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Bankruptcies Departments

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

Accetta, Joseph Anthony
Accetta, Jessica Lynnanne
123 Lancaster St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Alden, Diane E.
434 Union St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

Almonte, Wanda I.
a/k/a Torres, Wanda I.
90 East Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14

Brennan, Tricia A.
PO Box 6
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Butterworth, Joyce
a/k/a Vecchio, Joyce A.
23 King Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14

Canjura, Maria L.
124 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Chasam Boutique LLC
Gentile, Tammy
555 North West St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Ciaglo, Paul
270 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Clarke, Janet L.
a/k/a Peart, Janet Lee
406 East St., Second Fl.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/17/14

Colbert, John R.
327 Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Complete Electrical Service
Dudas, James M.
18 Andes Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14

Conover, Katherine Marie
279 Amherst Road, #55
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Cormier, Cheri R.
24 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Cote, Lenora M.
a/k/a Peloquin, Lenora M.
197 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Cotto, Joel
23 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

Crawford, Lisa A.
a/k/a Heath, Lisa A.
a/k/a Heath, Lisa Crawford
a/k/a Curtin, Lisa A.
65 Tyringham Road
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

D’Agostino, Joseph M.
D’Agostino, Teresa M.
a/k/a Ford, Teresa M.
198 Hazardville Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14

Dargie, Anne L.
58 East St.
South Egremont, MA 01258
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Dargie, Timothy P.
294 Foley Hill Road
Southfield, MA 01259
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Dasilva, James F.
Dasilva, Kathleen A.
112 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14

Demers, Arthur L.
Demers, Patricia T.
296 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

Downs, David W.
224 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Farnham, Reyna C.
a/k/a Diaz, Reyna C.
47 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Ferrante, Gaetano
48 Norcross Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14

Forrest-Pinette, Erin T.
19 Old Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Fusco, Jesse L.
207 Bemis Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Gaffey, Jeffrey F.
110 Marion Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/14

Gaudreau, Julie Anne
P.O. Box 721
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Gay, Michael A.
Gay, Karen A.
20 Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Geriatric Authority of Holyoke Inc.
45 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Gorman, Charles S.
18 White St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/14

Griffith, Robert Wayne
244 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/14

Hazel-Mims, Erica E.
PO Box 1141
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14

Hochreich, Sean Michael
75 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/14

Hokanson, Lynda B.
16 Lakeshore Dr.
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14

Hunter, Theresa
a/k/a Bloomfield, Theresa
21 Old Point St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Ireland, George R.
Ireland, Heather
a/k/a Pellerin, Heather A.
26 Castle Hills Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Joaquim, Manuel
Joaquim, Lori Ann
a/k/a Knightly, Lori Ann
75 Longwood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Kindle, Jimmy J.
Kindle, Crystal L.
a/k/a Shaw, Crystal L.
a/k/a Jackman, Crystal L.
289 Ashfield Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Kitzmiller, Donald R.
Kitzmiller, Angela C.
22 Charles Place
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Knox, Christopher M.
905 Williams St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14

LaChance-Sakowicz, Charlene Mary
365 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Largay, John J.
Largay, Teresa F.
48 Fox Farm Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14

LaValley, Carol A.
732 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/14

Loranger, Gerald A.
Loranger, Rhonda J.
14 Lynch Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14

Lynch, Sandra A.
32 Wilson St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Marcyoniak, Roberta H.
5 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/14

Meffen, Matthew D.
33 Sherman Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Merzoian, Anita
31 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/14

Morrison, Dawn Marie
166 Summer St.
Thorndike, MA 01079
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

Murray, Jessica M.
a/k/a James, Jessica M.
36 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14

Nelson, Richard A.
43 Pasco Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14

Nicholas, John H.
Nicholas, Patricia A.
9 Howard Rd
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Norris, Barbara M.
210 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

O’Connor, Christopher G.
O’Connor, Beth A.
127 Ashuelot St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/14

Papoutsakis, Nektar A.
17 Crescent Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/17/14

Ricardi, Brian A.
Ricardi, Sheri L.
a/k/a Orchulek, Sheri L.
13 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Rivera, Angel L.
36 Longfellow Terrace, 2nd
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Rivera, Evelyn
421 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14

Sakowicz, Steven Harold
34 River Road Apt. 129
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

Seven Sisters Market Bistro
270 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Sheehan, John W.
75 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/14

Shelkey, Patrice M.
a/k/a Dorval, Patrice M.
a/k/a Rollet, Patrice M.
382 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/14

Siepietowski, Maureen A.
1374 Memorial Ave., Apt. A
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

Silva, Frank J.
88 Better Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14

Smith, Susan S.
26 Sterling Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/14

Taylor, Susan L.
11 Mill St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/14

Valhalla Property Enterprises Inc.
270 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 04/23/14

Wallace, Kathleen C.
10 Laurel Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/14

White, Cindy L.
a/k/a Perry, Cindy L.
132 Beauchamp Terrace
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/14

Whittemore, Dennis P.
PO Box 612
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/14

Yates, Cory N.
301 Cedar St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/14

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Colonial Food Store
39 Southwick St.
Shahzad Chaudhry

GET Woodworking
346 Springfield St.
Gyslain Turgeon

Motor City Car Company
91 Ramah Circle
Peter Zurlino

CHICOPEE

Double J’s Landscaping
37 Rivest Court
Justin Pouliot

Lawn Champs Lawn Care
21 York St.
Ryan Franczek

Ondrick Natural Earth, LLC
729 Fuller Road
Adam J. Ondrick

PC Steven Computer Repair
46 Florence St.
Stephen Schaeneman

Rejuvenations
246 Montcalm St.
Marci Ryder

Rivers Variety & Wireless
130 Chicopee St.
Kisean Donaldson

GREENFIELD

AAC Flooring & Tile
12 Verde Dr.
Aleksander Komerzan

Eli & Olivia Pure Honey
280 Leyden Road
Bruce Baker

Institute for Wilderness and Emergency Medicine
41 Solar Way
Nicole Thurrell

JMB Bookkeeping
18 Carpenters Lane
JoAnne Bernot

Kobe Idibachi Sushi Bar
254 Mohawk Trail
Asian Buffett of Greenfield

Pleasant Street Community Garden
141 Davis St.
Alice Timmons

The Cookie Factory
224 ½ Federal St.
Shelley Phillips

PALMER

A-Plus Landscaping & Construction
1132 Thorndike St.
Robert Taylor

APA Construction Property Maintenance
3 Fairfield Dr.
Andrew Fredette

Balicki Auto Body Inc.
92 Bacon Road
Philip Balicki

Cornerstone Artistry
21 Wilbraham St.
Timothy Becker

Palmer Auto Wash
1219 Thorndike St.
Raymond Recor

RB Enterprises
2 Nipmuck St.
Raymond Briton

SOUTHWICK

Flo Castonguay
8 Crystal Dr.
Florence Castonguay

Jardan Movers & More
93 Bungalow St.
Christopher Jones

Lafrenier Trucking Company
5 Echo Road
Jon Lafrenier

Rehab Resolutions Inc.
627 College Hwy.
Sofia Zanarella

SPRINGFIELD

JZ Fashion
1611 Main St.
Joel Vargas

KD Custom Design
28 Mountainview St.
Keith Anderson

Kyle’s Security
256 Boston Road
Kyle A. Burns

Liem’s Hardwood Flooring
46 Burton St.
Liem V. Thai

Martys Re
272 Main St.
Martin J. Dietter

Mason Fortune
16 Leatherleaf Cir.
Shequinna Barton

Massachusetts Refrigerant
100 Verge St.
Thomas M. Washer

Michael J. Gelinas Electric
4 Rogers Ave.
Michael J. Gelinas

Mopeds Unlimited
42 Arbutus St.
Leslie K. Seabrooks

NJ Home Improvement
112 Belvidere St.
Ismael Medina

New York Sound & Motion
90 Carando Dr.
Edward W. Brown

Northeast Plumbing & Heating
16 Raman St.
William Walker

PG Lawn and Home Maintenance
82 Westford Ave.
Patricia Gentry

Plaster Party Time
1760 Boston Road
John A. Muise

Que Huong Restaurant
281 Belmont Ave.
Tri M. Bui

R.Y.S.E.
97 Mill St.
Judith E. Crowell

Religious Ritual Activities
213 Commonwealth Ave.
Hari P. Adhikari

S & N Transportation
209 Ramblewood Dr.
Steven Delmas

Sevi & Anu Inc.
1121 State St.
Satish Kumar

Sweetcakes Shoes & More
42 Wayne St.
Marcus Jordan

Top Mechanical Service
77 Ellsworth Ave.
Raymond M. Barainard

Tropical African Market
810 Main St.
Nana Lawrence

United States Veterans
1350 Main St.
Luann Beaulieu

Up Town Bills & Payment
302 Hancock St.
Rolando Rijo

V.J. Auto Sales
282 Locust St.
Victor S. Jimenez

WESTFIELD

Odd Job Doctor
8 Yale St.
Robyn Banks

RPM Wood Finishing Group Inc.
221 Union St.
RPM Wood Finishing Group

The Scrub Peddler
10 Fawn Ln.
Ellen T. Majka

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bear Spirit Design
42 Murray Place
Cindy S. White

Bob’s Discount Furniture
135 Memorial Ave.
John J. Sullivan

C.R. Landscaping
92 Chilson Road
Patrick Butler

C.V.D.
31 Capital St.
Daniel R. Gold

Capital Realty Inc.
125 Capital Dr.
Capital Realty, Inc.

Energia Massage
1111 Elm St.
Yesenia Camareno

Maximum Pawn Company
1142 Memorial Ave.
Maximino M. Salvador

Olympia Junior Hockey
125 Capital Dr.
Patrick Tabb

Travelodge
437 Riverdale St.
Yogi Rana

Two Elements
102 Overlook Dr.
Christopher Anthony

West Springfield 15
864 Riverdale St.
Efrain E. Hague

Briefcase Departments

UMass to Enhance Fan Experience with Mullins Center Upgrades
AMHERST — UMass Amherst, along with Global Spectrum, one of the nation’s leading public-assembly-facility management companies, recently unveiled plans for a series of renovations at the school’s Mullins Center, a 10,000-seat, multi-purpose entertainment and sports venue, designed to enhance the fan experience. Renovations include the installation of new, dynamic LED sports lighting for the arena and new upholstery for 3,594 seats. Additional, 7,705 seats will have cup holders installed. Universal Electric Co. and Ephesus Lighting have been awarded the bid to replace the existing high-intensity-discharge lighting with LED sports lighting. Ephesus focuses on commercial, industrial, and entertainment lighting that is vibrant and sustainable. With the new lighting in place, fans in the Mullins Center or watching events on HDTV will have a brighter, sharper view of the performance. In addition, the LED sports lighting will cut the venue’s energy costs by 50% to 75% for each event. The new upholstery in all padded seats will provide an upgraded appearance and more comfort. Finally, patrons at every permanent seat will have a secure place to put their drinks. The entire project is expected to be completed by the beginning of August. “These building enhancements are going to take our fans’ experience to a new level,” said Brian Caputo, assistant general manager and director of Operations at the Mullins Center. “Our new partnership with Ephesus Lighting and the upgraded seats will jump-start the 2014 sports season.”

Gaming Commission Revises Licensing Schedule for Casinos
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission recently released a revised schedule for licensing up to three casinos in the Commonwealth. In Western Mass., the commission still anticipates announcing whether MGM Resorts International gets approval for a Springfield casino on June 13. In Greater Boston, the commission anticipates deciding whether Wynn Resorts’ Everett project or Mohegan Sun’s Revere proposal will get the sole license by Aug. 29 at the earliest or Sept. 12 at the latest. In the southeastern part of the state, the commission expects to complete the application process by late September and issue a license in early 2015. MGM Resorts International is the sole company contending for the sole gaming license to be awarded in Western Mass. after city officials favored the project over a proposal by Penn National Gaming, and after residents of West Springfield and Palmer voted to reject gaming developments by Hard Rock International and Mohegan Sun, respectively. MGM has proposed an $800 million project in Springfield’s South End.

Employment Picture Improves in Massachusetts
BOSTON — The state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for April dropped in 20 labor-market areas and rose in two areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the year, unemployment rates fell in 21 areas, and one area remained unchanged. The preliminary statewide unadjusted unemployment rate estimate for April was 5.6%, down 1.0% from March. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was also down 1.0% from the April 2013 rate of 6.6%. During April, all 12 areas for which job estimates are published recorded seasonal job gains. The largest job gains were in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Springfield, Barnstable, Worcester, and Framingham areas. The seasonally adjusted statewide April unemployment rate, released on May 15, was 6.0%, down 0.3% over the month and down 1.0% over the year. Springfield’s unemployment rate fell to 8.9% in April from 10.2% in March on both an increase in the number of people working and a shrinking labor force. The city’s unemployment rate was 10.4% a year ago. As a region, Greater Springfield saw a one-month employment gain of 1.9%, a gain of 5,600 jobs for a new total of 292,000.

State Marks Completion of Pittsfield Armory Energy Project
PITTSFIELD — State officials recently joined military and public-utility representatives to celebrate the completion of an energy-efficiency project at the Pittsfield Armory as part of the Commonwealth’s Accelerated Energy Program (AEP), and to recognize the effects of energy projects at several Pittsfield court facilities and the Berkshire County House of Correction. The AEP was launched by the state Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in 2012, with the goal of initiating energy-efficiency projects at 700 state sites in 700 days. To date, energy projects have already been completed or initiated at 535 of these sites. “The partnership between DOER and DCAMM is yielding significant results for state agencies and helping us meet the Commonwealth’s energy, environmental, and economic goals,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “The AEP investment of more than $12 million in the Berkshires is taking a serious bite out of electricity and natural-gas use, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.” Added DCAMM Commissioner Carole Cornelison, “the Accelerated Energy Program has helped to define Massachusetts as a national leader in energy efficiency and conservation, having put in place projects that are already yielding $4.3 million in annual savings. In addition to extraordinary savings, the economic and environmental benefits of projects like this will have a lasting and significant impact across the Commonwealth.” The armory is one of 29 state facilities in the Berkshires and one of 39 military sites across the Commonwealth undergoing energy-efficiency retrofits under the AEP. The $90,000 Pittsfield Armory project is expected to reduce energy consumption by nearly 59% and lower energy bills by 57% each year, while eliminating more than 40 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually, a 58% reduction. It includes the installation of high-efficiency lighting, lighting controls, occupancy sensors, vending-machine controls, high-efficiency electric motors, and energy-management-system upgrades. The project will receive more than $17,000 in Mass Save incentives from Northeast Utilities and Berkshire Gas and will reduce energy costs by more than $10,000 per year. Energy-efficiency projects at the 39 military sites across Massachusetts will result in annual energy-cost savings of more than $265,000 and reduce GHG emissions by about 890 metric tons, equivalent to the emissions from 185 cars. Across the Berkshires, the AEP will invest more than $12 million in energy-efficiency projects at more than two dozen state sites, resulting in annual energy-cost reductions at these facilities of more than $900,000. Efficiency projects are taking place at a diverse range of facilities, including courthouses, community colleges, offices, transportation depots, and police stations. “I’m passionate about energy-efficiency initiatives and cannot be more pleased to learn of this partnership, which will yield tremendous savings throughout our city,” said state Sen. Benjamin Downing, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy.

Patrick Administration Launches Solar Initiatives
BOSTON — The Patrick administration recently announced it is accepting applications for the second phase of the Commonwealth’s RPS Solar Carve-Out Program, referred to as SREC-II. The program is designed to meet the governor’s goal of reaching 1,600 megawatts of installed solar capacity by 2020. “I am proud of the work we have done together to make Massachusetts a leader in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and emissions,” Patrick said. “This program will allow the solar industry in Massachusetts to continue to flourish and make solar energy more accessible for businesses, municipalities, and homeowners across the Commonwealth.” The new program aims to ensure steady annual growth, control ratepayer costs, and encourage ground-mounted solar projects on landfill and brownfield sites and residential rooftop solar. “The solar industry in Massachusetts has seen tremendous success since Gov. Patrick took office in 2007,” said state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “There is now more than 140 times the amount of installed solar than there was in 2007, and SREC-II will continue our efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, create clean-energy jobs, and make Massachusetts more energy-independent.” Incentives from the first phase of the SREC program led to the broad adoption of solar across businesses, homes, and institutions and helped to grow the amount of solar from 3 megawatts installed when Patrick first took office to 496 megawatts today. In 2013, Massachusetts met the governor’s initial goal of 250 megawatts four years early. Currently, 349 of the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns have at least one solar installation. In January, the Patrick administration announced the creation of a residential solar loan program, expected to launch in late summer or fall 2014 to complement SREC-II. “This program extends Massachusetts’ leadership in solar energy as well as our efforts to address climate change. It further illustrates that doing the right thing for the environment is also the right thing to do economically,” said state Sen. Benjamin Downing, Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy.

Company Notebook Departments

NUVO Bank Announces First-quarter Results
SPRINGFIELD — NUVO Bank & Trust Co. announced net income of $67,000, or $0.02 per basic and fully diluted shares for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, compared to $2,122,000, or $1.13 per basic and fully diluted shares, for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. The bank’s book value per share increased from $5.23 per share at Dec. 31, 2013 to $5.27 per share at March 31, 2014. The $2,055,000 decrease in net income primarily reflects the fact that, in the first quarter of 2013, the bank was able to fully utilize a deferred tax benefit of $2,057,000, which more than offset income before taxes of $65,000. In the first quarter of 2014, the bank had income before taxes of $111,000 and no deferred tax benefit and a tax provision of $44,000. The per-share results during the first quarter of 2014 reflect the impact of the issuance of 974,454 shares in a private offering that closed on April 30, 2013. Diluted per-share results were also impacted by the fact that, in the private offering, the bank also issued 487,227 rights along with the shares of common stock. The $46,000 increase in pre-tax income reflects increases in net interest income and non-interest income of $241,000 and $31,000, respectively, which were partially offset by a $106,000 increase in the provision for loan losses and an increase of $120,000 in non-interest expense. Total assets at March 31, 2014 were $145.0 million compared to $135.2 million at Dec. 31, 2013, which is an increase of $9.8 million (7.3%). Cash and cash equivalents increased $1.8 million (27.2%) to $8.7 million at March 31, 2014, from $6.8 million at December 31, 2013. Total loans increased $8.2 million (7.0%) to $126.5 million at March 31, 2014, from $118.3 million at December 31, 2013. Deposits increased $9.8 million (8.4%) to $125.9 million at March 31, 2014, from $116.1 million at December 31, 2013. Stockholders’ equity increased $98,000 (0.7%) to $14.7 million at March 31, 2014 from $14.6 million at Dec. 31, 2013.

Hot Table to Open Two New Stores This Fall
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based Hot Table, a chain of fast-casual dining locations, will expand this fall with two new stores in Hadley and Glastonbury, Conn. The Hot Table team, brothers John and Chris DeVoie, opened their original restaurant, featuring signature paninis, in Springfield’s 16 Acres neighborhood in 2007. They followed up with a store in downtown Springfield in 2009, and another in Enfield, Conn. in 2012. They are now hoping to grow upon that success by opening their fourth and fifth locations in the heart of two of the busiest shopping districts in the Hartford/Springfield region. The Glastonbury store will be located in the Griswold Shoppes on Main Street, next to Bertucci’s, and is slated to open in early September. The Hadley store will be located in a new plaza on Route 9, in front of Home Depot, and will open in November. A cross between Panera Bread and Subway, Hot Table specializes in grilled panini sandwiches that are made-to-order for each customer.  The stores also offer fresh, made-to-order salads, soups, desserts, and a variety of specialty coffees. The fast-casual style of service at Hot Table is designed to ensure that the diner has quick service and the freshest of ingredients. Each location will employ about 20 people. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fair-housing Grant Expands WNEU Law Partnership with MCAD
SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University School of Law announced recently that it is expanding its partnership with the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) through a program to train law students in the substantive and procedural issues related to fair-housing practices under federal and state law. This collaborative program will allow the university’s School of Law to expand its offerings of specialized classes, externships, and practice-based legal opportunities to train the next generation of fair-housing lawyers in Western Mass. A grant of $30,500 was made by MCAD to assist in creating the new curriculum and managing externship opportunities. The law school’s partnership with MCAD was made possible by a Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) Partnership Project grant awarded to MCAD by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. The law students participating in the program will assist in the representation of fair-housing complainants, many of whom are tenants with limited English proficiency. The program will be implemented in partnership with attorneys and staff from MCAD and the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center (MFHC), the oldest fair-housing advocacy organization in Massachusetts. “This grant from HUD will enhance our law school’s ability to positively impact fair-housing issues in cities and towns throughout Western Mass. by expanding the experiential and classroom training for law students interested in civil rights and fair-housing issues,” remarked Harris Freeman, professor of Legal Research & Writing at Western New England University School of Law. Added Commissioner Jamie Williamson, chair of the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination, “we are very excited to have the opportunity to work more closely with our partners at Western New England University School of Law. Residential segregation remains a pressing problem in Western Mass. Law students will investigate and litigate cases of housing discrimination, and will have the opportunity to work closely with indigent pro se complainants.” In light of the deeply rooted, segregated housing patterns in Springfield, Holyoke, and Pittsfield, and given the frequency of housing discrimination throughout Western Mass., this educational partnership is an important opportunity for Western New England University to serve the legal needs of Western Mass. residents. “The grant will expand our students’ ability to learn by participating in all facets of advocacy and adjudication of fair-housing claims in the housing courts, the MCAD, and with the Mass. Fair Housing Center,” said Freeman. “We are looking forward to deepening our partnerships with all three institutions and organizations.” The award and collaboration come following the 2014 Northeast Regional Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference, which was held in Springfield in April. The conference, attended by 512 people, was co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, MCAD, HAPHousing, Western New England University, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Easthampton Savings Bank Recognizes Employee Volunteers
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank recently recognized employee volunteers at the recent Service Awards and Recognition event held at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. Three CRA Community Service Awards were given out. Paula Auclair, a mortgage loan originator in the South Hadley office, received an award for performing 149 hours of CRA activity and 658 total volunteer hours. Jeni Cutter, a training specialist in the Main Street, Easthampton office was given an award for completing 192 hours of CRA activity and 220 total volunteer hours. Lori Ingraham, AVP/controller for the bank, was recognized for performing 136 hours of CRA activity and 557 total volunteer hours. Three Community Service Awards were given out. Katrina Dziedzic, AVP branch officer in the Westfield Office, was given an award for completing 275 volunteer hours. Jessica West, branch officer for the Northampton Street, Easthampton office was recognized for performing 420 volunteer hours. Lidia Zoltowski, a teller in the Main Street, Easthampton office, received an award for completing 261 volunteer hours. Two awards were presented to board members. Dr. James Hayden, DVM, was presented with the ESB Director Community Service Award. Daniel Polachek received the ESB Corporator Community Service Award. “In 2013, employees of Easthampton Savings Bank put in over 12,000 volunteer hours. When coupled with our direct financial investment, the bank donated nearly $750,000 in money and resources throughout the communities we serve,” said ESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik. “We are proud of our employees’ commitment to their communities and wanted to recognize them for their hard work.”

Jewish Geriatric Services Elects Officers and New Directors, Presents Awards
LONGMEADOW — Jewish Geriatric Services Inc. (JGS) presented the 2014 JGS Chairman’s Service Award to Carol Kantany Casartello and Charles (Charlie) Casartello Jr., and elected officers and new directors at its annual meeting on May 20 at the Julian J. Leavitt Family Jewish Nursing Home. The Chairman’s Service Award is given annually by JGS board members to individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to JGS and the elders and families served by the organization. Kantany Casartello has served as the clerk-magistrate of the Westfield District Court for more than 20 years. Charlie Casartello is a partner with Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley, P.C. in Springfield, focusing on personal-injury litigation, workers’ compensation, and Social Security law. Their commitment to JGS and the people it serves began in 2001 when Kantany Casartello’s parents, Christopher and Jane Kantany, moved into Ruth’s House, an assisted-living residence. Kantany Casartello has served on the JGS board of directors and executive committee, as well as many other committees, including strategic planning, governance, and nominating. She coordinated and participates in an interdenominational Protestant worship service at the nursing home, and has trained and served as a Spectrum Home Health and Hospice volunteer. Charlie Casartello is a eucharistic minister for Roman Catholics at the nursing home and Ruth’s House. He has also served on the JGS rebranding committee since 2012. “It is an honor to pay tribute to Carol and Charlie for their long and varied support and service to JGS. It has been my pleasure to work with them on several projects, like the formation of the Ruth’s House Family Council, that have had a positive impact on the quality of service delivered across our service continuum,” said Susan Kline, outgoing chair of the JGS board of directors. Dr. Robert Baevsky, physician and director of Informatics at the Emergency Department of Baystate Medical Center, was installed as the new chairman of the board. Baevsky first started volunteering with JGS in 1972, and has served as treasurer and participated on numerous committees, including the medical services committee. He has also had loved ones cared for at JGS. “It is a privilege to be your next chairman and a true honor to join the ranks of those before me, who helped govern and shape JGS, and plan for a new JGS that will transform not only our brick and mortar, but also usher in a new world of care across all services,” Baevsky said in accepting the appointment. Martin Baicker, president and CEO of JGS, called it “an exciting time for JGS, a continuation of a long tradition of caring and embracing culture change that will culminate with a new name for our organization and a new world of person-centered care in more home-like, intimate surroundings, improving not only the care we provide, but also enhancing the dignity of those living here.” Other officers elected to a two-year term include Susan Goldsmith, first vice chair; Rudy D’Agostino, treasurer; and Carol Kantany Casartello, clerk. Elected to new second-year terms on the board of directors were Mark Dindas, Brad Foster, and Amy Wistreich.

F&F Store Opens in Holyoke Mall
HOLYOKE — F&F, an international, ‘of-the-moment’ fashion brand, has opened its doors in the Holyoke Mall. The brand is a British-inspired international fashion label that carries a broad range of affordable fashion for men, women, and children. F&F is the only clothing brand that is owned by Tesco, the third-largest retailer in the world. F&F is now among the top fashion brands in Europe with more than 1,600 locations worldwide. One of the latest retail brands to be represented by Retail Group of America, F&F plans to open further stores in the U.S. in 2014.

Women’s Bar Foundation Honors MassMutual, Law Firm with Pro Bono Award
BOSTON – The Women’s Bar Foundation of Massachusetts (WBF) recently honored volunteers for their service to the organization’s low-income clients. Among the recipients were MassMutual and the Springfield-based law firm Heisler, Feldman, McCormick & Garrow, P.C. for their unique partnership, which has been instrumental in the success of the WBF’s housing-court program in Hampden and Hampshire counties. This program provides legal assistance to low-income tenants and landlords who appear in these courts, unrepresented, on ‘eviction day.’ Dorothy Varon, assistant vice president and counsel at MassMutual, accepting the award on behalf of the company, said “MassMutual has long been committed to making the communities where we live and work a better place, and an important part of our participation involves donating our own talent and expertise in areas where we can make a positive difference in people’s lives. We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Heisler, Feldman, McCormick & Garrow, P.C., to deliver pro bono services to people who need them, and are honored to share this recognition with such an outstanding law firm.” Suzanne Garrow, a partner at the firm, said, “the members of my firm and I are so proud to be a part of the Women’s Bar Foundation’s pro bono housing court project and see this as important work toward preventing homelessness.”

TSM Design Chosen to Promote SC2 Hartford
SPRINGFIELDb — TSM Design was selected by the city of Hartford’s Development Services team to promote a 15-month contest that will result in detailed, actionable economic-development plans for the city. SC2 Hartford is an EDA grant-funded competition that invites interdisciplinary teams to produce innovative proposals and plans that maximize Hartford’s assets and address an entrenched set of issues. SC2 Hartford relies on community engagement and encourages people with distinctive skills to come together, form teams, and compete for prize money totaling $900,000. Hartford’s goal is to establish the city as the place where first-time, serial, and second-stage entrepreneurs start and grow their companies with ease. TSM Design is charged with developing effective strategies to reach a variety of stakeholders and to convert awareness into action. Individuals must register on the SC2 Hartford website, form teams, and then submit their proposals by Sept. 24. According to Stephen Cole, senior project manager of economic development in Hartford’s Development Services department, “we chose TSM Design because they are uniquely suited to communicate complex economic principles and public policy in meaningful ways to small-business owners and members of the community. The level of understanding and excitement that TSM Design brings to our project demonstrates the firm’s experience working with diverse community partners in multi-cultural communities.” Hartford is one of only three cities in the country to have won the opportunity to participate in this innovative program of the Obama Administration. Greensboro, N.C. and Las Vegas share the distinction with Hartford. “SC2 Hartford is a high-profile, game-changing initiative,” said TSM Design Principal Nancy Urbschat. “We’re honored to participate in what is now our new adopted city.”

Chamber Corners Departments

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• June 4: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. Hosted by Springfield College at the Richard Flynn Campus Union. Topic: “Inspiring a Creative Corporate Culture.” Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 12: ERC5 Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Blake Dining Commons, Bay Path College, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. Reservations are $20 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 26: ACCGS Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. The year in retrospect, and presentation of the 2014 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year award. Reservations are $40 for members, $60 for general admission. 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
• June 19-22: Taste of Amherst 2014. Come enjoy four days of fun at the 2014 Taste of Amherst, on the Amherst Town Common. Live entertainment will be provided by 93.9 the River, fun family events, and more than 20 local restaurants. Eat, play, dance, and celebrate all of what Amherst has to offer. Hours: Thursday, June 19, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, June 20, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, June 22, noon-4 p.m.
• June 25: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. New Member Reception. Don’t miss this annual event, hosted by all the businesses at 25-35 University Dr.:
Cheryl Nina Salon, Encharter Insurance LLC, J. F. Conlon & Associates, Sawicki Real Estate, and 
Ziomek & Ziomek, Attorneys at Law. The Pub will provide food and drink. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank.
Tickets: Free for new members (if you joined between June 2013 and June 2014), $10 for members, and $15 for non-members.
• 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. Dinner sponsor: Fallon Community Health Plan. Lunch sponsor: Davis Financial Group, LLC. Bronze sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, NEPM, Steve Lewis Subaru. Carts sponsor: Taylor Rental. Water sponsor: Atkins Farms Country Market. Towels: Hampshire College.

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• June 25: June Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• June 4: Member workshop, “Grow Your Business with E-mail Marketing and Social Media,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. Free for members, this workshop is designed to give small businesses and nonprofit organizations some simple ideas for growing their customer, prospect, or member network by using e-mail and social-media marketing. We will discuss what type of content to use in your campaigns; how to get more people to stop and read your messages; how to get more action, or reaction, to your messages and offers; why using images on social-media channels creates higher engagement; and why your content should be mobile-friendly. You’ll learn what it means to run effective e-mail and/or social-media marketing campaigns and what tools you can use to measure the success of your efforts without spending lots of time or money. Participants will leave with a workbook full of ideas for timing their messages, how to write a winning subject line, what kinds of offers or content they want to try, and how best to approach their next outreach project. This is a great workshop for beginners in online marketing looking to accomplish more in less time with a small budget.
• June 26: Member workshop, “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. At the heart of small-business marketing are the campaigns that drive action — collections of marketing activities that help a small business or organization achieve its goals and objectives. Newsletters and announcements have become a core component of those campaign choices. E-mail is more important than ever to the communication efforts of businesses and nonprofits everywhere, and to customers, donors, clients, and supporters of those organizations. This session will reveal some simple but effective best practices and considerations for the small-business or nonprofit seeking to make their e-mail newsletters more effective. Attendees of this presentation will learn the different types of newsletters; what to write about in your newsletter or announcement and how to consider using images; subject-line best practices and when to send your newsletter; the importance of understanding how connected e-mail and social media are, and how they have to be done together; and what types of additional tools might be useful. Join us and learn some great new strategies to help your e-mail and social-media efforts be more effective components of one of the core campaign types, newsletters and announcements.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463
• June 6: First Friday in Greenfield, 5-8 p.m. “Gotta Bee Downtown!” — a bee celebration. Live music, discounts, refreshments, art. All are welcome for free. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464; www.franklincc.org
• June 27: Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Terrazza Ristorante, Country Club Road, Greenfield. Elected state officials and chamber election of officers. Tickets: $13 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464 or www.franklincc.org

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• June 12: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m., North Country Landscapes and Garden Center, One Main Road (Route 66), Westhampton. Sponsored by Innovative Business Systems. Door prizes, hors d’ouevres, and host beer and wine. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• June 16: Move the Mountain Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at Holyoke Country Club, Country Club Road (off Route 5), Holyoke. Join with Greater Easthampton and Greater Holyoke chamber members as we ‘move the mountain’ to network together. Presented by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for Greater Easthampton and Holyoke chamber members, $15 for non-members.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 4: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Black Birch Vineyard. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, the Creative, and viz-bang! Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• June 19: “The Art of Small Business: Pricing,” 9-10:30 a.m. Hosted and sponsored by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Special guest: Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Lesser has been a consultant and business owner for more than 30 years. His companies have grown and shrunk and grown again, and the nature of his business has changed over the years. “The Art of Small Business” contains the insights and techniques that have contributed to his success. Highlights: Apple never discounts. Clothing stores build in a series of discounts to the initial price. Consulting companies use various techniques to avoid quoting an hourly rate. Law firms typically quote an hourly rate and stick to it. How do you determine what rate you should charge for your time? Too high, and you scare clients away; too low, and your clients undervalue your work. There is an art to setting a price for your work. What is a livable rate for your work? What is the range of rates for your work in your market? How do you price a job, and how do you cover add-ons and other changes? Do you have separate rates for different types of clients? What about donating services? How do you negotiate rates with a potential client? This workshop covers the process of determining your rate and sticking to it. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 12: Nonprofit Board Fair, 5 p.m. at the Smith College Conference Center, 51 College Lane, Northampton. Learn about, connect with, and help lead local nonprofits. Nonprofits count on volunteers like you to lead them to success. The United Way of Hampshire County and NAYP have once again partnered to host the Nonprofit Board Fair, a signature event featuring nonprofits throughout the Pioneer Valley whose leadership will be on hand to talk to interested candidates about serving on their organizations’ boards of directors. There will be a variety of organizations from large to small, representing a mix of essential services, including economic security, community building, children and education, the environment, health and disabilities, elder care, the arts, and advocacy and access. This event is ideal for younger professionals seeking this type of engagement for the first time, as well as seasoned professionals with prior board experience.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• June 11: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick. Sponsored by Pro Tours & Cruises of Southwick. Great connection opportunities. Complimentary refreshments provided. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash at the door). To register. call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 12: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 2, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements.” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• June 20: June Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Sponsors: platinum, First Niagara; gold, United Bank; silver, United Way of Pioneer Valley. Speaker: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Suzanne Scallion. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Consider donating a raffle prize. To register, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 25: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 3, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “You’re Social. Now What? Is It Working?” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: Free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• June 27: Local Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. The luncheon is for the chamber communities of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco. The state legislators for each community have been invited to speak. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Cost: TBA. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
• June 3: PWC Woman of the Year, 5:30 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Honoring Carol Campbell, president, CEO, and founder of Chicopee Industrial Contractors. Reservations cost $55. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• June 10: PWC Ladies Night Member Reception, 5-7 p.m., at Fathers & Sons, 989 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments. Reservations are free. To register, e-mail Dawn Creighton at [email protected].

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
• June 11: Wicked Wednesday, 3-6 p.m., at Six Flags New England. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 19: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef, Agawam. Sponsored by OMG and Development Associates. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman John Weiss and the incoming WRC board of directors. Cost: $25 for chamber members, $30 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• 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].

Agenda Departments

Communication Strategies in Higher Education
June 13: Whether for college marketing, recruiting, advising, retention, or even alumni engagement, having strong and well-designed communication plans are the key to reaching your target market. How do colleges and universities integrate the new and old methods of marketing, getting results that lead to success? What role does key messaging and institutional brand play in effective marketing efforts? As part of Bay Path College’s Hot Topics in Higher Education series, Sarah Coen, vice president of Noel-Levitz, will present “Hit Your Target Market: Develop Communication Strategies that Really Work,” navigating the often-chaotic world of communications and marketing by sharing strategies and plans that yield positive results. The 8 a.m. event at the college’s Blake Commons is preceded by a 7:30 breakfast. A recognized leader in higher-education consulting, Noel-Levitz is committed to helping institutions meet their goals for enrollment and student success. During its 40-year history, more than 2,800 campus clients throughout North America and beyond have invited Noel-Levitz to collaborate with them. Coen offers nearly two decades of experience in new-student recruitment, financial aid, orientation, and staff development. She is especially adept at developing and implementing comprehensive communication plans for managing new-student enrollment and at applying predictive modeling toward enrollment management. She has served more than 30 institutions in the U.S. and Canada during her consulting career with Noel-Levitz, focusing primarily on inquiry-pool development, relationship management, communication-flow development, database management, campus-visit programming, staff development, and financial-aid strategy. The event is free and open to the public, although registration is strongly advised. To join the conversation via Twitter, use #bpctopics. For those unable to attend in person, there is an option at registration for virtual participation. For more information, visit graduate.baypath.edu.

BusinessWest 40 Under Forty
June 19: The eighth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The program has become a prestigious honor in the Western Mass. business community, and the gala has become one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. An independent panel of judges chose this year’s class from more than 150 nominations, a record. Their stories were presented in the April 21 issue, and may also be read online at BusinessWest.com. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues, but tickets cost $65, and they typically sell out quickly. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.

Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival
June 21-22: Experience old England in New England with the fourth annual Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival, which returns to 210 Turners Falls Road in Montague on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. A benefit for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Montague Common Hall, the festival transports fairgoers to the adventurous days of Robin Hood with two full days of fun for all ages, featuring 65 artisans and 40 hours of entertainment including knights jousting on horseback, whimsical stage shows, dancers, jesters, fairies, and unique musical acts not seen anywhere else. The festival also features a children’s area which hosts activities for kids throughout the day as well as puppeteers and medieval characters. The event brings the medieval world to life with re-enactors demonstrating skills such as cooking, textile arts, blacksmithing, and swordplay. Attendees will also have a chance to feast on delicacies including turkey legs, roasted lamb, mead, beer, and ale. Cost is  $15 for adults, $10 children and seniors. Children under 6 are free. Parking is $5 per car.

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.

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
Patricia McGhee v. Circle K
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $5,089
Filed: 4/4/14

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Edward M. Orcutt Jr., ppa John E. Orcutt and Leann Orcutt v. Pioneer Valley Regional School District
Allegation: Negligence in precautionary measures and supervision, failure to provide an agent who was MIAA concussion-certified or had first-responder training: $180,834.94+
Filed: 3/20/14

Martifer Solar USA Inc. v. Bith Energy Inc. and Washington Gas Energy Systems Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay under the terms of the contract: $1,212,952.44
Filed: 4/1/14

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Cadwell Logging & Firewood Inc. v. RCS Diesel Service Inc.
Allegation: Action to recognize and enforce a foreign judgment: $36,012.24
Filed: 4/11/14

Chicopee Savings Bank v. Seven Sisters Bistro Inc.
Allegation: Breach of revolving demand Note: $1,564,208.50
Filed: 4/11/14

Fleet Operations Inc. v. Ryder Truck Rental Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract related to the sale of a vehicle: $50,000+
Filed: 4/7/14

GDF Suez Energy Resources, N.A. Inc. v. Apmar USA Inc.
Allegation: Breach of service agreement: $89,064.88
Filed: 4/17/14

TD Bank, N.A. v. BJK Fusco Inc. and Thomas E. Fusco
Allegation: Default on promissory note: $627,645.52
Filed: 4/15/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Adam S. Crosby v. Ryder Truck Inc.
Allegation: Breach of employment contract and failure to pay bonus: $7,000
Filed: 4/3/14

Santos Family Chiropractic Inc. d/b/a Chiropractic AVTS v. Tower Group
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay reasonable and necessary medical bills: $4,447
Filed: 3/28/14

US Foods Inc. v. PEAJ Inc., d/b/a Fox Den Restaurant and Paul M. B’Shara
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,792.61
Filed: 3/10/14

Westover Building Supply Co. Inc. v. Optimum Building and Inspection Corp.
Allegation: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction contract: $65,000
Filed: 3/24/14

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — FieldEddy Insurance announced the appointments of Gina Clark as finance manager as well as Sara Goodreau and Carla Dawley as personal-lines account managers. Clark will be responsible for training and supporting the finance-team members on all aspects of accounts payable and accounts receivable. Previously, she worked for several years in the finance and human-resources departments at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. Goodreau holds her CISR and CIC designations, and has worked as a personal-lines account manager for more than six years. Her knowledge of various computer operating systems will benefit Goodreau as a staff trainer, and she will assist with operational tasks. As a personal-lines account manager, Dawley will apply her knowledge in both the insurance and banking industries to provide exceptional customer service to her existing and new clients. Dawley has her P&C license and is currently working on obtaining her CISR designation. “We are pleased to continue our growth with the addition of these new hires,” said Timm Marini, president of FieldEddy Insurance. “It is a very exciting time for our agency, and these three women have proven industry experience, which I know will provide substantial benefits to both our company and, most importantly, our clients.” Clark will be based out of the East Longmeadow office, while both Goodreau and Dawley will be located in the South Hadley office.

Daily News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Total construction spending rose modestly for the third straight month in April as a mix of increases and declines in public and private categories showed the sector’s recovery remains fragile and fragmented, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Association officials said the industry could benefit from new federal investments in infrastructure to offset declining public-sector demand. “Residential, private non-residential, and public construction spending all have areas of strength but also pockets of weakness,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While the overall trend remains more positive than last year, growth is likely to be spotty for the foreseeable future.” Construction put in place totaled $954 billion in April, 0.2% above the revised February total and 8.6% higher than in April 2013. The year-over-year growth so far in 2014 has exceeded the full-year increase of 5% recorded from 2012 to 2013. Private residential construction spending inched up 0.1% in April to a six-year high. The latest total exceeded the year-ago level by 17%. Single-family construction rose 1.3% in April and 14% year-over-year. Multi-family spending soared 4.4% and 31%, respectively. Improvements to existing single- and multi-family structures slumped 2.2% for the month but increased 17% from a year ago. Private non-residential spending dipped 0.1% in April but climbed 5.6% over 12 months. Most major categories increased from year-ago levels. However, the largest private segment, power construction — comprising work on oil and gas fields and pipelines as well as electricity projects — slipped 0.6% for the month and 3.9% over the year. The fastest-growing private type was office construction, which jumped 3.1% in April and 26% since April 2013. Public construction spending rose 0.8% for the month and 1.2% year-over-year. The largest public segment, highway and street construction, declined 1.1% in April but increased 4.9% from a year before. The second-biggest category, educational construction, gained 3% and 4.9%, respectively. “The outlook for the rest of 2014 remains uneven,” Simonson predicted. “Demand for apartments appears to be very strong, but there are several warning signs about home building. Despite dropping last month, power and manufacturing construction should remain the leading private non-residential categories, with hefty growth for the year as a whole. The rebound in public construction that occurred last month may not be repeated soon.”

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank, announced that Ryan Leap has joined the bank as senior vice president of Commercial Lending. Leap brings to the bank more than 14 years of commercial-lending experience, most recently as senior vice president of Commercial Lending for Union Bank in Morrisville, Vt. He has worked as senior vice president of Commercial Lending for Hoosac Bank, a division of Mountain One Financial Partners, MHC, in North Adams. Prior to that, Leap was a vice president of Commercial Lending with the Bank of Western Massachusetts in Northampton, which later became People’s United Bank. Leap has a bachelor’s degree in economics, with a concentration in finance, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Pa.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Dominic Sarno joined other public officials and neighborhood business leaders on June 2 for a ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of the Q Restaurant, the latest example of renewed reinvestment and revitalization along the State Street corridor. Advertised as serving “real southern barbecue,” the restaurant opened for lunch on May 19 and started serving lunch and dinner on May 26. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. “This is another example of the city’s continuing ability to attract new investment that revitalizes neighborhoods,” said Sarno. “Not too long ago, this building was seized by the city. Now, it is back on the tax rolls, it is looking better than ever, and I’m hoping it will be an asset to the neighborhood for years to come.” Located at 890 State St., the property was purchased from the city in 2013 by Craig and Chris Spagnoli, a father-and-son team that had previously worked with the city on revitalizing foreclosed properties in the Forest Park neighborhood. The Spagnolis have invested more than $500,000 in starting the restaurant and are also planning to rehabilitate the upper floors into 15 units of rental housing. “My son Chris’s wife, Sarah, is from the South, and since we’ve been working in Springfield, we’ve always talked about how we thought a good southern barbecue restaurant would go over well,” said Craig Spagnoli. “We’re hoping Q will be a popular place for the neighborhood, for the colleges nearby, and for commuters wanting to pick up takeout on their way home.” The restaurant is located in Mason Square on the edge of the campus of American International College and a few blocks from Springfield College. It is across the street from the former Indian Motorcycle factory, and the restaurant boasts several Indian models as a tribute to the neighborhood’s manufacturing legacy.

Daily News

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc. yesterday announced that J. Jeffrey Sullivan, president and member of the board of directors, is leaving the company to pursue other professional interests. In addition, it was announced that Dena Hall has been promoted to Western Mass. regional president for United Bank, and Michael Moriarty will be executive vice president, Western Mass. commercial banking executive. “I want to thank Jeff for his commitment to United Bank over the past 12 years and his effort in helping us achieve a successful legal close of our merger,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of United Bank and United Financial Bancorp Inc. “Jeff has enjoyed a long career in banking and demonstrated a strong personal and professional commitment to Springfield and Western Mass. All of us who have had the opportunity to work with Jeff wish him well in his future endeavors.” Said Sullivan, “with the merger between these two great community banks complete, I felt that now is the right time to pursue other interests. I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people at United Bank over the past 12 years, both in the workplace and out in the community. I have a lot of confidence that United’s leadership team, coupled with the hardworking and talented employees I’ve enjoyed working with for more than a decade, will unquestionably make United Bank the premier community bank in New England.” Prior to the merger between United Bank of West Springfield and Rockville Bank of Glastonbury, Sullivan was chief operating officer of United Bank and the former head of Commercial Banking. He also served as executive vice president and chief lending officer of the bank until November 2012. Before joining United Bank in 2003, he worked for the Bank of Western Massachusetts and BayBank. The Bank has no plans to fill the president position. Also, no decision has been made to fill the vacant seat on the board of directors. That decision will be addressed by the board’s governance committee. “With Jeff’s departure, it was very important for us to maintain strong executive leadership in the Greater Springfield market,” said Crawford. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to rely on Dena and Mike to take on an enhanced role for us within the company and in the community. Both have been top performers in the banking industry for many years and are natural choices to lead United in this important market for us.” In addition to her leading role as Western Mass. regional president for United Bank, Hall will continue to serve as chief marketing officer for the bank and president of the United Bank Foundation. She has nearly 20 years of experience in bank marketing and charitable giving. She came to United Bank in 2005 after serving as assistant vice president of Marketing for Woronoco Savings Bank (now Berkshire Bank) and executive director of the Woronoco Savings Charitable Foundation in Westfield. Hall worked previously for the Community Foundation of Western Mass. Hall was named one of the Springfield region’s top young business and community leaders by BusinessWest magazine in its inaugural 40 Under Forty List in 2007 and was also named the Business Woman of the Year by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the board of trustees for the Baystate Health Systems Foundation as well as a member of the Westfield Re-Development Authority and the Western Mass. Corporate Funder’s Forum. She is also the chairwoman of the Capital Campaign Scheduling Committee of Greater Springfield. Hall is a graduate of UMass Amherst, the Massachusetts School for Financial Studies, and the National School of Banking and Finance at Fairfield (Conn.) University. Moriarty, who previously held the title of senior vice president and regional team leader for United Bank for more than seven years, will take on a key role as executive vice president, Western Mass. commercial banking executive. Prior to joining United Bank, Moriarty was vice president of Commercial Lending for the Bank of Western Massachusetts. He also was vice presidentof Commercial Lending for the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency. Earlier in his banking career, Moriarty was a bank examiner with the Office of the Commissioner of Banks in Massachusetts. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Merrimack College and an MBA from Western New England University. He is also a graduate of the Stonier National Graduate School of Banking, American Bankers Assoc. Hall’s and Moriarty’s new roles with the company became effective this week.

Daily News

CHICOPEE — TD Bank has named Denise M. Fleming as assistant vice president and store manager of the branch located at 693 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee. She is responsible for new business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel and overseeing the day-to-day operations at the store. Fleming has more than eight years of banking experience. Prior to joining TD Bank, she served as a branch sales officer at Rockville Bank in Enfield, Conn. Fleming is a member of the Chicopee Rotary Club and the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, and is a graduate of CSFM (Connecticut School of Finance and Management). She serves as community chairperson for the Independent Transportation Network’s Annual Walk for Rides and also is a volunteer driver for the non-profit organization that provides transportation to senior citizens and the visually impaired.

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Kathleen Doe has announced the launch of Kathleen Doe Creative Design, putting more than a decade of industry experience to work in founding her own business. The Northampton-based venture specializes in print and package design, marketing communication, and brand development, providing a complete range of creative services from concept to execution. Previously, Doe was the senior graphic designer and studio director at Stevens 470 in Westfield. She graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a B.S. in the school’s renowned Electronic Media, Arts and Communication program. She is a member of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, the Northampton Area Young Professionals, and is on the Board of Directors of the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College.

Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is asking the Legislature to approve a bill that would make $100 million available to the state’s 26 so-called Gateway Cities, including Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Westfield, and Pittsfield, for a host of economic development initiatives. Included in the bill are provisions for: $15 million for commercial development projects; $10 million in grants and loans to clean up contaminated industrial sites; $5 million for loans fort small businesses; $25 million in annual tax credits for companies that commit to adding jobs; and $20 million for “middle” skills job training in manufacturing and information technology. “We are trying to make sure every resident — and not just residents of Boston — have access to economic opportunities,” said Alex Zaroulis, a spokeswoman for Patrick’s office of Administration and Finance. However, some legislators said the proposed spending was not enough to make a real difference in the struggling cities. “The level of funding proposed by the governor is simply insufficient,” said Rep. Antonio Cabral, a New Bedford Democrat. “The surest way to undermine faith in the Commonwealth’s programs is to fund them at a level that we know won’t solve the problem.”

Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced that Steven M. Mitus, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Balise Motor Sales Company, has been named to the PeoplesBank Board of Directors. Mitus formerly served as a Corporator for the bank. “Steve’s combination of business experience and financial acumen is really quite unique,” said Douglas A. Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. “He has helped Balise Motor Sales grow to number 47 of the top 100 dealers in the country, which is a sizable accomplishment. His hard work is not limited to corporate affairs however. Steve’s service to community lines up well with our corporate responsibility philosophy and actions. He is a tireless volunteer who has used his business expertise and time to help a large number of civic and community organizations in this area.” Mitus is a cum laude graduate of the UMass Amherst, where he holds a bachelor’s of Business Administration. He is also a graduate of Holyoke Community College. Mitus currently serves as a trustee of Baystate Health, where he is vice chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee; as a trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, where he chairs the Audit and Finance Committee; and as a director of Health New England, where he is a member of the Compensation and the Audit committees. The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield presented him with the Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year Award for his current and past community service. Mitus is also a past recipient of Holyoke Community College Distinguished Alumni Award. He is a member of Financial Executives International (FEI), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Mass. State Society of CPAs (MSCPA).

Departments Incorporations

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

CHICOPEE

Scott Allan Collection Inc., 87 Bay State Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Scott A. Bieda, same. Clothing and apparel.
Stucco Works Inc., 49 Dakota Dr., Chicopee, MA 01013. Vasiliy Zverev, same. Masonry.

EAST LONGMEADOW

West of the River Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc., 143 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Robert MacDonald, 65 Apricot Hill Lane, West Springfield, MA 01089. To promote, develop, sponsor, and assist in the betterment of the business community of West Springfield and Agawam through fundraising, educational, vocational, and other efforts and activities, including charitable activities.

HADLEY

R. Christopher & Associates Inc., 31 East Hadley Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Traeci J. Stevens, same. Security conflicts.

LONGMEADOW

Stevens Blair Recruiting Inc., 32 Edgewood Ave., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Caroline Krafcik, same. Consulting and healthcare marketing research services.

LENOX

Prevista Inc., 2 Pinecrest Dr., Lenox, MA 01240. Leisl M. Moriarty, same. Meeting, event, and program consultation and management.

NORTH ADAMS

Tarm Tax Services Inc., 131 Ashland St., Ste. 250, North Adams, MA 01247. Tara J. Ferriter, 17 Willow St., North Adams, MA 01247. Tax preparation, taxpayer representation, and bookkeeping.

NORTHAMPTON

Western Mass FC Inc., 16 Dana St., Northampton, MA 01060. Jonathan A. Scagel, 32 Pleasant View Dr., Hatfield, MA 01038. To offer high quality, competitive sports teams and instruction to the children of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Including but not limited to fundraising and sponsorship of said sports teams and any and all other lawful purposes.

SHEFFIELD

Smarter 1 Inc., 742 Barnum St., Sheffield, MA 01257. Donald Reinauer, same. Manufacture and sale of computer and telephone equipment.

SOUTHAMPTON

Western Mass Spray Foam Inc., 37 Maple St., Southampton, MA 01073. John L. Meunier, same. Insulation services.

SOUTHWICK

Pro Tour & Cruises Inc., 194 South Longyard Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Kasie Provencal, same. Tours and cruises.

SPRINGFIELD

Pioneer Films Inc., 83 Ontario St., Springfield, MA 01104. Angel Martinez, same. To inspire the community through the art of filmmaking. We will promote events to audition members of the community to join us in producing: biographies, documentaries, short films, and feature length films.

WESTFIELD

MMC Specialty Roofing Inc., 50 Valley View Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Donald M. Wurster, same. Construction and roofing.
VP Transport Inc., 121 B Otis St., Westfield, MA 01085. Valeriy Pozhar, same. Trucking.

Departments People on the Move

Jessica Young

Jessica Young

Florence Savings Bank announced that Jessica Young has been selected as a recipient of the President’s Award for 2014. The President’s Award is an annual tradition established by the bank in 1995. It affords employees opportunities to nominate their peers for this prestigious award, which recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Savings Bank. Young, a Senior Teller at the Bank’s Florence branch, joined FSB in 2011. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and liberal arts from Southern Vermont College in Bennington. The Sharon Springs, N.Y. native was nominated by her peers for “her personable, friendly, and outstanding customer service,” said Diane Gould, Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director, who added, “Jessica’s peers applauded her calm demeanor in even the most challenging situations, as well as her creative problem-solving skills.” John Heaps Jr., President and CEO of Florence Savings Bank, said, “we are very pleased that Jessica received such strong support and recognition from her peers and has won the President’s Award for 2014. Every day she demonstrates her deep knowledge of banking and dedication to our customers.”
•••••
Todd C. Ratner

Todd C. Ratner

The regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Todd Ratner, Esq. has been honored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as a 2014 “Excellence in the Law” honoree. This event recognizes 25 up-and-coming attorneys for their outstanding accomplishments in the legal community in 2013. Ratner is a member of Bacon Wilson’s Estate Planning and Elder Law department whose practice includes sophisticated estate-planning issues. Additional areas of practice include commercial and residential real estate together with general business and corporate law. Ratner serves on the boards of many charitable entities, including co-chair of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Tri County Partnership, is a graduate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s Leadership Institute 2007, and taught elder law at American International College. He is a frequent lecturer and has written numerous business, estate-planning, and real-estate articles. Ratner earned his JD from the Pennsylvania State University School of Law, his MBA from Boston University Graduate School of Management, and his bachelor’s degree from Babson College. With 40 attorneys, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is the largest law firm in Western Mass. The firm’s four offices are located in Springfield, Westfield, Northampton, and Amherst.
•••••
Easthampton Savings Bank
announced the following:
Holly Fuller

Holly Fuller

Holly Fuller has been promoted to Senior Branch Officer. Fuller joined ESB in 1997 as a teller and was promoted to Customer Service Representative in 2000. She was promoted to Assistant Manager of the South Hadley office in 2006, and in 2008 was promoted to Branch Manager of the Locust Street, Northampton office. Later that year, Fuller was promoted to Branch Officer. She is a member of the Chesterfield Finance Committee and the Northampton Elks. Fuller has volunteered for Relay for Life, Big Brother Big Sisters, and the Northampton Chamber of Commerce. She has worked with area schools on various finance and budget projects;
Pamela Bronner

Pamela Bronner

Pamela Bronner was promoted to Assistant Vice President Branch Officer. Bronner joined the bank in 2002 as a Senior Branch Officer in Belchertown. She came to the bank with 24 years of prior banking experience. She held multiple positions with Baybank, ending in Branch Manager. She was a Branch Manager for BankBoston/Fleet Bank, a Branch Officer at Florence Savings Bank, and a Branch Manager at Citizens Financial Group;
Katrina Dziedzic

Katrina Dziedzic

Katrina Dziedzic has been promoted to Assistant Vice President Branch Officer. She joined ESB as a Branch Officer in Westfield in 2007, and in 2011 was promoted to Senior Branch Officer. She had 22 years prior banking experience with Bank of America and its predecessor banks. Dziedzic has an associate’s degree from Springfield Technical Community College. She is currently a member of Kiwanis of Westfield, treasurer for Our Savor Lutheran Church in South Hadley, and treasurer for the Business Improvement District in Westfield;
Karen Craig

Karen Craig

Karen Craig has been promoted to Senior Branch Officer. She joined ESB as Assistant Branch Manager of the Hadley office in 2001. In 2012 she was promoted to Branch Officer of the King Street, Northampton office. Craig had more than 15 years of banking experience at BayBank, BankBoston, and Fleet, where she progressed from Teller to Head Teller, Sales and Service Representative, and Senior Sales and Service Representative and Assistant Branch Manager. She is a member of the Northampton Rotary and the Northampton Chamber of Commerce; and
Susanne deVillier

Susanne deVillier

Susanne deVillier has been promoted to Senior Branch Officer. She joined ESB as a Branch Officer in Agawam in 2010. She had 15 years prior banking experience with TD Bank, as Retail Banking Officer, at Hampden Bank as a Branch Manager, and at SIS Bank as a Retail Banking Officer. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College. She is co-founder of the Down Resource Group of Western Mass., is involved in Griffin’s Friends for Children and Families, is an active board member of Blandford Ski Club, and is involved in fund-raising for various school programs.
•••••
Loomis Communities announced the following:
JoAnne O’Neil

JoAnne O’Neil

JoAnne O’Neil has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing. In this role, she is responsible for educating older adults and their families on the benefits of living in a community that offers independent-living cottages and apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing care, and medical offices, with primary-care physician services, all under one roof. “I feel like I have come home because my parents lived at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing for many years,” said O’Neil. Prior to joining Loomis Communities, she worked as Director of Resource Development at HAPHousing. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy from Bay Path College and a bachelor’s degree in public health from the UMass Amherst; and
Kristina Hontz

Kristina Hontz

Kristina Hontz has been appointed Clinical Nurse Liaison. In this role, Hontz provides education to area physicians, hospital staff, individuals, and families on the rehabilitative and long-term care available at the Nursing Centers at Loomis House in Holyoke and Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing in Springfield. In addition, she conducts pre-admission assessments and works with Loomis Communities staff to develop new programs and services. Prior to her appointment, she was a Charge Nurse at Loomis House Nursing Center. Hontz is working on her BSN at Elms College.
•••••
The members and board of Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. (MMWEC) recently elected directors and officers of the organization, which is entering its 45th year in service to the consumer-owned municipal utilities of Massachusetts. MMWEC was created in 1969 and became a nonprofit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth in 1976, empowered to issue tax-exempt bonds to finance energy facilities for the benefit of municipal utilities and their customers.
• Paul Robbins, a gubernatorial appointee to the MMWEC Board of Directors, was re-elected by the board to his third one-year term as Chairman;
• Peter Dion, General Manager of the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department, was re-elected by the MMWEC membership to his sixth one-year term as President of MMWEC.
Representatives of MMWEC’s 21 member municipal utilities also re-elected three directors to three-year terms on the board, including:
• James Lavelle, Holyoke Gas & Electric Department Manager;
• Philip Sweeney, Marblehead Municipal Light Department Commissioner; and
• Jonathan Fitch, West Boylston Municipal Light Plant Manager.
Additional MMWEC officers for the coming year, as elected by the board, are:
• Ronald DeCurzio, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary;
• Matthew Ide, Treasurer;
• Stephen Smith, Assistant Treasurer;
• Nancy Brown, Assistant Secretary; and
• Nicholas Scobbo Jr., General Counsel.
Other MMWEC directors, elected previously by the membership, are:
• Kevin Kelly, Groton Electric Light Department Manager;
• Gary Babin, Mansfield Municipal Electric Department Director; and
• Jeffrey Cady, Chicopee Electric Light Manager; and
• Sean Hamilton, Sterling Municipal Light Department General Manager.
•••••
Meghan Fallon

Meghan Fallon

Springfield-based FIT Solutions LLC announced that Meghan Fallon has joined the company as a Technical Recruiter. In her new role, Fallon will be responsible for sourcing technical talent in the information technology field for FIT Solution’s client base in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She brings with her several years of staffing and recruiting experience across a wide spectrum of industries. She has a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in sociology and communications.

Daily News

The regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Todd Ratner, Esq. has been honored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as a 2014 “Excellence in the Law” honoree. This event recognizes 25 up-and-coming attorneys for their outstanding accomplishments in the legal community in 2013. Ratner is a member of Bacon Wilson’s Estate Planning and Elder Law department whose practice includes sophisticated estate-planning issues. Additional areas of practice include commercial and residential real estate together with general business and corporate law. Ratner serves on the boards of many charitable entities, including co-chair of the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Tri County Partnership, is a graduate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s Leadership Institute 2007, and taught elder law at American International College. He is a frequent lecturer and has written numerous business, estate-planning, and real-estate articles. Ratner earned his JD from the Pennsylvania State University School of Law, his MBA from Boston University Graduate School of Management, and his bachelor’s degree from Babson College. With 40 attorneys, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is the largest law firm in Western Mass. The firm’s four offices are located in Springfield, Westfield, Northampton, and Amherst.

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield-based Hot Table, a chain of fast-casual dining locations, will expand this fall with two new stores in Hadley and Glastonbury, Conn. The Hot Table team, brothers John and Chris DeVoie, opened their original restaurant, featuring signature paninis, in Springfield’s 16 Acres neighborhood in 2007. They followed up with a store in downtown Springfield in 2009, and another in Enfield, Conn. in 2012. They are now hoping to grow upon that success by opening their fourth and fifth locations in the heart of two of the busiest shopping districts in the Hartford/Springfield region. The Glastonbury store will be located in the Griswold Shoppes on Main Street, next to Bertucci’s, and is slated to open in early September. The Hadley store will be located in a new plaza on Route 9, in front of Home Depot, and will open in November. A cross between Panera Bread and Subway, Hot Table specializes in grilled panini sandwiches that are made-to-order for each customer. The stores also offer fresh, made-to-order salads, soups, desserts, and a variety of specialty coffees. The fast-casual style of service at Hot Table is designed to ensure that the diner has quick service and the freshest of ingredients. Each location will employ about 20 people. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst, along with Global Spectrum, one of the nation’s leading public-assembly-facility management companies, recently unveiled plans for a series of renovations at the school’s Mullins Center, a 10,000-seat, multi-purpose entertainment and sports venue, designed to enhance the fan experience. Renovations include the installation of new, dynamic LED sports lighting for the arena and new upholstery for 3,594 seats. Additional, 7,705 seats will have cup holders installed. Universal Electric Co. and Ephesus Lighting have been awarded the bid to replace the existing high-intensity-discharge lighting with LED sports lighting. Ephesus focuses on commercial, industrial, and entertainment lighting that is vibrant and sustainable. With the new lighting in place, fans in the Mullins Center or watching events on HDTV will have a brighter, sharper view of the performance. In addition, the LED sports lighting will cut the venue’s energy costs by 50% to 75% for each event. The new upholstery in all padded seats will provide an upgraded appearance and more comfort. Finally, patrons at every permanent seat will have a secure place to put their drinks. The entire project is expected to be completed by the beginning of August. “These building enhancements are going to take our fans’ experience to a new level,” said Brian Caputo, assistant general manager and director of Operations at the Mullins Center. “Our new partnership with Ephesus Lighting and the upgraded seats will jump-start the 2014 sports season.” 

Daily News

Springfield-based FIT Solutions LLC announced that Meghan Fallon has joined the company as a Technical Recruiter. In her new role, Fallon will be responsible for sourcing technical talent in the information technology field for FIT Solution’s client base in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She brings with her several years of staffing and recruiting experience across a wide spectrum of industries. She has a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in sociology and communications.

Banking and Financial Services Sections
You Can’t Start Too Early, but You Can Certainly Start Too Late

By PATRICIA M. FAGINSKI

It’s highly likely that you started working sometime in your 20s with a retirement goal that was 40 years or so away. It’s also likely that you saved very little toward retirement in those years. For most Americans, that means they started too late.

But wait — you say you started saving in your 30s. Isn’t  that pretty good? Well, it’s certainly better than nothing, but it’s still late. Why do I say that? The numbers don’t lie, and to prove it, let’s see what happens to two savers, assuming an annual 8% return.

Both save $3,000 per year, but one starts at 25 and stops saving at 35. The other starts at 35 and continues to save for the next 30 years (see chart below).

Surprisingly, the early saver outpaces the later saver. Why? The magic of compound interest.

As a financial planner now approaching age 40, the implications of this data certainly resonate with me. It certainly doesn’t mean things are hopeless for those 40 and above, but it does mean you probably need to budget, dig deep, and find places to help you meet your retirement goals.

Understanding the best ways to start saving, including the need to start early, is key to saving enough for retirement. Here are some other points to consider:

• Contribute to your 401(k), as much as you can to the maximum, which will lower your current income taxes;
• Take full advantage of your company retirement plan;
• Create a monthly budget so that you fully understand where you are spending your money; and
• Within your budget, set aside a specific dollar amount for an emergency fund. You should have at least three to six months of savings set aside.

SavingsChartNo matter where you find yourself on the age spectrum, it’s essential to take a hard look at your finances. Yes, it’s daunting, but retirement will be the most expensive thing you ever do. With that said, I find that most people spend more time researching a new car purchase than they spend on retirement planning.

If it’s too overwhelming, call a planner and get some help. They will work with you to figure out where you stand now, establish your vision of a successful retirement goal, and formulate a plan to get you there. The work isn’t over, though — you still need to put the plan into action and monitor it for any deviations.

A good retirement plan will likely have a robust mix of investments, as well as insurance, pension plan/IRA/qualified funds, planning to maximize and integrate Social Security, and tax sensitivity.

Daunting? Sure, but with proper guidance it is manageable, giving you peace of mind that you are on the right track. A plan started late is better than no plan at all — but it really pays to start early.

Patricia M. Faginski is vice president and financial advisor at St. Germain Investment Management in Springfield; (413) 733-5111.

Banking and Financial Services Sections
How to Captivate the Room by Doing More Than Just Being Yourself

By ANGIE O’DONNELL

What’s the secret formula for developing the elusive thing called ‘executive presence?’ This question is becoming more pervasive in leadership-development programs and among our coaching clients at all organizational levels.

When we attended the Executive Coaching Conference in New York earlier this year, we learned from the Conference Board’s 2014 survey that organizations hire external coaches most often to help leaders develop executive presence and influence skills — and we intuitively know that these two are related.

The kind of presence we’re talking about goes beyond oozing charisma while delivering a great presentation; of course, these attributes are important, but we are seeing a much more holistic view of presence emerging. Executive presence is a way of being in all professional situations, with all constituencies, especially when emotions run high, which is usually when the stakes are high. From inside the boardroom to the cafeteria table, there are dozens of places where any number of your small acts contribute to others’ perceptions of your presence.

Kristi Hedges, a nationally known communications expert, says in her book, The Power of Presence, “a little presence goes a long way.” And based on the thousands of pages of 360-degree feedback I’ve read over the years, I wholeheartedly agree. What we hear from the board, managers, peers, and direct reports is a desire for small and subtle shifts, not a personality makeover. While this can be challenging, the results are worth it.

Getting Comfortable in Your Own Skin

What comes to mind when you think about someone who has a memorable presence? Is it the way he or she stands tall? Is it their polished appearance? Is it a commanding voice, or how they share a compelling story? All of these are observable aspects of outer presence that derive from one’s inner sense of self.  They contribute to gravitas and send the message to others that this is a person who is comfortable in his or her own skin.

We’d like to dispel the myth that you’ve either got ‘it’ or you don’t, and that presence requires an extroverted persona. Pick up any leadership book or article, and you’re likely to see enticers like “The Myth of Charismatic Leadership,” “Reaching Out and Empathy,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” and “Developing Your Social Intelligence.” This content makes the case for self-development and the idea that executive presence is something you can develop or enhance, not something that can’t be had if you’re not born with it.

I met a woman 10 years ago who exemplified presence, and she broke all of the stereotypical molds you may associate with it. She was in her 70s, stood about five feet tall, and was a grandmother — who also happened to be an aikido master and a leadership consultant to major private and public organizations. The minute she shook my hand and looked me in the eye, I knew that she was confident and comfortable in her own skin. She radiated energy, competence, and warmth, and I knew I could learn a lot from her before she uttered the word “hello.”

So what’s involved in getting more comfortable in your own skin?


An Inside-out Approach

We advocate for an inside-out approach with a focus on three distinct but integrated areas: outer presence, inner presence, and connection. We place a high premium on making positive connections with others, since leadership by definition requires followership.

Connection grows stronger when we listen well, demonstrate empathy, share compelling stories, and bring others along with us. If we were to limit the focus of our coaching to an executive’s outer presence only (primarily appearance, communication skills, and body language), there’s a risk that the leader will come off as scripted or inauthentic. We start at the core, first helping leaders to fine-tune their inner presence, which gets expressed through confidence, composure, optimism, living from values, and resilience.

The common denominator in developing any aspect of inner presence is building greater self-awareness, and the good news is that you can develop this — if you’re open to growth and can take the feedback.


A Leadership Triad

Let’s step back for a moment with a wide-angle lens and look at what constitutes leadership today. In a highly over-simplified summary, leadership involves three interconnected facets: IQ, or intellectual horsepower; EQ, or emotional intelligence — the ability to feel and deal; and what we refer to as PQ, or your presence quotient.

This triad of IQ, EQ, and PQ is dynamic and constantly evolving for standout leaders. While IQ develops early and remains fairly static in adult life, EQ and PQ are open territory for a motivated leader. The EQ facet is the home of self-awareness and self-regulation, necessary competencies for developing stronger presence. The idea is to leverage EQ to boost presence (PQ), working from the inside out.

We recently did some coaching for a global company looking to promote a particular executive. My client wanted to know if this executive was ready for the next big step as a leader of leaders. On the surface, his professional résumé spoke volumes about his achievements. In short, for the first 25 years of his corporate life, he succeeded in reaching all his sales goals, was continually promoted, and received substantial pay raises. But after my first meeting with him, we both came to the conclusion that there was something he was missing, a blind spot or roadblock preventing him from getting what he wanted from his career. So I went investigating.

When I spoke with his co-workers, I heard comments like, “he really dominates the meetings,” “he’s an intellectual bully,” “he doesn’t accept criticism,” “he’s a lousy listener,” and “for him, it’s all about me-me-me.” Where was the humorous, kind, and optimistic leader I had just met? What emerged was that this person was not connecting well with others and was even having a negative impact on them, despite his brilliance.  His IQ was dominating, while his EQ and PQ were lagging.

When I presented the feedback to him, he was shocked; this was indeed a blind spot. To his mind, he had the right answers, made good decisions, and delivered results, and wasn’t that all that mattered? His belief system was relying on a narrow definition of leadership where IQ was the only tool in his toolbox, and he was not bringing his whole self to the table.

But his organization was looking for more, and he was motivated and ambitious. He accepted the feedback and began the hard work of developing self-awareness and new practices that required dialing back the intellectual bullying and cranking up the listening, as a first step. His co-workers began to feel safer around him, they wanted to be on his team, and he saw that bringing out the best in them was a win-win for everyone. He had expanded his PQ (presence quotient), and within two years, he received the promotion he now deserved.

A memorable presence is a key accelerator on the path to the c-suite, or wherever your ambitions take you. We know presence when we see it, hear it, and especially when we feel it.

You can develop and sustain your presence by taking an inside-out approach. You can dispel the myth that presence is an elusive set of qualities belonging to a select few. We’ve seen the glow people get when they realize that they can captivate the room by not just being themselves, but by being even more of themselves.

Angie O’Donnell is an executive coach and co-founder of 3D Leadership Group, an executive-coaching firm based in Wellesley.  She recently received the New England Executive Coach of the Year award from the International Coach Federation’s New England chapter. Her clients include executives and teams from Fortune 500 firms to entrepreneurial startups; www.3dleadershipgroup.com

Banking and Financial Services Sections
A Thorough Analysis Can Help You Leverage IT as an Advantage

By GREG PELLERIN

Greg Pellerin

Greg Pellerin

“Cleanup in aisle 4!”

I was walking the aisles at my local grocery store last weekend when that all- too-familiar phrase was heard over the PA system.  I smiled and thought how cliché it had become.

‘Can’t wait for a good spring cleaning’ is another one that always makes me chuckle, but for a different reason. What’s so special about the spring that precludes us from doing that much-needed cleanup right now?

And so it goes with your IT network. More than ever before, an organization’s success is tied to technology. The challenge for many, however, is that data requirements have outgrown current infrastructure, and the perceived cost and complexity to upgrade is daunting, and therefore postponed until it’s too late.

Here’s the true story of a company that got moving just in time.

OAL Was Going AWOL

“We felt like we were spending too much time saying, ‘how much will this cost?’ not ‘how will this make us better?’” said Bill Weik, CEO of Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster, Pa. Founded in 1972, OAL is one of the most respected medical practices in Central Pennsylvania. The organization went paperless in 2003, one of the first in the country to do so, and the technology challenges began emerging soon after that.

“We’re one of those companies where we’re big enough to need IT support, but we don’t think it should be that difficult,” said Weik. He noted that OAL had already installed a practice-management system and e-mail, which met the practice’s needs back then. “When it came to tech support, we had an outsourced company that would come in a couple of days a week. But when we installed a PACS system in 2006, we decided we wanted an internal resource.”

The Best-laid Plans

“Our guy was trying to be the network engineer, the desktop manager, and more,” Weik said.
“He fixed things and did things that proved to be detrimental over time to our existing systems. It was like putting a bandage on a serious infection.”

In short, it was time for spring cleaning. OAL sought advice from a business partner, the chief information officer for the hospital with whom it was aligned. He recommended a well-respected IT and networking consultant with ties to the local healthcare community. As the hospital’s IT networking partner, it not only understood the complexities of current healthcare-technology needs, but could project five and 10 years into the future. The consultant recommended, then implemented, the following:

• A complete site assessment to define operational goals and identify current technology gaps;

• A networking, switching, routing, and security review to evaluate against best practices and create a road map to leverage IT as a competitive advantage; and

• A PC, server, and user-device inventory that included assessment of hardware condition, expandability, life expectancy, and replacement cost.

“They submitted a proposal to overhaul every server and every PC — everything except the cat-5 wire,” said Weik. The assessment also included a maintenance and replacement schedule as well as an outsourced monitoring and support plan. “The consultant made IT work for us, instead of us working for the IT department. Since we’re so technology-dependent, we got beyond the frustrations. Now, we’re running our business, and IT is there to support it.”


Where Do I Begin?

Technology-refresh decisions can be daunting, so start with an assessment.  Bring in an outside consultant with a fresh perspective.

Through on-site analysis and interviews with key organizational stakeholders, the consultant’s report should define IT operational goals and identify current technology gaps. An in-depth review of all of your critical technology areas should include an evaluation against best practices and provide a road map to better leverage IT as a competitive advantage. A complete cataloguing of organizational hardware, including an assessment of condition, expandability, life expectancy, and replacement cost, should also be performed. Then, and only then, can a good cleaning process begin.


What Time Is It? Where You Work?

Here in the northeast, nine feet of snow is finally gone, trees are budding, and healthcare and business IT professionals are awakening from their winter slumber to assess and refresh.

Spring is time for taking a fresh look around and fighting through that urge to push off today what you can do tomorrow. It’s also a time for that cleanup in aisle 4, before someone slips and can’t get up.


Greg Pellerin is a 15-year veteran of the telecommunications and IT industries and a co-founder of VertitechIT, a Holyoke-based business and healthcare IT networking and consulting firm; (413) 268-1605; [email protected]

Business of Aging Sections
Marketing to Baby Boomers Poses Challenges, Opportunities

Janet Casey, with Marketing Doctor Agency Director Bill Lucardi

Janet Casey, with Marketing Doctor Agency Director Bill Lucardi, says older Americans comprise a lucrative — and growing — market.

Christopher Rawson has seen a sort of “reset” in the connection between how old Baby Boomers are and how old they feel.

“We do marketing for a number of retirement communities, and they’ve sort of noticed a gap in age. People used to move in at 65; now they’re moving in at 75 or 80,” said Rawson, creative director at Andrew Associates, an advertising and marketing firm in Enfield, Conn.

Compared to what would be considered the older generation decades ago, he noted, “they’re healthier individuals, with better medical care, and people are staying active longer.” They’re also purchasing more, and that’s posed a challenge for companies who want to access Boomers’ deep pockets.

How deep? According to a 2012 study by Nielsen and BoomAgers, nearly 70% of all the disposable income in the U.S. will be in the hands of this group within five years. Nearly 8,000 Boomers turn 65 every day, and with Americans living longer, the ranks of the over-65 crowd will continue to swell for the next 15 years.

“Marketing to seniors effectively, and being adept at the nuances and cultural values necessary for marketing to seniors, can make or break your campaign efforts,” writes Bill Murtha, president and CEO of Roberts Communications, who blogs about societal trends at behaviorchange.net. “Why? As the famed bank robber Willie Sutton allegedly said when asked why he robs banks, ‘because that’s where the money is.’”

Importantly, Rawson said, most Boomers see plenty of life in front of them. “They don’t like someone talking to them like they’re old. The whole mantra that ‘70 is the new 60’ or ‘60 is the new 50,’ that’s really true. Older people are much more active. Some are working just because they want to do something. They’re much more involved with technology than ever before, more informed. It seems like, the last few years, everywhere you turn, you see older people on smartphones and iPads.”

Janet Casey, president of Marketing Doctor, a marketing agency in West Springfield, agrees that older Americans bring rich opportunities for travel, recreation, healthcare, and a host of other industries.

“The way I look at it, people who are 50 and older have the highest disposable income of any market there is,” she told BusinessWest. “An 18-year-old might think he wants a new car or a vacation, but if he can’t write the check, it doesn’t matter, does it?

“This is what I see in the travel industry,” she continued. “They offer so many guided trips for seniors, domestic and international — because seniors can afford it.”

But with an eye on the long term, Rawson and Casey said, they’re not throwing their money around carelessly. Knowing how to reach them — with the right messages on the right media platforms — is the key to tapping into that promising 70%.


Logged On

Take social media, for example. The sole domain of Millennials and Gen-Xers five years ago, Facebook has undergone a remarkable demographic shift. Its ease of use attracted countless parents and grandparents who enjoy keeping up with family and old friends and sharing pictures; as younger users have abandoned Facebook in search of newer and ‘cooler’ platforms, the older crowd — less transient in its social-media tastes — has stayed put.

“Seniors are the fastest-growing group on Facebook,” Casey said, adding, however, that those habits don’t cross over into Twitter, Instagram, or other popular sites. “We place a lot of ads for area hospitals — say, for an arthritis clinic or joint replacement. We know that seniors spend a lot of time on Facebook, because they have more hours on their hands than other people do. But we don’t find them on social media outside of Facebook.”

Rawson said social-media use has picked up in general among Boomers, but agreed that Facebook is ground zero.

Chris Rawson

Chris Rawson says Boomers with disposable income aren’t indiscriminate with their money, but they will respond to ads, including online pitches, for products and services that appeal to them.

“In terms of the Boomers, the 65-plus crowd, they want to see what their grandkids are doing, and Facebook has definitely shifted to an older crowd now,” he noted. “The typical user on Facebook is a 42- to 45-year-old woman with kids. The second-most-popular user is that person’s mother.”

Twitter and Google Plus are also attracting more seniors, writes Tracy Sestili at socialmediatoday.com. But these are different than the family-photo-sharing crowd on Facebook; there are more executives and small-business owners who use social media for marketing purposes.

But older Americans are definitely online. According to Pew Research, 59% of people 65 and over use the Internet, and 77% have a cell phone. Furthermore, according to a study by eMarketers, 49% of Boomer tablet users and 40% of smartphone users made at least one purchase within the past year after gathering information on their mobile device.

Still, Rawson said, “they’re very cautious. They do investigate a lot of stuff on the Internet, whether it’s advertising going on Facebook or other social media. They’re responsive to ads. They won’t click on everything, but if it’s something they like, they’ll click on it.”

And, again, Casey stressed that no social-media site approaches Facebook when it comes to attracting older users. “Many younger people have left Facebook because their parents are on there, but there’s really no other place seniors are — not Instagram, not Twitter.”


Screen Time

What hasn’t changed much is the TV-viewing habits of seniors, who watch, on average, 4.2 hours of TV per day.

“They consume more TV than the other groups,” Casey said, particularly in the daytime hours, when soaps, game shows, and talk shows dominate. Fortunately, she added, advertising during these non-prime-time hours is relatively inexpensive. “It’s a very efficient way of reaching seniors. For literally $30, you can have an ad on a broadcast station, and you can reach them.”

Multiple studies also suggest that direct mail is more effective on Boomers than on younger generations, and while newspaper readership is declining among all demographics, 65% of readers are seniors.

“Most older people are reading a daily newspaper; it’s part of their culture,” Casey said. “If you think about it, our parents wouldn’t start their day without reading the paper. With our generation and our kids, it’s not the same.”

So when targeting the senior crowd, she added, “we have great success through print, through daily and specialized publications. But there’s a huge dropoff under age 50.”

Regardless of the medium, Murtha writes, the message is everything. “As senior lifestyles change, so do their interests. Yes, they are adopting and using social media and the Internet. But they’re using it to share photos and memories with friends and family. They’re spreading and taking in news about their local community online. They’re exploring or expanding their interests and hobbies in a more intent way now that they have the time and the money to do so.

“Want to connect and reach mature markets effectively?” he adds. “It’s not all digital and online, and it’s not all print and traditional.”

And caution still reins among much of this demographic, Rawson stressed. “It’s interesting how they perceive the future; they understand they’re living longer, and they want to make sure their retirement plans last them, so they don’t outlive their money. They are very conservative spenders, but they will spend if it’s the right thing and they have the income to spend on it.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Clinical Research
1408 Main St.
$470,000 — Construct addition

Heritage Dialysis Center
67 Cooper St.
$155,000 — Modifications to existing dialysis clinic

AMHERST

Wilson Properties Group, LLC
179 Northampton Road
$200,000 — Construction of a two-family dwelling

Echo Hill Townhouse Condominiums
Webster Court
$14,000 — New roof on Building B

CHICOPEE

James Mientkiewicz
611 Memorial Ave.
$6,000 — Interior tenant fit-up

Safe and Sound
428 East St.
$8,500 — New roof

GREENFIELD

John Chakalos
130 Colrain Road
$20,000 — Remove and install automated entry sliding door system

Robar Inc.
237 Mohawk Trail
$353,000 — Expand store into vacant space

Syfeld Greenfield Associates
237 Mohawk Trail
$15,000 — Renovation for new tenant

Quality Realty Partnerships, LLP
55 Federal St.
$11,000 — Interior renovations

PALMER

Blue Wave Energy
2189 Baptist Hill St.
$3,602,000 — Phase 1 ground mounted solar array

Camp Ramah of New England Inc.
39 Bennett St.
$180,000 — Construct new cabin for summer camp for children

ITW Realty Trust
528 Old Warren Road
$190,000 — Telecommunications tower

Wing Memorial Hospital
40 Wright St.
$63,000 — Kitchen renovations

Wing Memorial Hospital
40 Wright St.
$41,000 — Renovate storage room to chemical storage

SOUTHWICK

SBA Network Service
656 College Highway
$15,000 — Install three antenna cells

SPRINGFIELD

Estaban Vanegas
1219 State St.
$10,500 — Renovations for a beauty salon

John Veronesi
971 East Columbus Ave.
$7,000 — Siding repairs

Willie and Martha Collins
92 Alden St.
$16,000 — New roof

WESTFIELD

Linda Grabowski
3 Shepard St.
$14,000 — Commercial alteration

Noble Hospital
115 West Silver St.
$5,500 — Reinstall suppression system in kitchen

WEST SPRINGFIELD

City of West Springfield
1 Unico Way
$88,000 — 40’ x 40’ shelter at Park

Safelite Auto Glass
57 Norman St.
$10,000 — Interior and exterior renovations

West Springfield Church of Christ
61 Upper Church St.
$5,000 — Remodel of food warming and preparation area

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

GILL

96 Boyle Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Nicholas E. Stevens
Seller: Karen Woodbury
Date: 04/11/14

75 West Gill Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Wesley Brooks
Seller: Graveline, Theodore, (Estate)
Date: 04/09/14

GREENFIELD

82 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Durand D. Lively
Seller: James E. Filipkowski
Date: 04/18/14

81 Devens St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $146,500
Buyer: Rebecca G. Devino-Snow
Seller: Houten J. Van
Date: 04/18/14

337 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Kenneth A. Ward
Seller: Peter J. Chornyak
Date: 04/10/14

17 Pickett Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Mark A. Fay
Seller: Sheila Wonsey
Date: 04/18/14

69 Riddell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Shamus P. Hogan
Seller: Adele B. Hall
Date: 04/10/14

40 School St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $337,500
Buyer: STS Properties LLC
Seller: TAE Realty Inc. LLC
Date: 04/16/14

LEVERETT

312 Long Plain Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $215,728
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jaya S. Boerman
Date: 04/18/14

MONTAGUE

3 Church St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Pratt
Seller: Nicholas E. Stevens
Date: 04/11/14

1 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Nicholas C. Licata
Seller: Michael S. Thomas
Date: 04/11/14

21 West Main St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Richard Young
Seller: Millers Falls Ent. LLC
Date: 04/09/14

NORTHFIELD

793 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Reginald C. Neff
Seller: Everett E. Wickline
Date: 04/15/14

43 Warwick Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $219,528
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Elizabeth A. Salls
Date: 04/14/14

ORANGE

East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Sea Mountain Ventures 2
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 04/14/14

83 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Sea Mountain Ventures 2
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 04/14/14

Route 2A
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Sea Mountain Ventures 2
Seller: Lane Construction Corp.
Date: 04/14/14

SHELBURNE

241 Barnard Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Anne L. Burdett
Seller: Dale Jones
Date: 04/17/14

SUNDERLAND

31 Garage Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jason M. Kicza
Seller: Peter A. Gelinas
Date: 04/15/14

320 River Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Thaddeus C. Smiarowski
Seller: Charles J. Smiarowski
Date: 04/11/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

50 Birch Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Robert F. Lemke
Seller: Paul D. Hess
Date: 04/17/14

28 Carmel Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Douglas C. Johnson
Seller: George R. Roberts
Date: 04/07/14

652 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Joseph Cobb
Seller: Mary A. Peterson
Date: 04/10/14

4 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Emily Cassidy
Seller: Gina M. Bishop
Date: 04/11/14

185 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Robbie Hewitt
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 04/15/14

1178 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Martin M. Radewick
Seller: George R. Gagliarducci
Date: 04/14/14

23 New York Ave.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Daniel S. Saimeri
Seller: Charles L. Flink
Date: 04/11/14

644 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $198,500
Buyer: Andrew M. Morrison
Seller: Christopher D. Rochon
Date: 04/11/14

45 Tom St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Jason M. Alexander
Seller: Daniel S. Saimeri
Date: 04/11/14

232 Walnut St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Paul E. Illouz
Seller: Liliya Kulyak
Date: 04/18/14

28 William St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Calvin H. Tang
Seller: Carol Cavicchioli
Date: 04/16/14

CHICOPEE

15 Daley St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: John Nadeau
Seller: James Whalen
Date: 04/15/14

120 Dejordy Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $323,000
Buyer: Michael Shea
Seller: Roger C. Paul
Date: 04/15/14

518 Lafleur Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $159,800
Buyer: Charles E. Embury
Seller: Robert G. Gordon
Date: 04/15/14

95 Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: William J. Stetson
Seller: James L. Domingos
Date: 04/15/14

526 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $327,000
Buyer: Gregory Guertin
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 04/17/14

26 Plymouth St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Monica Dossantos
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/11/14

13 Rose St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joseph R. Wohlers
Seller: Francis Seymour
Date: 04/18/14

58 Szetela Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Gustavo A. Hernandez
Seller: John W. Thomas
Date: 04/17/14

67 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,500
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Lisa A. Crabtree
Date: 04/17/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

Black Dog Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: John F. Gabriel
Seller: Black Dog Lane LLC
Date: 04/17/14

28 Fields Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Paul G. Chiampa
Seller: D. R. Chestnut LLC
Date: 04/15/14

30 Sanford St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Marisa Barone
Seller: Hilario A. Candelaria
Date: 04/15/14

9 William St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Dale Petrolati
Seller: Wayne Blais
Date: 04/14/14

HAMPDEN

33 Colony Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Douglas A. Yandow
Seller: Blais, Elizabeth A., (Estate)
Date: 04/11/14

93 Sessions Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Lawrence R. Bauer
Seller: Donna Agard
Date: 04/11/14

HOLLAND

32 Barry Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: John D. Mitchell
Seller: Allen Keyes
Date: 04/14/14

21 Kimball Hill Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Stevens
Seller: Patrick L. Lacaire
Date: 04/14/14

236 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Richard J. Lambert
Seller: Ronald A. Thebodo
Date: 04/17/14

HOLYOKE

54 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $193,500
Buyer: Mary M. Wiseman
Seller: Edward K. Lundrigan
Date: 04/11/14

100 Columbus Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Cronin
Seller: Steven Reno
Date: 04/07/14

304 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: Cindylou E. Chevalier
Seller: Richard A. Krzanowski
Date: 04/18/14

15 Keefe Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Joan A. Wright
Date: 04/15/14

56 Laurel St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $133,600
Buyer: Alan J. Mailhott
Seller: Alan J. Mailhott
Date: 04/07/14

24 Myrtle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $159,400
Buyer: Amy A. Roque
Seller: Joniec, Joseph P., (Estate)
Date: 04/08/14

30 Quinn Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Wanda Thomas
Seller: William J. Conz
Date: 04/18/14

24 Thomas Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $117,200
Buyer: Richard R. Filley
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/17/14

LONGMEADOW

384 Converse St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Heather L. Andresen
Seller: Jeffrey R. Cossin
Date: 04/11/14

78 Emerson Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $304,000
Buyer: Jean A. McCaffery
Seller: Carol R. Greco
Date: 04/11/14

114 Englewood Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $511,000
Buyer: Karen L. Mendelsohn
Seller: Boulder Hill Construction LLC
Date: 04/11/14

80 Glenbrook Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $401,000
Buyer: Smitha Iyer
Seller: Rushton S. Zepernick
Date: 04/15/14

269 Green Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Brian P. Marshall
Seller: Allan A. Broverman
Date: 04/16/14

200 Merriweather Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Sunil Sharma
Seller: Patrick O. Mulligan
Date: 04/16/14

35 Twin Hills Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $650,000
Seller: Albert I. Chang
Date: 04/08/14

95 Warren Terrace
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Augusto C. Bairos
Seller: Albert D. James
Date: 04/15/14

121 Wilkin Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Michael P. Bombich
Seller: Carol A. Fox
Date: 04/15/14

LUDLOW

1400 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Luso FCU
Seller: Anthony J. Budrecki
Date: 04/08/14

119 Haviland St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $125,000
Seller: Carlos Goncalves
Date: 04/17/14

22 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Mary R. Misiaszek
Seller: Andrew J. Pietras
Date: 04/07/14

21 Regall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: Trisha G. Machado
Seller: James F. Pereira
Date: 04/11/14

70 Sroka Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Manuel A. Lourence
Seller: David Archuleta
Date: 04/10/14

17 Stivens Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Richard Sulikowski
Seller: Michael L. Olenick
Date: 04/18/14

23 White St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Paul J. Adzima
Seller: Beverly J. Miller
Date: 04/17/14

MONSON

196 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $167,800
Buyer: Orion P. Battige
Seller: Michael J. Edgett
Date: 04/18/14

PALMER

15 King St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $205,328
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: John F. Somers
Date: 04/17/14

48 Longview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Patricia L. James
Seller: William R. Riley
Date: 04/17/14

SPRINGFIELD

114 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Anthony P. Disantis
Seller: Maria Defatima
Date: 04/11/14

24 Benz St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Willie S. Ballard
Seller: Lucas Dempsey
Date: 04/11/14

80 Bevier St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Jorge A. Rivera
Seller: Deborah M. Tracy
Date: 04/15/14

5 Bog Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Darren James
Seller: Jason Balut
Date: 04/17/14

44 Calhoun St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $225,407
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Juan Vazquez
Date: 04/17/14

40 Chalfonte Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Carlos E. Martinez
Seller: Collette A. Fox
Date: 04/07/14

50 Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Salvador Dejesus
Seller: Sara Omartian
Date: 04/09/14

131 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,083
Buyer: Cheryl A. Mumley
Seller: Sean P. Sullivan
Date: 04/18/14

122 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Iris R. Gonzalez
Seller: Nancy J. McGreal
Date: 04/11/14

64 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Allison Sowa
Seller: Ann M. Martin
Date: 04/18/14

41 Howes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,500
Buyer: Alana N. Murray
Seller: Stewart T. Hillios
Date: 04/08/14

97 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $141,500
Buyer: Karalynn M. Paley-Ryan
Seller: Salvador Dejesus
Date: 04/09/14

207 Jamaica St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $227,046
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Yvonne R. Wallace
Date: 04/10/14

106 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Francisco Luna
Seller: Syed A. Shamsi
Date: 04/16/14

406 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $394,000
Buyer: Alfonso W. Nardi
Seller: Daniel J. Molta
Date: 04/08/14

63 Martel Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Charles L. Williams
Seller: Williams, Mary C., (Estate)
Date: 04/15/14

N/A
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Edgardo A. Marcano
Seller: Matthew J. Brodeur
Date: 04/10/14

97 Oak St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Joshua Reid
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/07/14

538 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Samuel Springer
Seller: Tomasina Reyes
Date: 04/17/14

78 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Gary A. Daula
Seller: Michael A. Torcia
Date: 04/18/14

70 Randolph St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Guzman
Seller: Lisa A. Howard
Date: 04/18/14

85 Shefford St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: Jennifer S. Endicott
Seller: William P. Tarnowski
Date: 04/17/14

89 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Michael V. Placanico
Seller: Sara C. Anderson-Potts
Date: 04/14/14

109 Willowbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Gregory G. Sprofera
Seller: Casey S. Fuller
Date: 04/18/14

SOUTHWICK

19 Beach Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Marta M. James
Seller: Christopher Tomashofski
Date: 04/18/14

37 Deer Run
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Pramod Sarraf
Seller: Pine Knoll Inc.
Date: 04/11/14

2 Dewitt Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $374,000
Buyer: Mark Richardson
Seller: Michael F. McCormick
Date: 04/18/14

23 Laurel Ridge Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Fernando J. Carreira
Seller: Timothy S. Lawler
Date: 04/14/14

4 Nicholson Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Andrey Antropov
Seller: Henry P. Beausoleil
Date: 04/16/14

1 Sugar Maple Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: EIG Properties LLC
Seller: Pinnacle Estates At the Ranch
Date: 04/15/14

94 Summer Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $152,265
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Ransom Y. Place
Date: 04/08/14

WALES

2 Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $183,900
Buyer: Joseph Mahoney
Seller: Nicholas Markopoulos
Date: 04/17/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

76 Blossom Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $304,900
Buyer: Ryan R. Donohue
Seller: Richard Duquette
Date: 04/17/14

65 Cataumet Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Richard Duquette
Seller: Michael D. Gonnello
Date: 04/17/14

59 Lowell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Nazira Kasimova
Seller: Khakim Kasimov
Date: 04/14/14

27 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Casey S. Fuller
Seller: Jeanne B. Brown
Date: 04/18/14

332 Sibley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $333,000
Buyer: Jonathan G. Wagner
Seller: Shibley Sweeney RT
Date: 04/18/14

256 Valley View Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $242,900
Buyer: Brandon T. Dantonio
Seller: Wanda J. Thomas
Date: 04/18/14

151 Woodmont St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $158,500
Buyer: Andrew J. Fiala
Seller: Walter J. Dufresne
Date: 04/08/14

WESTFIELD

86 Devon Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Heidi J. Quigley
Seller: Christopher M. Weppner
Date: 04/11/14

Hillside Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Beth A. Dawson
Seller: Benjamin Hallmark
Date: 04/10/14

85 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $115,100
Buyer: Winchester RT
Seller: Stonecrest Income & Opportunity
Date: 04/14/14

Pochassic Road (off)
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Boisseau
Seller: Pauline Boisseau
Date: 04/11/14

26 Rachael Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Edwin P. Rowell
Seller: Kurt S. Shea
Date: 04/18/14

89 Reservoir Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Rajesh Sarwal
Seller: Rebecca W. Grubelic
Date: 04/17/14

15 Smith Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jessica M. Benson
Seller: Lisa M. Bailey
Date: 04/17/14

188 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jessica Rodriguez
Seller: G&F Custom Built Homes Inc.
Date: 04/08/14

14 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Antonio C. Bruno
Seller: Travis Modlish
Date: 04/08/14

West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Boisseau
Seller: Pauline Boisseau
Date: 04/11/14

631 West Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Boisseau
Seller: Pauline Boisseau
Date: 04/11/14

39 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $481,122
Buyer: LJB Realty LLC
Seller: William F. Barry
Date: 04/16/14

WILBRAHAM

15 Magnolia St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Michelle G. Williams
Seller: Marcella Bowyer
Date: 04/18/14

8 Marilyn Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Conway
Seller: James A. Dirico
Date: 04/18/14

5 Merrill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Nardi
Seller: Triton Leasing & Rental LLC
Date: 04/18/14

407 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: William J. Henaghan
Seller: New England Developers
Date: 04/18/14

505 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Samantha D. Burns
Seller: Simpson, William C., (Estate)
Date: 04/18/14

25 Red Gap Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Kurt L. Brannigan
Seller: Zigmund A. Peret
Date: 04/18/14

22 W. Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $292,750
Buyer: Vinculum LLC
Seller: Strype Hampden RT
Date: 04/18/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

57 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $930,000
Buyer: 57 East Pleasant St. LLC
Seller: James H. David
Date: 04/09/14

131 Middle St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $765,520
Buyer: Alison Green-Barton
Seller: William V. Farnham
Date: 04/07/14

180 Strong St.
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: David S. Jones
Seller: Mary M. Cathcart
Date: 04/18/14

331 Strong St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Meredith R. Rolfe
Seller: Lois E. Dethier
Date: 04/15/14

27 The Hollow
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: RGINK LLC
Seller: Housing Allowance Project
Date: 04/17/14

BELCHERTOWN

531 Bardwell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Thiago Garcia
Seller: Deborah J. Porter-Savoie
Date: 04/07/14

682 Bay Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Keith V. Brace
Seller: Michael E. Misiaszek
Date: 04/17/14

66 Granby Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $455,304
Buyer: Jessica K. Dubois
Seller: Carriage Town Homes LLC
Date: 04/09/14

111 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $279,900
Buyer: Rocco J. Malaspina
Seller: Vision Investment Props.
Date: 04/08/14

250 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $299,095
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Joseph W. Koslik
Date: 04/15/14

EASTHAMPTON

23 Beyer Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,500
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Zera
Seller: Ronald A. Duval
Date: 04/17/14

19 Chestnut St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Matthew Nalewanski
Seller: Elizabeth A. Cowell
Date: 04/17/14

13 Clinton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Beverly W. Floyd
Seller: Zofia Baranowski
Date: 04/16/14

12 Knight Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $234,000
Buyer: Erich D. Roggenbuck
Seller: Toby J. Flanagan

63 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Allen R. Tautznik
Seller: Bernard P. Gawle
Date: 04/14/14

45 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $289,000
Buyer: Benjamin Premo
Seller: Daniel L. Polachek
Date: 04/10/14

46 Union St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Stephen C. Robinson
Seller: Thomas H. Gelb
Date: 04/14/14

GRANBY

153 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Edwin E. Olmeda
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/07/14

139 Carver St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Celine M. Hamilton-Quill
Seller: Raymond F. Turgeon
Date: 04/09/14

HADLEY

88 Mount Warner Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Simonich
Seller: Joel M. Greenbaum
Date: 04/15/14

HATFIELD

Jericho Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Aquadro FT
Seller: Scott C. Harlow
Date: 04/08/14

NORTHAMPTON

357 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $417,000
Buyer: Michael R. Banas
Seller: Hutchins Family Partnership
Date: 04/09/14

98 Brierwood Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Lukas J. Rosov
Seller: Powers FT
Date: 04/16/14

20 Middle St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Bradley B. Bacom
Seller: Fournier, Catherine A., (Estate)
Date: 04/15/14

721 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Lindsay Rhoades
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/17/14

PELHAM

142 Amherst Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Carey Clouse
Seller: United Church Of Pelham
Date: 04/08/14

SOUTH HADLEY

12 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Millard
Seller: Michael J. Canter
Date: 04/10/14

117 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mamoona Azam
Seller: Jeffrey Barna
Date: 04/18/14

13 Magnolia Terrace
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Donna M. Theroux
Seller: Delmer F. Borah
Date: 04/07/14

568 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: 568 Newton Street RT
Seller: Sicotte, Marilyn J., (Estate)
Date: 04/17/14

WARE

130 Babcock Tavern Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Susan J. Beachell
Seller: Michael A. Edwards
Date: 04/16/14

125 Bacon Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $289,900
Buyer: Melvin C. Weagle
Seller: Michael Shea
Date: 04/15/14

3 Boivin Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $121,000
Buyer: Paul A. Darling
Seller: Mark R. Sowersby
Date: 04/10/14

WILLIAMSBURG

4 Pine St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Kenneth I. Borden
Seller: David B. Adair
Date: 04/15/14

WORTHINGTON

76 Radiker Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $159,021
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Carol L. Simisky
Date: 04/09/14

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Angers, Sally A.
386 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/14

Arroyo, Ismael
82 Benton St., 3rd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/14

Balsam, Michael J.
Waltein-Balsam, Julie M.
26 East St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Berger Painting Inc.
90 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/14

Bertrand, Sula Michelle
a/k/a Kulas, S. Michelle
6 Shirley Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14

Berube, Candice T.
55 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Blake, Charles
44 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Blake, Gail E.
a/k/a Billings, Gail E.
28 Bush St., 2nd Floor
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Bliss, William P.
27 Audubon Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Bowman, Tamara E.
997 Westhampton Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Broderick, Norma
708 Fairway Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

Carpenter, Cory A.
42 Commercial St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14

Cerveny, Robert David
180 Northampton St., Apt. J
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Cook, Sandra D.
PO Box 90436
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Corigliano, James R.
Corigliano, Wendy L.
20 Bernard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14

Coulsey, Sarah L.
50 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

Croteau, Thomas F.
1458 Donahue Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14

Davenport, Mark D.
14 Hull Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14

Davis, Dale S.
116 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Dunbar, Denise Beatrice
Dunbar, John Harry
33 Bridge St., Apt. 2
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

English, Mary F.
163 Eagle St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/15/14

Flanagan, Michael J.
Flanagan, Miranda M.
13 Dexter St., Apt 2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Fournier, Brian Alfred
27 High St., 1st FL
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14

Fowler, Donald O.
32 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14

Gagliardi, Gail Ann
117 Brayton Hill Terrace
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Gendron, Ronald Armond
Gendron, Gloria Marie
281 Chauncey Walker St., #536
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

Gerber, Ronald P.
9 County Court
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Gilbert, Melissa
a/k/a Chabot, Melissa
136 Shannon Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

Goodwin, Joanna L.
151 Ames Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Gorecki, Joseph
51 Oak Knoll Dr.
Springfield, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14

Hines, Roy
Hines, Joyce A.
157 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Hood-Burgess, Michael Dean
Hood-Burgess, Lori Ann
156 Rimmon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/14

Houston, Colin C.
379 North St., Apt. 4U
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14

Kaigle, Kenneth H.
121 Commercial St., Apt. A
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/14

Kamme, Richard
172 Burbank St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14

Keith, Evelyn L.
33 Kenneth Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Kilduff, Keith Edward
214 Jeffrey Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Kowarsky, Ira L.
435 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14

Laferriere, Lorna Ann
116 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Lane, Michael John
Lane, Donna Marie
PO Box 986
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14

LaRiviere, Albert C.
88 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/14

Laskowski, Gregory S.
126 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14

Lopez, Edwin
Lopez, Miriam I.
45 Benoit Circle, Apt. A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

MacNeil, Marsha M.
60 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14

Martell, Corrina J.
143 Brayton Hill Terrace
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14

McGrath, Edward J.
63 Davis Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Mitchell, Ann Marie
103 Brown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Mitchell, Robert A.
Mitchell, Debra A.
168 Summit Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Nelson, Lorie A.
7 Country Club Heights
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

Northern Berkshire Health, Inc.
71 Hospital Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14

Nunez, Aida
a/k/a Arroyo, Aida
40 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Ocampo, Gerardo R.
16 Erline St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Patella, Vincent A.
260 Pittsfield Road, Unit 15F
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14

Perez, Jose A.
83 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Perez, Vicente
Torres, Luz A.
1680 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Pratt, Thomas
P.O. Box 903
Hanover, MA 02339
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14

Prechtl, Lisa V.
96 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Pum, Sineath
5 Crescent St.
Lynn, MA 01902
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14

Rafael, Kevin A.
203 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Redding, Cynthia L.
PO Box 2088
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Reinking, Richard Bruce
Lemerise, Christie Anne
10 Poplar St.
Turner Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14

Reyes, Pedro Juan
a/k/a Reyes, Pete
43 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/14

Rivera, Luz E.
a/k/a Rivera Morales, Luz E.
306 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/14

Rodriguez, Janet
a/k/a Vazquez, Janet
70 Upland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/14

Roy, Dan L.
Roy, Christine A.
304 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14

Santana, Veras
13-15 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/04/14

Santos-Brooks, Diane M.
29 Rimmon Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Scott, Adminda I
Scott, Nathan A.
139 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/09/14

Servideo, Tina M.
828 Wauwinet Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/14

Sharp, Andrew James
Sharp, Janet Marie
311 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/11/14

Silva, Wanda E.
14 Hope St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14

Skeene, Norma J.
107 Glenmore St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Slater, Roger L.
Slater, Terra J.
49 Hamilton Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/14

Taylor, Bridgette M.
a/k/a Retzler, Bridgette M.
31 Beekman Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/14

Tirsch, Linda A.
255 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14

Tirsch, Louis A.
P.O. Box 704
Agawam, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/14

Visiting Nurse Association Inc.
P.O. Box 869
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/14

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Ayotte Tree Service
4 Independence Road
Joshua Ayotte

Bancroft Bridals
967 Springfield St.
Mark Kendall

J.L. Cleaning Company
43 Royal St.
Lyudmila Barisov

CHICOPEE

Albee & Sons Contracting
32 Providence St.
David Albee

Chicopee Scrap and Auto Recycling
235 Meadow St.
Patel Hemant-Kumar

Emerald Cleaning Service
33 Leclair St.
Juan Garcia

Nelson’s Home Improvement
18 Beeler Ave.
Nelson Pantoja Jr.

Sofia Amelia Home
34 Madison St.
Sofia Hoyle

Tri-State Roofing Systems Inc.
788 Sheridan St.
Jon J. Hambley

GREENFIELD

Crown Mediation
298 High St.
Juanita Thomas

End Grain Artistry
181 Deerfield St.
Alexander Giguere

Four Corners Fine Wine and Spirits
402 Federal St.
Steven Schechterle

Replay
231 Main St.
Alan Cadran

Western Mass Roller Derby
1385 Bernardston Road
Katherine Skipper

Wiley and Russell Manufacturing
40 Russell St.
David Brock

PALMER

AJC Mechanical, LLC
1008 Baptist Hill St.
Lawrence Caputo Jr.

Computer Training of America
1448 North Main St.
Thomas Gingras

JWB Enterprises
37 Ware St.
Jason Bessette

Marlene’s Beauty Salon
1461 North Main St.
Jean Ciuka

Palmer Recycling Corporation
2 Fenton St.
Pamela Douthwright

Trackside Motors, LLC
1316 Main St.
William Davis

SOUTHWICK

Berkshire Kitchens & Baths
8 Evergreen St.
Dean Porter

Coyote Vapors
51 Tannery Road
Stephen Kostusiak

Cruise Planners
2 Lauren Lane
Denise Edinger

Hair of the Dog
610 College Highway
Jennie Tierney

SPRINGFIELD

413 Video Productions
40 Edgewood St.
Aaron Williams

A. Diamond Investment
371 Sunrise Terrace
Virginia Sally

ACC Business
351 Bridge St.
Michael R. Weitz

Adalia Couture
33 Villa Parkway
Dania K. Scott

Angel House of Magic
224 Talmadge Dr.
Angel M. Mojica

APC Repair
132 Bellevue Ave.
David Krisna

Asadero Del Caribe
2757 Main St.
Isidro Rodriguez

Avenue Six Luxury Apparel
17 Eldridge St.
Sasha Feliciano

B2Z Mini Mart
468 Bridge St.
Muhammad Bilal

Body Parts Finder
45 Cambridge St.
David Grant

Brofloe Music Group
143 Main St.
Eric Newkirk

Brother’s Market
106 Oak Grove Ave.
Christian Jimenez

Buen Provecho Restaurant
30 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Mildred I. Cruz

Business Buying Solutions
2358 Wilbraham Road
Joseph A. Monzillo

Coastline Automotive
501 St. James Ave.
Beris F. Gouldbourne

D. Johnson
64 Fernald St.
Derek Johnson

Del’s Repair Service
53 Sunrise Terrace
Delmar R. Hermany

Dillweedz Café
91 State St.
Hai X. Nguyen

Drona, LLC
477 Boston Road
Ramchandra Parekh

Fast Hands
426 Sumner Ave.
Jermaine Cowell

Findik Corporation
1350 Allen St.
Omer Karaarslan

First Class Custom Carpentry
440 Sumner Ave.
Dane R. Stillson

Fresh Homes
94 Jonquil Dr.
Dana Botta-Arroyo

Garvey Landscaping
448 Tinkham Road
Dennis Garvey

Gemini Barbershop
45 Pearl St.
Benjamin Parrilla

JK Tiles
27 Devens St.
Jan Kochman

Wicked Flyboarding
25 Acrebrook Road
Richard Daniel

YMM Services Inc.
295 Allen St.
Yasir Osman

WESTFIELD

JR Cleaning Service
18 Dubois St.
Jesus Felix

Lecrenski Brothers Inc.
14 Delmont Ave.
Dana Lecrenski

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Affiance-Events
93 Charles Ave.
Angela Cooper

Beauty & Nail Supply
366 Memorial Ave.
Long H. Ly

C & N Renovations
174 Birnie Ave.
Christopher Guyette

Construction Design Solutions
514 Morgan Road
Michael Mason

M & S Transportation
171 Falmouth Road
Mark C. Masi

Moreau Distributing
1583 Riverdale St.
Robert W. Moreau

Native Lands
919 Elm St.
Stephen C. Piatt

Primitive Friends Country
235 Forest Glen
Erin Rogers

Thibault Fuel, LLC
41 Chapin St.
Rene Thibault

Turkish Cultural Center
507 Union St.
Arif Yilmar

Departments Incorporations

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

AMHERST

GMASS Inc., 34 Main St., Unit 1, Amherst, MA 01002. Zhuangping Yi, same. Import and export.

EASTHAMPTON

ESB Investment Corporation, 36 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Matthew Sosik, 97 Arnold Road, Fiskdale, MA 01518. Securities corporation.

EAST LONGMEADOW

New England Fence Works Corp., 26 James St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Samantha Marszalek, 403 Main St., Somers, CT 06071. Fencing and construction.

FEEDING HILLS

Musa Excavating Contractors Inc., 1132 North St. Ext., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Aaron Musa, same. Excavation.

GREAT BARRINGTOIN

Jess Cooney Interiors Inc., 30 West Ave., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Jessie Cooney, same. Interior design and related services.

GREENFIELD

Lady Fatima Inc., 142 Mohawk Trail, Greenfield, MA 01301. Aneesa Batool, 25 Venice Ave., Johnston, RI 02919. Convenience store with gas station.

LENOX

FJV Sales & Consulting Corporation, 230 Hubbard St., Lenox, MA 01240. Francis Joseph Vahle Jr., same. Sales and consulting for the decorative laminate industry.

LUDLOW

Oasis Development Inc., 288 Woodland Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Marcel A. Nunes, same. Real estate and construction of new residential properties.

Polish American Catholic Assoc., 30 Lockland St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Caroline Bobala, 83 Booth St., Ludlow, MA 01056. To promote the faith basis organization.

NORTHAMPTON

Pamoja Tujenge International Development Corporation, 54 Columbus Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Christine LaRouche, same. To assist communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and put in place sustainable health and education infrastructures.

PITTSFIELD

F & J Restaurant Bar & Nightclub Inc., 1 Hall Place, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jamie Marie Santos, same. Full-service restaurant.

Mezzie’s Variety Inc., 640 Tyler St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Adam P. Lacasse, 98 Central Berkshire Blvd., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Variety store and luncheonette restaurant.

SOUTHAMPTON

Grace United Church Inc., 121 Pomeroy Meadow Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Stephen H. Behlke, same. Church.

SPRINGFIELD

Faith Christian Centers Inc., 37 Wilkes St., Springfield, MA 01119. Harold L. Moore, 31 Mallowhill Road, Springfield, MA 01129. Religious and charitable organization.

Mosy Restaurant Inc., 137 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Oscar A. Mena, same. Latin food restaurant.

Briefcase Departments

Improvements Begin to Camp STAR Angelina
SPRINGFIELD  — State Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. was on hand recently for a groundbreaking ceremony for improvements to Camp STAR Angelina in Springfield’s Forest Park. “The Patrick Administration is committed to creating open space and parks across the Commonwealth because recreational opportunities improve the lives of both residents and visitors,” Sullivan said. “We are especially thrilled to help make Camp STAR Angelina the first universally designed day camp in Western Mass.” The Patrick Administration provided $1.23 million to help fund the construction of a zero-depth entry pool and accessible bath house, a universal outdoor amphitheater, and an accessible trail to Porter Lake. The pool is expected to open in time for campers to use it this summer, and the amphitheater and trail are expected to be completed this fall. The city of Springfield is contributing $600,000 toward the project. These upgraded facilities will also be made available to the public for a wide range of programs and events, such as picnics, family reunions, swimming, school field trips, and outdoor theater. Camp STAR Angelina, situated in the 700-acre Forest Park, serves youth and young adults with and without disabilities, medical concerns, and hearing and visual impairments. “All of our residents, especially the youth of Springfield, deserve the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreation regardless of physical ability,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “Camp STAR Angelina will become the home of therapeutic recreation for the city.” Springfield is one of seven cities across Massachusetts receiving funding through EEA’s Signature Urban Parks program. Through this program, the Patrick administration seeks to revitalize urban communities by opening up or upgrading green spaces for outdoor recreation and improving access to natural resources like waterways and historic neighborhood landmarks. “This is a great investment in the Springfield community,” said state Sen. James Welch. “These improvements to Camp STAR Angelina will create a terrific resource for our residents.”

Five Area Finalists Chosen for Nonprofit Excellence Awards
WESTERN MASS. — The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) recently announced that five nonprofits and nonprofit professionals in the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires have been selected as finalists for the 2014 Nonprofit Excellence Awards. They include the Berkshire Youth Development Project , which serves youth and young adults in Berkshire County; Jay Breines, CEO of the Holyoke Health Center, which provides low-cost medical care; Nonotuck Resources Associates Inc. in Florence, which improves service access and delivery to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities; Donovan Arthen, executive director of PeaceJam New England in Northampton, which matches Nobel Peace Prize laureates with youth in a mentorship program centering on service learning and taking action for positive change; and the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness, which serves homeless and at-risk individuals and families across the region. The Excellence Awards will be presented at MNN’s celebration of Nonprofit Awareness Day, a statewide holiday on June 9 that highlights the work of the nonprofit sector and raises awareness of causes throughout Massachusetts. “Nonprofit Awareness Day was created to recognize the impact and importance of the more than 33,000 nonprofits and almost a half-million nonprofit employees that provide invaluable services and are the cornerstones of our communities,” said Rick Jakious, CEO of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. “The Excellence Award finalists truly exemplify the most innovative, creative, and effective work being done throughout the Commonwealth.”

State Gets Reprieve from ACA Compliance
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal officials have granted Massachusetts an additional year to transition to full compliance with the Affordable Care Act, giving state health insurers until 2017 to replace their criteria for setting small-business premium rates with federal criteria. It was the latest federal move to delay implementation of the health law aimed at expanding health insurance nationally. Under pressure from small-business owners who feared federal criteria used to determine rates would increase their insurance premiums, state officials had asked Obama administration officials for more time and flexibility in adapting the national standards. Federal officials agreed last year to give Massachusetts a three-year timetable. Patrick, in a statement, thanked the White House “for affording us this flexibility that will help our small businesses more smoothly transition into compliance with the Affordable Care Act.”

Non-residential Building Inches Down in March
BOSTON — Non-residential construction spending inched down in March, making it the third consecutive month in which spending declined. Non-residential construction spending fell 0.1% on a monthly basis in March but has risen 4.4% on a yearly basis, according to a May 1 release by the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending for the month totaled $568.5 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis. Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors, said the report isn’t too worrisome. “The factors that have produced recent economic and construction slowdowns appear to be temporary for the most part and not a sign of emerging economic turbulence. Given recent reports of increased private-sector hiring, construction activity should pick up meaningfully during the second quarter.” Overall, seven of 16 non-residential construction subsectors posted increases in spending in March: highways and streets, lodging, office, transportation, water supply, manufacturing, and religious. Nine categories saw declines in March: communications, education, commercial, public safety, sewage and waste disposal, amusement and recreation, healthcare, conservation and development, and power.

State Recognizes Programs for Energy and Environmental Education
BOSTON — The state office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) recently honored 27 programs — 22 schools and five nonprofits — at the 20th annual Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. “We are proud to recognize the students, teachers, and nonprofits raising awareness about energy and environmental issues affecting Massachusetts and the planet,” said EEA Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “The ideas, research, and knowledge being recognized today show the forward thinking of our youth and how ready they are for the challenges ahead.” Winners competed for $5,000 in awards, funded by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust with the intention to fund further environmental education initiatives at the schools. EEA solicited nominations in early 2014. Two of the honorees were from Western Mass: the Eco Club at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham (students in grades 9-12), and the Korpita Kids Green Team at Williamsburg Elementary School (grade 2 students and teacher Johanna Korpita).

STCC Student Wins Elevator-pitch Contest
SPRINGFIELD — Anthony Grandoit, a Springfield Technical Community College student took first place at a recent elevator-pitch competition, part of the annual awards ceremony and banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. Before a crowd of more than 450, Grandoit pitched the “Baby Keurig,” which he called a “faster, cleaner, convenient way to keep your baby fed.” Mike Mullen, a student at UMass Amherst, took second place for his business concept Kloudbook, a mobile app to keep track of contact information. Finally, Scott Abdow, a student at Greenfield Community College, took third place with Game On!, an event-based entertainment center for card and board gamers. Representatives from six area banks — Berkshire Bank, Country Bank for Savings, First Niagara Bank, PeoplesBank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank — once again sponsored the elevator-pitch competition and served as judges at the April 30 event at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. An elevator pitch is an overview of an idea for a new business. The name reflects the fact that a pitch can be delivered in the time span of an elevator ride, roughly 90 seconds. The term is used when an entrepreneur pitches an idea to a venture capitalist to receive funding. The live event featured 15 students representing each of the 14 participating local colleges: American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path College, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Amherst, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. The first-, second-, and third-place winners received $1,000, $750, and $500 respectively. Each student received $100 for participating.

Company Notebook Departments

Hampden Bancorp Reports Solid First Quarter
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, recently announced the results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31. Core net income increased by $1.1 million, or 49%, to $3.5 million for the nine months ended March 31, or fully diluted core earnings per share (EPS) of $0.65 as compared to $2.4 million, or fully diluted core EPS of $0.42, for the same period in 2013. For the nine months ended March 31, net income increased to $3.2 million, or fully diluted EPS of $0.60, as compared to $2.4 million, or fully diluted EPS of $0.42, for the same period in 2013. Core income excludes net non-core (non-recurring) charges in the nine months ended March 31, related to a proxy contest, and does not constitute a financial measure under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This core net income, net income, and EPS represents the largest nine-month core net income, net income, and EPS performance by Hampden Bancorp since its inception. At the company’s 2013 annual shareholders’ meeting that took place on Nov. 5, Hampden Bancorp’s stockholders elected the company’s director nominees and voted against a stockholder’s proposal. The expenses associated with this proxy contest totaled $410,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 and are included in non-interest expense under U.S. GAAP. There were no non-core charges during the nine months ended March 31, 2013. Net income increased $196,000, or 23.8%, to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, or $0.19 per fully diluted share as compared to $825,000, or $0.15 per fully diluted share, for the same period in 2013. “We are pleased to deliver record basic earnings per share with an increase of 27% over the comparable quarter last year,” said Glenn Welch, president and CEO. “Year-to-date earnings per share have increased 42% over the same nine-month period in our 2013 fiscal year. Core earnings per share increased 53% for the same nine-month period. The company’s emphasis on commercial lending continues to pay dividends by providing strong loan and deposit growth. Despite the cost of our proxy contest, we have controlled expenses well, as demonstrated by the 3.7% decrease in non-interest expense quarter over quarter and 5.6% year to date. The company has and is negotiating with all major vendors to control costs. We continue to hold the line on increasing staff in an effort to remain efficient.” The company had an increase in net interest income of $1.0 million, or 7.4%, for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2013. Interest and dividend income increased $757,000, or 4.2%, for the nine months ended March 31 compared to the same period last year, mainly due to an $812,000 increase in loan interest income due to an increase in average balances. For the nine months ended March 31, 2014, interest expense decreased by $284,000, or 6.8%, compared to the nine months ended March 31, 2013. This included a decrease in deposit interest expense of $526,000 due to a decrease in rates offset by an increase in the average balance of deposits. This decrease in deposit expense was partially offset by an increase in borrowing interest expense of $242,000 due to an increase in average balances offset by a decrease in rates. The net interest margin declined to 3.10% for the nine months ended March 31, compared to 3.15% for the nine months ended March 31, 2013. The provision for loan losses increased $75,000 for the nine months ended March 31, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, primarily due to increased loan growth.

Florence Savings Bank Begins Construction on New Hadley Branch
FLORENCE  — Florence Savings Bank, a mutually-owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, announced that construction has begun for a new branch location at 377 Russell St. in Hadley. When completed, this new, 3,150-square-foot branch will replace the bank’s current Hadley location at 335 Russell St. Present plans call for a fall 2014 completion date and opening. Officials from the bank, the town of Hadley, and the architectural/construction teams celebrated the official start of the construction at a May 5 groundbreaking ceremony. Wright Builders Inc. and HAI Architecture are the firms working on the design and construction of the new branch. Amenities and features of the new branch will include direct access from Route 9; a full-service teller line with state-of-the-art technology for quick cash handling; walk-up and drive-up ATMs with smart technology for easy depositing; three drive-up lanes, including a drive-up ATM; expanded private offices and a private conference room; an energy-efficient building to minimize the carbon footprint; and a comfortable waiting area with a coffee bar and free wi-fi. Toby Daniels, vice president and current branch manager of the Hadley branch, will continue in that role in the new location. Hadley customers will be able to use the existing branch until the new construction and relocation are completed later this year. “We are all very excited about this new location and upgrade,” said John Heaps, Jr., president and CEO of Florence Savings Bank. “Hadley is a very important part of our market, and we look forward to bringing this new, dynamic, state-of-the-art facility to the town.” People interested in following the progress of the construction can do so by visiting the bank’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/florencesavingsbank.

Holyoke Team Changes Name to Valley Blue Sox
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Blue Sox team officials announced recently that they have changed the name of the baseball team from Holyoke Blue Sox to Valley Blue Sox to more accurately reflect the market the team serves. “We want fans to know that we’re the Valley’s team,” said Blue Sox President Clark Eckhoff. “We’ve got dozens of great communities in our region, and by changing the name, we’re sending a more inclusive message: we want to be the Valley’s summer destination for fun, affordable, family entertainment. Added General Manager Hunter Golden, “I think one of the things that works to our advantage is that we play our games in Holyoke, so it allows us to reach a big audience, both north and south of the city.” Eckhoff bought the team last year and brought Golden on board soon after. The Blue Sox — which play their home games at Mackenzie Stadium, adjacent to Holyoke High School — will host this year’s New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game on July 20.

Departments People on the Move

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno announced recently that he has appointed Attorney Mary McNally as the new Executive Director of the Springfield Parking Authority (SPA). “Mary brings a wealth of experience with her from the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office as well as serving as the previous SPA Board Chairwoman, said Sarno. “Attorney McNally has played a pivotal role in the turnaround in the operations of the authority. I look forward to working with her in an increased capacity as we continue to utilize the SPA as an economic-development tool in downtown Springfield.” McNally has most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in the Hampden District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Mark Mastroianni. In addition, McNally was appointed in 2010 as Chairwoman of the Springfield Parking Authority by Sarno. During her tenure, she has overseen the refinancing of authority debt and institution of the SPA Capital Improvement Plan and the SPA-funded Downtown Security Plan.  Previously, she operated a Springfield-based law practice for 27 years. “I am pleased to be named the Executive Director of the Springfield Parking Authority,” said McNally. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute and engage the authority in the growing economic-development renaissance in the city and to serve the residents and businesses of our great city.” Springfield Parking Authority Chairman Al Chwalek said that “Mary, as Chairwoman, has done a great job leading the Parking Authority through the last two transformative years. Now, as the new Executive Director, she is poised to partner the authority with several major projects in the city.” McNally, a resident of Springfield, is a graduate of Western New England School of Law as well as Elms College. Her bar admissions include the state of Massachusetts and the U.S. District Court.
•••••

Daniel Patrick Morrissey

Daniel Patrick Morrissey

The regional law firm Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Attorney Daniel Patrick Morrissey has joined its office. He will continue practicing in the areas of civil litigation, personal injury, workers’ compensation and immigration law. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Spanish at Elms College, President of the Forest Park Business Assoc., and Vice Chairman of the Springfield Zoning Board of Appeals. He also is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Springfield and a past board member of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center. He received his law degree from Western New England University School of Law, a master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, and his undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst. Morrissey will be based at the law firm’s Springfield office. With 40 attorneys, Bacon Wilson, P.C. is the largest law firm in Western Mass. Additionally, it boasts 65 paralegals, secretaries, and other support staff to assist with clients’ legal work. The firm’s four offices are located in Springfield, Westfield, Northampton, and Amherst.
•••••
Steve Shaw

Steve Shaw

The Holyoke-based IT networking and consulting firm VertitechIT has named Steve Shaw Vice President. Shaw will head up marketing and communications and assist with business-development efforts for the firm, which has offices in five states. Shaw has spent 30 years in the marketing and communications industries as a television reporter, production-agency founder, and multi-media network executive. “Business IT consulting is often viewed as a commodity,” said VertitechIT CEO Michael Feld. “Steve’s experience as a communicator, entrepreneur, and business executive gives us the opportunity to brand ourselves as a unique player in the IT marketplace.” VertitechIT is a leading provider of IT networking services to the healthcare and business communities throughout the Northeast and across the country. The company recently opened its new national headquarters in Holyoke.
•••••
Paul Mokrzecki

Paul Mokrzecki

Easthampton Savings Bank announced that Paul Mokrzecki has been named Senior Vice President of the ESB Government Banking Division. In that role, Mokrzecki will be responsible for all facets of municipal depository and lending activities. He comes to ESB with a depth of experience in municipal banking and municipal government. Prior to joining ESB, Mokrzecki spent 14 years as Senior Vice President of Government Banking at People’s United Bank, formerly Bank of Western Mass. He built an understanding for municipal banking needs by working as treasurer for the towns of Hadley and Greenfield for a combined 24 years prior to becoming a banker. “We are extremely lucky to have Paul join our team,” said ESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik. “He is highly respected in the municipal community, and he has a deep pool of contacts throughout the cities and towns in Massachusetts. His vast municipal banking experience will elevate our Government Banking division to new heights. Combining Paul’s expertise with ESB’s customer-first philosophy will be an attractive mix to municipalities looking at their banking options.” Mokrzecki has a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and an MBA from UMass Amherst. He is a member of the Franklin/Hampshire Collectors and Treasurers Assoc., the Berkshire County Collectors and Treasurers Assoc., and the Worcester County Collectors and Treasurers Assoc. He is a past board member of the Mass. Collectors and Treasurers Assoc. (MCTA). Mokrzecki has served as an instructor at the MCTA annual school for more than 20 years. He is a certified Massachusetts municipal treasurer and a certified Massachusetts municipal collector.
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Mansour Ghalibaf

Mansour Ghalibaf

The National Restaurant Assoc. Educational Foundation recently honored Mansour Ghalibaf, owner of Hotel Northampton, as one of its 2014 Faces of Diversity American Dream Award winners. The honorees were recognized at a gala on April 29, during the National Restaurant Assoc. Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. “The restaurant industry has provided opportunities for millions of people throughout the U.S., and the recipients of the 2014 Faces of Diversity award demonstrate the incredible opportunities they have been able to create as a result of working in the restaurant industry,” said Rob Gifford, executive vice president of strategic operations and philanthropy for the National Restaurant Assoc. and the National Restaurant Assoc. Educational Foundation. “We are proud to recognize the achievements of Mansour. His dedication to the industry and commitment to achieving his dream is truly exceptional.” In 1979, Ghalibaf, an Iranian immigrant, was attending college and working in a restaurant to pay his tuition when he was told he would be deported back to Tehran — at the height of the Iranian Revolution. Along with those closest to him, Ghalibaf endured a tense month under scrutiny from government officials and was on the brink of homelessness before he secured a visa to remain in the U.S. His status no longer in jeopardy, Ghalibaf pursued the American dream with dedication: he completed his college degree, got married, and continued to excel in the hospitality industry. His persistence and passion for the industry allowed him to work his way up from the kitchen to a hotel owner. After serving as general manager of the historic, 106-room Hotel Northampton for 16 years, Ghalibaf purchased the hotel and has since grown sales from $2 million to $7 million. Ghalibaf has been named Restaurateur of the Year by the Massachusetts Restaurant Assoc. and was inducted into the Massachusetts Hospitality Hall of Fame. “It is an incredible honor to receive this award, which celebrates the American dream,” he said. “Rarely do success stories come down to a sole individual, and I am so grateful for the many friends, family, co-workers, and associates — including those in the organizations that nominated and selected me for this distinction — who have been essential to my success. The hospitality industry is one place where the American dream is still within reach. We are without a doubt in the best business in the world.”
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Consolidated Health Plans (CHP) announced that Juan Campbell has joined the company to lead its sales division. In this role, Campbell will be responsible for leading new-business development of student health, special risk, and other consumer products. Campbell brings a wealth of experience in sales, operations, strategic marketing, and business-development strategies to CHP. He has more than 20 years of experience in the health-insurance marketplace serving the needs of commercial clients. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and completed the Executive Management Program from Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Study Home and the Westmass Area Development Corp., and on the Legislative Steering Committee of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
•••••
Dr. John Schreiber has been appointed President of Baystate Medical Practices and chief physician executive of Baystate Health, joining the health system’s senior leadership team. Schreiber comes to Baystate from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. He was also chief administrative officer and pediatrician-in-chief of the Floating Hospital for Children, the 100-bed primary affiliate children’s hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine.

Chamber Corners Departments

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

• May 21: Capital Matchmaking/Business Coaching, 1-4 p.m., at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. This is a business borrower and lender matchmaking event, ideal for small businesses. Presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Common Capital, in cooperation with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield. Reservations are complimentary, but required. Contact Oreste Varela at [email protected] or (413) 785-0484 for information.

• May 27: ACCGS Pastries, Politics & Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Designed for political and policy junkies, featuring a policy expert and member of the Patrick administration. Reservations are $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

• June 4: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. Hosted by Springfield College at the Richard Flynn Campus Union. Topic: “Inspiring a Creative Corporate Culture.” Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

• June 12: ERC5 Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Blake Dining Commons, Bay Path College, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. Reservations are $20 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

• June 26: ACCGS Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, Springfield. The year in retrospect, and presentation of the 2014 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year award. Reservations are $40 for members, $60 for general admission. 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

• May 28: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. at Amherst Laser and Skin Care Center, 264 North Pleasant St., Amherst. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for guests.

• June 19-22: Taste of Amherst 2014. Come enjoy four days of fun at the 2014 Taste of Amherst, on the Amherst Town Common. Live entertainment will be provided by 93.9 the River, fun family events, and more than 20 local restaurants. Eat, play, dance, and celebrate all of what Amherst has to offer. Hours: Thursday, June 19, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, June 20, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, June 21, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, June 22, noon-4 p.m.

• June 25: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. New Member Reception. Don’t miss this annual event, hosted by all the businesses at 25-35 University Dr.:
Cheryl Nina Salon, Encharter Insurance LLC, J. F. Conlon & Associates, Sawicki Real Estate, and 
Ziomek & Ziomek, Attorneys at Law. The Pub will provide food and drink. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank.
Tickets: Free for new members (if you joined between June 2013 and June 2014), $10 for members, and $15 for non-members.

• 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. Dinner sponsor: Fallon Community Health Plan. Lunch sponsor: Davis Financial Group, LLC. Bronze sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, NEPM, Steve Lewis Subaru. Carts sponsor: Taylor Rental. Water sponsor: Atkins Farms Country Market. Towels: Hampshire College.

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

• May 28: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Tickets: $20 for members, $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• June 25:
June Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• June 4: Member workshop, “Grow Your Business with E-mail Marketing and Social Media,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. Free for members, this workshop is designed to give small businesses and nonprofit organizations some simple ideas for growing their customer, prospect, or member network by using e-mail and social-media marketing. We will discuss what type of content to use in your campaigns; how to get more people to stop and read your messages; how to get more action, or reaction, to your messages and offers; why using images on social-media channels creates higher engagement; and why your content should be mobile-friendly. You’ll learn what it means to run effective e-mail and/or social-media marketing campaigns and what tools you can use to measure the success of your efforts without spending lots of time or money. Participants will leave with a workbook full of ideas for timing their messages, how to write a winning subject line, what kinds of offers or content they want to try, and how best to approach their next outreach project. This is a great workshop for beginners in online marketing looking to accomplish more in less time with a small budget.

• June 26: Member workshop, “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements,” 9-11 a.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Sponsored by First American Insurance Agency Inc. At the heart of small-business marketing are the campaigns that drive action — collections of marketing activities that help a small business or organization achieve its goals and objectives. Newsletters and announcements have become a core component of those campaign choices. E-mail is more important than ever to the communication efforts of businesses and nonprofits everywhere, and to customers, donors, clients, and supporters of those organizations. This session will reveal some simple but effective best practices and considerations for the small-business or nonprofit seeking to make their e-mail newsletters more effective. Attendees of this presentation will learn the different types of newsletters; what to write about in your newsletter or announcement and how to consider using images; subject-line best practices and when to send your newsletter; the importance of understanding how connected e-mail and social media are, and how they have to be done together; and what types of additional tools might be useful. Join us and learn some great new strategies to help your e-mail and social-media efforts be more effective components of one of the core campaign types, newsletters and announcements.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• June 6: First Friday in Greenfield, 5-8 p.m. “Gotta Bee Downtown!” — a bee celebration. Live music, discounts, refreshments, art. All are welcome for free. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464; www.franklincc.org

• June 27: Annual Meeting and Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Terrazza Ristorante, Country Club Road, Greenfield. Elected state officials and chamber election of officers. Tickets: $13 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Contact the chamber for more information at (413) 773-5464 or www.franklincc.org

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

• June 12: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m.,  North Country Landscapes and Garden Center, One Main Road (Route 66), Westhampton. Sponsored by Innovative Business Systems. Door prizes, hors d’ouevres, and host beer and wine. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.

• June 16:
Move the Mountain Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at Holyoke Country Club, Country Club Road (off Route 5), Holyoke. Join with Greater Easthampton and Greater Holyoke chamber members as we ‘move the mountain’ to network together. Presented by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. Door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar. Cost: $10 for Greater Easthampton and Holyoke chamber members, $15 for non-members.

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

• May 19: 46th Annual Chamber Cup 2014 Golf Tournament, starting at 10:30 a.m. at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m.; shotgun start at noon (scramble format); dinner following game with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin.  Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Winner awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament sponsors: the Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations, call the chamber Office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.

• May 28:
Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 5 p.m., at the Delaney House. Sponsored by the Greater Holyoke Chamber Corporate Leaders. The program will be followed by the presentation of the Fifield Award celebrating the volunteer of the year. Join elected officials as they award various proclamations to the esteemed recipient. Networking and cocktails begin at 5; business meeting and elections are at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6. The program will include the chamber’s plan for 2014-15, an overview of how the chamber is working for its members, and a salute to new members. Admission: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. The public is invited to attend.

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

• May 19: Bitcoin Informational Seminar, 3-4 p.m., at the Forbes Library,  20 West St., Northampton. Sponsor: Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce. Special guest: Jesse Vanek. In this seminar, we will cut through the hype and examine basic Bitcoin concepts, including a review of arguments for and against this powerful, often misunderstood, and potentially disruptive new technology. Designed for those who wish to better understand the potential risks and rewards of using, investing in, and accepting Bitcoin as payment for goods and services, this class is intended to provide a sound introduction that enables participants to make informed decisions about Bitcoin, for the benefit of themselves and their businesses. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, call (413) 584-1900 or e-mail [email protected].

• June 4:
Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Black Birch Vineyard. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, the Creative, and viz-bang! Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].

• June 19: “The Art of Small Business: Pricing,” 9-10:30 a.m. Hosted and sponsored by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Special guest: Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Lesser has been a consultant and business owner for more than 30 years. His companies have grown and shrunk and grown again, and the nature of his business has changed over the years. “The Art of Small Business” contains the insights and techniques that have contributed to his success. Highlights: Apple never discounts. Clothing stores build in a series of discounts to the initial price. Consulting companies use various techniques to avoid quoting an hourly rate. Law firms typically quote an hourly rate and stick to it. How do you determine what rate you should charge for your time? Too high, and you scare clients away; too low, and your clients undervalue your work. There is an art to setting a price for your work. What is a livable rate for your work? What is the range of rates for your work in your market? How do you price a job, and how do you cover add-ons and other changes? Do you have separate rates for different types of clients? What about donating services? How do you negotiate rates with a potential client? This workshop covers the process of determining your rate and sticking to it. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

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

• June 12: Nonprofit Board Fair, 5 p.m. at the Smith College Conference Center, 51 College Lane, Northampton. Learn about, connect with, and help lead local nonprofits. Nonprofits count on volunteers like you to lead them to success. The United Way of Hampshire County and NAYP have once again partnered to host the Nonprofit Board Fair, a signature event featuring nonprofits throughout the Pioneer Valley whose leadership will be on hand to talk to interested candidates about serving on their organizations’ boards of directors. There will be a variety of organizations from large to small, representing a mix of essential services, including economic security, community building, children and education, the environment, health and disabilities, elder care, the arts, and advocacy and access. This event is ideal for younger professionals seeking this type of engagement for the first time, as well as seasoned professionals with prior board experience.

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

• May 19: “Prime Rib & Poker!” Annual Golf Tournament, at Shaker Farms Country Club. Registration is a 10 a.m., with a shotgun start at 11. Visit the chamber’s website’s for information on this annual event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call Pam at the chamber office for more information at (413) 568-1618.

• June 2: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Baystate Dental, 29 Broad St., Westfield. Join Mayor Dan Knapik for an informal talk about Westfield. Free and open to the public, but call Pam at the chamber to register at (413) 568-1618.

• June 11:
After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick. Sponsored by Pro Tours & Cruises of Southwick. Great connection opportunities. Complimentary refreshments provided. Walk-ins are welcome. Cost:  $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash at the door). To register. call Pam at the chamber at  (413) 568-1618.

• June 12: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 2, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “E-mail Marketing for Success: Creating Effective Newsletters & Announcements.” Speaker:  Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• June 20: June Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Sponsors: platinum, First Niagara; gold, United Bank; silver, United Way of Pioneer Valley. Speaker: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Suzanne Scallion. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Consider donating a raffle prize. To register, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• June 25: Chamber’s Spring Marketing Speaker Series 3, 8:30-11 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Topic: “You’re Social. Now What? Is It Working?” Speaker: Liz Provo, authorized local expert for Constant Contact. Cost: Free to chamber members, $25 for non-members. For more information, call Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• June 27: Local Legislative Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield. The luncheon is for the chamber communities of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield, and Woronoco. The state legislators for each community have been invited to speak. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Cost: TBA. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

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

• June 3: PWC Woman of the Year, 5:30 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Honoring Carol Campbell, president, CEO, and founder of Chicopee Industrial Contractors. Reservations cost $55. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

• June 10: PWC Ladies Night Member Reception, 5-7 p.m., at Fathers & Sons, 989 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments. Reservations are free. To register, e-mail Dawn Creighton at [email protected].

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

• May 21: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., Kaptain Jimmy’s in Agawam. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of your lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note that we cannot invoice you for these events. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• June 11: Wicked Wednesday, 3-6 p.m., at Six Flags New England. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information or for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• June 19: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef, Agawam. Sponsored by OMG and Development Associates. The event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman John Weiss and the incoming WRC board of directors. Cost: $25 for chamber members, $30 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• 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].

Agenda Departments

40 Under Forty
June 19: The eighth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The program has become a prestigious honor in the Western Mass. business community, and the gala has become one of the region’s most anticipated spring events. An independent panel of judges chose this year’s class from more than 150 nominations, a record. Their stories were presented in the April 21 issue, and may also be read online here. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues, but tickets cost $65, and they typically sell out quickly. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600.

Leadership Skills Program
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, including page 11 of this issue. Comcast Business will again be presenting sponsor, while the social will be sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, and the Isenberg School of Managment at UMass Amherst will be education sponsor. Current silver sponsors are Health New England, DIF Design, and Johnson & Hill Staffing, and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600.

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
Richard Della Giustina v. ABM Industries Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $26,404.54
Filed: 4/17/14

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Adrienne Cremins v. Norfolk & Dedham Group
Allegation: Failure to respond to demand for arbitration: $95,000
Filed: 2/28/14

Bryan  M. Westlake v. John P. Frangie, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $28,761.24
Filed: 3/21/14

Marcia Vincent v. Mackin Construction Co. Inc. and ABC Corp.
Allegation: Negligence in snow and ice removal causing injury: $487,500
Filed: 2/25/14

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Daniel Watterson, d/b/a DW Plumbing and Heating v. National Contractors, LLC, NAS Surety Group, ALDI Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for plumbing work and materials: $110,101.63
Filed: 4/2/14

Kenia Davila, as personal representative of the estate of Kelia Davila v. Michael Malloy, William P. Walkowicz, and The Sportman’s Café Inc.
Allegation: Negligent service of alcohol causing wrongful death: $26,000
Filed: 4/3/14

Plasti-Clad Metal Products Inc. v. Renz America Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $70,484.97
Filed: 4/2/14

Stack Metallurgical Services Inc. v. Thermal Dynamix Inc.
Allegation: Balance owed on previous judgment: $154,254.32
Filed: 3/31/14

Victor Shibley, Kathleen Sweeney, and Canterbury Construction Inc. v. Southbridge Savings Bank
Allegation: Violation of the Consumer Protection Act: $241,472
Filed: 4/4/14

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
BCP Holdings USA Inc. v. Muhammad M. Tajerha d/b/a Mikey’s Pizza and Restaurant
Allegation: Breach of contract: $4,962.14
Filed: 3/18/14

Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co. v. Manual Duchi Agialema d/b/a JD Construction:
Allegation: Non-payment on two policies: $19,351.28
Filed: 3/19/14

Plimpton & Hills Corp. v. Patricia A. Flaherty and Keith Cote d/b/a Keith Cote Plumbing and Heating
Allegation: Breach of contract for materials provided: $2,934.94
Filed: 3/24/14

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
New Logic Business Loans Inc. v. Fresco Ristorante and Thomas Smart
Allegation: Breach of contract: $14,592.16
Filed: 3/18/14