2015 - Page 27 of 45 - BusinessWest

Shawn Wrisley Launches Total Business Solutions NE

By BusinessWest Staff May 28, 2015

Daily News

CHICOPEE — For as long as he can remember, Shawn Wrisley has watched small businesses in Western Mass. grow from ideas to seedlings to thriving success stories. And for him, watching those other businesses grow provided not only inspiration, but satisfaction as well.

“I take more enjoyment in watching small businesses grow than in watching a Wal-Mart or Target pop up,” Wrisley said. “I want to deal with small businesses. And that’s who Western Mass is. The mom-and-pop small businesses here are our lifeblood.”

So when Wrisley, a Greenfield native, neared his 40th birthday this year, he decided it was time to take his years of payroll experience and start Total Business Solutions NE, a small business-solutions company that offers payroll, insurances, merchant services, bookkeeping, and accounting. Headquartered in Chicopee, Total Business Solutions NE provides solutions to small and medium-sized businesses throughout Western Mass.

“I’m here. I’m local. I’m not a big corporation,” Wrisley said. “There aren’t a lot of layers here. When you call TBS, you’re going to talk to me — to the same person every week.”

With his back-office solutions, Wrisley said, he’s able to accomplish everything bigger payroll companies can accomplish, but with a small-business heart. In addition to payroll and merchant services such as credit-card processing, he offers all insurances: home, life, auto, workers’ compensation, liability, and health.

“I can run my business and service my clients in a very hands-on way,” he said. “I’m the business owner now, and what comes with that is the flexibility to be able to do the things that clients ask me for.”

Brian Savlick, co-owner of Friendly Ride Transportation in Springfield, said working with TBS allows him to keep his business local. “Shawn is personable and customer-service oriented,” he noted. “He takes my business seriously and provides exceptional customer service and knowledge of the products he sells.”

Katie Clifford, Owner of Salon 241 in Northampton, said she’s able to contact Wrisley directly whenever necessary. “Shawn is honest and reliable, looking out for the best interest of my business. When I have questions or issues, I know I can get Shawn on the phone and he will handle things in a prompt manner. He allows me to focus on my business with excellent customer service.”

Added Wrisley, “I don’t know how to run a salon or a restaurant, but what I do know is that it’s much easier for those small-business owners to use someone like me who takes as much pride in their businesses as I do my own. Watching other people become successful is incredibly rewarding.”

The benefit of working with TBS, Wrisley said, is that all services are provided through one source. “Whether it’s payroll or insurance or merchant service or bookkeeping, I’m the one company that serves all those needs. As a small-business owner, I understand that everything is so complex. I offer simplicity for the small-business owner.”
For more information, visit www.totalbusinesssolutionsne.com.

Berkshire Bank Honors Employees for Volunteerism

By BusinessWest Staff May 28, 2015

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has recognized 27 employees for their volunteerism in the community, and has named three “top volunteers” through its Volunteer Service X-ellence Awards Program. These annual awards celebrate bank employees who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

The three award recipients were selected based on their strong record of volunteerism to nonprofit organizations through both company-supported activities and in individual service to the broader community. An awards luncheon was held in Pittsfield at the bank’s headquarters, where the recipients received their awards from company leadership. Each of the award winners also received a $1,000 donation that will be made to the nonprofit organization of their choice. This year’s Volunteer X-ellence Award winners include:

• Sue Gagne, branch officer in East Longmeadow. She received the Volunteer Service X-ellence award for her leadership and participation in the bank’s corporate volunteer program. Her donation was made to Wolf Swamp Road School in East Longmeadow and Washington Elementary School in Springfield.

• Monica Schlaepfer, financial services representative in West Winfield, N.Y. She received the Volunteer Service X-ellence award for her leadership and service in both company-supported and individual volunteer activities. Her donation was made to Mount Markham Central School District Foundation.

• Michael Provencher, teller in Ludlow, Vt. He received the Volunteer Service X-ellence award for his individual volunteer service outside the bank’s corporate program. His donation was made to Knight-Allen Hose Co.

In addition to the three Volunteer Service X-ellence Award recipients, Berkshire Bank named 27 employees to its Community Service Honor Roll. Employees eligible for the Honor Roll completed a minimum of 150 hours of volunteer service in the last calendar year. Honorees included Dawn Adams-Rea, Theresa Andersen, Barbara Cooney, Joshua Cutler, Jody DeMarco, Marc Dickie, Leigha Durfee, Susan Gagne, David Gonci, Heidi Higgins, James Kochakian, Gary Levante, Elizabeth Mach, Ceroi Mello, Thomas Miller, Beth Molinero, LeeAnn Morrone, Sandra O’Neil, Elizabeth Phillips, Ann Ciepiela, John Prividera, Michael Provencher, Monica Schlaepfer, Ray Smith, Michael Smith, Deborah Stephenson, and Karen Worcester.

“These award winners went above and beyond by donating their time, talent, and skills to help dozens of nonprofit organizations,” said Linda Johnson, executive vice president and chief Human Resources officer at Berkshire Bank. “The employees selected for this year’s Honor Roll embody our values as a company and share in our commitment to making a difference in our community. We applaud them for their continued commitment to our communities.”

Unemployment Rates Down Across Massachusetts in April

By BusinessWest Staff May 27, 2015

Daily News

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for April were down in all labor market areas over the month and over the year.

During April, all 15 areas for which job estimates are published recorded seasonal job gains. The largest job gains were in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Springfield, Barnstable, Worcester, and Framingham areas. Since last April, 14 areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, Leominster-Gardner, Barnstable, Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, and Worcester areas.

In order to compare the statewide rate to the local unemployment rates, BLS estimates that the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for April was 4.1%, down 0.9% from the March 2015 rate. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was down 1.4% from the April 2014 rate of 5.5%.

Local Attorneys Explain Transition Period for Earned Sick Leave Law

By BusinessWest Staff May 27, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As a leading labor and employment law firm serving the Greater Springfield area, Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. understands the complexities of the Earned Sick Leave Law passed by voters in November 2014 and the new ‘safe-harbor’ provision for employers, which was recently announced by state Attorney General Maura Healey.

The Earned Sick Leave Law, which goes into effect July 1, entitles employees to earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time each year if they work for businesses with 11 or more employees. Businesses with fewer than 11 employees must still provide up to 40 hours of annual sick leave, but it can be unpaid. According to a new provision announced by Healey, employers that already offer paid sick time to their employees will have until the end of the year to adjust their policies and comply with the new law.

“Employers who do not comply with the new law risk civil sanctions and lawsuits from wrongfully disciplined or terminated employees,” said John Gannon, an attorney with Skoler, Abbott & Presser. “The new provision announced by the attorney general gives businesses that already offer earned sick time to their employees more time to comply without risk of legal action.”

According to Healey’s safe-harbor provision, employers with a policy that exists as of May 1 that provides at least 30 hours of paid time off to employees for the 2015 calendar year will be in compliance with the law through Jan. 1, 2016.

“These businesses do not need to worry about providing additional paid leave or developing an accrual system under the Earned Sick Leave Law for the employees who are covered under their paid-time-off policy until the beginning of next year,” Gannon said. “However, employers cannot retaliate against or otherwise interfere with an employee who requests and/or uses available paid time off after July 1. Employer policies that were permissible before July 1 — including policies related to attendance, occurrences, notice protocol, and holiday pay — may still need to be changed prior to the law’s effective date.”

If employees are not currently covered by a paid-time-off plan, employers can amend their policies to offer 30 hours of paid time off to employees who do not currently qualify for paid leave, or they can comply with the new law by beginning accrual for other workers at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, beginning July 1.

Business owners seeking assistance in understanding or complying with the Earned Sick Leave Law or safe-harbor provision may contact the employment law attorneys at Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. For information, visit skoler-abbott.com or call (413) 737-4753.

TripAdvisor Honors the Fort with Certificate of Excellence Award

By BusinessWest Staff May 27, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — After a successful re-opening last year, the Fort has recently been honored with a Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor, a popular resource for travelers featuring reviews of restaurants, hotels, and other attractions around the world.

The Fort received the award as a result of the high number of positive reviews it has received from people who have visited the restaurant.

“Positive word of mouth is key to the success of any restaurant,” said Andy Yee, managing partner of the Fort. “People are quicker to post a bad review than a good one, so it’s great to see so many people sharing the great experience they’ve had at the Fort.”

The Fort has been going strong since last year’s grand opening, Yee said, with several new developments including Sunday brunch, an updated cocktail menu, and a series of upcoming events.

Kate Kane Named Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year

By BusinessWest Staff May 27, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) has named Kate Kane, managing director of Northwestern Mutual’s Springfield office, as its 2015 Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year. The award is given annually to honor the memory of Moriarty, a long-time active participant in the ACCGS and individual who gave of his time, talent, and personal and professional resources to the local community.

“Kate reminds me of Rick in so many ways,” said Patrick Leary, chair of the ACCGS’ award nominating committee and partner at Moriarty & Primack, P.C. “Just like Rick, Kate is very involved in so many community organizations not because it is something that is expected of her, but because she believes it is the right thing to do, and, like Rick, much of her involvement is done quietly without seeking accolades or recognition. I think Rick would be very pleased with Kate as our Citizen of the Year.”

A graduate of Vassar College, Kane was planning to pursue a career in teaching when she took a position at Northwestern Mutual in its Worcester office. Inspired by the financial-services company, Kane rose through the ranks, building her expertise in leadership, recruiting, and guiding clients. Starting as director of Operations in Springfield, she has served in numerous capacities, including director of Development and field director, before rising to her current position as head of the Springfield group.

Kane shares that leadership experience through countless volunteer hours for a variety of civic and community organizations. She spearheaded the agency’s fund-raiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand to fight against childhood cancer. She serves as the treasurer for the Springfield Museums Assoc. board of trustees, a long-time board member and past president of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, a member of Business Leaders for Education, and current chair of the Sisters of Providence Health System board of directors.

She is also a founding board member and past president of Dress for Success, co-writing the original business plan for the Western Mass. chapter, the first one in the Commonwealth, and served as the first female president of the Managing Director Assoc. She is a former board member for the Professional Women’s Chamber and the Friends of the Homeless, and served as the ACCGS’ representative on the Springfield gaming application review task force.

She has been honored as Western Mass Women magazine’s Professional Woman of the Year in 2012, the Professional Women’s Chamber Woman of the Year in 2011, and was named a Difference Maker by BusinessWest in 2009.

Kane will be honored at the ACCGS Business@Breakfast on Wednesday, June 3 from 7:15 to 9 a.m. in the Flynn Campus Union at Springfield College, 263 Alden St., Springfield. In addition to Kane’s honors, the breakfast will feature “A Chamber Year in Review” celebrating the ACCGS’ successes over the past year and will feature guest speaker Katie Stebbins, the state’s assistant secretary of Technology Innovation and Entrpreneurship.

Reservations for the breakfast are $20 for members in advance, $25 for members at the door, and $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

Jewish Geriatric Services Elects Officers, Board of Directors

By BusinessWest Staff May 26, 2015

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Jewish Geriatric Services Inc. (JGS) held its annual meeting last week, providing membership the opportunity to elect officers and directors of JGS and all subsidiaries.

“We are at a crossroads in our 103-year journey,” said Martin Baicker, president and CEO of JGS, “bridging past and future with Project Transformation, which will transform our campus and the care we provide. JGS is a learning organization. We will enhance services for elders.”

James Rosenthal was elected to a new two-year term on the JGS board of directors. Eric Berg was elected chairman of both the Jewish Nursing Home and Ruth’s House, Brad Foster was elected treasurer for Genesis House, and Mark Katz was elected a director of Genesis House, filling vacancies left by departing board members Michael Hurwitz, Michael Ginsburg, and Donald Frank, who were recognized for their service.

Dr. Robert Baevsky, chair of the JGS board of directors, awarded William Burrows with the annual Chairman’s Service Award, for 35 years of outstanding service, stewardship, and volunteerism. Baevsky said it was an honor to pay tribute to “a man with an ever-present smile and the talent to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.”

Burrows, the former owner of Wm. Burrows Florist in Longmeadow, has helped plan themes, table settings, and décor for several signature JGS events, from annual donor and Passover dinners to long-time involvement in the Frankel-Kinsler Golf Classic.

Burrows has served on a number of development and event committees. For the past 12 years, he’s also lent a hand on Honorable Menschen Day each Dec. 25, assisting residents and employees of the Leavitt Family Jewish Home and Ruth’s House. A member of the JGS Circle of Honor, he has enriched the lives of residents and families through planned giving at the highest level, and has also helped raise funds in support of JGS programming and services.

Also at the annual meeting, Susan Kimball Halpern, vice president of philanthropy, provided on update on the Project Transformation Campaign, a $9 million capital campaign in support of five campus initiatives that will enhance person-centered care across all services. Six million dollars has been raised to date in the campaign, half represented by a $3 million naming gift for the Sosin Center for Rehabilitation.

Members also learned of the Grinspoon Foundation’s $500,000 challenge grant that will be matched to all new gifts, as well as increased gifts to the campaign. For more information, contact Halpern at (413) 567-6211 or e-mail [email protected].

AIC Basketball Team Mixes Fun with Inspiration for Holyoke Students

By BusinessWest Staff May 26, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the American International College (AIC) basketball team, along with Men’s Basketball Coach Andy Burkholder and Assistant Coach Chris Oroszko, recently paid a visit to William R. Peck School in Holyoke to visit with eighth-grade students in the school’s Therapeutic Intervention program, which provides an education to students who need a smaller, more supportive educational environment.

The event kicked off with inspirational words from Burkholder, who highlighted the importance of staying in school, including the possibilities of playing sports in college.

In his first season at the helm of the AIC Yellow Jackets, Burkholder led the team to its first Northeast-10 title in 21 years. AIC’s bid to host the NCAA Division East Regional was its first ever, and a 58-53 win over Philadelphia University was its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1994. For his efforts, Burkholder was recently named NCAA Division II Coach of the Year by BennettRank.com.

Peck teacher Jennifer Johnson reached out to the team on behalf of the dozen students in the program. “The students love sports, especially basketball. We use sports as incentive and rewards for them. It is important for the students to know there’s a long way between eighth grade and the NBA. Grades and attitude matter, and the first next step is high school.”

Six of the team’s players — co-captain Bobby Harris, Trahmier Burrell, Henry Vilfort, Max Risch, Nolan Woodward, and Jayvon Pitts-Young — shared their own experiences and encouraged the students who anticipate moving on to high school in the fall to find their interests, follow their passion, and, above all, stay in school. After a little classroom encouragement, the team enjoyed pizza for lunch followed by a pickup game with Peck students.

Holyoke Medical Center to Honor Cancer Survivors May 29

By BusinessWest Staff May 26, 2015

Daily News

HOLYOKE — In recognition of National Cancer Survivor’s Day, Holyoke Medical Center will sponsor a luncheon for cancer survivors with comic Jane Condon, who will join survivors and lead a feature presentation.

The event will take place Friday, May 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mont Marie Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 36 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke.

“This is a very special day for us,” said Jolene Lambert, oncology patient navigator. “This is an opportunity for us to celebrate not only our patients, but also the medical advances in cancer treatment that are allowing survivors to live longer, better, and more productive lives than ever before.”

Berkshire Hills to Acquire Firestone Financial

By BusinessWest Staff May 26, 2015

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of privately held Firestone Financial Corp., based in Needham and specializing in commercial lending, as an operating subsidiary of Berkshire Bank.

“Firestone is a terrific fit for Berkshire Bank,” said Berkshire CEO Michael Daly. “The strength of the management team and their conservative approach to credit has made them a solid-performing finance company. Our strategic decision to complement our strong, asset-based lending platform with this commercial-lending business enables us to further diversify our assets while expanding our client offerings. We look forward to adding Firestone’s expertise to our organization, and taking advantage of the synergies available through this acquisition.”

Added George Bacigalupo, Berkshire’s executive vice president of Commercial Banking, “we are pleased to expand our commercial platform with this attractive acquisition. The addition of Firestone enhances both the geographic and categorical diversification of our loan portfolio while providing a valuable additional growth channel for us. The business will continue to be run by Firestone’s talented management team, and their experience and conservative, relationship-based approach makes this a great fit for our organization.”

Firestone CEO David Cohen said he is “excited to be joining the Berkshire team. With Berkshire’s resources behind us, we believe we can be a significant contributor to the continued growth and profitability of this organization. We remain committed to our markets and customers, and through this partnership, we will be able to offer additional services to help facilitate their continued growth.”

At March 31, 2015, Firestone had approximately $190 million in loans outstanding spread across multiple industries and market areas. The acquisition is priced at 130% of Firestone’s adjusted tangible book value. The deal value is estimated to be approximately $53 million, with 75% of the consideration to be paid in BHLB common stock and 25% to be paid in cash.

The acquisition is expected to be accretive to Berkshire’s 2016 earnings per share and to generate a return on equity in excess of 15%. The transaction is expected to be $0.08 dilutive to Berkshire’s tangible book value per share, with a related payback period of approximately 2.5 years. The transaction is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2015.

Kirk Smith Steps Down as CEO of YMCA of Greater Springfield

By BusinessWest Staff May 26, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Kirk Smith has resigned from his position as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, and will continue his 17-year career with the YMCA at the executive level in Florida.

Jeffrey Poindexter, the recently appointed board chair of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, announced that the board will establish a search committee to identify a permanent replacement to lead the organization. The search committee will likely consult YMCA of the USA, the national parent organization, to provide any necessary executive resources in the short term. Smith will continue to be available to the board to assist with the transition through July 3.

“Kirk Smith brought unique talents in his leadership of the Y, and under his direction, the YMCA launched or expanded programming, including the building of the new Agawam YMCA Wellness and Family Program Center on Springfield Street,” Poindexter said. “He also was instrumental in maintaining the services of Dunbar Community Center, a vital asset to the Mason Square community. He expanded programming at the Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham and represented the YMCA in a number of community organizations and causes.”

He added, “Kirk also established the YMCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and helped to secure an additional $4 million from the Department of Education for pre-school expansion and added educational programming sites, one of the YMCA’s key service areas. These initiatives, and Kirk’s leadership, were vital to the YMCA and the varied constituencies we serve. I know I speak for the entire YMCA board in expressing my appreciation for Kirk Smith’s stewardship of the Springfield YMCA, one of the oldest in the United States, and wish Kirk and his family great future success.”

Since 1852, the YMCA of Greater Springfield has been a way of life for thousands of youth, teens, families, and seniors throughout the 14 cities and towns it serves.

Local Chambers ‘Move the Mountain’ for Member Networking Event

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2015

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke and Greater Easthampton Chambers of Commerce have joined forces for the second year to host a Move the Mountain networking event on Monday, June 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holyoke Country Club, One Country Club Road.

The event, sponsored by A-Z Storage & Properties, the Dowd Agencies, Easthampton Electric, Easthampton Savings Bank, Marcotte Ford, and the Republican, will offer guests an evening of networking between chamber members as well as an opportunity to meet up with old friends and build new business relationships.

Entertainment is sponsored by Simmer Music, a quartet consisting of a horn player, guitarist, bassist, and drummer, who will entertain guests with a blend of jazz, rock, and funk. In addition to an evening filled with music, food, and networking opportunities, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and a cash bar will be offered. The business community will also have a chance to meet Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and Easthampton Mayor Karen Cadieux.

The networking event is open to all professionals, small-business owners, and entrepreneurs, as well as the general public. Advance tickets cost $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Call the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce at (413) 534-3376 or the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce at (413) 527-9414 to sign up.

Civic ‘Hackathon’ Comes to Springfield June 6-7

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As part of the National Day of Civic Hacking, more than 100 people with a variety of computer-technology skills are expected to participate in the Hack for Western Mass. (H4WMA) being held at the UMass Center at Springfield on June 6 and 7.

This ‘hackathon’ will connect these ‘techies’ with more than a dozen nonprofit organizations from throughout the Pioneer Valley to create webbased solutions to help them have greater impact on their communities. Participants are being actively sought; the website www.hackforwesternmass.org is available for information, registration, and sponsorship opportunities.

“Civic hackers are a generous breed,” said H4WMA coorganizer Steven Brewer, director of the Biology Computer Resource Center at UMass Amherst, noting that the hackthon is entering its third year. “The first was held at UMass Amherst in 2013. Last year’s was held in Holyoke. This year, we wanted it in Springfield.”

A hackathon is a gathering of people — many with computer-technology skills but also project managers, scribes, presentation preparers, designers, and social-media mavens — who come together to code collaboratively in a short period of time, usually a weekend, to create ITbased solutions to local problems. More than three dozen local nonprofits have benefited or will benefit from this annual day of local civic hacking.

“It’s a great opportunity to apply local talent to local challenges,” said Bram Moreinis, another H4WMA coorganizer, who ran Tech Scouts in Greenfield last summer.

The organizers, who also include Elyssa Serrilli, a lead mentor for the Full Moon Girls program of the Vermont Wilderness School, and Cristos LianidesChin, a FileMaker developer at inRESONANCE in Northampton, have been meeting for months to get ready for this weekend. “It takes a lot of planning to pull this together — recruit project managers, nonprofits, sponsors, and participants; do all the outreach; and set up all the technology” noted Serrilli.

Added Lianides-Chin, “there are many details to keep track of and people to engage to bring it to fruition. We’ve been meeting weekly in person and almost daily online for months. Online collaboration tools have come a long way.”

Participating nonprofits include United Way of Pioneer Valley, Square One, Suit Up Springfield, Springfield Parking Authority, Gardening the Community, DIAL/SELF, Lyme Disease Resource Center, LightHouse Personalized Education for Teens, Permaculture Practitioners in the Northeast, Smith College, Full Moon Girls, and Pioneer Valley Local First.

“This hackathon is such a novel way of helping our regional nonprofit organizations,” said LaTonia Naylor, manager of community impact at United Way of Pioneer Valley. “We’re thrilled on two levels. We’ve submitted a challenge that will help us with engaging the volunteers that give their time to many area nonprofits, and many area nonprofits will benefit from the solutions that emerge.”

The organizers also want to engage youth in information technology and offer a youth hackathon running in parallel to the main event.

Sponsors of the event to date include UMass Amherst’s Center for Public Policy and Administration, Atalasoft, Communicate Health, AppoMat, FIT Solutions, Last Call Media, Mad POW, inRESONANCE, AmherstMedia.org, the UMass Center at Springfield, and the Springfield Parking Authority.

For more information and to register or sponsor, visit hackforwesternmass.org or contact Cristos LianidesChin at [email protected].

American Benefits Group Named 2015 Customer Service Champion

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2015

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — American Benefits Group (ABG) of Northampton has been recognized as the 2015 Customer Service Champion by Alegeus Technologies, the industry’s largest healthcare provider of account-based, pre-tax benefits. ABG uses the Alegeus Consumer Benefits Account Management Platform as part of its core service administration system. The award was presented to ABG management on May 8 at the National Alegeus Client Conference in San Diego.

“Through its longstanding partnership with Alegeus, American Benefits Group has continuously demonstrated superb business growth and outstanding customer metrics,” said Bob Natt, executive chairman of Alegeus. “American Benefits Group continues to raise the bar in advancing healthcare consumerism and delivering a truly innovative and excellent healthcare experience for all stakeholders.”

Added ABG founder and CEO Robert Cummings, “with our relentless focus on customer experience and aggressive adoption of innovative technologies, ABG has grown into one of the industry’s top employee-benefits-administration companies. As a result, we have experienced record growth for the past six years and today are serving more than 1,000 employer clients who collectively have more than 150,000 employees.”

American Benefits Group was founded in 1989 by Robert Cummings and provides employers with turn-key, third-party administration of a wide range of pre-tax employee benefits, including health reimbursement accounts, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, COBRA administration and compliance, and pre-tax commuter accounts. Customers include more than 1,000 companies — including international, iconic brands such as Ferrari Maserati, Wall Street giant Cantor Fitzgerald, and Mitsubishi — as well as many area employers, such as Mount Holyoke College and Florence Savings Bank.

The company has 27 Northampton-based employees. It recently opened a satellite office in Columbia, Md., and is rapidly expanding in the mid-Atlantic marketplace.

Bay Path University Welcomes Elizabeth Cardona

By BusinessWest Staff May 22, 2015

Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the appointment of Elizabeth Cardona as executive director for Multicultural Affairs, International Student Life, and assistant to the provost for Diversity and Inclusion.

Cardona, the former senior director and civic engagement advisor to then-Gov. Deval Patrick, comes to Bay Path with extensive experience in state government, education, and nonprofit program management.

In her position, Cardona will provide institutional leadership to support the needs of first-generation and underrepresented minority students by offering academic assistance, mentoring, coaching, and leadership programs to promote multi-cultural awareness, diversity, and inclusion in accordance to the mission of Bay Path University. In addition, she will work with international students to provide ongoing assistance with social and cross-cultural activities to support their immersion and academic experience. Bilingual in Spanish, Cardona also has a working knowledge of Arabic.

“I am thrilled to join Bay Path University’s community to facilitate understanding of multi-culturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in an affirming space where students, faculty, staff, and leadership engage collaboratively to enhance academic and social development,” Cardona said.

A graduate of the Women’s Pipeline for Change, an initiative that supports women of color as they enter leadership roles and public life, her expertise also includes serving on state Treasurer-elect Deb Goldberg’s transition team, as an advisory board member for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact, and as a founding board member for the CHICA Project, a Massachusetts statewide Latina youth leadership, mentoring, and coaching program.

Cardona holds an MPA and a certificate in conflict resolution from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s degree in American studies with a concentration in social issues from Springfield College.

Hall of Fame Women’s Holiday Showcase to Feature UConn, FSU

By BusinessWest Staff May 21, 2015

Daily News

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that it will hold the Hall of Fame Women’s Holiday Showcase on Friday, Dec. 11 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Three-time defending national champion UConn will take on Florida State, who finished the 2014-15 season with an impressive record of 32-5 and a trip to the Elite Eight.

“We are very excited to be returning to Mohegan Sun Arena for the second annual Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Holiday Showcase,” said John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “It’s truly a top-notch facility that we know both the players and fans will enjoy. We look forward to a great game between two of the top women’s programs in the nation.”

These two elite programs last met in December 2010, with the 10-time national champion UConn Huskies claiming the 93-62 win.

“Florida State is very excited for the opportunity to play in the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Holiday Showcase at Mohegan Sun,” said Sue Semrau, FSU’s head coach and 2015 Associated Press, WBCA, and ESPNW National Coach of the Year. “We look forward to the challenge that Connecticut always brings, knowing that this will be a high-profile matchup for fans to see.”

Added UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma, “it’s an honor to play in an event sponsored by the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame for the third straight year. Florida State has a lot of talented players returning from a team that advanced to the regional final of the 2015 NCAA tournament, and I’m already looking forward to this early-season test. Playing games in Mohegan Sun Arena is always a positive experience, and I hope a lot of our fans in Southeast Connecticut take advantage of this opportunity.”

Game time, television details, and ticket information will be released at a later date.

AIC Recognizes Contractors Working on New Dining Commons

By BusinessWest Staff May 21, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) celebrated the groundbreaking for its new dining commons in April, marking the first full-scale renovation of the facility in 50 years. This week, the College took time to recognize the people who will get the job done.

On May 20, the College took a special lunch break to show its appreciation for the contractors and workers. Seven Massachusetts companies are working on the $8 million project, which is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the fall semester. Chartwells, a leading higher-education food-service company and provider for AIC, prepared the fare for the guests.

AIC’s new, state-of-the-art facility will expand upon the previous dining-commons space and is designed include a wider variety of seating along with a more abundant variety of food options and services, including customized food preparation, an open-concept kitchen complete with a Mongolian grill, a wood-fired pizza oven, and more, all presented in a contemporary, open setting.

April Unemployment Rate in Massachusetts Drops to 4.7%

By BusinessWest Staff May 21, 2015

Daily News

BOSTON — Massachusetts’ total unemployment rate dropped to 4.7% in April, a 0.1% decrease from the previous month, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced.

The new preliminary job estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that Massachusetts gained 10,100 jobs in April, marking the eighth consecutive month of job gains.

BLS also revised upward its March job figure, reporting the state gained 12,100 jobs, instead of 10,500, which the agency originally reported last month.

Over the year, the state’s unemployment rate fell 1.1% from 5.8% in April 2014. January 2008 was the last time the state’s unemployment rate was at 4.7%. The state unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate of 5.4% reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The state’s labor participation rate — the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks — increased 0.1% to 66.3%. The April labor participation rate is the highest since May 2010, and this is the third consecutive month there was an increase in the participation rate. Compared to April 2014, the labor participation rate increased 1.1% over the year.

“This is the seventh consecutive month we’ve seen a decrease in unemployment,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker said. “Many more residents are employed, and labor participation has increased again.”

April 2015 estimates show that 3,464,500 residents were employed and 169,400 were unemployed. There were 37,700 fewer unemployed persons over the year compared to April 2014.

Over the month, jobs were up 10,100, with a private-sector gain of 9,700. Since April 2014, jobs grew by 66,100, with 57,900 private-sector job gains. Education and health services and professional, scientific, and business services were the sectors with the largest job gains over the year.

Log Cabin’s Upper Vista to Host First Wedding May 23

By BusinessWest Staff May 21, 2015

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Log Cabin has long been one of the region’s most popular outdoor wedding venues, due in large part to the panoramic mountain views from its Mt. Tom location.

Over the past year, the facility has expanded its outdoor facilities on the uppermost clearing above the outdoor patio to create Upper Vista. On May 23, West Springfield couple Adam Hawley and Courtney Juday will be the first bride and groom to be married at the new site.

“The running joke is that no venue was good enough, so I made them build a venue,” said Juday. “While I realize some brides would probably be nervous about this, I have full confidence in the Log Cabin and their staff. I think it’s an honor to be the first wedding.”

Added Peter Rosskothen, co-owner of the Log Cabin, “we are offering couples something very unique. Upper Vista is on the highest point of the property. The view is breathtaking.” Upper Vista features a deluxe tent and building fully equipped with restrooms, a bridal suite, and a kitchen.

Hawley and Juday have many unique features planned for their big day, including a DIY photo booth, homemade props, and hundreds of Japanese cranes, a symbol of good luck. They have also worked closely with the chefs to create a menu that incorporates their favorite food — bacon — into the station concept.

“For some couples, there is a trend toward less traditional venues for weddings,” Rosskothen said. “With Upper Vista, our customers get the experience of the funky outdoor wedding without the logistical headaches of planning it all themselves. They know they can count on our expert wedding staff and excellent chefs to get all the details right.”

Deadline Is Today for Continued Excellence Award Nominations

By BusinessWest Staff May 21, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Time is just about up to nominate an individual for BusinessWest’s first annual Continued Excellence Award, with the deadline set for this afternoon, May 22, at 5 p.m.

The new award, sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, is an offshoot of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty program, which recognizes young professionals for their career accomplishments and civic involvement. The Continued Excellence Award will be presented annually to one former 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of the judges, has most impressively continued and built upon the track record of accomplishment that earned them 40 Under Forty status. The inaugural award will be presented at this year’s 40 Under Forty Gala on June 18 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. All 40 Under Forty winners from 2007 through 2014 are eligible.

Nomination forms are available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award.

Chicopee ‘Mornings with the Mayor’ Event Moved to June 11

By BusinessWest Staff May 20, 2015

Daily News

CHICOPEE — Willimansett Center West, at 546 Chicopee St., Chicopee, will host a “Mornings with the Mayor” event on Thursday, June 11 from 8 to 9 a.m. This is a change in date from the original date of June 18.

Coffee and light breakfast refreshments will be served, while Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos provides updates and news about what’s happening in the city and topics that impact its residents and businesses. This is also an opportunity for Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce members to ask questions of the Mayor.

This event is open to chamber members only and is free, but registration is required so the host business knows how many will be attending. To register, go to www.chicopeechamber.org and click ‘Upcoming Events,’ or call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

Dress for Success Announces Board President, New Members

By BusinessWest Staff May 20, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Dress for Success Western Massachusetts announced that Dawn Creighton, Western Mass. regional director for the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, has been named board president. Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career-development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

“As president of Dress for Success, strengthening our community with strong women will be my priority,” said Creighton. “Dress for Success isn’t just about the suit. It’s about the women that fill the suits. I am eager to work with partnering agencies and community leaders to ensure the women of Pioneer Valley have the tools they need to be successful in the workforce.”

In addition to her role with AIM, Creighton serves on multiple committees and boards, including the Human Resource Management Assoc. of Western New England, Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, Internhere.com, the Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership, United Way of Pioneer Valley, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, and the World Affairs Council.

Also named to the board are Jennifer Brown, Jonencia Wood, and Natallia Furjan-Collins.

Brown has more than 16 years of experience within the staffing industry and currently is assistant vice president of operations for United Personnel, supervising candidate recruitment, client relations, staffing support, and quality assurance. Prior to joining United Personnel, she was the managing director at Staffing Now. She is a member of the Human Resource Management Assoc. and the human resource roundtable with the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast.

Wood is senior director of programs for the alumnae association of Mount Holyoke College and has more than 10 years of experience focusing on the professional development and advancement of underrepresented individuals. Prior to joining Mount Holyoke, she served as a diversity specialist for Baystate Health and community action and communications coordinator for the Youth Empowerment Adolescent Health Network.

Furjan-Collins is the human resources leader for MassLive. She brings with her an innovative and modern approach to employee relations in the digital environment. Prior to joining MassLive, her career spanned several years in human-resource management in her native Canada, including speaking publicly on topics such as workplace harassment and bullying. She is currently a community business partner in the sophomore business cohort program at Western New England University.

MSB to Hold Free Workshop on Retirement Planning, Social Security

By BusinessWest Staff May 20, 2015

Daily News

HAMPDEN — Monson Savings Bank is holding a complimentary workshop titled “Social Security: The Choice of a Lifetime.” It will be presented by Kevin Flynn, regional vice president of Nationwide Financial, and an expert on retirement planning and helping people to understand Social Security and how to optimize their benefits.

The event is designed to give people a comprehensive understanding of the rules and details regarding when and how to file for Social Security. It will be held Tuesday, June 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hampden Senior Center at 104 Allen St. in Hampden. The free event is open to the public.

“This workshop is back by popular demand,” said Steven Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “Knowing when and how to file for Social Security can have a big impact on retirement income. We have offered this workshop before, and those who attended were very appreciative of the information.”

Those interested in attending should call Anna Driscoll at (413) 267-1221 or e-mail [email protected]. Seating is limited. Refreshments will be served.

Local Attorney to Discuss Employer Obligations for Leaves of Absence

By BusinessWest Staff May 20, 2015

Daily News

TAUNTON — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a leading labor and employment law firm, announced that partner Susan Fentin will host a seminar for employers regarding the new Earned Sick Leave Law and other leaves of absence. The event, sponsored by FBinsure, will be held Wednesday, May 27 at the Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton.

Massachusetts employers have been hit with a number of new statutes that require them to permit employees to take time off. Foremost among these is the new Earned Sick Leave Law, which goes into effect on July 1. In addition, Massachusetts has a new Parental Leave Act and a Domestic Violence Leave Act that will affect many employers, in addition to other legally mandated leaves such as Family and Medical Leave and a medical leave of absence that might be required under the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act or parallel state law.

“The legal environment is rapidly evolving, with more labor-related rules and regulatory requirements for employers to understand,” Fentin said. “Without proper guidance and understanding, the complex responsibilities placed on employers regarding leaves of absence can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Employers need a strong understanding of their statutory obligations in order to protect themselves from inadvertent exposure to costly risks.”

Attendees will learn the basics of Massachusetts’ new Earned Sick Leave Law, what other leave laws and regulations affect company of various sizes, the responsibilities of an employer, and effective strategies to manage leaves of absence.

 “Leaves of absence are among the most complicated issues for employers and employees,” said Fentin. “The new Earned Sick Leave Law will create huge headaches for Massachusetts employers. It’s critically important for employers to understand their obligations under this and other leave laws to be sure that employees get all the leave to which they are entitled and also to protect the employer from litigation. Understanding how those laws interact can help business owners make informed decisions about leaves of absence and potentially avoid costly litigation.”

Registration and breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m. The program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. To register, visit fbinsure.com/seminars.

Fentin has been a partner at the firm since 2004. Her practice concentrates on labor and employment counseling, advising large and small employers on their responsibilities and obligations under state and federal employment laws, and representing employers before state and federal agencies and in court. She speaks frequently to employer groups, conducts training on avoiding problems in employment law, and teaches master classes on both the FMLA and ADA. Since 2010, she has been ranked as one of the top labor and employment attorneys in the state of Massachusetts by the prestigious Chambers USA rating firm.

For Sale, for Lease

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Commercial Real Estate Sections

A listing of available commercial properties

Click HERE to download the PDF listings

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of May 2015.

AMHERST

James Marley
100 University Dr.
$350,000 — Interior office renovation on second floor for Walden Behavioral Care

Donald Laverdiere
445 West St.
$88,000 — Install 95 solar panels

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Crossing, LLC
490A Memorial Dr.
$834,000 — Construct a 12,448-square-foot retail building

Dinesh Pal
1869 Memorial Dr.
$8,000 — Repair existing wall of gas station

Diocese of Springfield
110 Cyman Dr.
$68,000 — Replace 10 windows

Mass Mutual Financial Group
350 Memorial Dr.
$314,000 — New vinyl siding

Paul Amaral
1271 Memorial Dr.
$8,000 — Interior remodel of walls and doors

Urban Edge Properties
555 Memorial Dr.
$90,000 — Remodel bar area

EASTHAMPTON

City of Easthampton
65 Union St.
$18,000 — New roof

George Paiva
10 Rabideau Dr.
$13,000 — Kitchen remodel

Mass Audubon Society
127 Coombs Road
$11,000 — Renovations

Revampit, LLC
31 South St.
$40,000 — Exterior renovations

Williston-Northampton School
80 Park St.
$281,000 — Install 560 roof-mounted solar panels

LUDLOW

Jose Baltazar
201 West St.
$18,000 — Cell tower alterations

Randalls Farm
631 Center St.
$243,000 — Alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Florence Savings Bank
85 Main St.
$19,000 — Construct partition walls

Forbes Library
20 West St.
$419,000 — Renovate entry and lobby and install elevator

Meadowbrook Preservation Associates
491 Bridge Road
$6,000 — Strip and shingle front side of roof

Northampton Terminal Associates, LLP
1 Roundhouse Plaza
$21,000 — Minor alterations for restaurant

Peter Whalen
7 Old south St.
$10,000 — Replace concrete patio

Trident Realty Corp.
76 Main St.
$12,500 — Install three rooftop antennas

Valley Building Company Inc.
200 King St.
$15,000 — Install replacement windows and vinyl siding

Valley CDC
82 Bridge St.
$4,000 — Renovate second-floor bathroom

SPRINGFIELD

Beacon Communities
1 Beacon Terrace
$25,000 — Renovations

Bilingual Veterans Outreach of MA
60 Cass St.
$1,938,000 — Construction of new building over slab

Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation
100 Forest Park Dr.
$3,400,000 — Construct addition to existing building

Eastco Realty
1350 Main St.
$36,500 — Renovate existing office space

FL Roberts
235 Albany St.
$14,500 — Office renovation

New England Center for Youth and Families
130 Berkshire St.
$8,000 — Install fire suppression system

Nowak Funeral Home
15 Ludlow Ave.
$50,000 — Construction of one-story addition

Picknelly Family LTD Partnership
1414 Main St.
$109,000 — Interior office build-out on ninth floor

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Mill City, LLC
150 Front St.
$30,000 — New roof

Taco Bell
25 Morgan Road
$30,000 — Roof-top alterations

Tom Adamczyk
47 Roanoke Ave.
$105,000 — Construct new
70 x 70 x 16 building

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

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

118 Brattleboro Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Peter S. Melnik
Seller: Bonnie L. Bobetsky
Date: 04/06/15

155 Parmenter Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Melissa R. Gerry
Seller: Sharon Whitaker
Date: 04/17/15

COLRAIN

1 Lyonsville Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Patrick A. Greenburger
Seller: James E. Sturgeon
Date: 04/08/15

DEERFIELD

10 Beaver Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Braccia
Seller: Kathleen S. Stanley
Date: 04/08/15

103 Upper Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Benoit
Seller: Edice L. Skalski
Date: 04/15/15

GREENFIELD

5 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $487,000
Buyer: Jackson Earnest Real Estate
Seller: Bruce H. Schwartz
Date: 04/14/15

324 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Lorenz Family LLC
Seller: Massachusetts TR
Date: 04/17/15

44 Forest Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: David M. Gaboury
Seller: Aaron M. Gerry
Date: 04/17/15

NORTHFIELD

74 Mount Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $399,000
Buyer: Dylan M. Field
Seller: Daniel S. Randall
Date: 04/10/15

765 Pine Meadow Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Jamie P. Seidell
Seller: Gloria J. Eddy
Date: 04/17/15

21 Riverview Dr.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gary G. Conaway
Seller: Donna A. Drolette
Date: 04/10/15

ORANGE

200 Mechanic St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Jayson W. Desmond
Seller: Gary G. Gleason
Date: 04/10/15

191 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $192,922
Buyer: Citimortgage Inc.
Seller: Lincoln Lacasse
Date: 04/13/15

SHELBURNE

5-7 Grove St.
Shelburne, MA 01370
Amount: $228,800
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Bukolsky RET
Seller: John L. Occhialini
Date: 04/06/15

WARWICK

155 Royalston Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael L. Humphries
Seller: James L. Deming
Date: 04/08/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

64 Barney St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Rolandini
Seller: Diane Rolandini
Date: 04/17/15

700 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Corey G. Tower
Seller: Danielle L. Petrangelo
Date: 04/17/15

170 North Westfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Nicole A. Hoyle
Seller: Denise L. Mason
Date: 04/16/15

361 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Becky Rivera
Seller: Jean A. Clouse
Date: 04/16/15

109 Vassar Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Jennifer L. Bock
Seller: Sandra E. Barrows
Date: 04/16/15

32 Wilson St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $160,440
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Sandra A. Lynch
Date: 04/08/15

CHICOPEE

63 Arnold Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01119
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Heidi T. Munro
Seller: David J. Makowicz
Date: 04/10/15

69 Arthur St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $204,900
Buyer: Ray Otano
Seller: Gerald R. Archambault
Date: 04/08/15

40 Carriage Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keith Rattell
Seller: Andrew F. Garstka
Date: 04/15/15

47 Carriage Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Keith Rattell
Seller: Andrew F. Garstka
Date: 04/15/15

192 Lawrence Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Bruce E. Crevier
Seller: Arline L. Cambo
Date: 04/16/15

33 Loomis Ct.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Samantha G. Orzechowski
Seller: David C. Labrie
Date: 04/13/15

95 Lukasik St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Marek Gusciora
Seller: Jason Jordan
Date: 04/08/15

2041 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: AQSA 2041 Realty LLC
Seller: Sandri Realty Inc.
Date: 04/06/15

648 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Janet L. Haney
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/10/15

126 Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $116,833
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: James P. Bonavita
Date: 04/06/15

78 Warwick Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Mark J. Hines
Seller: Michael D. Micheli
Date: 04/17/15

103 Watson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $184,900
Buyer: Sara Robitaille
Seller: Michael J. Twining
Date: 04/13/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

175 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Roland D. Gelinas
Seller: James M. Adcock
Date: 04/17/15

260 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Antonio J. Bordoni
Seller: Ida B. Newell
Date: 04/08/15

42 Gates Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Mary K. Thomas
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/10/15

61 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: LLP North Main LLC
Seller: Barry M. Stephens
Date: 04/17/15

17 Oak Brook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Joel R. Kosciak
Seller: Edward W. Brown
Date: 04/14/15

GRANVILLE

195 Hartland Hollow Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Timothy J. Walsh
Seller: Gregory A. Hart
Date: 04/15/15

18 Julia Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: John L. Occhialini
Seller: Duval, Joyce F., (Estate)
Date: 04/10/15

1665 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Milton H. Stauffer
Seller: David Krupa
Date: 04/15/15

HAMPDEN

25 Allen St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Bean Sprout Realty LLC
Seller: Salvatore A. Scibelli
Date: 04/09/15

HOLYOKE

75 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Susana E. Navarro
Seller: AHAP LLC
Date: 04/10/15

12 Liberty St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Elisabeth L. Lagace
Seller: Jill M. Roach
Date: 04/10/15

78 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: James F. Bickford
Seller: Thomas J. Raschi
Date: 04/17/15

457 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Borowski
Seller: Mayo, Elaine A., (Estate)
Date: 04/10/15

LONGMEADOW

169 Blueberry Hill Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Ryan Collins
Seller: Debra A. Birtwell
Date: 04/15/15

122 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $371,000
Buyer: Jennifer P. Metsch
Seller: Barbara A. Labar
Date: 04/17/15

10 Eastham Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Michael C. Mathis
Seller: NESCAC LLC
Date: 04/14/15

18 Edgemont St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Daniel P. Fama
Seller: Richard Fernie
Date: 04/09/15

125 Hillcrest Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $408,000
Buyer: Susan L. Schmelkin
Seller: Lee A. Feuling
Date: 04/09/15

183 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Mary E. Scully
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/16/15

LUDLOW

19 Daisy Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $331,250
Buyer: Yvan P. Lambert
Seller: Elin M. Zapka
Date: 04/07/15

201 Erin Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $270,500
Buyer: Peter J. Godbout
Seller: William J. Bigda
Date: 04/13/15

32 Focosi Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $324,000
Buyer: Dedan M. Karanja
Seller: Sergio Freitas
Date: 04/06/15

28 Fox Run Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Michael J. Tufariello
Seller: Joanne N. Shaw
Date: 04/17/15

23 Lakeview Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Krysten M. Gasparrini
Seller: Richard E. Dumont
Date: 04/15/15

MONSON

15 Elm St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Kevin Gaudette
Seller: John E. Murphy
Date: 04/15/15

PALMER

2002 Calkins Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Austin Vadnais
Seller: Skove Associates LLC
Date: 04/10/15

15 Gay St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Christopher B. Muldrew
Seller: Timothy M. Haley
Date: 04/15/15

1051 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,250
Buyer: Carol A. Meaney
Seller: Pamela Outhuse
Date: 04/10/15

1218 South Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: David Heyes
Seller: Marc A. Bessette
Date: 04/17/15

RUSSELL

481 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $288,337
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Paul B. Moss
Date: 04/17/15

5 Old Westfield Road
Russell, MA 01034
Amount: $196,772
Buyer: Pennymac Loan TR
Seller: Steven Exware
Date: 04/16/15

4 Park Circle
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Daniel Albano
Seller: George P. Vincensi
Date: 04/08/15

SPRINGFIELD

62 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Portia J. Thomas
Seller: Icarian Real Estate Advisors
Date: 04/14/15

19 Bedford Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Matthew F. Sullivan
Seller: Stella Mazarakos
Date: 04/13/15

77-79 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Victoria O. Martinez
Seller: Maria M. Lebron
Date: 04/13/15

40 Bronson Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Sam M. Steinmann
Seller: Frances Shames
Date: 04/17/15

94-96 Byers St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Keith W. Fowler
Seller: Russell A. Thompson
Date: 04/07/15

330 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $149,500
Buyer: Carol Y. Arroyo
Seller: Viva Development LLC
Date: 04/10/15

14 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $153,418
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Julianne McSwain
Date: 04/08/15

344 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Debora E. Degonzalez
Seller: Thomas F. Sweeney

41 Connolly St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: David Rosoff
Seller: Falardeau, Robert C., (Estate)
Date: 04/06/15

75 Dimmick St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $118,400
Buyer: William T. Norton
Seller: Eagle Home Buyers LLC
Date: 04/07/15

131 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Richard C. Mayberry
Date: 04/13/15

38 Endicott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Karen T. Costa
Seller: Joseph D. Daly
Date: 04/17/15

32 Garcia St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $181,500
Buyer: Brianna L. Jones
Seller: Toby R. Rutkowski
Date: 04/13/15

54 Haller St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: William B. Watkins
Seller: Christopher P. Mastalerz
Date: 04/15/15

57 Hartford Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Jeffrey J. Bineault
Seller: Catherine M. Kennedy
Date: 04/13/15

42-44 Longfellow Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Eryca R. Haase
Seller: Marlene Minardi
Date: 04/17/15

21 Maebeth St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Michael J. Scanlon
Seller: Amy E. Sheehan-Kosciak
Date: 04/14/15

65 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $131,750
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Alejandro Cabrera
Date: 04/08/15

27 Mary St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Aristedes M. Patterson
Seller: Sapphire Property Development
Date: 04/08/15

9 Mattoon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Keith W. Fowler
Seller: Robert J. Gordon
Date: 04/15/15

323 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Alex Owusu
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 04/16/15

456-458 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $172,360
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Jose V. Narvaez
Date: 04/09/15

655 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $12,000,000
Buyer: CNR Springfield LLC
Seller: PNK Ohio LLC
Date: 04/14/15

590 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Robert L. Reid
Seller: Louise Bonavita
Date: 04/07/15

244 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Paul McNaughton
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 04/09/15

148 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Norberto Leon
Seller: Truong D. Vuong
Date: 04/14/15

70 Starling Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Jose O. Santiago
Seller: Peter J. Houser
Date: 04/17/15

18 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Giuseppe Avella
Seller: Edward J. Nieves
Date: 04/13/15

221 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Pamela A. Jumba
Seller: Andre E. Stewart
Date: 04/14/15

SOUTHWICK

68 Davis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Daniel O’Sullivan
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/06/15

113 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: A. Karathanasopoulos
Seller: Ida I. Fazio
Date: 04/16/15

8 Kimberly Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Samuel C. Chevalier
Seller: Jeremy J. Cigal
Date: 04/07/15

33 Woodland Ridge
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Rodger C. Bancroft
Seller: FHLM
Date: 04/16/15

9 Woodside Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Jeremy M. Mulinare
Seller: Anthony J. Mulinare
Date: 04/09/15

WALES

17 Orchard Lane
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jesse P. Martin
Seller: Dale V. Gilley
Date: 04/09/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

161 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Douglas W. Pas
Seller: Thomas FT
Date: 04/06/15

30 Capital Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $1,575,000
Buyer: 73 State Street LLC
Seller: 30 Capital Associates LP
Date: 04/16/15

59 Druids Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Mike Azizov
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/15/15

190 Edgewood Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Beata Grodzicka
Seller: Joseph J. Kroll
Date: 04/07/15

N/A
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: John R. Sweeney
Seller: Joan L. Asinas
Date: 04/10/15

216 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: Janet I. Malavi-Garrick
Seller: Beata Grodzicka
Date: 04/07/15

30 Lennys Way
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Atif Khan
Seller: Shamin Qureshe
Date: 04/10/15

1520 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Maroun N. Hannoush
Seller: Roderick A. Prewitt
Date: 04/14/15

63-65 Morningside Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jake Tourville-Thibault
Seller: Dandy, Susan L., (Estate)
Date: 04/06/15

44 Mulberry St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Merigian Real Estate LLC
Seller: Lion Holdings LLC
Date: 04/15/15

79 Nonotuck Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Turmel
Seller: Matthew J. Hastings
Date: 04/17/15

12 Prospect St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kristine Difederico
Seller: Joseph A. Tanguay
Date: 04/08/15

7 Riverview Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Martin
Seller: Reed, Barbara J., (Estate)
Date: 04/17/15

41 West School St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Suk Majhi
Seller: Jennifer M. McNally
Date: 04/17/15

34 Wellfleet Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Ghaeth Alsamraay
Seller: Glenn H. McAdam
Date: 04/15/15

WESTFIELD

76 Alexander Place
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $306,500
Buyer: Amanda R. Collins
Seller: Nathaniel J. Oswalt
Date: 04/17/15

8 Charles St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Buyer: Artem Vysotskyi
Seller: Yuriy Solokhin
Date: 04/14/15

846 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Casale
Seller: James Biscoe
Date: 04/17/15

1331 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joanne L. Drozdowski
Seller: Peter C. Jasinski
Date: 04/10/15

3 Ethan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $117,347
Buyer: Matthew Scott
Seller: S&C Home Buyers LLC
Date: 04/10/15

80 Glenwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Brendan C. Moran
Seller: Jacobs, Roland A., (Estate)
Date: 04/09/15

739 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Jesse J. Caisse
Seller: Tadeus J. Filipiak
Date: 04/10/15

42 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $152,900
Buyer: Robert J. Mahoney
Seller: Association For Community
Date: 04/07/15

54 Jeremy Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $438,000
Seller: James J. Sullivan
Date: 04/08/15

89 Mechanic St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $179,550
Buyer: Brandon M. Sanchez
Seller: Gina M. Avery
Date: 04/17/15

229 Montgomery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $156,945
Buyer: Yellowbrick Property LLC
Seller: Emily Bisbee
Date: 04/13/15

551 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $25,420,000
Buyer: Armbrook Village Owner
Seller: Armbrook Senior Living
Date: 04/07/15

Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Angelica Development LLC
Seller: Harbey Fundding TR
Date: 04/10/15

355 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Frank Brown
Seller: Nathan M. Lecrenski
Date: 04/10/15

14 Sterling St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: LP 4 LLC
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/10/15

28 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Gennadiy A. Lisitsin
Seller: Lyudmila Lisitsin
Date: 04/14/15

WILBRAHAM

10 Cedar Oak Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Nicholas Dussault
Seller: Lindsey M. Ferreira
Date: 04/10/15

7 Falcon Hts.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: John M. Rossini
Seller: FNMA
Date: 04/10/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

25 Merrick Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $387,800
Buyer: Melissa E. Giraud
Seller: Kevin Brigham
Date: 04/15/15

55 Pokeberry Ridge
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $329,000
Buyer: Gary S. Toth
Seller: Thomas E. Korson
Date: 04/15/15

6 Teaberry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Kendall D. Doble
Seller: Patrice D. Whaling
Date: 04/10/15

BELCHERTOWN

837 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Tammy Ryan
Seller: Susan M. Carlson
Date: 04/17/15

15 Sylvan Circle
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Edward W. Brown
Seller: A. T. Tetrault
Date: 04/14/15

EASTHAMPTON

493 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Kristan A. Lagueux
Seller: David G. Nicewicz
Date: 04/15/15

55 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Philip K. Peake
Seller: US Bank
Date: 04/09/15

49 Kenneth Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Abdelaziz Afoulous
Seller: Kristine Furkey
Date: 04/16/15

10 Lawndale St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Wilburn G. Dawson
Seller: Julie A. Pearce
Date: 04/10/15

21 Picard Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Eleanor J. Holmes
Seller: Gregory W. Payeur
Date: 04/15/15

32 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $335,000
Seller: Dellaquila, Danielle R., (Estate)
Date: 04/10/15

121 Pleasant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $900,000
Buyer: Keystone Enterprises LLC
Seller: Sullivan Easthampton Inc.
Date: 04/14/15

GRANBY

115 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Aimee Weldon
Seller: Cheryl L. Pitt
Date: 04/17/15

13 Ken Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $115,500
Buyer: Daniel Long
Seller: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Date: 04/09/15

HADLEY

100 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $338,000
Buyer: HL Holdings LLC
Seller: Richard M. Gnatek
Date: 04/15/15

HATFIELD

1 Prospect Ct
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Ellen Miller
Seller: Aaron Carpenter
Date: 04/17/15

NORTHAMPTON

227 Bridge St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: R2R LLC
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 04/16/15

40 Forest Glen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Annika S. Amstutz
Seller: Marchessault, M. K., (Estate)
Date: 04/15/15

27 Langworthy Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Rosemund LLC
Seller: Taylor, Phoebe S., (Estate)
Date: 04/06/15

3 Laurel St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Alan B. Weiner
Seller: Transformations Inc.
Date: 04/16/15

16 Mann Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Rainbow Properties LLC
Seller: Thomas L. Callaghan
Date: 04/09/15

21 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: All North LLC
Seller: Timothy E. Shea TR
Date: 04/16/15

35 Walnut St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $297,500
Buyer: Brianna E. Hermanson
Seller: Jason E. Larose
Date: 04/17/15

15 Willow St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Colleen A. Teti
Seller: Susan E. Ferron RET
Date: 04/09/15

SOUTH HADLEY

6 Apple Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $369,000
Buyer: Maggie Cousineau
Seller: Adam & Eve Construction LLC
Date: 04/16/15

137 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jennifer Quinn
Seller: George A. Polizou
Date: 04/10/15

12 Briar Spring Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Shane L. Kouflie
Seller: James McNulty
Date: 04/09/15

38 East Red Bridge Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: M. K. Harwood
Seller: William F. Nelson
Date: 04/07/15

20 Los Angeles St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Kristie Larosa
Seller: Gelineau, Roger A., (Estate)
Date: 04/10/15

9 Marcel St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Vannoy
Seller: Joann L. Jordan
Date: 04/06/15

46 Richview Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: James M. McNulty
Seller: Gary G. Jodoin
Date: 04/09/15

SOUTHAMPTON

34 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David Kent
Seller: US Bank
Date: 04/10/15

WILLIAMSBURG

46 Hyde Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $411,394
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: John P. Slowik
Date: 04/08/15

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Alicea, Javier Bernardo
78 Heggie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Allen, Nicole L
a/k/a Miller, Nicole
1430 Russell Road #23
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Arroyo, Rafael
25 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Beaulieu, Benjamin Marc
Beaulieu, Christina Lynn
a/k/a Abbondanza, Christina Lynn
5 Revere Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/15

Bennett, Frank E.
Bennett, Lynn A.
283 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Bennett, Mark
109 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/07/15

Boldyga, Joseph Dennis
987 Holmes Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Boutin, Jarrod L.
42 Dearth Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/15

Brogna, Larissa
246 Riverbend St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Broskey, Michael Lee
21 New St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Byrne, Paul J.
Byrne, Pamela A.
52 Brookline Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Colon, Felix
29 Notre Dame St
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/09/15

Dobiecki, Charlene
110 Nora Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/06/15

Dolan, D. Casey
510 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/15

Dziuba, Audra Marie
61B Hillside Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/15

Essis, Marguerite Essiou
a/k/a Essis-Cox, Marguerite
233 Munsell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/15

Fondon, Tommy L.
Fondon, Janine E.
189 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/12/15

Gay, David R.
Gay, Brigitte D.
169 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Glinka, Michael Joseph
397 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Gonzalez, Juan J.
Gonzalez, Roslyn
22 Dunhill St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Gouvan, Richard L.
Mattoon, Donna M.
55 Empire St., Unit 44
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Guay, Margaret Ann
39 Main St. #33
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/15

Guimond, Sean
Guimond, Kristen E.
76 Beaver Lake Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Guzman, Tiffany M.
35 Brookline Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Hartley, Lisa M.
65 Kane Brothers Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/12/15

Henderson, Kym M.
56 Dexter St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/15

Hussey, Danielle M.
75 West St. # 5A
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/15

Irizarry, Frankie
180 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Jackson, Rebecca F.
P.O. Box 516
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/15

Jarvis, Joan C.
46 Railroad St., #311
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/15

Johnson, David W.
13 T St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/15

Kostecki, Philip Julius
Kostecki, Catherine Lynn
96A Mt. Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/15

LaBranche, James Robert
117 Bridle Path Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Lawrence, Richard K.
Lawrence, Lorna R.
14 Devonshire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Lozada, Regina
a/k/a Torres, Regina
236 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Maher, Barbara A.
99 Jamrog Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Mansfield, Marsha M.
69 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/15

Matta, Jacqueline Xylina
4 Brookline Ave. 3rd Fl.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/15

McCarter, Barbara R.
314 Fredette St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Messier, Neal S.
Messier, Sarah A.
558 Barry St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Migut, Helen
31 Yorktown Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/15

Moorehead, Megan N.
91 Bell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Mulligan, Eugene B.
Mulligan, Elizabeth H.
69 Billings St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Olivieri, Anibal
Olivieri, Evelyn
327 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/15

O’Neil, Dolores A.
105 Laurel St. #11A
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/15

Phaneuf, Donald F.
739 Daniel Shays Hwy.
#138 Millers River Dr.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Pilon, Helene M.
10 Margaret St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/15

Pouliot, Alexander
127 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/15

Richardson, Rosemary C.
304 North St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/15

Riley, Timothy B.
9 Grant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/15

Sanecki, Lucy P.
4 Columbia St. #45
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/15

Sawyer, Donald
Sawyer, Crystal
PO Box 123
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/15

Serra, Karen A.
a/k/a Noble, Karen A
73 Barrett St., Unit 5
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Sims, Craig
69 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/15

Sullivan, Michele M.
46 Erksine Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/15

Tersavich, Linda K.
61 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/15

Tkaczyk, Rebecca K.
424 East St., Apt B
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/15

Velez, Angel L.
Velez, Elisa
1475 Roosevelt Ave., #4
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/15

Zayats, Yaroslav
Zayats, Tatyana
45 City View Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/15

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of May 2015.

AGAWAM

Time 2 Party
303 Springfield St.
Frank Farias

The Federal Restaurant
135 Cooper St.
Ralph Santaniello

The Sweet Spot
369 Walnut St.
Veronica Hamann

CHICOPEE

E & L Painters & Wall Coverings
811 Sheridan St.
Leslie Hurman

Know Your Business
1847 Memorial Dr.
Christina Stevenson

Pioneer Communications
9 Desicurlers St.
Alexander Rock

Pool Tech
21 Boston St.
Michael Graham

The Money Stop
1098 Chicopee St.
Rican, Inc.

Willimansett Center East
11 St. Antony St.
James Lomasto

EASTHAMPTON

Archetype Woodworking
156 Pleasant St.
Dennis Greco

ATA Martial Arts
276 Northampton St.
Thomas Norwood

Hair Factory
116 Pleasant St.
Erich Husemoller

New City Brewery, LLC
180 Pleasant St.
Sam Dibble

LUDLOW

All Seal Asphalt
41 Owens Way
Gerald Veautour

Ludlow Spring
89 Prospect St.
Kurt Oelmann Jr.

Twisted Oak Farm
319 West St.
Jeffrey Grasette

NORTHAMPTON

A2Z Science & Learning Store
57 King St.
Andre Boulay

CSC Medical
244 Main St.
Amanda Wilson

Disney Magazines
47 Pleasant St.
Buena Vista Magazines

Dragon Fly Services
6 Union St.
Jessica Brandley

Duffy Tire Service
252 Bridge St.
James Duffy

Get Lost
58 Belmont Ave.
Brian Foote

Meredith Corporation
47 Pleasant St.
Willie Knolmayer

Pioneer Valley Educational Press
155 Industrial Dr.
Matthew Dufresne

Praxis Painting
255 Coles Meadow Road
Joseph Trapasso

Subway Northampton
193 Main St.
Seema Bhatia

SPRINGFIELD

Aelou Visuals
167 Atherton St.
Duane Thomas

Apex Property Management
54 Crystal Ave.
Timothy Mercer

Bamboo House Restaurant
676 Belmont Ave.
Tuyen Le

Boston Road Pizza
1291 Boston Road
Vedat Kan

Bright & Shine Cleaning
65 Belmont Ave.
Fatoumata Coulibaly

Cinq
45 Margerie St.
Anna Perez

Class Auto Sales
466 Main St.
Eddy Almanzar

CMC Photography
34 Manilla Ave.
Carlos M. Cabrera

Craig William Johnson
14 Nutmeeg Dr.
Craig Johnson

Criolla Foods
39 Avon Place
Minerva Lopez

Detail, Inc.
91 Portulaca Dr.
Donald A. Gregory

Ellary Associates
140 Chestnut St.
Gary Heller

Erik’s Cleaning
78 Manor Court
Erik Tumasyan

Exclusive Designs
2560 Main St.
Percida Morales

Rayan Baki’s Transportation
67 Grover St.
Rayan Abdulbaki

Saima Inc.
156 Island Pond Road
Amir M. Paracha

Varnadore
185 Eddy St.
Dyan Varnadore

We Will
38 Colchester St.
Leonard Wheatley

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Departments Incorporations

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

ASHFIELD

Lakeside Park Improvement Inc., 141 Buckland Road, Ashfield, MA 01330. Andrea N. Hynes, 154 Dyer Road, Ashfield, MA 01330. Bar and restaurant.

HAMPDEN

GIV Home Improvement Inc., 21 Kibbe Lane, Hampden, MA 01036. Igor Gusev, same. Construction.

HOLYOKE

Ray & Rae Rental Inc., 64 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Raymond Houle, same. Purchase, sale, and management of property.

LONGMEADOW

Hot Pepper Promotions Co., 144 Franklin Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Spencer Mitchell Ross, same. Promotional products, offset, and digital printing.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Rugby Football Club Inc., 56 Oswald Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Kenneth Frank Card III, same. To offer the opportunity to play organized rugby.

Capital Bus Tours Inc., 703 Housatonic St., #222, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Xiang Xing He, 2525 Maxwell St., Philadelphia, PA 19152. Tour bus company.

New England Fence Inc., 965 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Todd M. Storti, same. Sales and installation of fences.

SPRINGFIELD

Attorney Christopher J. Brown, P.C., 51 Taylor St., 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA 01103. Christopher J. Brown, 13 Brentwood Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Lawyer.

Born Free Marketing Inc., 235 Hancock St., Springfield, MA 01109. Charlie Holmes, 59 Carew Terrace, Springfield, MA 01104. Event-marketing services.

Cross-Spectrum Acoustics Inc., 99 Florida St., Springfield, MA 01109. Herbert L. Singleton Jr., same. Acoustical consulting services.

Dartmouth Design Studio Inc., 640 Page Boulevard, Room 104, Springfield, MA 01104. David P. Gaby, 1105 Worhtington St., Springfield, MA 01109. Design services.

Interstate Mart Inc., 475 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Mena M. Tiwari, 652 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Convenience store.

New Yummy Cuisine Inc., 882 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Duan Luo, same. Restaurant.

Springfield Merchants Group Inc., 1655 Boston Road, Space 138, Springfield, MA 01129. Alpaben Patel, same. General merchandise store.

Titeflex Commercial Inc., 603 Hendee St., Springfield, MA 01104. William T. Smith, same. Manufacturing.

WESTFIELD

Kevin Lancto Inc., 110 Tannery Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Kevin M. Lancto, same. Sewing machine repair.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Gold Chopsticks No. 2 Inc., 12 Chestnut St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Shang Ying Liao, same. Restaurant.

WILBRAHAM

CLB Enterprises Inc., 16 Horseshoe Lane, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Catherine L. Belleville, same. Retail store.

WILLIAMSTOWN

CBSolutions Inc., 148 Main St., Williamstown, MA 01267. M. Lucy Pavalock, 10 Ashton Ave., North Adams, MA 01247. Bookkeeping and accounting services.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Briefcase Departments

Martin Meehan Elected 27th President of UMass
BOSTON — Martin Meehan, a former U.S. congressman who became chancellor of his alma mater, UMass Lowell, and transformed it into a highly ranked national research university, was unanimously elected today as the next president of the five-campus UMass system. Meehan, the eldest of seven children, who used his UMass Lowell education as a springboard to a distinguished career in Congress and now to the presidency of the region’s largest and top-rated public university, said he was honored by the board’s action and eager to build on the work he has done at the Lowell campus. “Serving as chancellor of my alma mater, UMass Lowell, for the last eight years has been the most fulfilling period of my professional life, so I am excited about the opportunity to lead the University of Massachusetts system,” said Meehan. He will succeed President Robert Caret, who will step down June 30 to become chancellor of the 12-campus University System of Maryland. “I thank the UMass board of trustees and the presidential search committee for their confidence,” Meehan said. “Massachusetts is synonymous with the best in higher education. We will seek to strengthen our position as a world-class public university system that is accessible, affordable, and a catalyst for innovation and economic development in the Commonwealth.” Meehan was one of two finalists chosen by the 21-member search committee, working with the executive search firm Korn Ferry. The other finalist was John Quelch, professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and the former dean, vice president, and distinguished professor of International Management at China Europe International Business School. Quelch was formerly chairman and member of the Massachusetts Port Authority. The board of trustees met separately with each candidate in open session before voting to select Meehan as president. They cited Meehan’s strong record of achievement and success at UMass Lowell, his distinguished record of public service, his passion for UMass and its mission, and his ability to communicate and to inspire as being among the reasons for selecting him as the University’s 27th president. The former congressman will be the first UMass undergraduate alumnus to serve as president of the five-campus, 73,000-student system.

State Business Confidence Hits Pothole in April
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index dropped 1.1 points in April to 59.1, backing off from its post-recession high.
“In April, the snow finally melted, the sunlight got stronger, and Massachusetts employers were a bit more positive about current business conditions — but other concerns weighed more heavily,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. “The index’s decline is attributable to lower confidence among the state’s manufacturers, who confront both weak growth domestically and challenges in global markets due to the stronger dollar.” As in 2014, Torto noted, the index performed well through a weak first quarter for the U.S. economy, which recorded a 0.2% growth rate. “We think AIM members have confidence in the fundamental stability of business conditions,” he said. “Slow growth has caused survey respondents to temper their expectations, but they continue to foresee improving conditions ahead. The AIM Index is up 6.1 points from last April and 9.6 points over two years, reflecting a significantly better business climate in Massachusetts and nationally.” The AIM Business Confidence Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. Most of the sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of respondent declined from March to April, but all were up from a year before. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, shed 2.2 points on the month to 58.6, and the U.S. Index of national business conditions lost 1.7 points to 53.8. “Despite the weak first quarter, the U.S. Index been above 50 for five consecutive months, and seems at last to be established in positive territory,” said Alan Clayton-Matthews, professor at the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs at Northeastern University, a BEA member. “The Massachusetts Index continues to lead its national counterpart, and the latest MassBenchmarks Economic Index shows that the state’s economy has outperformed the nation’s so far this year.”

Springfield Issues Permits for Casino Site Work
SPRINGFIELD — Following months of design reviews and coordination meetings, the city is preparing for a significant amount of utility construction work to begin in and around the casino resort area in downtown Springfield. Beginning in the next few weeks, utility upgrades, expansions, and relocation work will begin on roadways surrounding the footprint for the casino resort, specifically Main Street, Union Street, East Columbus Avenue, and State Street. The work is required to terminate existing utilities that currently serve buildings that are slated for demolition; reconstruct, upgrade, and relocate utilities surrounding the MGM Springfield development area to support the size and scale of the project; and perform necessary maintenance on the aged infrastructure to extend its life expectancy into the future to support the casino development and additional growth. The Springfield DPW has issued numerous permits for utility disconnections and installation of project fencing. However, the department is preparing for a significant ramping up of construction activities through the spring and summer. Christopher Cignoli, DPW director, noted that, “based upon our meeting with the MGM Springfield development team, its contractors, and all of the area utility companies, there will be a significant amount of work occurring in the next four to six months in and along Main Street, Union Street, East Columbus Avenue, and State Street. Our job is to coordinate all of the requests for work and attempt to minimize the impact to parking and traffic and to notify the public as much in advance as possible to seek alternate routes, if necessary. We also have to coordinate this utility work with any work proposed for the I-91 viaduct project, which is also scheduled to begin in the next few months.” In order to provide the public with as much information as possible on the construction of the entire casino complex and associated construction work, the city will be launching an MGM Springfield casino-construction website, which will list all the permits issued by the city as well as issue weekly construction updates to notify residents and businesses of potential impacts.

State Announces Solar Milestones
WORCESTER — Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton announced that Massachusetts has installed more than 841 megawatts of solar electricity, bringing the Commonwealth more than halfway to the Baker-Polito administration’s goal of 1,600 megawatts by 2020. “Today’s announcement further supports the Baker-Polito administration’s commitment to a vibrant clean-energy sector that creates jobs and economic prosperity for the Commonwealth,” Beaton said. “Continuing to diversify Massachusetts’ energy portfolio through the development of solar generation will work to strengthen the state’s growing clean-energy economy while supporting new, innovative technologies.” The 841 megawatts of installed solar electricity is enough to power more than 128,000 average Massachusetts homes, and is responsible for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions equal to taking over 73,000 cars off the road. “Under the Baker-Polito Administration, Massachusetts will continue to harness solar power to protect the environment, save on energy costs, and create jobs,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “This is an exciting milestone toward the year when we meet our solar goal of 1,600 megawatts and generate 3% to 4% of today’s electric demands with local, available solar power.” According to the Solar Foundation, Massachusetts ranks second in the U.S. for solar jobs, while every dollar invested in solar in the Commonwealth creates $1.20 in economic benefits to the local economy, according to the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University. Last year, solar electricity capacity installed was the fourth-highest in the country. “Solar energy is an economic driver here in Massachusetts, employing more than 12,000 workers in high-quality clean-energy jobs,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Alicia Barton. “Working together across government and in partnership with industry and communities, we’re well on our way to meeting our goal.” There are solar installations in 350 of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns, with at least 175 local communities hosting projects that directly benefit the municipality. There are more than 25 megawatts of solar at over 180 schools across Massachusetts, 30 megawatts on farms, and eight megawatts on state buildings and land.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Company Notebook Departments

Westfield Financial Reports Q1 Results
WESTFIELD — Westfield Financial Inc., the holding company for Westfield Bank, reported net income of $1.3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, compared to $1.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. Selected financial highlights for first quarter 2015 include:
• Total loans increased $82.2 million, or 12.7%, to $730.4 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $648.2 million at March 31, 2014. This was primarily due to increases in residential loans of $38.9 million, commercial and industrial loans of $29.8 million, and commercial real-estate loans of $13.0 million. On a sequential-quarter basis, total loans increased $5.7 million, or 0.8%, from $724.7 million at Dec. 31, 2014. This was due to an increase in commercial real-estate loans of $8.7 million, offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans of $2.8 million, primarily due to normal loan payoffs and paydowns.  
• Securities declined $26.3 million, or 4.9%, to $515.2 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $541.5 million at March 31, 2014. On a sequential-quarter basis, securities increased by $6.4 million, or 1.3%, at March 31, 2015, compared to $508.8 million at Dec. 31, 2014.  
• Net interest and dividend income decreased $65,000 to $7.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to $7.7 million for the comparable 2014 period. On a sequential-quarter basis, net interest and dividend income decreased $288,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, compared to the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014. The fourth quarter 2014 included $88,000 in deferred fee income recognized upon the payoff of a relationship.  
• The bank prepaid a repurchase agreement in the amount of $10.0 million with a rate of 2.65% and incurred a pre-payment expense of $593,000 for the first quarter 2015 in order to eliminate a higher-cost liability.  
• Non-interest expense was $6.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and $6.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. On a sequential-quarter basis, non-interest expense increased by $215,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, compared to $6.5 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014. The increase on a sequential-quarter basis was due in part to an increase in salaries and benefits of $178,000. Of this amount, $51,000 is attributable to salary-related taxes, which are typically higher in the first quarter of each year.
“During the first quarter, harsh winter weather slowed economic activity, and therefore loan demand, particularly commercial construction projects,” said Westfield Bank President and CEO James Hagan. “We continue to cultivate new and existing customer relationships in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, and our outlook for growth remains positive for 2015. We have an experienced, disciplined, regional leadership team prepared to take advantage of continued opportunities for organic growth and expansion into demographically attractive markets.” Hagan continued, “the customer response to our strategic initiatives has been very positive. Our Enfield branch, which opened in November 2014, and our Granby branch, which opened in June 2013, have combined deposits of over $23.0 million. We currently have both a commercial lender and a residential lender based in the Connecticut market, and we anticipate adding another commercial lender in 2015. In addition, we relocated a commercial-loan team to downtown Springfield in 2014, which provides proximity to the I-91 corridor and better access to the borrowers and centers of influence in the Greater Springfield area and Northern Connecticut. We have taken action to strategically expand our market reach, and while this initially has increased non-interest expense, we feel this will create opportunities to grow our franchise and generate higher revenue.”

Marcotte Ford Breaks Ground on Truck Center
HOLYOKE — Marcotte Ford will celebrate the groundbreaking of its new commercial truck-repair facility on Monday, May 11 at 11 a.m. Marcotte Ford acquired the property at 933 Main St. in the fall of 2014 and will construct a 16-bay, state-of-the-art truck-repair facility to accommodate the service and repair of all light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. This project will add six to 10 new jobs in Holyoke. “We believe in the Ford tradition of quality and service and want to deliver the best in product and service to our customers,” said Michael Marcotte, president of Marcotte Ford Sales. “We feel that this is an ideal time for a new commercial repair facility in light of the strong business momentum in the industry.” Marcotte Ford a third-generation Ford franchise that gives back to the local community through involvement with the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club, Kate’s Kitchen, and Margaret’s Pantry, as well as the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. The new commercial building is located adjacent to Marcotte Ford at 933 Main St. and is scheduled to open this fall.

Holyoke Merry-Go-Round Launches New Website
HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, the region’s prized carousel with a storied history that dates back to the early 1900s, announced the launch of a new website, holyokemerrygoround.org. Site upgrades include a new layout with enhancements for secure payments, easy-to-use forms and downloadable contracts, plus updated historical and photo pages to relive the magic, and more. “Today, more and more people turn to their mobile devices to search the Internet. We wanted a website that would provide them the best, most secure web experience on any device,” said Angela Wright, executive director. “This new site includes easy access to our party and private rental, reservation, donation, and events pages; online store; and forms, all on an easy-to-navigate platform.” The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is located in Holyoke’s Heritage State Park, which is managed by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. The carousel includes 48 horses hand-carved by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co., 56 original scenic panels, 864 brightly colored lights, and 98 beveled mirrors. Through the merry-go-round’s new website, users are able to book birthday or private parties and can share their own memories of the carousel’s history from Mountain Park to today. Additionally, secure payment options are available for the merry-go-round’s online store and donation pages. “As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on the generosity of the public, many of whom prefer to donate quickly and easily through our website,” Wright said. “With secure payments using PayPal, our supporters can make their tax-deductible donation online with peace of mind.”

Adam Quenneville Roofing, Siding & Windows Earns Top Honor
SOUTH HADLEY — Adam Quenneville Roofing, Siding & Windows announced that GAF, North America’s largest roofing-materials manufacturer, recently recognized the company with a prestigious 2015 Presidents Club Award for high-quality workmanship, safety, training, and reliability. Quenneville was one of five North American contractors to receive this award. GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, developed the Presidents Club Award for Master Elite contractors who excel in workmanship, service, and responsiveness. Adam Quenneville Roofing has been recognized for its long-standing support of GAF products, success in offering homeowners peace of mind in GAF warranties, and attention to detail in all GAF roofing systems. “Some people might think, after owning a business for 20 years, that the passion would dwindle,” Quenneville said. “I feel just the opposite. I am more excited than ever to help area homeowners with their roofing concerns. Having this many years of experience, I can offer unique solutions and recommendations.” He added, “I would like to take a moment and thank my team. I couldn’t have achieved this award or any of the success over the last two decades without them.” For more information about Adam Quennville Roofing, Siding & Windows, visit 1800newroof.net.

AIC Breaks Ground for New Dining Commons
SPRINGFIELD — After a winter for the record books, American International College (AIC) recently celebrated spring and the future of dining in style with a groundbreaking ceremony in anticipation of the college’s $8 million renovation to its dining commons. The new, state-of-the-art facility will expand upon the existing dining-commons space and include a wider variety of seating along with a more abundant variety of food options and services, including customized food preparation, an open-concept kitchen complete with a Mongolian grill, a wood-fired pizza oven, and more, all presented in a contemporary, open setting. Guests and speakers at the event included AIC graduate U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (who also attended AIC), college board of trustee members, and AIC President Vincent Maniaci, who said, “the dining commons is the heart of social interaction between and among students, faculty, and staff. This new dining commons will greatly benefit our current students by providing a spectacular dining experience and meeting center for social engagement.” Compass Foodservice CEO Steve Sweeney donated $1,500 to the local food pantry on behalf of its subsidiary, Chartwells, the leading higher-education food-service company in the world and provider for AIC. Speaking on behalf of the 1,700 undergraduate students at AIC, Student Government Assoc. representative and sophomore Rebecca Gray said, “it’s long overdue, and we’re very much ready for the new programming space and the new dining facilities, and it’s going to be a lot more modern and a lot more comfortable. I am so excited. Being only in my second year, it is really nice to see the school making so much change.” While there was a cosmetic remodel of the dining room in 2007, the last complete renovation of the college’s dining commons was in 1966, nearly 50 years ago. Construction currently involves seven local Massachusetts companies working on the project. The project is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the fall semester.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Departments People on the Move

Roger Dulude Jr.

Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc., named Roger Dulude Jr. the system’s corporate Compliance officer and director of Risk Management. A registered nurse who is certified in healthcare compliance, Dulude brings extensive experience leading risk-management and corporate-compliance programs in healthcare. He will institute and maintain the system’s compliance programs, as well as assess, develop, implement, and monitor risk-management plans to enhance patient safety, care, and privacy. “I congratulate Roger and know that his skill and leadership in the area of corporate compliance and risk management are valuable assets to helping us effectively navigate today’s complex and highly regulated healthcare environment,” said Hatiras. Dulude noted the importance of educating and training employees about new and existing compliance issues and risk areas. A key goal is educating employees to increase their understanding of, and compliance with, patient privacy and safety provisions contained in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Of 1996 (HIPAA). “A rapidly changing healthcare climate poses inherent risks to patients, staff, and our organization, and we must ensure that our compliance and risk-management programs and services are effective and robust,” he said. Dulude most recently served as Holyoke Medical Center’s Corporate Compliance risk manager; Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance coordinator at Johnson Memorial Medical Center in Stafford Springs, Conn.; as well as various nursing, administrative, and clinical-management roles. A 2012 recipient of the Connecticut Nightingale Award given to an individual demonstrating excellence in nursing, Dulude earned a master’s degree in nursing with a secondary concentration in education from the University of Hartford and his bachelor’s degree in nursing at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas.
•••••

Amie Miarecki

Amie Miarecki has been hired as Marketing and Development manager for Porchlight VNA/Home Care. Miarecki will focus on customer service, business development, and brand awareness for the free-standing, not-for-profit organization. In 2014, Chicopee VNA, Great to Be Home Care, and Porchlight VNA/Home Care merged to cover all of Berkshire, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. The agency has received several awards, including Home Care Elite Awards of Excellence as one of the top 500 home-health agencies in the U.S. according to Decision Health and National Research Corp. Miarecki is a board member for MotherWoman and a member of the Professional Women’s Chamber, the GFWC Agawam Junior Women’s Club, the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the AIDS Foundation of Western MA events committee, and the civic and community engagement committee of the Springfield City Library. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in corporate and organizational communications, specializing in leadership, from Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies.
•••••
Michael Hutton-Woodland has been named director of ServiceNet’s REACH program. Last year, REACH provided services to 500 children, including babies born with physical or mental disabilities, toddlers whose speech or motor skills are delayed, and children diagnosed with autism. REACH staff — from physical therapists to speech pathologists — provide interventions during the critical development window of birth to age 3. A key part of the program is support to families to address the d eep, often painful concerns parents have for their young child. The program is available to all families who need the service, regardless of their ability to pay. After many years of teaching clinical psychology, running a health foundation, and private consulting, Hutton-Woodland is grateful to be serving young children and their parents in this role. “It’s wonderful work,” he said, “and the staff are all dedicated, loving, caring, skilled, thoughtful people. They go into people’s homes to work with their children. That’s a sacred occupation.” Since starting at REACH, he’s been sitting down individually with all 45 staff members to learn about their experiences. He brings some new ideas for streamlining program processes so staff can focus more of their time on direct services and less on paperwork, with a goal of ensuring that staff remains “passionate and excited.” He added that “these kids and families need to be helped now, when a child’s brain is growing and developing the fastest in his or her entire life.” Since the program works with any family whose child needs early intervention, REACH also navigates the effects of two troubling trends: homelessness and increased referrals by the Department of Children and Families. Whatever a family’s situation, Hutton-Woodland emphasizes that “this is prevention work, available to all children with developmental issues, all of whom are very, very special little babies.” Families can contact REACH to inquire about services at (413) 665-8717. Staff members include educators, nurses, nutritionists, occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, social workers, and autism specialists. The program serves Hampshire and Franklin counties and the North Quabbin area of Worcester County. REACH services are funded by private insurance, Medicaid, the state Department of Public Health, United Way of Hampshire County, and an annual participation fee from families.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Chamber Corners Departments

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

• May 26: ACCGS Pastries, Politics & Policy, 8-9 a.m., hosted by TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. For political and policy junkies. Cost: $15 for members, $25 general admission, which includes continental breakfast. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
• June 3: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Springfield College, Richard B. Flynn Campus Union, 263 Alden St., Springfield. Sponsored by United Personnel and Wolf & Company, P.C. Celebrate success at the last ACCGS Business@Breakfast of the 2014-15 season. Includes presentation of “A Year in Review” and the Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year Award. Cost: $20 for members ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission.

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

• May 27: After 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Florence Savings Bank, 377 Russell St., Hadley. Sponsored by Florence Savings Bank. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com or call the office at (413) 253-0700.
June 18-22: Taste of Amherst, Amherst Town Common. June 18-19, 5-9 p.m.; June 20, noon to 10 p.m.; June 21, noon to 4 p.m. Featuring 22 individual restaurants on the common for a weekend of fun, food tasting, food demos, live music, kids area, zoo, and much more. All food is under $5 per item. No entry fee.
• June 23: After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by J.F. Conlon, 29 University Dr., Amherst. Sponsored in part by J.F. Conlon & Associates. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at www.amherstarea.com or call the chamber office at (413) 253-0700.

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

• May 20: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Renaissance Manor on Cabot, 279 Cabot St., Holyoke. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
• May 21: Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. shotgun start, hosted by Chicopee Country Club. Cost: $125 per golfer.
• May 27: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Elms College. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.
• June 13: 5K Road Race/2-mile Walk. Cost: $25, $15 for kids 12 and under. Registration includes T-shirt and free lunch provided by the Munich Haus.
• June 17: Breakfast & Health Fair, American Red Cross Blood Drive, hosted by Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Exhibitor space available: $125 per table for members, $175 for non-members.
• June 18: Mornings With the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Willimansett Center West, 546 Chicopee St., Chicopee. Free for chamber members.
• June 24: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Wireless Zone, 601E Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

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

• June 1: Greater Easthampton and Greater Holyoke Chambers of Commerce 2014 Collaborative Networking Event. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or call Denise at (413) 527-9414.
• June 8: Monday Morning with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Easthampton Savings Bank, Financial Services. Enter via Campus Lane entrance, 36 Main St., Easthampton. This is your opportunity to bring your questions to Mayor Karen Cadieux for casual conversation and direct answers. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or call Denise at (413) 527-9414.
• June 18: Speaker Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton. Join us for breakfast and educational discussion with keynote speaker Tim Brennan, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission executive director, regarding the regional impact and importance of the North South Rail Project. Register online at www.easthamptonchamber.org or call Denise at (413) 527-9414.

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

• May 21: Chamber Business Connections, 5-7 p.m., sponsored and hosted by PeoplesBank, the Atrium in the PeoplesBank Building, 330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Join your friends and colleagues for this fun and casual evening of networking. Refreshments, door prizes, and 50/50 raffle.
• June 19: 125th Anniversary Gala Ball, hosted by the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. Enjoy an elegant meal and dance to the music of the Floyd Patterson Band. Join Marcotte Ford as one of the major event sponsors by calling (413) 34-3376. Event is open to the public, More details to follow.

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

• June 3: June Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Mineral Hills Winery, 592 Sylvester Road, Florence. Sponsored by Keiter Builders. Cost: $10 for members. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900.
• June 12: 2015 Workshop: “Using Excel Pivot Tables to Analyze Your Business’ Data,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. Pivot tables are Excel’s most powerful tool for data analysis. A pivot table lets you easily separate data by various criteria into rows and columns in order to extract significant information from large, complex data sets. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create and customize pivot tables using your own data. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Admission: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, visit [email protected].
• June 26: 2015 Workshop: “Microsoft Excel: Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts in Microsoft Excel,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This workshop will present our favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts that we have collected and developed over 15 years of teaching and using Microsoft Excel. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops and follow along with the instructor, but this is not required. Admission: $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, visit [email protected].

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

• June 1: June Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Westfield Vocational Technical High School, 33 Smith Ave., Westfield. Free and open to the public. Register by calling (413) 568-1618.
• June 10: June After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Westfield Bank, 462 College Highway, Southwick. Sponsored by Southwick Tae Kwon Do. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Register online at www.westfieldbiz.org.
• June 16: Eat & Educate: “Employee-sponsored Retirement and Benefit Programs,” 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Westfield Bank, 141 Elm St., Westfield. Presented by Shawn Torres, MBA, Westfield Wealth Management and Westfield Bank. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members. RSVP is required; space is limited. Call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618 to register.
• June 19: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Hosted by The Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick. Platinum sponsor: Mestek. Golf sponsor: Berkshire Bank. Silver sponsor: First Niagara and Prolamina. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Golf special: Registered attendees of the breakfast can golf at a discounted rate of only $65 at the Ranch Golf Club following the breakfast. Call Bill Rosenblum, golf pro, to register at (413) 569-9333, ext. 3. For more information on sponsorships, to register, or to donate a raffle prize, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.
• June 22: Social Security Workshop: “Make Social Security Work for You,” 4:30-5:30 p.m., hosted by Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Sponsored by Renaissance Advisory Services, LLC. Guest speaker: William Sheehan, district manager (retired), Springfield Social Security Office. Before you retire, ask questions: when should I begin Social Security? Do I plan to keep working? Will all my expenses be covered? What will my beneficiaries receive? Learn about Social Security strategies that may fit into your overall plan. Cost: free for chamber members, $30 for non-members.

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

• June 11: Nonprofit Board Fair, 5 p.m., hosted by Union Station, 125A Pleasant St., Northampton. Nonprofits count on volunteers to lead them to success. Join us for the fifth-annual Nonprofit Board Fair, a signature event featuring organizations from throughout the Pioneer Valley whose leadership will be on hand to speak to about opportunities to serve on their boards of directors. In addition, there will be a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, and raffle prizes. Sponsors and partners: Florence Bank, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and WGBY public television. Register online at www.thenayp.com.

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

• May 19: Professional Women’s Chamber Woman of the Year, 5:30 p.m., hosted by Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Sponsored by BusinessWest. Honoring Anne Paradis, CEO, Microtek Inc. Cost: $55. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.

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

• May 20: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted By Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative – BISTRO, 174 Brush Hill Ave., West Springfield. Enjoy a sit-down lunch served while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. Cost: $10 at the door, which includes served lunch. Must be a member or guest of a member to attend. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 3: Wicked Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted By Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Cost: free for chamber members, $10 at the door for non-members. Event is open to the public. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
• June 18: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., hosted By Chez Josef, Agawam. Sponsored by OMG, Ormsby Insurance, and Development Associates. Event will kick off with the welcoming of new chairman Chuck Kelly and the incoming WRC board of directors. Cost: $25 for chamber members, $30 for non-members. For more information and for tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Agenda Departments

Celebration of Heroes
May 25: Smith & Wesson Corp. announced it will present its second annual Celebration of Heroes. The company invites the community to join it in honoring those who have served their country by attending the event from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the grounds of Smith & Wesson, 2100 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield. At 11:45 a.m., Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, along with James Debney, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson, will preside over a program to honor local heroes and our country. Eight-year-old Shea Braceland of Westfield will deliver the national anthem. Following the program, the Celebration of Heroes will commence. There is no admission fee, and proceeds from the sale of food and items at the event will benefit the Friends of Ward 8 and the Friends of the Springfield Vet Center, two local veterans’ organizations supported by Smith & Wesson. Activities will include live stage performances by local bands including Lower Level, Maxxtone, and more. A kids’ tent will feature interactive musical performances by Rachel Hiller of Music Together, a photo booth, activities run by the YMCA of Greater Springfield, and other free activities. Bottled water will be provided free of charge by Big Y. In 2014, Smith & Wesson was honored to restore Springfield’s Veterans War Monument, which had been destroyed by the impact of weather and time. On Memorial Day 2014, a rededication ceremony and the first annual Celebration of Heroes was held to reveal the restored monument and to honor local veterans, active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and military families. Proceeds benefited the Friends of the Springfield Vet Center, which offers social, recreational, and educational programs to combat veterans and their families, as well as the Friends of Ward 8, a nonprofit organization that supports the Veterans of Ward 8 at the VA Medical Center in Leeds. Ward 8 veterans suffer from combat PTSD and benefit from a six week in-treatment program to learn how to better cope with the condition. During the 2015 Celebration of Heroes, funds will be raised for these two deserving organizations through ticket sales for fare from area food trucks and a beer and sangria tent courtesy of Commercial Distributing and Log Rolling. Event T-shirts will be available for a minimal fee. Military personnel (with military ID) will receive a free event shirt. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/celebrationofheroes, call Elaine Stellato at (413) 747-3371, or e-mail [email protected].

Springfield Police Year in Review
May 26: Since taking his post last June, Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri has focused his efforts on a collaborative, community-oriented approach to public safety through five priority objectives. He will present an update on his first year as commissioner at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s Pastries, Politics and Policy event from 8 to 9 a.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. When he first was sworn in, Barbieri said he would strive to “re-engineer police services to positively impact crime, quality of life, and fear-of-crime issues, and improve quality of service and stakeholder satisfaction” through becoming more proactive, improving response times, increasing levels of service, building relationships with stakeholders, and developing and measuring feedback processes. He has launched an expanded Counter Criminal Continuum (C-3) policing model to the North End, the Hollywood section of the South End, the area around Mason Square, and the Belmont Avenue/Oakland Street section of Forest Park; introduced an innovative, web-based neighborhood-watch program; and continues to conduct successful law-enforcement sweeps across the city, concentrating on quality-of-life issues. The cost of the May 26 event are $15 for members, $25 for general admission, and includes continental breakfast. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by e-mailing Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

‘Women Lead Change’
May 28: The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) will host “Women Lead Change: A Celebration of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI) Class of 2015” at the Log Cabin in Holyoke from 6 to 8 p.m. More than 200 participants are expected to attend, including local and state elected officials. The keynote speaker is Attorney General Maura Healey, who began her term in January. She has led groundbreaking cases for civil rights, fair lending and housing, and litigation supporting access to reproductive health care for women. The Women’s Fund will honor her achievements with a “She Changes the World” award at the event. Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse will welcome guests, and Emily McLaughlin, deputy director of the Massachusetts Treasury’s department on Economic Empowerment, will also give remarks. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online until Sunday, May 24 at www.womensfund.net. “We are thrilled to host our distinguished speakers as we welcome 38 highly qualified women into our LIPPI ranks,” said WFWM CEO Elizabeth Barajas-Román. “Our LIPPI program has trained more than 200 women in Western Massachusetts to run for elected office, 20% of whom have run their first race, with a 60% success rate. We know LIPPI women run, and LIPPI women win.” LIPPI is a 10-month program, the only one of its kind in Massachusetts, designed to respond to the shortage of women stepping into leadership at all levels. Focusing on areas such as public speaking, community organizing, the legislative process and policy making, fund-raising and campaigning, collaborative and cooperative working models, and board service, LIPPI gives women the tools and confidence they need to become more involved as civic leaders in their communities and to impact policy on the local, state, and national levels. Representing 40% women of color, LIPPI graduates comprise a wide spectrum of backgrounds, ethnic groups, and ages. They also represent all four Western Mass. counties, and their achievements range from running for office to managing campaigns; from fund-raising for female candidates to entering the Yale Women’s Campaign School. Two graduates are currently running for mayor in Pittsfield and Greenfield. Together, graduates form a strong cohort of like-minded women who support each other when they run for office, meet with policy makers, form coalitions, and conduct get-out-the-vote efforts. The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is a public foundation that invests in local women and girls through strategic grant making and leadership development. Since 1997, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than $2 million in grants to nearly 100 organizations in Western Mass.

40 Under Forty
June 18:The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House the evening of June 18. The event honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, and this year’s class was profiled in the April 20 issue. This year’s winners represent virtually every sector of the economy — from financial services to manufacturing; retail to healthcare; technology to nonprofit management; education to law. They also show the seemingly innumerable ways people can give back to the community. This year’s event will feature a new award — the Continued Excellence Award, presented to the previous honoree who has most impressively built upon their track record of excellence. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. The nomination form can be found at HERE. Always one of the most anticipated events and best networking opportunities on the calendar, the gala will feature lavish food stations, entertainment, and the introduction of this year’s class. Tickets cost $65 each, with a limited number of standing-room-only tickets still available. Tickets can be ordered by calling (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or by visiting HERE. The 40 Under Forty program and gala are sponsored this year by Northwestern Mutual (presenting sponsor), Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsor), Fathers & Sons, the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, and United Bank.

Valley Fest
Aug. 29: White Lion Brewing Co. announced that it will host its inaugural beer festival, called Valley Fest, at Court Square in downtown Springfield. MGM Springfield will be the presenting sponsor. The festival is poised to be White Lion’s signature annual event, introducing the young brand to craft-beer enthusiasts throughout New England and beyond. White Lion Brewing Co., the city of Springfield’s only brewery, launched in October 2014. Founder Ray Berry and brewmaster Mike Yates have released three selections under the White Lion brand and have been busy promoting their efforts in venues all over Massachusetts and other New England states. Berry anticipates that more than 50 breweries and many local food vendors will converge on Court Square for two sessions. Enthusiasts will have an opportunity to sample more than 100 varieties of beer and hard cider alongside pairing selections by local chefs. A number of sponsors have already committed to the event, including MassMutual Financial Group, the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the Dennis Group, Springfield Sheraton Monarch Place, Paragus Strategic IT, Williams Distributing, and the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID). “We are honored to sponsor Valley Fest and look forward to it being an annual event that shares in the facilitation of growth within the downtown community,” said Chris Russell, executive director of the Springfield BID. Visit www.valleybrewfest.com for event details, ongoing updates, and sponsorship opportunities. A portion of Valley Fest proceeds will support several local charities.

Western Mass. Business Expo
Nov. 4: Comcast Business will present the fifth annual Western Mass. Business Expo at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News in partnership with Go Graphix and Rider Productions. The business-to-business show will feature more than 100 booths, seminars and Show Floor Theater presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and a day-capping Expo Social. Details about specific events, programs, and featured speakers will be printed in future issues of BusinessWest. Current sponsors include MGM Springfield, Expo Social Sponsor; the Isenberg School of Business at UMass Amherst, Education Sponsor; Johnson & Hill Staffing, Silver Sponsor; DIF Design, Director Level Sponsor; and 94.7 WMAS, Media Sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Exhibitor spaces are also available; booths prices start at $750. For more information on sponsorships or booth purchase, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

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.

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
East PBE Inc. v. Lighthouse General Contractors Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for equipment provided: $10,094.75
Filed: 4/2/15

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Brittany Dalton v. Patrick W. Edmunds, D.M.D.
Allegation: Negligent extraction of wisdom tooth causing permanent damage: $225,000
Filed: 2/27/15

DLW Realty, LLC v. Christian Carey, Architect, P.C.
Allegation: Negligent design of the Pet Hotel: $75,000+
Filed: 4/6/15

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Hadley Printing Co. v. Signature Advertising and Design Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $24,894
Filed: 3/2/15

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Reinhart Food Service, LLC v. The Sub & Pizza of Amherst Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,366.91
Filed: 2/20/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
J.L. Raymakers & Sons Inc. v. Split Excavating Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay under the terms of a contract: $11,300
Filed: 3/31/15

Lawrence Goodman v. TR Stone Trucking Co. and Thomas R. Stone
Allegation: Failure to pay wages: $25,000
Filed: 4/6/15

Sandra Rodriguez v. Fashion Gallery Inc. d/b/a Rainbow
Allegation: Negligent failure to maintain business premises: $24,000
Filed: 4/7/15

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

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]

Manufacturing the Future

More than 12,000 business owners, engineers, designers, production managers, and purchasing executives gathered at EASTEC, the East Coast’s premier manufacturing event, last week at the Eastern States Exposition. In its 34th year, the event showcased the latest manufacturing technologies and provided access to industry experts sharing insights on how to foster innovation, increase productivity, and improve profits. This year, more than 300 new products were highlighted at the show. Among the 650 exhibitors were many from Greater Springfield, including (from top to bottom) Ray Jack, senior sales representative, Steve Atkins, technical sales, and Don Quinn, inside sales manager, Lenox in East Longmeadow; Melinda Mitton, treasurer and management representative, Advance Welding in Springfield; Alex McGill, vice president, McGill Hose & Coupling Inc. in East Longmeadow; and Kathleen Trudeau, vice president, sales and marketing, Hayden Corp., West Springfield.

Springfield Awarded $526,813 for Sewer-improvement Project

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, announced more than $6.7 million in loan-principal forgiveness for 13 communities statewide, including Springfield. The principal-forgiveness funds, administered by the state and funded by the federal government, were awarded on a competitive basis to cities and towns most in need of financial assistance associated with loan payments to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. The funds will be used for financing improvements to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission received a $526,813 award for the CWP-14-27 Dickinson Street siphon/main interceptor rehabilitation project. The objective of the project is to rehabilitate and extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure and to improve hydraulic capacity which allows for mitigation of structural failure leading to sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) events.

Approximately half of Springfield and the surrounding towns of Ludlow and Wilbraham are served by the main interceptor (MI), which runs for approximately 27,200 feet. The MI was built in 1972 and is constructed of 60-inch and 66-inch reinforced concrete pipe. Based on recent inspection, the MI is considered to be in structural distress. The Dickinson Street Siphon feeds a large catchment of flow into the MI. SSOs into the Mill River and neighborhoods have occurred at the siphon during heavy rainfall events. As part of the project, the siphon will be replaced with a large-diameter gravity sewer.

“The Clean Water Trust delivers a critical service to our municipalities by financing water infrastructure projects,” Goldberg said. “Improving water quality presents a range of both public-health and economic benefits for the citizens and communities we represent.”

The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust improves water quality in the Commonwealth through the provision of low-cost capital financing to cities, towns, and other eligible entities, and maintains stewardship of public funds. Because of the reduction of loan principal funded by this program, impacted communities will see their biannual loan payments reduced, freeing up capital for other local needs. The loans were originated to pay for municipal water projects such as upgrades to water-treatment facilities and stormwater and sewer-improvement projects.

“By providing access to low-cost capital, the Clean Water Trust enables communities to make much-needed investments in this critical, yet often-forgotten infrastructure,” said Rachel Madden, undersecretary for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and designee to the Clean Water Trust board of trustees. “I look forward to working with the Treasurer’s Office, the Department of Environmental Protection, and all other members of the Clean Water Trust on similar projects in the future.”

Springfield College Names Calvin Hill to Vice President Role

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Calvin Hill has been named vice president for inclusion and community engagement at Springfield College, following a national search.

With more than 20 years of experience as a faculty member in higher education, Hill most recently served as the university diversity and inclusion officer for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. Previously, he developed strong ties to higher education in Massachusetts working as assistant to the president and director of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity at Worcester State University; serving as associate provost and chief diversity officer for MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston; and prospering as assistant dean and director of diversity programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Hill’s experience has included a commitment to providing equal access to educational opportunities for underrepresented populations, and to lead institutional compliance efforts around the ADA, Title VI, Title VII, VOWA, the Campus SaVE Act, and Title IX.

“I am pleased to announce that Calvin will be joining the leadership team at Springfield College,” said Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper. “Springfield College recognizes that a diverse and inclusive campus community where different perspectives are recognized and celebrated is an integral part of educating students in the 21st century. In addition, we are proud of our collaborative partnerships with many community organizations, and we are committed to being a strong advocate for greater Springfield. Calvin’s experience in both academic and professional settings will enhance the college’s goals and vision in these areas moving forward.”

Reporting directly to the president, Hill will work closely with a broad range of students, faculty, staff, and community constitutes to develop Springfield College as a model for diversity and inclusion in higher education. Striving to connect the college’s intellectual and cultural resources to area communities, his leadership will support the recruitment and retention of a diverse student population. In addition, he will monitor, document, and facilitate the college’s integrated governmental and community relations and serve as a liaison to local, state, and federal government agencies.

“I am thrilled to join the Springfield College community in the position of vice president for inclusion and community engagement,” said Hill. “From what I have seen and heard, Springfield College is a special place, and I look forward to working with its dedicated faculty, staff, students, and community partners to not only shape, but to also gain a better understanding of the world around us.”

Hill has a doctor of philosophy degree in political science from Howard University, a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Emporia State University, and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Bethany College.

Porchlight Hires Amie Miarecki as Marketing, Development Manager

By BusinessWest Staff May 19, 2015

Daily News

LEE — Amie Miarecki has been hired as Marketing and Development manager for Porchlight VNA/Home Care.

Miarecki will focus on customer service, business development, and brand awareness for the free-standing, not-for-profit organization. In 2014, Chicopee VNA, Great to Be Home Care, and Porchlight VNA/Home Care merged to cover all of Berkshire, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. The agency has received several awards, including Home Care Elite Awards of Excellence as one of the top 500 home-health agencies in the U.S. according to Decision Health and National Research Corp.

Miarecki is a board member for MotherWoman and a member of the Professional Women’s Chamber, the GFWC Agawam Junior Women’s Club, the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, the AIDS Foundation of Western MA events committee, and the civic and community engagement committee of the Springfield City Library. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in corporate and organizational communications, specializing in leadership, from Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies.

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