2014 - Page 32 of 36 - BusinessWest

The Evolutionary Workplace of the Social Age

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Modern Office Sections

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

By KIM SEELING SMITH

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

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

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

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

Correct Hiring

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

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

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

Classify and Manage Appropriately

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

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

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

Compensate Fairly

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

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

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

Currencies of Choice

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

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

• Be appreciated and have their voice and opinions respected;

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

• Realize their underlying motivators; and

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

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

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

Communicate with FOCUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bottom Line

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

Are you up for the challenge?

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

How to Create a Positive Work Culture

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Modern Office Sections

Employees Want to Feel That They’re Making a Difference

By BILL SIMS Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making a Good First Impression

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Modern Office Sections

Understand That Your Staff Is Your Best Publicity Asset

By RUSSELL TRAHAN

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

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

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

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

The Social Ovation

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

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

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

The Business Card Is Timeless

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

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

Maintaining a Convention Game Face

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

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

E-mail Etiquette Has No Day Off

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

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

Bottom Line

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

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

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

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments Picture This

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

Fueling Momentum

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

Hometown Heroes

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

Bilding Permits

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

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

CHICOPEE

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

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

GREENFIELD

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

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

LUDLOW

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

SOUTH HADLEY

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

SPRINGFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

WESTFIELD

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

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

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

WEST SPRINGFIELD

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

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

COLRAIN

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

GREENFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

HEATH

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

NORTHFIELD

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

SHELBURNE

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

SHUTESBURY

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

WHATELY

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

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRIMFIELD

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

CHICOPEE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EAST LONGMEADOW

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

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

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

HAMPDEN

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

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

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

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

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

HOLLAND

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

HOLYOKE

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

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

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

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

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

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

LONGMEADOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

LUDLOW

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

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

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

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

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

MONSON

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

PALMER

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

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

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

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

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

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

RUSSELL

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

SPRINGFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTHWICK

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

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

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

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

TOLLAND

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

WESTFIELD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILBRAHAM

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

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

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

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

WEST SPRINGFIELD

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

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

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

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

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

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

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

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

BELCHERTOWN

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

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

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

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

EASTHAMPTON

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

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

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

HATFIELD

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

NORTHAMPTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOUTH HADLEY

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

SOUTHAMPTON

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

WARE

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

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

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

WILLIAMSBURG

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

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Bankruptcies Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Alexa McCabe Esthetician
833 Springfield St.
Alexa McCabe

Allure Med Spa
159 Main St.
Mary Jo Carruthers

Crafty Cookie
1226 Springfield St.
Angela Jordan

Gregory’s
50 Kanawha Ave.
Gregory Ruge

JK Deliveries
29 Sutton Place
Jason Kendall

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

CHICOPEE

Ear 2 Track
1 Springfield St.
James Kometani

Gauron Provision
576 Fuller Road
William Guaron

Lilly Photography
254 Frontenac St.
Stephanie Knoll

The Spa at Stoney Brook
477 Britton St.
Marci Ryder

GREENFIELD

Absolutely Fabulous Hair
305 Wells St.
Jodi Kocsis

Chinese Bodywork
41 Main St.
Qing J. Luo

Hair Affairs
30 Mohawk Trail
Joshua Candelaria

MJM Aviation
108 Hastings St.
Michael McIntyre

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

Sketch Design
30 Warner St.
Matthew Beaudoin

HOLYOKE

Giggles Daycare
53 Argyle Ave.
Siobhan M. Sullivan

Ind Court Deli Mart
301 High St.
Roberto Rivera

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

Mr. Mold Finder
12 Arbor Way
Arthur Marshall

PALMER

Menard Garage Doors, LLC
1020 Central St.
Brenda Menard

Rainbow Gardens
3023 Foster St.
Nancy Golas

Ziggy Enterprises
1029 Park St.
Christiane Torchia

SPRINGFIELD

5 Star DJ Alliance
49 Nursery St.
Myrtho Lambert

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

Acceptance Now
665 Boston Road
Rac Acceptance

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

BPM Installations
22 Geneva St.
Brian P. Marceau

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

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

Chi Chi Sullivans
520 Sumner Ave.
Sarno Enterprises

City Beat Multimedia
70 Cornell St.
Anthony S. Bass

Ci Leigha
183 Maynard St.
Ci L. Woods

Dan Auto Sales
201 Berkshire Ave.
Daniel Rios

Durraingd Myndz Entertainment
1139 Sumner Ave.
Hector Emilio

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

El Shaddai Daycare
70 Leete St.
Helen J. Salem

Express Grocery
1133 State St.
Gavy G. Pimentel

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

Fred Sellica Travel
672 Dickinson St.
Fred P. Sellica

Hampshire Hills Inc.
620 Page Blvd.
Hampshire Hills

Hunter Kelly Entertainment
76 Greene St.
Lamara S. Hunter

WESTFIELD

Alexander Ruge Trend Sound
356 Valley View Dr.
Alexander Ruge

Allied Logging
167 Prospect St.
Adam Roberts

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

Danis Promotion
45 Northridge Road
Danis Slivca

Eastwood Self Storage
61 Union St.
Ronald Schortmann

GDM
111 Airport Road
Michelle Grassi

I Zing Thing
22 Elm St.
Suzanne A. Tracy

WEST SPRINGFIELD

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

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

Green Stone
34 Lewis Ave.
Sami Hajrizi

Neverlow Apparel
119 Highland Ave.
Jonathan Karas

Pho B6 Vietnamese Cuisine
764 Riverdale St.
John Huang

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

Scuderi Group Inc.
1111 Elm St.
Salvatore Scuderi

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

The Vape Bar Escape
209 Elm St.
Maria Filippone

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments Incorporations

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

Agawam

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

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

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

Amherst

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

Chicopee

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

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

Granby

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

Great Barrington

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

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

Holyoke

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

Longmeadow

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

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

Pittsfield

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

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

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

DOING BUSINESS AS CERTIFICATES

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

AGAWAM

Alexa McCabe Esthetician
833 Springfield St.
Alexa McCabe

Allure Med Spa
159 Main St.
Mary Jo Carruthers

Crafty Cookie
1226 Springfield St.
Angela Jordan

Gregory’s
50 Kanawha Ave.
Gregory Ruge

JK Deliveries
29 Sutton Place
Jason Kendall

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

CHICOPEE

Ear 2 Track
1 Springfield St.
James Kometani

Gauron Provision
576 Fuller Road
William Guaron

Lilly Photography
254 Frontenac St.
Stephanie Knoll

The Spa at Stoney Brook
477 Britton St.
Marci Ryder

GREENFIELD

Absolutely Fabulous Hair
305 Wells St.
Jodi Kocsis

Chinese Bodywork
41 Main St.
Qing J. Luo

Hair Affairs
30 Mohawk Trail
Joshua Candelaria

MJM Aviation
108 Hastings St.
Michael McIntyre

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

Sketch Design
30 Warner St.
Matthew Beaudoin

HOLYOKE

Giggles Daycare
53 Argyle Ave.
Siobhan M. Sullivan

Ind Court Deli Mart
301 High St.
Roberto Rivera

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

Mr. Mold Finder
12 Arbor Way
Arthur Marshall

PALMER

Menard Garage Doors, LLC
1020 Central St.
Brenda Menard

Rainbow Gardens
3023 Foster St.
Nancy Golas

Ziggy Enterprises
1029 Park St.
Christiane Torchia

SPRINGFIELD

5 Star DJ Alliance
49 Nursery St.
Myrtho Lambert

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

Acceptance Now
665 Boston Road
Rac Acceptance

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

BPM Installations
22 Geneva St.
Brian P. Marceau

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

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

Chi Chi Sullivans
520 Sumner Ave.
Sarno Enterprises

City Beat Multimedia
70 Cornell St.
Anthony S. Bass

Ci Leigha
183 Maynard St.
Ci L. Woods

Dan Auto Sales
201 Berkshire Ave.
Daniel Rios

Durraingd Myndz Entertainment
1139 Sumner Ave.
Hector Emilio

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

El Shaddai Daycare
70 Leete St.
Helen J. Salem

Express Grocery
1133 State St.
Gavy G. Pimentel

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

Fred Sellica Travel
672 Dickinson St.
Fred P. Sellica

Hampshire Hills Inc.
620 Page Blvd.
Hampshire Hills

Hunter Kelly Entertainment
76 Greene St.
Lamara S. Hunter

WESTFIELD

Alexander Ruge Trend Sound
356 Valley View Dr.
Alexander Ruge

Allied Logging
167 Prospect St.
Adam Roberts

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

Danis Promotion
45 Northridge Road
Danis Slivca

Eastwood Self Storage
61 Union St.
Ronald Schortmann

GDM
111 Airport Road
Michelle Grassi

I Zing Thing
22 Elm St.
Suzanne A. Tracy

WEST SPRINGFIELD

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

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

Green Stone
34 Lewis Ave.
Sami Hajrizi

Neverlow Apparel
119 Highland Ave.
Jonathan Karas

Pho B6 Vietnamese Cuisine
764 Riverdale St.
John Huang

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

Scuderi Group Inc.
1111 Elm St.
Salvatore Scuderi

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

The Vape Bar Escape
209 Elm St.
Maria Filippone

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Briefcase Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Company Notebook Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Chamber Corners Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Departments People on the Move

Bay Path College announced the following:

Brian Basgen

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

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Agenda Departments

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

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

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

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

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

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Court Dockets Departments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celebrating the Difference Makers

By BusinessWest Staff April 8, 2014

Difference Makers

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

For more photos go to here

Sponsored By:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Agenda Departments

Management Conference
April 2: Accountability is a hot issue in today’s business world. At the Holiday Inn in Enfield, Conn., the Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) will hold its 10th annual management conference, called “It’s All About Accountability.” The conference will address personal accountability and responsibility in achieving organizational results, based on Linda Galindo’s bestselling book, The 85% Solution. EANE is bringing to the area Kathleen Kelly, a master certified facilitator in ‘the Accountability Experience.’ She will teach supervisors and managers how to develop accountability and learn to accept no less than 85% responsibility for the outcomes of their actions. Conference breakout sessions will include: “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,” “Taking the ‘Difficult’ out of Difficult Conversations,” “Tom’s Fired: Where Did Things Go Wrong?” “Taking Ownership for Your Own Professional Development,” “Digging Deep: Performance Improvement Through Real Coaching,” and “Ethical and Legal Obligations of Managers in Solving Workplace Issues.” For more information about the conference, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444 or [email protected]. To register, call (877) 662-6444 or visit www.eane.org.

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

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

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

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Chamber Corners Departments

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

• March 25: ACCGS Pastries, Politics and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. The event will feature David Bassett, TSA federal security director at Bradley International Airport. 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].
• April 2: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Mayor’s Forum, featuring first-term Mayor Edward Sullivan of West Springfield, second-term Mayor Alex Morse of Holyoke, and third-term Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield, moderated by abc40’s Dave Madsen. 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].
• April 9: ACCGS Lunch N Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Lattitude Restaurant, 1388 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Featuring “The Art of the Brand,” presented by Mary McCarthy of Andrew Associates. Attendees will learn the core elements of successful branding and the necessary building blocks that should be put in place in order to ensure that your brand successfully conveys meaningful messages that resonate with your customers or audience. Reservations are $20 for members, $30 for general admission, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].
• April 30: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hosted by state Sen. Gale Candaras. Spend a day at the State House and hear from key legislators, members of the Patrick administration in its final months in office, and our local delegation. Reservations are $180 and include transportation, lunch at the Union Club, and a wrap-up reception at the 21st Amendment. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Cecile Larose at [email protected].

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

• March 27: Taste a variety of margaritas and vote for your favorites, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Step into the tropics and pretend you’re on a Caribbean island. This is a Division One competition between restaurant and business margaritas. Your votes will determine who will take home the coveted AACC trophies. Restaurant margaritas presented by Hadley Farms MeetingHouse and Bridgeside Grille. Business margaritas presented by Amherst Laser and Skin Care, New England Promotional Marketing, Scandihoovians, and Applewood at Amherst. Admission is $20 pre-paid, $25 at the door.
• April 3: Chamber Brown Bag Event (first of a three-part series), 12:30-2:30 p.m., at the Jones Library. Learn about the importance of understanding Google searches for business visibility and learn about online business presence. More than 90% of consumers start their buying process online, and your business may be falling through the cracks when it comes to search engines. The talk includes prospect preferences in online search, your business presence on Google platforms (interactive), local search and your business (interactive), content marketing strategy, and converting shoppers into buyers. The event includes a raffle of a free Google presence analysis and a $100 voucher. Bring your mobile devices. Admission is free.
• April 9: Chamber Breakfast, “The Power of Video,” 7:15-9 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 423 Russell St., Hadley. Learn about using videos to promote your business. Sponsored by Epic Filmmakers. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
• April 23: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Western MA Family Golf Center, 294 Russell St., Hadley. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

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

• March 25: 20th Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101.
• April 16: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. Tickets: $20 for members, $26 for non-members.
• April 16: April Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

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

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

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

• March 25: 20th Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. To register, call (413) 584-1900 or e-mail [email protected].
• April 2: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at PeoplesBank, 300 King St., Northampton. Sponsored by PeoplesBank. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• April 10: Seminar, “Art of Small Business,” first in a three-part series, 9-10:30 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Don Lesser of Pioneer Training. Tickets: $20 for members, $25 for guests. Registration is required due to limited space.
• April 21: Seminar, “Art of Small Business,” second in a three-part series, 8:30- 9:30 a.m., at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Tina Stevens of Stevens 470. The program is free, but registration is required due to limited space.
• May 7: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at King & Cushman Inc.; 176 King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Applied Mortgage Services Corp., King Autobody, and Goggins Real Estate. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].
• June 4: Arrive@ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Black Birch Vineyard. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, the Creative, and viz-bang! Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register at [email protected].

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

• April 3: Social Media Workshop, 8:30-10:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Presented by Alfonso Santaniello, the Creative Strategy Agency. Topic: engaging across platforms — how to create engaging content, what types of content should you be creating, how to distribute content through various platforms, and the importance of tracking along the way. Cost: free to Westfield Chamber members, $25 for non-members paid in advance. Seating is limited; register early. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
• April 7: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Renaissance Manor, 37 Feeding Hills Road, Westfield. The GWCC invites you to have coffee with Mayor Daniel Knapik in a very informal setting. Hear first-hand from the mayor about key issues and get an update on construction projects. The mayor also welcomes any questions or concerns you may have. Free, informative, and open to the pubic. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].
• April 9: After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Czar Energy, 53 North Elm St., Westfield. Don’t forget your business cards. Great connection opportunities. Bring a prospective new member for free. Members: advertise your business with a table top for $50. Hors d’oeuvres served. Walk-ins welcome. Haven’t been to an After 5? Your first one is free. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members (cash at the door). To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].
• April 30: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hosted by state Sen. Gale Candaras. Spend a day at the State House and hear from key legislators and members of the Patrick administration in its final months in office. Cost: $180, which includes bus, lunch, and reception. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

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

• April 8: PWC Ladies Night, 5-7 p.m., at Baystate Health, 325 King St., Northampton. An opportunity to network socially with other female professionals in a casual and unique setting. Reservations are complimentary but required by contacting Dawn Creighton at [email protected]. The Professional Women’s Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.

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

• April 2: Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., at Insurance Center of New England, Agawam. Free for chamber members, $10 for non-members. Event is open to the public; non-members must pay at the door. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants, bringing members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].
• April 16: Networking Lunch, hosted by Cal’s, 12-1:30 p.m. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost is lunch; attendees will order off the menu and pay separately that day. We cannot invoice you. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.springfieldyps.com

• March 27: CEO Luncheon, 11:45 a.m to 1:15 p.m., at Health New England, Monarch Place, Suite 1500, Springfield. Guest Speaker: Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England. Sponsored by Adam Quenneville Roofing, Siding, and Windows and BusinessWest. Members-only event; space is limited. CEO Luncheons are first-come, first served; seats up to 20 maximum.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Departments People on the Move

Jessica West

Easthampton Savings Bank announced that Jessica West has been promoted to Branch Officer at the Northampton Street office. West served as Assistant Manager with Eileen Hickle as Branch Officer before her retirement at the end of February. She joined the bank as a Senior Teller for the Belchertown office in 2002, was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in Belchertown in 2008, then Assistant Branch Manager at the Northampton Street office in 2012. West graduated from Springfield Technical Community College with an associate degree in mechanical technologies, and has taken various CFT courses.
•••••

Candace Pereira

The Gray House has inducted Candace Pereira to a three-year term on its board of directors. Pereira, a Commercial Lending Officer at United Bank since 2005, served most recently as Senior Credit Analyst following earlier positions as Senior Commercial Loan Associate and Mortgage Representative. Pereira holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and an associate degree in business administration from Springfield Technical Community College. The Gray House is a small neighborhood human-services agency in Springfield whose mission is to help its neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing, and educational services in a safe, positive environment in the North End of Springfield.
•••••

Denise Dukette
Hampden Bank announced three new members to its Business BankingCommercial Lending group:
• Denise Dukette, Vice President, Commercial Credit Officer, joined the bank in June 2013, as Vice President and Credit Officer of Business Banking. She oversees risk management, credit underwriting, and operational support for the bank’s business-lending functions. Dukette brings more than 30 years of managerial and lending experience, having held leadership roles at commercial and community banks in the Springfield and Hartford markets, including Fleet Bank, TD Bank, and United Bank. She has managed credit departments, loan review, risk management, loan operations, and commercial lending, as well as working at a Western Mass. economic-development agency. Dukette earned a bacherlor’s degree in economics at Wheaton College and an MBA from UConn;

James Babcock

• James Babcock, Vice President, Commercial Lending, has spent nearly all of his 25 years in commercial lending at community banks in the Northern Conn. market, including United Bank, Simsbury Bank & Trust, and First National Bank of Suffield. His new role will include business development in Massachusetts and reaching out into Connecticut. Babcock has a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and earned an MBA from Babson College; and

John Downs

• John Downs, Vice President, Commercial Lending, brings more than 30 years of managerial and commercial-lending experience, having held leadership roles at community banks including PeoplesBank and Chicopee Savings Bank. Downs earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American International College and an MBA from Western New England University.
•••••

Michael Linton

Michael Linton, Owner of Michael’s Party Rentals in Ludlow, recently graduated from the Certified Event Rental Professional (CERP) program, developed by the American Rental Assoc. (ARA), one of the party and event rental industry’s most distinguished certifications. Recipients of the CERP certification were recognized at the Rental Show, ARA’s annual trade show and convention, in Orlando, Fla. in February.
•••••
Rick’s Place Inc. recently announced that Donald Mitchell, Director of Projects and Facilities at the YMCA of Greater Springfield and current Vice President of the Board of Directors, succeeds founding board President William Scatolini, who, along with Dan Sheehan and Glen Garvey, established Rick’s Place in memory of their friend from high school, Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Mitchell brings enthusiasm and experience to Rick’s Place; since 2008, he operated a local nonprofit in Springfield, assisting small businesses, and has served on a state board and several nonprofit boards. Scatolini’s tenure as President of the board from 2007 to 2014 helped to establish Rick’s Place, and he will continue his involvement with the organization as a member of the executive committee. Rick’s Place, which opened in March 2007 with six youth, provides support to grieving young people and their families. Seven years later, the nonprofit has worked with hundreds of youth throughout Hampden County.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Company Notebook Departments

Bay Path Launches Online MS in Accounting
LONGMEADOW — Taking into consideration many of the specific challenges facing accountants and other professionals in that industry, Bay Path College recently announced the launch of a master of science in Accounting (MSA) degree designed to respond to their needs. Now registering classes for May 2014, the exclusively online MS, with one- and two-year tracks, holds no classes during the busy season for accountants, January through April. Three concentrations are offered, public accounting (tax and audit), private accounting, and forensic accounting. The curriculum of Bay Path’s MSA is also designed to satisfy the educational requirements for licensure as a CPA in over 40 states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut. In January 2014, Time magazine reported that accountants were one of the top five jobs in demand by employers, and the Department of Labor recently cited the occupation as one of the leading areas of job growth in the next decade. The American Assoc. of CPAs has shown that accountants with a master’s degree are likely to earn upward of 20% more than those with a lesser degree. Kara Stevens, who chairs the program, has years of professional experience in accounting. “At Bay Path, we understand how to teach technical accounting and what it’s like to work in the accounting industry,” she said. “Our accounting faculty have worked in the professions where students are either coming from or hope to be a part of, and that’s an important differentiator with our MSA. This makes the degree more relevant to the students’ professional goals.” For more information about the program and other graduate degrees, visit graduate.baypath.edu.

STCC Launches STEM Starter Academy
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has announced a new summer program that will allow incoming students a chance to get an early start on their college credits while also exploring the possibility of a career in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines. The STEM Starter Academy will allow participants to earn a $1,000 stipend; take free college courses, including the College Success Seminar “Essentials of Engineering and Math”; participate in field trips; and learn from guest speakers and STEM experts currently working in the field. To apply to the STEM Starter Academy, a student must be a Massachusetts high-school graduate from the classes of 2012, 2013, or 2014, submit an STCC admissions application for the fall 2014 semester and a STEM Starter Academy application, possess a grade-point average of 2.0 or above, and have parental consent (for those under 18 years of age). The application deadline is May 9. According to Dr. Robert Dickerman, STCC dean of the School of Math, Sciences, and Engineering Transfer, STEM graduates are in high demand. The STEM Starter Academy is an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of the STEM field, learn about career possibilities, as well as earn college credit toward a future degree. “The goal of the STEM Starter Academy is to get students interested in STEM careers,” said Dickerman. “Students may not always think a STEM degree is for them, but we want to show them there are a lot of places that degree can take them. Being a part of the STEM Starter Academy is a phenomenal opportunity for local students.”

Monson Savings Awards Grant to Link to Libraries
MONSON — Steven Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank, presented a community-service recognition grant to Link to Libraries. The nonprofit was awarded the foundation’s grant award for being in the top of the community-service organizations in the bank’s areas of giving. “ Support from the Monson Savings Bank Foundation not only supports our programs, but enriches the lives of the children in Ware, Palmer, Wilbraham, Hampden, and Monson,” said Janet Crimmins, president of Link to Libraries. “These are sites in which this organization distributes thousands of books each year. We are honored by the support of this bank and its staff who donate countless hours engaging with the children in their community.”

OMG Introduces RedLine AFR Roof Drain
AGAWAM — OMG Roofing Products of Agawam has introduced the RedLine AFR Roof Drain, a tool-free system that provides for maximum allowable flow for gravity-based, open-channel roof-drainage systems. The RedLine AFR mechanical seal can be activated by hand, eliminating the need for tools and significantly reducing installation time. In extreme rain events, a head of water can develop and create a pressurized flow in some roof-drain fixtures, leading to failures in the building’s plumbing system. RedLine AFR’s design, featuring the RedLine AFR Vortex Breaker, has been tested for maximum allowable flow and to minimize the danger of creating pressurized flow. The patent-pending RedLine AFR Backflow Mechanical Seal can be installed by hand, creating a perfectly symmetrical, watertight connection and preventing over-tightening or under-tightening during installation. “The RedLine AFR Roof Drain is revolutionary in that it lets contractors install watertight, maximum allowable flow drains in half the time it would take to insert new drains and a fraction of the time it would take to rework or replace the drains,” said Dan Genovese, product manager with OMG Roofing Products. “Installation is tool-free and can be done in a single turn with two fingers, increasing productivity and accuracy. More important, the RedLine AFR Roof Drain is engineered to get water off the roof at a flow rate consistent with the building’s internal plumbing system.” RedLine AFR is installed from the rooftop so as not to disrupt building occupants, and has a one-piece seamless body for strength and durability as well as a heavy-duty, cast-aluminum strainer dome and clamping ring. The 10-inch-long drain stem can accommodate most existing field conditions and can be field-cut or obtained in longer lengths if needed. An extra-large flange allows positive attachment of roof-flashing membrane, and flanges are available with TPO or PVC coatings for hot-air welding. Headquartered in Agawam, OMG Roofing Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial roofing products, featuring specialty fasteners, insulation adhesives, drains, pipe supports, emergency-repair tape, edge-metal systems, and productivity tools.

Fairview Hospital Lauded for Patient Experience
GREAT BARRINGTON — Fairview Hospital has been recognized with a 2013 Outstanding Patient Experience Award by Healthgrades, a leading online provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Fairview Hospital was one of nine hospitals in Massachusetts to receive this distinction, and the only hospital so recognized in Western Mass., ranking among the top 15% of all hospitals that were evaluated. The Outstanding Patient Experience Award recognizes the high performance of hospitals that have been evaluated by their patients in surveys collected after their discharge from the hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “Berkshire Health Systems is proud of the exceptional care that is being provided to our patients in South Berkshire by Fairview Hospital,” said David Phelps, president and CEO of BHS. “The consistent level of high-quality care that Fairview’s physicians, nurses, and staff give to their patients is clearly reflected in the survey results for which this award is based. Fairview patients repeatedly relay their positive experiences, and BHS and Fairview are committed to maintaining that level of excellence.”

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Briefcase Departments

Bradley Passenger Traffic Up Five Straight Months
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — With January passenger statistics tallied, the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) has announced that Bradley International Airport (BDL) has continued an upward trend which began in September 2013. January’s 9% rise marks five straight months of positive year-over-year increases. This follows September (1%), October (4%), November (3%), and December (20%), as Bradley showed an overall 1% total growth in 2013 (5,421,975 passengers) compared to 2012 figures (5,381,860 passengers). Improvements to Bradley’s route offerings, which were implemented throughout 2013, have helped drive this upswing. These advances include American Airlines’ daily non-stop flight to Los Angeles, JetBlue Airways’ Fort Myers and Tampa daily non-stop service, and Southwest Airlines’ three daily non-stop flights to Atlanta through its wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways. Numerous customer-service enhancements have been instituted as well, such as the establishment of a frequent-parker program, expanded concession offerings, and improvements to passenger-processing wait times. “The Connecticut Airport Authority takes great pride in achieving this milestone of revitalization. One of our greatest selling points to our customers, in addition to our convenient terminal and on-airport parking facilities, is Bradley’s tremendous accessibility from anywhere in the Northeast,” said Kevin Dillon, executive director of the CAA. “We believe that the best is yet to come. We are excited about working with all of our stakeholders as we continue to aggressively seek additional daily non-stop destinations for our customers from one of the region’s most convenient gateways.” Bradley is the second-largest airport in New England, serving an extensive geographic area with a customer base that covers the entire Northeast. According to the most recent economic-impact analysis, Bradley contributes $4 billion in economic activity to the state of Connecticut and the surrounding region, representing $1.2 billion in wages and 18,000 full-time jobs.

State to Issue $30 Million in Residential Solar Loans
BOSTON — Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan recently announced $30 million for a loan program aimed at encouraging residential solar projects, complementing the Commonwealth’s new solar program to be launched this spring. “When we support our solar industry, we are choosing to shape our future rather than leave it to chance,” Gov. Deval Patrick said. “These programs will allow the solar industry in Massachusetts to continue to flourish and will make solar energy more accessible for residents across the Commonwealth.” Added Sullivan, “the solar industry in Massachusetts has seen tremendous success since Gov. Patrick took office in 2007. The solar financing piece will make it easier for residents to participate in, and benefit from, the Commonwealth’s clean-energy revolution.” The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is currently working with partners and stakeholders to develop the program, expected to launch this spring when the final solar regulations are promulgated. “We continue to work with all stakeholders at the table to develop successful programs to maintain the steady growth of the solar industry,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “I’m proud of the open and inclusive process that led to these regulations and will inform the loan program.” The flow of loans to the residential market is expected to commence in the summer or fall of 2014. The new solar regulations, part two of the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate program (SREC-II), are designed to meet Patrick’s goal to install 1,600 megawatts of solar energy by 2020. SREC-II aims to ensure steady annual growth, control ratepayer costs, and encourage ground-mounted solar projects on landfill and brownfield sites, as well as solar units on residential rooftops. “Investing in solar is a win for both our economy and our environment. This investment, in particular, will help spur the residential solar market,” said state Sen. Benjamin Downing, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “Instead of drilling or mining for our power, we’ll be using our rooftops to fuel future growth. Gov. Patrick and his entire team deserve great credit for their leadership in making this investment.”

Teenagers Find Difficulty Accessing Job Market
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teenagers are getting squeezed out of the labor force in record numbers as unemployment among the youngest workers continues to soar, according to a study from the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. The study found that the percentage of teenagers with jobs has plunged by nearly half over a decade, from 44% in 2000 to 24% in 2011. “If this were any other group, you would call it a Great Depression,” said Andrew Sum, the Northeastern University economist who co-authored the study. Competition from older, more experienced workers pushed into lower-skilled jobs because of the weak economy has crowded out teenagers from traditional jobs in retail, restaurants, and other lower-paying service industries, Sum said. This lack of opportunity could have long-term effects on teens, the labor force, and the broader economy as young people fail to gain the experience that might help them advance careers and become more productive workers, resulting in lower earnings over a working life. The Brookings study examined teen employment in 100 metropolitan areas. In New England, Portland, Maine fared best, with about 37% of teens employed. Providence, Hartford, and Boston all posted percentages around 34%. Teens who had paid employment in one year were more likely to work the following year, the study found. Conversely, said Sum, “if you don’t work at all, you are the least likely to work the following year.”

Partnership to Benefit Creative Businesses
WESTERN MASS. — The state recently designated the Pioneer Valley as part of Massachusetts’ Creative Economy Network and formally partnered with the Western Mass. Economic Development Council (EDC) on an initiative to help creative businesses increase their visibility, recruit talent, find appropriate space, borrow capital, and continue to grow. The designation doesn’t come with state money, but several organizations are planning to apply for state grants. Ann Burke, vice president of the EDC, told the Republican that more than 15,000 people in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties work in the creative economy, an umbrella term that encompasses writers, fashion designers, graphic artists, and advertising professionals, among others. DevelopSpringfield, the Fostering Arts and Culture Project in Franklin County, and the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council are among the other groups participating. Burke said the EDC has already hosted networking get-togethers for these creative workers.

Union Station Project Gets Another $16.5M
SPRINGFIELD — The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has designated another $16.5 million toward the renovation of Springfield’s Union Station. The decision completes the $65.7 million funding package necessary to fully finance the first phase of the redevelopment effort. The total project cost is expected to be $83 million. Phase one of the project involves the construction of a 26-bay bus terminal for regional and intercity bus service; construction of a four-level parking garage; a 37,000-square-foot renovation of the train terminal’s first floor and grand concourse waiting area, including new ticketing and waiting space; and concessions and retail space, according to the DOT’s news release. Work at Union Station began in August 2010 and is expected to be completed in 2016. “Springfield is located at a strategic crossroads for both north-south and east-west interstate highway and railroad corridors in a key region of the Commonwealth,” said Richard Davey, MassDOT secretary and CEO, in a prepared statement. “With these additional resources, the city of Springfield is guaranteed that its potential as a major regional mobility hub will be realized.” As part of the second phase, the Redevelopment Authority would renovate the upper two floors of the terminal building and create an additional 64,000 square feet of commercial or retail space, as well as expanding the parking garage by 120 spaces.

Health Policy Commission Issues $10M to Hospitals
BOSTON — At its first board meeting of 2014, the Health Policy Commission (HPC) awarded approximately $10 million to 28 community hospitals, including seven in Western Mass., to enhance the delivery of efficient, effective healthcare across the Commonwealth. The funds, which range from $65,000 to $500,000 per organization, come from Phase 1 of the HPC’s Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation (CHART) Investment Program, which was established by the state’s landmark healthcare cost-containment law. The Western Mass. awards include: $476,400 to Baystate Franklin Medical Center to support expansion of telemedicine capacities to select inpatient and outpatient specialties, with the goal of reducing unnecessary transfers and costs, and connecting local providers to health information exchanges; $499,600 to Baystate Mary Lane Hospital to support expansion of telemedicine capacities to identified inpatient and outpatient specialties, in order to reduce unnecessary transfers and costs, connect local providers to health information exchanges, and support an evaluation of post-acute services and capabilities in the region; $500,000 to Holyoke Medical Center to support implementation of an electronic health record system in the Emergency Department; $233,134 to Mercy Medical Center to support the development of organizational capabilities, capacities, and culture change, in order to accelerate and sustain continuous quality and safety improvements; $344,665 to Noble Hospital to support the development of a centralized scheduling hub to coordinate appointments across multiple hospital units, and to support planning related to health information exchange connectivity; $395,311 to North Adams Regional Hospital to support co-location of behavioral-health services at primary-care practices in Northern Berkshire County; and $357,000 to Wing Memorial Hospital to support achievement of meaningful use stage 1 compliance. “These awards show that the HPC is committed to partnering with community hospitals to achieve the Commonwealth’s cost-containment and quality-improvement goals,” said David Seltz, executive director of the HPC. “We look forward to continuing this work until we build a more coordinated and affordable healthcare system in all corners of Massachusetts.”

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Elite Appliance Inc., 172 School St., Agawam, MA 01001. Richard G. Melloni Jr., same. Appliance repair.

Amherst

New England Charter Service Inc., 150 Fearing St., Suite 3, Amherst, MA 01002. Hui Luo, 13825 31st Dr., #5H, Flushing, NY 11354. Bus touring and travel service.

Belchertown

Little Friends Child Care Center Inc., 58 Daniel Shays Highway, Belchertown, MA 01007. Elizabeth Sawyer, same. Child care.

Easthampton

Miranda Design Studio Inc., 281 Main St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Jason Miranda, same. Publishing service and graphic design.

Feeding Hills

Nesen Trucking Inc., 95 West View Lane, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Nikolay Nesen, same. Trucking.

Granby

Premier Irrigation Inc., 49 Taylor St., Granby, MA 01033. Colby Nugent, 55 Taylor St., Granby, MA 01033. Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.

Hampden

Earth Movers Excavation Inc., 65 Allen St., Hampden, MA 01036. Kara J. Hatch, same. Excavation services and site work for residential, commercial, and municipal projects.

Hadley

Wheel Equal Inc., 44 North Maple St., Hadley, MA 01035. Michelle Moore, same. To conduct scientific research to further the development, production and provision of wheelchairs and adaptive equipment for persons with disabilities.

Hinsdale

Frontline Service Solutions Inc., 81 New Windsor Road, Hinsdale, MA 01235. Anthony E. Hyte, same. Consulting.

Holyoke

Ministerio Evaniglistico El Reino De Los Cielo Se Ha Acercado Inc., 339 Hampden St., First Floor, Holyoke, MA 01040. Keilyn M. Betancourt, same. Religious church.

Morales Xpress Inc., 50 Holy Family Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Noel Morales, same. Transportation of goods (trucking).

Lee

Piretti Tennis Inc., 625 Chapel St., Suite 1C, Lee, MA 01238. Richard F. Piretti, same. Tennis court construction and maintenance.

Monson

Main Street Restaurants Inc., 216 Main St., Monson, MA 01057. Paul S. Stone Jr., same. Restaurant.

Monson Fire Department Assoc. Inc., 121 Fenton Road, Monson, MA 01057. Mathew Walch, same. To provide a relief fund for any active member of the Monson Fire Department, honorary member of the association, and their immediate family who are in need of financial aid.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

D Enterprises
142 South West St.
Debrah Olson

DD Therrien Antiques
270 Main St.
Darryl Therrien

Living Our Past
44 Brookline Ave.
Bruce Cortis

RG Landscaping
508 Barry St.
Ryan Granfield

Sandra Marie Photography
118 Maple St.
Sandra M. James

Top Flite Financial of Agawam
1 South End Bridge Circle
Todd Freeman

CHICOPEE

Just Plum Designs
75 6th Ave.
Holly M. Parker

Morrissette Home Improvement
16 Frank St.
Joseph Morrissette

ZB Dream Homes
61 Taylor St.
Dariusz Borkowski

GREENFIELD

Balan Music
15 Summer St.
Rodica Balan

Magical Child
134 Main St.
Mary Walsh-Martel

Martin’s Farm Compost
341 Plain Road
Adam Martin

Pierce Street Ironworks
80 Pierce St.
John Passiglia

Take Stock, LLC
289 Main St.
Elizabeth Gadua

Wendy’s International
138 Federal St.
Rachel Caderre

HOLYOKE

Archetype Painting
78 Vermont St.
Nathan M. Jacques

Excalibur DJ Services
35 Bayberry Dr.
Traci Lamica

Food Forest Farm
24 Jones Ferry Road
Jonathan Bates

Hillside Auto Sales
911 Main St.
Michael J. Krassler

PALMER

Bonan Realty
2085 Main St.
Nancy Kane

CPL Marketing
3161 Main St.
Christopher Lees

Success Signal Broadcasting Real Oldies
3 Converse St.
Marshall Sanft

SPRINGFIELD

Imagefloors, LLC
23 Cortland St.
Jovann Martin

J & R Auto
720 Berkshire Ave.
Ronique Evans

Javier Alexander Arcinieg
47 Margaret St.
Javier Alexander

Jesus Christ Enlightened
141 Union St.
Emanuel Brown

Johnson St. Convenience
6 Johnson St.
Theophilus Waldon

La Hispaniola Grocery
455 Belmont Ave.
Joanny Quezada

Linda Boutillette Electronics
1364 Parker St.
Linda L. Hoch

Locust Market
261 Locust St.
Victor Camilo

M & B Fashion
318 Bay St.
Miguel Chauca

Miss Teen Horizonte Massa
24 Warriner Ave.
Maria R. Lozada

Mr. Handy
41 Cambridge St.
Allan Comberbatch

New England Painters
211 Verge St.
Mark Trombley

Perfect Genius Production
67 St. James Ave.
Michael D. Grant

Quick Clean Cleaning
55 Dwight Road
Louis Loya

Rev. Merrie W. Kaye
374 Grand Valley Road
Merrie W. Kaye

Samuel Smith Photography
81 Oak Hollow Road
Samuel A. Smith

Santana Electric
15 Jimmy Court
Daniel Santana

Solkaribe Restaurant
1236 Main St.
Jacqueline Sanchez

Stamps Realty
313 Eastern Ave.
Moriah L. Wilkins

Sumner Variety Convenience
1197 Sumner Ave.
Isaac Carrero

Surdoue Couture
475 Breckwood Blvd.
Lisa J. Goodman

Teresa’s Mama’s International
137 State St.
Teresa Williams

WESTFIELD

Ground Units BJJ
16 Union St.
Alfonso Rodriguez

Livia & Amelia
140 Union St.
Ludmila Ciubotaru

Peer Brothers Trucking Company
1010 East Mountain Road
Peter M. Skrodzki

Snargle Inc.
29 Camelot Lane
Frank Blahut

Stephanie M. Haskins
2 Russell Road
Stephanie Haskins

T’s Household Services
9 Charles St.
Tina Ritchie

Westfield Creative Arts
105 Elm St.
Lester Walshin

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bottega Cucina
46 Morgan Road
Hillenbrand, LLC

Cutting Edge Lawn Care
791 Piper Road
Jeffrey Zalewski

Darlene Kurman & Associates
158 Edgewood Road
Darlene A. Kurman

Goyette Project Management
650 Birnie Ave.
Gary G. Goyette

Lincare Inc.
53 Capital Dr.
Lincare Inc.

Pleasant Valley Real Estate
865 Memorial Ave.
Nicholas Katsoulis

Real Estate Career Institute
776 Westfield St.
Patrick Nolan

Sorrento’s Pizza of West Springfield
660 Kings Highway
Pasquale Albano

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

3 Eden Trail
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Steven Kubisch
Seller: Springleaf Financial Services
Date: 02/21/14

DEERFIELD

236 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $730,000
Buyer: Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation
Seller: Gregory M. Gardner
Date: 02/12/14

5 Industrial Dr. West
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $3,800,000
Buyer: LNR Mass Partners LLC
Seller: Deerfield Plaza LLC
Date: 02/12/14

Settright Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: James M. Pasiecnik
Seller: William W. Melnik
Date: 02/21/14

GREENFIELD

40 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $132,400
Buyer: Andrew M. Cole
Seller: Robert K. Foley
Date: 02/20/14

25 Frederick Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Paul J. Levasseur
Seller: Stanley H. Karpinski
Date: 02/14/14

46 Grinnell St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Mitchell Penfield
Seller: Deborah A. Chauvin
Date: 02/14/14

MONTAGUE

28 Bridge St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Millers Falls Ent. LLC
Seller: Burek Cross Props. LLC
Date: 02/21/14

67 Oakman St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Casey R. Fahey
Seller: Paul C. Griffin
Date: 02/21/14

362 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Margaret M. Vezina
Seller: Gennadiy S. Konakh
Date: 02/14/14

21 West Main St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Millers Falls Ent. LLC
Seller: Burek Cross Props. LLC
Date: 02/21/14

ORANGE

40 Shelter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Robert S. St.Marie
Seller: Craig T. Deveneau
Date: 02/21/14

SHELBURNE

247 Main St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: 247-251 Main LLC
Seller: Bertha A. Rainville
Date: 02/20/14

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

45 Family Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $366,500
Buyer: Nathan L. Hall
Seller: Albert R. Kingan
Date: 02/13/14

14 George St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $146,250
Buyer: Sergey Sholopa
Seller: Laviolette, Elaine, (Estate)
Date: 02/21/14

16 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $197,500
Buyer: Racheal A. Paveglio
Seller: Karen E. Daponde
Date: 02/21/14

51 Robin Ridge Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $235,187
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Catherine Fatemi
Date: 02/10/14

BRIMFIELD

28 East Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $405,000
Seller: Dennis A. McCurdy
Date: 02/11/14

CHICOPEE

106 Bell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Michael J. Dupell
Seller: Carl D. Roy
Date: 02/18/14

17 Factory St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Rachel E. Loomis
Seller: USA VA
Date: 02/12/14

62 Leona Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Ivelisse Vicente
Seller: Touchette, Dorothy G., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/14

122 Pine St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Paul Laflamme
Seller: Susan M. Rusiecki
Date: 02/18/14

28 Pleasant St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Marta Syper
Seller: Solecki, Karoline, (Estate)
Date: 02/19/14

463 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: L. A. Conner Inc.
Seller: Lucilia Nogueira
Date: 02/11/14

60 Whitman St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $150,003
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: William E. Woods
Date: 02/13/14

EAST LONGMEADOW

227 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Larry D. Fishbein
Seller: Laplante Construction Inc.
Date: 02/14/14

17 Redstone Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Amro M. Osman
Seller: Margaret J. Crowe
Date: 02/19/14

26 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Daniel Fritz
Seller: John L. Occhialini
Date: 02/14/14

200 Shaker Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: ABE Property Mgmt. LLC
Seller: Caceres Ferez Gomez Realty
Date: 02/20/14

15 Wedgewood Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Megan L. Boylan
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/12/14

HAMPDEN

158 Ames Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Carl A. Knodler
Seller: David H. Cox
Date: 02/14/14

HOLYOKE

1395 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $124,936
Buyer: Lasalle Bank
Seller: Luis D. Rodriguez
Date: 02/20/14

2213 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Olga Alkattan
Seller: MKD Properties of Holyoke
Date: 02/18/14

LONGMEADOW

Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Campagnari Construction LLC
Seller: Erika M. Crossman
Date: 02/20/14

LUDLOW

200 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Atwater Investors Inc.
Seller: Pamela Wells
Date: 02/14/14

181 Massachusetts Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Brad Dakers
Seller: Joann L. Hnatow
Date: 02/18/14

55 Paulding Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Daniel K. Saia
Seller: Gervasio Crespo
Date: 02/12/14

155 Tower Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Pazos
Seller: Cynthia M. Pazos
Date: 02/13/14

MONSON

243 Moulton Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $167,999
Buyer: Katie Defoe-Raymond
Seller: Bank New York Mellon
Date: 02/14/14

MONTGOMERY

1527 Southampton Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $377,000
Buyer: Craig A. Dore
Seller: Matthew K. Wolanczyk
Date: 02/10/14

PALMER

31 Birch St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $163,863
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Kevin D. Armitage
Date: 02/11/14

4148 Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $177,500
Buyer: Dale L. Menard
Seller: Wesley T. Blask
Date: 02/19/14

360 Palmer St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $200,583
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Lynn C. Trombley
Date: 02/18/14

RUSSELL

723 Woodland Way
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Richard C. Gallup
Seller: Mike Kamyshin
Date: 02/21/14

SPRINGFIELD

82 Biltmore St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $115,600
Buyer: Ryan E. Hutchins
Seller: MDK Prop Solutions LLC
Date: 02/10/14

28 Campechi St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $135,900
Buyer: Dana J. Anderson
Seller: Shannon Lawrence
Date: 02/18/14

1131 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Roxana Toledo
Seller: Silver Hammer Props. LLC
Date: 02/21/14

30 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Kyle A. Watt
Seller: William J. Boutin
Date: 02/19/14

93 Curve St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Israel J. Rosario
Seller: John Bechard
Date: 02/20/14

19 Dennis St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Patricia A. Cawley
Seller: William J. Kern
Date: 02/18/14

256 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Bridge O’Connor
Seller: Eric A. Johnson
Date: 02/21/14

25 Elliot St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Long Wharf Financial
Seller: Angela Dennis
Date: 02/12/14

27 Elliot St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Long Wharf Financial
Seller: Angela Dennis
Date: 02/12/14

3 Glendell Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Josefina Fernandez
Date: 02/10/14

116 Hampden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $159,397
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: MHFA
Date: 02/18/14

38 Madison Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Christinas House Inc.
Seller: Cottage Hill Church
Date: 02/13/14

15 Mattoon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $128,775
Buyer: Robert D. Porter
Seller: John Russo
Date: 02/20/14

48 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Martinez
Seller: JJS 17 Acquisition Co. LLC
Date: 02/21/14

66 Rencelau St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: James Maples
Seller: Christopher W. Gaff
Date: 02/20/14

799 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $163,740
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Gregory J. Lyon
Date: 02/10/14

25 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Strategic Acquisitions
Seller: SJE Properties LLC
Date: 02/18/14

SOUTHWICK

9 Jered Lane
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $393,000
Buyer: Marissa R. Monti
Seller: Janice S. Lafrance
Date: 02/20/14

WESTFIELD

39 Jessie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $322,500
Buyer: Greg H. Connors
Seller: FHLM
Date: 02/14/14

82 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Flynn
Seller: J&C Property Services Inc.
Date: 02/20/14

13 State St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $196,634
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Marcus A. Jaiclin
Date: 02/12/14

WILBRAHAM

10 Patriot Ridge Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: James Rocha
Seller: Christian A. Barthelette
Date: 02/21/14

17 Stirling Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $243,000
Buyer: Katherine Schmidt
Seller: Sean P. Devine
Date: 02/12/14

WEST SPRINGFIELD

67 Cornflower Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Felix Lopez
Seller: Russo, Patrick F., (Estate)
Date: 02/21/14

50 East Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $141,500
Buyer: Douglas H. Dreyer
Seller: Mark A. Biseinere
Date: 02/21/14

121 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Paula J. Dalzovo
Date: 02/11/14

78 Lowell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: George M. Katsoulis
Seller: Stephen G. Danalis
Date: 02/14/14

84 Nelson St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Celine L. Young
Seller: Joseph L. Larrivee
Date: 02/21/14

380 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $4,000,000
Buyer: 380 Union LLC
Seller: 380 Union St. Props. LLC
Date: 02/14/14

2146 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Ryan C. Cramton
Seller: Richard F. Seidell
Date: 02/21/14

92 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Melissa E. Trombley
Seller: Sherri S. Sbalbi
Date: 02/21/14

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

1141 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Amit Sharma
Seller: Nomi Kluger-Nash
Date: 02/14/14

17 Curtis Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Vhristina G. Salgo
Seller: Vincent J. Vullo
Date: 02/14/14

48 Longmeadow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: J. M. Hess
Seller: Robbie S. Lauter
Date: 02/14/14

525 West St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Yili Chen
Seller: Margarita C. Zamora RET
Date: 02/14/14

BELCHERTOWN

23 Emily Lane
Belchertown, MA 01002
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Jason F. Randall
Seller: JP Builders Inc.
Date: 02/14/14

454 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $161,500
Buyer: Lisa A. Laflamme
Seller: Ronald T. McClure
Date: 02/12/14

EASTHAMPTON

23 Button Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $351,245
Buyer: Kerrybeth A. Garvey
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 02/10/14

9 Dragon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $206,500
Buyer: Jane N. Aulisio
Seller: Gentes, Joseph P., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/14

24 Grant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: LTL LLC
Seller: Mason F. Rapaport
Date: 02/14/14

25 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $206,500
Buyer: Amanda M. Guyette
Seller: Kathleen L. Emet
Date: 02/18/14

8 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Boriana Canby
Seller: Jonathan W. Sicard
Date: 02/21/14

GRANBY

489 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: FMJ Realty LLC
Seller: Nathan A. Swistak
Date: 02/21/14

5 Mary Lyon Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Christopher J. McCurdy
Seller: Melissa M. Croteau
Date: 02/14/14

139 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $212,000
Buyer: Kevin J. Longo
Seller: Kenneth W. Richards Sr. RET
Date: 02/19/14

24 Truby St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: James D. Cronk
Seller: MacBrien, Arlene L., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/14

HADLEY

93 Bay Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Raymond R. Rex
Seller: Walter C. Wanczyk
Date: 02/19/14

HATFIELD

129 Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Meaghan L. Tetreault
Seller: Glenn E. Moore
Date: 02/12/14

7 Elm Ct.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Barbara E. Folan
Seller: Birrington, Richard E., (Estate)
Date: 02/14/14

11 Prospect Ct.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: David A. Raimondi
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/20/14

HUNTINGTON

County Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hamlet Homes LLC
Seller: Mountain Stream Inc.
Date: 02/12/14

NORTHAMPTON

21 Crosby St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Nolan
Seller: Julia A. Root
Date: 02/12/14

122 Pine St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: William S. Laidlaw
Seller: Florence Congregational Church
Date: 02/14/14

9 Trumbull Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $534,000
Buyer: Eric N. Wolpin
Seller: Carolyn A. Booth TR
Date: 02/10/14

1526 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $615,000
Buyer: Timothy V. Parsons
Seller: Paul C. McCutcheon
Date: 02/14/14

PELHAM

29 Jones Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Damien M. O’Halloran
Seller: Kenneth W. Doubleday
Date: 02/18/14

SOUTH HADLEY

145 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Halley R. Orfner
Seller: John D. Leonard
Date: 02/12/14

78 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Thomas A. Lazio
Seller: Martha A. Berrouard
Date: 02/14/14

41 River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: J. L. Kidder
Seller: Scott M. Dredge
Date: 02/13/14

SOUTHAMPTON

8 Glendale Woods Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Phillip Gallaspie
Seller: Rita J. Ramsey
Date: 02/14/14

64 Pleasant St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Michael A. Sorokin
Seller: James R. Labrie
Date: 02/21/14

WARE

13 Kingsberry Lane
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: James Desabrais
Seller: Stanley R. Lamb
Date: 02/14/14

278 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Michael J. Lacroix
Seller: Joel J. Harder
Date: 02/11/14

WESTHAMPTON

134 Easthampton Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Paul C. McCutcheon
Seller: Thomas Martin
Date: 02/21/14

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Ames, Alfred G.
Sanders-Ames, Margaret R.
93 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/14

Aponte, Andres
a/k/a Sanabria, Andres Aponte
20 Jardine St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Arkon Games LLC
Stock’s Eye
Stock, Robert Andrew
148 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Athas, Kenneth J.
62 Willwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/14

Baranowski, Linda M.
170 East St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Bartolucci, Jennifer L.
30 Burleigh Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Blais, Scott Anthony
Richter-Blais, Karen Marie
48 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Boateng, Kwabena K.
a/k/a Boateng, Edmund
Amoakoh, Akua A.
289 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Bolling, Deanna N.
37 Bossidy Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Brennan, Patricia E.
1593 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Brosseau, Sandra Jean
65 Craig Dr., Unit U-4
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/14

Camerlin, Timothy J.
15 Brainard Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Carter, Bruce M.
308 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Chantre, David A.
8 Ingram St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/14

Chantre, Shelly K.
42 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/14

Courtney, Lana D.
222 Federal St., Apt. B
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/14

Cruz, Ermelinda
58 Los Angeles St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Daniels, Bruce
15 Linden St., Apt. 1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Duffney, Lisa R.
147 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Gonzalez, Edwin
24 Home St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Greenhouse, Enid Sally
108 Everett St., #202
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Guhl, Jay C.
Guhl, Teresa R.
30 Brookfield St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Hall, Joanna F.
209 Connecticut Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/14

Harrison, Jennifer L.
c/o Ostrander Law Office
P.O. Box 1237
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Holmes, Kevin Robert
Holmes, Elizabeth M.
266 Plainfield Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Holmes, Sonja N.
208 Meetinghouse Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Honeywell, Virginia May
107 Jabish St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

June, Michael J.
98 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/14

Koski, Matthew Stephen
Koski, Carolyn Camerota
307 Stafford Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Lafountain, Thomas H.
13 Roger St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/14

Lally, Michael T.
438 Spring St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/14

Leveille, Michael R.
Leveille, Theresa
57 Pequot Point Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Massery, John A.
40 Vista St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/14

McGregor, Joseph Conrad
a/k/a Bethel-McGregor, Joseph C.
211 Francis Ave., Apt. A
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Merrick, Shad W.
Merrick, Michelle N.
106 Ridge Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Mettig, John Robert
Mettig, Gwendolyn Joan
29 Hampshire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Morales, Lori L.
a/k/a Garcia, Lori
95 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Palmer, Lily
145 Center St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/14

Perales, Jose A.
a/k/a Perales-Romero, Jose
126 Hastings St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/14/14

Perrault, Leonard M.
Perrault, Ruth P.
112 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Polidoro, Rebecca Lynn
a/k/a Frazier, Rebecca Lynn
30 Melba St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Ricciardi, Adrienne E.
41 Marci St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/14

Robbins, Michelle J.
42 Quarry Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Seguin, Craig
Correa, Sonhja
12 Chase Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/14

Serrano, Victor M.
49 Cass St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/14

Shaw, Elizabeth E.
102 Blisswood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Sinopoli, David J.
154 McIntosh Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/14

Smith, Mary Alice
17 Caldwell Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/14

Smith, Ralph A.
Smith, Selinda M.
156 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Surbaugh, Dailene
52 Summer St., Apt. 2R
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/14

Tirrell, Pamela J.
31 Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/14

Torres, Theresa M.
61 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/14

Velazquez, Alfredo
133 Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/14

Vizcarrando, Herminio A.
60 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/21/14

Welles, Michael J.
8 Summit Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/14

Welles, Michelle Lynn
42 Vladish Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/14

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Joseph Walz
300 Suffield St.
$8,500 — Renovations at dental office

CHICOPEE

Abors Associates, LLC
999 Memorial Dr.
$32,000 — Renovations to existing pavilion

Tony Acuri
63 1/2 Main St.
$3,000 — Build sound-proof interior wall

GREENFIELD

Christopher Ethier
76 Hope St.
$10,000 — Rebuild roof over stairway

Girls Club of Greenfield
35 Pierce St.
$3,000 — Replace front door

LUDLOW

Ludlow Housing Authority
39 Chestnut St.
$3,000 — Alterations

SOUTH HADLEY

Loomis Village
246 North Main St.
$37,000 — Repairs

SPRINGFIELD

1350 Main Street, LLC
1350 Main St.
$34,000 — Alterations to tenant space on the 4th floor

Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut St.
$35,000 — Renovations

Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut St.
$37,500 — Construct four mock-up patient rooms

Glory II, Inc.
595 Main St.
$83,000 — Interior fit out for tenant

HAP Housing
322 Main St.
$177,000 — Existing office renovation

New North Citizens Council
2455 Main St.
$99,000 — Build out of existing space for office

WESTFIELD

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

Noble Hospital
115 West Silver St.
$95,000 — Replace existing ceilings

Oldon, L.P.
6 Southampton Road
$395,000 — Renovation to existing restaurant

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Paul DiGrigoli
134 Capital Dr.
$405,000 — Renovations to existing building

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Opinion

Coworking Spaces Can Be Idea Factories

For many years now, we’ve been preaching the virtues of inspiring and facilitating entrepreneurship as a sound economic-development strategy, one that is often overlooked by many.

Indeed, that phrase ‘economic development’ is usually associated with filling industrial parks or convincing foreign automakers to build a 1 million-square-foot factory in one’s community. And that’s one way to go about it, granted a very difficult way.

The more old-fashioned way is to encourage the creation of startups and then finding ways to help them grow — and stay — in one’s region. It takes longer, but the results are often more sustainable. This is why we have encouraged groups and initiatives such as Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) in their efforts to help get businesses off to the ground and then get to that next level.

And also why we’re quite impressed with what’s going on at 20 Hampton Ave., Suite 150 in Northampton.

This is the address of Click Workspace (see story on page 12), a unique facility that its founders and current president Paul Silva, also involved with VVM, say specializes in “collisions.”

These are meetings of the minds that often turn into business opportunities in the form of collaborations, assistance that might help an idea come to fruition or a business take a critical next step, or startups that could eventually employ dozens of people.

Click Workspace has seen all of the above, and repeatedly. Maybe the best example of such a collision involves Randall Smith and Chris Landry. The former is a digital strategist and founder of a company called PowerLabs. The latter is the founder of Landry Communications, a branding venture that helps organizations get their stories out. The two met at Work Clickspace and quickly determined that their skills were complementary. They wound up responding as a team to a request for proposals from Boston-based Chorus Foundation and won a sizable contract from the agency.

There are countless other examples of how these collisions work, and they provide ample evidence of the fact that the region needs to find ways to create more of them.

Those involved with ‘Click,’ as it’s called, are interested in taking the concept to other area cities and towns, and we hope they are successful in doing so.

They need some ingredients to fall into place for that to happen, though, including a critical mass of entrepreneurs and creative professionals and affordable commercial real estate, something they somehow managed to find in Northampton, despite the long odds against doing so.

Their next target should be downtown Springfield, and there is already movement to establish a facility there. It’s a common-sense step, because there is considerable activity involving entrepreneurship in the city’s central business district — VVM meets there regularly — and there could be much more in the years to come with UMass having an active presence and initiatives underway to create a larger, more vibrant creative economy there.

What’s needed is a space where the minds can meet and collisions can happen.

There is already much happening when it comes to economic development in Springfield, from the planned $800 million casino complex in the South End to the long-awaited revitalization of Union Station to UMass Amherst’s planned satellite center. These should all create more vibrancy and more interest in the City of Homes, but what’s needed is more focus on inspiring entreprenership and spurring new small businesses.

A coworking facility that can replicate some of those collisions happening at 20 Hampton Ave. in Northampton would be a great place to start. n

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Opinion

A Potential Wellspring of Job Growth

To look around the facilities at Alliance Upholstery, located in the former Bottaro Skolnick building in Springfield’s South End, one might gain a new perspective on the phrase ‘humble beginnings.’

Alliance is a decades-old and very successful upholstery business that operates in what could only be called a no-frills environment — that’s an industry term of sorts — in the century-old building where monkey wrenches, one of Springfield’s many ‘firsts,’ were manufactured.

Sharing space with Alliance is something called the Wellspring Upholstery Cooperative, or WUC, the first in what will hopefully be a network of businesses created to tap into the huge buying power possessed by the region’s colleges, healthcare facilities, and other large institutions, and create worker-owned businesses — and much-needed jobs (see story on page 6).

Wellspring, which, as the name suggests, is designed to created a continuous supply of jobs and opportunities, was inspired by similar initiatives elsewhere, including the hugely successful Evergreen Collaboratives in Cleveland and the Mondragon Cooperatives in Spain, which to date have created more than 100 businesses now employing more than 80,000 people.

Ventures like Wellspring have to start somewhere, and this one started with a few dozen booths from a dining commons at UMass Amherst, several chairs from the Westfield mayor’s office, and a few items from the campus hotel at UMass, projects that have kept the first WUC employees busy.

The hope, and expectation, is that there will soon be many more upholstery projects and employees to handle those assignments, and then the creation of more businesses, such as a greenhouse operation that could supply those aforementioned anchor businesses with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a commercial laundry, such as the one created by Evergreen, one of its most successful ventures.

We believe that it can happen, and will happen, largely because there are a number of anchor businesses and partners committed to making this a success. That first list includes Baystate Health, the Sisters of Providence Health System, UMass Amherst, Springfield Technical Community College, and Western New England University. The latter includes the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Partners for a Healthier Community, and the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

Beyond this large and solid base of support, though, is the understanding that a venture like Wellspring needs to work.

Indeed, economic development takes many forms, from attracting new businesses to helping existing ventures expand, to creating new business sectors, such as the biosciences. One that’s often overlooked is generating development in neighborhoods where private investment is rare, if it occurs at all, and Springfield has many of those.

Meanwhile, generating jobs in such neighborhoods is not only an economic-development issue, but a health issue as well — jobs are certainly a key component to a healthy community, and a lack of jobs is one of the factors that has made Hampden County the least healthy county in the state in recent years.

At the moment, the program created by all those aforementioned partners has created a wellspring of potential. In time, and perhaps not much of it, it may indeed become a key source of opportunities and jobs.

From the current humble beginnings, great things are possible, and likely. v

Bourbon, Cigars, and Stella

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Features

Women’s Fund Event on May 1 Will Launch 100 Good Men Campaign

Kate Kane

The name isn’t what one would expect from an event sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. And that, Kate Kane notes, is exactly the point.

“We have lots of women sponsors and donors, but not as many men,” said Kane, president of the Women’s Fund board, in explaining the rationale behind “100 Good Men – Bourbon, Cigars, & Stella,” an event slated for May 1 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow.

“This is a chance to broaden our scope of funders and reach out to people prominently attached to the business community in Springfield — to get more men involved in what, really, are critical issues for everybody,” she said, noting that key issues for the Women’s Fund include economic justice, freedom from violence, and access to education. “These are issues that affect the whole community, not just women.”

Thus, an event that appeals to men. Product sponsors include M.S. Walker for the bourbon, Williams Distributing for the Stella Artois beer, and Connecticut Cigar Co. Attendees will also enjoy an array of food stations, as well as live music. BusinessWest is the event’s media sponsor.

The goal, Kane said, is to get 100 professional men to pledge $1,000 — annually or over a two-year commitment — for WFWM projects.

“This is an outreach,” she said. “We have decided to put priority status on Hampden County, in particular men in the Hampden County professional community. Our ties in Hampden County aren’t as strong as they are in some other areas, and this should cement our connection to the community and hopefully broaden the base of people we can call on.”

The event is part of a larger effort, called the 100 Good Men Campaign, with several ambitions: to connect men in Western Mass. to the mission and impact of the Women’s Fund, to celebrate and publicly acknowledge men’s support of the women and girls in their lives, to educate the community about the cooperation between women and men in meeting social challenges, and to encourage men’s philanthropic support of the Women’s Fund.

The event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and tickets cost $100. Like all money the Women’s Fund takes in, proceeds will be deployed in the four counties of Western Mass.

Michelle Depelteau, who chairs the Women’s Fund’s corporate committee, stressed that the evening is not just for men. “Women will be there as well. The idea is reaching deeper into the business community with hopes of spreading a greater awareness of what the Women’s Fund is doing.”

Ten ‘honorary hosts’ will be introduced at the event, essentially the first handful of men to commit to financially supporting the campaign. These include Jeremy Casey, president of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield; Paul Doherty, partner with Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy; Jeff Fialky, partner with Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Bill Trudeau, president of the Insurance Center of New England; Bill Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank; Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli Co., Michael Vann, principal at the Vann Group; U.S. Rep. Richard Neal; state Rep. Aaron Vega; and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.

“It’s an idea the committee came up with to move our mission forward,” Kane said. “It’s a fun idea, a little different for us, not something we’ve tried before. We’re going to test it and see how it goes.”

Added Depelteau, “we’re hoping to open people’s eyes to the potential they have to make a difference in our region. This event is about creating a just community for the women and girls who work among us.”

— Joseph Bednar

Meetings of the Minds

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Entrepreneurship Sections

Click Workspace Puts Members on Collision Courses

Randall Smith, left, and Chris Landry connected at Click Workspace and are now collaborating on a project.

‘Collisions.’

That’s the term Paul Silva absolutely wore out as he talked about what happens when entrepreneurs — or ‘crazy people,’ as he calls them — as well as creative types, such as writers, editors, musicians, and website designers, get together in close quarters.

“There are collisions — and lots of them,” said Silva, adding quickly that these developments take many forms, such as individuals collaborating on an idea that becomes a business concept. Or an entrepreneur finding an angel investor that can provide the capital to get an idea off the ground. Or a writer making the acquaintance of a social-media expert who has some suggestions on how she can better communicate with her readers.

All these scenarios and countless others have played out at a unique facility in Northampton called Click Workspace, or simply ‘Click,’ as most members call it. It is one of the more recent manifestations of a trend toward coworking, a style of work that involves a shared environment, said Silva, the nonprofit facility’s president, noting that it was inspired by much larger projects such as the Cambridge Innovation Center and the Innovation Pavilion in Colorado, which was founded by serial entrepreneur Ali Usman, who would later help start Click.

The basic concept behind coworking is simple. Create a work space where people can share a table or an office, provide fast Internet service, charge modest fees or rent, create a critical mass of those crazy people and creative professionals (who are also entrepreneurs), and wait — and not for long — for collisions to happen.

Like the one involving Randall Smith and Chris Landry.

Paul Silva says collisions are at the heart of the mission at Click.

Smith is a digital strategist and founder of a venture called PowerLabs, which helps organizations use the Internet to recruit supporters and raise money by integrating data-driven digital strategies into their work. Landry is the founder of Landry Communications, a branding company that works with businesses, foundations, and non-government agencies to get their stories out.

The two came to Click Workspace primarily because they often found it better, for various reasons, than working at home, although they do that, too. The two started talking, then collaborating, and eventually wound up responding as a team to a request for proposals issued by the Chorus Foundation in Boston, which has a stated mission to end the extraction, export, and use of fossil fuels in the U.S.

“I got this RFP and instantly thought, ‘I need Randall on this job,’” said Landry. “Here’s a guy I probably wouldn’t have met if we hadn’t been working here; he’s the perfect person, and he helped us land the contract.”

Smith had similar observations.

“This wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t here,” he said of the Chorus work, which included a recent trip to Kentucky, where the foundation was presenting funds to several groups. “The biggest projects I’ve landed have been a direct result of my being here at Click.”

In addition to fostering collisions, the facility has also been the birthplace of several startups, most notably one called Fiksu, which specializes in cohesive mobile app marketing. Micah Adler, its president and founder, was one of the first members of the facility, said Silva, adding that he now employs dozens of people.

The obvious goal is to help foster more startups and generate many more collisions, said Silva, adding that the plan is for Click Workspace to expand. When, how, and where it will do this are the key questions still to be answered.

Expansion into larger quarters in Northampton is a possibility, but this will be difficult because of the high price of real estate there (the facility is currently getting an attractive deal on 1,000 square feet on Hampton Avenue), said Silva, adding that the more likely scenario is creation of additional offices in other area cities and towns.

Amherst is one possibility, but lease rates are quite high there as well, he went on, noting that downtown Springfield holds vast potential as a site, and exploratory talks with some building owners and managers are underway.

For this issue and its focus on entrepreneurship, BusinessWest examines the shared-workspace concept, the early success recorded at Click, and the prospects for expanding that operation to other communities.

Getting a Read

Middle School: My Brother Is a Big, Fat Liar. That’s the title of the latest work, in a genre known as young-adult fiction, to which Lisa Papademetriou, one of the co-founders of Click, has attached her name.

The tome, the third in the acclaimed Middle School series of books, was co-written with James Patterson, but she has many titles she authored herself, including Sixth Grade Glommers, Norks, and Me, The Wizard, The Witch, and Two Girls from Jersey, and How to Be a Girly Girl in 10 Days.

She said these are humorous books aimed at an audience she calls ‘tweens,’ those ages 8 to 12, and that she conceived some of her ideas and did a good bit of the writing at Click.

“I come here for two reasons,” she said, noting that she’s at the facility four days most weeks. “First, it’s good to interact with human beings — writing can be a very isolating profession. But also, I come to ask people about the best ways to use social media and to build a customer base, and also to focus on the business aspect of my writing.”

Indeed, when asked about collisions, a word used by just about everyone at Click, Papademetriou put her hands together and then pulled them apart abruptly with verbal commentary consisting of the one word: “boom.” It was a gesture aimed at indicating the magnitude of these developments.

“I’ve had several very productive collisions here,” she noted. “In fact, I was just raving to my husband that I had one just last week that was so helpful in terms of using Facebook and interacting with fans in a way that’s meaningful to them.”

These are the kinds of synergistic developments that the founders had in mind when they conceptualized Click Workspace in late 2011.

Silva, who was not involved with the organization then but knows the history, recalled it this way: three serial entrepreneurs, Papademetriou, Usman, and Rocco Falcone, were looking for space in which to conduct their operations and develop new ones, and turned their focus to Northampton.

“The smart thing to do would have been to find an office somewhere and split it three ways and be done with it,” said Silva, who is known to spice his commentary with humor. “But they’re entrepreneurs, so they’re not smart. We do crazy things. What they said was, ‘what we really would like is to be around crazy people; there’s this coworking thing that really hasn’t come to this area — let’s try that.’”

Usman, whose latest venture, Credit Market Intelligence, provides software engineering to Fortune 100 companies, noted that the trend toward coworking space began five or six years ago, and when he would visit New York or Boston, he would visit such facilities.

“I would say to myself, ‘wow, this is great,’” he recalled. “I spent a lot of time convincing people that they should start one, and when I realized I wasn’t being very persuasive, I just banded together with some other people and started Click Workspace.”

Like others, he said the facility allows him to be around, and work with, talented people across a number of sectors and specialties. It’s an environment and constituency that can inspire ideas and fuel growth for a business.

“As an entrepreneur, I need access to talent, so it’s very good for business,” he explained. “If I need social-media help, Randall is there; if I need some technical help, I have a number of people I can turn to; if I need anything about entrepreneurship, Paul is there … it’s a lot of fun.”

Click occupies roughly 1,000 square feet and includes a main room with several tables that can host perhaps 12 to 15 in what is called ‘open space,’ with those seats priced at $175 per month. There are also three small offices with two or three desks that run for $350 per month.

The facility also includes a few conference rooms that are shared by members, as well as a copier, a kitchen, and nearby classroom space.

“It has everything you’d find in an office but a boss,” said Silva with a laugh.

Time and Space

Young-adult fiction writer Lisa Papademetriou is one of Click’s founders and one of its strongest advocates.

Overall, this atmosphere has proven very conducive to collisions — and the opportunities and jobs that they generate.

While each story told by the members is different, there are many similar threads, such as the factors that inspired them to come to Click in the first place.

Landry, who had worked in the nonprofit realm for 20 years before going into business for himself, seemed to speak for everyone when he said simply, “I got tired of working at home — it’s too easy to get distracted, and I wanted people to bounce ideas off.

“That’s what I found here — smart people, people I could just grab and say, ‘what do you think of this?’” he went on. “It’s fun, it’s smart people, it’s thinkers — it gives me what I need. I don’t always come here; some days, if I’m editing video, it’s easier to sit at my dining-room table, or if I need a break I’ll go sit at a coffee shop. But it’s great to have this as my home base. It makes me more productive.”

John Galvin, who’s been coming to Click for more than two years now, feels pretty much the same way.

A magazine writer by trade — he’s written pieces for the New York Times, National Geographic, and Wired — he left that field nearly a decade ago and started a company called One Day University, which he called the “ultimate day of college.”

“We’d bring in professors from across the country to give their best one-hour lecture to an audience of mainly adults ages 50 to 75 who were thrilled with the idea of learning from the best minds in the country without having to take a test or pay $50,000 a year,” he said, adding that he sold the business in 2009 and soon thereafter started the Strategic Media Group.

He works with a host of organizations to create engaging content for their audiences, a concept known as content marketing. And he’s hired a number of individuals working at Click to handle graphic design, promotional materials such as signage, proofreading, and more.

“I travel a fair amount, but when I’m in town, I’ll be in here working — it’s a great environment,” he explained. “It has all the benefits of an office without all the office politics.”

Ali Usman, another of Click’s founders, says it’s patterned after initiatives in Cambridge, Denver, and other cities.

Looking forward, both Silva and Usman said coworking space is a concept with staying power, and they will look to expand it in Western Mass.

While Northampton has a large number of people who fit the coworking profile, the concept doesn’t easily lend itself to expensive commercial real estate, at least in this region. The Cambridge Innovation Center, which hosts more than 600 companies, now occupies 207,000 square feet in Kendall Square, and recently announced plans to open a major outpost in Boston’s Financial District with enough space for about 300 startups.

“I tried to expand in Northampton first,” said Silva, “and I had some very pleasant interactions with landlords, but the market rates are such that it’s not feasible; they’ve got too many people from New York coming here who are really happy to pay New York prices for Northampton real estate.”

So, at the moment, most of the focus of expansion talks centers on downtown Springfield, said Silva, as that’s where many young entrepreneurs are coming together — Valley Venture Mentors meets monthly in Tower Square, for example, and Paragus IT founder Delcie Bean has relocated that company temporarily into Harrison Place — and the real estate is, in theory, anyway, more attainable and affordable.

But a facility like Click represents a challenge, as well as sizable risk for a landlord, said Silva, adding that he usually has to offer an education in the potential benefits, which are sometimes difficult to envision.

“I say to landlords, ‘you have small fish come to you all the time, and it’s not worth your time to deal with them, but you know that if someone feeds the small fish, they may grow up to be big fish — you just don’t want to be in that business,’” he explained. “‘So give me some space, and send all the small fish to me; we’ll feed them and care for them and nurture them. Some of them are going to die, but some of them are going to grow up to be big fish, and they’re not going to fit in our tank.’”

Despite some inherent challenges to getting them off the ground, Usman said, coworking facilities represent the future of incubation and efforts to foster entrepreneurship.

“I really believe coworking spaces will be in every large town — New York probably has 60 coworking spaces, if not more, and almost every major city has them,” he noted. “And many of the startups now are through coworking space — they don’t get their own office space, but they just go to a coworking facility.

“If you want to promote entrepreneurial activity, you have to have coworking space,” he went on. “Greenfield should have a facility. Westfield should have one.This is the wave of the future.”

When Something Clicks

Smith and Landry don’t know how long they’ll be working for the Chorus Foundation, or how much the contract will eventually be worth to them.

What they do know is that it’s highly unlikely that their partnership, and this assignment, would have come about had they not both been working at Click.

Theirs was a highly effective collision, one that Silva and others hold up as a model for what can, and often does, happen when creative minds and crazy people share a table, a copier, a conference room, and an office without a boss.

The goal now is simply to create more of them.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Steeling for Change

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Entrepreneurship Sections

Serial Entrepreneurs Scale New Heights with Qnect

From left, Jef Sharp, Jeff Hausthor, and Henry Lederman created QuickQnect, software the connects the joints in a steel structure via an automatic process.

Jef Sharpe and Jeff Hausthor are on the edge again. The cutting edge, that is.

The entrepreneurs, who have been partners in five business ventures, joined Henry Lederman last October to start a new company called Qnect, and are launching a new software product called QuickQnect at the three-day NASCC Steel Conference in Toronto.

They say the product will revolutionize the way the joints in a steel structure are connected. “The idea of turning this manual process into a software solution is brand-new, and QuickQnect is up to 100 times faster than the conventional way of connecting the joints in a building,” said Sharp, adding that the service is available in the cloud.

Lederman, who has spent 42 years in the steel-detailing industry, developed an early version of the software that has already been used in 11 buildings, including structures at UMass and Harvard. And when BusinessWest spoke to the three entrepreneurs, they were looking forward to introducing their breakthrough product at the Toronto conference, which is expected to attract more than 3,500 structural engineers, steel fabricators, erectors, detailers, and educators involved in the design and construction of fabricated steel buildings and bridges.

Lederman said QuickQnect combines two critical components of the steel-connection process into one, eliminating weeks or months of manual labor required to connect each joint in a multi-story steel structure.

He created the new software to stay competitive in an industry that has cut costs by outsourcing work overseas. Developing it was a process, but the first step was recognizing there was room for improvement in the three-dimensional system used by steel-detailing companies.

Lederman’s history includes high-profile projects, including the World Trade Center Memorial Museum in New York City and Tata Hall at Harvard University. He has been a speaker at industry events and is a leader in detailing innovation.

“It’s fun starting something from scratch that has never been done before. And what this new product [QuickQnect] does is pretty extraordinary. But developing it was tempered by my desire to see it in its fullest commercial form,” he said.

That pursuit brought Lederman together with Sharp and Hausthor last fall. They were introduced through a friend, and his original plan was simply to get ideas from the successful entrepreneurs.

But the meeting proved to be serendipitous. Sharp and Hausthor were looking to start a new business, and Lederman was impressed by their background and knowledge. “They had amazing expertise, as they had grown other companies and also had IT experience. They had what I needed to take the company beyond what I had envisioned,” he said. “They viewed things I might have had doubts about as minor obstacles.”

Sharp and Hausthor said working with Lederman met the criteria they have established for a new venture (more about that later) as they know what it takes to transform a novel idea into a product, then market it successfully. But it’s work they truly enjoy.

“It’s exhilarating to start a new company, and even though there is risk, stress, and tension, there is also a feeling of accomplishment you can’t get with most 9-to-5 jobs,” Sharp said. “And this is an amazing company.”

Each of the entrepreneurs has different skills, and their titles at Qnect reflect their honed talents. Sharp is CEO, Hausthor is COO, and Lederman is CFO. They all agree that education is critical and learning must be an ongoing process. “It’s an interesting path, and the importance of entrepreneurs can’t be fully stated,” Sharp said.

However, he was quick to add that it takes a team effort to be successful. “Identifying great people is the most important job of a CEO.”

Lederman concurred. “There are many amazing business people doing wonderful things, but it’s very hard to find the right resources,” he said.

Still, they are confident they will reach their goals because their product will save time and money. But it took sophisticated engineering skills to create the software that automates a manual process. “Two hundred calculations are necessary for every joint, and there can be upwards of 2,000 joints in a building,” Hausthor said as he spoke about a building, constructed with the pre-commercial version of the software, that had 11,000 joints.

Sharp said they have also put together an exceptionally talented development team.

“I’m confident they will be unstoppable in building and expanding our software breakthrough. The design of the joints in a building is really important, and reducing months of work to a few hours drives everything else, including the cost of using steel, which is the most environmentally friendly solution for large buildings and is 97% recyclable,” he noted, adding they hope to identify powerful local investors.

Storied Past

The three men have impressive backgrounds. Lederman has built three successful companies, Sharp has founded six, and Hausthor has directed IT and software-development efforts and operations logistics for six firms.

“I like all new technology and enjoy investigating new things,” Hausthor said.

Sharp and Hausthor have been partners in five ventures and love being on the cutting edge of development. They also share a passion for helping the planet.

“It’s exciting to do things that have never been done before,” said Sharp. “You can start a business by buying a franchise in which everything is set up for you. But it’s not as creative or interesting as starting something from nothing and building something of great value that will last.”

His first business was a mobile food service he named the Clam Scam, which he launched when he was in college.

His next venture was started in 1999 after he moved to Western Mass. from New York, where he had been running a manufacturing company called Gravity Graphics. “I had a burning idea for a dot.com company that would sell excess manufacturing capacity online,” he said.

The idea didn’t require resources or capital, since he simply wanted to make more efficient use of what already existed on the planet. “Having a company that has an impact on the world has always been important to me, and in the past, green has always been a theme,” Sharp told BusinessWest.

Hausthor, who joined Sharp in the business known as XSCapacity, was a self-described “Fortune 500 guy” before they met. He had been a programmer analyst for Deloitte, an associate at Morgan Stanley, a technical specialist for Sony Electronics, and a project manager for Sony Corp. of America.

A friend introduced the two men, they had lunch together, and a short time later, Sharp asked Hausthor to help him start XSCapacity.

The idea appealed to Hausthor. “I had moved to Western Mass. and was working from home. I was in charge of 40 people in New Jersey, but I felt isolated,” he said. “So I made the jump.”

The idea took flight as other firms adopted the novel idea of using real estate, autos, and more to maximum capacity. “XSCapacity was a concept,” Sharp explained. And although they were reasonably successful in building their product and raising money, the company became part of the dot.com collapse.

Their next venture was TechCavalry in Northampton, which provided computer service for small businesses and homes. “We needed to do something quickly which we could fund ourselves that would provide us with relatively instant revenue,” Sharp said, adding they sold the firm in 2012 after 11 years, and it is still in business today.

Although TechCavalry was successful, “we felt compelled to do something good for the world that would have a positive impact,” Hausthor said. So in 2006 they founded Qteros Inc. with two other partners.

“The company was created to start green companies,” Sharp said. “We worked nights and weekends, and it took us nine months to find our first project.” They combined talents with Susan Leschine, a professor at UMass Amherst, who had discovered a microbe that made ethanol from cellulose.

“But we had to scale up the technology, as it was still at the test-tube level at UMass,” Hausthor said. “We had to make it into a product that needed to go into a $200 million facility. We were still running Tech Cavalry, and suddenly we were microbiologists at a facility in Marlborough.”

Sharp describes the time as “a whirlwind. We hired two scientists a month and grew quickly.” They secured a government grant, and their backers included the petroleum giant BP. The firm had 50 employees when the pair left in 2008, although Sharp continued to serve on the board of directors until 2012.

They were discussing what to do next when Sharp met Steve Frank from Florence, who had started a supercomputer business and was looking to expand. “He convinced us it should be our next company,” Sharp said, adding that Paneve, which has grown into a large data firm today, made a new type of computer chips.

But when the operation moved to Colorado at the behest of its engineers, and its Amherst office closed, Sharp and Hausthor decided to remain here and began a new search for another startup, which occurred when they met Lederman.

By that time, the duo had developed criteria to determine whether a business opportunity fit their needs. “It has to have good people,” Sharp said, adding that it’s important to him to have control of who is hired. “The product also has to be reasonably close to being ready to sell, as we have already owned two companies that spent a long time in the development stage. When we joined Henry, he was already using a pre-commercial version of the product, but wanted help scaling up and driving the business. The chemistry was good, and it was an excellent combination of our skills.”

Hausthor agreed. “The product also has to be protectable in terms of patent and other intellectual properties and has to be a technology that helps the world,” he added.

The fact that Lederman’s business was local made it especially appealing, he added. “We had met people in Boston who wanted our help, but we didn’t want to drive long distances or have to fly to do business.”

Conscious Choice

Sharp says starting new companies has become a way of life. “It’s pretty cool knowing that you can start something from an idea. But no entrepreneur does it alone. It’s very much a team effort, and it’s critical that the team gets credit, because without them you could never be successful.”

Sharp admits it’s not for everyone. “Starting your own company can be very exciting, but it can be just as exciting to join a young company,” he said, reiterating the importance of a strong team.

But people like Sharp, Hausthor, and Lederman will always thrive on work that is on the cutting edge.

“I was an entrepreneur before the word was coined,” Sharp said, “and what is really exciting is that we are always doing things that haven’t been done before.”

Life Savers

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Banking and Financial Services Cover Story Sections

St. Germain Investment Management Gets Personal

When gauging the reputation of St. Germain Investment Management, Tim Suffish says, one measure is the number of non-clients who call out of the blue.

“It happens all the time,” he said. “People call with questions, and we just give the advice. We’re more than happy to take the calls. It’s a sign that the company is doing things right when random people call us and are reaching out for something. They’re always shocked and appreciative when one of the financial advisors spend time on the phone with them with no expectation of anything in return.”

Suffish, the firm’s senior vice president of equity markets, said it’s a reflection of the name St. Germain has built in Greater Springfield for the past 90 years. But the company, launched by D.J. St. Germain in 1924, hit some, well, depressing times in its early days.

“D.J. did fantastic with his investments the first five years. Then 1929 came along and wiped out a decent portion of his net worth,” said Mike Matty, the company’s current president, adding that surviving the Great Depression sparked the firm’s long-standing focus on investing conservatively.

“He realized that not losing an investment is every bit as important as making money. That has guided our conservative philosophy, and it’s the way we continue to make money,” Matty said. “During the most recent downturn, eight or nine people said to us, ‘we know we’re not going back to the old highs,’ and yet, this week, we’re at new highs. We hit a billion last year in assets under management.”

Matty, however, prefers to talk about people, not numbers, when considering how St. Germain has grown since the days of D.J.

Mike Matty, president of St. Germain Investment Management

“It’s easy to start a business, but it’s tough to stay in business 90 years. The way you do that is treat the clients right, and we’ve done a terrific job with that philosophy,” he said. “We have a great team here; they could all work in Boston or New York, or wherever they want to be. But we all like working here in Western Mass.; we all want to be here.”

Suffish said there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with helping clients — whose only exposure to retirement savings to that point might be a company-sponsored 401(k) plan — really think about what they want from their golden years.

“They’re thinking about retirement, planning to leave their job and go from earning and putting money away for retirement to taking money from their retirement account,” he said. “It’s huge. People who haven’t gone through it don’t realize how … not traumatic, necessarily, but how serious it is, and the consideration and planning that goes into it.

“Once you’re into retirement, you want to make the most of it, so you don’t outlive your money,” he went on. “That’s our meat and potatoes; the most important thing we do is sitting down and talking with clients, people entrusting us with everything they have to last them through their last days.”

Human Touch

Matty said St. Germain had long been known strictly as an investment manager, but about a decade ago, the company began to broaden its scope to all-around financial planning.

“We now do comprehensive financial planning with people. We take a look at where their income streams are in retirement; are they adequately covered? And we’re the go-to call for people on other financial questions — buying a car, refinancing a house, whatever it may be, we get a call. That’s worked out very well for us.

“Life has gotten much more complicated these days,” he continued. “People get exposed to an immense amount of information overload on the Internet. Can you sit down and Google it? Sure, but you’ll see 150,000 results. People say to us, after trying to figure it out on their own, ‘I want to talk to someone who actually walks the walk before I do this.’ That’s what we’re great at.”

Mike Matty, left, and Tim Suffish say their most important job is talking one-on-one with clients and understanding their expectations for life after retirement.

Matty and Suffish are both CFAs, or chartered financial analysts. “CFAs are the financial-analysis equivalent of CPAs,” Matty said. “We’re super-knowledgeable, highly trained people. It’s New York or Boston expertise, accessible in Western Mass. at a reasonable cost.”

Suffish said a client was in reviewing his account recently and saw a photograph of D.J. St. Germain with a 1930s-era Packard. “He said, ‘I remember going for a ride in that car.’ The company has been here a long time, and the experience has been consistent. People change sometimes, but the St. Germain way keeps people here a long time.”

Still, the company has experienced a growth spurt in the past decade. When Suffish came on board in 2004, he was the seventh employee; now 20 people work there. But that growth has not come at the expense of the personal touch that has long been a priority.

“When people pick up the phone and call us, they get a receptionist, not voice mail. An automated voice drives people crazy,” Matty said. “It’s one of many small touches, one of the things that sets us apart from a lot of other financial firms out there. If you’ve got a half-million parked with a big brokerage firm, you’re a cog in the wheel there. To us, you’re a client. You’re going to hear from us, and we want to hear from you. You’re not just a nameless, faceless account number. We want to get to know you.”

And know your partner as well — even if that meeting comes late in the game.

“In a lot of cases, one spouse will open an account,” he said, and after that client dies, “we almost become a surrogate spouse for the survivor because they know nothing about the household finances.”

In such cases, the survivor’s concerns often boil down to one simple question.

“They ask, ‘can I live in the lifestyle I know now? That’s all I need to know.’ They don’t want to talk about realized gains versus unrealized gains. They say, ‘I’m a machinist. I’m hiring you guys to manage the money because that’s what you do.’

Such clients appreciate a conservative approach that stays the course, Matty said. “To us, the name of the game is giving people most of the upside and preventing them from losing much on the downside. More people get scared out of the market by losses than pulled into it by greed. And they pull out at exactly the wrong time.”

Age-old Concerns

Matty said a client’s age plays a factor in asset allocation, or what percentage of money is tied up in stocks, bonds, and other vehicles.

“We’ve extended out in the past few years beyond just a conservative stock philosophy,” he added, noting that equity-income accounts — a type of mutual fund that invests in companies with a history of solid dividend payments — have become a prominent part of the roster.

“Even with what we do on the management side, making sure we build a diverse portfolio, those types of stocks are still going to be a bumpy ride,” Suffish said. “When there’s a scare overseas or interest rates do something funny, those stocks will move around a bit.” But, he added, building a portfolio that focuses on income generation through dividend growth is a good fit for many clients.

Beyond that, conventional wisdom on asset mix has shifted over the years, he said. It used to be that subtracting one’s age from 100 gave the recommended percentage of assets in stocks. Now, it’s closer to 120 minus one’s age.

“But everyone is unique,” he added, and financial advisors must take into consideration factors like Social Security projections, pensions, retirement-account balances, expected inheritance, and overall lifestyle expectations.

“If somebody is 75 years old and has all their needs met by income sources like pension and Social Security, that client can afford to be more invested in stocks,” Suffish said. “The most important thing at St. Germain is the conversation between the financial advisor and the client. It’s not like picking Coke over Pepsi; that’s a very small factor. The most important thing is the conversation between the financial advisor and the client, us knowing them and their situation, and getting the financial mix right.”

It’s definitely a more complex financial world, Matty said.

“Fifty years ago, when you turned 65 years old, you could rely on Social Security and probably had a pension. Life expectancy was not a whole lot longer after retirement, and you had some pretty reliable income sources. People had more homogeneity,” he told BusinessWest.

“Now, we have 65-year-olds taking up skiing. They plan to live 30 more years. People are saying, ‘I don’t think Social Security is going to be there for me.’ Virtually no one has a pension anymore. There’s no homogeneity,” he went on. “A client might say, ‘I’ve got aged parents, and I’m taking care of a special-needs son, who will probably live with me forever. And there’s longevity in my family; people live into their 90s.’ Everyone is unique. In these circumstances, we really need to spend time getting to know you.”

Clients run the gamut, Matty said, from individuals with accounts large enough to grab the attention of a larger firm to people who have worked hard their entire lives to amass a couple hundred thousand dollars, or less.

“I tell these folks, ‘I know to you it’s a lot of money; it’s all you’ve got. I want to treat you with respect.’ We absolutely can take on folks who have millions, but if your money is significantly less, that’s fine by us too. People here are not paid on commission. They’re perfectly happy to sit down with a guy with $150,000 or a guy with $1.5 million.”

Committed, Not Commissioned

That policy of no commissions is uncommon in the industry, Matty said. “I don’t want to incentivize people here to do anything other than what’s in the best interest of the client. If they have cash in the bank, let them keep it in the bank. I’d rather spend time working with people, making a little bit off them every year, and keep them another 90 years, rather than get a big commission off them, then go out and find new clients next year. We have people here whose great-grandparents had accounts — people who have been here since the 1930s.”

St. Germain’s independence also allows advisors to give non-biased information, he said. “We’re not trying to sell any products to you. And at a lot of financial firms, people who work at the firm don’t have their money invested there. That’s not the case here.

“We live here, we work here, and we’re part of the community here, and we do our share to support the community that has supported us for the past 90 years,” he continued. “We try to give back at both the corporate level and personal level; virtually everyone here is volunteering or serving on boards, as well as all the financial support we give.”

Still, Matty said, what many clients appreciate most is simply being able to call and speak to someone with answers.

“I think we’re easy to talk to,” he said. “It’s a simple point, but it means an awful lot. Some people might prefer a website, but I find, especially as people get older, they want to call and talk to the same person, and not have to explain their circumstances every time. As clients get older, they really appreciate that.”

It’s an approach that has worked since D.J. St. Germain drove that Packard around Springfield — and will continue long after those who remember him are gone.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

When Shoppers Become Targets

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Banking and Financial Services Sections

Banking Leaders Say Retailers Should Bear Burden of Data Breaches

When it comes to data breaches and identity theft, Target isn’t the only target.

The retail chain made news of the worst sort in December when it reported a security breach that compromised the financial information of tens of millions of customers.

The fallout affected the banks that issued the credit and debit cards that were compromised, and since that event, banking-industry leaders have been speaking out about the impact of such breaches on their operations.

“When a retailer like Target speaks of its customers having ‘zero liability’ from fraudulent transactions, it is because our nation’s banks are making customers whole, not the retailer that suffered the breach,” said James Reuter, executive vice president of Colorado-based FirstBank, representing the American Bankers Assoc. (ABA) in testimony before the Senate Banking Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance.

“Banks swiftly research and reimburse customers for unauthorized transactions,” he continued, “and normally exceed legal requirements by making customers whole within days of the customer alerting them.”

High-profile breaches like the one that befell Target have reignited a long-running debate over consumer data-security policy. The issues being discussed include what security and breach notification standards should apply to businesses, and who should be responsible for covering the costs of fraud resulting from breaches.

For its part, the ABA believes Congress should pass data-security legislation that holds retailers and others to high, uniform, nationwide standards for safeguarding sensitive customer information, just as banks have long had a similar obligation to protect their customers’ sensitive financial information. The ABA is also advocating that those responsible for data breaches should be responsible for their costs.

For its part, Target admitted it didn’t read the signs of a potential problem in December.

Just a few days before Christmas, Target disclosed that a data breach compromised 40 million credit and debit card accounts between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15. A few weeks later, the retailer said hackers also stole personal information — including names, phone numbers, and e-mail and mailing addresses — from as many as 70 million customers.

“Like any large company, each week at Target there are a vast number of technical events that take place and are logged,” said company spokeswoman Molly Snyder in a statement soon after the incident. “Through our investigation, we learned, after these criminals entered our network, a small amount of their activity was logged and surfaced to our team. That activity was evaluated and acted upon. Based on their interpretation and evaluation of that activity, the team determined that it did not warrant immediate follow-up. With the benefit of hindsight, we are investigating whether, if different judgments had been made, the outcome may have been different.”

According to Target, hackers broke into its network by infiltrating a vendor’s computers. Then the criminals installed malicious software in the checkout system for some 1,800 Target stores across the U.S. The sheer scope of the crime could eventually surpass the 90 million customer records compromised in 2007 when thieves stole data from T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods stores.

Target’s chief information officer, Beth Jacob, resigned recently, and the store said it is overhauling some of its divisions that handle security and technology. It is also accelerating a $100 million plan to roll out chip-based credit-card technology, which it claims is more secure than traditional magnetic-stripe cards.

Far-reaching Problem

The data-breach issue extends far beyond a major retailer or two, and is an irksome one for banks. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported more than 600 consumer data breaches in 2013 — a 30% increase over 2012.

Reuter testified that banks receive pennies for each dollar of fraud losses and other costs they incur in protecting their customers from fraud, and that, while banks bear more than 60% of reported fraud losses, they have accounted for less than 8% of reported breaches since 2005.

Data breaches can fall into two categories: unintentional and intentional. An unintentional breach — often due to the negligence of an employee who mishandles or inadvertently exposes data — does not always lead to fraud.

Intentional breaches occur when data is accessed, viewed, stolen, or used by someone who is not authorized to do so — in many cases, criminals who target the company in an attempt to steal consumers’ personal and financial information, either to use it to commit fraud or to sell it to others. This often leads to new financial accounts in the victims’ names, counterfeit cards, and phishing scams.

Debit-card fraud accounted for 54% of industry loss, followed by check fraud at 37%, and online banking and electronic transactions at 9%, according to the ABA. Typically, Reuter said, when fraud occurs or is likely to, banks will close the account, eat the loss, and reissue the card. Meanwhile, banks stopped $9 out of every $10 of attempted deposit-account fraud in 2012, according to the ABA’s 2013 Deposit Account Fraud Survey Report.

“Financial fraud, including identity fraud, is a very real risk that must be taken seriously,” writes Frank Keating, ABA president and CEO. “The best way to contend with financial fraud is to prevent it from ever happening in the first place. Banks use sophisticated technology and monitoring techniques, intricate firewalls, and other methods of securing customer data, but there are steps consumers must take as well.”

The ABA offers a number of tips to help consumers protect themselves from becoming victims of financial fraud:

• Don’t provide your Social Security number or account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PINs and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for your passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social-networking sites.

• Shred sensitive papers, including receipts, bank statements, and unused credit-card offers before throwing them away, and keep an eye out for missing mail from creditors.

• Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Monitor your online accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions. Sign up for text or e-mail alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.

• Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of the three credit reporting agencies.

• Make sure the virus-protection software on your computer is active and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browser’s padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an ‘s’ after the ‘http’ to be sure the website is secure. For mobile devices, use the passcode lock, which will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.

Everyone’s Business

Stronger vigilance by all parties — retailers, banks, and consumers — will make a dent in the incidence of data theft, Reuter said, although it won’t stop all of it, which is why the ABA continues to press Congress on the issue.

“Banks, retailers, processors, and all other participants in the payment system must share the responsibility of keeping the system secure, reliable, and functioning in order to preserve customer trust,” Reuter testified.

“That responsibility should not fall predominantly on the financial-services sector,” he added. “Banks are committed to doing their share, but cannot be the sole bearer of that responsibility. Policymakers, card networks, and all industry participants have a vital role to play in addressing the regulatory gaps that exist in our payment system, and we stand ready to assist in that effort.” n

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Board Responsibility and the Form 990

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Banking and Financial Services Sections

Understand What Such a Commitment Would Require

Carolyn Bourgoin

As a business professional in Western Mass., there is a high likelihood that you have been approached (or will be approached) to serve on a board.

This region has a significant concentration of nonprofit and charitable organizations, and, therefore, there is often a need for capable and willing board members. When receiving such a request, the first step to take before accepting is determining what roles and responsibilities such a commitment would require.

All too often, however, the review of the organization’s tax filings, including the Form 990, is missing among those responsibilities. This is a significant task and should not be taken lightly.

As a board member of a charitable organization, you have a responsibility to periodically confirm with management that these items are accurate and current. But your responsibility with respect to the Form 990 does not end there, as the IRS expects management to provide the full board with a copy of the Form 990 prior to it being filed. The board may designate a committee to review the Form 990, but must disclose this on the 990.

This filing is open to public inspection on Guidestar and the Massachusetts attorney general’s website. The board should make sure the Form 990 properly represents the organization to potential donors and other interested parties.

Unfortunately, reviewing the Form 990 can seem like a time-consuming task, especially if you are unfamiliar with such tax documents. This article will provide suggestions on what to look for and highlight some of the more critical sections of the form.

• Start by scanning the first two pages of the return to make sure the summary comparison of financial information between the current and prior years makes sense, and that the mission statement is properly disclosed. The organization’s top three programs should be listed along with the related expenses and program revenues. Board members are responsible for ensuring that the organization’s charitable role is being effectively carried out in furtherance of its mission, so it is important to ensure that its programs are in line with its mission.

• Proper governance policies should be your next focus. The IRS encourages charities to adopt a written conflict-of-interest policy that requires directors and staff to act solely in the interest of the charity. The Form 990 questions whether such a policy was adopted and, if so, how the policy was monitored during the year. Also questioned are the policies used for setting executive and top-management compensation.

Both the IRS and the state attorney general’s office expect the board to be involved in approving the compensation and benefits of the CEO, including comparing the salary to other executives in similar fields. A board that is actively involved in setting executive compensation should be at lower risk for complaints being filed regarding excess compensation or private benefits inuring to top officials.

As more and more exempt organizations become involved in joint ventures or similar arrangements, the Form 990 questions whether a charity has adopted a written policy concerning its involvement in these investments. The IRS expects a tax-exempt organization to safeguard its assets and exempt status from a risky investment arrangement.

• A list of board members at year end must be disclosed. This helps determine whether the board is the appropriate size to carry out its duties for the organization. Very large boards may have a difficult time making decisions. In this situation, an executive committee with delegated responsibilities might be effective. Yet, small boards may lack the broad knowledge and skills to properly govern the organization. Regardless of the size of the board, the IRS expects that it not be dominated by employees and others who may not be independent because of family or business relationships. There are several questions on the Form 990 pertaining to this issue.

• Revenue sources disclosed on the Form 990 should be evaluated to determine whether the organization has unrelated trade or business income that may require a Form 990T (required to calculate any potential income tax). Certain partnership investments and activities that do not further the organization’s purpose may generate such income.

• Public charities that solicit funds, which are typically evidenced by the presence of contribution revenue on the Form 990, should make sure that they track and disclose fund-raising costs on the Form 990. Those that hire professional fund-raisers or grant writers must make additional disclosures on Schedule G. Fund-raising events should also be disclosed on this schedule.

• Board members of public charities should look over Schedule A, as the testing on this form determines whether the organization remains a public charity or is converted to a private foundation. While there are different tests to calculate public support, each excludes gifts from certain donors. If the public support percentage is nearing 33.3%, the organization is in danger of becoming a private foundation, and steps must be taken to broaden the overall public support of the organization.

• Transactions between the organization and disqualified or interested persons may require disclosure on Schedule L. This includes business transactions, depending on the amount, as well as grants or loans. One of the main goals of the new Form 990 is to enhance transparency, so it is essential that the organization properly disclose related party transactions.

These are some of the more significant areas of the Form 990. The form, easily obtainable on the Internet, is a reflection on the organization and the board. In order to fulfill your fiduciary duties as a board member, it is important that you have an understanding of this filing and take part in its review.

If you have questions regarding your organization’s tax filings, including the Form 990, be sure to contact your organization’s accounting professional.

Carolyn Bourgoin is a senior tax manager for the Holyoke-based public accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.; (413) 322-3483; [email protected]

By All Accounts

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Banking and Financial Services Sections

A chart of area credit unions

Click here to download the PDF

An Urban Laboratory

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Commercial Real Estate Sections

The Experiments Continue in John Aubin’s Evolving Open Square

As John Aubin talked about Open Square, the massive former mill complex along the canals in downtown Holyoke that has been his passion for the past dozen years or more, he continually referred to it as an “urban laboratory” — for architecture, planning, sustainability, and economic development.

By that, he meant this was a place to experiment and drive innovation in response to an ongoing movement that has more people apparently willing and able to work, live, and locate businesses in urban settings, although many cities are struggling to take full advantage of that phenomenon.

To succeed in this environment and move the needle in Holyoke when it comes to attracting businesses there, Aubin said he doesn’t focus on filling square footage in an old mill. Rather, he’s committed to creating workspaces in which business owners can thrive.

“My business is really about creating an environment for people to live in, work in, socialize in, and play in,” he explained. “The real-estate development is almost secondary; as an architect, designer, and planner, that’s what I’m really doing — creating that environment.”

Aubin believes this philosophy is working and creating great progress in his laboratory. Over the past decade, he told BusinessWest, he’s been adding five new businesses a year, and all of these ventures are new to downtown Holyoke.

The tenant list now includes more than 50 companies employing more than 200 people in sectors ranging from healthcare to technology; from insurance to marketing; from finance to hospitality.

John Aubin, owner of Open Square

And the latest addition to that list could be one of the most significant.

VertitechIT, a networking and IT engineering company that provides a wide range of services to clients, many of the them in the healthcare sector, is planning to move into 3,500 square feet of custom-designed space on the mostly undeveloped third floor of what’s known as Mill 4. And it could expand into more than 9,000 square feet across the hall if the firm successfully consolidates currently outsourced services on that site, as planned, said the company’s president, Michael Feld.

“We’ll need that space for a 24/7/365 support center with probably 25 to 30 people in it,” Feld said, adding that, even if those plans do not come to fruition, the company will likely continue its pattern of doubling in size each year and will certainly need additional space.

VertitechIT’s new offices, which should be ready for occupancy next month, are an example of Aubin’s efforts to create an attractive, efficient, custom (that’s a word you’ll read again) work environment that makes Open Square — and Holyoke — an attractive destination for businesses across many sectors.

“We wanted a space that is quite presentable to clients, but the real value is to the engineers,” Feld explained. “For example, everybody loves whiteboards, so all the walls are curved, with large expanses of painted whiteboard so you can write on it. And our conference-room table is glass that you can write on as well.

“There are a lot of large screens in various places, and the desks are designed so that people can collaborate on projects,” he went on. “The whole site is a visual interpretation of the way we work.”

Looking forward, Aubin said he plans to continue his pattern of steady growth. What direction it will take is still to be determined as Holyoke continues its comeback from the extreme hard times of the ’70s and ’80s, fueled by the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs and demographic shifts that saw the nation’s first planned industrial city become one of the poorer communities in the Commonwealth.

Recent developments such as the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, the emergence of a creative economy, and a more positive outlook about the community could attract many different kinds of businesses to the city — and Open Square, said Aubin. Meanwhile, plans to bring rail service to Holyoke could open other kinds of doors, he said, adding that there is preliminary talk about the prospects for developing a hotel at one of the mills on the Open Square complex (more on that later).

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest toured Open Square, gaining a perspective on both the many new developments there in recent years and possible future development on this historic site.

History Lessons

As he elaborated on that notion of Open Square as a laboratory, Aubin referenced that trend toward urban living and working. He said Holyoke is squarely in the middle of this phenomenon, and perhaps better positioned than others to take full advantage of it.

“We all know that, over the past 10 years, the world has become more urban. Demand is growing for urban space,” he explained. “Holyoke, and many small cities in this country, have enormous potential — they represent a tremendous, untapped market. And what I do is take a design-based approach to taking advantage of that, to leveraging what is really a very strong market.

“There are a number of cities that are well-poised to take advantage of this market,” he went on, “but no one seems to be able to figure out how to do that — we’re seeing cities struggle with it. I actually consider Open Square to be a prime example of how to leverage that market.”

Setting the tone in this new and emerging urban landscape has been Aubin’s unofficial job description since he started filling in the canvas that is the historic mill complex his father purchased in the mid-’60s but then struggled to fill as Holyoke went into its long and pronounced tailspin.

The Great Recession that officially began in late 2007 and continued into late 2009 slowed his progress somewhat, but Aubin has been able to successfully fill nearly 100,000 square feet of space with everything from a successful events facility called Mill 1 (that’s where it’s located) to arts groups such as the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, to energy and environmental companies such as Sovereign Consulting.

As he’s filled in floors on Mill 1 and Mill 4, he’s done so with the approach that, while he’s willing to experiment in his laboratory, there are limits on what he’ll try.

“As a private business, I don’t have the luxury of experimenting on things that are not going to work or where the costs are too high — I’ve been to able to identify markets and capture them, and ideas that don’t work were discarded quickly,” he said, adding that this reasoning explains why there is only one residential unit in the complex — one that Aubin lived in himself for a time and then Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse called home for a while before buying a house in the city — and also why there is a comparatively small number of artisans, specifically those who do what they do for a living, not a hobby.

“Housing is a good idea, a core idea, but you can’t do it in a vacuum,” he said, adding that conditions are not right for market-rate housing in Holyoke at the moment, primarily because two low-income projects in progress or on the drawing board — Lyman Terrace and the former Holyoke Catholic High School — will weaken demand for a higher-end product. “Market-rate housing is a long-term investment, and we hope to revisit it soon, but for now, it’s been tabled.”

So Aubin continues to focus his experiments on what he believes — or knows — will work, and this brings him back to that notion of creating attractive but also affordable environments in which to do business, but also in which to stage weddings and other types of events. And Open Square, with its great critical mass, provides seemingly endless opportunities for doing so.

“Because we have this great foundation, this wonderful building to work with, we’re able to do beautiful, custom-designed space at a very affordable rate that’s difficult to match,” he said while making a clear distinction between affordable and ‘cheap,’ something Open Square is not.

These ingredients allowed Aubin to successfully fill Mill 4’s second floor with what he called “studio space,” generally one large, open room with build-out costs much lower than what was created two floors up.

There, Aubin has created larger, custom spaces, up to 3,000 square feet, for an eclectic mix of clients, ranging from Common Capital to Cover Technologies, an environmental company, to Emergent Billing, which focuses on the healthcare industry.

Plans to create still-larger custom spaces on the third floor, which started with buildout for Sovereign Consulting, were sidetracked by the recession, said Aubin, but with the economy improving, those plans are now moving forward, starting with VertitechIT.

This artist’s rendering shows the unique features in the space created for VertitechIT, including curved walls and a centrally located conference room.

Technically Speaking

In many ways, that company’s arrival provides an effective example of how Open Square is deepening its tenant list by creating custom work spaces that put Holyoke — and the mill complex — on radar screens they would not have been on years ago.

Launched in 2001, the company was located in Northampton for many years, where the fit wasn’t perfect, for several reasons, said Feld.

“It’s hard for companies like us to exist there — they want retail, and we’re not that type of organization; we don’t match what the town is looking for and is prepared to work with,” he said, adding that this mismatch was compounded by the fact that the company quickly outgrew its quarters.

“We were just hanging on by packing people into every corner. We loved Northampton, but we simply ran out of space and couldn’t put it off any longer,” he said, adding quickly that Holyoke wasn’t on his short, or even long, list of possibilities for relocation.

“My understanding of Holyoke was limited and quite negative,” he told BusinessWest. “But our operations person really runs our show, and she lives in Holyoke, and she was really pressuring me to come down here. When I finally met John [Aubin] and looked at the space, I was very surprised and very much interested.”

Then came meetings with the mayor, school department leaders, and business executives, and Feld came away with the opinion that Holyoke should be his new business address.

As he talked about the space he will occupy, Feld made early and frequent use of the word ‘custom,’ and even put the adjective ‘quite’ before it. The space will include:

• Three private offices for secure communications within the main work area;

• Flowing, open areas featuring three main work ‘pods,’ or islands creatively configured to enhance collaboration;

• Uniquely curved inner walls, a signature of Aubin’s accessible modern design, that are mounted with whiteboards, providing ample work surfaces within the pods; and

• A curved conference room whose central position emphasizes VertitechIT’s collective brainpower and focus on creating solutions for clients.

“We gave John our ideas, not expecting to see much in return,” said Feld. “But he understood exactly what we were trying to do and, more importantly, understood the reasons for it. It wasn’t just like he could simply translate his customers’ desires into designs — he actually understood the reasons for it and agrees with it, and it follows the way he thinks in general. It’s a match made in heaven.”

Looking forward, Aubin said the obvious goal is to create more of these matches as controlled experimentation continues in his urban laboratory. What shape it will take remains to be seen, he noted, adding that, in many ways, Open Square will evolve as Holyoke does.

Elaborating, he said the planned return of rail service could drive economic development in many ways, because it will make the city more accessible — to workers, business owners, and even tourists.

“We’re looking at what the future is for this region, how soon it will get here, and how quickly we can move on it,” he explained. “The train will certainly open up opportunities — it will make commuting easier and open up markets as far south as New York City.

“We’re already looking to market our events space further south because of the train,” he went on, “and we’re looking at the possibility of a hotel. Like with the event space, there are other options within this market, but I think we can create a unique option for a hotel. It’s something we’re going to take a close look at.”

Finish Work

Aubin’s business card reads ‘Architect/Principal.’

The juxtaposition of those words speaks volumes about how he views his broad-ranging responsibilities with the company. In short, he’s an architect first, and he believes his focus on design and creating attractive, efficient working environments is helping Holyoke and Open Square reach that vast potential he mentioned, taking full advantage of the shift to urban living and working.

At the moment, he has designs on continued growth and leveraging the tremendous asset his family has owned for close to a half-century now.

And he’s confident that the pieces are in place for that to happen.

George O’Brien can be reached at [email protected]

Structurally Sound

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Construction Sections

Northern Construction Builds Bridges to Success

Shawn Clark, project manager and operations coordinator at Northern Construction Service

Pressure is replacing two well-traveled highway bridges in one weekend — or losing $1 million for missing the deadline.

But that’s exactly what Northern Construction Service, based in Palmer, is taking on this summer in Southington, Conn., when it lifts the existing bridges off their supports this July and replaces them with new bridges it has been fabricating at the scene for the better part of a year — all within a 56-hour weekend window aimed at minimizing impact on commuters.

“We’ve had this job since last June, and after almost a year of prep, we’re only going to disrupt the public for a weekend,” said Shawn Clark, Northern’s project manager and operations coordinator. “And if it’s not done by Monday, there’s a million-dollar penalty.”

The bridges, which carry eastbound and westbound traffic on Interstate 84 over Marion Avenue in Southington, are 51 years old and in need of replacement, Clark said. Northern won the contract for the $6 million project last spring, and excavation, tree-clearing, and utility work began in November.

The technique being utilized is new to the Conn. Department of Transportation. The new spans are being fabricated on site in staging areas adjacent to the bridges. Interstate 84 and Marion Avenue traffic will remain open during the entire fabrication period, with occasional, temporary lane closures for other work associated with the project.

On the big weekend in July, the pre-fabricated structures will be moved from the staging areas using massive machines called self-propelled modular transporters. The existing bridges will be removed, and the new spans set into place on the existing abutments, which are in good condition.

Northern replaced Easthampton’s Manhan Bridge five weeks ahead of schedule.

In addition to the $1 million penalty if the project extends into Monday’s morning commute, ConnDOT has included a $250,000 incentive if the new bridges are open before 10 a.m. Sunday. Don’t put it past Northern to make that goal.

“We like to push,” Clark told BusinessWest. “Our company is not afraid to work overtime, generally at our own expense.”

Take the Davitt Memorial Bridge in Chicopee. Northern replaced that span, which connects Route 116 with Springfield Street — an $8.2 million project — 14 months ahead of schedule. The bridge was closed for just over a year and reopened last July.

“In Chicopee, the DOT offered incentives to work through the winter, to work overtime to meet the deadline,” he said, noting that overtime is already common at Northern during good weather.

“It took us seven or eight months to get going on the Davitt Bridge, and we still finished more than a year early,” Clark said, telling a similar story about the $3.7 million project to replace Easthampton’s Manhan Bridge, which closed last June and reopened in October, five weeks ahead of schedule.

“We had that job for probably eight or nine months before we closed the road, making sure everything was in order, utilities relocated,” he noted. “Then we worked overtime, Saturdays, Sundays — and, again, it went well.”

Clearly, Northern Construction specializes in bridges — as well as road and highway construction; concrete construction, including dams, seawalls, and foundations; excavating and grading; water, sewer, and drainage systems; building construction and relocation; and a host of other projects.

The company — owned by John Rahkonen and John Divito, who work out of offices in Palmer and Weymouth, respectively — has grown significantly in its 19 years of existence, employing up to 150 personnel at peak times and boasting about $45 million in projects annually.

“We’ve been growing or at least maintaining, luckily,” Clark said. “The recession was tough on us, but we’ve had work.”

Getting Around

Success stories like the Davitt Memorial Bridge in Chicopee — which was closed just over a year and reopened more than a year ahead of schedule — are due to the exhaustive work Northern does long before a bridge closes to traffic.

As he noted, that work begins long before a road or bridge closes. “From the time you’re the low bidder, you have to sign contracts, which takes a couple of months,” Clark said. That’s followed by research, dealing with utilities, and a host of other administrative tasks before work can even begin.

Northern works for public and private entities in the six New England states and New York, and that diversity is key to its continued success, he added. “Private work has been slow, with the recession, so public work is all we have right now. But Massachusetts is having budget problems, and work has been sporadic. So, last year, we did five jobs in Connecticut; before that, we’d had only one in the company’s history.”

Bridge work is a big issue across New England, with thousands of aging spans in need of repair or replacement. In Massachusetts, the Accelerated Bridge Program, a $3 billion commitment to repair or replace 259 bridges, was launched in 2008.

“There’s plenty of disrepair. That’s why we have the Accelerated Bridge Program,” Clark said. “This is one of the worst states in terms of infrastructure, and you have to do something.”

He added that the state has moved toward more rapid bridge replacements, pre-fabricated structures, and financial incentives for contractors, all aimed at reducing inconvenience to the public.

“It’s a tough field. Bridges are demanding, and you need skilled personnel to do the work,” he noted, adding that companies need significant administrative expertise as well. “Compared to 30 or 40 years ago, there are more rules, regulations, liability — every ‘i’ has to be dotted. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing; it definitely discourages competition to a certain degree. But it also makes it more challenging.”

To perform such work on accelerated schedules, Clark noted, requires a high level of teamwork with each state’s DOT. “We get in people’s good graces by getting it done quickly. Not only does that require the cooperation of everyone involved, the DOT has to be on board with it. We can’t do it without them, and they can’t do it without us; it’s a team effort.”

Northern recently won a 2013 Design Award from the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute for Best Rehabilitated Bridge, a $9.4 million project in Smithfield, R.I. that the company completed — of course — six weeks early.

The Stillwater Viaduct over the Woonasquatucket River is a landmark of sorts, eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, both for its association with a massive bridge-building campaign in the 1920s and 1930s and for serving as an example of an open spandrel arch bridge.

When it was rehabilitated in 2012, designers had to be careful to maintain the original design aesthetics. The use of pre-cast concrete not only allowed workers to replicate the original features of the bridge with modern performance, but it was critical to completing the project within a seven-month window. The existing arch rings and pier columns were also restored during construction.

“Maintaining the look of the old bridge was very important to the owner,” said Bharat Patel of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, engineer of record for the project. “We were able to stay way ahead of schedule without compromising quality, and everyone in the community was pleased with the results.”

And, of course, much of that success came from the work completed long before the bridge closed. “We took six months before we closed that road,” Clark said, noting, however, that accelerated schedules aren’t always possible, especially when a bridge remains open during the entire project. “Some projects have to be done in phases. You do part of the bridge, part of the bridge, part of the bridge, to keep traffic flowing.”

From the Ground Up

Northern Construction keeps people moving in quite a different way when it comes to its long-standing relationship with Six Flags New England.

No, it doesn’t actually build new rides, but it has handled concrete, earth, site, and utility work for a number of new attractions, including this year’s major addition, the Sky Screamer, a swing ride that will tower 400 feet above the park — twice as high as the current tallest ride.

Meanwhile, Northern is versatile enough to have been called upon for emergency road work along the Mohawk Trail in 2011 after Hurricane Irene washed out stretches of the roadway. Following the immediate repair, it won bids for a $6.7 million repair of Route 2 in Florida and a $3.3 million job in North Adams.

“As soon as it hit, we were summoned to go up there,” Clark said. “We have the resources and organization to do it. We know what equipment is needed, and what work can be done without sacrificing other projects.”

It also takes a company that knows how to juggle the bureaucratic demands of both the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was involved in funding the road repairs. “That’s when you get into submitting invoices; every load of gravel has to be documented,” he explained, adding that the end result was a 700-page document. “You’ve got to coordinate it, do the paperwork, and administer it to get paid in an effortless manner. This was a big event.”

After all, who doesn’t want to be paid?

“Our owners have always insisted that our workers get paid every week for what they do,” Clark said. “And as a contractor, we need to get paid to be able to do that — to recover our money, keep the cash flowing, make sure everyone is getting paid. It allows us to take care of our personnel.

“You hear stories of contractors who don’t pay their wages,” he continued. “There are plenty of great contractors out there, but also companies that have issues. Our employees are our most valuable resource, and we want them to get paid.”

It’s all about strong relationships — between project owners and contractors and employees. After all, Northern Construction knows how to build bridges.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Signs of the Times

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Construction Sections

Economy Improves, but Challenges Remain for Builders, Consumers

As the economy ramps up, Brad Campbell says, so does the number of shady contractors looking to take advantage of eager consumers.

Brad Campbell calls it the “black-box effect.”

That’s the phrase the executive director of the Homebuilders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Mass. (HBRAWM) contrived to reference the action of any consumer using their computer, tablet, or smartphone when selecting a professional home builder or remodeler.

“I think people have become way too dependent and trusting of the computer,” said Campbell, calling the phenomenon a faulty mindset, because glossy websites with carefully worded testimonials and paid reference sites like Angie’s List don’t always tell the full story. “And if consumers took the same amount of time to research the contractor as they do the product, they’d be much better off.

“As the economy gets better, we want consumers to know that there are risks and dangers out there,” Campbell continued. “There are more people out there who will take advantage of you.”

It’s a sign of the times, he told BusinessWest, adding that, just as contractors start coming out of the woodwork when there are weather-induced surges in construction-related work, as this region has seen recently, they also come out when consumers are ready to open their wallets and start catching up on deferred maintenance and expansion projects. And some of these contractors have less-than-stellar track records.

As she heard these remarks, Marybeth Bergeron of Charista Construction in East Longmeadow started nodding her head emphatically. “He’s absolutely right,” she said, adding that the conditions are now approaching perfect for disreputable builders to take advantage of consumers who are completely uneducated about how to find a contractor for repair or new construction, but want one because they’re in a mood to spend.

Because of the improving economy, and this black-box effect, Campbell said the focus of this year’s Western Mass. Home and Garden Show will shift from “come and see the products” to “come and learn about the people that install the products.”

Celebrating its 60th year, the show, produced by the HBRAWM, will run March 27-30 on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

The show will feature hundreds of contractors and those who support the home-building and remodeling industry, Campbell explained, but more importantly, professionals to help educate attendees who are finally ready and able to spend money on home improvements or build new houses.

On the commercial side, business has definitely picked up, but education is necessary in that area of the building industry as well, due to heightened processes involving commercial and residential contractors’ licensing requirements, the Bay State’s increasingly strict energy-saving codes, and for the commercial consumer, a reality check about what is necessary and what isn’t for efficiency processes and new high-tech building products.

Town by town, Massachusetts is becoming the strictest state in the nation for energy-saving codes, said both Campbell and Seth Crocker, vice president and co-owner of Crocker Building Co. in Springfield. This development coincides with a desire among commercial and residential clients to be more ‘green’ in their building and perhaps pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation. What’s needed, they said, are detailed conversations between builders and their clients about what is necessary and what makes sense from the standpoint of return on investment.

For this issue’s focus on construction, BusinessWest spoke with professionals from both the residential and commercial sides of the building and remodeling industry just as the annual Home Show is about to begin, and winter exits stage left — finally. The consensus is that, while the economy is improving — and everyone has been waiting impatiently for that to happen — challenges remain.

Shades of Recovery

Seth Crocker says building codes are becoming more stringent, raising costs for contractors and homeowners.

Founded in 1939, the Springfield-based HBRAWM, a nonprofit trade association affiliated with the National Home Builders Assoc. (HBA), has nearly 350 members operating in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and promotes the best interests of home ownership, home buyers, and the building industry.

That mission is ongoing, but it takes on more emphasis at times like these, said Campbell, when there are more business relationships being made between consumers and contractors. He compared choosing a contractor to the dating process.

“You just can’t sit down with the first guy and say, ‘I trust him,’” said Campbell. “And when it comes to making a business relationship official, consumers are definitely afraid of something called a contract, and they have to change that mentality.”

Elaborating, Campbell said that consumers seem to feel that a contract is bad for them and good for the contractor, when in fact, it’s good for the contractor, and better for the consumer. “It’s not restrictive, but a way to hold everybody accountable for what they said they were going to do.”

His example of a good contract is one that doesn’t have a line item stating that all the windows will be replaced in the home, but that a specific brand, style, and size of window will be used in all windows in question. Spending $300 to have an attorney look over a contract is also a good idea, Campbell added, given the much larger sum that could be lost if someone doesn’t exercise due diligence.

Additionally, he said, if the contractor doesn’t pull a permit, the consumer becomes 100% responsible for an entire project; if the project isn’t done the right way, the consumer can’t file a claim with the state’s repair fund. “And if a contract doesn’t have certain things in it, it’s not a real contract.”

On the flip side, Campbell doesn’t want to see contractors themselves make mistakes. “They can hurt themselves by not having that same contract; it’s part of their licensing requirement, and they’re told they must have contracts for projects over $1,000, which these days could be just a storm door.”

Walt Tomala, president of TNT General Contracting, Home Show deputy chairman, former president of the HBRAWM, and past president of the statewide HBA, agreed.

Walt Tomala says a contract is critical to protecting the interests of both the builder and the consumer.

“There are so many different licensing qualifications that need to be met now, it’s hard enough for the contractor to keep up with it, never mind the consumer,” he said, adding that a contract protects both parties’ interests.

In order to get Home Show attendees to the HBRAWM booth to learn about such matters, agency officials are giving visitors a chance to register to win $160,000 cash. Upon entering, attendees will be given a card asking what they have planned for the next 12 to 18 months. Those who check off ‘building’ or ‘remodeling’ will be invited to speak one-on-one with HBRAWM professionals about what consumers need to know about hiring for these needs.

“We want you to talk to builders that have gone through a formal process to be approved in our association,” Campbell continued. “That’s not to say we’ve never had an issue with one of our builders, but at least if that happens, we have a policy and a process to help you get through this situation.”

LEED by Example

Contractors, homeowners, and business owners should have a lot to talk about at this year’s show.

Indeed, many consumers have put off repairs or remodeling while waiting for the economy to improve, and over the past few years, new products have been introduced, building codes have become more strict, and the world, in general, has become more green-focused.

Brothers Seth and Bill Crocker — co-owners of Crocker Building Co., which offers full-service general contracting solutions in commercial construction and renovation — have witnessed all of this. They say they often face a situation of balancing a desire to be environmentally friendly with what makes sense economically and what also meets state regulations.

Currently, there is heightened interest in efficiency in heating, air conditioning, and the thermal performance of the building envelope, but Seth Crocker sees the expense of higher-technology products as a hurdle that many clients are not willing to jump over, especially if they don’t have to.

The philosophy, Crocker said, is to advise clients on what are ultimately the best products to use, as far as efficiency and ROI.

“But what’s driving a lot of it is that the building codes are so stringent,” he told BusinessWest. “And all signs say that will continue to get more strict, which will drive more people to things like foam insulation, which is a lot more expensive.”

Campbell agreed, citing a survey by the NHAB suggesting that stricter codes are likely, and the Commonwealth has a mindset to be a clear leader in energy conservation, which has resulted in already-demanding regulations compared to most other states.

The 2012 Stretch Energy Code, which does what it says — stretches that base code by another 20% efficiency — and is adopted on a town-by-town basis, is making it financially difficult to build in Massachusetts, Campbell said, estimating that these codes add $16,000 to the cost of a 2,200-square-foot home.

Because of those strict Massachusetts codes, said Tomala — one of the first green professionals certified by the NAHB — he and most other contractors are already building to that highly efficient level, even though doing so does not necessarily designate a building as LEED-certified.

And this has prompted questions among some builders about whether LEED is worth pursuing.

“The actual LEED certification process is very time-consuming, and you really just get a plaque for the wall,” said Crocker. “In some cases, there’s a huge upfront cost, and the payback is all in feeling good about it.”

The plaque on the wall tells a story, for sure, Tomala added, but the Energy Star efficiency rating of the high-tech products he uses tells the same story, with a lot less time and formality.

“Don’t get me wrong — we’ll do whatever the customer wants, but we’d rather be out on the site, not have more office time doing paperwork,” which always means more expense to the customer, he said.

Sustainable Future

Weather extremes, a healthier economy, and the return of the popular outdoor modular home are expected to hike attendance at this year’s Home Show.

“I think the show is going to be a huge hit because people can only sit on their hands for so long, and it’s the year they feel like it’s OK to do something,” Tomala said.

Added Crocker, “I think there’s pent-up demand because people didn’t do anything for quite a few years and interest rates bottomed, but now they’re coming back up.” He noted that those climbing rates are causing people with residential and commercial building needs to move more quickly.

But as consumers make up for lost time, different levels of education about the right way to go about a project and the best return on investment will be the key to commercial and residential projects coming to fruition.

From the Ground Up

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Construction Sections

A chart of the region’s engineering firms

Click here to download the PDF

All Aboard?

By BusinessWest Staff March 25, 2014

Commercial Real Estate Sections

Chinese Rail Manufacturer Eyes Former Westinghouse Site in Springfield

Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., the world’s largest manufacturer of rail cars, is strongly considering establishing its first North American operation in Springfield, on the 40-acre former Westinghouse site on Page Boulevard.

The Chinese company has been talking to city officials about building a 125,000-square-foot rail-car assembly plant and 33,750-square-foot office building at the site. Ameristar most recently purchased the property for $16 million in 2012, one of three casino companies that initially proposed gaming developments in the City of Homes, but later pulled out of the competition.

“We are very excited to be in discussion with the city of Springfield as we identify and address the necessary steps to advance our goal of building a rail-car manufacturing facility in Springfield,” Changchun President Lu Xiwei said in a prepared statement. “The interest and support displayed by Springfield officials at this early stage encourages our partnership and demonstrates a mutual interest in this effort.”

Changchun executives met Tuesday with Mayor Domenic Sarno and with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, among other officials.

Interest in the site was spurred by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s $1.3 billion program, announced last year, to replace and increase the capacity of its Red Line and Orange Line trains. According to the authority, the project will bring reliable, long-term relief to commuters who travel the Massachusetts Turnpike and rely on the Red and Orange lines to get to work and school.

Last October, the MBTA issued a request for proposals for the procurement to replace the 44-year old Red Line cars and 32-year old Orange Line cars. The project will deliver at least 226 vehicles — 152 Orange Line cars, replacing the entire fleet of 120, and 74 Red Line cars, with an option to increase the fleet to 132.

According to the MBTA, the new cars will provide improved reliability, accessibility, and energy efficiency. New features will include increased capacity and additional seating, wider electrically operated doors, four accessible areas per car, LED lighting, modern HVAC systems, and advanced passenger information and announcement systems.

The MBTA expects to award a contract for the cars by next winter, with the condition that the final assembly of the cars will take place in Massachusetts. Following extensive (and required) pilot train testing, Orange Line car delivery is scheduled to begin by winter 2018-19, and Red Line car delivery by the fall of 2019.

“Prompted by their participation in the request for proposals for the Orange/Red Line car procurement, [Changchun] representatives announced initial proceedings, including their selection of Springfield for its rich manufacturing heritage,” Changchun said in a press release, citing “ongoing conversations of support with state, city, local, and community officials.”

If the company, one of as many as nine vying for the work, gets the MBTA contract, it could employ 150 to 300 workers for at least 10 years. Using Springfield as a base, Changchun could conceivably expand further into the North American market.

The 60-year-old manufacturer has built more than 30,000 railway vehicles, exporting them to countries including North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

In recent years, it has moved into higher-profile markets such as Hong Kong, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. Since 1995, Changchun has obtained more than $3 billion in export orders.

— Joseph Bednar

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