2014 - Page 24 of 36 - BusinessWest

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Opinion

Early-childhood Education Is Important

By Steve Grande

There’s a perception that manufacturing is a dying industry in Western Mass., but the reality is quite different. In fact, a fundamental challenge faced by manufacturing companies in the region is finding enough qualified employees who can apply math, science, and critical thinking to do the technical jobs that are the backbone of manufacturing operations today.

The challenge is increased because the industrial workforce is aging, and there are not enough qualified younger workers to replace the older ones who will be retiring soon. Companies planning their long-term survival need new generations of skilled workers. My company, Meridian Industrial Group, is one of those companies.

Meridian has deep roots in Holyoke, where it was established in 1890 as The J&W Jolly Co. We manufacture large parts used in aerospace, defense, commercial, and medical applications for customers across the country as well as overseas. Our workers make this business possible, and from a practical standpoint, I know we need a pool of qualified candidates to perform skilled manufacturing jobs.

There are existing regional efforts that help supply the pool of workers to fill manufacturing jobs, but I have concluded that preparation must start sooner. Building the necessary skills — how to think clearly, focus attentively, and apply concepts of math and science to solve problems — has to begin early in life. When I say early, I mean years before a child enters kindergarten.

Companies like Meridian Industrial need people who are ready to learn, know how to learn, excel at learning, and enjoy learning, now more than ever. That’s why I decided last year that I would make a concerted effort to support the success of Square One. It intrigued me when I learned that Square One, which provides early education and care for mostly poor, inner-city children, was founded back in 1883 specifically to provide child care for young mothers so they could go to work and support themselves. Now, as then, the children see their parents going to their job each day, so work and self-reliance are considered the norm.

Children at Square One spend their day learning in a quality early-education and care environment that prepares them to enter school and be successful. Their lessons transfer directly to their experience in school and helps make children who went to preschool at Square One much more likely to graduate from high school, continue their education past that, and contribute productively to the community. Any business person can appreciate the long-term value of such an investment.

It also intrigued me that Square One was smart enough to figure out that you can’t just educate and inform a child; you have to educate and inform their family so the culture of personal responsibility for one’s own success is reinforced on a daily basis. It’s a ‘hand-up’ philosophy that makes sense on many levels.

So I decided to support Square One. Speaking practically, I understand that what I’m doing now to support the organization will impact my ability to be successful as a business owner over the long term. That’s why I call on my colleagues, customers, and community to get on board with Square One and the whole concept of early education and care. Take time to educate yourself about the impact of early education and care. Go visit a Square One preschool and meet the children. Stay for the morning and read them a story. Meet the teachers and the staff.

I don’t run a large foundation that can afford to give away millions of dollars. I run a manufacturing business that I want to be profitable for a long time. That’s why I am proud to be an ambassador who talks to others about the important work that Square One is doing. Look into what Square One is doing because it matters, and support early-childhood education. v

Steve Grande is president of the Meridian Industrial Group, LLC.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Opinion

A Critical Moment for Springfield

It was Friday the 13th when the Gaming Commission came to Springfield to commit the state’s first casino license to a developer, in this case MGM.

Maybe they should have waited for another day.

The action taken by the commission was not unexpected, and in many ways it was a formality — MGM’s proposal to build a resort casino in Springfield’s South End has been the lone surviving bid for this region for more than seven months now — but this should have been a celebration.

Indeed, a city that has been struggling for decades, with everything from high unemployment to tornadoes, from a fiscal mess to a moribund central business district, was on the cusp of a new and exciting era. MGM was going to spend $800 million, create 3,000 permanent jobs, and transform several blocks in the tornado-ravaged South End.

But it wasn’t really a celebration, and for good reason. The referendum question regarding the fate of casino gambling in the Commonwealth has been hanging over this process like a wet blanket for months now, taking much of the festive spirit out of that gathering in Springfield.

And now, as most everyone knows, that referendum question will appear on the November ballot, following a unanimous vote of the state Supreme Judicial Court on June 24.

The next four months or so will be a wild, frantic period in the Commonwealth. This will be an intense, very expensive campaign that both sides are firmly committed to winning. They will hold nothing back — nor should they, because the stakes are incredibly high.

And it is not hyperbole to say that nowhere are they higher than in the City of Homes.

It was nearly two years ago when MGM first began wowing Springfield and raising hopes that something remarkable could happen here. At a high-tech, Vegas-style unveiling of the company’s plans for the South End at the MassMutual Center, politicians, business people, and residents looked at the flashy pictures and videos and started to dream — big.

Over the next several months, more companies had similar shows, and eventually people began to think that this could really happen here. And as the events of last fall unfolded, when West Springfield and Palmer voters said ‘no’ to proposals for their communities, some people here actually started to see a casino as a sure thing.

They should have known better.

There are no sure bets in casinos, and there are certainly no sure bets in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In fact, it’s fair to say that momentum for casinos is eroding in this state. Recent polls, including one conducted by the Boston Globe, say otherwise, but it’s easy to get the sense that it’s all slipping away. The Gaming Commission has looked inept at times, many times, and there were enough votes like the shocker in Palmer to make people wonder how wide and deep the support for casinos really is in this state.

There are enough question marks about all this to prompt conversations about what will happen in Springfield if the anti-casino forces prevail in November.

These are not uplifting conversations, to be sure. Indeed, the prevailing opinion is that it will be a blow that Springfield will take a long time to recover from — if it ever does.

That’s because the city is now this close to seeing its landscape transformed, its downtown property climb in value, its stock rise, its name become known for something other than poverty and blight. But it’s equally close to seeing it all go by the boards, leaving, as we’ve said on many occasions and in many ways, no Plan B, C, or D for how to spark a turnaround.

As we said, many individuals and communities have a lot at stake in November’s vote. But none more than Springfield. This is a critical moment for the city.

Community Spotlight: Lenox

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Community Spotlight Features

Lenox Strives to Become a Year-round Destination

Channing Gibson, left, and Christopher Ketchen want Lenox to become a year-round tourist attraction.

When Channing Gibson envisions what the town of Lenox will look like in the future, he sees a vibrant, year-round destination with a wide array of recreational activities that appeal to young people, along with the cultural attractions that have drawn tourists to the area for generations.

“Recreation could range from birding to biking, hunting, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing,” said the chair of the town’s Board of Selectmen. “We have a town beach on Laurel Lake, and although the traditional tourist comes here for relaxation and culture, there is an opportunity to attract people for recreation as well.”

Right now, the town is packed with tourists whose typical goal is to relax and enjoy the wealth of cultural events offered during the summer. In the coming months, many guests will also attend weddings, because the pastoral setting and large number of historic inns and hotels have made Lenox a popular place to get married. “There are so many places to stay that range from modest accommodations to high-end inns and hotels,” Gibson said.

But during the winter, business dies down, and many storefronts close their doors. In addition, young people in Lenox, as well as in other towns in the Berkshires, are leaving the area, and the town’s demographics reflect an aging population.

So the community is looking to create new recreational venues that would attract tourists year-round and appeal to young people. To that end, officials are waiting for the final report from a study conducted by the Conway School of Landscape Design. It is titled “Lenox’s 2013 Open Space and Recreation Plan,” and provides recommendations to improve existing natural and recreational resources.

In order to understand why the town has chosen this focus for its economic-development plan, Gibson said, it’s necessary to look at its past. He explained that the General Electric manufacturing plant in Pittsfield and the tourist industry played vital roles in the town’s economy for generations, and although GE closed its doors in 1986, Lenox continued to thrive, thanks to tourism.

“The Berkshire Visitors Bureau says that Lenox accounts for 40% of the tourist dollars spent in the Berkshires. Our geography works for us, and our hardworking innkeepers and people in the hospitality business make sure that visitors who come to the Berkshires want to stay in Lenox,” he said, adding that Canyon Ranch, Cranwell Resort and Spa, and Tanglewood, whose offices are in Lenox, are among the town’s leading attractions. “But even though we are in the right place, it’s something we can’t take for granted. We have to do things to improve revenues from tourism, and there is a lot of land available that is presently underdeveloped that can be put to good use.”

Town Manager Christopher Ketchen concurs, and says putting a new spin on tourism offers great potential. “We specialize in hospitality and making folks feel welcome, and the town offers picturesque natural beauty in winter as well as in spring, summer, and fall. Plus, we have been designated by the state as a green community and are starting to become known as a center for health and wellness.”

Gibson said the Conway report contains many suggestions, including the fact that existing trails, parks, and other natural resources could be linked by a pathway which would give residents and tourists easy access to recreational resources.

“There are lots of little pieces of land that could also be developed and linked by a trail that could be used for walking, biking, and more; it’s something we can do ourselves,” he told BusinessWest, adding that there is plenty of open space available for new recreational venues, which could increase the town’s vitality and help change its demographics. “Our goal is to find a way to take what worked in the past and bring it into the future.”

Need for Growth

When town officials created the FY 2015 budget, it included a fiscal-impact analysis. Gibson said it had been suggested by a consultant who did some free work for the town, and the Planning Board thought it was an excellent idea. “There are a lot of people with different ideas about what should be done in terms of economic development, and we were told it was important to understand what was needed and what was realistic.”

Unfortunately, it was eliminated from the budget due to cost. But since that time, several things have put a positive spin on the future.

The first is that Ketchen was hired in April; the town had been without a manager for almost a year. He had served as finance director in Hopkinton and deputy director of general government in Wellesley before moving to Lenox, and town officials are optimistic that his enthusiasm and ideas will result in concrete gains.

Ketchen says his plans include hosting open houses so interested builders and developers can meet town officials from different departments.

In addition, a concerted effort is being made to market the attractions in Lenox via the Internet. “In the past, the Select Board did very little in the way of marketing, other than maintaining our infrastructure,” Gibson said. “But now the Berkshire Visitors Bureau is promoting Lenox as a year-round destination with a Google display ad.”

Some businesses have also started their own marketing campaigns, and Gibson said they have been successful. “But we want to maximize the success and continue to promote the town and bring more tourists here,” he explained.

The Conway report will help facilitate that goal. Its recommendations take into consideration the results of two community forums, in which residents overwhelmingly stated that one of their top priorities was to protect the town’s natural resources. But although they want to maintain the pastoral views and ecological richness found in Lenox, the initial report showed that many do not know where the town’s parks are or where they can access hiking trails.

This needs to be remedied, and town officials hope they will also be able to add new recreational offerings. Collaborative efforts will be required to make the vision a reality, but if the plan is approved, it will allow the town to apply for competitive grants from the state as well as from other entities. In addition, Lenox will be able to use monies set aside beginning in 2006 when the town approved the Community Preservation Act. “The Conway report is timely, as last year the state added recreation to the areas in which Community Preservation funds could be used,” Ketchen said.

Although most people think of the Berkshires as a summer destination, he added, marketing will focus on events held during other seasons, such as the Apple Squeeze Festival in the fall; Shakespeare and Co., which hosts performances year-round; and the summer cottages built by wealthy individuals during the Gilded Age. “Some have been reused and turned into hotels and museums,” Ketchen said, citing Canyon Ranch and Ventford Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum as examples.

In addition, Lenox continues to maintain its infrastructure and retain the town’s reputation as a safe, beautiful community. “The majority of our efforts are aimed at tourism,” Gibson said. “We make sure the roads are well-paved, the town is run well, and we have good police and fire departments. It helps the community at large, but is also good for our tourist industry.”

Gibson says every town in the Berkshires is focused on bringing new business to the area, but they have different things to offer. For example, Pittsfield ranks high in terms of size and capacity of building space, while North Adams appeals to lovers of the arts. “So we needed to create our own fertile seed bed, because we don’t have the Mass Turnpike nearby or a lot of industrial space.”

Breaking Ground

Plans for a small, high-end boutique hotel and spa within a Gilded Age mansion were recently permitted, and a new Courtyard by Marriott hotel has received approval from the Zoning Board.

Both will add to the town’s character, but “the Marriott’s demographics are slightly different than our other inns and represent a young, energetic clientele,” said Gibson. “It’s exciting and could relate well to our plan to create new recreation and change our demographics.”

Ketchen agrees. “We have a lot to offer young people in terms of lifestyle. There is a small-town familiarity here that lends itself to a deep and meaningful sense of community, and this feels like fertile ground for businesses,” he said. “Focusing on year-round amenities will give us an opportunity to bring new vitality to the community, and our creativity will drive our economy in the future.”

Gibson is looking forward to bringing the vision to fruition. “I’m very excited about the potential represented in the Conway plan,” he said. “It’s still pie in the sky, and we are not there yet, but we have a good chance for success.”

Lenox at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1767
Population: 5,025 (2010)
Area: 21.7 square miles 
County: Berkshire
Residential Tax Rate: $12.07
Commercial Tax Rate: $14.91
Median Household Income: $45,581 (2010)
Family Household Income: $61,413 (2010)
Type of government: Open Town Meeting, Board of Selectmen, Town Manager
Largest Employers: B Mango & Bird, Canyon Ranch, Boston Symphony Orchestra Inc., Cranwell Resort Spa & Golf
* Latest information available

Transit Transformation

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Cover Story

Region Sees Economic Potential in Rail Service

Timothy Brennan calls the return of passenger rail service to the Pioneer Valley a “new frontier.”

That’s a phrase that has been used in other cities across the nation where revitalization has occurred as a result of the introduction or expansion of commuter rail service, which caters to the growing demand among young people and Baby Boomers for housing in downtowns complete with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and a good transportation system. And Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, believes it applies here.

Next year, after more than a decade of planning and infrastructure work, Amtrak’s Vermonter passenger train will run again along a direct route from Springfield to St. Albans, Vt., with stops in Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield. In addition, beginning in 2016, there will be more than 25 trips a day between Springfield and Hartford.

“We think this will be a game changer,” said Brennan. “There is a palpable sense of excitement about it, and the Valley has the disposition to be very supportive of this endeavor.”

Kevin Kennedy, Springfield’s chief development officer, agreed.

“As vehicular and truck traffic grows, it may become more relaxing to take a train with wi-fi service where people can use their cell phones and tablets or sit with a coffee, muffin, and their laptop and get some work done,” he said, pointing to the congestion that will be caused by the Mass. Department of Transportation’s three-year rebuild of the I-91 viaduct between State Street and the I-291 ramps as just one of many reasons why rail service may see a surge in popularity.

Tim Brennan says expanded rail service could be a game changer for the region.

In addition, the world of work is changing, and more people are telecommuting and reporting into an office only on occasion, Brennan noted, making it more possible for someone to live in Greater Springfield and work in New York, Boston, or another metropolitan area.

“Working from home is a growing phenomenon, and people could have a job in New York City, live here, and take the train to meetings,” he told BusinessWest, adding that, in some parts of California, employers allow employees to log into work via their laptops during their commute.

Marcos Marrero, Holyoke’s director of Planning and Economic Development, says it’s critical to keep up with societal change, and commuter rail service is part of this equation.

“Rail is the future for the Hartford-Springfield metropolitan area, and rail service is key to economic development in the Pioneer Valley,” he said. “Interconnected cities offer fertile ground for economic activity, as it allows them to prosper through the movement of people, products, and services. It’s important to go beyond our parochialism and understand globalization, and if we want to be part of what we know is successful in so many other metropolitan areas, we have to be interconnected and part of that fabric.”

This belief reverberates in Greenfield, and Linda Dunlavy says Franklin County has recognized the importance of restoring rail service to the area for more than a decade.

“We haven’t had a rail stop here since about 1985, but have always known that travel by passenger rail is really important to our economic development and quality of life,” said the executive director of the Franklin County Council of Governments (FCCG). “It has been one of the goals in all of our long-term planning, even though a decade ago it seemed like wishful thinking.”

Experts also hope commuter rail will boost local tourism, as it has in Vermont and other states. “Tourism is an export business, and Vermont does a very good job of marketing packages to people in New York that include Amtrak and hotel stays,” said Marrero. “Having a rail system allows that to happen.”

For this issue, BusinessWest looks at the reasons behind the reopening of the rail line, and also at the hopes and expectations of communities that find themselves on what is being called a path to progress.

On the Right Track

Passenger rail service existed to and from Springfield for decades before it was halted in 1989. At that time, Amtrak deemed the 49 miles of track running to the Vermont border through Greenfield in too great a state of disrepair to continue using.

Although some freight traffic continued, train speed was limited to 10 mph. “The principal reason the track was used was to deliver coal to the Mount Tom power plant in Holyoke, which will soon be closing,” Brennan said.

But Vermont found the rail service, which extends today from St. Albans to Washington, D.C., so lucrative that it chose to make a sizable investment to continue it. “The Vermonter is enormously popular, especially during ski season and during the summer,” Brennan said, adding that Vermont views it as an economic-development vehicle.

However, in order to keep the train running, it had to be diverted from Springfield to the east in Palmer, where a switchback sends it north. That switchback has always been problematic, as it takes 30 minutes, and passengers cannot leave the train.

As a result, more than a decade ago, Vermont approached the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission asking for help in restoring the deteriorated track. “Congressman John Olver was enthusiastic about it and was able to get an earmark for a study,” Brennan said.

At that point, the PVPC became the custodial agency responsible for moving the project forward, and a consultant was hired in December 2009 to determine what it would take to revitalize the track and analyze its return on investment.

The timing proved serendipitous, as the PVPC had the plan ready when President Obama allocated $8 billion in grant money for high-speed, inner-city rail projects.

The state’s application for a $73 million grant to rebuild the aging rail corridor, which would allow trains to travel in excess of 75 mph, was accepted, and a construction plan began to take shape.

“The work is being implemented as we speak and is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year,” Brennan said.

Although he is optimistic about the return of passenger rail service in the area, he said it will need to be expanded down the road to satisfy expectations.

“It will be great to get the Vermonter back, but there will only be one train a day in each direction, so we are working in earnest with partners to get more service up and down the valley to attract commuters,” Brennan said.

Still, experts predict that, if the MGM casino is built in Springfield’s South End as planned, it could generate an enormous amount of traffic. This development, coupled with construction work on the I-91 viaduct, which will begin in 2015 and take at least three years, could prompt people to use the train.

“If there is more north and south rail service, it could serve as a relief valve; our challenge now is how to add more trains between Springfield and Greenfield,” Brennan continued, explaining that an expansion will cost $30 million, but the PVPC is working with the Mass. Dept of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) on that goal, and funding could come from the state transportation bond bill passed in April.

“The biggest issue is that the rail corridor is owned by Pan Am Rail, which is a division of Norfolk Southern Rail,” he explained. “The state reached a verbal agreement to buy it for $17 million, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

Still, action is underway, and a letter has been sent to the secretary of Transportation, asking if the MBTA could donate locomotives and passenger cars that are being retired to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority. They could be refurbished, Brennan said, and the final step would be to find an operator to run them. He added that a connection from Vermont to Montreal is also on the drawing board, and there is keen interest in making that happen, but it is not a priority.

Accelerating Growth

Meanwhile, progress has been made in the form of new, multi-million-dollar intermodal transportation stations, and Union Station in Springfield is undergoing the first phase of its long-awaited restoration.

Kevin Kennedy says MGM Springfield, if it comes to fruition, would be one of many factors that could drive use of rail service in Western Mass.

Kennedy said the Union Station project has generated excitement, and the restoration of rail service is one of three ingredients — a major development investment, a significant transportation project, and a large-scale, market-rate housing development downtown — necessary in the revitalization of a city such as Springfield.

MGM represents the first element in that equation, and if the casino is built, it is expected to create 2,200 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs, in addition to vendor activity. “People could work in Springfield and live in Windsor Locks, Conn. or Northampton, but we will need to be able to get all of the workers in and out of the city,” said Kennedy, adding that rail service could help address that need.

The third element (housing) is also expected to come to fruition. “We anticipate a major housing announcement for downtown soon,” Kennedy told BusinessWest, adding that MGM’s plans include a trolley system with stops throughout downtown Springfield, which ties into the entertainment factor that makes a downtown attractive.

“Rather than focusing on MGM as a gaming place, think of it as an outdoor skating rink and place of entertainment which ties in with venues already in Springfield — the MassMutual Center, City Hall, and CityStage,” Kennedy said.

But he added that the rail system will eventually need to connect to New York City as well as the north for revitalization in Springfield to be successful.

Marrero also views the restoration of commuter-rail service as a key factor in Holyoke’s economic development.

“The Vermonter route runs along a major spinal cord, and the realignment will cut down on the time it takes to get to Vermont while providing service to Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield; Chicopee could also have a stop in the future,” he said, adding that he believes rail service will make the area more attractive as a place to live, work, or establish a business.

Holyoke is already moving in that direction, said Marrero, citing the success of Open Square in the city’s Innovation District, which is home to 50 businesses located a block from where the new rail station will be built.

“Vertitech Corp. moved into Open Square last fall, and they have plans to open in the New York metropolitan area,” he noted, adding that employees could take the train to meetings to and from either site. “We also have a lot of investment opportunity nearby in architecturally attractive buildings, which could lead to a walkable, dense neighborhood rich in interaction, which all fits together with rail service.”

Research on transit-oriented development shows that property within a one-mile radius of a rail station tends to be popular for mixed-use development. “So, rail has been my highest priority in terms of projects in the past two years,” Marrero said.

In May 2012, the city procured an architect to design a new, 12,000-square-foot rail station at the corner of Main and Dwight streets, which is the site of the first rail stop in Holyoke. It is expected to be complete by the end of July, and the next step will be to hire a contractor with MassWorks funding to build the $2.4 million structure, which will include new sidewalks leading into the station.

Economic Engines

Today, the $12 million John W. Olver Transit Center in Greenfield, located a few blocks from the heart of downtown, sits ready for rail service. It is the first zero-net-energy transit center in the nation and home to the Franklin County Regional Transit Authority and the FCCG.

Dunlavy and other Franklin County officials are also looking to the future and hope to expand the number of rail trains that stop there.

“When we first envisioned rail service, we only thought about Amtrak,” she explained. “But we hope to add a shuttle service to help employers expand workforce opportunities and help residents expand their opportunities for employment. Not everyone who lives here has a car.”

Passenger rail service is also expected to help with Greenfield’s revitalization, which got a boost a few years ago when new market tax credits and historic tax credits were approved for redevelopment of the upper stories of buildings.

Today, about 10 buildings have added office or residential space to their second floors and have also made aesthetic improvements to their first floors. In addition, the Franklin County Courthouse is undergoing a major renovation, and with the intermodal transit center as an anchor, “our long-term plan is finally coming to fruition,” Dunlavy told BusinessWest.

Pittsfield is also hoping to improve its rail service, and Mayor Daniel Bianchi believes rail “will be great for the area.”

The city’s primary goal is an east-west connection with New York City, and he believes reinstating rail is a viable form of transportation. “But it’s a huge project that involves a multitude of states. It’s a large, complicated issue, and we have to be realistic,” he said, suggesting that, since Connecticut already has good commuter rail service, the state might not be as willing as Massachusetts to make further investments in rail expansion a priority.

However, Community Development Director Douglas Clark envisions people from New York City who don’t own cars taking the train to Pittsfield to enjoy its cultural attractions.

That belief was enhanced when the results of a study conducted by Williams College Economics Professor Stephen Sheppard were made public, showing that the Berkshires could reap $344 million in the first 10 years of passenger train service to and from Gotham.

Unknown Potential

Brennan said Worcester is connected to Boston via rail service run by the MBTA, and it has made a significant difference in the city’s growth and revitalization.

“Worcester is now thought of as an attractive, affordable alternative to living in Boston,” he explained. “It has been an effort that has taken about 15 years, but it has really come together over the past few years. So our feeling is that we should anticipate a similar outcome once there is a high level of rail service available here.

“There will be talent shortages in the next decade, and we need to be connected so we can leverage these connections,” Brennan concluded. “We have to make sure we are well-positioned for the 21st century.”

With expanded rail service, he believes the region will have the right economic-development vehicle to meet that goal.

40 Under Forty 2014 Gala

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Events Features

The Class of 2014 Has Its Day in the Sun

The population of 40 Under Forty winners in Western Mass. officially reached 320 on June 19, as BusinessWest’s Class of 2014 received their plaques — and the applause of more than 600 people — at ceremonies at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. Perfect weather greeted guests on the penultimate day of spring, and they enjoyed one of the best networking events of the year. The gala featured fine food, music — each winner was introduced to a song of their choosing — and a chance to meet this program’s eighth class of rising stars, as well as many previous winners. On the pages that follow, we offer a fun look back at a memorable evening. Meanwhile, we’ll remind you that the nomination process for the Class of 2015 begins in roughly six months. So it’s time to start thinking about who could be the next members of this prestigious club. This year’s gala was sponsored by Baystate Medical Center, Fathers & Sons, Hampden Bank, Health New England, the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, P.C., Paragus Strategic IT, St. Germain Investment Management, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield.

Program Sponsors:

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

From left, Jennifer Stratton, assistant professor of Education at Springfield College; Seth Stratton, class of 2014, attorney with Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law; Kathleen Schneider, senior director of Budget and Award Management for Save the Children; Michael Schneider, class of 2014, associate attorney at Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C.; Kevin Maltby, class of 2014, attorney at Bacon Wilson, P.C.; and his wife, Eliza Maltby.

Mike Matty, president of St. Germain Investment Management, one of this year’s 40 Under Forty sponsors, congratulates Patricia Faginski, vice president and financial advisor for the company and member of the class of 2014.

Below, from left, Melinda Moreno, adjunct professor at Bay Path College, networks with Tamara Blake, class of 2014, director of Psychology at Bay Path College and president and founder of Angels Take Flight; Lee Hagon, class of 2014, vocal music director at Minnechaug Regional High School; York Mayo, CEO of Community Volunteers; Angela Lussier, class of 2014, CEO of Anglea Lussier Enterprises; and Nick Rattner, editor at the Ugly Duckling Presse.

Jeremy Casey, class of 2013, assistant vice president and Commercial Services officer at Westfield Bank, networks with Garett DiStefano, class of 2014, director of residential dining at UMass Amherst.

From left, Terra Missildine, co-owner and operations manager at Beloved Earth Environmentally Friendly Custodial Services; Kyle Sullivan, class of 2014, business insurance broker at the John M. Glover Agency; Ashley Clark, assistant store manager, officer at TD Bank; Alfonso Santaniello, class of 2014, president and CEO of the Creative Strategy Agency; Juli Thibault, Manager of Talent Acquistion at Baystate Health; and Jesse Tolan, digital media coordinator at the Creative Strategy Agency.

Jill Monson, left, class of 2010, chief inspiration officer at Inspired Marketing, networks with Rich Griffin, project manager for the City of Springfield, and his wife, Nicole Griffin, class of 2014, president and CEO of Griffin Staffing Network.

Representing Health New England, one of the program’s sponsors, are, from left, Robert Azeez, Medicaid behavioral health manager; Taylor Moore, credit and collections analyst; Kerri Kane, process improvement facilitator; and Yvonne Diaz, account executive for existing business.

Anthony Surrette, class of 2014, principal at Corbin & Tapases, P.C., stops for a picture with his proud mother, Theresa Surrette.

From left, Sandy Cassanelli, class of 2014, CEO of Greenough Packaging, and her husband, Craig Cassanelli, president of Greenough Packaging, stop for a picture with Michael Schneider, class of 2014, associate attorney at Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C., and his wife, Kathleen Schneider, senior director of budget and award management for Save the Children.

Representing Hampden Bank, an event sponsor, are, from left, Amy Scribner, vice president and director of marketing; Kristy Batchelor, branch manager at the Tower Square location; and Peg Daoust, branch manager at the Boston Road location.

Representing the UMass Isenberg School of Management, an event sponsor, are Kyle Bate, left, academic advisor and director of regional program development, and Katherine Piedra, director of the full-time MBA program.

Steve Oparowski, art director at Darby O’Brien Advertising, represents event sponsor Paragus Strategic IT near the main hallway, handing out martini glasses to the guests.

From left, Mark Wisnewski, Greenfield town councilor, and his wife, Francia Wisnewski, class of 2014, regional program manager at Raising a Reader Massachusetts, network with Denise Hurst, class of 2014, quality improvement manager and human rights coordinator at the Department of Mental Health, and her husband, Justin Hurst, also a member of the class of 2014, owner of Hurst & Crane Investments, and a Springfield city councilor.

Rich Griffin, left, project manager for the city of Springfield, stops for a photo with Jose Delgado, class of 2014, mayoral aide for the city of Springfield, and Danielle Emery, a second-grade teacher at Kensington Elementary School.

Representing Monson Savings Bank are, from left, Jaimye Hebert, class of 2011, vice president of Commercial Lending; Melanie Garcia, teller; Robert Chateauneuf, class of 2014, assistant vice president of Commercial Lending; his wife, Shauna Chateauneuf, case manager at MassMutual Financial Group; and Sara Rodrigues, teller.

From left, Seth Stratton, class of 2014, attorney at Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law; Jennifer Stratton, assistant professor of Education at Springfield College; and Seth’s mother, Mary Stratton, talk with Patrick Leary, class of 2007, shareholder and vice president of Moriarty and Primack, P.C., an event sponsor.

Jason Randall, class of 2014, director of Human Resources for Peter Pan Bus Lines, networks with Pam Thornton, center, business development manager for United Personnel, and Cindy Landry, human resources generalist at Health New England.

From left, Waleska Lugo-DeJesus, class of 2012, director of Multicultural Affairs at Westfield State University, networks with Ed Nunéz, senior business development officer at Freedom Credit Union and treasurer of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, an event sponsor; Michelle Crosby, branch manager at PeoplesBank; Jason Tsitso, class of 2012, project manager at R&R Windows; and Sarah Tsitso, class of 2007, executive director of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club.

Representing Fathers & Sons, an event sponsor, are, from left, Tony Quiterio, manager; Shera Smith, sales; Steve Langieri, sales manager; Bill Visneau, product specialist; Damon Cartelli, class of 2010, general manager; and Stephen Parent, sales director.

Representing event sponsor Baystate Medical Center are, from left, Sean Gouvin, class of 2014, director of Facilities Planning and Engineering; Ryan Thomas, performance improvement coordinator; and Kevin Kirrane, process improvement coordinator.

Ryan McCollum, left, owner of RMC Strategies, shares a moment with Erin Brunelle, class of 2013, realtor at Century 21 Hometown Associates, and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, class of 2014.

Jim Barrett, managing partner of Meyers Brother Kalicka, P.C., one of five judges chosen to review this year’s 40 Under Forty nominations, receives a gift basket on stage. Each of the judges was given a basket in gratitude for their hard work.

Alfonso Santaniello, class of 2014, president and CEO of the Creative Strategy Agency, surprises George O’Brien, BusinessWest editor, with a quick selfie as he accepts his award on stage at the Log Cabin.

[Show slideshow]

Danielle Drapeau Joins FSB as Mortgage Production Officer

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Daily News

FLORENCE — Florence Savings Bank announced that Danielle Drapeau has joined the bank as a mortgage production officer. Drapeau brings more than 20 years of banking experience to her new role with FSB. Most recently, she was an underwriter-officer with United Bank, located in West Springfield. Her experience includes underwriting loans that include FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and USDA Farmers Home. FSB President and CEO John Heaps Jr. said that “Danielle is a welcome addition to our team here at Florence Savings Bank. Her expertise will provide tremendous value to us and to the customers we serve.”

MassMutual Unveils Renovation Project at Enfield Campus

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Commercial Real Estate Sections

ENFIELD — MassMutual unveiled more than $38 million in renovations to its Bright Meadow campus, the primary location for the company’s retirement-services and workplace-insurance businesses, on June 17. The investment enhances the company’s overall infrastructure and positions MassMutual for future growth. It follows the company’s 2013 acquisition of the Hartford’s Retirement Plans division.

The renovations encompass approximately 15,000 square feet on the 66-acre, three-building site, and include infrastructure and technology improvements, a state-of-the-art data center, and enhancements to common areas. Several federal, state, and local officials and employees gathered to help MassMutual officially cut the ribbon on the revamped facility, as the 163-year-old company reasserted its commitment to driving economic growth in the state and the surrounding Enfield community.

“The significant improvements we have made to our Enfield campus reflect our efforts to position our integrated retirement business for continued success, as well as our broader commitment to invest in our facilities and our communities,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “We now have a world-class facility to accommodate the excellent growth potential of this business, and we look forward to delivering an outstanding service experience for our customers here for many years to come.”

The improvements in and around the building include:

• A state-of-the-art data center, the largest portion of the overall renovation project. The $23 million center will also deliver standby emergency power generation to most of the Enfield campus, thus enabling the facility to remain open in the event of a widespread power outage;

• The two-story lobby, which has been redesigned to prominently feature MassMutual branding, including the story of the company’s history and technology to create personalized greetings for special guests;

• A third-floor presentation room, created to welcome clients and visitors and demonstrate the company’s retirement-solution capabilities;

• A new innovative learning lab aimed at enhancing employee learning; and

• A redesigned visitors’ parking lot.

“Through the new construction and enhancements to our Enfield campus, we have created a dynamic and inviting work environment that fosters efficiency and productivity, and enables us to better provide our clients with the products and services they expect,” said Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual’s Retirement Services division. “Our significant infrastructure investment also reaffirms MassMutual’s commitment to the state of Connecticut and to Enfield, a community we’ve been proud to be a part of for more than a decade.”

In addition to the new enhancements at its Enfield facility, MassMutual is also making infrastructure and workplace improvements to its Springfield campus. Between the two locations, the company is investing more than $85 million. MassMutual currently employs about 2,400 people in its Retirement Services division; more than 1,600 work at the Enfield campus. The company also currently has 200 employees with Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC, a MassMutual subsidiary, in Hartford.

At left, MassMutual’s Bright Meadow facility, which recently underwent $38 million in renovations. Below, cutting the ceremonial ribbon are, from left, Enfield Mayor Scott Kaupin; Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual; Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president, MassMutual Retirement; Connecticut state Rep. Joe Courtney; and Connecticut state Sen. John Kissel. Below, left, Crandall addresses those gathered for the event. At bottom, the third-floor presentation room.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Building Permits Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$150,000 — Replace existing showers in Rose Williams dormitory

MLRD
351 Front St.
$33,000 — Repair stucco facade

Pride
167 Chicopee St.
$410,000 — Renovate and expand existing store

LUDLOW

East Street Auto Service
575 East Street
$150,000 — Fire damage repair

NORTHAMPTON

Better Homes Properties, LLC
34 New South St.
$108,000 — Exterior repairs

James Lee
221 Main St.
$127,000 Interior renovation and new storefront construction

Paradise Realty Partners, LLC
766 North King St.
$190,000 — Convert two units to one doctor’s office

Smith College
2 Seelye Dr.
$398,000 — Construct handicap accessibility ramp

Smith College
22 Elm St.
$255,000 — Renovate second and third floors at Tryon Hall

Smith College
69 Paradise Road
$269,000 — Exterior renovations for The Quad

Smith College
79 Elm St.
$9,751,000 — Phase 2 of new construction

Smith College
102 Lower College Lane
$307,000 — Install replacement windows

PALMER

American Tower Corp.
400 Peterson Road
$17,500 — Change antenna on existing tower

Palmer Redevelopment, LLC
4 Springfield St.
$100,000 — Replace AC unit

Robert Rapisarda
1139 Thorndike St.
$27,000 — Install new windows

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
550 College St.
$81,500 — New windows at Pearson Hall

Mount Holyoke College
57 College St.
$70,000 — New roof

South Hadley Housing Authority
643 Newton St.
$8,000 — Construct a handicap ramp

Wingate
573 Granby Road
$8,200 — Roof work

SPRINGFIELD

JoAnne Martinez
355 Belmont Ave.
$71,000 — Pharmacy going into supermarket

WMECO
300 Cadwell Dr.
$322,000 — Interior renovation

WESTFIELD

CPL, LLC
37 Feeding Hills Road
$373,000 — Interior renovations

Frank Demarinis
217 Root Road
$139,000 — Commercial addition

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Lindco
176 Wayside Ave.
$104,000 – Renovate 1,076 square feet of existing space

Raj Patel
560 Riverdale St.
$39,000 — Exterior renovations

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

10 Dewey St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $199,500
Buyer: Ruth M. Levy
Seller: Catherine C. Tallen
Date: 05/19/14

BUCKLAND

62 Ashfield Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Adam W. Griffin
Seller: Donald A. Billiel
Date: 05/23/14

COLRAIN

129 North Green River Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $225,568
Buyer: Cersosimo Industries Inc.
Seller: Edward D. Higley
Date: 05/21/14

DEERFIELD

7 Porter St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $349,900
Buyer: Stephen J. Sloan
Seller: Matthew T. Wilcox
Date: 05/22/14

4 Robs Way
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Mary Ann Barnes RET
Seller: Ruth V. Loudermilch
Date: 05/23/14

242 Upper Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Mark A. Sokoloski
Seller: Robert T. Tensel
Date: 05/30/14

62 Wapping Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: LCCNP LLC
Seller: Christopher Domian
Date: 05/21/14

31 West St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Madelaine E. Bartlett
Seller: Elizabeth A. Karas
Date: 05/28/14

GREENFIELD

28 Brookside Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Allen J. Holmes
Seller: P. G. Butterworth RET
Date: 05/30/14

435 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $122,500
Buyer: Lisa A. Sandri
Seller: David A. Strahan
Date: 05/28/14

31 Mill St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Richard C. McCarthy
Seller: Fevroniya Mikhaylichenko
Date: 05/23/14

11 Olive St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Town Of Greenfield
Date: 05/20/14

45 Place Terrace
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: David C. Kempf
Seller: Sarah J. Marchefka
Date: 05/29/14

52 Vernon St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Victor Turcan
Seller: Henry J. Machaiek
Date: 05/23/14

HEATH

84 Burrington Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: David D. Peterson
Seller: Peregrin J. Schwarzer
Date: 05/30/14

Sumner Stetson Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Dena M. Briggs
Seller: Berkshire Bay Lobster RT
Date: 05/23/14

LEVERETT

26 Teawaddle Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Leah H. Roth-Howe
Seller: Davis, Edward L., (Estate)
Date: 05/30/14

MONTAGUE

80 4th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $269,675
Buyer: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc.
Seller: Bret W. Matteo
Date: 05/21/14

9 James Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Ashley J. Williams
Date: 05/30/14

7 Norman Circle
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Rebecca L. Sevrens
Seller: Mary V. Emery
Date: 05/21/14

NEW SALEM

2 Fay Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Alane Mallet
Seller: Voutselas, Theodore, (Estate)
Date: 05/20/14

NORTHFIELD

30 North Lane
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Howard F. Hastings
Seller: Marguerite L. Lentz
Date: 05/22/14

ORANGE

25 Gay St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michael P. Gemelli
Seller: Workers Credit Union
Date: 05/30/14

426 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jason A. Kimball
Seller: FNMA
Date: 05/23/14

SHELBURNE

115 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $133,118
Buyer: Keiralee S. Jerrold
Seller: Generation Mortgage Co.
Date: 05/30/14

SUNDERLAND

358 Montague Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Cory Doubleday
Seller: McLean, Arthur F., (Estate)
Date: 05/19/14

181 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Frederick A. Laurenitis
Seller: Sophie A. Zewski RET
Date: 05/28/14

57 Plumtree Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $216,260
Buyer: Michael Murray
Seller: Bonnie J. Grise
Date: 05/27/14

78 South Plain Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Sawin
Seller: Scott J. Mceuen
Date: 05/30/14

WHATELY

233 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Gary Jennings
Seller: Gary R. Jambazian
Date: 05/30/14

15 Long Plain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Clifton E. Stone
Seller: Jane M. Banash
Date: 05/30/14

111 River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jennifer T. Lafountain
Seller: Donald E. Vollinger
Date: 05/29/14

WENDELL

78 Wendell Depot Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Boyden
Seller: Patricia L. Hughs
Date: 05/23/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

74 Blairs Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $353,800
Buyer: Michael H. Tremble
Seller: Hung Y. Zhao
Date: 05/23/14

23 Capua Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $323,500
Buyer: Ahmet Gunay
Seller: Tonya L. Plante
Date: 05/30/14

336 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Barry J. Battista
Seller: Himadhar Vemulapolli
Date: 05/30/14

51 Debra Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Sarah R. Stack
Seller: George Chrisanthopoulos
Date: 05/30/14

16 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Andy Wong
Seller: John W. Saulenas
Date: 05/28/14

35 Losito Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $321,500
Buyer: Travis J. Miles
Seller: William H. Vogel
Date: 05/30/14

703 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Thomas J. Davis
Seller: Collier, Eileen C., (Estate)
Date: 05/27/14

1064 North West St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Richard A. Borsari
Seller: Randy L. Cordner
Date: 05/21/14

132 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Shane A. Wild
Seller: Francis R. Marsh
Date: 05/30/14

161 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Lisa Gawron
Seller: Euripides Torres
Date: 05/30/14

16 Tanglewood Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $233,254
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Steven L. Paul
Date: 05/23/14

BLANDFORD

Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Remy E. Rogers
Seller: Chester E. Broughton
Date: 05/30/14

BRIMFIELD

26 Dearth Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Robert J. Barker
Seller: Donald J. Howard
Date: 05/29/14

CHESTER

Brown Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $195,200
Buyer: James D. Giza TR
Seller: Gary P. Shannon
Date: 05/22/14

CHICOPEE

47 Acrebrook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: David R. Carriveau
Seller: Kokoszyn, Mark C., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/14

16 Alvord Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Cedar Investment Group LLC
Seller: William E. Johnson
Date: 05/30/14

33 Ashgrove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Deanna M. Verderber
Seller: Gerard F. Kiely
Date: 05/22/14

21 Bliss St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Andrew G. Vienneau
Seller: Dolores Jakeway
Date: 05/30/14

785 Burnett Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Kuta Plaza LLC
Seller: River Shore Real Estate Inc.
Date: 05/30/14

111 Casino Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Christina Clifford
Seller: James D. Vermette
Date: 05/30/14

336 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: David A. Bailey
Seller: Christine L. Tanner
Date: 05/23/14

26 Forest St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $124,900
Buyer: Lindy M. Holguin
Seller: Deutsche Bank
Date: 05/22/14

102 Frontenac St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,500
Buyer: David Medina
Seller: Mary C. Young
Date: 05/28/14

38 Irene St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Nichole Lafleur
Date: 05/30/14

51 Lafayette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Katishia Gallishaw
Seller: Dmitriy Siroklin
Date: 05/30/14

108 Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Kristen M. Marceau
Seller: Matthew M. Jagodowski
Date: 05/30/14

78 Marble Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Thomas Goodrow
Seller: PFR Investments LLC
Date: 05/28/14

33 Martha St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Geraldine A. Kasulinous
Seller: Edwin P. Rowell
Date: 05/28/14

591 Mckinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Melvin Bonilla
Seller: James J. Whelihan
Date: 05/29/14

123 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Kirt J. Lafrance
Seller: Tallman, Lynda L., (Estate)
Date: 05/30/14

97 Moreau Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Michael A. Taylor
Seller: Melissa A. Purcell
Date: 05/22/14

13 Oakridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Corey A. Diaz
Seller: Eric J. Fontaine
Date: 05/30/14

36 Parenteau Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Rudolph J. Berg
Seller: David S. Billips
Date: 05/30/14

113 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Alberto Gallego
Seller: Dionisio Rodriguez
Date: 05/30/14

92 Rich St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Rachelle R. Kiley
Seller: Marc S. St.George
Date: 05/28/14

39 Roy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Antonio F. Tereso
Seller: Richard P. Pieczarka
Date: 05/23/14

18 Shirley St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Raymond W. Blair
Seller: Eda D. Blair
Date: 05/29/14

154 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Richard Ring
Seller: Douglas M. Blaney
Date: 05/28/14

48 White Birch Plaza
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $545,000
Buyer: Kuta Plaza LLC
Seller: River Shore Real Estate Inc.
Date: 05/30/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

79 Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Thomas D. McCormack
Seller: Neil Maki
Date: 05/19/14

14 Somerset St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Carolynn B. Vincenzo
Seller: Joanna R. Miles
Date: 05/30/14

HAMPDEN

240 East Longmeadow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Bean
Seller: Stanley V. Pawlowicz
Date: 05/21/14

69 North Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Timothy P. Lord
Seller: Arthur L. Burger
Date: 05/20/14

85 Sessions Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Donald F. Schmidt
Seller: Caitlin L. Sample
Date: 05/29/14

HOLLAND

32 Old Acres Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Ethan Loiselle
Seller: Nelson N. Ehinger
Date: 05/21/14

5 Sunset Lane
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Albert R. Neumann
Seller: Sylvia E. Morgan
Date: 05/30/14

HOLYOKE

31 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Anne O. Murphy
Seller: Matthew F. Sandler
Date: 05/29/14

19 Florence Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,900
Buyer: 21st Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Albert F. Hellyar
Date: 05/23/14

6 Gordon Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Jessica A. Dulaski
Seller: Dulaski, Francis M., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/14

25 Granville St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $214,000
Buyer: Daniel M. Pomerleau
Seller: William Delgado
Date: 05/30/14

567 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Richard J. Dominguez
Seller: Bruce C. Campbell
Date: 05/20/14

124 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Jose A. Hernandez
Seller: Sean P. Breen
Date: 05/27/14

7 Meggison Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Ivan I. Biley
Seller: Benjamin W. Dempsey
Date: 05/21/14

62 Norwood Ter
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: James P. Masi
Seller: Stephen J. Sloan
Date: 05/22/14

8 Radcliffe St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Doreen D. Fifield
Seller: Marion O. Dibble
Date: 05/29/14

250 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Rebecca Hardy
Seller: California Coastal Acquisition
Date: 05/29/14

99 Sheehan Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $169,205
Buyer: Nicole Pagnoni
Seller: Gator LLC
Date: 05/29/14

14 Queen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $179,500
Buyer: Anthony F. Piaggi
Seller: Ann E. Deforge
Date: 05/23/14

11 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Daniel Falcetti
Seller: Michael J. Falcetti
Date: 05/20/14

12 Valley Hts.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $161,500
Buyer: Michael W. Zaremba
Seller: Kyle R. Maurer
Date: 05/28/14

40 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: William Ramirez
Seller: Yocelyn Figueroa
Date: 05/29/14

LONGMEADOW

24 Birnie Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: James M. Daly
Seller: Matthew Sadosky
Date: 05/21/14

257 Brookwood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Colin W. Burns
Seller: Todd C. Coon
Date: 05/21/14

19 Cobblestone Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Valerie C. Sharpe
Seller: Nicholas J. Ciciretti
Date: 05/28/14

51 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Donald J. Sonn
Seller: Jeffrey E. Schechtman
Date: 05/29/14

5 Cranwell Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $453,000
Buyer: Junshu Zhou
Seller: John C. Suillivan
Date: 05/22/14

144 Franklin Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $369,900
Buyer: Spencer Ross
Seller: Timber Development LLC
Date: 05/20/14

604 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $277,000
Buyer: Eric R. Kretschmar
Seller: Steve D. Schultz
Date: 05/19/14

534 Park Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Michael K. Jarvinen
Seller: Frederick C. Craig
Date: 05/22/14

59 Prynnwood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Laura J. Kattan
Seller: Ernst P. Zobel
Date: 05/28/14

58 Twin Brook Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Brad L. Albert
Seller: David Starr
Date: 05/29/14

19 Western Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Daly
Seller: Mark W. Seals
Date: 05/30/14

57 Wheel Meadow Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Marni L. Joseph
Seller: Elaine P. Saffer
Date: 05/22/14

MONSON

73 Cote Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $178,779
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Laurie A. Day
Date: 05/21/14

40 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $138,750
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Toby R. Bridges
Date: 05/23/14

287 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: James G. Miller
Seller: Alan D. Provost
Date: 05/23/14

PALMER

30 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: John L. Duquette
Seller: Stephen R. Holuk
Date: 05/30/14

39 Flynt St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Dawn Zoto
Seller: Pikul, Julia B., (Estate)
Date: 05/29/14

40 Forest Lake Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Lisa A. Beaudry
Seller: Anthony Czarnecki
Date: 05/30/14

3166-3168 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Brian R. Stanley
Seller: Grace Dias
Date: 05/30/14

4063 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Mireille Bolduc
Seller: AMC Building Construction LLC
Date: 05/20/14

116 Mason St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Mark H. Cahoon
Seller: Michael L. Deyorio
Date: 05/21/14

2022 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $183,500
Buyer: Mark D. Baker
Seller: Michael Ruszczyk
Date: 05/30/14

25 Searle St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Lynn F. Desroches
Seller: Karen L. Morassi
Date: 05/30/14

SPRINGFIELD

140 Berard Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $173,300
Buyer: Jeremy R. Polastry
Seller: Krawiec, Kathleen C., (Estate)
Date: 05/30/14

54 California Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Laiona M. Weaver
Seller: CDM Properties LLC
Date: 05/29/14

9 Cleveland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Charity Ayala
Seller: Nelson Garcia
Date: 05/22/14

30 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $139,999
Buyer: Cedric Crapps
Seller: Joseph C. Basile
Date: 05/21/14

649 Cottage St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $592,500
Buyer: Amasdav LLC
Seller: H&S Truck Leasing Inc.
Date: 05/30/14

26 Fenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Nathan P. Bean
Seller: Kevin M. Robbins
Date: 05/30/14

53 Gail St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $144,700
Buyer: Jenna M. Molinari
Seller: FNMA
Date: 05/27/14

107 Grandview St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Brian L. Bartholomew
Seller: Francis A. Fratini
Date: 05/22/14

61 Keith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $147,925
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Carlena G. Morgan
Date: 05/29/14

354 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,875,000
Buyer: 2331 Associates Corp.
Seller: Main St. Indian Orchard NE
Date: 05/29/14

485 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: DGG Realty Partnership LLP
Seller: Tinkham Glen Realty LLC
Date: 05/30/14

33 Marengo Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $148,900
Buyer: Shelah R. Corey
Seller: Jeffrey W. Zabel
Date: 05/21/14

76 Meadow St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Andrew Serrano
Seller: Rodrigo Rodriguez
Date: 05/29/14

88 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Raymond Hamel
Seller: Laurie E. Martin
Date: 05/27/14

202 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Evelyn M. Bellerose
Seller: J. B. Camerlin Real Estate LLC
Date: 05/19/14

63-65 Orpheum Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Ron E. Christenson
Seller: Evelyn Paige
Date: 05/20/14

571 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Vaygnakon Soumpholphakdy
Seller: Patricia Yablonski
Date: 05/22/14

2026 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Piotr A. Lipert
Seller: Barry Haber
Date: 05/30/14

136 Pinecrest Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Tyrone L. Shaver
Seller: Thomas J. Ferris
Date: 05/27/14

26 Pineview Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Daniel S. Hesser
Seller: Patrick O’Brien
Date: 05/30/14

21 Sonia St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Megan E. Bergman
Seller: Nelson Bernardes
Date: 05/23/14

131 Spring St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $9,600,000
Buyer: Armoury Commons LLC
Seller: Tritex Real Estate Advisors
Date: 05/21/14

24 Thornton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Amber D. Degrandpre
Seller: Blanca Rodriguez
Date: 05/30/14

126 Undine Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Harry L. Burgos
Seller: Ting Chang
Date: 05/30/14

130 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Tango Investments LLC
Seller: Anti Displacement Project
Date: 05/19/14

30 Wexford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Shannon L. Frederick
Seller: Mareen D. Harwell
Date: 05/30/14

248 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $149,400
Buyer: Jose L. Rodriguez
Seller: Adeleke Thomas
Date: 05/21/14

SOUTHWICK

22 Babb Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Noipe RT
Seller: Joseph P. Brennan
Date: 05/30/14

3 Castle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: William D. Storozuk
Seller: Joseph F. Molta
Date: 05/30/14

22 Castle St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Robin Solek
Seller: Andrea H. Scully
Date: 05/22/14

68 Davis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $262,452
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Colleen M. Forest
Date: 05/27/14

15 Jeffrey Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Paul Tsatsos
Seller: Smith, Brian D., (Estate)
Date: 05/19/14

15 Veteran St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Anita L. Bage
Seller: Gail J. Howard
Date: 05/30/14

WESTFIELD

33 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Boguslaw Janik
Seller: Cofrancesco, Sandra A., (Estate)
Date: 05/30/14

89 Big Wood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Finnie
Seller: Ann L. Morytko
Date: 05/30/14

14 Carpenter St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Nicole Polo
Seller: Jonathan J. Tooker
Date: 05/28/14

47 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: William Reinhagen
Seller: Richard S. Pomeroy
Date: 05/29/14

9 Deepwoods Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Viktor Lysenko
Seller: Gould, Melvin J., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/14

41 Dickens Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Tonya L. Plante
Seller: Joseph P. Finnie
Date: 05/30/14

38 Hampden St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $218,999
Buyer: Travis Moszynski
Seller: John M. Hess
Date: 05/27/14

50 Laflin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $182,900
Buyer: Padma Darjee
Seller: Bernice B. Bush
Date: 05/30/14

85 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Daniel W. Sherry
Seller: Carolyn A. Cleland
Date: 05/21/14

3 Pine St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Steven R. Walker
Seller: John M. Hibert
Date: 05/28/14

3 Rachael Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $367,000
Buyer: Michael A. Mastroianni
Seller: James H. Cepican
Date: 05/30/14

83 Ridge Trail Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Tianyi Zhou
Seller: Holland, Margaret K., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/14

71 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Amanda R. Hines
Seller: Neil A. Daboul
Date: 05/30/14

181 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ivan Nozdryn
Seller: USA VA
Date: 05/30/14

24 Sunbriar Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Brent J. Kowal
Seller: William A. Reinhagen
Date: 05/29/14

10 Woodland Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Matthew Sandler
Seller: Stephen M. Shea
Date: 05/29/14

WILBRAHAM

2345 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Huntmar Realty LLC
Seller: Tomkat Realty LLC
Date: 05/20/14

114 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Devonia M. Long
Seller: Eric R. Kretschmar
Date: 05/19/14

12 Sandlewood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: John C. Tranghese
Seller: Mile Oak Land Holdings LLC
Date: 05/28/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

26 Christopher Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Enith Mendez-Runge
Seller: Lois C. Albury
Date: 05/23/14

270 City View Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Mohammed S. Alsultani
Seller: Osama S. Jalal
Date: 05/27/14

55 Elm Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $141,500
Buyer: Milan Graovac
Seller: Brian J. Kolodziej
Date: 05/29/14

37 Hewitt St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $121,125
Buyer: Martha M. Brodsky
Seller: Albert P. Biseinere
Date: 05/27/14

355 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jason E. Freitag
Seller: Judith M. McKay
Date: 05/30/14

389 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Town Of West Springfield
Seller: Merrick Drug Co. Inc.
Date: 05/30/14

166 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: David M. Melega
Seller: Thomas W. OÆBrien
Date: 05/30/14

452 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Islamic Society of Western Mass.
Seller: Sheila A. Pecor
Date: 05/28/14

110 New Bridge St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Pratap Gautam
Seller: Vladimir Lapik
Date: 05/30/14

163 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: George D. McCanch
Seller: Daniel W. Sherry
Date: 05/21/14

227 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Theodore J. Paradise
Seller: Harold Jenkinson
Date: 05/22/14

19 Wishing Well Way
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $357,500
Buyer: Thomas W. OÆBrien
Seller: Jonathan P. Reed
Date: 05/30/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

111 Amity St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $628,000
Buyer: Sophie Latham
Seller: Arthur D. Hyde
Date: 05/28/14

1260 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $226,748
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: David S. Allen
Date: 05/30/14

5 Blackberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Victor A. Ortiz
Seller: Gregory C. Curtis
Date: 05/28/14

62 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Spiridon E. Hatiras
Seller: Louise Pressman
Date: 05/30/14

56 Chesterfield Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $278,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Slavich
Seller: Isabella D. Cable
Date: 05/28/14

62 Justice Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Issac Chow
Seller: Larry Barkman
Date: 05/30/14

563 Montague Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Tara P. Boucher
Seller: Marga Coler
Date: 05/30/14

47 Pokeberry Ridge
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $476,000
Buyer: David Markland
Seller: Caroline C. Elbow
Date: 05/30/14

28 Pulpit Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Margaret E. Gage
Seller: Daniel J. Waskiewicz
Date: 05/19/14

125 Summer St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Ryan G. Holmes
Seller: Russell J. Dupere
Date: 05/29/14

10 Thistle Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $326,000
Buyer: Diana Peters-Ross
Seller: Ann H. Clark
Date: 05/21/14

10 Tyler Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $495,000
Buyer: Rockey Hill Road Partners
Seller: Joshua Hornick
Date: 05/28/14

18 Wildflower Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Boris Lau
Seller: Martha L. Kearsley
Date: 05/30/14

BELCHERTOWN

153 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: UFP Eastern Division Inc.
Seller: Paul A. Bachand
Date: 05/28/14

27 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Pauline E. Stokes
Seller: Cheryl J. Logan
Date: 05/29/14

491 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $228,021
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Judy M. Lacroix
Date: 05/20/14

611 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Michael R. Kendall
Seller: Sallie Sawin
Date: 05/23/14

671 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Gabriel Goncalves
Seller: Bradley S. Bedard
Date: 05/30/14

14 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: Tania J. Grael
Seller: J. N. Duquette & Son Construction
Date: 05/23/14

42 Pepper Ridge Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $363,000
Buyer: John B. Dowd
Seller: Curtis S. Copeland
Date: 05/30/14

297 Stebbins St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Kimberly A. Chaisson
Seller: Robert J. Meyers
Date: 05/30/14

CUMMINGTON

51 Lilac Ave.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Kyle J. Citro
Seller: Matthew J. Hathaway
Date: 05/30/14

EASTHAMPTON

19 Chapin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Maegan M. Davis
Seller: Janice M. Davis
Date: 05/22/14

2 Dartmouth St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $189,623
Buyer: Campagnari Construction LLC
Seller: Shannon S. Fifield
Date: 05/30/14

11 Fairfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Anthony K. Sillars
Seller: Jorge J. Pedroza
Date: 05/30/14

37 Franklin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Sarah L. Zazzaro
Seller: David E. Derouin
Date: 05/30/14

58 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Brian D. Burrell
Seller: Lussier, Donald M., (Estate)
Date: 05/28/14

1 Oakridge Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Brad E. Fink
Seller: Linda A. Cyran
Date: 05/30/14

9-11 Orchard St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Milo Properties LLC
Seller: 19 McKinley Terrace Westfield LLC

28 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $337,000
Buyer: Nina K. Derouin
Seller: Robert J. Powers
Date: 05/30/14

34 Torrey St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John C. Barnes
Seller: Lori A. Devine
Date: 05/28/14

15 Underwood Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: David J. Haines
Seller: Anne A. Pinkerton
Date: 05/29/14

58 Water Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: David G. Shelton
Seller: Deborah M. Mielke
Date: 05/21/14

GOSHEN

45 Bissell Road
Goshen, MA 01096
Amount: $232,000
Buyer: William H. Carter
Seller: Virginia A. Berry
Date: 05/23/14

GRANBY

115 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Cheryl L. Pitt
Seller: Cheryl L. Pitt
Date: 05/20/14

547 Amherst Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Todd Messinger
Seller: Tyler E. Scheinost
Date: 05/29/14

58 Cold Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Dorota B. Sadowski
Seller: Joseph A. Bergeron
Date: 05/23/14

368 River Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Emiliano Ricciardi
Seller: Dale M. Jones
Date: 05/30/14

HADLEY

14 Comins Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Paul Narus
Seller: Irene M. Russell
Date: 05/23/14

HUNTINGTON

46 Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $328,852
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Todd B. King
Date: 05/20/14

NORTHAMPTON

448 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Maureen M. Speight
Seller: Kiara M. Vigil
Date: 05/27/14

540 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Joanna L. Jordan
Seller: John M. Sullivan
Date: 05/20/14

30 Carolyn St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jayme R. Malinowski
Seller: Richard R. Malinoeski
Date: 05/28/14

35 Chestnut Ave.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Nira H. Elkins
Seller: Jesse C. Montgomery
Date: 05/29/14

176 Federal St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $242,500
Buyer: Anna Alter
Seller: Suzanne M. Smith
Date: 05/22/14

96 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $226,500
Buyer: Kristen R. Wilmer
Seller: William Z. Forray
Date: 05/30/14

24 Landy Ave.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: James P. Dadmun
Seller: Donald C. Dadmun
Date: 05/29/14

N/A
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Melinda M. Smith
Seller: Violet Clark
Date: 05/23/14

52 Olive St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Cole Archambault
Seller: Linda K. Rahm
Date: 05/30/14

39 Orchard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: William M. Miglore
Seller: Julianne S. Salzman
Date: 05/23/14

121 Pine St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Robert T. Sippel
Seller: Bill & Marie G. Emerson RET
Date: 05/30/14

303 Prospect St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $491,500
Buyer: Amy Berner
Seller: Stanley A. Hunter
Date: 05/30/14

76 Reservoir Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $129,000
Buyer: Carla J. Zayac
Seller: Wright Builders Inc.
Date: 05/27/14

24 Water St.
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Lisa A. Morrison
Seller: Day, Lynn A., (Estate)
Date: 05/30/14

24 West Center St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $247,225
Buyer: Daniel S. Millman
Seller: Sandra M. Gross
Date: 05/20/14

40 Washington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $512,000
Buyer: Gerome A. Miklau
Seller: Andrea E. Reber
Date: 05/20/14

PELHAM

124 North Valley Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Dennis R. Spalding-Fecher
Seller: John A. Kuusisto
Date: 05/28/14

SOUTH HADLEY

19 Helm St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $217,900
Buyer: Elizabeth B. Musto
Date: 05/30/14

30 Kimberly Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $335,900
Buyer: Bruce C. Campbell
Seller: Charles Heyer
Date: 05/20/14

203 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Rebecca J. Leclair
Seller: Michaud, Marc P., (Estate)
Date: 05/30/14

13 Silver St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Michelle N. Darling
Seller: Janice A. Hudgings
Date: 05/30/14

158 Willimansett St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Michael C. Nergararian
Seller: Christopher Ratkiewicz
Date: 05/23/14

SOUTHAMPTON

12 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $147,500
Buyer: Jesse A. Morrisey
Seller: Leonard A. Gagnon
Date: 05/29/14

9 Cottage Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Christine L. Tanner
Seller: Linda J. Pedigo
Date: 05/23/14

8 Geryk Court
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Matthew Carrasquillo
Seller: Steven M. Mielke
Date: 05/30/14

79 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Abdallah Hage-Sleiman
Seller: Paul R. Tourville
Date: 05/30/14

20 Helen Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Lori Beaudry-Flint
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 05/22/14

20 Katelyn Way
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Ningsheng Zhu
Seller: Andrew A. Boysen
Date: 05/28/14

6 Kevin Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $505,000
Buyer: Ryan G. Holmes
Seller: Russell J. Dupere
Date: 05/29/14

30 Mountain View Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Mellisa E. Herrere
Seller: Barbara A. Petersen
Date: 05/28/14

87 Pleasant St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $515,000
Buyer: Linda Rubner-Braastad
Date: 05/23/14

36 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Christopher L. Leclerc
Seller: Matthew R. Phillips
Date: 05/29/14

114 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Yocelyn F. Delgado
Seller: Emily D. Holmes
Date: 05/29/14

WARE

117 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Pauline E. Stokes
Seller: Cheryl J. Logan
Date: 05/28/14

40 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Tracy J. Giard
Seller: Sandra M. Crowley
Date: 05/27/14

84 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Guy P. Beaulieu
Seller: Daniel R. Ogoley
Date: 05/29/14

106 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Heather E. Young
Seller: Jennifer Jyringi
Date: 05/19/14

8 Richfield Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Michael J. Beauregard
Seller: Greg R. Miner
Date: 05/27/14

West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Cumberland Farms Inc.
Seller: Shawna R. Andrews
Date: 05/23/14

West St. #B
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Cumberland Farms Inc.
Seller: Shawna R. Andrews
Date: 05/23/14

WESTHAMPTON

7 Pomeroy Mountain Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kiara M. Vigil
Seller: Sally G. Sasso
Date: 05/27/14

315 Southampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Gavin C. Cook
Seller: Mary A. Munson FT
Date: 05/30/14

WILLIAMSBURG

77 Ashfield Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Cory J. Zawadzki
Seller: James F. Zawadzki
Date: 05/27/14

Jewish Lifecare Announces Capital Campaign

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Dr. Robert Baevsky, chair of the Jewish Lifecare board of directors, announced that Susan Kline and Stephen Krevalin, longtime volunteers for the organization formerly known as Jewish Geriatric Services, are chairing Project Transformation: A New World of Care, a $9 million capital campaign in support of several projects that will transform elder-care services at Jewish Lifecare.

“Jewish Lifecare has always prided itself on being a progressive, forward-looking organization that continuously engages the ever-changing needs of the elderly,” said Baevsky. “Project Transformation: A New World of Care continues our journey of culture change and person-centered care, as we enhance, build, and expand services and facilities to improve health outcomes, and enhance resident dignity, independence, and quality of life.”

Both Kline and Krevalin are former chairs of the Jewish Lifecare board of directors. Kline served as chair from 2012 to 2014, during which time she led the strategic-planning process leading to Project Transformation. Krevalin served as chair from 1996 to 2000, and has served on or chaired numerous committees, including the 2012 Centennial Celebration. Both Kline and Krevalin also served on the rebranding committee, leading to the organization’s rebranding as Jewish Lifecare.

“For the past two years, it has been my privilege to chair the board of directors and help shape this transformational journey,” said Kline. “As we move away from traditional models of care and embrace the small-house model of care, we will not only improve the care provided, but also enhance the dignity of those living here. Small house combines the best of a home-like setting with skilled care, and gives elders the freedom to live life on their terms, rather than conform to the rhythms of the institution. It helps them thrive in comfortable spaces that feel like home.”

In addition to her Jewish Lifecare volunteerism, Kline has also long been associated with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, currently overseeing all HGF programs and grants in Western Mass. Krevalin, a managing partner at Bacon Wilson, P.C., and his family have given back to the Jewish Lifecare community for generations. “Jewish Lifecare has a 102-year history of compassionate, caring, ever-growing services and facilities to best serve our residents, patients, and their families. Now, it’s time to reinvent ourselves once again,” he said. “It’s about a new philosophy, a new architecture, and a new look for the entire organization, ushering in a new world of quality care.”

The Project Transformation: A New World of Care campaign will support the construction of a state-of-the-art, 24-bed rehabilitation facility; renovations to the Leavitt Family Jewish Home in the small-house model of care; and other significant upgrades to the entire campus. Other funding sources will include an owner’s equity contribution and bank financing.

“For more than a century, we have been the proud caretakers of our local community,” said Martin Baicker, president and CEO of Jewish Lifecare. “From the very beginning, we have dedicated ourselves to delivering the very best elder care for everyone, regardless of religion or background. So, as we enter our second century, we are excited to introduce a new range of services and updates to serve our life-long commitment to our community.”

Jewish Lifecare has engaged the architectural firm of Perkins Eastman, as well as Jude Rabig, two of the foremost experts on culture change and small-house design in the U.S., to assist in the design of the upgrades and new facility. Groundbreaking for the new rehabilitation center is expected later this fall, with construction to be completed by the fall of 2015.

Legislature Approves Major Funding Increase for UMass

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Daily News

BOSTON — UMass President Robert Caret commended the state House and Senate for approving a major funding increase for the UMass system, funding sufficient for a second consecutive tuition and mandatory-fee freeze for in-state undergraduate students.

“UMass is poised at the brink of a new era as a result of what would be an extraordinary, two-year, $100 million state investment in its future and in the futures of the tens of thousands of students who bring their aspirations and abilities to our campuses every year,” Caret said. “We are honored by this expression of support from the Legislature, particularly because the members of the House and Senate, given how in tune they are with their constituents, take this step because they recognize the vital role that UMass plays in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

Henry Thomas III, chairman of the UMass board of trustees, called the Legislature’s action “historic,” adding: “over the past two years, the University of Massachusetts has received one of the largest increases of any public university in the nation, and this provides opportunity for our students and a strong foundation for our Commonwealth’s future. In addition to thanking the Legislature and its leaders, I want to commend President Caret for his leadership and vision and note the key role the chancellors play in making this process work. We are here in part because we have demonstrated the significant steps the university has taken in the areas of efficiency, transparency, and accountability — and these steps have been championed by our leadership team at the system and campus levels.” He added, “this historic moment would not be occurring without the support of our governor, as Gov. Patrick has been our university’s staunch ally throughout his tenure in office, vividly understanding education’s transformative power.”

The fiscal year 2015 state budget approved by the House and Senate funds UMass at $519 million — a $40 million increase over FY 2014 and enough for the second tuition-and-fee freeze as envisioned under Caret’s 50-50 proposal. The state budget approved by the Legislature now goes to Patrick, who has 10 days to review it. Because the $40 million appropriation increase the university received in FY 2014 carried with it an additional $10 million in state fringe-benefit funding, UMass actually saw a $50 million hike in state funding during the year — a pattern that would be repeated in FY 2015 if funding for UMass remains at $519 million.

Advanced by Caret after he assumed the UMass presidency in July 2011, the 50-50 plan called for a two-year, $100 million increase in state funding for UMass, with the goals of strengthening the university overall and equalizing the amount of money students and the state provided for educational programs. UMass said it would freeze tuition and mandatory fees in each of the years it received full funding of the 50-50 program. UMass received the first year of 50-50 funding during 2013-14 and froze tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students. Student charges vary from campus to campus, but under the rates recently approved by the UMass board of trustees, tuition and mandatory fees for in-state undergraduate students at UMass Amherst in 2014-15 will remain at $13,258. The cost of attending the university’s flagship campus with room and board factored in would be $24,215.

“College affordability is an issue that is on people’s minds in every corner of the Commonwealth,” Caret said. “Students and parents want to be sure that there is going to be an affordable, high-quality educational opportunity available for the young man or young woman who has worked hard and has achieved at the K through 12 level. And that is what is so important about the action the House and Senate has taken. The Legislature is saying that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts stand ready to be your partners in achievement. That is a critical message, and one that is being heard across the state.”

Cheri Mills Joins PeoplesBank as Assistant Vice President

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced the appointment of Cheri Mills as assistant vice president and Consumer & Business Banking Center manager at the St. James Avenue office in Springfield. She brings more than 27 years of banking experience to her new position. Mills attended Holyoke Community College and Elms College. She serves as the president of the Wilbraham Middle School PTO, registrar and volunteer coordinator for the Falcon Youth Football Assoc., and secretary/treasurer of the Morgan Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

BMC Breast Program Accredited, Earns ‘Best Practice’ Designation

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Medical Center’s Breast Program has been granted a full, three-year accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. The BMC program was also cited by the NAPBC in four areas for ‘best practice’ designation.

Accreditation by the NAPBC is given only to those centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. During the survey process, the center must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the NAPBC for treating women who are diagnosed with the full spectrum of breast disease. The standards include proficiency in center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement.

“A breast program that achieves NAPBC accreditation has demonstrated a firm commitment to offer its patients every significant advantage in their battle against breast disease,” according to the NAPBC, which also cited BMC’s Breast Program in four areas for providing ‘best practice’ services, including breast conservation, breast-cancer staging, pathology reports, and nursing. BMC’s work in those areas will be included in NAPBC’s national database of information that can be used by other programs to help meet NAPBC standards of care.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our entire Breast Program team at BMC to provide our patients with the highest quality of care,” said Diane Kelly, the hospital’s chief operating officer. “It’s critically important that we provide these comprehensive breast care services, giving our community access to multi-disciplinary, state-of-the-art care, close to home.”

The NAPBC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and monitoring of outcomes of patients with diseases of the breast. This mission is pursued through standard setting, scientific validation, and patient and professional education. Its board membership includes professionals from 20 national organizations that reflect the full spectrum of breast care. For more information, visit www.accreditedbreastcenters.org.

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Departments Picture This

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

Tolosky Center Unveiled
To honor the leadership and achievements of President and CEO Mark Tolosky over his 22-year career, the Baystate Health board of trustees recently announced the naming of the Tolosky Center at 3300 Main St. in Springfield. The Tolosky Center, a regional destination for outpatient healthcare services, opened in 1998 and ignited the redevelopment of an underused former industrial area in Springfield’s North End. The area today comprises more than $200 million of Baystate Health investment and more than 455,000 square feet of space, including the Tolosky Center, the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care, the Baystate Children’s Specialty Center, the Baystate Breast and Wellness Center, and the Baystate Orthopedic Surgery Center, among other Baystate-owned and -occupied properties. Tolosky is transitioning out of his position as president and CEO on July 1, moving into a president emeritus role. He served Baystate Health and the community for 22 years, beginning in 1992 as executive vice president of Baystate Health and CEO of Baystate Medical Center. Above, Tolosky and his wife, Noreen DiPerri Tolosky, who is also a registered nurse, pose near the plaque placed in the lobby.

Afternoon at the Museum

As part of its sponsorship of DeBerry Elementary School in Springfield in conjunction with Link to Libraries, BusinessWest arranged a field trip to the Springfield Museums on June 12 for a group of fourth-graders. The itinerary included the Mystery of the Missing Dinosaurs planetarium show, visits to the various museums, and lunch in the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. Here, students pose at the Horton statue.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Court Dockets Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations that have yet to be proven in a court of law. Readers are advised to contact the parties listed, or the court, for more information concerning the individual claims.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Severa Toledo v. Springfield Center Assoc., L.P., d/b/a Wendy’s Restaurant
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $4,086.30
Filed: 5/13/14

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Anthony B. Choquette v. Merrimack Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
Allegation: Misrepresentation and breach of insurance contract: $60,000
Filed: 5/29/14

Lansal Inc. v. Mama Mae’s, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay: $92,498.01
Filed: 5/16/14

Ronald and Linda Weston v. John Oakes and Farm Family Casualty Insurance
Allegation: Negligent misrepresentation by fraudulently concealing a reduction in coverage to the blind plaintiff: $182,000
Filed: 5/29/14

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Mary Aubrey and Nancy Kent v. Breakaway Retail Enterprises Inc. d/b/a Manny’s
Allegation: Negligent installation of a dishwasher causing mold and rot damage: $60,000+
Filed: 4/15/14

Susan Amuso v. Interskate 91 Skating and Fun Center, Pyramid Mall of Hadley Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $38,106
Filed: 4/18/14

Transborder Marketing Inc. v. Transborder Marketing S.P. Zoo
Allegation: Non-payment of loan: $250,000
Filed: 4/28/14

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Dennis K. Burke Inc. v. Thomas L. Engwer, III d/b/a Tom Engwer Trucking
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,711.39
Filed: 4/21/14

Easthampton Savings Bank v. Etinde Painting and Dieudonne B. Etinde
Allegation: Non-payment of revolving line of credit: $11,588.52
Filed: 4/16/14

LexisNexis v. Kairos Capital, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of subscription agreement: $5,888.87
Filed: 4/24/14

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Helena Chemical Co. v. St. Clair Landscaping Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $19,029.65
Filed: 5/13/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Evolution Fitness, d/b/a Edward J. Mazzuchelli
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $7,279.06
Filed: 5/7/14

Doner House, LLC v. Caceras Ferez Gomez Realty, LLC
Allegation: Breach of commercial lease: $20,496.79
Filed: 5/7/14

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. D. Porter Masonry Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of workers’ compensation policy: $13,206.39
Filed: 4/22/14

Packaging Corp. of America v. Rosa’s Candies Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and monies owed: $3,686.12
Filed: 4/30/14

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Agenda Departments

The Clark Reopens
July 4: Enjoy hot dogs, live music, balloons, and other family fun on the East Lawn of the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, which reopens at 1 p.m. after an extensive renovation. Admission is free on grand-opening day. Galleries will be open until 9 p.m., and the Eagles Band will perform at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9. Founded in 1936, the Eagles Band is the oldest continuing performance ensemble in the Berkshires, performing music from the late ’30s through the early ’50s, in styles ranging from traditional brass to contemporary and pop arrangements. Guests are welcome to return throughout the summer (admission $20, students and under 18 free), with new exhibitions including “Make It New: Abstract Paintings from the National Gallery of Art,” which will include Jackson Pollock’s “Lavender Mist,” opening Aug. 2. Perhaps the most impressive work of all is the Clark’s new, 42,650-square-foot Visitor Center — designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, who is known for incorporating landscape into his design. The center boasts new dining facilities, a museum shop, outdoor terraces, and 11,070 square feet of additional special exhibition space.

Berkshires Arts Festival
July 4-6: Now in its 13th year, the Berkshires Arts Festival has become a regional tradition. Thousands of art lovers and collectors are expected to descend on the Ski Butternut grounds in Great Barrington to check out and purchase the creations of more than 175 artists and designers, as well as experiencing theater, music, and dance from local, national, and international acts. Founded by Richard and Joanna Rothbard, owners of An American Craftsman Galleries, the festival attracts top artists from across the U.S. and Canada. Visitors can also participate in interactive events like puppetry and storytelling, all the time enjoying a respite from the sun under tents and in the ski resort’s air-conditioned lodge. Admission ranges from $5 to $13.

Leadership Skills for Supervisors, Managers
July 24: Ensure the future of your organization by providing leadership skills for your supervisors and managers. The Principles of Leadership II series, sponsored by the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, emphasizes team-building skills. Participants will learn how to develop high-performance teams, lead change, and take their time-management and interpersonal skills to the next level. The series follows on the heels of Principles of Leadership I, which focused on the one-to-one relationship between the supervisor or manager and each of his or her direct reports. Participants in Principles of Leadership II, which begins on July 24, must complete five core programs — on topics ranging from team dysfunction to problem-solving skills; from time management to emotional intelligence — to receive the certificate of completion. To register, contact Sue Miller, director of Learning and Development at the Employers Assoc., at [email protected] or (877) 662-6444, ext. 3013.

Western Mass. Business Expo
Oct. 29: BusinessWest will present its fourth annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. The business-to-business show, which last year drew more than 2,000 visitors, will feature more than 100 booths, seminars, and Show Floor Theater presentations; breakfast and lunch programs; and a day-capping Expo Social. Details about specific events, programs, and featured speakers will be printed in future issues of BusinessWest. Comcast Business will again be Presenting Sponsor, while the social will be sponsored by Northwestern Mutual. Current Silver Sponsors are Health New England and DIF Design, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Chamber Corners Departments

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

• July 9: ERC5 Member Appreciation Night with the Western Mass. Pioneers, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Lusitano Stadium, 400 Winsor St., Ludlow. Enjoy an exhibition game, food, contests, surprises, and more. Reservations are complimentary for ERC5 members, $5 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected]. The ERC5 is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
• July 14: ACCGS Annual Golf Tournament at the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick. Schedule: 10:30-11:30 a.m., registration/practice; 11 a.m.-noon, course-side lunch; 12:30 p.m., shotgun start. Cost: $600 for a foursome, $150 for an individual golfer, $30 for reception only. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

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

• July 21: Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce 11th Annual Golf Tournament, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Hickory Ridge Golf Course, Pomeroy Lane, Amherst. Registration and lunch are from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with a shotgun start at noon, and reception and dinner starting at 5 p.m. Cost: $125 per player. Presented by Hampshire Hospitality Group. Co-scholarship sponsor: Cooley Dickinson Health Care. Silver sponsors: Encharter Insurance, J.F. Conlon & Associates, MBA. Lunch sponsor: Davis Financial Group, LLC. Dinner sponsor: Fallon Community Health Plan. Bronze sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, NEPM, Steve Lewis Subaru. Carts sponsor: Taylor Rental. Water sponsor: Atkins Farms Country Market. Towels: Hampshire College.

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

• July 10: Netwrking By Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7p.m. Hosted by the Oxbow Water Ski Show Team, 100 Old Springfield Road, Northampton. The program will feature a gala waterski show and networking under the tent on the shores of the Oxbow. Door prizes, hors d’ouevres, and host beer and wine. Sponsored by Mantis Graphics and William F. Steplar Financial Services. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members. RSVP requested.
• July 25: 30th Annual Golf Tournament, at Southampton Country Club, 329 College Highway, Southampton. Scramble format with 9 a.m. shotgun start. Games, contests, and raffles. Team fees include lunch and steak dinner. Major sponsors: Easthampton Savings Bank and Five Star Building Corp. Event sponsors: Innovative Business Systems Inc. and TurningLeaf Design. Opportunities for business exposure include tee sponsors, donations to the golfer’s gift bag, and raffle-prize donations. Team fees: $440; tee sponsorships: $75/$125. This year’s 30th anniversary tournament will honor William Cater Jr., the first golf chairman. Contact the chamber to sign up a team, arrange a sponsorship, or make a raffle or gift prize donation.

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

• July 10: The Chamber’s 37th Annual Pancake Breakfast, 7-11 a.m., at South Middle School, 30 West Silver St., Westfield. Sponsored by: City of Westfield, Walmart, Appalachian Press, Noble VNA, and Peppermill Catering. Highlights: Vendor tables, bounce house, face painting, music, and more. Cost: adults, $6; seniors, $5; children under 12, $3. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

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

• August 18: Annual Golf Tournament, at the Ranch Golf Course, Southwick. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch at noon and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost: $125 for golf and dinner. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Departments People on the Move

Kristina Drzal Houghton

At its recent annual meeting, the Springfield Boys & Girls Club board of directors elected Kristina Drzal Houghton as its new Chairman. Houghton has been an active member of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s board of directors since 2003, serving on the club’s finance, Festival of Trees, and resource-development committees. Houghton is a partner and director of taxation services for the Holyoke-based public accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. She has extensive experience in tax-exempt organizations and unrelated business-income tax issues, as well as tax compliance and planning for closely held businesses. Her clients include those in the service, retail, transportation, medical, construction, manufacturing, education, insurance, and not-for-profit industries. Houghton received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College and her master’s in taxation from Bentley College, and she has more than 30 years of experience in the area of taxation. She was a former tax manager with Coopers & Lybrand. Her professional affiliations include the AICPA and the MSCPA. She is the immediate past president of the board of the Springfield Symphony, served as the former treasurer of Spirit of Springfield, and was a troop leader for more than 12 years for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass. Houghton is licensed as a certified public accountant in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
• • • • •
The Columbus Blue Jackets have named Jared Bednar Head Coach of the Springfield Falcons, the club’s American Hockey League affiliate. Bednar has served as an assistant coach of the Falcons since 2012, helping the club capture consecutive division titles since his arrival. “Jared has been instrumental in the development of several of our prospects in Springfield while serving as an assistant coach, and was a big part of the team’s recent success,” said Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Chris MacFarland. “He’s very well-respected throughout the hockey community, and we’re confident he will excel in his new role within our organization.” Bednar served as the head coach of the AHL’s Peoria Rivermen from 2010 to 2012, amassing a record of 81-63-12 over the course of two seasons. He joined the Rivermen after serving as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat during that club’s inaugural 2009-10 season.
• • • • •

Susan Seaver

Florence Savings Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, announced that Susan Seaver has joined the bank as Vice President and Mortgage Originator, responsible for mortgage originations in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Seaver comes to FSB with a strong résumé of service in the banking industry. Most recently, she was vice president and mortgage officer with People’s United Bank. Her experience includes training and supporting a staff of in-house originators, and she has been a multi-year recipient of the top producer award for success in closing residential loans. Her professional activities include serving as a member of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, the Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Mass., and the National Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. In the community, she has volunteered with a number of organizations, including the Michael J. Dias Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Western Mass. Eldercare. In announcing the appointment, FSB President and CEO John Heaps Jr., said that “we are very pleased to have Susan join our team here at Florence Savings Bank. She comes to us with extensive banking experience. I am confident our customers will be well-served by her contributions.”
• • • • •
Loomis Communities announced that Gabrielle Thomes has been appointed Director of Social Services at the nursing center at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing. In this role, she will plan and implement social services and help individuals and their families find the correct level they need for care and recovery or, when necessary, hospice. Thomes is a licensed social worker who previously worked at Wingate in East Longmeadow.
• • • • •

Joseph Malmborg

FSB Financial Group, the investment division of Florence Savings Bank, announced that Joseph Malmborg of Springfield has joined its team as a Financial Services Representative. In this capacity, he will work with individuals and business owners to develop strategic, long-term financial plans to help customers achieve their financial goals and objectives. Malmborg comes to FSB Financial Group with a résumé of 25 years of banking and investment-management experience. Most recently, he was an investment advisor with United Bank, where he managed and developed a $30 million investment portfolio. He is additionally a former investment advisor at Banknorth, registered investment advisor with MassMutual, and business development manager at Fleet Financial. Malmborg began his career as a branch sales manager at SIS Bank. The Westfield State College graduate is a licensed investment advisor representative with Commonwealth Financial Network, holding the Series 7 (General Securities) and Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law) licenses. He is also licensed to sell both life and health insurance. Malmborg is a past director of the East Longmeadow Chamber of Commerce. His other community activities include teaching Junior Achievement and being involved with Cursillo of Western Mass. “We are pleased to welcome Joe to our investment team. He will work closely with Jean Kelley and Nicole Domnarski to ensure that every FSB Financial Services client receives the highest degree of service and best possible investment advice in the Pioneer Valley,” said John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of Florence Savings Bank. “Joe’s extensive background and strong community involvement will make him an invaluable part of our team.”

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Company Notebook Departments

Meredith Corp. to Acquire WGGB
SPRINGFIELD — John Gormally, president of Gormally Broadcasting, LLC, as well as BusinessWest magazine, yesterday announced that he has signed an agreement to sell Springfield-based ABC 40/FOX 6 to Des Moines, Iowa-based Meredith Corp. The sale is subject to approval from the Federal Communications Commission and is expected to close later this summer or early fall. Gormally acquired ABC 40 in the fall of 2007 and soon began a series of significant investments in new facilities and equipment. Shortly thereafter, he launched Fox 6 Springfield, bringing a fourth TV station to the market. The sale is a reflection of a trend toward ongoing consolidation within the media industry, particularly in television. Meredith currently operates 14 local broadcast stations, including WFSB Channel 3 in Hartford and its low-power sister station, WSHM, in Springfield. Other Meredith stations are located in Georgia, Oregon, Missouri, South Carolina, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, Tennessee, and Nevada. Under Gormally’s ownership, ABC 40 earned numerous awards for news excellence, including News Station of the Year honors from the Associated Press in 2013 and 2014, competing against all Springfield and Providence, R.I. stations. WGGB continues to be the only commercial TV station broadcasting news in HD.

Baystate Health Announces Naming of Tolosky Center
SPRINGFIELD — To honor the leadership and achievements of President and CEO Mark Tolosky over his 22-year career, the Baystate Health board of trustees announced the naming of the Tolosky Center at 3300 Main St. in Springfield. The Tolosky Center, a regional destination for outpatient healthcare services, opened in 1998 and ignited the redevelopment of an underused former industrial area in Springfield’s North End. The area today comprises more than $200 million of Baystate Health investment and more than 455,000 square feet of space, including the Tolosky Center, the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care, the Baystate Children’s Specialty Center, the Baystate Breast and Wellness Center, and the Baystate Orthopedic Surgery Center, among other Baystate-owned and -occupied properties. Tolosky is transitioning out of his position as president and CEO on July 1, moving into a president emeritus role. He served Baystate Health and the community for 22 years, beginning in 1992 as executive vice president of Baystate Health and CEO of Baystate Medical Center. In 2004, while retaining leadership of Baystate Medical Center, he assumed the titles of president and CEO of Baystate Health. The naming of the Tolosky Center culminates a series of recognitions of Tolosky’s long tenure and contributions to Baystate Health and the community. In May, a program that has provided nearly $1 million in forgivable loans to help Baystate Health employees purchase homes was renamed the Mark R. Tolosky Baystate Neighbors Program. Also last month, the nurses of Baystate Medical Center recognized Tolosky with their Nursing Collaborative Award, a testament to his commitment to nurses, patients, and families. “During his tenure, Mark’s commitment has extended beyond the traditional definition of health,” said Victor Woolridge, chair of the Baystate Health board of trustees. “He made it a priority to forge community partnerships that improve lives, and as a result he has helped to strengthen the Western Mass. economy. He has been committed to the well-being of communities and the individuals and families within them.” Presiding over the naming ceremony for the Tolosky Center were James Sadowsky, vice chair of the Baystate Health board of trustees, and John Maybury, chair of the Baystate Health Foundation board of trustees. “My family and I consider ourselves very fortunate to be part of this amazing community,” said Tolosky. “We’ll look with tremendous pride and gratitude upon on our family name on this building, where so many patients receive the skilled and compassionate care that changes their lives for the better.” Under Tolosky, Baystate Health has developed a national reputation as a leader in healthcare quality, being named among America’s top 15 health systems and seeing its hospitals regularly included on prestigious lists of the top-performing medical facilities in the country. In the same period, Baystate Health has scaled up its charitable commitment to the communities it serves, providing hundreds of millions of dollars in community-benefit funding, and collaborating with a diverse range of partners to devise and implement new ways to improve community health each year. It also has substantially increased its economic impact, now employing 10,000 people and producing more than $2.6 billion in economic output annually, according to one recent study. Tolosky recently led Baystate Health through the largest building project in the history of the health system and region, the planning, design, and construction of the $300 million expansion of Baystate Medical Center. During tenuous economic times, he championed the need for these projects for patients, families, and the community. He also fostered unprecedented support from generous donors in the community, raising more than $23 million to make it possible. On July 1, Dr. Mark Keroack assumes duties as Baystate Health’s president and CEO.

Jewish Geriatric Launches Rebranding Campaign with New Name, Logo
LONGMEADOW — Jewish Geriatric Services Inc. (JGS) announced recently that it is launching a rebranding campaign featuring the new name Jewish Lifecare (JL), a redesigned logo and brand identity. “Two years ago, JGS celebrated its centennial. It was a time to look back at this organization’s venerable history of caring for our elders, but also an opportunity to envision the future,” said Martin Baicker, president and CEO of JL. “We challenged ourselves to develop a brand that would provide greater clarity of who we are and what we do.” In 2012, the JGS board of directors voted to move forward with the rebranding process, and a rebranding committee was formed, chaired by Susan Goldsmith, president of Marcus Printing in Holyoke. “We needed to shed limiting parts of our present brand, while differentiating ourselves from competitors,” said Goldsmith. “The name Jewish Lifecare was chosen because it encompasses so much more than just geriatrics. It provides the image of life in its entirety and the phases in which we live.” Retaining the word ‘Jewish’ in the name was important because it embodies the mission of the organization, which is rooted in the Jewish faith. The tagline, “Excellence for generations. Serving all faiths” highlights a 102-year history of excellence in the community and the broader audience of people of all faiths, she added. The icon combines the symbolism of an eternal flame and tree of life into one cohesive image. The dot on the top of the icon allows the symbol of a person to emerge, and ties in the human connection to the organization. Jewish Lifecare will phase in the new branding across all platforms and services over the next several months. “We’re introducing the world to the next evolution of an organization founded as the Daughters of Zion Home for the Aged,” said Baicker. “We have a long tradition of embracing culture change to better serve our residents, patients, and families, and we are excited to introduce the community to the next stage of this venerable organization.”

Country Bank Awards $80,000 in Scholarships
WARE — Country Bank recently awarded $80,000 in scholarships to 16 area high-school students at its annual Scholarship Dinner. The recipients, selected from the scholarship committees established at each location where a scholarship is awarded, each received $5,000 to help get them started in their college career and assist with the many expenses that go along with a higher education. At the event, staged this year at Teresa’s Restaurant & Alfonso Banquet Room in Ware, Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank, had the opportunity to meet each of the recipients, their guests, and a representative from their high school. “It means so much to have the opportunity to meet the students and their parents when the scholarships are presented,” he said. “They have all worked very hard to get to this point, and I have no doubt that each of them will succeed in the next chapter of their lives.”

Country Bank Awards $12,000 to Carson Center
WARE — Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank, and Shelly Regin, first vice president and director of marketing at the bank, recently paid a surprise visit to the Baystate Mary Lane Community Benefits Advisory Committee (CBAC). Scully personally acknowledged the work of the CBAC and awarded the Carson Center two checks. The first, for $2,000, was a portion of the proceeds from Country Bank’s Community Series performances at the Center at Eagle Hill. The second check, for $10,000, was a direct gift from Country Bank to further the Carson Center’s provision of services for community members who are struggling with addiction. These funds were given to compliment the Yes to Life structured outpatient addiction program at the Carson Center, which was funded by Baystate Mary Lane Hospital’s determination-of-need (DON) funds last year. DON funding was made available for community health initiatives as part of the state Department of Public Health’s DON process related to capital expenditures for Baystate Medical Center’s new Emergency Department in Springfield. “We are so proud to support this important and worthwhile program, which will help so many of our community members” Regin said. “Country Bank recognizes this as an opportunity to assist the Carson Center and their Yes to Life Program, and in turn bring support to those who need it in our surrounding towns.”

MassMutual Donates $155,000 on Behalf of Financial Professionals
SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual has awarded $155,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations through its annual Community Service Awards (CSA) program. The awards are given on behalf of MassMutual financial professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to nonprofit organizations in their local community. New this year, MassMutual has increased its giving to include six $5,000 Silver awards in addition to its usual 10 $10,000 Gold awards and a top $25,000 Platinum award. “At MassMutual, we are proud of the significant impact our financial professionals have on their communities. What better way to encourage more of them to volunteer than to recognize those that are highly dedicated to helping others?” said Nick Fyntrilakis, vice president of Community Responsibility at MassMutual. “We are delighted to expand our program this year to honor more individuals who are making a positive difference in their communities across the country.” This year’s $25,000 Platinum Award winner is Darren Scrimpshire, a financial professional with MassMutual South Texas in San Antonio. Scrimpshire is being recognized for his work with San Antonio Fitness, Independent, & Recreational Environment (SAFIRE), a day activity center for young adults with intellectual disabilities that focuses on healthy lifestyles, continuing education, and pre-vocational skills. This year is MassMutual’s 18th year presenting Community Service Awards. Each award recognizes the many selfless hours of volunteer time and talent that MassMutual’s financial professionals put in during the year to improve their communities. MassMutual has contributed more than $1.4 million to charitable organizations across the country through its CSA program since its inception in 1996. The CSA program is just one of a variety of philanthropic programs sponsored by MassMutual in support of nonprofit organizations where its financial professionals live and work. Last year, in total, MassMutual provided nearly $8 million in philanthropic investments throughout the U.S., of which more than $900,000 supported organizations in honor of its financial professionals.

Steward Health Care, Doctors Express Announce Affiliation
SPRINGFIELD — Doctors Express has announced support for a growing trend of healthcare system partnerships with urgent-care facilities. Steward Health Care, the largest fully integrated community-care organization and community-hospital network in New England, recently announced a new clinical affiliation with AFC Doctors Express Urgent Care, the largest urgent-care provider in New England. This partnership is the first of its kind in Massachusetts and makes urgent-care centers available to Steward patients and others within the next year. Master franchisors Richard Crews and James Brennan of the local Doctors Express facilities — located in Springfield and West Springfield — commend the efforts to increase the quality and efficiency of patient care. Doctors Express has 11 locations in Massachusetts and plans to open 15 more locations in the next two years. Steward now has the largest integrated network of urgent-care providers in Massachusetts with 24 affiliated locations to be opened within the next year. Through this affiliation with Doctors Express, 45 family-practice, emergency-medicine, and internal-medicine physicians employed by Doctors Express will join the Steward Health Care Network. As part of this clinical affiliation, Doctors Express physicians will now have access to Steward’s patient portal to evaluate a patient’s clinical history prior to commencing treatment. Clinical notes from a Doctors Express visit will be communicated back to a patient’s primary-care physician or specialist for necessary follow-up. Steward patients will remain in-network while visiting a Doctors Express location. Urgent care includes some services offered by primary-care physicians, including treatment for acute illness, trauma (including minor surgical procedures), vaccinations, X-rays, medication dispensing, and more. Many patients might not take advantage of these services through primary-care practices because of inconvenient hours. “Our Doctors Express urgent-care practices are an advocate for better healthcare throughout our Western Mass. community,” said Brennan. “Not only do our physicians treat symptoms, but they also provide preventative care. We have moved urgent care far beyond the boundaries of traditional clinic care, and we look forward to more growth opportunities, from franchise development to partnerships with major healthcare systems.” Added Crews, “emergency rooms continue to be overcrowded with patients seeking non-emergency health-care. Partnerships with major healthcare providers alleviate the burden of crowded emergency rooms, and more importantly, these partnerships increase the quality of care by providing fast and efficient care during non-business hours.”

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin Receives United Way’s Gold Award
SPRINGFIELD — Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., serving Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut, was recognized as a Gold award recipient from the United Way of Pioneer Valley during its 2014 annual celebration. Local businesses were recognized with Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards for extraordinary support during the 2013-14 campaign. Each year, the United Way of Pioneer Valley runs an annual campaign that provides funding for local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. Donations finance health and human-service programs throughout the region. Awards were presented at the annual celebration, which was hosted recently at Chez Josef in Agawam. “We are proud to have the good fortune to be able to give back to a community that supports our success,” said partner Steve Schwartz, who has been with the firm since its inception 45 years ago. “We are equally proud of the other contributing businesses recognized at the United Way of Pioneer Valley annual event. We accomplish more working together.” The United Way of Pioneer Valley is the regional affiliate of United Way Worldwide, a leadership and support organization and network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their full potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives. For 90 years, the United Way of Pioneer Valley has been working in partnership with individuals, businesses, and organizations that advance the common good throughout the Greater Springfield community, including the 25 cities in Hampden County, South Hadley, and Granby.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Briefcase Departments

MGM Springfield Wins Casino License
SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International received a unanimous vote from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) approving an agreement to award MGM Springfield a license to operate a resort casino in downtown Springfield. This is the first approval of a casino license in the Commonwealth. The commission’s decision comes after an extensive, two-year process of hearings and background investigations culminating in a final week of hearings and deliberations. MGM formally announced its interest in a resort casino in Springfield in August 2012. At one time there was a field of five companies vying for the sole Western Mass. casino license. The MGM Springfield site is located on approximately 14.5 acres of land between Union and State streets, and between Columbus Avenue and Main Street. Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, called it “a great day for Springfield, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and MGM. We’re proud of what our talented team and our many dedicated city and community partners have accomplished together. We thank the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for its thorough vetting process and look forward to continuing our work with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and other Springfield and Western Mass. elected officials and governmental leaders, along with residents and businesses of Springfield and the region, as we move this project forward.” Murren was joined by MGM Resorts President Bill Hornbuckle and MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis for the decision at the MassMutual Center. The crowd gathered included elected officials; civic, business, and community leaders; and MGM Springfield supporters. MGM Springfield, an $800 million investment, is designed to ignite an urban revival. MGM and its professional partners worked painstakingly to put together a design that celebrates the history of Springfield while moving the Gateway City into a new era of commerce and economic opportunity. The integrated resort casino is designed to enhance the entire urban center of Springfield. The mixed-used development project calls for a 25-story, 250-room hotel with world-class amenities, including a spa, pool, and roof deck; 125,000 square feet of gaming space with 3,000 slot machines, 75 gaming tables, a poker room, and a high-limit VIP gambling area; about 55,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space that will accommodate 15 shops and restaurants; and a multi-level parking garage. Plans also envision a high-energy dining, retail, and entertainment district with an eight-screen cinema, bowling alley, and outdoor stage. This will be developed by Davenport Properties of Boston, in partnership with MGM on land now occupied by the tornado-ravaged South End Community Center and Howard Street School. Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president, said, “MGM is very grateful to the MGC and, most importantly, to our supporters. Today’s decision says yes to jobs, yes to downtown revitalization, and yes to opportunity and hope. We have been, and will continue to be, a committed partner to the city and the Commonwealth. We have worked hard to develop the strong relationships necessary to create a world-class urban casino resort proposal that will anchor a renaissance for an important gateway city and the region around it. We now look forward to that becoming a reality.” MGM Springfield will bring 3,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs to downtown Springfield. MGM has established a hiring goal of 35% of the workforce from the city of Springfield and 90% from a combination of Springfield and the region. Additionally, MGM Springfield has entered into surrounding-community agreements with neighboring communities providing for tens of millions of dollars. However, all casino projects in the Commonwealth still face the threat of a ballot repeal of the casino law, now that the Supreme Judicial Court has allowed the question to appear on the November ballot. Because the repeal effort hangs in the balance, the MGC and MGM entered into an agreement to award the single Category 1 (resort-casino) license available for Region B (Western Mass.) contingent on the outcome of the repeal matter. The future date allows the postponement of the licensing and related fees until the repeal question is resolved. “The City of Springfield deserves a brighter economic future,” Mathis said. “Its residents spoke loudly when they voted yes for MGM Springfield in a July 2013 referendum. A successful repeal would mean the loss of good jobs, new economic development, and a needed revenue stream. It would also eliminate the opportunity to recapture billions of dollars currently lost to neighboring states. MGM is ready to help the Commonwealth achieve these worthy goals.”

SJC Approves November Referendum on Casinos
BOSTON — On June 24, the state Supreme Judicial Court cleared the way for a repeal of the state casino law in November’s election. In a unanimous vote, the SJC ruled that Attorney General Martha Coakley was wrong to reject the anti-casino ballot question last year. “We conclude that the attorney general erred in declining to certify and grant the requested relief so that the initiative may be decided by the voters at the November election,” the court said in a lengthy decision written by Justice Ralph Gants. The ruling paves the way the way for what experts predict will be a protracted — and expensive — campaign that will certainly draw significant national interest. Commenting on the court’s decision, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno stated, “I appreciate the due diligence and consideration the SJC has given to this case. Going forward, we will proceed like we did last year before our local referendum and present the facts on what this means to not only Springfield but to Western Mass. and the entire Commonwealth.” He argued that the two main keys to knocking down poverty and public-safety issues inurban America are education and jobs. “People are hungry to work. MGMSpringfield is a massive jobs-generation project. It also means $50 milliondollars in local vendor procurement opportunities and the redevelopment of the downtown area heavily affected by the June 1, 2011 tornado.” He added, “The entertainment attractions that MGM Springfield will offer to all of New England will not only bring new life and vibrancy to Western Mass., but help to repatriate over a billion dollars currently leaving Massachusetts to other resort destinations. We are prepared and optimistic that, once the voters of the Commonwealth see and hear all the facts, we will prevail.” Michael Mathis, president of MGM Springfield, also weighed in on the decision in a preparedstatement. “MGM Resorts has spent three years collaborating and talking with the people of Western Mass. on the value of a casino resort as a unique economic-development catalyst,” he said. “We are confident that our urban revitalization project in Springfield, one of the Commonwealth’s most prominent gateway cities, is something to which all Massachusetts voters can relate. It is a comeback story in progress with hardworking people eager to grow jobs and get back to work. We are fully prepared to extend this message to a larger audience through a statewide campaign to educate the voters on the enormouseconomic benefits that would be lost to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth in a repeal.”

DevelopSpringfield Announces Grant for State Street Improvements
SPRINGFIELD — DevelopSpringfield announced that it has awarded a $25,321 grant for facade improvements to the 886-892 State St. property owned by Lorilee I, LLC. Building tenants include the new restaurant Q Smokin’ Good Food. The grant is made possible under DevelopSpringfield’s Corridor Storefront Improvement Program, which provides grants of up to $10,000 per storefront for exterior improvements to first-floor businesses located on State and Main streets in Springfield. Improvements to this space included renovations to three separate storefronts, two which were combined to create the new restaurant space. The recently awarded funds were used to revitalize and repair the existing façade and included new windows, doors, and signage. The grant is supporting a substantial investment for improvements to the building by the property owners. Q, featuring homemade southern barbeque, opened in mid-May. “We are grateful for DevelopSpringfield’s support of our façade renovations. We are a family-run business and are thrilled to bring our love of great southern barbecue to the neighborhood,” said Craig Spagnoli, Q co-owner. “We’ve already received great feedback from folks who have appreciated the visible improvements to the building and have also enjoyed our food. We serve both lunch and dinner, along with takeout, and look forward to serving this community.” The project shows a strong commitment to reinvestment and revitalization along the State Street corridor. It is also an example of initiatives recommended in the State Street Redevelopment Program and the Rebuild Springfield Plan to focus on strategic redevelopment in this area. For more information on the Corridor Storefront Improvement Program, visit www.developspringfield.com and click on ‘programs,’ or contact Jay Minkarah, DevelopSpringfield President and CEO, at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected].

Northampton Jazz Festival Seeks Additional Funding
NORTHAMPTON — Facing the loss of a major sponsorship, the founders and organizers of the fourth annual Northampton Jazz Festival are looking to the community for financial support so that September’s full slate of offerings can continue to be held free of charge. This year’s festival is slated to begin Tuesday, Sept. 2 with various events held each day of the week, leading up to the Saturday, Sept. 6 main festival event from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Northampton. Musicians on tap will include some of the “most cutting-edge players, mostly from the New York scene,” said Tom Reney, host of WFCR’s Jazz a la Mode radio show. Rick Gifford, a founding member of the board of directors, said the cost of the festival is about $35,000 per year: $15,000 for the musicians and another $20,000 in maintenance and set-up costs. This year, the festival lost an annual $10,000 sponsorship from a large corporation due to a change in its funding priorities. Gifford and fellow festival board members are hoping to close the gap with new business sponsorships as well as private donations, which they are seeking from the community at large for the first time. “We’re determined to continue to make it a free concert for participants,” Gifford said. “All of the music that is supported by our sponsors and patrons of the arts is designed to allow people of any walk of life with an interest in jazz to come to the jazz festival and not worry about buying a ticket. Northampton is all about inclusion. That is the mission of the Jazz Festival, too.” To help close the gap, organizers held a private fund-raising party on June 4 in Northampton, raising more than $3,500 and bringing the total needed down to $11,500. “Supporting the festival is supporting the vitality of the region. I am committed to do what I can to continue to keep free and open jazz alive in this Valley,” said Allen Davis, founder of the Davis Financial Group, LLC, in Hadley and a patron of the festival. Willie Hill, director of the Fine Arts Center at UMass Amherst, added that “we must dig as deep as we possibly can to support jazz and pass it on to our children and the next generation, or it will die as an American art form.” Events begin Tuesday, Sept. 2 with a performance by vocalist Giacomo Gates at the Northampton Jazz Workshop at the Loft at the Clarion Hotel at 7:30 p.m. Next, Wednesday, Sept. 3 and Thursday, Sept. 4 are Jazz and Food Nights at Popcorn Noir in Easthampton and Sierra Grill in Northampton, starting at 6 p.m., and on Friday, Sept. 5, the ‘Northampton Jazz Strut’ will give music lovers a chance to explore different venues across downtown Northampton and hear a number of local and regional jazz performers. At Saturday’s signature Northampton Jazz Festival event, featured performers will include Etienne Charles & Creole Soul, the Steve Davis Quintet and the Champian Fulton Quartet, the Seamus Blake Band, FlavaEvolution, the Miro Sprague/Marty Jaffe Group, and Hendrik Meurkens/Scott Mullet with the Green Street Trio. The festival will also feature the 12-Mile Meal event (12milemeal.com), a battle between three local chefs who are given locally raised ingredients and must cook a dish on the spot with those ingredients. Participating in this year’s challenge will be Xavier Jones of Viva Fresh Pasta of Northampton, Brian Graham of Johnny’s Tavern in Amherst, and Chef Casey Douglass of Galaxy Restaurant/Lounge in Easthampton. For more information, visit northamptonjazzfestival.org or contact Gifford at (413) 582-7925. Contributions can be sent to Northampton Jazz Festival, P.O. Box 641, Northampton, MA 01060.

Massachusetts Adds 9,100 Jobs in May
BOSTON — The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) preliminary estimates show that Massachusetts added 9,100 jobs in May and the total unemployment rate dropped 0.4% from the April rate to 5.6%. Over the month, jobs were up 9,100, with private-sector jobs up 8,800. Since May 2013, Massachusetts has added a net of 49,700 jobs, with 51,300 jobs added in the private sector and 300 added in the public sector. The total unemployment rate was down 1.4% from the May 2013 rate of 7%. Not only are Massachusetts jobs above the April 2008 high point before the latest recession, they also exceed the February 2001 pre-recession job level. BLS also revised its April estimates downward to a 2,000-job loss from the 1,600-job loss previously reported for the month. Meanwhile, nationally, employers added 217,000 jobs in May, pushing total employment to 138.4 million, or slightly above the previous peak reached in January 2008 as the recession got underway, the Labor Department reported. The six-plus years it took to fully recover the jobs represent the longest unemployment slump since World War II. The unemployment rate, which held steady at 6.3% in May, remains well above the 4% to 5% levels that preceded the recession, a sign that the economy has not generated jobs quickly enough to keep up with population growth.

Advertising Club Seeks Pynchon Nominations
SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is seeking nominations for the 99th annual William Pynchon Award, the area’s oldest community-service recognition program. Established in 1915, the award honors individuals from all walks of life who go beyond the call of duty to enhance quality of life in Western Mass. communities. Social activists, philanthropists, educators, clergy, physicians, journalists, and business leaders have received the award in years past. To nominate an individual, submit a one-page letter explaining why the nominee should be considered. Please include brief biographical information, outstanding accomplishments, examples of service to the community, organizations he or she is or has been active in, and the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three people who can further attest to the nominee’s eligibility for induction into the Order of William Pynchon. All nominees will be considered and researched by the Pynchon trustees, comprised of past and present presidents of the Advertising Club. Nominations must be submitted by end of business on Friday, July 11 to: William Pynchon Trustees, Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1022, West Springfield, MA 01090, or by e-mail to [email protected]. The 2014 Pynchon medalists will be announced on Friday, Sept. 12. The Pynchon awards dinner and ceremony will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Chez Josef in Agawam.

Leadership Pioneer Valley Graduates Class of 2014
NORTHAMPTON — The 2014 class of Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) graduated on June 5 in ceremonies at the Smith College Conference Center. Prior to getting their certificates, the 35 participants in the 10-month program presented their accomplishments from working in six teams on issues facing the region. Each project was submitted by a local nonprofit or past LPV team. Three of the projects were continuations from prior years, and the nonprofit partners included Peace Jam of New England, STCC’s Latino Success Project, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Project topics included increasing access to higher education, attracting and retaining young professionals, publicizing regional history, engaging young people in leadership, and connecting local colleges and universities to the regional food bank. Each team offered expertise and energy to make a difference on community challenges from throughout the region. Each team project afforded experiential-learning opportunities and the chance to furthercommunity trusteeship while making a real impact in the region. Teams also had to collaborate with their partners to reach their own goals and meet the expectations of the nonprofit partners. Each participant participated in day-long monthly sessions from October until May, featuring seminar-style leadership-development sessions and hands-on field experiences in communities throughout the Pioneer Valley. Through the program, they refined their leadership skills, gained connections, and developed a greater commitment to community trusteeship and cultural competency. The culturally diverse class of 35 men and women represent nonprofit, private, educational, and public organizations throughout Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. The 2014 graduates are: Sherill Acevedo, Baystate Medical Practices; Jasmine Amegan, Westfield State University; Kerri Bohonowicz, Community Health Center of Franklin County; Amy Britt, Tapestry Health; Ronda Carter, Health New England; Christina Casiello, MassMutual; Jenny Catuogno, Gaudreau Insurance; Tammy-Lynn Chace, Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; Eliza Crescintini, Children’s Study Home; Geoffrey Croteau, MassMutual Charter Oak Insurance & Financial Services; Nasheika Durham, YMCA of Greater Springfield; Andrew Fletcher, Holyoke Community College; Kelsey Flynn, MassMutual; Valerie Francis, Health New England; Meghan Godorov, Mount Holyoke College; Cynthia Gonzalez, Greenfield Cooperative Bank; Richard Griffin, City of Springfield’s Economic Development Department; Rachel Jones, Springfield Technical Community College; Kevin Jourdain, Sisters of Providence Health System; Diane LeBeau, Westfield State University; Yamilette Madho, Big Y Foods Inc.; Matthew Kullberg, WGBY; Rosemarie Marks-Paige, Health New England; Josiah Neiderbach, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; Lizzy Ortiz, City of Springfield’s Office of Housing; Beena Pandit, MassMutual; Lee Pouliot, City of Chicopee; Jennifer Sanchez, Springfield Technical Community College; Isabel Serrazina, Springfield Housing Authority; Nicole Skelly, United Bank; Kyle Sullivan, John M. Glover Insurance; Colin Tansey, Specialty Bolt & Screw; Todd Weir, First Churches of Northampton; Christopher Whelan, Florence Savings Bank; and Jonencia Wood, Baystate Health.

State Requires Utilities to Modernize Electric Grid
BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration announced that the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has issued two groundbreaking orders requiring Massachusetts electric-distribution companies to modernize the electric grid, building on the Commonwealth’s national leadership on energy efficiency and renewable energy. With these orders, Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to require electric-distribution companies to take affirmative and far-reaching steps to modernize the electric grid. “The grid-modernization order builds on Gov. Patrick’s commitment to strategic investments in innovation and infrastructure, and creates jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Maeve Vallely Bartlett. “By implementing grid modernization, Massachusetts will once again be leading the nation in the clean-energy revolution and enabling customers to participate in how and when they consume energy.” The DPU’s order requires each utility to develop and implement a 10-year grid-modernization plan, to be updated regularly. The DPU determined grid modernization will provide several benefits, including empowering customers to better manage and reduce electricity costs; enhancing the reliability and resiliency of electricity service in the face of increasingly extreme weather; encouraging innovation and investment in new technology and infrastructure, strengthening the competitive electricity market; and addressing climate change and meeting clean-energy requirements by integrating more clean and renewable power, demand response, electricity storage, microgrids, and electric vehicles, and providing for increased amounts of energy efficiency. The companion order on time-varying rates recognizes that the cost of electricity changes dramatically over the course of a day and year. Currently, most customers pay a flat rate.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Departments Incorporations

Incorporations were not available from the state at press time and will be published in the next issue of BusinessWest.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Castro Express Transport
1 Belden Court
Elizar Castro

Friends 4 Life, LLC
650 Suffield St.
Muhammad Imtiaz

Power Jet Vac
1 Belden Court
Santiago Figueroa

Rose Resident Cleaning
139 Poplar St.
John Rose

Stone Meadow Farm
747 North West St.
Laura Fallon

AMHERST

Elisha Beaman House
12 Clifton Ave.
Tina Lalonde

Encharter Insurance, LLC
25 University Dr.
William Dowd

The Chopping Block
40 Main St.
Brooke Shippa

CHICOPEE

Athas Distribution
62 Willwood Dr.
Kenneth Athas

Magic Hands Therapeutic Massage
525 Grattan St.
Donna Duval

Results Certain
36 Arlmont St.
David Hebert

Sergneri Painting
87 Lariviere Dr.
Paul Sergneri

The Front Street Shop
159 Front St.
Felicita Martinez

HOLYOKE

Angela Lussier Enterprises
4 Williams St.
Angela Lussier

Ashley’s Fashions
347 High St.
Victor Davila

Dwight Market
910 Dwight St.
Oliver Quiroz

Gil’s Auto Repair
606 Main St.
Gilberto Rivas

Hernandez Furniture & Travel
433 Main St.
Carmelo Hernandez

Kimpir’s Baked Potato
50 Holyoke St.
Hakan K. Munsaloglu

PENRG
50 Holyoke St.
Vivian Berganotto

Reliable Computer
867 Main St.
Daniel Deschaine

Sexton Roofing & Siding
700 Main St.
Everett J. Sexton

Subway, LLC
50 Holyoke St.
Ngoc M. Thi

NORTHAMPTON

Afribantou Village Art
60 Avis Circle
Roger Noumbissi

Crafted Birth
73 Barrett St.
Mollie Hartford-Chamberland

Mama Iguana’s Restaurant
274 Main St.
Claudio Guerra

Spoleto, Inc.
12 Crafts Ave.
Maria Koziol-Guerra

Top Pal
96 Pleasant St.
Mod Z. Magaoza

Your Garden Home
184 Main St.
John Semler

PALMER

Copacabana Restaurant
2052 Main St.
Sergio Fretas

Protection Inc.
4089 High St.
John Prenosil

Rick’s Parkside Drive-In
1189 Park St.
Frederick Giuliani

Subway
1049 Thorndike St.
Rohit Teji

SPRINGFIELD

King Nails
461 State St.
Nguyet Nguyen

KM Document Preparation
15 Wilcox St.
Keila Morales

Life Laboratories
299 Carew St.
Kevin A. Jourdain

Los Gigantes
1655 Main St.
Freddy E. Rivera

Lux Permanent Cosmetics
888 Sumner Ave.
Rebeca Ruiz

Malave’s Auto Body
503 St. James Ave.
David Ruiz

Mercy Care Forest Park
475 Sumner Ave.
Kevin A. Jourdain

Mercy Medical Center
271 Carew St.
Kevin A. Jourdain

Millers Detailing Services
476 Berkshire Ave.
Brandon J. Miller

Mundo Cellular Inc.
856 Main St.
Alfredo Garib

National Automatic Sales
219 Memorial Dr.
Charles Nanck

Nice & Neat Interior
337 South Branch Pkwy.
Curt M. Marcellin

North Atlantic Trucking
100 Progress Ave.
James P. Craven

Northeastern Investigative Services
1242 Main St.
James M. Wojnar

Odessey Dream Club
1123 St. James Ave.
Gerald Carpas

Over the Rainbow Daycare
24 Harmon Ave.
Patricia Eileen

Peak Performance Chiropractic
1 Stafford St.
Michael M. Levesque

Pearl Coaching Services
1655 Main St.
Janell Caldwell

Precious Gems
297 Commonwealth Ave.
Angelica Zdorovets

Precision Taxes
1145 Main St.
Cynthia Ahenkang

Pro Auto Electric
97 Laconia St.
Fred Pafumi

Que Huong Restaurant
281 Belmont Ave.
Trish Nguyen

Quick Stop Food Mart
889 Carew St.
Sagheer Nawaz

Raven’s Loft
115 Sumner Ave.
Stephanie A. Erbe

Rescatando La Juventud
47 Laurel St.
Hector I. Claudio

Rey’s Used Appliances
680 Sumner Ave.
Reynaldo Placencia

Rizzo Holdings, LLC
718 State St.
Ivan Rizzo

Santana Tax Service
882 State St.
Luis R. Santana

Southend Smoke Shop
469 Main St.
Naffes Niaza

The Cutting Edge
473 Boston Road
Jeanne B. Sady

Touch of Class Balloons
350 Eastern Ave.
Carmen Mason

Workwise Occupational
233 Carew St.
Kevin A. Jourdain

WESTFIELD

CCI Division of RPM Wood Finishes Group Inc.
221 Union St.
Wesley Harris

JR Cleaning Service
18 Dubois St.
Jesus Felix

JTB
88 Carroll Dr.
John Burke

Lecrenski Brothers Inc.
14 Delmont Ave.
Dana Lecrenski

Odd Job Doctor
8 Yale St.
Robyn Banks

The Scrub Peddler
10 Fawn Lane
Ellen T. Majka

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Christine Parizo Communications
118 Wilder Terrace
Christine Parizo

Excella Home Health
123 Park Ave.
David Brown

Hex Bear Design Studio
169 Chilson Road
Joshua Florence

Jasjay Beautiful Style
520 Main St.
Jas Rai

Pintea
41 Craig Dr.
Marion Tombre

Shree Ram Inc.
1573 Riverdale St.
Dilip R. Rana

The Communications Group
380 Union St.
Matthew Villamaino

Total Fitness Equipment
1267 Riverdale St.
Gina Valles

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff July 1, 2014

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Alvarez, Iris
50 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

American Earth Keepers
Rossi, Marcello Ozain
a/k/a Ozain, Marcello Rossi
P.O. Box 713
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/21/14

Baum, Julie A.
30 Miller Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

Berkshire Solid Surface
Hadley, Michael W.
2629 Hancock Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/21/14

Bermudez, Angel L.
Rivera, Ivelis
147 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Boudreau, Margaret R.
281 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/14

Button, Jeanne M.
140 Paradise Lane
Sturbridge, MA 01518
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Comiskey, William F.
85 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/14

Cyr, Donna J.
PO Box 975
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Dally, Daniel R.
Chisholm, Victoria M.
PO Box 373
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Dejesus, Carlos W.
Dejesus, Zuleika
54 South Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

Deptula, Arlene M.
54 Hill St., 2nd Floor
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

DiGregorio, Marilyn R.
104 Vista Lane
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Doolittle, Loretta L.
351 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Engele, James R.
Engele, Jaclyn K.
52 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/14

Flamand, Anthony J.
Flamand, Andrea G.
40 Pheasant Way
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/14

Fontaine, Donald G.
52 Wells Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/14

Foster, Steven Charles
312 Hatfield St. Apt. C
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/14

Gagliardi, April-Marie
a/k/a Graves, April-Marie
105 East Main Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Garnett, Ariana Marie
311 Holyoke St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/14

Gillette, Garry F.
91 Brombach St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Gregoire, Doreen A.
Gregoire, Richard R.
PO Box 1503
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Grimaldi, Jonna N.
56 Cherry St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

Hill, Melody Anne
300 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/14

Jiminez, Barbara I.
a/k/a Velasquez, Barbara I.
160 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Kennan, Melissa L.
a/k/a Botta, Melissa L.
PO Box 617
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Koc, Doganay
23 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Krupa, Rita C.
c/o John J Green, Esq.
Green, Miles, Lipton, LLC
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/27/14

LaFleur, Michael J.
LaFleur, Alyson L.
291 Mountain Road
Gill, MA 01354
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

MacLeod, Robin O.
64 Belleclaire Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Matos, Lydia E.
a/k/a Matos Sanchez, Lydia E.
61 Wentworth St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/14

McGrath, Robert P.
McGrath, Alyssa A.
12 Town View Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/14

Muise, Judith L.
30 Battery St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Musselwhite, David W.
Trombley-Musselwhite, Annemary
30 Cherry St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/27/14

Niesner, Marlene D.
56 Maple St., Apt. 306
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/14

Novokhatska, Eliena
a/k/a Tereshkina, Yelena
178 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/14

O’Brien, Douglas D.
O’Brien, Denise
89 Stedman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Pellegrini, Frederick W.
102 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

Pignatare, Linda M.
P.O. Box 277
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/14

Provost-McGregor, Mary J.
7 Julian St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/14

Ptaszkiewicz, April S.
45 Circle View Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/27/14

Rathburn, Benjamin T.
1282 1/2 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/14

Rathburn, Sarah E.
1282 1/2 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/14

Rodriguez, Evelyn
a/k/a Rodriguez-Torres, Evelyn
55 Maple St., Apt. 1
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/14

Ryan, Philip M.
Ryan, Pamela J.
45 Barre Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Scavotto, Adam K.
5 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/14

Schelb, Daniel J.
224 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/14

Seymour, Tyra M.
488 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/14

Sosa, Diana
103 Tokeneke Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/14

St. George, Andrew P.
St. George, Lisa A.
a/k/a Knight, Lisa Anne
36 Upper Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/14

Stasiowski, Ronald M.
Stasiowski, Angela J.
25 Lemuel Ave,
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/14

Velazquez, Aitza Y.
34 Ontario St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/14

Vazquez, Luz E.
PO Box 5702
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/14

Dr. Octavian Adam Joins Neurology Team at BMC

By BusinessWest Staff June 30, 2014

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of neurologist Dr. Octavian Adam to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and Neurology Professional Services of BMC. Adam is accepting new patients in need of neurology services and is partnered with Drs. Laurence “Jay” Ufford, Thomas Kwiatkowski, and Emma Weiskopf in providing comprehensive neurology care at Neurology Professional Services of BMC.

Adam came to the Berkshires from active-duty service as a neurologist in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va. A lieutenant commander, he was also deployed twice to Afghanistan between 2011 and 2013. He previously served with the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and the Methodist Hospital and Ben Taub Hospital in Houston.

Adam is board-certified in neurology and received his medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania. He completed his residency in neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch and was fellowship-trained in movement disorders at Baylor College of Medicine, Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, in Houston.

MSB to Hold Workshop on Estate Planning for Rental Property Owners

By BusinessWest Staff June 30, 2014

Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank will stage a complimentary ‘lunch and learn’ workshop titled “Estate Planning for Rental Property Owners,” featuring attorney David Walczak, a leading expert on real-estate law and, in particular, estate planning for rental real estate.

The event is designed to help owners of residential and commercial rental real estate to learn how an appropriate estate plan and the use of a real-estate trust can avoid the costs, risks, and headaches associated with inheriting rental property. It will be held Tuesday, July 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at MSB’s Wilbraham branch, located at 100 Post Office Park. The event is free and includes lunch, and it is open to the public; however, reservations are required.

“We are pleased to bring this important information to our communities,” said Steve Lowell, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “Many rental property owners do not realize that, too often, when rental property is included in a will — or worse, a probate situation because the property is not included in a will — the costs, risks, and headaches end up outweighing the value to the person inheriting the property.”

Walczak focuses his practice on estate planning, real-estate transactions, small-business organization, and transactional law. His firm, David Walczak Attorney at Law, P.C., is based in Wilbraham.

Business Expo Luncheon Speaker Announced

By BusinessWest Staff June 30, 2014

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Professional Chamber of Commerce has announced that Patricia Diaz Dennis, retired senior vice president and assistant general counsel for AT&T and commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission during the Reagan administration, has been confirmed as the luncheon speaker for the fourth annual Western Mass. Business Expo, set for Oct. 29 at the MassMutual Center.

Dennis, a member of the board of directors at MassMutual, is a highly sought-after speaker, whose broad résumé also includes service on the National Labor Relations Board, a stint as assistant secretary of State for human rights and humanitarian affairs, a three-year term as chair of the Girl Scouts of America, and a lengthy stint on the Texas State University System Board of Regents.

At AT&T, from which she retired in 2008, she was responsible for corporate litigation, procurement, corporate real estate, environmental corporate compliance, IT, and trademark and copyright legal matters. Before joining AT&T in 1995, Dennis was special counsel to Sullivan & Cromwell for communications matters in the international law firm’s Washington, D.C. office. From 1989 to 1991, she was a partner and head of the communications section of the Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue law firm.

The Western Mass. Business Expo, presented by BusinessWest, will feature more than 150 exhibitors and a number of informative programs. The slate of speakers and programs is being finalized, with more information to be released in the weeks to come. For more information on the event, visit www.businesswest.com or www.wmbexpo.com.

Commentary: Springfield Doesn’t Want to Let Go of the Fort

By BusinessWest Staff June 30, 2014

Daily News

It was a surreal scene at the Student Price restaurant (the Fort) toward the end of last week.

Late afternoon on Thursday, just a few days after the news broke that the landmark would be closing by week’s end, hoping to reopen under new ownership later in the summer, there were lines out the door and down the street to get in.

Patrons had to use valet parking because there were no spaces available anywhere near the establishment. Inside, the crowds at the bars were three or four deep. People were told that the odds of getting a table were slim to none. Everywhere, patrons were using their cell phones to take photos of their favorite bartender or the famous picture of Rupprecht Scherff, the long-time owner and chief greeter, or of themselves in front of the bar. People who, a few weeks earlier, would have casually discarded that Student Prince-embossed drink stirrer without giving matters a second thought, were now putting them in their purses and taking them home.

In every corner, the questions and the conversations were the same. “Who’s going to buy the place?” “What will Springfield be like without the Fort?” “How much do you think those steins are worth?”

On Friday, at least one of those questions was answered. Peter Picknelly, CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines, will step in and buy the landmark. The current plan is to shut down for a few months, hire a manager, do some work inside, and make what Picknelly called “tweaks.” He told the local paper that he’ll likely take pig’s knuckles off the menu and take some other steps to “modernize” it, while otherwise keeping the Student Prince intact.

We wish him well, because it will likely take more than tweaks to keep the restaurant part of the local landscape. Indeed, Rudi Scherff, one of the owners who decided it was time to sell, wasn’t wrong when he said times were changing — for the worse. He was right on the money when he noted that fewer people are working in the downtown office towers today, and far fewer are inclined to commit the hour it takes to walk three or four blocks, sit at a table, order lunch, and then eat it. And he was correct when he said that the pending I-91 viaduct-reconstruction project will be a nightmare for downtown business owners, many of whom are already just hanging on.

The scene at the Student Prince Thursday was part nostalgia, part saying goodbye to a piece of the city’s history, and part indication that the city doesn’t want to let go like it did with Johnson’s Bookstore, Steiger’s, Forbes & Wallace, and other downtown icons. There was little that Springfield and the surrounding region could do about those losses; the handwriting was on the wall. There might be something they can do here, though. It may not be too late.

People just have to step up and be supportive long before the drink stirrers become coveted souvenirs.

Commentary: MassMutual Invests Big in Springfield’s Future

By BusinessWest Staff June 30, 2014

Daily News

At the Western Mass. Developers Conference last Thursday, MassMutual President, CEO, and Chairman Roger Crandall announced that the corporation will be investing $6.5 million in initiatives to assist fledgling businesses in Springfield. This is a major step forward in the ongoing efforts to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in Springfield, and a commitment that could create considerable momentum in a city that needs some.

The company announced that it will create a $5 million Springfield Venture Fund (SVF) to invest in high-potential startups in Springfield, and also commit $1.5 million over the next three years to support the creation of a startup accelerator by Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), an entrepreneur-mentoring network in Springfield which will manage the program, and DevelopSpringfield, a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving development in Springfield, which will build out a physical location for the accelerator.

The VVM Accelerator, modeled after MassChallenge, will provide startups with the space, training, connections, and opportunities they need to succeed, while creating a pool of potentially investable candidates for SVF and other seed funds. Startups accepted into the accelerator will be competing for more than $200,000 in grants to be awarded at the end of the four-month program.

These two initiatives will help provide entrepreneurs with what they need most — access to capital, and access to the support that is usually necessary to help good ideas become sound, profitable business ventures.

To be realistic, these investments probably won’t start paying dividends, in terms of large numbers of jobs, for several years, if not decades, but they are important economic-development initiatives for a city that has been historically entrepreneurial, but not in recent memory.

Indeed, the City of Homes, also known as the City of Firsts (everything from the ice skate to the monkey wrench to the parking meter was developed here), hasn’t added to that list in some time. MassMutual’s significant investments may change that equation.

More importantly, though, they will help stimulate development of what has become the most valuable commodity in any city, region, state, or country: jobs. And we’ve said on myriad occasions and in many ways, this city can’t count on recruiting major employers, such as a casino, to create the jobs that are needed. There must be organic growth, such as the developments in the 19th and early 20th centuries that made Springfield a vibrant manufacturing center and a place where people wanted to live, work, and operate a business.

MassMutual, inarguably Springfield’s leading corporate citizen, should be lauded for recognizing the importance of new-business creation, and for making the sizable investments needed to create a much-needed spark in the city.

MassMutual Announces Springfield Venture Fund

By BusinessWest Staff June 27, 2014

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual announced a new, $5 million Springfield Venture Fund (SVF) to invest in high-potential startups in Springfield. The new seed fund is designed to serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the Springfield community and complement a new accelerator program in the city designed to help startups succeed. “Since 1851, MassMutual has been proud to call Springfield home. We see great economic-development opportunity in the city, and we’re proud to contribute to the positive momentum with this announcement,” said Tim Corbett, executive vice president and chief investment officer for MassMutual. “The Springfield Venture Fund will enhance the city’s already strong entrepreneurial environment for startups, as well as help entrepreneurs grow their business, create jobs, and generate additional tax revenue for the city.” SVF seeks to invest $5 million over the next five years in startups with business operations currently located in or willing to relocate to Springfield. Target companies will have a defined product or service, be no more than three years old, and have strong, committed management teams; well-defined, scalable business plans; and high-growth potential. In addition to SVF, MassMutual will invest more than $1.5 million over the next three years to support the creation of a startup accelerator by Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), an entrepreneur-mentoring network in Springfield that will manage the program, and DevelopSpringfield, a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving development in Springfield, which will build out a physical location for the Accelerator. The VVM Accelerator, modeled after MassChallenge, will provide startups with the space, training, connections, and opportunities they need to succeed, while creating a pool of potentially investable candidates for SVF and other seed funds. Startups accepted into the accelerator will be competing for more than $200,000 in grants to be awarded at the end of the four-month program. “By providing startups with greater access to capital, educational opportunities, and valuable mentors, SVF and VVM are a winning combination in helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams while drawing valuable resources and businesses to the Springfield area,” said Scott Foster, president of VVM. The Springfield Venture Fund is expected to start taking proposals in the fall. The VVM Accelerator will be accepting applications in August and expects to launch in early 2015.

Cost of Unemployment Insurance to Fall

By BusinessWest Staff June 27, 2014

Daily News

BOSTON — Massachusetts employers will save money on unemployment insurance under legislation signed by Gov. Deval Patrick Thursday as part of a compromise to raise the state’s minimum wage. The new law freezes the rates for the insurance this year at 2013 levels, and lowers them slightly in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Currently, Massachusetts has the fourth-highest unemployment-insurance cost, with companies spending $714 per employee, on average. Under the new law, the minimum wage in Massachusetts will increase to $11 per hour by 2017, from $8.

Number of Jobless Seeking Aid Falls

By BusinessWest Staff June 27, 2014

Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits declined last week, the latest evidence that an economic slowdown earlier this year hasn’t caused employers to cut jobs. Weekly applications fell 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 312,000, the Labor Department said. The four-week average, a less-volatile measure, rose 2,000 to 314,000. The average has fallen 9% since Jan. 1.

Springfield College Celebrates Institute for Learning in Later Life

By BusinessWest Staff June 27, 2014

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College’s Institute for Learning in Later Life recently held an instructor and member appreciation wrap-up reception and 25-year celebration. More than 60 people enjoyed an afternoon with activities and refreshments. The past spring semester topics included politics, opera, book groups, world religions, use of iPads and tablets, a Pete Seeger sing-along, a film series and discussion on Paul Newman, a nature walk at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. Courses were held at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing and Springfield College. The Learning in Later Life program was established 25 years ago and reflects Springfield College’s guiding philosophy of humanics education of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body. Each semester, between 150 and 200 people register for classes. For more information or to be put on the mailing list for the fall semester, contact Suzette Wood at (413) 748-5287.

David Chase Recognized by Banker & Tradesman

By BusinessWest Staff June 27, 2014

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — David Chase, vice president and commercial lender for Hampden Bank, was recently named a 2014 Community Bank Hero by Banker & Tradesman magazine. This prestigious honor is given to those dedicated business professionals who provide outstanding service to their clients, and who have gone above and beyond for the community. Chase was recently honored at an awards gala held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Boston. A lifetime resident of Western Mass., Chase is actively involved with several organizations, including the West of the River Chamber of Commerce as a board member. Chase is also a board member of the Gray House, where he spends many hours volunteering his time to the organization’s efforts to revitalize the community. “We are extremely proud of Dave for his dedication and commitment to his clients and the community,” said Luke Kettles, senior vice president and senior lender of Hampden Bank.

2015 Healthcare Costs Projected to Grow 6.8%

By BusinessWest Staff June 26, 2014

Daily News

Growth in healthcare spending is expected to tick upward next year, in part because consumers are now seeking care they put off during the economic downturn, according to a report released this week. Authored by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute, the report forecasts medical cost growth of 6.8%, compared to 6.5% for this year. The projected increase is slight compared to double-digit increases seen before the downturn, but the rate of growth had been slowing in the past five years, so the upward shift is worth noting, said Ceci Connolly, managing director of the institute.

Webster Joins Convention & Visitors Bureau

By BusinessWest Staff June 26, 2014

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) announced the appointment of Sara L. Webster as the Marketing and Public Relations Manager. Webster started with the GSCVB in early June. Prior to accepting the position she worked as the director of marketing of the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla. and as the marketing coordinator at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va. on behalf of Global Spectrum. A native of Bucks County Pennsylvania, Webster is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where she studied Sport and Entertainment Management. As marketing and PR manager, Webster will be responsible for media and public relations, social media, visitor services and other special events. The GSCVB, an affiliate of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., is a private non-profit destination marketing organization that generates economic growth for Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley by marketing the region as an ideal destination for meetings and conventions, group tours, sports and leisure travel.

Local Plastics Manufacturer Pioneering New Technology

By BusinessWest Staff June 26, 2014

Daily News

LUDLOW — Meredith-Springfield Associates Inc., a plastics manufacturer specializing in extrusion blow molding and injection stretch blow molding, is pioneering the use of new technology to manufacture sustainable plastic packaging for major brands like Mrs. Dash, owned by B&G Foods. “An analysis of the Mrs. Dash packaging process revealed the need to create a more sustainable bottle,” said Mel O’Leary, Jr., president and CEO of Meredith-Springfield. “While sustainable packaging has become a point of interest for manufacturers with regards to environmental benefits, significant cost-savings can also be realized. Sustainable package innovation offered by advanced plastic molding technology minimizes packaging costs – which in turn reduces warehousing and transportation costs, as well.” Meredith-Springfield constructed pilot molds and conducted design experiments with the objective to reduce the amount of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) used in the creation of Mrs. Dash packaging. “Manufacturers seeking more sustainable plastic packaging should look for innovative ways to reduce PET,” said O’Leary. “For Mrs. Dash, we are using the most advanced plastic molding technology to alter the amount of plastic and place PET only where it most impacts package performance.” By adjusting the weight-bearing performance of the packaging, Meredith-Springfield was able to reduce the weight of a Mrs. Dash bottle by more than 25%. The more sustainable packaging saves B&G Foods an excess of 200,000 pounds of PET resin per year and reduces related costs of optimizing other aspects of the molding and delivery process. “In reducing the weight, we carefully engineered the placement of remaining mass of plastic to go into the areas of the bottle which would maximize top-loading ability,” said O’Leary. The entire re-design resulted in a significant cost-savings for B&G Foods, but required in-depth research and development. The new extrusion blow molding machine produces more than 100,000 Mrs. Dash bottles in each 24-hour production period and is capable of delivering more than 35 million units per year. “This process is a major volume addition to our evolving PET business,” said O’Leary. “It provides economies of scale with resin, packaging and transportation purchases so it helps lower all costs and adds to our critical mass on both extrusion blow molding and stretch blow molding capabilities.”The machine is a one-step process for making specialty PET bottles versus a two-step process used to make carbonated beverage bottles. Beverage bottles require multiple steps; first, a “perform” is molded in an injection molding machine and then transferred to a reheat-stretch machine. “Our technology is the most energy-efficient method available,” said O’Leary. “It goes from plastic pellets to finished bottles on one machine.”

Co-operative Banks Agree to Merge

By BusinessWest Staff June 26, 2014

Daily News

Northampton Cooperative Bank and Greenfield Cooperative Bank have agreed to form a single entity. A consolidation plan has been approved by the boards of directors of both banks. Both are state-chartered co-operative banks that, when merged, will operate under the name Greenfield Cooperative Bank. The deal is expected to be completed in 2015. According to a press release, the combined banks will have more than $500 million in assets, more than $600 million in capital, and 95 employees.

SJC Clears the Way for November Referendum on Casinos

By BusinessWest Staff June 25, 2014

Daily News

BOSTON — On June 24, the state Supreme Judicial Court cleared the way for a repeal of the state casino law in November’s election. In a unanimous vote, the SJC ruled that Attorney General Martha Coakley was wrong to reject the anti-casino ballot question last year. “We conclude that the attorney general erred in declining to certify and grant the requested relief so that the initiative may be decided by the voters at the November election,” the court said in a lengthy decision written by Justice Ralph Gants. The ruling paves the way the way for what experts predict will be a protracted — and expensive — campaign that will certainly draw significant national interest. Commenting on the court’s decision, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno stated, “I appreciate the due diligence and consideration the SJC has given to this case. Going forward, we will proceed like we did last year before our local referendum and present the facts on what this means to not only Springfield but to Western Mass. and the entire Commonwealth.” He argued that the two main keys to knocking down poverty and public-safety issues in urban America are education and jobs. “People are hungry to work. MGM Springfield is a massive jobs-generation project. It also means $50 million dollars in local vendor procurement opportunities and the redevelopment of the downtown area heavily affected by the June 1, 2011 tornado.” He added, “The entertainment attractions that MGM Springfield will offer to all of New England will not only bring new life and vibrancy to Western Mass., but help to repatriate over a billion dollars currently leaving Massachusetts to other resort destinations. We are prepared and optimistic that, once the voters of the Commonwealth see and hear all the facts, we will prevail.” Michael Mathis, president of MGM Springfield, also weighed in on the decision in a prepared statement. “MGM Resorts has spent three years collaborating and talking with the people of Western Mass. on the value of a casino resort as a unique economic-development catalyst,” he said. “We are confident that our urban revitalization project in Springfield, one of the Commonwealth’s most prominent gateway cities, is something to which all Massachusetts voters can relate. It is a comeback story in progress with hardworking people eager to grow jobs and get back to work. We are fully prepared to extend this message to a larger audience through a statewide campaign to educate the voters on the enormous economic benefits that would be lost to the taxpayers of the Commonwealth in a repeal.”

Baystate Health Appoints Leaders of Regional Community Hospitals

By BusinessWest Staff June 25, 2014

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health announced three leadership appointments for its regional community hospitals. Effective July 1, Steven Bradley will succeed Chuck Gijanto as president of Baystate Franklin Medical Center and the Baystate Northern Region. And effective immediately, Dennis Chalke has been named senior vice president of Community Hospitals for Baystate Health, an expansion of his current role as chief financial officer and treasurer, in which he will continue. Dr. M. Shafeeq Ahmed will continue in his role as chief operating officer and chief medical officer for Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, and will also serve as acting president of Baystate Mary Lane Hospital after Gijanto ends his tenure on July 1. Additional leadership appointments for the Baystate Eastern Region will be made at a later date, with Ahmed continuing to serve in a senior leadership role. “We’re pleased to share these leadership decisions, which are important ones for Baystate Health,” said Dr. Mark Keroack, the organization’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, who will assume the title of Baystate Health president and CEO on July 1. “One of our success factors for the very near future will be our ability to optimize the use of all our facilities, allowing patients to remain closer to home for more routine treatment and seek more complex care at our academic medical center in Springfield. This model brings us closer to Baystate’s stated vision of an integrated system of care. Our future will be one of integration — of team.” Bradley has served for 14 years as Baystate Health’s vice president for Government and Community Relations and Public Affairs. He led the team that garnered state approval for Baystate Medical Center’s $300 million Hospital of the Future project, and more recently helped facilitate a resolution to a lengthy labor dispute at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. “It is my honor to accept the leadership of this important and beloved community resource. I thank Chuck Gijanto for his leadership and his commitment, and I look forward to further strengthening Baystate’s bond with the Franklin County community,” said Bradley. Prior to joining Baystate Health, Bradley served as regional director for what was then known as the Mass. Department of Mental Retardation, where he carried administrative, financial, and regulatory responsibilities and provided leadership to 6,000 direct and contract employees serving thousands of patients and families in the region. Bradley also served as chief of staff to state Sen. Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst), and has grown to know Franklin County well in that role and in his subsequent positions. He has served as selectman in the town of Pelham, as board president for the Massachusetts Public Health Assoc., and is past chair of the board of trustees for Springfield Technical Community College and the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Legislative Affairs Committee. Chalke currently serves as chief financial officer and treasurer for Baystate Health, and will continue in that role in addition to his new position as senior vice president of Community Hospitals. In his expanded role, he will oversee the presidents of Baystate’s community hospitals and regions. He has more than 26 years of healthcare experience, having joined Baystate in 1988. Chalke holds an MBA from UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ithaca College. At Baystate Mary Lane Hospital (BMLH), Ahmed’s responsibilities include leadership for inpatient and outpatient practice operations, hospital medical-staff oversight, provider recruitment, quality and patient-satisfaction program oversight, leadership development, strategic planning, and financial stewardship. He was recently named one of “100 Hospital and Health System Chief Medical Officers to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review.  Prior to his arrival at BMLH, Ahmed had served as president of the medical staff, chief of ob/gyn and a member of the board of directors at the Naval Hospital – Cherry Point in North Carolina. Ahmed is also a member of the Baystate Medical Practices board of directors, and he has served as vice president of the BMLH medical staff. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Boston University and received his doctorate in medicine from Boston University School of Medicine, and completed his ob/gyn residency training through Tufts University at Baystate Medical Center.

Holiday Inn Express Ludlow Receives Service Recognition

By BusinessWest Staff June 25, 2014

Daily News

LUDLOW — Pioneer Valley Hotel Group announced that its Holiday Inn Express Ludlow received recognition from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for service excellence among the 47 Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Expresses in the Greater Boston region. The three-story, 71-room hotel at 321 Center St. ranked first in overall service, first in lowest percentage of guest problems, and second for overall guest satisfaction. General Manager Melissa Labonte said that “it is an honor to be recognized for the hard work my staff puts in each day. We really do believe our guests are like family. When they are here, they are home.” The hotel is located just south of the Mass Pike. Guests enjoy complimentary high-speed wireless Internet throughout the hotel, as well as Express Start breakfast in the lobby each morning. The hotel also features a fitness center, indoor heated pool, and 24-hour business center. Holiday Inn Express Ludlow is owned and operated by Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, LLC. Reservations can be made by calling (413) 589-9300 or visiting hiexpress.com/ludlowma. Group and meeting inquiries can be directed to Connie Foster, the hotel’s director of sales, at (413) 750-3106 or [email protected].