater Springfield.
SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, a labor- and employment-law firm serving the Greater Springfield area, has received a Tier 1 ranking in the 2015 edition of U.S. News/Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The firm has been recognized with Tier 1 metropolitan designations for Springfield in the practice areas of arbitration; employment law, management; labor law, management; litigation, labor law and employment; and mediation.
The U.S. News/Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys in each field, and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process. As firms are often separated by small differences in overall score, a tiering system is used rather than ranking law firms sequentially. To be eligible for a ranking in a particular practice area and metropolitan region, a law firm must have at least one lawyer who is included in The Best Lawyers in America 2015 in that particular practice area and metropolitan area.
WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a leading civil and environmental engineering firm, recently appointed two new members to its board of directors, Patrick McCann and Robert Herchert.
“Pat and Bob each bring substantial industry experience and leadership to Tighe & Bond that will be an asset to our strategic and growth initiatives,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO. “Their past professional successes — as well as their external and fresh perspectives — are just what we need to complement our existing board of directors and fine-tune our performance.”
McCann has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the environmental, engineering, and construction business. He joined Weston Solutions, an infrastructure-redevelopment firm with offices nationwide, in 1996 and led the company through a successful transformation from public to employee ownership. He became chief operating officer in 1997, president in 1998, and CEO from 2003 to 2013.
Currently, McCann serves as board chair for Water for People, an international development organization with operations in nine countries that focuses on providing sustainable water and sanitation to some of the poorest villages in the developing world. He also serves as a board member for Harris & Associates, a West Coast construction-management and design firm, as well as the SUNY Oneonta Foundation.
Herchert has nearly 50 years of leadership experience in the public and private sectors, with approximately half of those in the professional-services industry. For the past 13 years, he has been chairman of the board at Freese and Nichols Inc., an engineering, architecture, and environmental-science firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. He also develops and maintains client relationships, and is a Freese and Nichols representative in community and civic activities.
Prior to this, he was the firm’s president and CEO for 11 years. Previously, Herchert served as city manager for the City of Fort Worth from 1978 to 1985, and as executive vice president for Texas American Bancshares from 1985 to 1990. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards to support government, business, and community initiatives, and has served on various corporate boards. In 2009, he joined the board of Terracon Consultants Inc., where he also chairs the executive compensation committee and serves on the governance committee.
SPRINGFIELD — Tonight, Nov. 6, Dress for Success Western Massachusetts will hold its annual Living Local Tasting and Silent Auction. The event will be held at Studio 9, One Financial Plaza, 9th floor, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to come support the empowerment of women in the Springfield community.
This is an ideal opportunity to start holiday shopping. Many local retailers and restaurants will be offering refreshments and gifts throughout the night. Items to be auctioned off include an oil change from Bob Pion Buick GMC, painting classes and bottles of wine from Painting with a Twist, leather handbags from Buxton, tickets to the Majestic Theater, and much more. Entertainment will be provided by Brian Nicks Production.
Proceeds from this event support the careers and families of hundreds of women in the Pioneer Valley. Dress for Success Western Massachusetts assists women from a diverse group of nonprofit and government agencies, including homeless shelters, immigration services, job-training programs, and domestic-violence shelters.
Event sponsors include Hampden Bank, Northwestern Mutual, and St. Germain Investment Management. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door or by stopping by the Dress for Success Boutique at 503 Worthington St. in Springfield. For more information about the Living Local Tasting and Silent Auction, visit dressforsuccess.org.
MONSON — For the second year in a row, Monson Savings Bank has won the Gold Community Champions Award given by the New England Financial Marketing Assoc. (NEFMA). This year, the award was based on the bank’s extraordinary measures to improve and increase financial literacy throughout its communities.
While the award was given by NEFMA, in order to insure impartiality, the judging was done by members of the PennJerDel Bank Marketing Assoc. in Pennyslvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, so that there was no connection to any of the banks being reviewed. Efforts by banks and credit unions all over New England were considered.
According to Vincent Valvo, the organizer of the competition, “we received a record number of submissions, yet we gave out a more limited number of awards this year. That’s a clear reflection that judges held the submissions to a high bar and only rewarded the best of the best.” Monson Savings was the only winner in the financial-literacy category in which up to nine awards could have been given (gold, silver, and bronze for large, medium, and small banks).
“We were extremely pleased to receive this award,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings. “We have become increasingly concerned about financial literacy and the fact that many people lack the money-management knowledge and skills they need to ensure long-term stability for themselves. We’ve made this a strategic priority and are addressing the issue on many fronts, including teaching in the schools; holding complimentary workshops on important financial topics that are open to everyone in the community; partnering with MassSaves, a statewide effort to help people improve their financial knowledge and build wealth; and offering banking products and services specifically designed to help young people learn how to bank and save. Our people are working very hard at this, and I am so very proud of them.”
SPRINGFIELD — The Basketball Hall of Fame and the Rotary Club of Springfield have announced their honorees for the fifth annual Basketball Hall of Fame/Springfield Rotary “Service Above Self” Luncheon on Dec. 5 at noon on the Hall of Fame’s Center Court. This year’s honorees — who live out the Rotary motto “service above self” — are local residents York Mayo and Bob Perry, and national honoree Bob Delaney.
Mayo is a long-time community volunteer and has served as chairperson of a $1 million capital campaign for ReStore Home Improvement. He is CEO and president of the Roger L. Putnam Technical Fund. He has served on the advisory board of ROCA and is co-founder of the Millbrook Scholars Program. He is the co-founder of the Springfield Unity Festival, which was held the week of Oct. 12. He currently mentors five people. In addition, he serves on several boards and committees regionally and nationally.
Mayo has been the recipient of several prestigious service awards, including an honorary degree from Springfield Technical Community College, the 2010 William Pynchon Award, the 2010 United Way Spirit of Caring Award, the Western New England University Presidential Medallion, and the National Conference for Community and Justice Human Relations Award. He is active in the Christ the King Lutheran Church congregation in Wilbraham.
Mayo graduated from Hobart College in Geneva, N.Y. in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. After six years with Mobil Oil and Carborundum Abrasives, he joined American Saw and Manufacturing Co. as a Lenox sales representative in Baltimore, Md. Over the course of his 30-year career with American Saw, he served in many capacities, including sales representative, sales manager, vice president of International Sales, and senior vice president of Sales and Marketing.
Perry has always been involved in the community. A few of the organizations he has been involved with include the Exchange Club, the Greater Springfield YMCA, the Western Mass. Lacrosse Officials Assoc., the Roger L. Putnam Technical Fund, the Children’s Chorus of Springfield, and Ronald McDonald House, as well as being a platelet donor at the American Red Cross. His greatest passion has been Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. Recruited by Mayo in 2000, Perry became committed to the organization. He is currently the board president, a position he has held for 10 of the 14 years he has been involved. He and his wife celebrated their 35th anniversary with a groundbreaking of the local Habitat’s 35th house, for which they were the major sponsors.
In 2011, he co-founded, with Mayo and Dr. Mark Jackson, the Millbrook Scholars program, which provides housing, tutoring, and life-skills mentoring to graduating seniors from Springfield area high schools. Perry was named a 2011 Hometown Hero by Reminder Publications and a 2011 Difference Maker by BusinessWest magazine, and earned the William Pynchon Medal from the Ad Club of Western Mass. in 2012.
Perry is a 1973 graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He started his career in public accounting with Grant Thornton in Boston, where he became a CPA in 1976. He later worked for Greenberg, Rosenblatt, Kull and Bitsoli, where he became partner of the Springfield office in 1987 after five years with the company. He had his own consulting practice from 1991 to 1995, providing business-planning services to closely held companies. In 1995, Perry joined Meyers Brothers and became partner in 1998. He retired as an active partner of the firm in 2008, but continues to provide technical and consulting services to the firm on a part-time basis.
National honoree Delaney is a dedicated and hard-working NBA referee and crew chief, consultant, public speaker, and founder of two basketball-officiating academies. He has a background in law enforcement and worked with the New Jersey State Police. In a joint operation between the New Jersey State Police and FBI, his years of undercover work and testimony led directly to the conviction of more than 30 Mafia criminals.
Tickets to the luncheon are $50. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets to the luncheon, contact Jason Fiddler, director of Museum Sales, at (413) 231-5540 or [email protected].
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield-based regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that the firm has been named as a 2015 Tier 1 Best Law Firm in rankings published by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.
Best Law Firms are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings. The rankings are based on a rigorous assessment process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, as well as peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field. Achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. Steven Naifeh, CEO and co-founder of Best Lawyers, noted that, “increasingly, clients tell us that ours are the most thorough, accurate, and helpful rankings of law firms available anywhere.”
Upon learning of the distinction, Bacon Wilson’s managing partner, Stephen Krevalin, himself a 2015 Best Lawyer award recipient, called the accolade “among the most prestigious in our industry. We are honored to be a 2015 Best Law Firm.”
The practice was also named to Best Law Firms for 2013 and 2014. Bacon Wilson, P.C. is one of the largest firms in Western Mass., with a total of 40 lawyers and approximately 60 paralegals, secretaries, and office support staff. The firm’s main office is located in Springfield, with regional offices in Westfield, Northampton, and Amherst.
AGAWAM — Jean Deliso has been named a member of the 2014 Chairman’s Council of New York Life. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% in sales achievement among New York Life’s elite sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents. Deliso has accomplished this level of achievement after 30 years in the financial-services industry. Her passion for finance and strategic planning led to the creation of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in 2000.
Deliso began her career in corporate accounting in Tampa, Fla., where she consulted with small-business owners on financial operations and maximizing performance. She has been a New York Life agent since 1995 and is associated with New York Life’s Connecticut Valley General Office in Windsor, Conn. She serves on many boards in her community, including the Pioneer Valley AAA Auto Club and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is currently chairman of the board at the Community Music School of Springfield. She is a past chairman of the board at the YMCA of Greater Springfield and a past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Bay Path College Advisory Board.
BOSTON — Running on a platform aimed at providing tax relief for small businesses and increasing state aid to cities and towns, Republican Charlie Baker rebounded from his 6-point loss to Gov. Deval Patrick four years ago by defeating Democrat Martha Coakley in this year’s governor’s race. The tally was 48.4% for Baker and 46.6% for Coakley. The remaining 5.0% of the vote was split between three independent candidates, Evan Falchuk (3.3%), Scott Lively (0.9%), and Jeff McCormick (0.8%).
On the campaign trail, Baker laid out an economic plan that would lower taxes for small business while increasing the earned income tax credit. He also stressed the need to increase state aid to communities, improve education, connect schools with job-training programs, and lift the cap on charter schools. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey bucked the national wave of Republican victories by easily dispatching challenger Brian Herr, 62.01% to 37.99%.
The other high-profile vote of Election Day determined the fate of casinos in the Bay State. Voters turned back a measure that would have barred gaming resorts from the state, 60% to 40%. That means already-approved projects in Springfield (by MGM Resorts International) and Everett (by Wynn Resorts) will move forward, as well as a slots parlor in Plainville. MGM, which is developing an $800 million resort casino in Springfield’s South End, will now pay an $85 million licensing fee and move forward with the project, expected to open in 2017.
In other ballot questions, Massachusetts voters approved, by a 59.5% to 40.5% margin, a measure allowing workers at companies with at least 11 employees to earn paid sick time. When the law goes into effect in July, employees whose companies do not offer sick time as a benefit will be able to earn it incrementally. Workers at companies with fewer than 11 employees will be able to earn unpaid sick time. The measure was opposed by restaurant and retail associations.
Meanwhile, voters repealed, by a 52.9% to 47.1% margin, a law that automatically indexed the state’s gas tax to inflation. Going forward, gas-tax increases may be raised only through legislation. Finally, voters overwhelmingly rejected a measure to expand recycling fees to non-carbonated drinks. The vote was 73.4% to 26.6%.
Negotiating a Telecom Contract Is a High-stakes Poker Game
By GREG PELLERIN
Greg Pellerin
Fast-forward six months. Company A’s CFO is having dinner with his counterpart at Company B. The subject of rising technology costs comes up in discussion, and Company A’s CFO is shocked to learn that Company B has just contracted to pay thousands of dollars less on its monthly telecom bill for essentially the same services, with the same provider.
A call is placed to the telecom company, and the conversation goes something like this.
“You told us if we signed this contract, we’d save 25%, but you didn’t tell us other companies were getting even bigger discounts, even though they spend less than we do.”
(Long pause)
“Uh…. yeah. Well, you have two and a half years left on your contract, and we’ll see what we can do at that point.”
Company A will end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars more than Company B for the same services even though they are a larger client.
Scenarios like this are playing out for businesses of all sizes across the country as skilled, in-house salespeople for the nation’s major telecommunications companies are front-loading renegotiated offers in an effort to lock businesses into new, long-term deals.
“The carriers do this for a living, day in and day out,” says technology expert Darren DeMartino. “It’s a high-stakes poker game, and they’re dealing the cards. IT executives negotiate new telecom agreements only once every two or three years. It’s unrealistic to expect they’ll be as effective as someone who does it day in and day out. Carrier representatives are trained to maintain as much margin as possible and directed by a compensation plan that penalizes them for lowering prices.”
The typical telecom contract covers three years, and much can change over the course of that term. If the past few years are any indication, pricing will continue to go down as new technology, features, and functionality become mainstream. DeMartino offers the following tips for approaching any telecom renegotiation process.
• Insist on eliminating auto-renewal language. Most telecom contracts (as well as some other agreements) have an auto-renewal clause that will lock you into another term period unless you notify the carrier within a predetermined window of time. Push for a month-to-month extension (guaranteed at the same rate), or accept removal of this language altogether.
• Look for agreements that provide significant revenue-commitment flexibility. If guaranteeing more than 70% of your current spend, you could be locking yourself into a situation that the carriers will take advantage of down the road.
• Shop around. The big boys (Verizon, Comcast, ATT) are not the only games in town, and, in fact, there are literally hundreds of telecom providers in the U.S. Universally, telecom costs have been decreasing more than 20% a year. The compounding effect over the course of a three-year agreement is significant, yet many businesses re-up at the first offer they get from their incumbent provider, leaving significant savings on the table.
• Negotiate co-terminous agreements wherever possible. It’s always to a company’s advantage to have the various types of service agreements terminate at the same time. Be leery of subcommitments (i.e. an overall commitment, and then a smaller commitment for each different service type). Failure to fulfill a small commitment in one category could result in significant penalties overall.
• When in doubt, hire an expert to handle negotiations. Bring them in from the start of negotiations or after you’ve done the heavy lifting. In most instances, they can evaluate an offer within 48 to 72 hours and ensure the absolute best deal is on the table.
You don’t have to wait until your contract is up in order to renegotiate better terms. The telecom world is more competitive than ever, and it may be easier to strike a deal well before a contract expires. It’s always easier for a provider to keep a current customer than find a new one. Use that knowledge to your advantage.
On the old Let’s Make a Deal show, contestants were always hesitant to take Monty Hall’s first offer for fear of getting ‘zonked.’ In today’s complex telecom environment, that fear is well-founded indeed.
Greg Pellerin is a 15-year veteran of the telecommunications and IT industries and a co-founder of VertitechIT, a Holyoke-based business and healthcare IT networking and consulting firm; (413) 268-1605; [email protected]
High-tech Gadgets Battle for Market Supremacy
As religious wars go, this one’s fairly bloodless.
“Cellphones are deeply personal,” David Pogue writes at Yahoo Tech. “When you buy a phone, you’re making an expensive bet. You can’t easily switch between the Google and Apple worlds; you’ve invested a lot in accessories, you’ve bought apps, you’ve learned that company’s software conventions. And you never want to think your phone is inferior, because then you might feel inferior. So you wind up taking a side in this phone duopoly. You join a very silly — and unwinnable — religious war.”
That may rank among the more intriguing analogies to the decision Americans make between iPhone and Android culture, but it may not be too much of a stretch; smartphones have become an omnipresent part of our lives, and the war between the industry leaders is increasingly heated with each new release. So that’s where we’ll begin this year’s overview of what’s new, hot, and well-reviewed in the world of technology and gadgets.
The iPhone 6 ($199 with a two-year contract) has received mostly rave notices from the tech press, and made waves because of a jump in size from the iPhone 5. (The iPhone 6+, released around the same time, is even larger.)
“There is explosive demand for bigger smartphones. A 4-inch smartphone feels small now; somewhere around 5 inches is the new normal,” notes David Pierce at The Verge. “Yet, too many large-screen phones are cumbersome, awkward, and often just plain bad. And Apple has a long history of taking good ideas with obviously huge markets and being the first manufacturer to really nail the execution.”
The result is impressive, the site notes, but not revolutionary. “There’s nothing truly ambitious here, no grand vision of the future or of a new way of living in the present. Apple doesn’t have better ideas about how to make use of more display real estate, or how to help users navigate a bigger device.”
Still, “for a variety of reasons, from the camera to the app ecosystem to the hardware itself, the iPhone 6 is one of the best smartphones on the market. Maybe even the best. But it’s still an iPhone. The same thing Apple’s been making for seven years. A fantastically good iPhone, but an iPhone through and through.”
Ewan Spence at Forbes is slightly more critical, noting that the phone gets the job done, but it feels more like a necessary step to keep Apple’s marketing machine moving than a purposeful step forward.
“The iPhone 6 does not feel ‘magical’ to me. It does not feel like ‘something only Apple could do.’ It feels like Apple has done the bare minimum to update the handset for late 2014, but has not committed to any major changes,” he writes. “That said, the iPhone 6 is still one of the easiest smartphones to use.”
Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S5 ($199), its 2014 upgrade for the Android crowd, features a bright, striking display, a very fast processor, and an excellent camera experience, writes Jessica Dolcourt at CNET.
“Here’s why the Samsung Galaxy S5 should grab your attention: it looks good, it performs very well, and it has everything you need to become a fixture in nearly every aspect of your life. But, like a candidate running for re-election, the GS5 gets where it is today based on experience and wisdom, not on flashy features or massive innovation,” she notes. “The S5 is more of a Galaxy S4 Plus than it is a slam-the-brakes, next-generation device; it makes everything just a little smoother and faster.”
So, in all, there were no truly game-changing advances among the top two names in smartphones. But adherents of both don’t seem to mind.
“Celebrate the iPhone’s excellence, even if you’re not in the Apple fold. And celebrate the best work of Samsung, HTC, and LG, even if you’re not part of the Android family,” Pogue writes. “Because, in the end, competition is what will make your phone better this time next year, or the year after that. The perpetual refinement of ideas, and the necessity to think up new ones, will benefit you — no matter which army you march with.”
Tablets, Laptops, and Printers
Smartphones are far from the only tech battlefield, however. Tablets are becoming more sophisticated and hotly contested as well. Engadget considers Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 ($379) the current best choice, buoyed by a crisp screen, considerably bumped-up processing power, a rear-facing camera, slimmer hardware, and strong tech support. “It’s a pretty big splurge for a holiday gift,” reviewer Brian Heater notes, “but it’s a reasonable sum to ask for a tablet that hardly cuts any corners.”
Apple is deeply invested in the tablet game as well, of course, and the iPad Air 2 ($499) gets an improved processor, better rear and front-facing cameras, an even thinner and lighter design, an anti-reflective screen, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and more built-in storage at higher configurations than last year’s model, according to CNET’s Scott Stein.
The Bad The Air 2 isn’t a big change from last year’s iPad in terms of overall function; battery life remains the same, although its battery life is already pretty good. Audio playback via speakers makes the thin metal body resonate more than before
“The iPad Air 2 is a nice refinement and finesse of last year’s model, with a bevy of tweaks, enhancements, a much faster processor, and the welcome addition of Touch ID. Simply put, it’s still the gold standard for tablets.”
Today’s laptop computers — sleek, lightweight, and powerful — are constantly advancing as well. Laptop Magazine give its highest marks this year to the Toshiba Chromebook 2 ($329), praising its “stunning” display, “boisterous” sound, and compact design, while conceding that its graphics could be better.
“If you want a lightweight, stylish laptop that’s easy to use and tote around, this is a solid choice,” reviewer Valentina Palladino notes. “The Toshiba Chromebook 2 refreshes the original with a slimmer design, a gorgeous 1080p IPS display, and powerful speaker.”
In the windows category, PC World has plenty of praise for the Dell XPS 13. “It’s a bit pricey at $1,299 as configured, but that buys a sharp, nimble, and durable laptop with a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, an SSD, and a 13.3-inch touchscreen display,” Bryan Hastings notes, while offering a demerit for its dearth of slots and ports, and battery life that leaves him looking for a wall outlet more often than he’d like. “But on the whole, it’s a terrific little machine.”
If laptops are available in a wide range of prices, the same is true of printers. PC Magazine gives top honors this year to the Dell B3465dnf Multifunction Laser Printer (now there’s a mouthful), which, at $970, is meant for a small to medium-size offices or workgroups.
“That said, if you have any doubts about its suitability for heavy-duty use, the rated maximum monthly duty cycle for printing, at 150,000 pages with a recommended maximum of up to 15,000 pages, should tell you everything you need to know,” writes reviewer David Stone. “Add in the fast speed on our tests, the reasonably high quality output, the 7-inch color touch-screen control panel, and the low cost per page, and it’s a compelling pick.”
For something less pricey, CNET is sticking with the HP Officejet 8600 Plus ($179), which has been around for two years but still tops the site’s ratings. “It prints professional-quality photos and documents quickly with versatile connectivity options and robust features like an auto-duplexer, cloud printing, and a legal-size scanning bay,” Justin Yu notes. “If you can find a desk to accommodate its large size, the … printer serves up top-shelf output quality at rapid print speeds, suitable for offices, home users, and photo enthusiasts hunting for an upgrade.”
Sights and Sounds
Whether for work or play, most Americans own a digital camera of some sort, but which to choose from the myriad options on the market?
PC Magazine especially praises the Olympus Tough TG-3 ($349), a mid-priced model it calls the best recreational camera it has tested, praising its wide-aperture lens, microscope macro mode, quick focus, burst shooting, waterproof capability, and more. Despite demerits for battery charging and audible zoom and focus on the soundtrack of videos, Jim Fisher writes, “the TG-3 is a worthy successor to its predecessor, and follows it as our editors’ choice for rugged compact cameras.”
For those with a significantly higher budget, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III ($799) is hard to beat, Fisher says, praising its high-ISO performance, a large image sensor, sharp wide-aperture lens, burst shooting, customizable controls, and large, tilting LCD.
“Sony’s RX series of compact cameras have wowed us with their small size and excellent image quality since the introduction of the original RX100. But that type of quality doesn’t come cheap, especially in a pocketable form,” he notes. “If you’re not quite willing to pay $800 for a pocket camera, the RX100 and RX100 II remain in the lineup and deliver similar image quality at a lower price.”
Finally, how about a personal soundrack for that photo shoot? News has been fairly quiet on the MP3-player front in 2014, although Apple is getting ready to unveil the sixth-generation iPod Touch in the coming months. Until then, the fifth-generation Touch remains a solid option, writes Tim Stevens at Engadget.
“The iPod touch is a comprehensively better package than the previous-gen unit, but at $299 to start, it certainly doesn’t come cheap,” he notes. “If you’re reasonably content with your fourth-gen, this is probably not worth the upgrade, but if you have an older iPod that’s ready for retirement, or are indeed just jumping on the iOS bandwagon for the first time and are happy with your current phone, this is a great place to start.”
For more reviews, just look them up on your smartphone. And give peace a chance.
Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]
Program Marks 25 Years of Honoring the Top-performing Companies
It started a quarter-century ago.
The program was smaller — it was known as the Fabulous 50 back then — and was conceived as a fund-raising event for what is now the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS), and also as an opportunity to celebrate the top-performing companies that characterized the region’s diverse economy.
Along the way, it has become a fall tradition, and the phrase ‘Super 60 company’ has become a bragging right for businesses large and small, said ACCGS President Jeff Ciuffreda, as he referenced the class of 2014.
It will be celebrated on Nov. 14 at Chez Josef in Agawam, which has traditionally been sold out for the Super 60 luncheon, and should be this year as well.
And, as in the previous 24 years, the Super 60 lists are characterized by diversity — in a number of forms (see snapshots below). First, geographically. Nearly 20 cities and towns in Western Mass. are represented by the companies in the Total Revenue and Revenue Growth categories, including both the larger cities, such as Springfield, Holyoke, and Westfield, but also the smaller towns, such as Ware, Belchertown, and Southwick.
There’s also diversity in terms of the industrial sectors represented on those lists. There are winners from the financial-services sector, retail, manufacturing, education, healthcare, technology, service, distribution, construction, and the region’s large nonprofit realm. And there’s diversity in terms of size, with some of the region’s largest employers on the Total Revenue list, and some of its smaller rising stars on the Revenue Growth compilation.
Add it all up, and this year’s winners provide ample reason for optimism as the region continues to battle its way back from the prolonged recession that began in 2007.
“Small business is the backbone of our region,” said Ciuffreda, “and the success of this year’s winners is a clear indication that our regional economy is strong.”
This strength is reflected in the numbers posted by this year’s winners. The average revenue of the companies in the Total Revenue category exceeded $35 million, with combined revenue of more than $1 billion. Meanwhile, one-third of the companies in the Revenue Growth category posted growth in excess of 50%, with the average growth of all honorees in that category at more than 49%.
Topping the Total Revenue category is West Springfield-based Balise Motor Sales, which now boasts more than 20 facilities (new- and used-car dealerships, collision-repair shops, and car washes) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Placing second is the Stavros Center for Independent Living, with NUVO Bank & Trust Co. placing third.
In the Revenue Growth category, Springfield-based City Enterprise Inc., a woman-owned commercial and residential builder, finished on top, followed by Troy Industries Inc. and Chemex Corp.
Also, 16 companies qualified for both categories. They include the Dennis Group, Gandara Mental Health, Joseph Freedman Co., Maybury Associates, M.J. Moran, Northeast Treaters, NUVO Bank & Trust Co., PC Enterprises (Entre Computer), Pioneer Valley Concrete Services, Premier Source Credit Union, Tighe & Bond, Troy Industries, Universal Plastics Corp., and Whalley Computer Associates. Each was placed in the category where it finished highest.
The winners will be saluted at the annual luncheon, which this year will feature Friendly Ice Cream President and CEO John Maguire as keynote speaker.
Maguire is credited with engineering a strong turnaround at the company, which began with a single shop in Springfield in 1935, grew into a regional powerhouse, but struggled through the ’90s and the first part of this century, eventually filing for bankruptcy.
The celebration luncheon is presented by Health New England and sponsored by Hampden Bank, Zasco Productions, and WWLP-TV22.
Reservations for the luncheon are required and can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. Tickets are $50 for ACCGS members, $70 for non-members. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 7.
Fast Facts:
What: The Super 60 Luncheon
When: Nov. 14, 11:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Chez Josef, Agawam
Keynote Speaker: John Maguire, president and CEO, Friendly’s
For more Information: Visit www.myonlinechamber.com
TOTAL REVENUE1. Balise Motor Sales 2. Stavros Center for Independent Living 3. Nuvo Bank & Trust Co. * The Assoc. for Community Living City Tire Company Inc. Commercial Distributing Co. Inc. The Dennis Group, LLC * Environmental Compliance Services Inc. Gandara Mental Health Inc. * Joseph Freedman Co. Inc. * Kittredge Equipment Co. Inc. Marcotte Ford Sales Maybury Associates Inc.* Northeast Treaters Inc./Chemical Wood Treaters * Quabbin Wire & Cable Co. Inc. Sarat Ford Lincoln Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc. Spectrum Analytical Inc. Springfield College Tighe & Bond Inc. * United Personnel Services Inc. University Products Inc. WestMass ElderCare Inc. Whalley Computer Associates Inc. * YMCA of Greater Springfield * Indicates company qualifed in both categories |
REVENUE GROWTH1. City Enterprise Inc. 2. Troy Industries Inc. * 3. Chemex Corp. American Pest Solutions Inc. Boys & Girls Club Family Center Inc. CanAm Fibers Convergent Solutions Inc. Dietz & Co. Architects Inc. FIT Solutions, LLC The Gaudreau Group GMH Fence Company Inc. Haluch Water Contracting Inc. Hampden County Career Center / CareerPoint Holyoke Community College Foundation Inc. Innovative Business Systems Inc. Janice Yanni, DDS M.J. Moran Inc. *
Netlogix Inc. Northeast Security Solutions Inc. O’Connell Professional Nurse Service Inc. Paragus Strategic IT PC Enterprises / Entre Computer * Pioneer Valley Concrete Service Inc. * Premier Source Credit Union * Topato Corp. Universal Plastics Corp. * V&F Auto Inc. Valley Home Improvement Inc. Westside Enterprises Inc. * Indicates company qualifed in both categories |
Institute for Applied Life Sciences Bridges Academia, Industry
Peter Reinhart says the mission at the IALS is to accelerate life-science research and advance collaboration with industry.
And it’s an unofficial component of his job description to change that.
Reinhart, a veteran biopharmaceutical executive and researcher, was recently named founding director of the institute, which was created in 2013 with $150 million in capital funding from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) and additional contributions from the university. Its mission is to accelerate life-science research and advance collaboration with industry to effectively shorten the gap between scientific innovation and technological advancement.
And Reinhart, a native of Australia whose résumé includes a number of intriguing stops, most of them in the sector now known as ‘large pharma,’ is excited about this latest career opportunity and bullish about its prospects for carrying out that assignment.
“This is really intriguing to me; professionally, this is really what I want to do — take innovative ideas and turn them into meaningful products, things that people can use,” he said, adding that the ultimate goal is to create a pipeline of leading-edge products at various stages of development.
The IALS will do this through the creation of three translational centers:
• The Center for Models to Medicine, which identifies and validates new therapeutic pathways and clinical development candidates, focused on areas of expertise such as protein homeostatis;
• The Center for Bioactive Delivery, which seeks to discover a new paradigm for the discovery of optimized delivery vehicles for drugs and nutriceutical compounds; and
• The Center for Personalized Health Monitoring, which is developing nanotechnology and large-dataset management to improve healthcare through low-cost, wearable, wireless sensors that analyze patient data continuously in real time.
Reinhart comes to the university from Alzehon, a Lexington, Mass. company where he most recently was the head of corporate development and new products for the firm, which is focused on brain health, memory, and aging and development of treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Prior to that, he was chief scientific officer and then president at Proteostasis Therapeutics, and head of neurodegeneration at Wyeth/Pfizer. He has also been an adjunct associate professor of Neuroscience at the Duke University Medical Center for the past decade and was a tenured professor at the center for nearly 13 years prior to that.
He told BusinessWest that he became interested in leading the IALS because he considered it a logical next step in a career that has blended academia, cutting-edge industrial-biomedical research, development of startup companies, and work with major pharmaceutical corporations.
“Having spent significant time in large pharma, biotechnology companies, as well as academia allows me to understand the strengths and needs of each of these organizations,” he said. “This experience will be useful both in advancing alliances across the UMass campuses to combine assets and capabilities and in utilizing such assets to develop industry partnerships.”
For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Reinhart about the IALS, its ambitious goals, and how he intends to meet them.
Down to a Science
As he discussed the circumstances that brought him to the Amherst campus and, more specifically, its new Life Sciences Laboratories, Reinhart referenced one of a series of talks (this one was in Boston) he gave while he was at Pfizer.
“These talks were about how to combine the best aspects of academic innovation with the ability of industry to take an idea and turn it into a product on a timeline and on a budget,” he told BusinessWest. “While I was at Boston, someone from UMass contacted me and said, ‘I heard you give this talk … and we’re about to start something fairly similar in this space; it’s called the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, and the vision really is to have a more product-focused, outward-looking directionality to some of the basic research we’re doing, with the idea that this would become a number of translational programs that could partner with industry, which would lead to creation of a local infrastructure surrounding UMass.’
“And I thought ‘this is amazing — this is exactly what I pitched to the CEO at Pfizer,’” he recalled. “The difference is, I pitched it with the idea that we could run this within large pharma and reach out to academia. And what UMass was doing is exactly the same concept, but they were running it from within academia and reaching out to industry. And I could easily see that you could run this concept from either side.”
Fast-forward through several rounds of interviews and visits to the campus with his wife, who soon became sold on the university and Amherst in general, and Reinhart is now one of the point people in the Commonwealth’s ambitious, $1 billion initiative to become even more of a national and global leader in the life sciences.
He started on Oct. 1 and is still in the process of fitting out his office (his printer arrived he day he talked with BusinessWest), hiring staff, and meeting with representatives of many constituencies who will be involved with the center.
As he talked about its prospects moving forward, Reinhart said he thought all the ingredients were in place to translate that concept he discussed while giving those talks for Pfizer into reality.
Listing these ingredients, he mentioned everything from the faculty at UMass, which he said had the willingness (generally not common in academia) to embrace something new and fundamentally different, to the infrastructure at UMass, meaning both the physical facilities and the leadership team, to a firm vision for what those involved want to accomplish.
And when he looked at how those ingredients might come together, he decided that this was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
Elaborating, he said the IALS represents a unique concept within the broad life-sciences universe, something that he’s excited about bringing to fruition.
“On paper, there are other institutes that call themselves translational,” he explained. “But translational is a word that has many different meanings depending on who’s using it. And in the way I see translational — where you’re combining the best of academic innovation and industry know-how, I don’t think there’s another facility like this.”
Not Lost in Translation
Reinhart said some of his initial projects at the IALS include creation of a strategic plan for the facility — there exists a broad concept, but he wants something more detailed and comprehensive — as well as development of both an operational structure and an operational philosophy.
Overall, he wants to take the team approach that is so common, and successful, in industry and incorporate it on the academic and research sides, where it is far less prevalent.
“Industrial science, by definition, is a team sport, because once industry engages on a project, there are more than 50 people working on it, and the way you get real progress in a short period of time is to have people with different expertises coming together and working together,” he explained. “This is something that I want to achieve in the institute; it wouldn’t be individual programs run by single PIs (principal investigators) that advance a concept, but rather groups of people coming together that have related, but not overlapping, areas of expertise working together on a project to advance it toward commercialization and toward commercial partnerships.
“What I’m really trying to do is have multiple different laboratories and, frankly, even other sites, such as UMass Medical Center, participate in specific projects,” he went on.
Elaborating, he said he envisions the institute working in a way similar to a large technology company or large pharmaceutical corporation, with a number of initiatives ongoing at the same time, with the goal of creating that aforementioned pipeline of innovative products.
“Some of these are closer to commercialization, and others are further away,” he said. “We have some that are much closer to commercialization today — exactly how close is still to be determined — and, of course, we have others that are more embryonic and earlier-stage. But the concept is to develop a pipeline, the leading edge of which should start creating products and partnerships with academic entities in a three- to five-year time frame.”
Referencing the Center for Personalized Health Monitoring specifically, Reinhart said there are several products in or approaching the prototype phase, and some may be ready for potential development in a few years, giving the institute an opportunity to play a lead role in a rapidly emerging sector within the life-sciences industry.
“The world is realizing that wearable devices and electronic monitoring is a real growth area,” he explained. “Right now, it’s either at the stage of small entrepreneurial companies or, occasionally, large enterprises such as Google, which is becoming more and more interested in areas like that; they’re pushing the envelope in this area.
“There are not very many, if any, academic centers that are trying to combine the innovation coming out of individual research labs with an ability to translate that into a device or monitoring equipment or a compound that can be advanced into the clinic,” he went on. “Bringing these concepts together within an academic setting is something quite novel.”
And if this novel facility can become successful at providing a steady flow of products through that pipeline, then Rinehart shouldn’t have any trouble making IALS an acronym known across the region, and perhaps around the world.
George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]
Professional Service Providers Must Hone Networking Skills
Networking is a key business-development tool and is often the best method of building new connections and expanding your influence in the business community.
Kristi Reale
In reality, networking should be exciting, fun, and a path toward advancement. Remember that people, not companies, make decisions; therefore, it is imperative that, as professionals, we expand our referral sources. People do business with and refer business to people they know, like, and trust. Networking allows us to expand our circle of influence and develop and cultivate new relationships. Our professional network can open doors for us that would have otherwise remained closed.
If you are new to the networking process or looking to improve your networking capabilities, the following tips may help you achieve your goals.
Plan ahead. Time is very valuable, so you want to make sure the events you attend are of good quality, with the type of people you want to do business with. You want to meet and establish relationships with other referral sources and decision makers. There are various organizations that specialize in business networking as well as industry-specific organizations. The more relevant your target audience is, the more relevant your meetings and referrals will be.
Set goals. Before you attend a networking event, do your best to set concise and attainable goals. For example, ‘I am going to speak with three people in the manufacturing industry.’ Having clear goals allows you to focus your efforts and determine success based on a measurable outcome.
Observe. If you are just getting started with business development, try to watch others closely. See how the experts are working the room. Determine if there is an experienced team member in your organization whom you can ask to take you under their wing and show you how they make connections. Not only can this be helpful in the learning process, it will also help you build a reputation within your own organization as someone focused on and committed to networking.
Be prepared. Networking opportunities can happen anywhere, often when you least expect it. You should always have your business cards readily available and be prepared to make an effective introduction of yourself and your company. Sometimes this is referred to as an elevator pitch. In less than two minutes, you should be able to introduce yourself and your company and provide a very brief explanation of what sets you apart from the competition. Get to the point quickly; you can always delve into detail later at a follow-up meeting.
Listen. When you are meeting a referral source, let them speak. People are passionate about their businesses and are usually willing to tell you about them. They will also appreciate when you take a genuine interest in what they are saying. Do not hesitate to ask open-ended questions, such as, ‘what separates you from your competition?’ This expands the conversation, shows you are engaged and sincere about learning more about their business.
Be a giver. As you are listening, you should be asking yourself, ‘how can I help this person?’ and ‘What can I do for them?’ Listen for their pains and see what relief you can offer. If their concern is outside of your expertise, whom can you recommend? By having a giving mentality and not expecting anything in return, you establish trust, while at the same time strengthening the relationship with the connection you have now recommended. This can turn into a win-win for everyone involved.
Take notes. Before leaving a networking event, take notes on the back of the business cards you received. List your topics of conversation with those individuals and any notable facts or other interesting items. This will help tremendously with follow-up. Additionally, when you take the time to remember small details about people, they appreciate it. Just as when you were in school, retention comes from taking good notes.
Be patient. When networking, you need to think long-term; networking is much more than an exchange of business cards or connecting on social media. Just as with a personal relationship, it takes time to establish trust. The point is to make long-lasting valuable relationships that are mutually beneficial to both parties. Having connections can open doors, but relationships can close deals.
Follow up. Hold yourself accountable; having a pile of business cards is not going to make relationships. Follow up with either a personalized e-mail or telephone call, and make sure you mention something you discussed at the event. Invite this person to lunch or for coffee. If you are reading a publication and see an article that would interest them, forward it. This shows you are sincerely interested in their business and in building a relationship.
Be prepared for rejection. Not every connection made when networking will turn into a relationship. You will have e-mails and telephone calls ignored, meetings cancelled and, inevitably, people who forgot they even met you. Keep this in mind: it is better to strike out then never get up to bat, and if you keep trying, you will eventually knock it out of the park.
By preparing for a networking event, having a plan, executing the plan, and following up, you will inevitably find more success in your professional networking efforts. Remember that people, not companies, make decisions, and people do business with and refer business to people they know, like, and trust.
Kristi Reale, CPA, CVA is a senior manager with Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. in Holyoke. In addition to the tax, accounting, and consulting services she provides clients, she is also a certified valuation analyst; (413) 536-8510.
Nominations Sought for BusinessWest’s Recognition Program
When BusinessWest launched its Difference Makers program in 2009, it did so with the sentiment that there are many different ways in which an individual or a group can make a difference in the region.
Since then, the various groups of winners have proven that such thoughts are merely an understatement, and the class of 2014 did that perhaps better than any other.
The honorees were Paula Moore, a school teacher who started the Youth Social Educational Training (YSET) Academy to help keep young people off the streets and out of trouble; the Gray House, a nonprofit that provides a host of programs and services ranging from a food pantry to adult education to its Kids Club; Michael Moriarty, an attorney and director of Olde Holyoke Development Corp., who has been passionate about childhood literacy; Colleen Loveless, who has expanded the reach and the impact of Rebuilding Together Springfield in dramatic ways; and the Melha Shriners, a fraternal organization that changes lives in many ways, but especially through its efforts to help fund the many Shriners Hospitals for Children.
“The class of 2014 showed that difference makers come in many forms and take on a wide range of missions,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “In each case, though, the overriding goal is to improve life for the people who live in this region.”
And there are many more stories still to be told, she went on, adding that BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for the Difference Makers class of 2015.
The nomination form on page 13 explains essentially how this process works, said BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien, who noted that the phrase ‘Difference Maker,’ as the class of 2014 proved, is a truly subjective phrase with a number of meanings.
“Since Difference Makers was launched, we’ve recognized business executives, nonprofit managers, college presidents, a crusading police chief, and a woman who founded a program to fill the shelves of school libraries,” he explained. “All these stories are different, but the common thread is people — and organizations — stepping up to improve quality of life here in Western Mass.”
“Since the beginning, the readers of BusinessWest have helped its staff with the difficult task of selecting honorees by relating these remarkable stories of how individuals and groups are making a difference,” he went on. “And we’re seeking your assistance again.”
As with another BusinessWest recognition, 40 Under Forty, Difference Makers is a nomination-driven process, Campiti said, urging those who propose an individual or group for consideration to be thorough with their nomination and, in simple terms, effectively answer the question ‘why is this nominee a Difference Maker?’
Nominations, which can also be completed online here, are due at the end of the business day (5 p.m.) on Dec. 15. The winners, as chosen by a review panel comprised of BusinessWest writers and editors, will be profiled in the magazine’s Feb. 9 edition and saluted at the annual Difference Makers gala, to take place in late March.
Questions about the program and the nomination process can be forwarded to [email protected], or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 102.
Previous Difference Makers
2009
• Doug Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank
• Kate Kane, managing director of the Springfield office of Northwestern Mutual Financial/the Zuzolo Group
• Susan Jaye-Kaplan, founder of GoFIT and co-founder of Link to Libraries
• William Ward, executive director of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County
• The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
2010
• The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation
• Ellen Freyman, attorney and shareholder at Shatz Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.
• James Goodwin, president and CEO of the Center for Human Development
• Carol Katz, CEO of the Loomis Communities
• UMass Amherst and its chancellor, Robert Holub
2011
• Tim Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
• Lucia Giuggio Carlvalho, founder of Rays of Hope
• Don Kozera, president of Human Resources Unlimited
• Robert Perry, retired partner/consultant at Meyers Brothers Kalicka
• Anthony Scott, Holyoke police chief
2012
• Charlie and Donald D’Amour, president/COO and chairman/CEO of Big Y Foods
• William Messner, president of Holyoke Community College
• Majors Tom and Linda-Jo Perks, officers of the Springfield Corps of the Salvation Army
• Bob Schwarz, executive vice president of Peter Pan Bus Lines
• The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts
2013
• Michael Cutone, John Barbieri, and Thomas Sarrouf, organizers of Springfield’s C3 Policing program
• John Downing, president of Soldier On
• Bruce Landon, president and general manager of the Springfield Falcons
• The Sisters of Providence
• Jim Vinick, senior vice president of Investments at Moors & Cabot Inc.
2014
• The Gray House
• Colleen Loveless, executive director of the Springfield chapter of Rebuilding Together
• The Melha Shriners
• Paula Moore, founder of YSET Academy and a teacher at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Training Academy
• Michael Moriarty, attorney, director of Olde Holyoke Development Corp., and supporter of childhood-literacy programs
Is Marijuana Medicine? Questions Remain
By ALAN EHRLICH, M.D. and KEVIN HILL, M.D., M.H.S.
Despite a federal ban, little research into its effectiveness, and lack of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the use of marijuana for medical purposes has been approved in 23 states and the District of Columbia as of August 2014. More are likely to follow.
In Massachusetts, citizens overwhelmingly approved a ballot question in 2012 permitting marijuana use by patients with ‘debilitating medical conditions.’ With 63% of voters saying yes to the initiative, marijuana was declared medicine by plebiscite, a departure from the nation’s traditional way of testing and approving medications through controlled scientific clinical trials and subsequent FDA review and approval.
With regulations in place for the state’s medical-marijuana program that commenced in January 2013, and as marijuana dispensaries prepare to open, here’s a snapshot of the existing evidence on marijuana as medicine and what we believe patients should think about if they’re considering using it as such.
First, some background. Prompted by its potential abuse, the federal government initially banned marijuana in the 1930s. The U.S. Controlled Substances Act, passed in 1970, now lists marijuana as a Schedule I drug, regarding it as having a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit. With growing public acceptance of the drug, however, the federal government has effectively ceded regulation of marijuana to the states. Because of the federal classification, few studies exist of marijuana’s medical value, making it hard to draw sound conclusions about its medical benefits.
Available research shows that marijuana has benefits for symptoms associated with some conditions, among them spasticity (spasms) from multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, pain from neuropathy, nausea or vomiting from chemotherapy, and inflammatory bowel disease. It also stimulates the appetite of patients with cancer-associated anorexia and in HIV patients with significant muscle wasting. Many patients believe it also helps with glaucoma because it lowers the pressure in the eyes, but there is no evidence that marijuana helps with the symptoms of glaucoma, and newer medicines are more effective for the condition.
Dosage and concentration remain major concerns. No guidelines on dosage exist for any condition, and different marijuana plants have different concentrations of THC, the drug’s active ingredient that gives it its narcotic and psychoactive effects.
While marijuana appears to have some benefits, research shows that clear harms are associated with its chronic use. It may worsen anxiety and depression, induce psychosis, and cause cognitive difficulties because of its effects on the brain. Cognitive effects are especially worrisome in adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing. Chronic users trying to stop may also experience withdrawal symptoms, much like those of nicotine withdrawal.
The majority of people who use marijuana do not become addicted, but 9% of adults and 17% of teenagers do. Those percentages may be low, but considering that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S., with more than 18 million users, a small fraction of a large number can still be a very large number.
Patients considering marijuana as medicine should first talk with a physician who knows them well. We suggest starting with your primary-care doctor. If you’re under the care of specialists, such as a pain-management physician or oncologist, talk with him or her, too. All physicians treating you should know if you’re using marijuana for medical reasons, as it could interact with other medications.
It’s important to understand that physicians in Massachusetts will not be prescribing marijuana for patients. Rather, they will be certifying that a patient has a ‘debilitating medical condition’ eligible for medical marijuana according to state regulations. Also, physicians who are generally opposed to smoking are not required to certify any patient, and some may decline to do so because of the federal ban or limited clinical evidence.
Whatever role marijuana may have as medicine, we believe it should be a supplement to standard treatment. There isn’t any condition for which it should be the first line of therapy.
Dr. Alan Ehrlich is senior deputy editor of DynaMed, a clinical reference tool that examines medical articles for clinical relevance and scientific validity. Dr. Kevin Hill is director of the Substance Abuse Consultation Service in the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse at McLean Hospital in Belmont. This article is a service of the Mass. Medical Society.
Another Triumph for Springfield
When it was first announced that CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., a manufacturer of urban mass-transit vehicles based in China, was interested in building replacement subway cars for the MBTA’s Red and Orange lines in Springfield, the news was greeted with a large dose of skepticism.
And why not? Things like that just haven’t happened in Springfield in recent years— or decades, for that matter. They’re talked about, but the talk rarely translates into anything substantive. The $565 million contract to build nearly 300 subway cars was the kind of development that simply went somewhere else.
The fact that it didn’t, and that the subway cars will be built in the former Westinghouse complex in East Springfield, is perhaps the best aspect to this encouraging story, although there are many positives to take from it.
First and foremost are the jobs — a projected 100-plus new construction jobs from the building of a 150,000-square-foot plant, and more than 200 new manufacturing positions — as well as the quality of those jobs. Indeed, at a time when many of the jobs coming to the region are in service, distribution, or call centers, these are manufacturing positions, the type that every region covets.
There’s also the prospect for more manufacturing coming to Springfield and this region in general if all goes as well as expected with these subway cars in terms of providing this company with a qualified workforce. This state and this region cannot sell themselves as being low-cost (at least when compared to southern states and foreign countries like Mexico), and they can’t market themselves as being business-friendly, because, by and large, they are not. But a quality, well-trained workforce is a strong selling point.
And then, there’s the needed boost the city gains with regard to its image. Newspapers in Boston and elsewhere were placing ‘Springfield’ in stories that had nothing to do with poverty, crime, or high dropout rate. And it had probably been some time since they’d done that.
But, as we said, maybe the best thing to come from this may well be a needed jolt of confidence — or another jolt, as the case may be. There is a growing sense that things can be done in this city, because they are being done.
This list includes the three colleges that now call downtown Springfield home — UMass Amherst, Bay Path University, and Cambridge College — as well as Union Station, a project that many thought they’d never see come to fruition; an emerging innovation district; and even the successful effort to keep the Student Prince restaurant (the Fort) from becoming merely a part of the city’s past.
And if voters do the right thing and vote ‘no’ on Question 3 on Election Day, there will be yet another boost in confidence, in the form of an $800 million resort casino that will rise in the city’s beleaguered South End.
Springfield still has a number of challenges to confront, including its high poverty rate and equally high dropout rate, but there is some real momentum in the city now, a sense that things are possible, that good things can happen here.
And with that momentum will hopefully come a change in attitude, so the next time a company announces its intention to bring jobs to the city, the news won’t be greeted with that same level of skepticism.
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]
Celebrating a Century of Caring
It has been 100 years since the Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice was founded in 1914 as a baby-feeding association to help immigrant mothers care for their newborns. Since that time, the BVNAH has adapted to the times and the needs of the community, including being one of the first in the nation to adopt hospice care in 1988. On Oct. 23, Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice celebrated 100 years of caring for the community with a special celebration at the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. Wood, whose late wife Merrie received care from the BVNAH hospice service, served as chair of the 100th-anniversary celebration, and spoke at the program along with Maura McQueeney, president of the Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice and post-acute executive for Baystate Health, and Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health. Top, Keroack addresses the audience; middle, Keroack and his wife, Ann Errichetti, and Lyman Wood and his wife, Leslie; at Bottom, VNA staff members.
Cutting the Cable
On Oct. 24, technology-solutions provider VertitechIT staged a ‘cable cutting,’ a slight twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting, to mark the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters in Holyoke’s Open Square complex. Pictured, from left: John Aubin, Open Square architect; Greg Pellerin, VertitechIT principal; Michael Feld, VertitechIT CEO; Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse; Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce; and State Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, holding his 11-month-old son Odin.
HRU Awards
Human Resources Unlimited staged its annual recognition and fund-raising event on Oct. 23 at Springfield Country Club. From top to bottom: Carol Tourangeau and Edward Sokolowski, right, financial advisor with Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC, the event’s table sponsor, present Timm Marini of FieldEddy Insurance with HRU’s 2014 Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year Award; from left, Sokolowski, guest speaker Danielle Goodwin, operations coordinator from Pioneer Valley Financial Group, LLC, and Donald Kozera, president of Human Resources Unlimited; HRU’s 2014 Rookie Employer of the Year Award winner Dave Zononi, left, managing director of Total Cleaning Plus, with Dan Flynn, senior vice president and market manager with People’s United Bank, the event’s silver sponsor; Marc Criscitelli, left, vice president of Employee Benefits for FieldEddy Insurance, the event’s gold sponsor, presents HRU’s 2014 Employer of the Year Award to Christopher Crean, vice president of Safety and Security, Peter Pan Bus Lines.
The Springfield-based regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that six attorneys have been named to the 2014 New England Super Lawyers list, and four attorneys have been named to the 2014 New England Rising Stars list. Only 5% of New England’s lawyers were honored as Super Lawyers. They were identified for their background, experience, professional achievement, and peer recognition. Rising Stars are under 40 years old or have been practicing law for less than 10 years. Fewer than 2.5% of New England lawyers were named Rising Stars. The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored as Super Lawyers:
Gary L. Fialky
Michael B. Katz
Paul H. Rothschild
Stephen Krevalin
Hyman Darling
Gina Barry
Adam Basch
Todd Ratner
Kevin V. Maltby
Spencer Stone
• Michael Katz, bankruptcy and business;
• Paul Rothschild, general litigation;
• Stephen Krevalin, real estate;
• Hyman Darling, estate planning and probate; and
• Gina Barry, estate planning and probate.
The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored as Rising Stars:
• Adam Basch, construction litigation;
• Todd Ratner, estate planning and probate;
• Kevin Maltby, employment and labor; and
• Spencer Stone, business/corporate.
•••••
Donna George-Ebbeling
•••••
Robinson Donovan, P.C., announced that eight of its attorneys have been named to the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. In addition, three attorneys were named Rising Stars, a designation for attorneys 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or fewer. No more than 5% of lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5% are named to Rising Stars. “Super Lawyers is proud to provide visibility to outstanding attorneys,” said Julie Gleason, director of research for Super Lawyers. Added Jeffrey Roberts, the firm’s managing partner, “the number of attorneys receiving this award at Robinson Donovan highlights the quality of the firm’s lawyers and their dedication to the practice of law.” Robinson Donovan attorneys on the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists, and the practice areas in which they are recognized, are as follows:
• Jeffrey Roberts, partner, estate planning and probate;
• Jeffrey McCormick, partner, general litigation;
• James Martin, partner, closely held business;
• Nancy Frankel Pelletier, partner, civil litigation: defense;
• Patricia Rapinchuk, partner, employment litigation: defense;
• Carla Newton, partner, family law;
• Richard Gaberman, of counsel, estate planning and probate;
• Kevin Chrisanthopoulos, associate, general litigation;
• David Lawless, associate, state, local, and municipal (Rising Star);
• Jeffrey Trapani, associate, general litigation (Rising Star); and
• Michael Simolo, associate, estate planning and probate (Rising Star).
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented, multi-phase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
•••••
The Springfield-based law firm Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn announced the following:
Meghan Sullivan
Layla Taylor
Alice Pizzi
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. and Hampden Bancorp Inc. announced that they have signed a definitive merger agreement under which Berkshire will acquire Hampden and its subsidiary, Hampden Bank, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $109 million. Berkshire’s total assets will increase to $7.1 billion, including the $706 million in acquired Hampden assets.
This in-market merger is expected to create efficiencies, strategic growth, and market-share benefits for the consolidated operations of the two banks in the Springfield area. Hampden operates 10 branches in the Greater Springfield area and reported $508 million in net loans and $490 million in deposits as of Sept. 30, 2014. Berkshire operates 11 branches with $627 million in deposits in this market. Berkshire will have a pro forma market cap of approximately $740 million and 100 branches serving customers and communities across New England and New York. Pro forma tangible equity to tangible assets is expected to improve to 7.4% when the merger is completed.
“We are pleased to welcome Hampden customers and employees to America’s most exciting bank,” said Michael Daly, president and CEO of Berkshire. “This in-market partnership will create a strong platform for serving our combined customers, while producing attractive returns for both our existing shareholders and the new shareholders from Hampden joining us in this transaction. We will move into the top-five position in deposit market share and plan to use this opportunity to further capitalize on our strong product set and culture of customer engagement. This merger complements our expansion initiatives in Central Massachusetts and Hartford, a combined market area that is the second-largest in New England.”
Added Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Hampden, “we are delighted to be joining the Berkshire franchise. Our two banks share rich histories, consistent core values, and a strong commitment to customers and communities. I’m proud of our 162 years of serving customers in our markets and believe the combination created by our two companies will benefit our clients, communities, and shareholders.”
Under the terms of the merger agreement, each outstanding share of Hampden common stock will be exchanged for 0.81 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock. The merger is valued at $20.53 per share of Hampden common stock based on the $25.35 average closing price of Berkshire’s stock for the five-day period ending Nov. 3, 2014. The $20.53 per-share value represents 133% of Hampden’s $15.49 tangible book value per share and a 6.0% premium to core deposits based on financial information as of Sept. 30, 2014.
“This is a solid business combination with efficiency benefits,” Daly said. “Hampden is a well-run company with an attractive core deposit base and a significant presence in the community. After integration, the transaction is expected to be accretive to Berkshire’s earnings per share, return on equity, and capital. We have a strong track record of execution, and our collective teams are positioned to complete this integration flawlessly.”
The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
Alves, Melissa A.
a/k/a Ablondi Alves, Melissa Lynn
15 Forest St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/18/14
Arts Block LLC
59 Shearer Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 09/21/14
Basamania, Paul Walter
263 Bridge Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/29/14
Bates, Philip L.
69 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/28/14
Bedson, Jeremy T.
212 Main St., Apt. 2
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Belisle, Donald W.
1098 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/18/14
Bonanza, Kirsten Anne
1 Solar Circle
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/29/14
Brasee, Jack G.
Brasee, Gail M.
P.O. Box 625
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/24/14
Brenner Remodeling Corporation
Life Source Products
Brenner, Jay M.
274 State Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/23/14
Briggs, Bradley R.
PO Box 192
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Broughton, Arlene J.
a/k/a Broughton-Burgos, Arlene J.
44 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Burgos, Javier
44 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Bushey, Jason A.
Bushey, Crystal K.
a/k/a Thurmond, Crystal K.
P.O. Box 295
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/20/14
Butler, Betty M.
75 Commercial St., Apt. A227
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/22/14
Coakley, Nicole D.
P.O. Box 90534
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/26/14
Crane, Diane W.
44 Shattuck St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/26/14
Danehey, Amybeth
183 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/26/14
Devenitch, Brittney H.
156 Carol Ann St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Dunn, Timothy Michael
Dunn, Marjorie Love
65 Lover’s Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Eitel, Paul K.
29 Salem St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/19/14
Emerson, Richard A.
Emerson, Danielle S.
a/k/a Bramucci, Danielle S.
8 Juniper Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/23/14
Fay, Aimee
97 Columbia Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/24/14
Fedora, Andrew S.
Fedora, Erin C.
112 Quartus St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Goff, Tracey A.
28 Red Bridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/22/14
Goldman, Richard I.
159 Green Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/25/14
Guiel, Annette Mabel
29A Paul Revere Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/16/14
Hastings, Josephine F.
74 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/17/14
Huard, Richard D.
Huard, Susan E
5 Woodland Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/19/14
James, Jimmie R.
134 Catherine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/16/14
Jones, Sherry L.
103 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/23/14
Karapetyan, Miran V.
26 Wilbert Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/23/14
Kohlenberger, Vernon
15 Anita Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/22/14
Laguerre, Liznayda
374 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/16/14
Larimore, Tami S.
16 Delaware Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/20/14
Leger, Gary Michael
77 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/24/14
Marcous, Lauren M.
15 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/26/14
Marof, Andrew R.
1196 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/17/14
Martinez, Roberto
419 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/24/14
Martins, Fernando G.
23 #B Darling St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Niquette, Gary L.
250 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/20/14
Northampton Therapeutic Massage
Zajkowski, Kathryn Carol
99 Island Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/26/14
Orzino, Megan Marie
389 Trafton Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/19/14
Padgett, Matthew J.
Markwith-Padgett, Sara A.
284 Dewey Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/20/14
Paroli, Lisa A.
87 Coronet Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/18/14
Passidakis, Nicholas M.
229 Green Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Pavone, Marianne
274 State Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/23/14
Pelkey, John C.
Pelkey, Denene
786 East St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/20/14
Podmore, Judith E.
30 Clinton Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/19/14
Purcell, Melissa A.
143 Pendexter Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/19/14
Reardon, Patricia
33 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/22/14
Regish, Catherine M.
1 Victoria Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/17/14
Rivera, Jacqueline
79 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/19/14
Sanders, Dawn Marie
a/k/a Sanders-Whalley, Dawn
a/k/a Gormley, Dawn
P.O. Box 329
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/26/14
Sheret, Kenneth R.
Sheret, Leslie Ann
152 Metacomet St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Shoum, Krystle M.
27 Lathrop St., Apt. 3
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/17/14
Smith, Gregory T.
62 Pinedale Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/29/14
Spafford, David H.
484 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/17/14
Staples, Victoria A.
174 New Boston Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/27/14
Stasiowski, Dorothy D.
47 Allen Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Stevenson, George
149 Benedict Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/18/14
Tejeda, Iris
760 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/23/14
The Pushkin, LLC,
332 Main St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 09/21/14
Theoclis, Thomas K.
60 Quaboag Valley Co-op
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/14
Torres, Rosa
a/k/a Guerra, Rosa M.
36 Amherst Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/16/14
Tranghese, Pasquale William
1 Springfield St., Apt. #306
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/24/14
Villar-Salce, Jessica
15 Bruce St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/29/14
Warner, Kent A.
Warner, Susanne M.
36 Cedar St.
Greenfield, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/18/14
Yard, Mario Alejandro
Yard, Somalia Eleua
33 Barton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/26/14
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
ASHFIELD
1452 Hawley Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Anna Westley
Seller: Eleanor Lazarus LT
Date: 09/29/14
BERNARDSTON
474 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Gunnison
Seller: Perry J. Brulotte
Date: 09/30/14
102 Charlemont Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: Andree M. Duval
Seller: Bear Ridge RT
Date: 09/30/14
123 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: William J. Knittle
Seller: Brenda M. Spofford
Date: 10/03/14
BUCKLAND
124 North St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Mauricia Alvarez
Seller: Anna J. Rice
Date: 09/26/14
CHARLEMONT
37 Schaefer Way
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Russell E. Perkins
Seller: Larry J. Lemek
Date: 09/30/14
Warfield Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $972,700
Buyer: 133 Warfield Realty LLC
Seller: Jeffrey W. Glaze GST TR
Date: 09/22/14
COLRAIN
158 East Colrain Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Martin D. Driggs
Seller: Kasky LT
Date: 09/22/14
CONWAY
149 Whately Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Robbie J. Edwards
Seller: Heather D. Truelove
Date: 09/30/14
DEERFIELD
3 Hadfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Daniel F. Graves
Seller: Nicole Bernier
Date: 09/30/14
49 King Philip Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $336,000
Buyer: Richard B. Reeves
Seller: Richard H. Barnes
Date: 10/03/14
256 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Shao Z. Kuo
Seller: Robert S. Douglass
Date: 09/22/14
31 South Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: David Wolfram
Seller: Rita J. Powers
Date: 09/22/14
9 West St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $450,900
Buyer: Beth E. Malloy
Seller: James B. Sinclair
Date: 09/30/14
ERVING
88 Old State Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael T. Rau
Seller: Jeffrey P. Kaminski
Date: 09/26/14
GREENFIELD
100 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $167,900
Buyer: Timothy K. Dowd
Seller: Robert E. Knower
Date: 10/02/14
15 Camp Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $124,500
Buyer: WTE Recycling Inc.
Seller: John E. Miner
Date: 09/30/14
27 Cooke St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Allen W. Woods
Seller: Levitch, Gerald I., (Estate)
Date: 09/26/14
43 Country Club Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: David E. Moscaritolo
Seller: Richard E. Rodman
Date: 09/30/14
398 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Meadows Café & Golf Center
Seller: 5&10 Entertainment LLC
Date: 10/01/14
80 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01376
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Luz M. Oyola
Seller: David F. Markley LT
Date: 09/30/14
261-265 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: James W. Renaud
Seller: Brian J. Matteson
Date: 09/26/14
46 Hastings St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Marion B. Griswold
Seller: Amy S. Moscaritolo
Date: 09/30/14
191 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $213,500
Buyer: Kathy A. Proudy
Seller: Lamar B. Gore
Date: 09/30/14
65 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael A. Phelps
Seller: Diana L. Constantine
Date: 10/03/14
18 Linden Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Jessica D. Gordon
Seller: Michael E. Ellis
Date: 10/02/14
24 Raingley Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Richard L. Welch
Seller: Lawrence P. Roy
Date: 09/30/14
20 Washburn Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: John E. Miner
Seller: Rose B. Caouette
Date: 09/30/14
LEVERETT
95 Amherst Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Anne K. Schuyler
Seller: Anne K. Schuyler
Date: 09/25/14
293 Shutesbury Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Terence F. McCue
Seller: Richard H. Roberts
Date: 09/22/14
MONTAGUE
25 Coolidge Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Doreen Kamansky
Seller: Lisa J. Mackenzie
Date: 09/26/14
32 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Reller Group LLC
Seller: Carol L. Cameron
Date: 09/30/14
464 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Robert W. Laffey
Seller: Tracy L. Bartus
Date: 09/22/14
71 Park St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Ryszard Brynda
Seller: Douglas R. McNamara
Date: 09/30/14
21 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Stuart Warner
Seller: Colonial Gardens RT
Date: 09/26/14
NEW SALEM
27 Millington Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Dixie L. Paquin
Seller: Dana K. Crosby
Date: 09/26/14
ORANGE
73 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $138,557
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Dong N. Dam
Date: 09/30/14
SHUTESBURY
Leonard Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $118,400
Buyer: Northwest Realty LLC
Seller: Potyrala, Chester J., (Estate)
Date: 10/03/14
121 Leonard Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Rui Fernandes
Seller: Amelia G. Vieira
Date: 09/22/14
SUNDERLAND
236 Hadley Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $318,500
Buyer: Susan H. Clatworthy
Seller: Robert M. Wojtowicz
Date: 09/25/14
61 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Zhiqiang Chu
Seller: Erick S. Burnett
Date: 09/24/14
WARWICK
922 Orange Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Chapin
Seller: US Bank
Date: 09/26/14
WHATELY
38 Conway Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Wayne G. Cournoyer
Seller: Wayne A. Cournoyer
Date: 09/30/14
145 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $274,000
Buyer: Kevin A. Wrisley
Seller: Linda M. Theriault
Date: 09/29/14
HAMPDEN COUNTY
AGAWAM
328 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $311,500
Buyer: Brandon J. Donovan
Seller: Farid R. Faruqui
Date: 09/26/14
29 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Joseph A. Renaud
Seller: Damon Hristopoulos
Date: 09/26/14
6 Lango Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Roberto Nieves
Seller: Melody A. Alvarado
Date: 10/01/14
1178 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $156,500
Buyer: Oleg Adzhigirey
Seller: Martin M. Radewick
Date: 09/24/14
608 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Myron W. Littlehale
Seller: Bethany Assembly Of God
Date: 09/24/14
42-44 Mark Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Almeiro Serna
Seller: Langone Realty Corp.
Date: 09/25/14
623 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Andrey Iodlovskiy
Seller: Alfred T. Ingham
Date: 09/30/14
94 Roosevelt Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Scott B. Silvia
Seller: Wongab Seo
Date: 09/26/14
268 South West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Roberta Zupcich
Seller: Margaret A. Clark
Date: 09/26/14
214 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: JK Real Estate LLC
Seller: Edward T. Mish RET
Date: 09/30/14
89-91 Sunnyslope Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Stanislav Gvinter
Seller: Langone Plumbing & Heating
Date: 09/30/14
16 Tanglewood Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: George Mulry
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/02/14
35 Western Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Marcia C. Hamel
Seller: Keith R. Senecal
Date: 09/26/14
BLANDFORD
6 Beulah Land Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Laurie A. Kline
Seller: Stephen C. Poteat
Date: 09/30/14
BRIMFIELD
31 7th St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Seth Mitchell
Seller: Robert Kenevan
Date: 09/25/14
10 Adams Dr.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Brian G. McDonald
Seller: Nicolas J. Hebert
Date: 09/22/14
32 Lyman Barnes Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Matthew P. Beaudry
Seller: Dennis M. Maheux
Date: 10/03/14
84 Tower Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Lind
Seller: Cameron L. Holland
Date: 09/26/14
36 Washington Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Kenneth G. O’Keefe
Seller: Kenneth E. Stearns
Date: 09/30/14
CHESTER
53 Middlefield Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: William J. Clark
Seller: George E. Skwirz
Date: 10/03/14
463 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: James J. Nodwell
Seller: Joseph A. Kurtz
Date: 09/26/14
Skyline Trail
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Michael T. Starr
Seller: Jules S. Gimbrere
Date: 09/23/14
CHICOPEE
54 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: 54 Artisan St. Chicopee LLC
Seller: Joanne H. Darcy
Date: 09/23/14
17 Barre Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Diane M. Casa
Seller: Garvin C. Headley
Date: 09/26/14
174 Beauregard Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Kenneth M. Mills
Seller: Jason Chew
Date: 09/25/14
203 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Luis Builders Inc.
Seller: Jamroth LLC
Date: 10/01/14
23 Bonneville Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Garvin C. Headley
Seller: Allen D. Donofrio
Date: 09/26/14
52 Casey Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Julie A. McCusker
Seller: Michelle A. Mathieu
Date: 09/26/14
137 Champagne Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Marian E. Bergeron
Seller: Janet Dipietro
Date: 09/22/14
33 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Ahmed Mustafa
Seller: Abbas M. Hamdan
Date: 10/01/14
26 Claire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jacqueline R. Paul
Seller: Kevin F. Trombley
Date: 09/29/14
72 Farmington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Paula D. Drown
Seller: Ronald F. Ritter
Date: 09/23/14
39 Fernwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $196,261
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Theresa C. Belisle
Date: 09/24/14
30 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Eric J. Laflamme
Seller: Theresa V. Pete
Date: 10/01/14
197 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Amanda M. Godbout
Seller: Kathleen P. Boucher
Date: 09/30/14
61 Langevin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Mitchell
Seller: Jill A. Nawskon
68 Lariviere Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Loon Hill Plaza LLC
Seller: Michael F. Curtis
Date: 09/29/14
90 Loveland Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Robert L. Hall
Seller: James J. Joe
Date: 09/22/14
46 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Nunez
Seller: Miguel Pedrosa
Date: 09/25/14
554 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Jordan
Seller: Thomas S. Gajowski
Date: 09/26/14
56 Nye St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Brochu
Seller: Retha J. Dawson
Date: 09/30/14
Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $1,312,500
Buyer: Vista Estates LLC
Seller: Jaleo LLC
Date: 09/26/14
30 Saint James Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: JJS17 Acquisition Co LLC
Seller: Ammar & Fotoun LLC
Date: 10/01/14
258 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $205,700
Buyer: Andrew R. Prats
Seller: Victor J. Morando
Date: 09/23/14
434 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $331,150
Buyer: Victor J. Morando
Seller: Thomas S. Minerich
Date: 09/24/14
15 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Michael Stoeckard
Seller: Gregory Bertsch
Date: 09/30/14
119 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Sandra Rivera
Seller: Davidian Co. LLC
Date: 10/03/14
EAST LONGMEADOW
20 Anne St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Mary S. Christensen
Seller: Hickman, Ann M., (Estate)
Date: 09/24/14
19 Harris Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: National Equity Inc.
Seller: David H. Clark
Date: 09/25/14
11 Juniper Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $327,500
Buyer: Lauren A. Capobianco
Seller: Diane M. Johnson
Date: 09/26/14
5 Lester St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $195,500
Buyer: Olivia M. Schnorf
Seller: Aaron F. Smith
Date: 09/30/14
276 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $422,600
Buyer: Kevin M. Gaboury
Seller: Vernon Meyer
Date: 10/03/14
128 Mountainview Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Stanley R. Shaw
Seller: Vladislav M. Beznos
Date: 10/03/14
Pondview Dr. #10
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mary Jo Christy
Seller: Joseph Chapdelaine & Sons
Date: 10/01/14
280 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Danos
Seller: Raymond J. Kallaugher
Date: 09/30/14
18 White Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $317,000
Buyer: Tracey Krol
Seller: Ryan Ogowan
Date: 09/30/14
12 Wisteria Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Ram S. Patath
Seller: Andrea Pereira
Date: 09/26/14
GRANVILLE
881 Beech Hill Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Matthew Ripley
Seller: Stephen A. Gladding
Date: 09/30/14
HAMPDEN
25 Maple Grove Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Christopher R. Dunn
Seller: Carolyn L. Rodgers
Date: 09/25/14
HOLLAND
137 East Brimfield Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Derek Mott
Seller: Marivani A. Guarda
Date: 09/25/14
HOLYOKE
33 Dicsal Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Glanville
Seller: William R. Chagnon
Date: 09/25/14
695 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John W. Powers
Seller: Ryan D. Hamel
Date: 09/25/14
20 Jefferson St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Christine J. Bell
Seller: Emily A. Edwards
Date: 09/30/14
1010 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Gary Rome Holyoke LLC
Seller: Tobias, Stanley T., (Estate)
Date: 09/23/14
243 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Brunelle
Seller: Timothy W. Purington
Date: 09/29/14
183 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Betty Kaplowitz
Seller: Timothy V. Daniels
Date: 09/29/14
30 Sheehan Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Gabriel Rodriguez
Seller: Thomas J. Cammilleri
Date: 09/26/14
535 South Bridge St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Sparrow Holdings LLC
Seller: Louis J. Luchini
Date: 09/23/14
23 Wellesley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Rachael M. Hougen
Seller: William Cubi
Date: 09/30/14
LONGMEADOW
452 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Xiuyun Zhang
Seller: Mary W. Palmer
Date: 09/25/14
118 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Bernadette E. Dunnirvine
Seller: Earlon L. Seeley
Date: 09/30/14
259 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Patrick M. Sullivan
Seller: Li Zhang
Date: 10/03/14
160 Ellington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $529,900
Buyer: Wesley L. Oakford
Seller: Shaun P. Gaus
Date: 09/26/14
215 Hazardville Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Jason C. Chew
Seller: Gerald H. Tober
Date: 09/25/14
91 Longfellow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Jacqueline E. Mackechnie
Seller: Eric Lundberg
Date: 09/30/14
221 Meadowlark Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Stuart D. Weissman
Seller: Lawrence F. Marquis
Date: 09/26/14
60 Merriweather Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: John R. Ketcham
Seller: Sen Li
Date: 09/29/14
47 Normandy Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $825,000
Buyer: William F. Peffer
Seller: Amy W. Wistreich
Date: 10/02/14
483 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Thanh T. Vo
Seller: Giuseppina M. Camerota
Date: 09/26/14
1280 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Pearson Williams Development Co.
Seller: Alliance Of Orthodox Congregation
Date: 09/30/14
LUDLOW
44 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Chun J. Kim
Seller: Sandra A. Shooshan
Date: 10/02/14
449 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael Paine
Seller: Clyde Snow
Date: 10/03/14
32 Elaine Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Kevin F. Trombley
Seller: Robert B. Showalter
Date: 09/29/14
75-77 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $127,825
Buyer: Gervasio Crespo
Seller: Adelina Crespo
Date: 10/01/14
20 Gamache Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Jason Mourao
Seller: Gerald E. Dubour
Date: 09/30/14
230 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $223,900
Buyer: Paul T. Carr
Seller: James M. Quill
Date: 10/02/14
132 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Timothy Hnatow
Seller: Paul W. Hibbard
Date: 09/30/14
60 Posner Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Meagan Y. Belanger
Seller: Tourtellotte, Joanne M., (Estate)
Date: 10/01/14
465 State St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $208,000
Buyer: Michael J. Almeida
Seller: Jose R. Sa
Date: 09/26/14
18 Warwick Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Joseph B. Lanucha
Seller: Jazab LLC
Date: 09/30/14
MONSON
85 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $243,786
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Michael Mun
Date: 10/03/14
128 Maxwell Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Eric A. Berman
Seller: Lindsay E. Huot
Date: 09/29/14
PALMER
45 Converse St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Lenoard E. Deshais
Seller: Rollande T. Salois
Date: 09/26/14
3175 Foster St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Kevin G. Chapman
Seller: Kim A. Gettens
Date: 09/29/14
9 Homestead St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $250,900
Buyer: Anthony E. Arventos
Seller: Nathan Nye
Date: 09/26/14
N/A
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Armand T. Madelle
Date: 10/02/14
61 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: John Michael Dean
Seller: Amy B. Schulze
Date: 09/26/14
19 Ware St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Crystal A. Floyd
Seller: Anthony E. Arventos
Date: 09/26/14
SPRINGFIELD
1325 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kristin A. Pancotti
Seller: Theresa K. Geier
Date: 10/03/14
Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $31,007,400
Buyer: 5 Town Station LLC
Seller: Urstadt Biddle Properties
Date: 09/29/14
110 Audubon St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Yahaira Dejesus
Seller: Jimmy J. Linch
Date: 09/29/14
35 Bennington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Brianna L. Laporte
Seller: Steven C. Barnett
Date: 10/01/14
130 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jasvinder Arora
Seller: Edward J. Walsh
Date: 09/24/14
95 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $118,500
Buyer: Gregory J. Heffernan
Seller: Donald R. Scott
Date: 09/29/14
1344 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Brown
Seller: Kotowski, Henry I., (Estate)
Date: 09/30/14
276-280 Bridge St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Develop Springfield Corp.
Seller: BSC Realty Inc.
Date: 09/26/14
46 Bronson Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Ronald G. Senez
Seller: Batya Cohen
Date: 09/25/14
16 Burt Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $164,044
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Charles F. Moberg
Date: 10/03/14
111 Clydesdale Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: PNC Bank
Seller: Madeline Alicea
Date: 09/22/14
135 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Tek Gautam
Seller: Roberta W. Twining
Date: 10/03/14
342 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Louis W. Harm
Seller: Joan P. Flahive
Date: 09/26/14
41 Garfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Stacy M. Sheard
Seller: Peter J. Tivnan
Date: 09/24/14
55 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Joshua L. Messer
Seller: Brian J. Maloney
Date: 09/30/14
33 Greenleaf St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Alexis Vergara
Seller: Richard W. Tyminski
Date: 10/03/14
41 Hampden St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Silver P. Serra
Seller: Helder F. Nunes
Date: 10/02/14
240 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Robert F. Gayle
Seller: Paul E. Jerusik
Date: 09/26/14
38 Kittrell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Laura Landry
Seller: Leo Norkin
Date: 09/22/14
34 Marmon Court
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Curtis Miarecki
Seller: Gary D. Poehler
Date: 09/26/14
59 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Anthony Cicero
Seller: Kyle Anderson
Date: 09/26/14
110 Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Raefat Tleis
Seller: Gilbert R. Barton
Date: 09/30/14
62 Midway St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Zachary Cortis
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 09/30/14
162 Northampton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $181,997
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Robert Burgess
Date: 09/25/14
40 Ogden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Thomas Day
Seller: Frank D. Roda
Date: 09/25/14
50 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Precious Williams
Seller: Bert V. Wright
Date: 10/03/14
130 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Justin D. Anstett
Seller: Christopher R. Driscoll
Date: 09/29/14
8 Redstone Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,900
Buyer: Andrea Lopez-Jones
Seller: Gina M. Ferrera
Date: 09/30/14
50 Steuben St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Ermer A. Cruz
Seller: J. B. Camerlin Real Estate
Date: 11/30/12
372 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Bhanu Tiwari
Seller: Gladys Wolmart
Date: 09/30/14
832-834 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Kinjal Vyas
Seller: Minh H. Bui
Date: 09/29/14
5 Town Plaza
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $31,007,400
Buyer: 5 Town Station LLC
Seller: Urstadt Biddle Properties
Date: 09/29/14
205 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Concepcion Morales
Seller: Michael W. Bush
Date: 09/23/14
SOUTHWICK
35 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Paul E. Jerusik
Seller: Robin A. Gardner
Date: 09/26/14
107 Coes Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Witchwood Realty LLC
Seller: Karen B. Legace
Date: 09/26/14
31 Deer Run
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Richard C. Rigazio
Seller: Gary M. Grosso
Date: 09/30/14
2 Iroquois Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert E. Slattery
Seller: Jane D. Widun
Date: 09/26/14
17 Lake Shore Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $599,900
Buyer: Lace Twins LLC
Seller: Borrowed Time Realty LLC
Date: 10/01/14
141 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jane D. Widun
Seller: Ernest R. Lempke
Date: 09/26/14
1 Pauline Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Allison E. Leavitt
Seller: Richard R. Winiarski
Date: 09/30/14
30 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Kara K. Jorud
Seller: Patricia S. Sambo
Date: 09/25/14
5 Reservoir Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Robin A. Gardner
Seller: Jeffrey Imbriglio
Date: 09/26/14
WESTFIELD
17 Adams St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Curran
Seller: Christina K. Crow
Date: 09/26/14
Ascutney Ave. (rear)
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14
151 Berkshire Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Castanera
Seller: Marcial Otero
Date: 09/24/14
11 Cleveland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Slater
Seller: Michael A. Denardo
Date: 09/30/14
47 Colony Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,550
Buyer: Richard P. Saloomey
Seller: Leonard F. Latour
Date: 09/23/14
14 Cross St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Travis K. Lucia
Seller: Cheryl A. Denardo
Date: 09/30/14
East Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14
58 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Victoria D. Reed-Britt
Seller: Veniamin Solokhin
Date: 10/01/14
50 Flynn Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Aaron F. Smith
Seller: RSP Realty LLC
Date: 09/30/14
25 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: E. R. Donovan
Seller: High, William H., (Estate)
Date: 09/29/14
133 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Stephen A. Gladding
Seller: James F. Florek
Date: 09/30/14
6 Hawthorne Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Crist C. Roussi
Seller: Matthew T. Vanheynigen
Date: 09/26/14
154 King St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Don P. Marks
Seller: Rebecca L. Lannon
Date: 09/30/14
27 Laurel Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $231,400
Buyer: James Ramistella
Seller: Robert F. Field
Date: 10/03/14
147 Main St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Donald Robert
Seller: Robert N. Holmes
Date: 09/26/14
33 Mill St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Shakedown Properties LLC
Seller: Rosemary S. Fortier
Date: 10/02/14
45 Miller St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: John E. Wood
Seller: Regina A. Mullens
Date: 09/29/14
90 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Wesley Shewchuk
Seller: Rosemary J. Nevins
Date: 09/30/14
61 Murray Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Daniel E. Roy
Seller: Matthew C. Marchesi
Date: 10/01/14
Neck Road #28
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14
259 Notre Dame St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: David M. O’Connell
Seller: Cindy T. Lacoste
Date: 09/30/14
60 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $229,700
Buyer: Jeffery E. Popoli
Seller: Richard L. White
Date: 10/03/14
24 Ridgeview Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Nicholas M. Mobrice
Seller: Artur Lech
Date: 09/26/14
54 Riverside Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Evan V. Serella
Seller: Matthew Bishop
Date: 09/26/14
514 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Christopher F. King
Seller: Kenneth Mitchell
Date: 09/29/14
Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Michael G. Kosinski
Seller: Atlantic Tree Nursery
Date: 10/02/14
914 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Richard J. Gogal
Seller: Richard J. Gogal
Date: 09/25/14
23 Wieser Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Angela J. Larke
Seller: FNMA
Date: 09/29/14
27 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Cathy M. Martin
Seller: David M. Woelper
Date: 09/30/14
WILBRAHAM
16 Highmoor Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Kristopher T. O’Connor
Seller: Kevin M. Gaboury
Date: 10/01/14
2 Kensington Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Manuel Bernardo
Seller: James R. Wawrzyk
Date: 09/26/14
137 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Crystal L. Morin
Seller: Nicholas Fazio
Date: 09/30/14
24 Maple St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Charles J. Haunton
Seller: Denise Tessier-Brown
Date: 09/24/14
252 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kenneth R. Knodler
Seller: Gilda M. Balboni
Date: 09/25/14
29 Pineywood Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Pamela Sergienko
Date: 09/25/14
277 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Steven C. Barnett
Seller: Richard K. Lovell
Date: 10/01/14
328 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Katelyn Bortolussi
Seller: Michael Teixeira
Date: 10/03/14
8 Surrey Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $308,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Daniele
Seller: John Kiah
Date: 09/29/14
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Matthew Stetson
Seller: Lucia, Joseph T., (Estate)
Date: 10/02/14
137 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: John J. Ryan
Seller: Justin W. Glaze
Date: 09/30/14
69 Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Tariq Rahmat
Seller: Brian McNally
Date: 09/23/14
70 Butternut Hollow Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Tracy L. Bartus
Seller: John E. Wood
Date: 09/29/14
30 Chestnut St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael G. Piccin
Seller: Justin D. Tisdell
Date: 09/30/14
68 Elmwood Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jeremy A. Keough
Seller: Wesley D. Shewchuk
Date: 09/30/14
33 Harbey Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Valentino
Seller: Mark D. Lussier
Date: 09/30/14
116 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Stephen Muller
Seller: Erwin J. Luippold
Date: 09/26/14
1219 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Harry Melendez
Seller: Equity T Co.
Date: 10/01/14
1321 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Mark Ryaboklyach
Seller: Lavigne, Lionel O., (Estate)
Date: 10/03/14
263 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Ian B. Shute
Seller: William J. Ahern
Date: 09/24/14
173 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: MLSZ Properties LLC
Seller: Buddy Realty LLC
Date: 09/26/14
45 Rochelle St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $154,600
Buyer: Regina R. Ranstrom
Seller: Richard S. Harty
Date: 09/26/14
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
AMHERST
27 Country Corners Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Linda L. Fijol
Seller: Sheralyn Bechtold
Date: 09/22/14
69 Dennis Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $407,500
Buyer: Roger A. Magnus
Seller: Allan F. Hershfield
Date: 10/03/14
144 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,900
Buyer: Jungwoo Lee
Seller: Joslad & Associates PC
Date: 09/30/14
199 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Shou Hu
Seller: Sung, Young J., (Estate)
Date: 09/23/14
124 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: Andrew S. Neuman
Seller: Kscbj Properties LLC
Date: 09/24/14
172 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Frank Flaherty
Seller: Pascoe, Dorothy B. C., (Estate)
Date: 09/29/14
BELCHERTOWN
478 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: William H. Allan
Seller: Frank L. Ives
Date: 09/24/14
60 Daniel Square
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $210,050
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Jamie G. Vousineau
Date: 09/26/14
223 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Buyer: Laurie M. Shea
Seller: Utama Abdulwahid
Date: 10/03/14
570 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $120,500
Buyer: Property Edge LLC
Seller: Coyer, Alice E., (Estate)
Date: 10/01/14
7 Overlook Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Ryan J. Senecal
Seller: C. G. Weaver
Date: 09/25/14
Rural Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Stephanie M. Tremblay
Seller: Robert E. Cote
Date: 09/25/14
CUMMINGTON
54 Lilac Ave.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Julielyn P. Becker
Seller: John M. Stevens
Date: 10/01/14
104 Porter Hill Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Ana E. Toth
Seller: Jean B. Mazeau TR
Date: 09/26/14
EASTHAMPTON
16 Arthur St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Segal Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: RLRW LLC
Date: 09/25/14
36 Campbell Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Shattuck
Seller: Shelley M. Daughdrill
Date: 09/23/14
3 Carillon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $197,400
Buyer: Gertrude E. Hooks
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 09/30/14
15 Center St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $242,900
Buyer: Bruce A. Andrew
Seller: Jeffrey W. Ketcham
Date: 09/26/14
28 East Green St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Dunn
Seller: Laurie A. Kline
Date: 09/30/14
5-7 Lincoln St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Cory A. Staples
Seller: Keith D. Powers
Date: 09/24/14
1 Park Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $268,800
Buyer: Robert A. Canon
Seller: Thomas E. Downie
Date: 09/26/14
11 Silver Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Thomas E. Downie
Seller: Eugene S. Picard
Date: 09/26/14
33 Treehouse Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $342,500
Buyer: Phebe B. Sessions
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 09/29/14
10 Truehart Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Nathan W. Adams
Seller: Tammy L. Kaleta
Date: 09/26/14
GOSHEN
12 Lilly Pond Lane
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Lucas A. McCraw
Seller: John B. Rustico
Date: 09/30/14
82 Shaw Road
Goshen, MA 01026
Amount: $259,500
Buyer: John F. Bienz
Seller: Jonathan R. Funk
Date: 09/26/14
44 West Shore Dr.
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Philip W. McArthur
Seller: Susan Fortgang
Date: 10/03/14
HADLEY
85 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Dirgha B. Gurung
Seller: William H. Allan
Date: 09/24/14
216 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Amir Mikhchi
Seller: Jennifer L. Snyder
Date: 10/01/14
HATFIELD
15 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $319,000
Buyer: Margot C. Lacey
Seller: Thomas J. Wickles
Date: 09/26/14
168 Pantry Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Walter K. Feldman
Seller: Carol S. Dryzgula
Date: 09/29/14
HUNTINGTON
62 Old Chester Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Ashley J. Spear
Seller: Jamie Desormier
Date: 09/24/14
NORTHAMPTON
69 Barrett St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Christopher Mereschuk
Seller: Patricia A. Mullady
Date: 09/26/14
69 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01039
Amount: $740,000
Buyer: 69 Bridge Street LLC
Seller: All Smiles LLC
Date: 09/22/14
307 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Isaac Chow
Seller: Kubasek, Laura S., (Estate)
Date: 09/26/14
53 East Center St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jacob N. Masenior
Seller: Susan F. O’Neill
Date: 09/30/14
22 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Peter L. Galvagni
Seller: Marguerite A. Hewes
Date: 10/02/14
68 Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: L. P. Audette Builders Inc.
Seller: David J. McCutcheon
Date: 10/01/14
20 Linden St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Grace A. Bianciardi
Seller: Timothy H. McNerney
Date: 09/26/14
90 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $543,605
Buyer: Karen L. O’Brock
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 09/25/14
100 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kozuch
Seller: Bodin, Richard L., (Estate)
Date: 09/30/14
256 North Maple St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Maura F. Bradford
Seller: Deacon, Joan, (Estate)
Date: 10/03/14
358 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Earl R. Illingsworth
Seller: Joel I. Schulman
Date: 10/01/14
82 Stone Ridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: Randy S. Kaplan
Seller: Keith H. Davis
Date: 10/01/14
645 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kara B. Mcmahon
Seller: Annette O’Leary TR
Date: 09/26/14
946 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Charles W. Baranowski
Seller: Christine K. Barry
Date: 09/26/14
PLAINFIELD
9 Mountain St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: 9 Mountain Retreats RE
Seller: David A. Danielson
Date: 10/02/14
SOUTH HADLEY
502 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Pamela J. Doyle
Seller: John N. Thibbitts
Date: 09/26/14
15 Applewood Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: James R. Brady
Seller: Helene S. Grunes
Date: 10/03/14
333 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Brian S. McClaflin
Seller: Griffin, Michael A. Jr, (Estate)
Date: 10/01/14
2 Hillside Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Angela Belieu
Seller: Christine M. Germain
Date: 10/03/14
Jacobs Way #1
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Mary L. Pigott
Seller: Home Improvement Assocs.
Date: 09/24/14
11 Lois Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Cornelius J. Debeer
Seller: Paul E. Horne
Date: 09/24/14
25 McKinley Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Genti Lagji
Seller: Donna-Lou Fournier
Date: 10/01/14
33 Queen Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Caleb M. Machak
Seller: Douglas M. Bernstein
Date: 09/30/14
11 Saybrook Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,500
Buyer: Robert C. Wallace
Seller: Barbara D. Keegan
Date: 09/25/14
118 Willimansett St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Kobus
Seller: Mark D. Griswold
Date: 09/26/14
SOUTHAMPTON
3 Beccari Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Suzanne McElroy
Seller: Michael A. Cosgriff
Date: 10/02/14
8 Nicholas Lane
Southampton, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: F&G Development Corp.
Seller: Chester J. Kellogg
Date: 09/25/14
30 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Mark Daughdrill
Seller: Philip M. Westerman
Date: 09/23/14
WARE
5 Gareau Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Russell Kularski
Seller: Catherine E. Koczur
Date: 09/25/14
19 Oakridge Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Robert P. Beaulieu
Seller: Eric A. Ellison
Date: 09/24/14
43 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Michael S. Soja
Seller: Kevin Chapman
Date: 09/29/14
6 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $263,456
Buyer: Flagstar Bank
Seller: John Williams
Date: 09/26/14
WESTHAMPTON
334 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Maren E. Buck
Seller: Jason A. Doktor
Date: 09/26/14
WILLIAMSBURG
22 High St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Anna R. Lawrence
Seller: Elizabeth M. Huntley
Date: 09/23/14
31 Hyde Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Elizabeth M. Filson
Seller: Gerald D. Lashway
Date: 10/03/14
The following building permits were issued during the month of October 2014.
AGAWAM
Riverbend Medical Group
230 Main St.
$60,000 — Interior renovations
Sarat Ford
221 Springfield St.
$1,166,000 — Construct new dealership
CHICOPEE
Behavior Health Network
41 Woodlawn St.
$6,000 — New siding
Chicopee Housing Authority
128 Meetinghouse Road
$94,000 — Replace 108 windows
GREENFIELD
Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$17,000,000 — New commercial addition
Bete Inc.
50 Greenfield St.
$303,000 — New roof system
Jeffrey Coulson
1385 Bernardston Road
$15,000 — Exchange three existing antennas on tower
Steven Schechterle
402 Federal St.
$4,300 — Exterior renovations
SOUTH HADLEY
Top Tier Site
50 College St.
$3,000 — Replace antenna at Mount Holyoke College
SPRINGFIELD
Commonwealth Academy
105 Central St.
$30,000 — New roof
Harrison Properties, LLC
625 Carew St.
$95,000 — Installation of rooftop photovoltaic array
MFG Group, LLC
150 Brookdale St.
$25,000 — Rework loading dock
Springfield Post Road Corporation
1400 Boston Road
$45,000 — Renovate store front
Springfield Teachers Credit Union
145 Industry Ave.
$89,000 — Renovation of lobby and teller area
Verizon Wireless
1 Federal St.
$275,000 — Erect equipment shelter on rooftop
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Peter Plantinites
1615 Riverdale St.
$20,000 — Re-roof
UPS
120 Wayside Ave.
$8,000 — Renovate two offices
West Springfield Boys and Girls Club
593-657 Main St.
$17,500 — Interior renovations
Decision Reduces Electric Transmission Profits, Benefits Consumers
LUDLOW — New England electricity consumers will get a roughly $60 million refund and pay less for transmission service in the future due to a federal ruling reducing the profit that power-grid owners are allowed to earn on their investments. The Massachusetts portion of the refund is expected to be about $28 million, with Massachusetts municipal utilities receiving a refund of approximately $4 million. The decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reduces the allowed rate of return on equity (ROE) for transmission owners from 11.14% to 10.57%. In a 2011 complaint to the FERC spearheaded by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) and others claimed the 11.14% profit margin was too high, given changes in economic conditions and interest rates since 2006, when the ROE was established. Utility regulators and consumer advocates from throughout New England, as well as U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, also supported the complaint. The Oct. 16 FERC decision found the higher rate to be “unjust and unreasonable,” set the new rate at 10.57%, and ordered refunds of overpayments for the period from October 2011 through December 2012. Litigation is continuing at the FERC to secure additional refunds. “This is an important and positive decision for all New England consumers, and it’s gratifying to see these years of effort coming to a close with a large net benefit for our customers,” said MMWEC CEO Ronald DeCurzio. “We are pursuing additional refunds of overpayments made in 2013 and 2014 and will continue our work to ensure that transmission investments are justified and beneficial to consumers.” DeCurzio said the refunds certainly are welcome, but the benefit increases as the lower rate of return is applied in years ahead to long-term transmission investments. The current $7 billion invested in New England transmission facilities is expected to increase to $11 billion by 2017, and the costs avoided with a lower rate of return will increase as the transmission investment base grows. The FERC has ordered New England’s transmission owners to file a refund report within 45 days of the Oct. 16 order. The transmission companies include National Grid, Northeast Utilities, NStar, Unitil, and Fitchburg Gas & Electric. MMWEC, a nonprofit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the joint action agency for public power in Massachusetts, providing a variety of power-supply, financial, risk-management, and other services to the state’s consumer-owned, municipal utilities.
Massachusetts Employment Numbers Up 9,400 in September
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show Massachusetts added 9,400 jobs in September, for a total preliminary estimate of 3,425,000. The September total unemployment rate was 6.0%, up 0.2% over the August rate. Since September 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 64,100 jobs, with 62,000 jobs added in the private sector. The total unemployment rate for the year is down 1.2% from the September 2013 rate of 7.2%. BLS also revised its August job estimates to a 4,900-job loss from the 5,300-loss previously reported for the month.
Construction Employment Increases in 39 States
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction firms added jobs in 39 states between September 2013 and September 2014 while construction employment increased in 34 states and the District of Columbia between August and September, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the construction job gains come as more construction firms report having a hard time finding qualified workers to fill key positions. “Construction firms in most states have been expanding during the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But as those firms expand, they have to work harder to attract their skilled craft workers and key construction professionals.” Florida added the most construction jobs of any state (41,900 jobs, 11.2%). Ten states shed construction jobs during the past 12 months, with construction employment unchanged in D.C. and New Mexico. Association officials said the new employment figures show that the industry continues to add new workers after its years-long downturn. But they cautioned that more and more firms are reporting labor shortages. “Hard as it is to imagine, given what this industry has been through the past few years, but many firms are very worried about their ability to find, recruit, and retain qualified workers as the industry continues to rebound,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO.
MMS Urges Adoption of Regulations Governing Licensure, Health IT
WALTHAM — The Mass. Medical Society recently urged the state Board of Registration in Medicine (BRM) to adopt a set of proposed regulations that would satisfy a statutory requirement that physicians demonstrate proficiency in health information technology as a condition of maintaining their license to practice medicine. Testifying before the BRM, society Vice President Dr. James Gessner said the requirement is a provision of Chapter 224, the state health-reform law on cost control and quality enacted in August 2012. Chapter 224 required the BRM to establish as a condition of licensure regulations that physicians “demonstrate proficiency in the use of computerized physician order entry, e-prescribing, electronic health records, and other forms of health-information technology, as determined by the board.” The law further specified that, to demonstrate such proficiency, physicians must establish the skills to comply with federal meaningful-use requirements for health information technology. The requirement takes effect Jan. 1, 2015. According to the Massachusetts eHealth Institute, however, only 15,000 physicians who practice in the state have met or are expected to meet federal meaningful-use requirements. The state currently licenses more than 40,000 physicians. “Most of the remaining physicians are, under the law, ineligible for meaningful-use incentives and could lose their license if this statute were interpreted to require meaningful use as a standard for licensure,” said Gessner, adding that this situation would severely affect patient access to care across the Commonwealth, as physicians are prohibited from practicing medicine without a license. “The board has been left to interpret this statutory requirement on its own in a logical manner that is productive and serves the interests of the public. The Massachusetts Medical Society strongly supports the proposed regulatory approach the board has taken in compiling a thoughtful way to implement this requirement.” Among the BRM’s proposals are a provision that applicants may demonstrate skills through their employment with, credentialing by, or contractual agreements with an eligible hospital or critical-access hospital with a federally certified meaningful-use program; by being either a participant or authorized user in the Massachusetts Health Information Highway; or by completing three hours of continuing medical education in electronic records and meaningful use. The BRM also proposed several exemptions from the requirement, including those not engaged in the practice of medicine, such as researchers; medical residents and interns who are experienced with electronic records; those holding an administrative license and not engaged in direct patient care; those with a volunteer license, as these physicians often provide care to the most vulnerable and needy patients; and those on active military duty called into service during a national emergency. Another provision has been proposed to allow physicians coming to Massachusetts who have never been exposed to such a requirement to have the opportunity to be licensed and complete the requirement either through their employment site or other categories after arrival. Gessner, while indicating that large numbers of physicians will be able to comply with the statutory requirement by participating in one of the proposed categories, also cautioned BRM members that, “should any of these categories be eliminated or substantially changed, the impact would be profound on physicians, patients, and the board itself to process such denials of licensure.”
Regional Children’s Hospitals Begin Clinical Collaboration
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Children’s Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center have launched a new collaboration addressing potential ways to improve access to high-quality and high-value healthcare for children in Western Mass. and Connecticut. The two organizations, which both provide high-level inpatient pediatric and neonatal care as well as comprehensive outpatient services for children and adolescents, will work together to determine whether they can increase the availability, sophistication, and coordination of pediatric services throughout the Connecticut River Valley, and collaborate with community pediatric providers to improve the overall health and wellness of children in the region. Both have been recognized by U.S. News and World Report among the top U.S. children’s hospitals. “We recognize that an opportunity exists to bring together the talent, vision, and expertise of some of the leading healthcare providers in Western and Southern New England,” said Dr. Fernando Ferrer, chief physician executive at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. “As the pediatric healthcare environment becomes more complex, the responsible approach is to consider what is in the best interests of our children and families. We are committed to working together with this in mind.” Added Dr. John Schreiber, chief physician executive of Baystate Health, “our two organizations have a lot in common: similar cultures of placing the patient at the very center of our focus and strong commitments to the health of our communities in the broadest sense. In these common traits, we see the foundations of a very successful collaboration.” Examples of areas where both organizations agree that a collaborative approach could improve access and quality of care include pediatric neurosurgery, ophthalmology, pulmonology, and urology, all areas where current provider shortages can make getting care difficult for patients and families. The proposed collaboration may extend beyond clinical-care delivery as the organizations will also jointly explore the potential for expansion of a new pediatric accountable-care organization (ACO) that is now being developed in Western Mass. by Baycare Health Partners, Baystate’s affiliated physician-hospital organization. The goal of an expanded children’s ACO will be to improve the coordination of care between pediatric primary-care providers, specialists, and hospitals throughout the Connecticut River Valley; support the continuing development and implementation of healthcare-quality measures specific to caring for children; and continue the paradigm shift in the provision of care, from treating children when they’re sick to focusing on keeping them well. Another area of potential will be developing research collaborations between the organizations in order to expedite discovery and treatment of pediatric conditions. Both facilities are Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
United Financial Bancorp Posts Solid Third Quarter
GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2014. These results represent the first full fiscal quarter as the combined United Financial (merger of legacy Rockville Financial Inc. and legacy United Financial Bancorp Inc.) Rockville was the legal acquirer in the merger of equals with legacy United, in a transaction that closed on April 30, 2014, and Rockville changed its name to United Financial Bancorp Inc. at that time. The company had net income of $10 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared to Rockville’s net income of $4.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2013. Operating net income for the third quarter of 2014 was $10.5 million (non-GAAP), or $0.20 per diluted share, adjusted for $4.5 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $3.8 million (pre-tax) net positive impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair-value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $430,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the quarter ending June 30 was $5.8 million (non-GAAP), or $0.13 per diluted share, adjusted for $21.3 million (pre-tax) of expenses related to the merger, $4.9 million (pre-tax) net impact of the amortization and accretion of the purchase accounting adjustments (or fair-value adjustments) as a result of the merger, and $589,000 (pre-tax) net gains on sales of securities. Operating net income for the third quarter of 2013 was $4.6 million (non-GAAP), or $0.18 per diluted share, adjusted for income of $29,000 (pre-tax) from net gains on sales of securities. “I am pleased to announce that, during United Financial Bancorp, Inc.’s first full quarter as a merged entity, the company reported strong organic earning asset growth, highlighted by 10% annualized commercial loan growth and record residential mortgage loan production, while maintaining superior asset quality,” stated William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank. “While this is a difficult operating environment for banks, the company will continue its strategy of organic growth and commitment to enhancement of long-term shareholder value through operational and capital efficiency.” Other financial highlights:
• Third-quarter net income of $10.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, and operating net income of $10.5 million, or $0.20 per diluted share;
• A 12% increase in operating revenue, compared to linked quarter;
• A 22% increase in operating expense, compared to linked quarter;
• A 3.56% GAAP tax-equivalent net-interest margin, compared to 3.86% in the linked quarter. On an operating basis, the third-quarter tax-equivalent net-interest margin was 3.23%, compared to 3.34% in the linked quarter; and
• Operating non-interest expense/average assets decreased to 2.32% from 2.38% in the linked quarter.
Freedom Launches ATMs in Rite Aid Pharmacies in Western Mass.
SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union and Welch ATM announced that Freedom Credit Union-branded ATMs are now available in Rite Aid pharmacies in Agawam, Chicopee, Easthampton, Holyoke, Lee, Monson, Pittsfield, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. Freedom will also provide its members with surcharge-free access to all 224 Rite Aid pharmacy locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. In addition to custom branding, Welch ATM is providing new, fully compliant ATM machines and complete management. “We are excited to provide Freedom Credit Union with ATM branding at Rite Aids in Massachusetts,” said Adam Hobelmann, senior vice president at Welch ATM. “Our company strives to provide customer satisfaction, and we look forward to offering easy cash access and consistent ATM service to Freedom Credit Union’s members.” Over the past 11 years, Freedom Credit Union has grown from one branch to 10. The newest branch opened in September in the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy on State Street in Springfield.
Florence Bank Sets Grand Opening at Hadley Branch
HADLEY — Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, will celebrate the official opening of its new Hadley location at 377 Russell St. on Nov. 8 between 10 a.m. and noon. The public is invited to help celebrate the important milestone by joining officials from the bank for a grand-opening ceremony that includes a ribbon cutting, a weathervane dedication in memory of John Devine, refreshments, and entertainment. The opening of this branch culminates a construction project that began in the spring. The bank’s new home is only a few doors down from where it has been serving the town for nearly 20 years. “The bank owns the real estate at its new location, whereas we rented our previous space at 335 Russell St. It made sense for us to own the space and have control over renovations and upgrades as needed,” said John Heaps, Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Plus, this is a truly state-of-the-art facility that we believe will be very well-received and appreciated by our customers and friends.” Amenities and features of the new, 3,150-square-foot branch include direct access from Route 9; a full-service teller line with state-of-the-art technology for quick cash handling; walk-up and drive-up ATMs with smart technology for easy depositing; three drive-up lanes, including a drive-up ATM; expanded private offices and a private conference room; an energy-efficient building to minimize the carbon footprint; and a comfortable waiting area with a coffee bar and free wi-fi. Wright Builders Inc. and HAI Architecture worked on the design and construction of the new building in close cooperation with officials from the bank. Toby Daniels, vice president and branch manager of the Hadley branch, will continue in that role in the new location.
Paragus Ranks Among ICIC and Fortune’s Inner City 100 Winners
SPRINGFIELD — The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and Fortune announced that Paragus Strategic IT was selected for the 2014 Inner City 100, a list of the fastest-growing inner-city businesses in the U.S. This year, for the first time in the list’s 16-year history, the Inner City 100 consists of 10 fast-growing businesses from 10 industry categories: construction, manufacturing, professional services, food and beverage, retail, media and communications, software and information technology, transportation and logistics, healthcare and biotechnology, and arts, entertainment, and recreation. Applicants ranked according to revenue growth against their industry peers, as well as overall. Paragus Strategic IT ranked sixth in the software and information-technology category, and 35th overall on the list of 100. The Inner City 100 program recognizes successful inner-city businesses and their CEOs as role models for entrepreneurship, innovative business practices, and job creation in America’s urban communities. Paragus Strategic IT, an outsourced IT-solutions business and a nonprofit that trains high-school students in IT, reported 2013 revenues of $3.54 million and a gross growth rate of 328% from 2009 to 2013. The full list of winners can be viewed at fortune.com. Preceding the Oct. 16 awards celebration, winners attended a two-day small-business symposium designed exclusively for urban firms. The 2014 Inner City 100 winners represent a wide span of geography, hailing from 53 cities and 23 states. The winners grew at an average compound annual growth rate of 39% and an average gross growth rate of 336% between 2009 and 2013. Collectively, the top 100 inner-city businesses employ 8,276 people and created 5,119 new jobs between 2009 and 2013. Not only are the winners powerful job creators in their communities, they also help develop their employees — 73% provide business-skills training, and 69% provide professional-development training to all full-time employees.
Baystate Partners with VertitechIT on IT Infrastructure Project
SPRINGFIELD — Looking to maintain its role as one of the largest and most technically advanced health systems in New England, Baystate Health has launched a new IT infrastructure-redevelopment effort to be managed by Holyoke-based VertitechIT. Baystate Vice President and Chief Information Officer Joel Vengco announced the initiative, which includes updates to critical IT technologies and migration to a new, advanced data center. “Our doctors, nurses, and clinicians need access to critical records at all times, in all of our facilities, and on multiple platforms,” said Vengco. “This initiative, including our data-center move to a new facility in downtown Springfield, will allow our more than 10,000 employees to better serve more than a million patients every year and fully utilize the technology that has made us a keystone of the Western Mass. community.” Vengco has called on VertitechIT, one of the fastest growing healthcare-technology consultancies in the country, to manage the project. “Baystate is among the most respected institutions of its kind in the nation,” added VertitechIT CEO and founder Michael Feld. “It’s our job to make sure they have the infrastructure to continue to provide seamless care between the academic medical center, two community hospitals, and numerous outpatient and primary-care facilities. And from a purely selfish standpoint, it’s nice to have such a prestigious client in our own backyard.” VertitechIT formally opened its new national headquarters at Open Square on Oct. 17.
Executech Sold to Dan Serrenho and Partners
AGAWAM — Executech, one of the area’s leading providers of office supplies and equipment, recently announced the sale of its business to Vice President of Sales Dan Serrenho. Serrenho and employees Hilary Leclair, William Walsh, and Greg Nivison jumped at the chance to acquire the business from owner David Centracchio when Centracchio decided to sell. According to Serrenho, “our goal is to let the community know that we are here to continue providing excellent service to our customers. The transition will be transparent in terms of service.” Added Kathleen Anderson, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, “we congratulate Mr. Serrenho and all the Executech employee owners on their new roles as small-business owners. Small businesses are the backbone of the community’s economy, and the Holyoke chamber is fully committed to supporting our local businesses.” Executech, located at 53 Ramah Circle South in Agawam, offers a full range of sales, leasing, and service of office supplies and business machines and equipment. “We’ve learned that local ownership is key to meeting the needs of the business of our community,” said Serrenho.
Berkshire Community College Receives 2014 Trendsetter Award
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College (BCC) has received the 2014 Trendsetter Award for Growing and Advancing the Berkshire Economy by 1Berkshire, an independent not-for-profit corporation charged with strengthening and growing the economy in Berkshire County. The award, which was presented last month at 1Berkshire’s Celebrate the Berkshires event, is presented annually to an individual or organization with “a project that attracts new residents or new jobs or enhances the current workforce attributes for a single employer, targeted employee segment, or the region as a whole.” BCC was recognized for its unique collaborative partnership with the vocational schools in the Berkshires, in particular Taconic High School. The partnership between BCC and Taconic to produce the new advanced-manufacturing employee program was launched in October 2013 with the unveiling of a new, state-of-the-art lab. The lab is housed at Taconic and provides both BCC and Taconic students with the advanced technical skills that are needed in the new high-tech manufacturing workplace. BCC’s investment, along with matching funds from the state’s 2013 Vocational Equipment Grant Program, yield a $250,000 capital infusion into the new manufacturing lab. The lab includes a learning system consisting of two programmable computer numerical control (CNC) machines with a material-handling robot, hardware, simulation software, and other cutting-edge CNC equipment. This learning system was provided by funds from the Massachusetts Community Colleges & Workforce Development Transformation Agenda (MCCWDTA), a statewide Department of Labor grant. The kickoff event celebrated new manufacturing and BCC’s participation in MassDevelopment’s AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Program) it up! initiative. In addition to the investment into the manufacturing lab, BCC utilized funding from MCCWDTA and AMP it up! to promote manufacturing as a livelihood through the use of billboards and other advertising displayed throughout the county celebrating October as ‘manufacturing month.’ Presentations were also made to targeted audiences to promote advanced manufacturing as a career. BCC then offered its new advanced-manufacturing training certification program in partnership with Taconic High School to a pilot group of unemployed and incumbent workers at no cost. This 10-week, 66-hour, Level 1 program launched a statewide certified curriculum and employer-led training initiative developed by the Mass. Extension Partnership (MASSMEP) called MACWIC, (Mass. Advancement Center, Workforce Innovation Collaborative.) Following the Level 1 program, a 16-week, 115-hour, Level 2 program was established to build upon the Level 1 programming and meet the needs of the paper and plastic manufacturing companies in the Berkshires. The overall mission of the program is to preserve manufacturing knowledge and to execute the transfer of knowledge, all while meeting the needs of local employers. In addition to the programming at Taconic High School, BCC also assisted with a special manufacturing program offered at McCann Vocational Technical High School in North Adams.
Speed-networking Event
Nov. 5: Back by popular demand, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s (ACCGS) Business@Breakfast will feature a speed-networking concept at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern in West Springfield. The breakfast will take a wide departure from the salutes-and-speakers format of the traditional breakfasts and will provide attendees with a quick and entertaining opportunity to introduce themselves and pitch their company to the other attendees. The core concept to speed networking is the ‘elevator speech,’ a short summary of an individual, business, organization, product, or service — a summary that a person could deliver in the time span of a short elevator ride. Attendees will be divided into groups A and B. Members of each group will be seated across from each other. Each member of Group A will have 60 seconds to give his or her elevator speech to a member of Group B. A bell will ring, signaling the 60-second time is up, and each member of Group B will then get a chance to speak. The facilitator will signal when the 60 seconds are up again, and members of Group A will then move one seat to the right, and the process will begin again with a new partner. The round-robin format of networking will continue until the breakfast is over. The event will begin with networking and breakfast at 7:15 a.m. To accommodate the speed-networking portion, breakfast will not be served after 7:45 a.m., and no admittance will be allowed after 7:55 a.m. Reservations are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and only members of the ACCGS or the Springfield or East of the River Five Town chamber of commerce are eligible to participate. Reservations may be made online in advance at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].
One-year Birthday Party at Heartfelt Fine Gifts
Nov. 5: Heartfelt Fine Gifts, which carries the work of local artisans, is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Tower Square with a birthday party from noon to 6 p.m. The event will include a free gift for the first 200 people to stop by. Last November, Mischa Epstein and Jackie Griswold got together and decided to open a pop-up shop for the holiday season, intended to showcase their art, as well as the work of other artists. Soon after, Elaine Shepard joined the pair, and Heartfelt Fine Gifts became a full-fledged, year-round business. “It has been so wonderful to be able to share the talents of local artists with the rest of the community,” Griswold said. “The downtown Springfield community has been so supportive throughout our first year, and we are very excited to continue being a part of downtown.” Heartfelt Fine Gifts carries the work of 50 (and counting) local artisans, including jewelry, pottery, painted glassware, hand-dipped chocolates, bath luxuries, upcycled furniture, floral arrangements, and more. One area of expertise is corporate gift giving, and the store offers customizable options on most products.
GradNation Summit
Nov. 6: United Way of Pioneer Valley and Stay in School, a community initiative launched by United Way designed to increase student attendance in Springfield schools, will host the Springfield GradNation Community Summit 2014, a conference for youth, parents, and members of the community, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. in the Judd Gymnasia at Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield. The summit’s focus is “middle school success = pathway to graduation.” Educators say better school attendance and engagement in middle school leads to higher high-school graduation rates. Summit leaders will share what they have learned from youth, parents, educators, and the community, with a call to action to become part of the solution to increase the graduation rate in Springfield. Youth and community panels will take part in the conference. The event will be preceded by a pre-summit luncheon for Springfield community and business leaders. Michael Smith, former director of the Social Innovation Fund for the Corp. for National & Community Service and senior director of Cabinet Affairs for the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, will be the keynote speaker. Smith is a Springfield native. The Stay in School campaign was launched in 2013 in partnership with the Springfield Public Schools to increase school attendance, which is a key ingredient to academic success and graduation from high school. Those interested in attending the summit should RSVP to Shyreshia Perry at [email protected] or (413) 737-2691, ext. 200. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required to attend the conference.
ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• Nov. 5: ACCGS Speed Networking Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Make 50 connections in an hour. Sponsored by United Personnel. Cost: $20 for members in advance, $25 for members at the door. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
• Nov. 12: ACCGS After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Community Music School, 127 State St., Springfield. Enjoy great jazz, food, cash bar, and networking. Sponsored by Berkshire Bank, Heartfelt Fine Gifts, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and the Republican/MassLive. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
• Nov. 12: ACCGS Super 60 Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Celebrate the top privately held, fastest-growing companies in our region, featuring a keynote address by Friendly’s CEO John Maguire. Sponsored by Health New England, Hampden Bank, WWLP-TV 22, and Zasco Productions. Cost: $50 for members, $70 for general admission. Reservations must be made by Nov. 7, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
• Nov. 19: ACCGS Government Reception, 5-7 p.m., at the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Seize this opportunity to meet with your local, state, and federal delegation in an informal setting. Cost: $50 for members, $70 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
• Nov. 25: ACCGS Pastries, Politics, and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the UMass Center at Springfield, 1500 Main St., 2nd floor. Featuring MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones discussing “New Programs for Gateway Cities and the Effect on the Region.” Cost: $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700
• Nov. 5: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Applewood at Amherst, 1 Spencer Dr., Amherst. Guest speaker: Joanne Marqusee, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Health Care. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
• Nov. 7: Lunch with the Chamber, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Johnny’s Tavern, 30 Boltwood Walk in Amherst. Join the chamber staff, a number of board members, and some fellow Amherst-area businesses for a complimentary networking lunch. This is a no-pressure way to get to know some of the benefits of joining the chamber. Join the chamber now, and receive $75 off 2014 membership rates. RSVP to (413) 253-0700.
• Nov. 13: Social Media Pros and Cons, 12:30-2 p.m., at the Jones Library, Woodbury Room. For more information, contact the chamber at [email protected]. Free and open to the public. Bring your own bag lunch.
GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• Nov. 7: CheckPoint 2014 Legislative Symposium, 11:30 a.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, Holyoke. The Greater Westfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce will bring legislative leaders from Washington, D.C. and Boston to Western Mass. State House Speaker Bob DeLeo, state Senate President-elect Stan Rosenberg, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal have agreed to participate, along with the entire House and Senate delegations from the chambers’ cities and towns. Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 to 3 p.m., a panel discussion will ensue with the state delegation, with questions from the audience, followed by a cocktail reception, which area mayors and town administrators will also attend. To register, call (413) 568-1618.
• Nov. 13: Workshop 5 — Is Your Website Working For You?, 9-11 a.m. at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. “Learning to Read the Stats — Your Front Page — Relevant Content.” Cost: $20 for chamber members, $30 for non-members.
• Nov. 19: November Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Cost: $20 for members, $26 for non-members.
• Dec. 4: Holiday Open House, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Chamber Office, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee. Sponsored by Charter Business. Free to attend for all members. RSVP requested.
• Dec. 11: Workshop 6: “Strategic Networking: Networking to Increase Profitability,” 9-11 a.m., at Days Inn, 400 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $20 for members, $30 for non-members.
• Dec. 17: December Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $20 for members, $26 for non-members.
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• Nov. 4. GRIST (Get Real Individual Support Today) meeting, 9-10 a.m. at the chamber office. Are you a business of one? Are you a small-business owner without your own marketing department? Do you ever wish you had someone to toss around some ideas with about growing your business? The GRIST group can help. It’s a new chamber member benefit, an ongoing small group for folks who want to meet regularly to share ideas and get advice on the daily challenges of running a successful business. Call Fran at (413) 529-1189 or Derek at (413) 282-9957 to find out more. In this session, Ruth Griggs of RC Communications will present “Marketing Planning 101.” No fee. RSVP requested.
• Nov. 5: Small Business Information Security Forum, 6 p.m., at Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St., Easthampton (first floor, community room). A reception will precede the panel discussion from 6 to 6:30, and light refreshments will be served. This event is free to any business owner or someone interested in starting a business. The purpose of the forum is to educate local merchants on best practices for protecting business information as well as customer information. Three panelists will give 15-minute presentations in their respective fields. The presentations will be followed by a question-and- answer period. Robert Bukowski of Capital Bankcard will cover topics relating to credit-card safety, including PCI compliance, protecting customer information, and protecting your business from stolen cards. Kurt Shouse, cybersecurity administrator from Florence Savings Bank, will present on the subject of cybersecurity, which refers to protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unintended or unauthorized access, change or destruction. William Judd, vice president and cash management officer from Easthampton Savings Bank, will present on corporate account takeover, or CATO, an electronic crime to obtain credentials to online banking accounts. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panel and will be provided with handouts with best techniques to stop cybersecurity attacks. RSVP via Facebook or contact the chamber office.
• Nov. 13: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5 p.m. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members. Contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414 or [email protected] for additional details.
• Nov. 18: GRIST (Get Real Individual Support Today) meeting, 9-10 a.m. at the chamber office. No fee. RSVP requested.
• Dec. 11: Holiday Dinner Dance 2014, 6 p.m. Details to follow. Comedy show, dinner, and the big raffle drawing for $5,000. Call the office to sign up for a table at (413) 527-9414.
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
• Nov. 5: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Insurance,” 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the executive conference room at the Holyoke Chamber, 177 High St., Holyoke. Series Sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery, in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts Workshop. Learn what you need to know about liability, workers’ compensation, disability, health and unemployment insurance, automobile insurance, and property and loss of income. Led by Michael Regan of Goss & McLain Insurance. Cost: $20. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.
• Nov. 7: CheckPoint 2014 Legislative Symposium, 11:30 a.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, Holyoke. The Greater Westfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce will bring legislative leaders from Washington, D.C. and Boston to Western Mass. State House Speaker Bob DeLeo, state Senate President-elect Stan Rosenberg, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal have agreed to participate, along with the entire House and Senate delegations from the chambers’ cities and towns. Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 to 3 p.m., a panel discussion will ensue with the state delegation, with questions from the audience, followed by a cocktail reception, which area mayors and town administrators will also attend. To register, call (413) 568-1618.
• Nov. 18: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Financing Your Business,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the executive conference room at the Holyoke Chamber, 177 High St., Holyoke. Series sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery, in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. This workshop will explore loans, grants, and other types of funds; property and loss of income; and full-spectrum lending. Cost: $20. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.
• Nov. 19: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Slainte Restaurant, 80 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke. Great food, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and the popular Ambassador Bake Sale. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.
• Dec. 2: “How to Start and Maintain Your Business: Accounting and Taxes,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the executive conference room at the Holyoke Chamber, 177 High St., Holyoke. Series Sponsors: PeoplesBank, Common Capital, Mass Cultural Council/the Artery, in partnership with Holyoke Creative Arts. This workshop with touch on what you need to save, how often taxes have to be filed, quarterly withholdings, accounting and bookkeeping, software, personal assets versus payroll management, and tax-increment financing. Cost: $20. To sign up, call the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.
• Dec. 10: Holiday Business Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric, Health New England, Holyoke High School Madrigal Choir, and Bresnahan Insurance. Business networking while enjoying a hearty breakfast and sounds of the season. Cost: $22 for members in advance, $28 for non-members and at the door. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.
• Dec. 17: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Delaney House. Business networking event includes a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and money (scratch ticket) tree. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for the public. To sign up, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com.
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• Nov. 5: November Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Food Bank of Western Mass., 97 North Hatfield St., Hatfield. Sponsor: Homeward Vets. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• Nov. 12: “Creating an Online Marketing System,” 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., hosted by Greenfield Savings Bank, Community Room, 325 King St., Northampton. Sponsor: Tina Stevens 470. Speaker: Tina Stevens. Topics will include maximizing your online messages, effectively using calls to action, understanding the flow of search, setting goals and expectations, understanding the return on investment of online marketing, and developing a plan. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
• Nov. 14: “Tips, Tricks, & Shortcuts,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Sponsored by Pioneer Training. Speaker: Don Lesser. This workshop will present our favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts that we have collected and developed over 15 years of teaching and using Microsoft Excel. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
• Dec. 10: Joint Chamber Mixer for Greater Northampton and Amherst Area chamber members, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Lord Jeffrey Inn, 30 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. Sponsored by Florence Savings Bank. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• Dec. 15: New Member Orientation, 3-4 p.m., hosted by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. This is the chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you. Cost: free.
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• Nov. 3: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. For more information, Call Pam at the Chamber office, (413) 568-1618.
• Nov. 7: CheckPoint 2014 Legislative Symposium, 11:30 a.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, Holyoke. The Greater Westfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce will bring legislative leaders from Washington, D.C. and Boston to Western Mass. State House Speaker Bob DeLeo, state Senate President-elect Stan Rosenberg, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal have agreed to participate, along with the entire House and Senate delegations from the chambers’ cities and towns. Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 to 3 p.m., a panel discussion will ensue with the state delegation, with questions from the audience, followed by a cocktail reception, which area mayors and town administrators will also attend. To register, call (413) 568-1618.
• Nov. 10: Speaker Series: “Common and Costly Employment-law Mistakes Made by Small Businesses” (part 2), 8-9:15 a.m. at the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center, Westfield. Presented by Royal LLC. Cost: free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office, (413) 568-1618.
• Nov. 12: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Riverbend Medical Group, 395 Southampton Road, Westfield. Additional information to be posted as the event draws closer.
• Nov. 19: Annual Meeting & Awards Presentation, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at East Mountain Country Club, Westfield. Event Sponsor: United Bank. Cost: $50 for chamber members, $60 for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office, (413) 568-1618.
SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451
• Nov. 7: CheckPoint 2014 Legislative Symposium, 11:30 a.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, Holyoke. The Greater Westfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce will bring legislative leaders from Washington, D.C. and Boston to Western Mass. State House Speaker Bob DeLeo, state Senate President-elect Stan Rosenberg, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal have agreed to participate, along with the entire House and Senate delegations from the chambers’ cities and towns. Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Registration and networking begin at 11:30 a.m., with lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. From 1:30 to 3 p.m., a panel discussion will ensue with the state delegation, with questions from the audience, followed by a cocktail reception, which area mayors and town administrators will also attend. To register, call (413) 568-1618.
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
Dwayne St. Marie v. Michael Nelson d/b/a Franklin County Pumpkin Fest
Allegation: Negligence, trespass to land, and nuisance causing personal injury: $1,261,201.54
Filed: 10/10/14
Mutual Casualty Co. d/b/a Quality Inn, et al v. Western Mass. Electric Co. and Hanna Electric Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and negligence in the installation of a heater/AC unit causing fire: $200,000
Filed: 10/2/14
HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Diane Hebert v. Brinker Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Chili’s Restaurant and Baystate Medical Center
Allegation: Service of food not fit for consumption causing illness and resulting in serious infection while at Baystate Medical Center: $100,000+
Filed: 9/25/14
Ryder Transportation Services v. Bucklin Office Furniture, LLC, f/k/a D.D. Bucklin Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $57,731.51
Filed: 9/26/14
HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
ValuMail Inc. v. J.D. Wal Inc. d/b/a Dino’s Pizza Restaurant
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $3,983.64
Filed: 9/24/14
SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Lydia Rucks-Smith, a minor, by and through her mother, Olivia Watter v. Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services
Allegation: Negligence causing injury: $24,000
Filed: 9/27/14
Monson Companies Inc. v. Lansal Inc. d/b/a Hot Mama’s Foods
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,998.70
Filed: 9/17/14
Springfield Plumbing Supply Co. v. Adriano Punis d/b/a Associated Plumbing and Heating
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $18,083.73
Filed: 10/6/14
U.S. Foods Inc. v. 4 Our Fathers, LLC d/b/a The Islander and Joseph Dunn II
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,707.12
Filed: 9/26/14
