Home 2015 (Page 35)

Year: 2015

Normandeau Wins North American Partner of the Year Award

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Normandeau Technologies (NTI) announced it has been awarded the 2014 Ericsson-LG Enterprise North American Partner of the Year Award at the Ericsson-LG Global Partner Conference held in Cancun, Mexico.

The award celebrates the excellence Normandeau Technologies has achieved in helping to build the North American distribution channel for the iPECS communications platform and for its success in bringing IP telephony, unified communications, mobility, and call-center solutions to SMBs in industries such as manufacturing, insurance, realty, medical, education, government, and financial.

Bob Rankin, general manager of Presence Management, the largest distributor of Ericsson-LG iPECS products in North America, noted, “NTI continues to expand sales of our award-winning iPECS LIK VoIP platform with the iPECS Unified Communications Solution (iPECS UCS) and iPECS Contact Center Suite Solution (iPECS CCS). We recognize and appreciate the continuous hard work NTI performs in their region, and we applaud their continued success with iPECS.”

Successfully marketed worldwide with a dominant market share in South Korea, Australia, and South Africa, and significant market share in many other countries, the iPECS is a highly scalable and fault-tolerant platform that connects up to 1,200 endpoints per system and up to 300,000 endpoints with networking. It’s a versatile, premise-based IP phone platform with a competitive entry cost, five-year warranty, and one of the industry’s lowest total cost of ownership (TCO).

The Ericsson-LG UCS is a collaboration platform for organizations of virtually any size that integrates voice, presence, video conferencing, and instant messaging on the IPECS platform. The Ericsson-LG CCS is a multi-channel call-center solution providing intelligent management of multiple communication mediums.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition for our sales success with the Ericsson LG line of advanced communication applications in the Massachusetts area and for our success in bringing these new technologies to our clients,” said Brett Normandeau, president of NTI. “Solutions like the iPECS UCS and iPECS CCS offer a tightly integrated, next-generation communications environment for telecom resellers at a very compelling price point.”

Bowling Event to Benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County will host Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the mentoring organization’s biggest annual fund-raiser, on Saturday, April 25 at the French King Entertainment Center in Erving from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ]

The 45 year-old, donor-funded organization challenges everyone — mentors and mentees, their friends and families, business people, community leaders, and others who may not have time to mentor, but still support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission — to join Bowl for Kids’ Sake help change the life of a child forever. For more than 40 years, Bowl for Kids’ Sake has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, becoming its premiere fund-raising event and raising $20 million nationwide each year.

People interested in forming a team should contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County directly, via [email protected] or (413) 772-0915. Once a team is formed, each team member should starting soliciting donations from friends, colleagues, or family members. The minimum total pledge amount, per team member, is $75. In addition, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County is still accepting corporate sponsors for this event.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2015 challenges bowlers to dress like a superhero — either a known character or one from the participant’s own imagination. Prizes will be awarded to teams and individuals for creativity and team unity. In addition, all bowlers can qualify for gift certificates to area restaurants by raising $100 or more; all bowlers who raise $75 or more automatically receive a free T-shirt. The day will also include 50/50 raffles, a photo booth provided by Base Camp Photo, music, food, drink, and more.

ERC5 Slates Member Appreciation Night for April 16

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5), an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, will celebrate its members with a Member Appreciation Night on April 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill, 782 Center St., Ludlow.

Attendees will enjoy beer and wine tastings and complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and have opportunities to participate in games of chance and raffles. Sponsored by HealthSouth Rehabilitation, Life Care Center of Wilbraham, Reminder Publications, CMD Technology Group, the Republican, the Gaudreau Group, and Go Graphix, the event is open to ERC5 members and their non-member guests.

The cost is $5 for ERC5 members and complimentary for their guests. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Amanda Brodkin at [email protected].

Berkshire Theatre Group Taps Tony Simotes as Managing Director

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Kate Maguire, its CEO and artistic director, announced the addition of Tony Simotes as managing director and artistic associate.

“I have known Tony Simotes for over 25 years,” Maguire said. “He is a respected theatre artist, administrator, and educator. Tony is regarded in the Berkshires as one of our caretakers, an individual who has helped transform the cultural landscape. For as long as I have known him, he has brought integrity, joy, and curiosity to whatever position he has held — whether it be as fund-raiser, director, stage combat teacher, actor, or artistic leader.”

She added, “I am looking forward to partnering with Tony to continue strengthening our beloved theatre through our endeavors to bring the highest quality of work and entertainment to our stages, and to enrich local students’ lives through transformative arts in education programs. Tony Simotes and I have long shared the belief that the arts open doorways of growth, and I am proud to begin this new and exciting chapter in the story of these renowned theatres now merged as Berkshire Theatre Group.”

Ruth Blodgett, BTG board president, noted that, “when Kate approached the board about hiring Tony to add to our BTG team, we were thrilled. He has already made many contributions to the Berkshires, and we are excited to have him support Kate as she leads BTG to put on great shows that we can all enjoy and also contribute to our critical education and community-development mission. Tony has an impressive track record, and we are so pleased to have him stay in the Berkshires and become an integral part of our work.”


Simotes is the former artistic director and president of Shakespeare & Co., a professional company he helped found in 1978. Tony was also an actor, director, and master teacher of fight and movement for the company. He was instrumental in helping manage the company through its recent financial stress to greater stability. Simotes also spent six years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a full professor and director of University Theatre.

“It is such an honor to be a part of Berkshire Theater Group,” he said. “When Kate called me, I immediately said yes. I’ve known her from my earliest days working here in the Berkshires, and over the years we’ve had the opportunity to share our passion for the theatre as colleagues and, most importantly, as friends. To be able to continue the work I started here in the Berkshires, and to be able to assist one of America’s most celebrated theaters, is a true blessing. I share Kate’s vision of what BTG has meant and will continue to mean to the American theatre. Her trust and confidence in what we can achieve together is the very stuff of what makes this adventure of a life in the theatre worthwhile.”

Chamber Leaders Head to Beacon Hill for Business Summit

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) will travel to Boston for the annual ACCGS Beacon Hill Summit on Wednesday, April 29.

Sponsored by Baystate Health, Comcast, and WWLP-TV22, and presented in partnership with the ACCGS’s member chambers, the largest regional business summit at the State House provides an unencumbered opportunity for business and community leaders to hear from and speak with members of the Baker-Polito administration and members of the local legislative delegation.

Attendees will have an opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas during the day’s formal sessions and social events. Hosted by state Sen. James Welch, Senate Chair of the Healthcare Financing Committee, the event will include addresses from Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, and state Rep. Joseph Wagner, chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Topics to be discussed include the state’s budget, infrastructure, healthcare, and energy.

The day’s agenda will also include lunch at the Omni Parker House with members of the region’s delegation and a wrap-up reception at the 21st Amendment. Buses will depart the Plantation Inn, off Exit 6 of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Chicopee, at 7 a.m. and will return by 7 p.m.

The all-inclusive cost is $180 and includes transportation, continental breakfast, lunch, reception, and all materials. Reservations are required by April 22 and can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting ACCGS Member Services Director Sarah Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313 or [email protected].

2015 40 Under Forty Continued Excellence Award

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40 Under 40 Alumni Achievement Award

Delcie Bean IV

Delcie Bean IV

HOLYOKE — Serial entrepreneur Delcie Bean IV took home BusinessWest’s inaugural Continued Excellence Award at last night’s ninth annual 40 Under Forty gala.

It was yet another honor for the owner of Paragus Strategic IT, who was named BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneur for 2014. For the Continued Excellence Award, which will be awarded annually to a former 40 Under Forty honoree who has continued to expand his or her business accomplishments and community impact, Bean was among about 40 individuals nominated by their peers and judged by an independent panel (nomination form is HERE).

“Nothing I have done has not been without the help of at least 100 other people,” Bean said to more than 650 attendees of the 40 Under Forty event at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. He cited, as one example, the 24 high-school students who graduated this week from Tech Foundry, a nonprofit he started to provide IT workforce training and job skills to young people.

A member of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2008 when he was just 21, Bean has since seen Paragus grow 450% and earn status as one of Inc. magazine’s fastest-growing companies on several occasions, and recently earn the Top Employer of Choice Award from the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast. He’s also started a second business venture, Waterdog Technologies, a technology-distribution company.

Meanwhile, within the community, he has been active with Valley Venture Mentors, River Valley Investors, and DevelopSpringfield; is a board member for Up Academy Springfield; and serves as a board member for the Mass. Department of Elementary & Secondary Education’s Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards Panel.

In his short acceptance speech last night, Bean put the focus not on himself, but on the promise of the Pioneer Valley.

“I’m just one of many people who helped me get to where I am,” he said. “I’m so incredibly grateful to be here, to be part of the Valley. And you know what? I think there’s so much more we can do. I really, really think this Valley has a huge story ahead of it. I’m excited to be a part of that, and I hope you guys will join me. And, with that challenge, let’s see what’s next.”

The other four finalists for the Continued Excellence Award were Kamari Collins (40 Under Forty class of 2009), dean of Academic Advising and Student Success at Springfield Technical Community College; Jeff Fialky (class of 2008), partner at Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Cinda Jones (class of 2007), president of Cowls Lumber Co.; and Kristin Leutz (class of 2010), vice president of Philanthropic Services for the Community Foundation of Western Mass.

The judges for the inaugural award were Carol Campbell, president of Chicopee Industrial Contractors; Eric Gouvin, dean of the Western New England School of Law; and Kirk Smith, former director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

Easter Bunny Hops to Holyoke Mall

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Easter Bunny has arrived at Holyoke Mall to kick off the spring season. The Easter Bunny is located on the lower level of the JCPenney court for greetings and pictures. The bunny patch will be open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Easter.

Children of all ages love visiting the Easter Bunny, so bring the whole family to capture the moment, and choose from an assortment of photo packages. For more upcoming events with the Easter Bunny, visit www.holyokemall.com.

Springfield Restaurant Week Slated for April 23 to May 2

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council’s young professionals subcommittee, partnered with the Springfield Business Improvement District (BID), will serve up mouth-watering meals during Springfield Restaurant Week 2015. The event will take place from April 23 to May 2, 2015.

Many downtown and riverfront restaurants are featured in this event, including Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou, Currents (Marriott), Champions (Marriott), Luxe Burger Bar, Nadim’s Mediterranean, Panjabi Tadka, PICKS/MVP (Sheraton), Plan B Burger, the Fort/Student Prince, Theodore’s, Pizzeria Uno, Adolfo’s, McCaffrey’s Public House, Blackjack Steakhouse, and Shakago. Each restaurant will offer a special two- or three-course dinner menu for a set price of $20.15 per person. Further details and menus will be posted on springfielddowntown.com/dinespringfield.

City Councilor Justin Hurst, who chairs the young professionals subcommittee, noted that “attracting and retaining young professionals to this great city has always been my priority, and Restaurant Week is a great start to bringing this vision to fruition. It is an opportunity for not only young professionals, but families and the community at large to experience the unique spread the city has to offer.”

Added BID Assistant Director Morgan Drewniany, “we’re proud to forge a partnership with the YP subcommittee to promote a vibrant downtown through supporting Springfield restaurants.”
Event sponsors include Baystate Health, Williams Distributing, White Lion Brewing Co., Garten, LLC Landscaping and Services, Farmington Bank, MassLive, and Inspired Marketing Inc.

Springfield College School of Social Work Presents Awards

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College School of Social Work (SSW) recently honored 2014-15 Field Supervisor of the Year awardees Joni Beck Brewer and Katherine Nazario during its annual Field Supervisor Appreciation Event at the Brennan Center. The SSW has been presenting this honor as a way to recognize the strong contributions of local field supervisors working with SSW students since 2005.

Brewer has more than 25 years of social-work experience, including serving as Square One’s vice president of family services since 2006. Throughout her career, Brewer has focused primarily on supporting and strengthening parents so that they may raise happy, healthy children. As part of Brewer’s responsibilities with Square One, she oversees support services for families and children, including home visiting and group services for young parents, parents who are or were incarcerated, parents in recovery, and parents who are challenged by issues of homelessness and other life stressors. Along with her responsibilities at Square One, she serves as a trainer for the Massachusetts Children’s Trust’s Healthy Families program.

Nazario serves as a coordinator of the student and family assistance center at Quirk Middle School in Hartford, Conn. She also works as district intervention specialist for Hartford schools and is a founding faculty member and part of the leadership team for Opportunity High School. Nazario is dedicated to helping students identify their strengths, find their voice, and reach their potential. She has served as a clinician for the Village of Families and Children for the past seven years, as well as working as a case manager for Mi Casa Services and serving as a mentor for Mentoring Services Community Residence Inc.

SSW offers multiple programs for students, including a full-time, two-year, weekday master of social work program in Springfield, and a part-time, three-year, weekend master of social work program in Springfield and Worcester. There are also options for graduates of Council on Social Work Education-accredited bachelor of social work programs to choose either a four-semester weekend or three-semester weekday advanced standing program. The dual master of social work/juris doctorate is a four-year, full-time program in conjunction with Western New England University School of Law. Students can also work toward a post-master’s certificate in advanced practice with children and adolescents.

Since 1989, SSW has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the official accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S. Graduates are eligible for professional social-work licensure in all 50 states. The MSW/JD program is accredited by the American Bar Assoc. and is a member of the Assoc. of American Law Schools. Graduates are eligible for professional social-work licensure and bar examination.

The home of SSW, the Brennan Center, is a state-of-the-art teaching and conference facility that underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 2002. The facility was again renovated in 2012 to include more classroom and office space. It includes technologically enhanced classrooms, a computer lab, a tiered auditorium, faculty offices, and a large, light-filled atrium, which is the site of school events and also serves as a student lounge. Easily accessible, it is located just over a mile from the main campus, and has on-site parking. The weekend program in Worcester is located at Saint Vincent Hospital.

Dr. Laura Iglesias Lino Wins Physician Award

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Praised for her leadership and for using her skills in geriatrics and palliative care to help Spanish-speaking and other immigrant populations in Springfield, Dr. Laura Iglesias Lino has been named a recipient of the 2015 Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physician Award.

Iglesias Lino, medical director for Geriatrics and Palliative Care at Baystate Brightwood Health Center/Centro de Salud and associate medical director for Hospice at Baystate Medical Center, is one of five physicians nationwide recognized with the award. The awards program honors leaders who advance palliative care in underserved areas and forge ties with various medical specialists to help people with cancer.

“This cohort of physicians demonstrates that compassion, competency, and a healing presence are cherished by patients and their families and admired and respected by their colleagues,” said Dr. Richard Payne, chairman of the selection committee and the Esther Colliflower Professor of Medicine and Divinity at Duke University and the John B. Francis Chair in Bioethics at the Center for Practical Bioethics. “The awards will make a difference for their careers, and will assist them in building palliative-care programs in their communities.”

Each of the five recipients was noted as being exemplary in one or more of four areas: medical practice, teaching, research, and community. Awards were made in three categories: senior, mid-career, and early-career. Recognized in the early-career category, Iglesias Lino will receive $15,000 to further her work in palliative care in Springfield.

“Although I was her teacher and am decades older, I hope to match her dedication to patients one day,” said Dr. Maura Brennan, chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Palliative Care & Post-acute Medicine at Baystate Medical Center, and hospice medical director for the Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice. “Dr. Iglesias Lino has an unassuming, gentle nature and is more likely to design programs for patents in need than write scholarly articles for publication. She has a beautiful soul and is precisely the type of physician our aging society needs. Dr. Iglesias Lino combines the best parts of a geriatrician and a palliative-care physician and is eminently worthy of this prestigious award.”

Iglesias Lino received her medical degree from the Universidad Nacional San Agustin de Arequipa in Peru. She completed her internal medicine residency at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, followed by a geriatrics fellowship at Baystate Medical Center. She is board-certified in both geriatrics and palliative care.

While at Baystate Brightwood Health Center, Iglesias Lino has developed a team-based program to ease caregiver stress and provide quality of life for patients with advanced dementias. Her knowledge, diagnostic abilities, and treatment plans put her in high demand as a primary care physician and consultant. Her teaching and caregiving skills have generated culture change in a clinic with little previous experience in geriatric or palliative care.

The Cunniff-Dixon Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the doctor-patient relationship near the end of life, funds the awards. The Hastings Center, a bioethics research institute that has done groundbreaking work on end-of-life decision-making, co-sponsors the awards. Duke University Divinity School’s Program in Medicine, Theology, and Culture oversees the selection process.

“All these award winners share a commitment to reaching special populations, from children with cancer to veterans to underserved minority communities,” said Mildred Solomon, president of the Hastings Center. “They are outstanding clinicians who provide exquisite patient care, but who also have the skill and commitment to create durable organizational structures that will ensure that the work succeeds over time.”

40 Under Forty Gala to Take Place June 18

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The ninth annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on Thursday, June 18. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 has been chosen, and will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

Tickets sell out quickly, so call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100 to order tickets or for more information.

Landmark at Monastery Heights Offers Seminar on Home Sales

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Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The public is invited to attend Simplify Your Home Sale, a free seminar at Landmark at Monastery Heights on 110 Monastery Ave. in West Springfield, on Wednesday, April 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Real-estate expert Kim Landry from Park Square Realty will discuss the secrets of selling a home quickly and for the highest price. In addition, Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman from the Clutter Doctor Inc. will help put attendees at ease with a helpful, methodical approach to sorting belongings and downsizing.

Tours and refreshments will be provided after the presentation. Contact Mary-Anne DiBlasio, marketing director, at (413) 781-1282 for additional information.

Berkshire Health Systems Partners with Ob/Gyn Practices

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — In a move that will help to ensure long-term obstetric and gynecologic services throughout the region, Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that three key ob/gyn physician practices have joined together and formed Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC, which solidifies and stabilizes critical women’s health services for the community.

The three practices joining under the Berkshire Health Systems Physician Practice Group are Berkshire Ob/Gyn Associates, located in Pittsfield and Lenox, and Northern Berkshire Ob/Gyn and Gyn Services of the Berkshires, located in Adams. This investment in ob/gyn stabilizes these essential physician services and supports consistent and reliable access to care.

The partnership was partially precipitated by the 2014 closure of the former North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) and the community need to provide ongoing maternal-child healthcare for residents of North Berkshire. A former NARH physician practice, Northern Berkshire Ob/Gyn was able to continue to provide care without interruption of service when Berkshire Health Systems assumed responsibility for the practice, and Berkshire Ob/Gyn provided coverage for the North Berkshire physicians and their patients.

Growing changes in healthcare policy and in the health insurance reimbursement system have challenged the viability of private physician practices, which was a major factor in prompting Berkshire Ob/GYn to join together with the two BHS practices to form one unified service under BHS. At the same time, healthcare systems like BHS are increasingly relied upon to ensure current and future access to critical services for the community by investing in physician practices and ensuring they have the necessary support systems and financial stability and investment to succeed in the long term.

Working together, the physicians of Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC can provide 24/7 coverage for maternity and routine, surgical, and emergency gynecological care throughout the region.
Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC includes Drs. Andrew Beckwith, Daniel Barraez-Masroua, Robert Benner, Herbert Kantor, Joan Lister, Charles O’Neill, Cassandra Service, Michael Shreefter, Lauren Slater, and Susan Yates. In addition, the practice features the expertise of three certified nurse midwives: Robin Rivinus, Lydia Kelly, and Evelyn Resh. The practice will continue to provide services throughout Central and Northern Berkshire County, with offices in Pittsfield, Lenox, and Adams. O’Neill and Yates will primarily work out of the Adams office, but will also provide services in Central Berkshire County. Lister will provide urgent-care gynecological services.

“The strength of this combined physician practice will allow us to continue to provide comprehensive ob/gyn and women’s-health services for all who need this care in the Berkshires,” Beckwith said. “Healthcare has become increasingly complex, and private physician practices are faced with significant challenges that threaten their long-term viability. By becoming part of Berkshire Health Systems, we have preserved these practices, and, as one unified provider, we can assure access to our patients to the best physician and healthcare services possible.”

Added David Phelps, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems, “with the precarious state of the health-insurance reimbursement system, BHS has taken on an increasing role in helping to stabilize physician practices in order to guarantee continued access to these essential services, and that they are able to care for our community’s healthcare needs now and in the future. The integration of these three practices into one comprehensive service will provide the foundation for that continued access to high-quality care for the women of the Berkshires.”

Berkshire Ob/Gyn of BMC is accepting new patients and can be reached in Pittsfield at (413) 499-8570 or in Adams at (413) 664-4343.

Jack Ferriter Selected as Massachusetts Bar Foundation Trustee

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Daily News

BOSTON — At its March annual meeting, the board of trustees of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) unanimously selected Attorney Jack Ferriter as a member of the board of trustees for a four-year term. The board meets in Boston and is comprised of judges and lawyers from across the Commonwealth. Ferriter has been a fllow of the MBF for 12 years and has served on the grant-review committee for the last 10 years.

The MBF represents the commitment of lawyers and judges in Massachusetts to improve the administration of justice, promote an understanding of the law, and ensure equal access to the legal system for all residents of the Commonwealth, particularly those most vulnerable.

Ferriter is a business and estate attorney at Ferriter Law in Holyoke. He recently received the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award from the Community Foundation and has served as campaign chair and board chair of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, among many other leadership positions. Ferriter has also been recognized by the YMCA, the Saint Patrick Committee, and the Northeast Public Power Assoc.

He is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, where he was a member of the President’s Council, and Western New England University School of Law, where he served on the Law Review Editorial Board.

Unemployment Rates Largely Down Across Massachusetts

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for February were down in 17 labor market areas, unchanged in four areas, and up in three areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compared with February 2014, over the year, unemployment rates were down in all of the labor market areas.

During February, four of the 15 areas for which job estimates are published recorded seasonal job gains, one had no change in jobs, and the remaining 10 areas lost jobs. The largest job gains were in the Springfield, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, Worcester, and Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford areas. New Bedford was the only area to have no change in its jobs level. Since last February, all 15 areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the Barnstable, Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, New Bedford, Leominster-Gardner, and Lawrence-Methuen Town-Salem areas.

In order to compare the statewide rate to the local unemployment rates, BLS estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for February was 5.4%, down 0.2% from the revised January 2015 rate. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was down 1.2% from the February 2014 rate of 6.6%.

The seasonally adjusted statewide February unemployment rate, released on March 19, was 4.9%, down 0.2% over the month and down 1.1% over the year. The rate was 0.6% below the national unemployment rate. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed an 800-job gain in February and an over-the-year gain of 58,100 jobs.

The labor force, unemployment rates, and job estimates for Massachusetts, and for every other state, are based on several different statistical methodologies specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor-market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

Women’s Fund Extends Grant Deadline; $240,000 Available

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced an extension of its grant-application deadline to this Friday, March 27. Commitments of $240,000 are available for organizations in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.

Each grant recipient will receive $60,000 over three years to deploy innovative programs that help shift the landscape for women and girls within the organization’s focus areas of educational access and success, economic justice, and safety and freedom from violence. Grant applications are available on the WFWM website and are due on March 27 at 5 p.m.

“Due to renewed and expanded investments from community members in the Women’s Fund mission, we are thrilled to be able to offer another round of multi-year grants in 2015,” said Elizabeth Barajas-Román, CEO of the WFWM. “Multi-year grants allow us to partner with organizations in a sustained way that helps make a significant impact in communities. This funding will increase our ability to scale up and positively affect the lives of women and girls.”

Successful applications will demonstrate meaningful partnerships among two or more organizations, agencies, or projects, she added. “We know that effective solutions require creative collaboration.”

In addition to the financial award, the Women’s Fund will invest an additional $20,000 in each grantee by giving each project the opportunity to select two staff, constituents, or board members as participants of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI), a program of the Women’s Fund that has equipped 200 women from across the four western counties to become civic leaders in their communities; impact policy on the local, state, and national levels; and seek and retain elected positions.

Hampshire College Names Samantha Coulter to Sales, Marketing Role

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Daily News

AMHERST — Samantha Coulter recently accepted the role of assistant director of Sales and Marketing in the Event Service and Summer Program Office at Hampshire College. She is responsible for bringing in external clients for social, corporate, and summer events.

Her previous experience includes working with trade-show sales, where she covered the entire U.S. as her territory, handling the marketing, advertising, and sales for a Connecticut-based banquet facility and being the social-catering sales manager for a Massachusetts hotel with more than 300 overnight rooms, 20 meeting rooms, and a large ballroom.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with so many corporate, nonprofit, and social clients who are using our space daily,” Coulter said. “I am passionate about my new role at Hampshire College and look forward to bringing more groups on to the beautiful and unique campus.”

Mercy Announces $1 Million Gift for Cancer Center Campaign

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center announced that Cynthia and William Lyons have made a $1 million challenge gift to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. The Lyons’ gift will support the 26,000-square-foot expansion of the Cancer Center and is particularly significant because it reflects the largest single gift for the Capital Campaign from members of the community.

“We have been inspired by the high level of care and compassion that runs throughout the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Cynthia Lyons. “The work being done at the Sister Caritas Cancer Center is especially exciting.”

Added Daniel Moen, president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System, “The tremendous support we have received from Cynthia and William Lyons is indicative of the importance and necessity of the services provided by the Sister Caritas Cancer Center. We are grateful for their generosity on behalf of the patients who will benefit from the expansion project.”

Under the leadership of Dr. Philip Glynn, director of Oncology, the Sister Caritas Cancer Center staff has expanded significantly to meet patient need that continues to increase. By 2022, demand for outpatient cancer services is expected to grow by 26%.

In addition to increasing treatment space, the $15 million expansion will bolster the cancer center’s already strong capabilities by enhancing communication among the oncology providers and facilitating ease of access to existing services. The design of new infusion bays will increase privacy for patients, as well as for a supporting family member or friend.

“We are so impressed with the new leadership and forward thinking of Mercy Medical Center and its oncology center,” Lyons said. “The commitment and vision of the physicians directly involved with the growth of the cancer center speaks to the investment of the hospital community. The new plan unites state-of-the-art treatment, research, and clinical-trial opportunities with Mercy’s trademark mission-driven qualities of compassion and respect for the individual.

“This expansion is important because, directly or indirectly, cancer touches all of us,” she continued. “People really do want to be part of something that is successful and meaningful. We sincerely hope our gift inspires others in our community to give as well.”

To make a gift to Transforming Cancer Care – the Capital Campaign for the Sister Caritas Cancer Center, call (413) 748-9920 or visit www.mercycares.com.

Greenfield Savings Bank Names John Howland President and CEO

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank recently announced that John Howland has been chosen to succeed Rebecca Caplice as the next president and CEO of the bank and its holding company, GSB, MHC. Howland was elected at the bank’s annual meeting of corporators on March 18.

Howland served as president of two banks prior to joining Greenfield Savings, most recently the First Bank of Greenwich, based in Greenwich, Conn. He has worked in the financial-services field his entire career, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and a juris doctor degree from the University of Maine School of Law.

“John brings a broad range of experience from both banking and the financial-services sector,” said Ed Margola, chairman of the board. “His commitment to community, management style, and personality are consistent with Greenfield Savings Bank’s philosophy and goals.”

Added Howland, “I am honored to have been selected to serve as the president and CEO of this extraordinary institution. Becky Caplice has done an amazing job as the CEO. I’m stepping into a position with a well-run organization led by a strong senior management team and welcoming employees.”

Howland, 50, notes that he plans to build on the strong foundation that Caplice built over her 24-year tenure at the bank. Although she is stepping down from the day-to-day operation, Caplice will continue to serve as a director of Greenfield Savings Bank.

MGM Springfield Breaks Ground in South End

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International hosted the groundbreaking of MGM Springfield — an $800 million casino resort slated to open in fall 2017 in downtown Springfield — on Tuesday. The event marked the start of the construction phase of this unique urban mixed-use development, the Commonwealth’s first destination casino resort.

Hundreds of people were in attendance at the groundbreaking celebration, emceed by Kathy Tobin, former local news anchor and current director of Program Development at Friends of the Homeless. With the Zanetti School — severely damaged by the June 2011 tornado that tore through Springfield’s South End — as a backdrop, speakers highlighted the history of Springfield, the rebirth of the South End neighborhood, and the energy and optimism that is filling the region.

“With every licensing milestone and every campaign victory, we have honored the potential of MGM Springfield,” said Jim Murren, MGM Resorts International chairman and CEO. “Today is even more special, though, as we put shovels in the ground to officially celebrate what we came here to do: put people back to work and begin a rebirth of the once-thriving urban center of Western Massachusetts.”

The crowd, which included many state and local elected and appointed officials, gathered to hear from Murren, MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis, Mass. Gaming Commission Chairman Steve Crosby, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Revitalize CDC Associate Director Ethel Griffin. More than 30 construction workers representing various trades were at the site to honor the moment.

Guests were treated to an interactive event, as they were asked to write their wishes for the future of the city of Springfield and Western Mass. Their wishes were then dropped into an MGM Springfield wishing well. MGM will put all the wishes into a capsule that will be placed in the resort foundation as construction begins. The outdoor event also featured a traditional first shovel of dirt as well as celebratory confetti blasts.

In keeping with MGM’s commitment to engage local businesses, Springfield vendors Langone’s, AC Produce, and Palazzo provided décor and beverages. Zasco Productions of Chicopee provided the staging, risers, and sound and technical equipment. Taylor Rental of South Hadley provided additional tables and chairs.

“The city of Springfield’s people welcomed us into their hearts and homes and trusted us with their hopes for the future,” Mathis said. “This property was designed with the input of residents who wanted more for their families and their community. Today is the day we start to realize that future as we activate the most robust construction site Springfield has ever seen.”

MGM Springfield will bring 3,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs to downtown Springfield. MGM has established a hiring goal of 35% of the workforce from the city of Springfield and 90% from a combination of Springfield and the region. Additionally, MGM Springfield has entered into surrounding-community agreements with neighboring communities providing for tens of millions of dollars.

Planting Seeds

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Grinspoon foundation
Entrepreneurship Sections
Grinspoon Foundation Inspires Students’ Entrepreneurial Dreams

Bill Goldfarb and his wife, Melissa

Bill Goldfarb and his wife, Melissa, display products from Lefty’s Brewery at a Grinspoon conference.

Five years ago, Bill Goldfarb was a college student with an interest in making beer.

“I was going to Greenfield Community College, taking business classes,” Goldfarb said. “While I was there, a professor recommended I apply for a Grinspoon Foundation award, so we put together a presentation, and I was picked for a grant. That was the first funding I received for my company, and that helped me get my first set of brewing equipment. That was huge.”

These days, as Lefty’s Brewery celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Bernardston-based enterprise boasts 10 employees and about 250 clients — and can trace its success back to that one initial award from the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, the arm of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation that supports entrepreneurship efforts among young adults.

But the value of that $1,000 award went well beyond a dollar figure, he added.

“Obviously, the financial part was extremely helpful,” he told BusinessWest, “but just the encouragement from my professors, and the encouragement through the Grinspoon Foundation for student entrepreneurs, helped me lay the groundwork for a lot of business planning, as well as giving me the incentive that this was something I could do. It was my incentive to get the ball rolling.”

And roll it has. Lefty’s Brewery crafted 128 barrels in its first year; it’s on track for 2,000 barrels this year. “I’d say that’s decent growth, to say the least,” Goldfarb said. “Things are moving right along for us.”

His is not an isolated story.

Indeed, since launching his entrepreneurship programs in 2003, Grinspoon and his staff have supported more than 525 college students with more than $500,000 in grants, through a series of tiered programs aimed at different stages of the startup process.

“Harold’s vision is for college students to understand that entrepreneurship is not only a viable option, but also a prestigious one,” said Cari Carpenter, director of entrepreneurship initiatives at the Grinspoon Charitable Foundation.

“Over the past 12 years, we have engaged all 14 colleges in the Valley in an endeavor to collaborate to really support students exploring those career options,” she added. “I really think the fact that we have this intercollegiate collaboration, where each college has a faculty-member liaison on campus, and they encourage students to participate in our high-profile events, encourages business creation in the Pioneer Valley.”

Cari Carpenter

Cari Carpenter says the foundation encourages students to see entrepreneurship as a viable, even prestigious, career option.

For this issue’s focus on entrepreneurship, BusinessWest explores the many ways in which the Grinspoon Foundation and its programs are encouraging young men and women to turn their ideas and passions into viable businesses and gratifying careers — and, at the same time, give a boost to an emerging, and important, sector of the region’s economy.

From Idea to Reality

The foundation actually offers four types of awards each year, each aimed at a different stage of the startup experience: elevator-pitch awards for compelling ideas, concept awards for startups in the pre-revenue stage, Entrepreneurial Spirit awards for companies that have begun to generate revenue, and alumni awards for later-stage successes.

The foundation’s annual spring banquet — this year slated for April 22 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, with keynote speaker Aaron St. John, co-founder of HitPoint Studios — attracts about 600 attendees, including budding entrepreneurs from all 14 colleges and universities. The event features the presentation of the Spirit awards and the elevator-pitch competition, which is financially supported by local banks and judged by commercial bankers.

Meanwhile, an annual fall event, typically drawing about 500 people, is positioned more as an educational program, with speakers and breakout sessions giving students an opportunity to learn more about entrepreneurship. “In many cases,” Carpenter said, “it’s their first professional conference.”

Parker Burr was one beneficiary of a Spirit Award, earning $1,000 last spring after being nominated by a professor at UMass Amherst. Combined with $200 he had won in a class competition, Burr put the funds toward his first piece of equipment — a hot-iron press — for a sock-making enterprise he calls Feat Socks.

“Feat Socks are printed by hand right here in Amherst,” he explained. “I’m basically trying to create a sock for every shoe; we don’t want to sell you a running sock, a dress sock, a business sock … we want your sock to go with any shoe. Our patterns and designs are a little more unique than the next company because we’re not printing hundreds of the same sock. These are handmade in Western Mass.”

Like Goldfarb, he said the Grinspoon award was critical to simply getting production rolling. “I’m still using the equipment I bought to print today. That’s what really got me going.”

Carpenter cited, as another example, Marcie Muehlke, who won an award several years ago that helped her launch Celia Grace, an Amherst-based company that sells fair-trade wedding dresses.

“She got married and couldn’t find anything in the parameters of fair-trade wedding gowns,” Carpenter explained, adding that Muehlke began working with seamstresses in Cambodia and India whose shops abide by safe working conditions, pay a living wage, and prohibit child labor. “Again, she called her award a vote of confidence that allowed her to get started.”

Many of the startups that benefit from Grinspoon’s programs were similarly born from a passion or an interest — everything from supporting overseas labor standards, as Muehlke does, to installing custom beer taps in bars, restaurants, and ‘man caves,’ as Audra Quintin decided to do as an MBA student at Bay Path University. Today, Wilbraham-based East Coast Taps continues to expand right along with the ever-growing craft-beer market.

“When I asked her how the Spirit Award helped her,” Carpenter recalled, “she said, ‘this really was one of the first votes of confidence in our idea. It allowed me to purchase some materials and make the first prototype and buy some marketing materials and really start to expand.’”

She returned to the concept of a ‘vote of confidence’ several times while talking with BusinessWest. “I think that’s a huge aspect of this. And when we do these high-profile events, and when students at the early stage of business see other students at the early stage, it’s very contagious to be part of all that energy.”

Reason to Believe

Lauren Way agreed.

“It’s not only money, but support,” said Way, director of the master’s program in Higher Education Administration at Bay Path University, who also advises students in Grinspoon entrepreneurship initiatives. “That money says people believe in you, and that alone has an emotional underpinning — ‘yes, this is real, what you’re doing is real, and we support it and applaud it, and we’ll give you money to advance it.’”

That’s a critical part of the foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives, Carpenter said. “Mr. Grinspoon wants to reward them, not only with financial awards, but with public recognition.”

Not all ideas will be successful, of course, and some young entrepreneurs don’t find a winner with long-term potential until their third or fourth different attempt, she noted. And not every startup has designs on explosive growth.

“Lots of students have done less-scalable types of businesses — custom greeting cards, woodworking, we’ve had students start landscaping businesses … it just runs the gamut. When we go to events, we see the breadth of their ideas.”

Way said the Grinspoon programs have helped to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship on campuses and collaboration among them.

Parker Burr

Parker Burr shows off some of the hand-printed offerings of Feat Socks.

“It’s a catalyst for the schools to work together in ways they otherwise wouldn’t work together and share best practices,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s also a catalyst for schools to make more of an impact on the community than they could do individually. Finally, it brings students together at these events in large numbers, where they get to know each other’s work as well as compete with each other.”

Way noted that grant applicants aren’t just young 20-somethings, but many are older adults with past business experience or startups well past the initial stages. She recalled one whose business was on track to make $1 million in its first year. “The [award] money doesn’t matter to her. But she really wanted that award.”

The reasons for such enthusiasm are varied. “Winning means you can put the recognition on your website and in press releases. You can call yourself an award-winning business. It’s huge. So, I feel like the foundation helps us reach students at both ends of the spectrum.”

At a time when local economic-development leaders are emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurship to the region’s vitality, Carpenter said, the collaborations being encouraged by these initatives is especially valuable.

“We feel like a critical part of this ecosystem. We are very closely tied into other initiatives and programs in the region,” she noted, making a point of crediting Valley Venture Mentors for its accelerator program, offering incubator support to burgeoning startups.

“College students have very developed mentoring programs, but once they graduate, once their businesses get to a certain stage, there isn’t a lot for them,” she went on. “[VVM] has created this mentoring program, and we have been a feeder with some of our awardees going into their mentoring programs, into their accelerator. They’ve been very supportive.”

VVM has also opened its doors to college students to work internships with companies in its accelerator — a win-win for the students to gain business experience, and the startups to gain low-cost assistance in taking their enterprises to the next level, Carpenter added. “We have a very nice relationship with them; they’re so supportive, and what they’re doing is so important.”

Dance Fever

Carpenter told BusinessWest how Grinspoon, after the spring banquet a few years ago, told her to add a dance competition. He wasn’t joking.

“So we give $100 awards for the 10 best dancers,” she said. “He was thinking, there’s so much positive energy at this event, and it dissipates when people walk out the door. So he wanted to capture that fun and energy. It’s really fun; the students love it.”

The exuberance of the spring event finds a counterpart in the nitty-gritty of the fall seminar, Way said, and together, they inspire and educate potential entrepreneurs — two ways of encouraging the next generation of business successes. “They come together with students from other schools, and say, ‘wow, this is a viable career path for me.’”


Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Groundbreaking Events

By
Commercial Real Estate Sections
MGM Springfield Set to Begin Changing the Landscape

Casino Rendering Main StMike Mathis wasn’t offering much by way of details.

MGM Springfield is slated to stage a groundbreaking on March 24 for its $800 million casino complex in Springfield’s South End, and there is naturally widespread speculation about what’s on tap for that event, given the nature of the company staging the ceremony and an intriguing, more flashy time for groundbreaking ceremonies in general.

Indeed, recent events in Boston, which is witnessing an explosion in new construction, have featured everything from mimes to confetti cannons to mayors operating backhoes. Meanwhile, the casino industry has long been noted for its imagination and extravagance with such events.

Mathis, president of MGM Springfield, hinted that there might be something dramatic unfolding that morning on the grounds of the former Zanetti School, the first of several buildings that will come down over the next few months. But for the most part, he was, as might be expected, keeping things pretty close to the vest.

“We’re still finalizing some of the details. We’ll have a show — that’s all I want to say for now,” said Mathis. “We’re known for throwing good parties — and for keeping the details of those parties under wraps. Suffice to say, we won’t disappoint.”

He was, however, much more forthcoming about what will transpire after the ceremonies.

Indeed, after years of planning, formalizing its unique inside-out concept, negotiating with Springfield and a host of neighboring communities, and eventually winning the contest for the coveted Western Mass. casino license, MGM is finally set to begin altering the landscape — and in a number of ways.

But especially with the look and feel of several blocks within Springfield’s South End.

Things will start with the demolition of nearly 20 properties, starting with the tornado-damaged school, but then moving on to a host of buildings on State, Main, Howard, Bliss, and Union streets. And as structures start coming down, MGM’s huge parking garage, able to accommodate more than 3,000 cars, will start to go up, probably by this summer, said Mathis, adding that it is due to be ready for occupancy by the end of 2016.

The next structures to take shape will comprise what’s known as the project’s “podium,” meaning the low-rise buildings on the property, said Mathis, evoking an industry term. The signature hotel tower — 25 stories tall, according to the latest plans, and easily the most visible component of this complex — will be the last component to take shape.

As for the overall look of the project. Mathis said the phrase “final design” is not one that he’s comfortable using, because, well, things are far from final, and that state will continue to be a moving target in many respects.

“The concept continues to evolve,” he told BusinessWest. “There are certain elements that are fairly permanent, and there are others that we’ll continue to tweak; 90% of the project will stay largely the same as what we’ve shown in the past.”

The former Zanetti School on Howard Street

The former Zanetti School on Howard Street will be the first of 19 buildings razed to make way for MGM Springfield.

By that, he meant the concept seen in the artist’s rendering on page 41, which shows the hotel tower, casino area, retail elements, and more. There is a tight timetable for getting it all done, and the clock essentially started ticking at midnight on Nov. 5.

“Technically, we could go into 2018 in terms of an outside date for getting this done,” he explained, “but we certainly want to get this project up and going as quickly as we can for the benefit of the city and the Commonwealth, as well as our company and our stockholders. We’re looking at a 33- to 34-month window that should put us into the fall of 2017.”

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest talked with Mathis about the next steps in this, the largest commercial project in the region’s history, and how and when the skyline will begin to change.

Razing Their Game

As he talked with BusinessWest from Las Vegas, where he still spends most of his time, Mathis joked that he hoped what the region has witnessed over the past 90 days or so constitutes what he called a “100-year winter,” and that it’s officially over by the time work commences March 24.

“I hope you’re getting it all out of the way before we really get going — and we don’t need another one like this,” he said with a laugh, noting that frequent snowstorms and bitter cold aren’t helpful when it comes to meeting a tight construction deadline.

But, then again, neither are the 120-degree days that frequent Las Vegas, he went on, adding that the company has worked through and around those while building the massive City Center project and other initiatives there.

“Las Vegas construction is as sophisticated as any in the country or the world,” he explained, while noting that the company is well-versed with large-scale projects and demanding timelines. “City Center was many times the size and cost of what we’re doing here. This [MGM Springfield] is well within our comfort zone in terms of scale.

“What makes it unique are the historical aspects and the New England environment,” he went on, adding that the company now has three projects underway simultaneously — MGM Springfield, the National Harbor project just outside Washington, D.C., and a large casino complex in Macau.

Overall, it’s been a busy four months of activity for MGM since the state’s voters turned aside a referendum question that would essentially have outlawed casinos in the Commonwealth.

As chronicled in the real-estate-transaction pages of this magazine, the company completed acquisition of the various properties it secured options on in 2013 and 2014, and then proceeded to issue notices to vacate to occupants of the buildings to be torn down or made part of the casino complex (see related story, page 44).

There have also been discussions and negotiations with the city’s Historical Commission regarding some of the properties in the footprint — including 73 Main St., the former Electric Light building, the Western Mass. Correctional Alcohol Center (formerly a YWCA) and its façade, and the State Armory on Howard Street — and some of those talks are ongoing.

“As always, this is about striking a balance,” Mathis explained, “and we’ve been recognized by the Gaming Commission for going above and beyond the work that many other developers would do in terms of incorporating historic buildings into the plan.”

As an example, he cited one recent tweak to the overall plan for MGM Springfield. Indeed, 95 State St., one of the properties vacated and scheduled to come down, will instead become part of the new casino complex, likely housing MGM administrative offices. Meanwhile, 101 State St., which was targeted for internal use, will instead be leased to outside tenants.

“The plan was to put our executive offices into 101 State, but that would not have left much capacity for other commercial tenants,” he explained. “Keeping 95 State is a significant step toward giving some capacity back to the downtown.”

As for the Correctional Alcohol Center, tests on that site have determined that the façade cannot be saved and the building will have to be razed, he noted, adding the MGM has proposed replicating some of its architectural elements elsewhere in the complex.

Demo Daze

MGM also named a general counsel — Seth Stratton, formerly with Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law, and, earlier this month, it named Brian Packer vice president of Development and Construction. In that capacity, he will provide executive oversight for all aspects of construction and program-management activities at MGM Springfield.

The company has also hired a construction manager, Tishman Construction of Boston, in a departure from the general-contractor model, said Mathis, a move that brings numerous advantages for the developer.

This aerial architect’s rendering

This aerial architect’s rendering shows the various elements of MGM Springfield, including the 25-story hotel tower.


Elaborating, he noted that a CM, as one is called, is traditionally brought into a project at the very beginning as a partner of sorts, handling every phase of the construction program, fielding bids, managing the job, crunching numbers, and devising ways to add value. A general contractor, meanwhile, is brought in after a full set of finished architectural and engineering drawings have been created. The GC then bids out the various components of the job and presents the client with one final number.

In the CM model, MGM will have greater flexibility when it comes to parceling out in the work in various-sized packages, or “spreading the wealth,” as Mathis put it, especially among local firms.

“We don’t intend to give the entire project to one general contractor that would then typically bring in their own established teams of subcontractors — the traditional list of people they would go to,” he explained. “This [CM model]gives us the ability to break the project up into components and allow smaller packages for more local opportunities.”

As one example of this, he cited the demolition work soon to commence at the former Zanetti School and other buildings in the casino footprint. Rather than include the fencing that accompanies such work in the demolition package, that item has been kept separate, giving more companies, and especially those in the 413 area code, a slice of the pie.

“Not surprisingly, there’s a pent-up desire for a health capital project like this one,” he explained. “We’ve done general notices on certain construction packages for demolition, excavation, fencing, and other elements of this work because we want to make sure we reach as many different companies as we can about the various opportunities.

“We’re going to work hard to create smaller packages, which is somewhat unique,” he went on. “We’re customizing things to this market to provide as many opportunities to different contractors as we can. There will be smaller, less-lucrative single packages, but we’ll be able to touch more smaller businesses this way.”

Building Momentum

While the specifics of the March 24 groundbreaking remain a closely guarded secret, the company’s plans, as Mathis said, will not disappoint.

And it will certainly work to make sure the same can be said for each aspect of the project — from the design to the construction timeline, to the opportunities for local business to share in the wealth from the $800 million.

Whether all that goes as planned remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the landscape is going to start changing, and in some very big ways.


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

Trading Places

By
Commercial Real Estate Sections
Shakeout from Casino Project Stabilizes Downtown Market

Attorney Gerald Berg

Attorney Gerald Berg in his new office at 130 Main St. in Springfield. In the background is 95 State St., his former business address.

Attorney Gerald Berg says the letter arrived in late January.

It was from MGM Springfield, and it essentially informed him that he had to vacate his offices at 95 State St. in Springfield, inside the footprint of the planned $800 million casino complex, within 30 days.

He was expecting such a missive — as well as that time frame — and basically knew he would have to find new quarters once the election returns started coming in last Nov. 4 and it became clear that voters would reject a referendum question that would have effectively ended the casino era before it really got started.

So Berg, who specializes in real-estate and domestic-relations law, started looking for a new mailing address within days of the election. He briefly considered leaving downtown Springfield after spending nearly four decades in a succession of offices at 95 and 101 State St., but eventually concluded that he still wanted to be within walking distance of the various courts and the Hampden County Registry of Deeds just down the street.

What’s more, he feared that casino construction and pending repair work on the I-91 viaduct would make parking in the vicinity of the court complex a nightmare, so he passed on the suburbs.

He looked at several locations in the central business district, experienced some mild (but, again, certainly expected) sticker shock as he looked at certain properties, especially the Class A buildings, and eventually settled on 990 square feet in 1350 Main St., a.k.a. One Financial Plaza.

“It’s a nice spot,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s good space, I’m on the 11th floor, we have a nice view, we face southeast, so we get the sun … things worked out well.”

With those comments, Berg is truly representative of what has transpired since the election and during the great commercial-real-estate shakeout prompted by MGM’s pending transformation of Springfield’s South End. The shuffle isn’t officially over yet, but most of the dust — at least the immediate fallout from MGM’s property acquistions —has settled.

And while this wasn’t exactly a seismic event, it has had a definite impact on the downtown market, in terms of filling some long-vacant space and bringing a dose of stability to rates when, by most all accounts, some was needed.

“There’s still a good amount of office space left in downtown Springfield,” said Doug Macmillan, president of Macmillan & Son Inc. “But this has done a lot to stabilize rents; it’s put something solid under lease rates that had been vacillating and floating up and down for years.”

Evan Plotkin, a principal with NAI Plotkin and co-owner of 1350 Main St., agreed, and said MGM’s movement into the South End and the forced relocation of several commercial tenants helped improve an occupancy rate that had been lagging for the better part of the past 15 years and certainly since the economic downturn.

“It’s great for the market when you can absorb office space when we’ve had chronically high vacancy rates in the Class A office market, as well as Class B and C,” he explained. “There’s long been a glut of office space downtown, and that’s why I’ve been against the development of new space.”

But while most everyone forced to relocate by the casino project has found a new home or is close to doing so, the overall impact from the MGM project downtown may be far from over.

Indeed, Kevin Jennings, owner of Jennings Real Estate, who has placed — or is placing, to be more precise — several of the impacted businesses, says he’s seeing heightened interest downtown from those not in the official casino footprint.

“I don’t think we can look at it purely in terms of those who needed to be relocated,” he said. “I think there’s activity in addition to those parties, a heightened interest in downtown overall.”

For this issue and its focus on commercial real estate, BusinessWest looks at what’s transpired in recent weeks — and might happen next — as the casino era enters a new and intriguing phase in Springfield.

New Lease on Life

Macmillan called it “an interesting footrace.”

That’s how he chose to describe the past four months or so, or since the fate of the referendum question became clear.

What that vote did was send dozens of commercial tenants — a slew of lawyers, a few nonprofit agencies, Springfield’s Office of Health & Human Services, and the Hampden County Alcohol Correctional facility, among others — looking for new quarters into a greatly accelerated process of acquiring space.

“It’s been interesting because many of them had a demanding timeline to meet,” he explained. “It was ‘here’s your notice; you have less than 90 days to get out.”

95 State St.

Tenants in 95 State St., most of them attorneys, were among those who had to relocate to make way for MGM Springfield.

The lawyers, spread out across 73, 83, 95, and 101 State St. — long-time homes to the legal community because of their proximity to the court complex and Registry of Deeds — all faced the same basic questions. These involved whether to stay downtown, and, if so, where.

Some did go to the suburbs — Macmillan said he placed a few in surrounding communities — but most chose to stay in the central business district (CBD), and for those reasons listed by Berg.

There were some incentives offered by MGM to do so — $3 per square foot to stay in what’s considered downtown and $4 to remain in the CBD (generally considered to be the stretch between the Arch and State Street) — but Travaun Bailey said that was not a real consideration in his decision to relocate his office at 83 State St. to 1350 Main.

He was swayed more by convenience and parking, and that’s what prompted him to grab nearly 3,000 square feet on the third floor, a large portion of which he’s subleasing out to several other lawyers.

“We had a conversation about moving out of downtown, but it wasn’t seriously considered, said Bailey, who specializes in criminal defense, personal injury, and family law. “We wanted to stay close to the courts.”

Overall, 10 lawyers landed in 1350 Main, the Class A building closest to the court complex, together occupying nearly 8,000 square feet on three different floors. Others touched down in 115 State St. (a.k.a. the Clocktower Building), the Colonial Block further south on Main Street and across from the casino site, as well as Monarch Place, Tower Square, the TD Bank Building, and the buildings between Harrison Avenue and Falcons Way.

“Almost every building downtown has benefited from these relocations, in addition to those coming in from outside the market,” said Jennings. “It’s just been a real healthy shot in the arm for downtown.”

Some of the displaced entities are still looking for homes, including a few law firms, HHS, and the correctional facility, but much of the shakeout is over.

However, the overall activity level remains high — or at least higher than it’s been for much of the past 10-15 years.

Jennings said he’s been talking with interested parties about space in Harrision Place, including the long-vacant and highly visible ground floor, and to others, including a restaurateur, about storefronts along Main Street.

Meanwhile, Plotkin said he’s showing space at 1350 Main to a number of prospective tenants, including an insurance company, an entity specializing in shared office concept, and others.

Both attribute at least some of this interest to the casino and, more specifically, the interest they believe it is generating in Springfield and its downtown.

“There’s a new optimism concerning Springfield,” Plotkin said, choosing that word carefully. “And much of it stems from the building of this resort. Forget for a minute that it’s a casino as well, which is a huge draw; this is a resort, a destination resort, and one that will bring 8 million visitors a year to Springfield. The spinoff and benefit from that tourism and that activity in the downtown is huge.

“There’s been a lot of interest in downtown office space from some of the large real-estate search firms, the site selectors that are looking at space for clients based outside of the area that are looking for locations in different markets,” he went on. “And Springfield is one of them.”

Jennings agreed.

“We’re showing space to a lot of interested parties, and it runs the gamut, from restaurants to professionals,” he told BusinessWest. “It’s an exciting time for Springfield.”


Building Momentum

Meanwhile, Plotkin believes the destination resort that will be MGM Springfield will have an impact throughout downtown, not only in the direct vicinity of the casino’s footprint, including Pynchon Park, Union Station, Stearns Square, and other landmarks.

“Now that there’s new optimism and a new direction for downtown — and more money available to do these kinds of things — I see lots of positive things happening,” he said.

In other words, the impact downtown will likely extend far beyond the recent game of musical chairs.


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

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Partners Restaurant
481 Springfield St.
$144,000 — Exterior renovations

Six Flags
1623 Main St.
$33,500 — Construct the Cyclone merchandise building

Southgate Properties, LLC
866 Suffield St.
$36,000 — Renovate Agawam Cinemas

AMHERST

Amherst Cinema, LLC
28 Amity St.
$22,000 — Interior renovations to office space

LHB Enterprises
360 College St.
$26,000 — Replace 25’ x 25’ concrete pad

CHICOPEE

Adrienne Realty
70 Orange St.
$125,000 — Renovations

CHD
64 Hilton St.
$7,000 — Strip and re-roof

Kathleen Riebesehl
1185 Grattan St.
$270,000 — Construct stair tower at rear of building

LUDLOW

SBA Network Services
201 West Ave.
$11,500 — Cell tower alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Emily Withenbury
1 Amber Lane
$18,000 — Build-out and facade changes for café

Havoc LLC
155 Industrial Dr.
$12,000 — Install new replacement windows

Jeffrey Palm
25 New South St.
$6,000 — Construct new handicap accessible bathroom

Northampton Water Department
237 Prospect St.
$3,000 — Construct second-floor office space

Thornes Marketplace, LLC
150 main St.
$14,000 — Install fire-suppression system for Verizon

PALMER

Baystate Wing Hospital
40-42 Wright St.
$4,000 — Interior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Mount Holyoke College
50 College St.
$45,000 — ADA bathroom renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Asian Market
473 Main St.
$31,000 — Interior renovations

Dave’s Pet City
87-147 Avocado St.
$93,000 — Modification to building for warehouse racking and storage

Regal Rentals
16 Banner St.
$7,500 — Renovations

Springfield Public Schools
1840 Roosevelt Ave.
$78,000 — Exterior renovations at Central High School

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
100 Elm St.
$17,000 — Install steel beams to support generator

Rui Baltazar
480 Southampton Road
$62,500 — Interior renovations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Anjum Khawaja
977 Main St.
$5,000 — Renovate existing store for Baghdad Bakery

DDRM Riverdale Shops
935 Riverdale St.
$182,000 — New tenant fit out

Friendly’s Ice Cream
1096 Riverdale St.
$25,000 — Renovations

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

COLRAIN

207 Franklin Hill Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $437,500
Buyer: Sheryl L. Stanton
Seller: Robert Walker
Date: 02/13/15

CONWAY

1497 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Detra C. Sarris
Seller: Eve Endicott
Date: 02/20/15

DEERFIELD

513 Greenfield Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: S&Z Deerfield Realty LLC
Seller: Sandri Realty Inc.
Date: 02/20/15

60 Mathews Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Alfred J. Kobacker
Seller: Elizabeth J. Bukolsky RET
Date: 02/17/15

GREENFIELD

488 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $2,133,400
Buyer: Iron Gate Development LLC
Seller: LERP Greenfield LLC
Date: 02/12/15

43 Cypress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Paul A. Sadowsky
Seller: Jeremy M. Felton
Date: 02/20/15

158 Davis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Cody L. Lashway
Seller: Neisha N. Wright
Date: 02/17/15

147-149 School St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Stephen R. Poulin
Seller: Chester S. Martin LT
Date: 02/20/15

9 Silver Crest Lane #9
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $258,900
Buyer: Diane M. Krawiec
Seller: Country Club Road LLC
Date: 02/17/15

MONTAGUE

89 4th St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Nicolae Tricolici
Seller: Petru Balan
Date: 02/11/15

170 Avenue A
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $628,000
Buyer: James G. Martineau
Seller: Kenneth W. Davis
Date: 02/13/15

8 Burnham St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $1,280,000
Buyer: Baystate Franklin Medical
Seller: Salmon Falls Medical
Date: 02/13/15

10 Crescent St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $151,300
Buyer: MHFA
Seller: Audrey G. Benson
Date: 02/11/15

50 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01301
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Joshua C. Dobosz
Seller: Derrick J. Zellmann
Date: 02/20/15

NEW SALEM

163 Fay Road
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Donald F. Demers
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 02/12/15

ORANGE

39 Lake Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Craig D. Vescovi
Seller: North Quabbin Brook RT
Date: 02/18/15

900 North Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Phillip E. Miller
Seller: Earnest M. Piper
Date: 02/20/15

SUNDERLAND

159 Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Valley Building Co. Inc.
Seller: David J. Griffin
Date: 02/17/15

WHATELY

Masterson Road (ES)
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Kevin C. Komosa
Seller: Louise D. Hannum TR
Date: 02/12/15

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

18 Butterwood Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $276,000
Buyer: Caitlin Visneau
Seller: Walter S. Rapacki
Date: 02/20/15

38 Haskell St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Tammie Yacavone
Seller: Stephen J. Stassen
Date: 02/13/15

32-34 Kanawha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Marius Sakalinskas
Seller: Claire T. Lawrence
Date: 02/13/15

1410 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $194,513
Buyer: William A. Saltman
Seller: Denis M. Lachapelle
Date: 02/20/15

6 Old Mill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Eric Copson
Seller: Julie C. Lamotte
Date: 02/13/15

107 Reed St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Edward A. Walters-Zucco
Seller: Mark B. Vye
Date: 02/11/15

CHICOPEE

76 Bell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Scott B. Mitchell
Seller: Michael Beauchemin
Date: 02/11/15

31 Carmen St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: Deborah J. Stebbins
Seller: Heath, Evelyn P., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/15

366 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jose M. Lucas
Seller: Abilio J. Casimiro
Date: 02/10/15

87 Cochran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $257,579
Buyer: Bank of New York
Seller: Paul R. Paquette
Date: 02/12/15

200 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: RL New Life LLC
Seller: Peoples United Bank
Date: 02/12/15

29 Harrison Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Alan M. Huber
Seller: Mary A. Czepiel
Date: 02/20/15

153 Tolpa Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $232,500
Buyer: Bank Of America
Seller: Betty M. Erbentraut
Date: 02/12/15

16 Yale St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Kelvin Martinez
Seller: Richard Cote
Date: 02/17/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

49 Devonshire Terrace
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $466,000
Buyer: Albert V. Lupenski
Seller: Paul J. Quinn
Date: 02/13/15

56 Evergreen Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $367,900
Buyer: Debra L. Bechard
Seller: Brian D. Cyr
Date: 02/20/15

566 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: S&C Homebuyers LLC
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 02/17/15

44 Shaw St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $293,000
Buyer: Ena T. Arel
Seller: Moltenbrey Builders LLC
Date: 02/12/15

HOLYOKE

24 Ashley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Conor J. Bevan
Seller: John G. Gonsor
Date: 02/20/15

393 Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $121,134
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Patricia M. Reed
Date: 02/18/15

95-97 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Andre L. Cote
Seller: Nina Prunier
Date: 02/11/15

37 Coronet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Pamela A. Angers
Seller: Fritz, Ronald H., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/15

75 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,866
Buyer: AHAP LLC
Seller: JJS Capital Investment
Date: 02/18/15

437 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Anibal Rivas
Seller: Paul Poirier
Date: 02/10/15

28 Old Jarvis Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Cladi Rodriguez
Seller: Thomas G. Casavant
Date: 02/18/15

50 West Glen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Juan E. Hernandez-Navarro
Seller: Marcia J. Eagleson
Date: 02/19/15

57 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Steven G. Flynn
Seller: John L. Labelle
Date: 02/13/15

LONGMEADOW

67 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,900
Buyer: Richard S. Baker
Seller: Thomas K. Keyser
Date: 02/13/15

30 Dunsany Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Round Point Mortgage
Seller: Ana M. Medina
Date: 02/13/15

125 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Justin T. Bias
Seller: Scott D. Kaplan
Date: 02/20/15

834 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Dickson
Seller: Mary B. Collins
Date: 02/13/15

LUDLOW

32-34 Essex St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Grace M. Dias
Seller: Joe C. Silva
Date: 02/13/15

29 Florida St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nathan Champiney
Seller: Vitaly Dzhenzherukha
Date: 02/13/15

96 Green St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Coelho
Seller: Charles C. Kusek
Date: 02/17/15

13 Park Terrace
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Susan L. Efremides
Seller: FNMA
Date: 02/11/15

57 Russell St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $315,917
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Donald Merriman
Date: 02/13/15

MONSON

194 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Lauren E. Landers
Seller: FHLM
Date: 02/13/15

PALMER

17 Dublin St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $180,358
Buyer: USA HUD
Seller: BAC Home Loan Servicing
Date: 02/10/15

54 Mount Dumplin Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $224,537
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Joshua D. Mansfield
Date: 02/10/15

RUSSELL

122 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $136,660
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Ian Forgey
Date: 02/13/15

76 Ridgewood Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Anthony E. Losty
Seller: Diana Frink
Date: 02/13/15

150 South Quarter Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Brennan
Seller: Peter F. Leidt
Date: 02/12/15

SOUTHWICK

10 John Mason Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $327,095
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Susan A. Solek
Date: 02/11/15

234 Sheep Pasture Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Harold A. Camyre
Seller: Norman H. Storey
Date: 02/11/15

15 Shore Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Thomson
Seller: Catherine A. Fletcher
Date: 02/20/15

SPRINGFIELD

895 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Zahoor U. Haq
Seller: Donald A. Scott
Date: 02/18/15

165 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Isaac Gomez
Seller: Jeffrey B. Berselli
Date: 02/13/15

50 Bissell St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Elvira Ovchinnikova
Seller: US Bank
Date: 02/20/15

Broadway St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

1584 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: PL MA Properties LLC
Seller: Diego M. Neira
Date: 02/12/15

86 Caseland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Scriven L. King
Seller: David P. Picard
Date: 02/13/15

149 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Home Equity Assets Realty
Seller: Home Equity Assets Realty
Date: 02/13/15

117 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $116,190
Buyer: Amy E. Scribner
Seller: MHFA
Date: 02/18/15

47 Elwood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Martin H. Urbanski
Seller: Kenneth I. Fetterhoff
Date: 02/20/15

27 Elwood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Todd J. Jediny
Seller: John M. McCloskey
Date: 02/12/15

162 Feltham Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Thao E. Phommasith
Seller: John F. McCarron
Date: 02/12/15

45-47 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $135,500
Buyer: Justin M. Alejandro
Seller: Rickus, Robert M., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/15

83-85 Granby St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Bhuwan Gautam
Seller: Joseph Basile
Date: 02/13/15

189 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Sherquita Thomas
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 02/20/15

Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

120 Navajo Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Cynthia M. Carroll
Seller: SAW Construction LLC
Date: 02/13/15

193-195 Nottingham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: 193-195 Nottingham RT
Seller: Gerald E. Rousseau
Date: 02/12/15

125 Paridon St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: 125 Paridon St. LLC
Seller: AKJ Enterprise LLC
Date: 02/18/15

24 Park St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $625,000
Buyer: JLL Realty Developers
Seller: Carmela A. Fraziero
Date: 02/10/15

106 Park Road
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $136,000
Seller: Whitney T. Baugh
Date: 02/20/15

59 Pennsylvania Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: George N. Mekeel
Seller: Ruth A. Stathis
Date: 02/19/15

1562 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Daniel J. Moynahan
Seller: Michael J. Devlin
Date: 02/20/15

Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Cinemark USA Inc.
Seller: Springfield Regal Assocs.
Date: 02/10/15

1530-1534 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Ramani Realty LLC
Seller: Hoke Realty LLC
Date: 02/18/15

57 Stocker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Robert L. Pratt
Seller: Genevieve M. Szulc
Date: 02/13/15

139 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: William C. Huerta
Seller: Mary T. Abeid
Date: 02/13/15

603 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Zahoor U. Haq
Seller: Donald A. Scott
Date: 02/18/15

201 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $205,438
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Nancy M. Bodge
Date: 02/12/15

1379-1381 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $167,495
Buyer: Midfirst Bank
Seller: Jose J. Bergollo
Date: 02/17/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

1059 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Lawrence C. Meccariello
Date: 02/11/15

33 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Denise Reyes
Seller: Katherine R. Monko
Date: 02/13/15

164 Dorwin Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Stewart L. Brown
Seller: Brown Shirley S., (Estate)
Date: 02/20/15

198 Kings Hwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Kyle J. Boucher
Seller: Daniel J. Millett
Date: 02/20/15

50 Lowell St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $725,000
Buyer: Bedford LLC
Seller: Raymond H. Lavoie
Date: 02/10/15

255 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Jullian Pena
Seller: Donald E. Spindler
Date: 02/18/15

16 Pine St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Steven Sands
Seller: Donna L. Witmer
Date: 02/12/15

WESTFIELD

138 Falley Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Peter Silvano
Seller: Ernest F. Musterait
Date: 02/13/15

5 Morris St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,372
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Cheryl A. Blair
Date: 02/13/15

205 Pochassic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Christine M. Humason
Seller: Thomas M. Rice
Date: 02/19/15

9 Sackville Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sean T. Dowd
Seller: Marisa A. Prisby
Date: 02/12/15

WILBRAHAM

152 3 Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Michael J. Twining
Seller: Pelletier, Alice P., (Estate)
Date: 02/11/15

10 Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $322,000
Buyer: Donald E. Kirton
Seller: Christine H. Strauss
Date: 02/13/15

4 Pheasant Farm Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $269,000
Buyer: John M. McCloskey
Seller: Nolan Morneu, Joan S., (Estate)
Date: 02/13/15

636 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $227,500
Buyer: Christine H. Strauss
Seller: Cheryl A. Waterhouse
Date: 02/13/15

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

170 Gray St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: David Monastersky
Seller: Barbara L. Worthley
Date: 02/13/15

BELCHERTOWN

20 Blacksmith Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Miranda L. Barrett
Seller: David Fredenburgh
Date: 02/13/15

16 Daniel Square Ext.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Christopher Petropoulos
Seller: Bank Of America
Date: 02/13/15

23 Deer Run
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Cynthia L. Johnson
Seller: Linnea Lavoie-Bernard
Date: 02/13/15

375 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Joyce J. Walsh
Date: 02/12/15

CHESTERFIELD

64 Bray Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $142,500
Buyer: Richard T. Peloquin
Seller: John M. Mehalyak
Date: 02/20/15

EASTHAMPTON

23 Peloquin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Conor R. Driscoll
Seller: James J. Hanson
Date: 02/20/15

18 Princeton Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $234,900
Buyer: Dolores M. Walker
Seller: Frank Pietrasiuk
Date: 02/18/15

14 River Valley Way
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $272,500
Buyer: Mary Olson
Seller: EH Homeownership LLC
Date: 02/17/15

88 South St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $213,000
Buyer: Adam C. Szymkowicz
Seller: Marijane Patenaude
Date: 02/19/15

4 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $189,500
Buyer: Eon W. Fontes-May
Seller: Barbara Whear-Boulanger
Date: 02/10/15

GRANBY

13 Ken Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $244,981
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Erick J. Funk
Date: 02/17/15

117 Maximilian Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Mark E. Vincelette
Seller: David R. Turgeon
Date: 02/20/15

Taylor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Kestrel Land TR
Seller: Edward C. Shyloski
Date: 02/18/15

HADLEY

72 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: North Pleasant St. Partners
Seller: Olender, Robert, (Estate)
Date: 02/11/15

HATFIELD

40 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Kristen L. Forest
Seller: Omasta LT
Date: 02/20/15

174 West St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $2,026,812
Buyer: 4 State Commercial Development
Seller: Brookfield Asset LLC
Date: 02/11/15

NORTHAMPTON

20 Aldrich St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $376,500
Buyer: Steven M. Goode
Seller: Peter M. Neylan
Date: 02/11/15

685 Bridge Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Robert Langston
Seller: Diane E. Jung
Date: 02/11/15

113 Fern St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Beth W. Adel
Seller: Cynthia J. Stahler
Date: 02/12/15

56 Longfellow Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Linda Vincent
Seller: William H. Welch RET
Date: 02/18/15

21 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $628,200
Buyer: Janet S. Taft
Seller: Wright Builders Inc.
Date: 02/12/15

104 Moser St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $433,159
Buyer: Laura J. Dintino
Seller: Kent Pecoy & Sons Construction
Date: 02/18/15

80 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Megan R. O’Brien
Seller: Mary E. Parker
Date: 02/19/15

56 Spring St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Joan M. Archambault
Seller: Barbara A. Slesinski
Date: 02/17/15

SOUTH HADLEY

50 Ashton Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $640,000
Buyer: Heather L. Bonney
Seller: Anne D. Mittelholzer
Date: 02/13/15

199 Brainerd St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Michael Pope
Seller: Strzempko, Louise J., (Estate)
Date: 02/19/15

1 Chatham Way
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Susan P. Chipman
Seller: Stephen Doyle
Date: 02/12/15

68 Columbia St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Lisa J. Beauchemin
Seller: Vitaly Dzhenzherukha
Date: 02/11/15

12 Hollywood St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Faith M. White
Seller: Anne Cotton
Date: 02/20/15

33 Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Stephanie M. Peterson
Seller: Kevin Phillips
Date: 02/11/15

Lawn St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Stephanie M. Peterson
Seller: Kevin Phillips
Date: 02/11/15

13 Normandy Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Katherine L. Bechtold
Seller: Kenneth F. Bonney
Date: 02/12/15

5 Stewart St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Falade
Seller: Carolyn L. Vernon
Date: 02/19/15

25 West Parkview Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Hayes
Seller: Lagnes M. Stewart
Date: 02/19/15

WORTHINGTON

43 Witt Hill Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Collins
Seller: Beverly J. Bowman LT
Date: 02/11/15

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

The following bankruptcy petitions were recently filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Readers should confirm all information with the court.
 
Barris, Christopher P.
52 Cecelia Terrace
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Brooks, Heather R.
15 S Road Ext.
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/15

Cavanugh, Colleen Ann
a/k/a Garvin, Colleen Ann
1 Normandy Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Cut Ups
Curtin, Peter
Curtin, Faith
a/k/a Bickford-Curtin, Faith
40 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Delvalle, Miguel A.
81 Chauncey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Doucette, Thomas E.
28 Smith Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Duffy, Joy
a/k/a Mack, Joy
100 Stears Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Durant, Dennis L.
2988 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/15

Fairthorne, Donald R.
Fairthorne, Kristen M.
30 Elm St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Feek, Ryan Allen
Feek, Stacy Michelle
127 Leverett Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Gadbois, Brian R.
Gadbois, Nissa F.
126 Company Farm Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/15

Gaines, Harry E.
Gaines, Candace A.
55 Montague St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Gardner, Roland G.
28 Lorraine Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Getchell, James S.
16 Old Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/15

Goitein, Daniel F.
5 South Hampshire St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Haber, Shelley I.
17 Denise Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Hammer, Gordon D.
10 Richard Dr.
Ashley Falls, MA 01222
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/15

Heake, George Alfred
27 Fairview Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Hernandez, Freddy H.
P.O. Box 5072
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/15

Jermakian, Ronald Ashod
61 Hartford Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/15

Jillson, Wesley B.
Jillson, Cherie L.
9 Mill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Jones, Sherry L.
103 Huron St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Kahi, George J.
144 Patterson Ave
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/16/15

Kavanaugh, Charles E.
17 Gardner Ave.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Kerr, James W.
27 Cambridge Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/16/15

Kiely, Jean M.
44 Fredette St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/21/15

Kirby, Daniel L.
72 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/15

Labonte, Thomas E.
Labonte, Christine
36 Deep Field Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Laflamme, Kenneth
Laflamme, Darlene
760 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/15

Leclerc, Serge J.
43 Nash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/15

Lucia, Jeffery
Lucia, Leah
399 Allen Park Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/15

Lundgren, Craig A.
224 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/15

McCormack, Kevin
54 Feeding Hills Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Picard, Jeffrey J.
171 Taylor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Pike, Frederick B.
429 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Polk, Leshawn Annette
66 Midway St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Richardson-Morris, Grace E.
29 Berkeley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Romolo-DosReis, Lisa Anne
374 Main St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/15

Scavotto, David Anthony
418 Meadow St., C-9
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/23/15

Shananigin’s Salon & Spa
Cutler, Shannon Marie
6 Buchanan Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/15

Silva, Denise
36 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Smith, Bryony A
1230 Pleasant St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/15

St. Germain, Rhoda D.
72 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/18/15

Szulc, Lucia
a/k/a Santiago, Lucia
60 Grenada Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/22/15

Thayer, Jennifer Elizabeth
a/k/a Vallan, Jennifer Thayer
181 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/15

Willis, Jessica M.
19 Lorraine St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/15

Yurkevicz, Gary L.
Yurkevicz, Jacqueline M.
4 Pine Valley Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/17/15

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Nota Bane Music Studio
98 Riviera Dr.
Irina Sidoryuk

Rube
168 Elm St.
Sara Vincent

CHICOPEE

Austin Family Cleaning
76 Armory Dr.
Paula Austin

Complete Property Preservation
55 Beauregard Terrace
Paul Martin

DK Express
172 Prospect St.
Dmitriy Kudrya

Pol Tours West Travel
178 Center St.
Kazimierz Irzyk

Saint Joseph Builders
28 Allen St.
Joseph Ramah

Sal’s Barbershop
824 Chicopee St.
Saul Sanchez

Tru-Clear Window Cleaning
196 Pendleton Ave.
Jared Martinez

HOLYOKE

5 Martin
5 Martin St.
Venus Chartier

Bath & Body Works, LLC
50 Holyoke St.
Harriete Hansell

Cheap Thrills
167 Chestnut St.
Joe Cox

Elevation Art and Framing
92 Race St.
Colleen Conlon

Sam’s Quality Motors
170 Main St.
Enoc Rosa

United Capital Financial Services
330 Whitney Ave.
Caryn Westman

LUDLOW

Lorraine’s
19 Prospect St.
Lorraine Carreira

SAS Comfort Shoes
433 Center St.
Donna Wishart

NORTHAMPTON

Berkshire Oyster Company
1 Ventures Field Road
Wesley Malzone

Creative Therapy
241 King St.
Siobhan Silver

Gan Keshet Jewish Community Preschool
253 Prospect St.
James Sagalyn

J. Rich Clothing for Men
153 Main St.
Nancy Donato

Northeast Mobile Repair
2 Conz St.
Richard Lodigigani

R-Kade Games
221 Pine St.
Richard Kalin

Whole Body Healing, Acupuncture, and Chinese Medicine
30 North King St.
Elizabeth Girard

PALMER

Michael Cardin Photography
1142 South Main St.
Michael Cardin

SPRINGFIELD

AGV Transport
76 Brittany Road
Joseph Richard

AKH, LLC
266 Belmont Ave.
Syed Imam

Antim, LLC
32 Hancock St.
Lynn Bledsoe

Appliance Plus Service
224 Chapin Terrace
Eliezer Cortes

Arctic Rental and Leasing
1601 Page Blvd.
Carl A. Jasmin

Arfe Art
1655 Main St.
Milagros Martinez

Assarian Electric
64 Abbe Ave.
Nelson A. Assarian

Attorney Robert H. Astor
1 Monarch Place
Robert H. Astor

Bartman
117 Governor St.
Bartholomew Moriarty

Brightwood Press Company
121 Chestnut St.
Adam Gomez

D.R.S. Painting
223 East St.
Daniel R. Sheldon

Dany Argueta
47 Home St.
Dany Argueta

Dayspring
177 Westford Ave.
Michael J. Wilson

De Todo Un Poco
152 Rifle St.
Damaris Morales

Dining Furnitures, LLC
182 Draper St.
An V. Nguyen

Downtown Convenience
160 Worthington St.
Nafees A. Awan

E’S Convenience
23 St. James Blvd.
Efrain Elliot

Eagles Quality Cleaning
43 Wait St.
David Tapia

Elahi, LLC
1350 Main St.
Rehan Hussain

Glory Inc.
595 Main St.
Hyo Lee

Goddess Couture
269 Main St.
Danielle Leysath

Health Relaxation Location
803 Belmont Ave.
Liu Yang

JLJ Construction
94 Lamont St.
Joe C. Long

John Mastronardi & Sons
281 Cooley St.
John Mastronardi & Sons

Journeys
1655 Boston Road
Julie Galbreth

Junior’s Auto Body
151 Pine St.
Catalino Maldonado

La Fama Beauty Supply
28 Bancroft St.
Jose A. Martinez

Y Solutions
431 Main St.
Yevgeniy Loboda

WESTFIELD

Mount Tekoa Group, LLC
254 Falley Dr.
Mount Tekoa Group, LLC

New Corner Variety
2 Crown St.
New Corner Variety

Royal Icings
68 Gary Dr.
Susan Forest

Westfield Yarn & Thread Studio
22 School St.
Katherine F. Coache

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Chicopee-Holyoke Macaroni
31 Field St.
Jessica Dziewit

Inter-Technologies Inc.
451 Dewey St.
Yury Altyev

Long Radio
1102 Riverdale St.
Matthew S. Imbriglio

M.J.’s Window Cleaning
49 Homestead Ave.
Michael J. Ferrarini

Park West Auto Sales Inc.
326 Park St.
Anthony L. Calabrese

Tony G. Saville
660 Main St.
Tony G. Saville

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

The Coffee Grind Inc., 450 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Isabel Mercado, 18 Hunter Hills Circle, Amherst, MA 01002. Coffee bar and tea house.

GRANBY

Alphabet Soup Childcare Center Inc., 166 West State St., Granby, MA 01033. Bobbi L. Rougeau, same. Childcare services.

HATFIELD

A & S Building and Remodeling Inc., 123 Depot Road, Hatfield, MA 01038. David Jagodzinski, same. Construction.

HOLYOKE

Aircraft Management Service & Sales Inc., 330 Whitney Ave., Suite, 440, Holyoke, MA 01040. Michael J. Kane, 6 Old Pasture Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Management and sale of aircraft and related industries.

LONGMEADOW

Renal and Transplant Associates of New England, P.C., 15 Pendleton Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Krishnan Babu, same. Medical services.

MONTAGUE

Andrew Cavanagh Inc., 555 Turners Falls Road, Montague, MA 01351. Andrew Cavanagh, same. Building websites and applications.

NORTHAMPTON

A2Z Science Inc., 57 King St., Unit A, Northampton, MA 01060. Andre Boulay, same. Retail sales.

PITTSFIELD

Anthony Gianacopoulos Attorney at Law, P.C., 75 North St., Suite 320, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Anthony Gianacopoulos, same. Legal services.

SOUTHWICK

4Life Entertainment Orgaization Inc., 389 North Loomis St., Southwick, MA 01077. Spencer Lavoie. Same. Event production for charitable causes.

Adam Transport Inc., 628 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077. Erdem Akca, same. Trucking.

Allied Tree Service Inc., 237 Hillside Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Adam C. Roberts, same. Commercial and residential tree service including but not limited to tree removal, stump grinding, and chipping.

SPRINGFIELD

Save Cathedral High School Inc., 110 Atwater Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. Al Dilascia, 16 Ginger Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Charity for Catherdral High School.

WESTFIELD

Western New England Amateur Boxing Inc., 5 Princeton St., Westfield, MA 01085. Dean Fay, same. To support charitable and community organizations through amateur boxing and related events.

Yagmur Inc., 18 School St., Westfield, MA 01085. Yagmur Hamurcu, 19 Pine St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Pizza restaurant.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

<strong>Unemployment Rises Slightly in January
BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates for January were up in all 24 labor market areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), compared to December 2014 rates. However, compared to January 2014, over-the-year unemployment rates were down in all of the labor market areas. BLS also released job and unemployment estimates for the new geographical boundaries of the labor market areas that were redrawn based on 2010 Census area delineations. These changes allow job estimates to be published for 15 areas, and labor-force and unemployment-rate estimates to be released for 24 areas. During January 2015, both Massachusetts and the 15 local areas for which job estimates are published experienced seasonal job losses. Since January 2014, all 15 areas added jobs. The Barnstable, Lawrence, Worcester, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Framingham, and Pittsfield areas added more jobs than over the same time period last year. In order to compare to the local unemployment rates, the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for January was 5.6%, up 0.7% from the revised December 2014 rate. Over the year, the statewide unadjusted rate was down 1.3% from the January 2014 rate of 6.9%. The seasonally adjusted statewide January unemployment rate, released on March 10, was 5.1%, down 0.2% over the month and down 1.0% over the year. The rate was 0.6% below the national unemployment rate. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 2,600-job gain in January and an over-the-year gain of 68,000 jobs. Once a year, BLS revises and updates area job estimates, which are available back to 1990. The revised labor-force and unemployment rates go back to 2014. The labor force, unemployment rates and jobs estimates for Massachusetts and every other state are based on several different statistical methodologies specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unadjusted unemployment rates, labor force, and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and, therefore, may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates.

MGM Springfield Names VP, Slates Groundbreaking
SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International announced that Brian Packer has been named vice president of Development and Construction for MGM Springfield, as it makes preparations for a March 24 groundbreaking event. As part of the MGM Resorts development team, which provides oversight and construction management on all regional and international integrated-resort projects, Packer will provide executive oversight for all aspects of construction and program-management activities at MGM Springfield. He has been an owner’s representative for MGM Resorts for more than 10 years, specializing in large, complex design and construction projects. He most recently served as director of Design and Construction. While in this role, he assembled the team that helped open ARIA Resort & Casino, one of the largest private developments of its kind. “Our team designs and delivers the most distinct hospitality properties in the world,” said Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield president. “Brian is the right person to assist in developing MGM Springfield, the largest development in Springfield and one of the largest in the region’s history.” Added Packer, “I was thrilled to have been asked to come to Springfield on behalf of MGM. Our company has been abuzz about the revolutionary and integrated downtown design and what we hope to accomplish for the Western Massachusetts region. I look forward to working together with our local partners to achieve this new vision for Springfield.” The construction of MGM Springfield will offer opportunities in a wide range of property components, such as early work and off-site work for the garage, casino, hotel tower, and retail plaza. Each component will allow for various bid opportunities for local contractors, in both prime and sub roles. MGM has and will continue to advertise additional opportunities for future construction packages as they become available. Interested bidders will learn about the scope of work, how to participate in the pre-qualification process, and MGM Springfield’s policy on minority contractors, vendors, and purchasing. “As certain aspects of the construction phase become the next priority, we will roll out this meeting process to get the right people for each piece of this design,” Mathis said.

ACCGS Releases 2015 Legislative Agenda
SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chamber of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) has released its 2015 legislative agenda, addressing the major legislative issues intended to strengthen business competitiveness, lower business costs, and stimulate growth in the Greater Springfield region. The agenda touches upon key issues in the areas of tax policy, workplace ethics, healthcare, and workforce development. The ACCGS will continue to update the legislative agenda throughout the session so to stay current with the evolving nature of the region. With revenues growing at a 4.5% rate, the chamber will focus on how those revenues are prioritized and spent in the areas of Gateway Cities, infrastructure, and local aid. The chamber continues to work hard in making the region competitive when it comes to the costs of doing business, and is addressing issues in the workplace with a focus on mandated sick leave, unemployment insurance, treble damage, and non-compete legislation. Healthcare costs are a major priority in this session’s agenda and remain a point of concern for the chamber and its members. The chamber will focus its efforts on addressing the federal Affordable Care Act, mandated benefits, and insurance disbursements. With more than 6,000 pieces of legislation filed at the commencement of the session on Jan. 1, the ACCGS will be monitoring the progress of these bills to better assert its position throughout the 2015-16 legislative session.

Springfield Establishes Casino Liaison Office
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Office of Planning & Economic Development have officially announced the establishment of the Casino Liaison Office. In order to meet the requirements of the Gaming Act found under Section 96 of Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2011, a host community is required to take action to help coordinate and expedite local permitting of a gaming facility. The Casino Liaison Office will act similar to a local permitting ombudsman to help coordinate and expedite local permitting of the development. The role of this office is to work with MGM Springfield and its construction-management team to resolve the myriad issues likely to occur during the construction period and to help streamline city permitting. This office will be in existence for a short time covering the period of construction and the first year of operation, with an expected span of 39 months. This office will be overseen by Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer, and will be staffed by Al Chwalek, retired director of the Department of Public Works, and attorney James Hannifan. The Casino Liaison Office will coordinate the efforts of the various city departments involved in the development and construction of the casino project and serve as an information resource for the developer and as a representative and facilitator for developer in the processing of its permitting, licensing, and regulatory approvals. “Due to the size and complexity of this multi-million-dollar project, it is imperative that the city provide a direct point of contact as we move forward with the realization of this tremendous economic-development project for the city of Springfield,” said Sarno. “Both Al and Jim have direct knowledge of the development process and will be instrumental in making sure that, when issues arise, they can be dealt with directly and in a timely manner to ensure this project stays on track.” In addition to the Casino Liaison Office staff, Sarno will also be bringing together a number of key departments as part of a casino-development team. This team will include the Office of Planning & Economic Development, Department of Public Works, Law Department, Building Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Water & Sewer Commission, and Office of Administration and Finance. As part of this team, the city will also be re-engaging the services of a number of outside casino-related consultants. These include Fuss & O’Neil, a local traffic-engineering consultant; the Chicago Consultants Studio Inc., a Chicago-based planning firm, which will review site-planning-related issues; and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, formerly Shefsky & Froelich Ltd., for its expertise concerning legal matters relating to the gaming industry. The city will fund the office staff through payments received in conjunction with the host-community agreement. Outside consultants used for their expertise will be funded pursuant to the terms of the agreement, which obligate the developer to pay development process cost fees. “As we did during the casino-review process, the city wants to ensure that we have a transparent and open process and that we also have the most qualified people to help guide one of the largest development projects in the city’s history,” Kennedy said. “This team of city departments and consultants, which will also be fully available to the City Council as part of their review, will help to play a major role in the permitting process and provide much-needed input as we look forward in anticipation of the casino’s opening in 2017.”

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Hampden Bancorp Stockholders Approve Berkshire Hills Merger
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc. announced that its stockholders have voted to approve the previously announced merger of Hampden with Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. The companies expect to complete the merger in April 2015, although there can be no assurance that the closing will occur then. Consummation of the merger is subject to approval by state and federal regulatory agencies. On Nov. 4, Hampden and Berkshire announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Berkshire will acquire Hampden and its subsidiary, Hampden Bank, in an all-stock transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each outstanding share of Hampden common stock will be exchanged for 0.81 shares of Berkshire Hills common stock. Berkshire will have a pro forma market cap of approximately $740 million and 100 branches serving customers and communities across New England and New York. Hampden Bancorp Inc. is the holding company of Hampden Bank. Established in 1852, Hampden Bank is a full-service community bank serving families and businesses in and around Hampden County. The Bank has 10 office locations in Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Indian Orchard, as well as Internet services, including online banking and bill payment.

Eric Carle Museum Shortlisted for 2015 National Medal
AMHERST — The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced that the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is among 30 finalists for the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For 21 years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service to make a difference for individuals, families, and communities. “Museums and libraries are the lifeblood of our communities, serving as trusted providers of critical resources, educational training, skills development, and civic and cultural enrichment,” said Maura Marx, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “We salute the Carle for exemplary leadership in promoting lifelong learning while engaging and inspiring the public.” Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. “In 12 short years, the Carle has brought the art of children’s books to the big stage, traveling exhibitions here and abroad, and has encouraged parents everywhere to make museum-going an integral part of their children’s experience,” said Christopher Milne, the Carle’s chairman of the board. The National Medal winners will be named later this spring, and representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C. to be honored at an award ceremony. Winning institutions also receive a visit from StoryCorps, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs. IMLS is encouraging community members who have visited these institutions to share their stories on the IMLS Facebook page, www.facebook.com/usimls. To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/medals.

Winstanley Garners Four Addys
LENOX – Creative agency Winstanley Partners highlighted its strength in packaging design this month, garnering four ADDY awards at the annual competition. Sponsored by the American Advertising Federation and hosted by the Albany AdClub, the ADDY awards honor creative work in the fields of marketing and advertising in its many forms, including print design, television, web, radio production, and elements of advertising such as logo design and photography. Winstanley Partners earned its awards for work completed in 2014 including labels for two new wines from Balderdash Cellars of Pittsfield, print advertisements created for Yo-Zuri America, Inc., a purveyor of high quality fishing lures, and the ‘Winstanley Fish Call,’ a self-promotional item used at the 2014 iCAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show. For more information, visit winstanley.com.

AIC Offers Family Nurse Practitioner Program
SPRINGFIELD — The new Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at American International College (AIC) is a unique program that expands and compliments other health professions programs within the School of Health Sciences. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a predicted shortage of primary-care providers is on the horizon. The FNP program is designed to help meet that need. Nurse practitioners provide direct patient care and are able to assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose, and manage treatment plans, including prescribing medications. Coming from a nursing background, family nurse practitioners approach patient care by employing a holistic, collaborative, and patient-centered model with the goal of helping people live the fullest lives possible. The FNP program at AIC is the only master’s-level nurse-practitioner program in the area. The flexible program provides a blended approach of classroom and online study. Its eight-semester, part-time schedule allows students to continue working while earning their advanced degree. According to AIC Dean of Health Sciences Cesarina Thompson, “the Family Nurse Practitioner program adds another level of expertise to the college’s other advanced degree programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing within the School of Health Sciences. And, in terms of the workforce, there is an ever-present need to work better together for the safety and quality of healthcare.” For more information about the Family Nurse Practitioner program, contact Associate Director for Graduate Nursing Programs Ellen Furman at (413) 205-3561 or [email protected]. To learn more about AIC’s graduate and undergraduate programs, visit www.aic.edu.

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move

PeoplesBank has announced the promotions of several key associates:

Karen Buell

Karen Buell

• Karen Buell has been promoted to Vice President, Customer Innovation Lab. Buell possesses more than a decade of banking experience. She joined the bank in 2006 and previously served as assistant vice president, eChannel officer. Buell holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Houghton College. In 2010, she was recognized as a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty award winner, and she received the Uncommon Volunteer award from the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce in 2011. Buell volunteers at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, where she teaches financial literacy.


Gail Richard

Gail Richard

• Gail Richard has been promoted to Vice President, Information Systems. Richard has more than four decades of banking experience. She joined the bank in 1971 and previously served as assistant vice president, Information Systems Officer. A resident of South Hadley, she graduated from the Mass. Bankers Assoc. School of Banking.





Michael Sugrue

Michael Sugrue

• Michael Sugrue has been promoted to Vice President, Compliance. Sugrue has close to two decades of banking and auditing experience. He joined the bank in 2009 and previously served as assistant vice president, Compliance. Sugrue holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from American International College. He is a graduate of the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Sugrue is vice president and a board member of the Western Mass. Compliance Assoc.
• Cynthia Wszolek has been promoted to Cash Management Officer. She has 15 years of banking experience. She joined the bank in 2013, serving as a cash management sales and support specialist. She volunteers for the American Cancer Society, serving on the planning committee for the Evening of Hope Gala. Ms. Wszolek is currently working toward an associate degree in business administration at Springfield Technical Community College.
• Starr McGrath has been promoted to Consumer Loan Officer. She has more than three decades of banking experience. She joined the bank in 1983 and previously served as consumer loan analyst.
• Patricia O’Brien has been promoted to Underwriter Officer. With more than two decades of banking experience, she joined the bank in 2008 and previously served as underwriter. O’Brien holds an associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College. She serves as a director of the Holyoke Kiwanis Club.
•••••
Moyah Smith

Moyah Smith

William Crawford IV, CEO of United Financial Bancorp Inc. and United Bank of Glastonbury, Conn., announced the hiring of Moyah Smith, who has taken on the primary role of United’s community outreach officer, responsible for covering Western Mass. In this role, Smith has assumed a number of key responsibilities, including organizing and participating in financial-literacy programs and classes where local residents can learn more about a range of important topics such as money management, the homebuying process, and how to repair and maintain good credit. She will also leverage her mortgage banking experience and strong ties to the Western Mass. region to promote and guide local residents through the entire homebuying process from application to closing. Her volunteerism and reputation in the Western Mass. community is extensive; she has dedicated her time to several nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Springfield, Relay for Life, the Alzheimer’s Assoc., and Project Clean Up Springfield, among others. She also volunteers weekly as a personality for the local nonprofit community radio station WTCC-FM at Springfield Technical Community College. In addition to serving as the community outreach officer in Western Mass, Smith will also hold the title of mortgage loan officer for United Bank. She gained considerable mortgage banking experience while working as a MLO for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in West Springfield from 1998 to 2004. Smith was also a Realtor and MLO with Keller Williams Realty in Longmeadow from 2004 to 2009. Before coming to United, Smith was a regional account executive with Elavon Inc., where she worked with banks and credit unions in delivering business solutions for small to mid-sized banks and providing merchant services to the company’s commercial customer base. Smith is based at United Bank’s offices at 95 Elm St. in West Springfield. She reports to Lisa Kraus, vice president and Western Mass. sales manager.
•••••
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) announced that Peter Salerno will return to the post of Executive Director for an interim period as the board of trustees begins a nationwide search for permanent leadership. Salerno, a local business leader and long-time member of the orchestra’s board of trustees, served in this capacity prior to the hiring of outgoing Executive Director Audrey Szychulski. In January of this year, Szychulski announced her acceptance of a new position with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, leaving the Springfield Symphony Orchestra with enhanced sponsorship and a strengthened business plan. In addition to serving on the orchestra’s board of trustees, Salerno teaches at Bay Path University and Clark University, serves as Finance chair of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee, and is lead consultant for Management Solutions, LLC. He looks forward to bringing his decades of business experience to his position with the symphony. In the upcoming months, the SSO board of trustees will oversee a nationwide search for a permanent executive director, with the goal of having that individual in place by early fall 2015, as the symphony enters the beginning of its 72nd season.
•••••
Nicole Griffin

Nicole Griffin

Nicole Griffin, president of Griffin Staffing Network, LLC in Springfield, has been selected as the recipient of the Urban League Community Builder Award for 2015. Griffin began her career in the financial industry, but after 12 years, she shifted into the staffing and recruitment field. She has several years of experience as a human-resources professional, including employee relations, recruitment, and retention. Her ability to understand the needs of a client led her to establish Griffin Staffing Network (GSN), now made up of a team with a combined 26 years of experience in staffing and recruitment. Focusing more on quality than quantity, GSN places top talent from call-center to C-level management positions in temp, temp-to-hire, contract, and permanent-placement structures. Griffin says her goal is to empower the community through employment opportunities and career development. Griffin was named to the 40 Under Forty by BusinessWest magazine in 2014. She serves on the board of SABIS International Charter School, the board of directors for Intercity Youth Inc., the committee of the Women Leadership Council, and the Plan for Progress Coordinating Council, and is a participant in the 2014-15 Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact Program. For more information about Griffin Staffing Network, visit www.griffinstaffingnetwork.com. For more information about the Urban League of Springfield, visit www.ulspringfield.org.
•••••
Samantha Peia

Samantha Peia

Residence Inn Chicopee announced that Samantha Peia has been appointed the hotel’s new Director of Sales. The four-story, 115-room hotel is located at 500 Memorial Dr. and has been open since September 2013. In her new role, Peia will be responsible for leading and directing the development and implementation of strategic sales and marketing plans. Prior to joining Residence Inn, she was senior sales manager at Courtyard by Marriott in Farmington, Conn. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Boston University and has worked in multiple positions with Marriott hotels. “Based on Samantha’s outstanding record, we are confident that she will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the Residence Inn Chicopee,” said Karen Warren, the hotel’s general manager.
•••••
Climate scientist and Distinguished Professor Raymond Bradley, director of the Climate System Research Center at UMass Amherst, has won a 2015 national Texty award for excellence for his book, Paleoclimatology: Reconstructing Climates of the Quaternary, which provides an overview of methods for reconstructing ancient climatic and of historical climate changes during the past 3 million years. The Text and Academic Authors Assoc. (TAA) announced seven 2015 Texty awards on Feb. 25. They will be presented to the authors during a lunch at the association’s 28th annual Textbook & Academic Authoring Conference in Las Vegas in June. Bradley’s 700-page text, published in its third edition by the academic press division of Elsevier this year, discusses such topics as natural climate variation, dating methods, ice cores, marine sediments, lake sediments, non-marine geologic evidence, pollen, corals, tree rings, and historical documents. In the introduction, he explains that paleoclimatology is the study of climate in the period before the tiny fraction of the Earth’s history that can be told using instrument measurements. He points out that a longer view can be obtained by studying climate-dependent natural phenomena that provide a proxy record of climate in the past. Such records can be combined and built up to help scientists theorize and test hypotheses about causes and mechanisms of climate variation that may still be at work today. Bradley, professor of Geosciences at UMass Amherst, said, “I was quite surprised to learn about this award, but I’m really pleased. I learned a lot writing the book, so it’s gratifying to know that others appreciate the result.” The TAA is the only nonprofit membership association dedicated solely to assisting textbook and academic authors. Its mission is to support textbook and academic authors in creating top-quality educational and scholarly works that stimulate love of learning and foster the pursuit of knowledge.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
 
• Thursdays, through March 26: ACCGS Leadership Institute 2015, 1-4 p.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. In partnership with Western New England University.
 
• March 24: ACCGS Pastries, Politics and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. For political and policy junkies. Reservations are $15 for members, $25 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• April 1: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Mayor’s Forum, featuring Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan, and Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik. Emceed by abc40’s Dave Madsen. Sponsored by United Personnel. Reservations 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.
 
• April 8: ACCGS Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. “When Creative Meets Data.” Learn the ‘where’ and ‘how’ to harness the power of real one-to-one personalized marketing. Presented by Mary McCarthy of Andrews Associates. Reservations are $25 for members, $35 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
• April 16: East of the River Five Town Chamber Member Appreciation Night, 5-7 p.m., at Europa Black Rock Bar & Grill, 782 Center St., Ludlow. Enjoy networking, games of chance, and more. Reservations are $5 for members, and may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com. East of the River Five Town Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
 
• April 29: ACCGS Beacon Hill Summit 2015, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House. Hosted by state Sen. James Welch. Day-long opportunity to meet with members of the Baker-Polito administration and the Massachusetts delegation. Reservations are $180 per person, including continental breakfast, transportation, lunch, reception, and all summit materials. Reservations may be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com.
 
AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700
 
• March 26: Margarita Madness 2015, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., Hadley. Taste a variety of margaritas and vote for your favorites. Step into the tropics and pretend you’re on a Caribbean island. This is a Division One competition between restaurant and business margaritas. Your votes will determine who will take home the coveted Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce trophies. Business margaritas provided by: Alden Credit Union, New England Promotional Marketing, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Country Nissan, Lord Jeffery Inn, TD Bank for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Encharter Insurance, Applewood at Amherst, and more to come. Restaurant margaritas provided by: Bistro 63 at the Monkey Bar, Bread & Butter, Bridgeside Grille, Chandler’s Restaurant, the Pub, Lord Jeffery Inn, Hadley Farms Meeting House, Chez Josef, Johnny’s Tavern, and more to come. Food Provided by: Emily’s Gourmet to Go, Something Special Catering, Pallazo Café, Glazed Donut Shop, Pop’s Biscotti, and Johnny’s Tavern. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 253-0700.

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


• March 25 : 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 15: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Summit View Banquet & Meeting House. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 16: Mornings with the Mayor, 8-9 a.m., at the Boys & Girls Club, 580 Meadow St., Chicopee. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 17: Lunch & Learn, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Attorney Kate O’Brien from Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn will present “No Union, No Worries? No Way!” This is an informative program about what almost all private-sector, non-union employers need to do to avoid being a target of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• April 22: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. For more information, call the chamber at (413) 594-2101.

• May 15: Lunch & Learn, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 600 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. “ACA Compliance: Employer Requirements and Management Tools.” Learn about a solid, user-friendly road map for understanding compliance issues. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 20: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Renaissance Manor on Cabot, 279 Cabot St., Holyoke. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 21: Greater Chicopee Chamber Golf Tournament, 10 a.m., at Chicopee Country Club. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.
 
• May 27: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

 
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
 
• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
 
• April 2: Greater Holyoke & Greater Easthampton Chambers of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank, Holyoke Community College, H&R Block, United Bank, United Personnel, and TD Bank. Ask questions, get answers, and hear issues defined. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and $240 for a table of eight. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 or the Easthampton Chamber (413) 527-9414 to sign up.
 
• April 13: Monday Morning with the Mayor: Getting Down to Business about Business. Casual conversation with Mayor Karen Cadieux, 8-9 a.m., at Burger King, 113 Northampton St., Easthampton. Free and open to the public.
 
• May 11: Monday Morning with the Mayor: Getting down to Business about Business. Casual conversation with Mayor Karen Cadieux, 8-9 a.m., at Easthampton Savings Bank, 36 Main St., Easthampton. Free and open to the public.
 
GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
 
• Greater Holyoke & Greater Easthampton Chambers of Commerce Legislative Luncheon, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank, Holyoke Community College, H&R Block, United Bank, United Personnel, and TD Bank. Ask questions, get answers, and hear issues defined. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members, and $240 for a table of eight. Call the Holyoke chamber at (413) 534-3376 or the Easthampton Chamber (413) 527-9414 to sign up.
 
• May 15: Chamber After Hours at Pic’s Place, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and Hosted by Pic’s Place, 910 Hampden St., Holyoke. Tickets: $10 for members, $15 for the public. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at www.holycham.com.
 
• May 18: Annual Chamber Cup 2015 Golf Tournament, celebrating the chamber’s 125th anniversary, 10:30 a.m. at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m.; tee off at noon (scramble format); dinner following game with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin. Cost: $125 per player includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only: $25. Awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament sponsors: Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, the Republican, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at www.holycham.com.
 
• May 21: Chamber Business Connections, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and hosted by PeoplesBank, in the atrium in the PeoplesBank Building at 330 Whitney Ave. Cost is $10 for chamber 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: Save the date for the chamber’s 125th Anniversary Gala Ball at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 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) 534-3376. Event is open to the public. More details to follow. 
 
GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• March 25: 21st Annual Table Top Expo and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Exhibitor cost: $125 for a table. Admission: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900
 
• May 6: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m. at Whalen Insurance Agency. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900
 
• July 1: July Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Pioneer Landscapes and Easthampton Electrical. For more information or to register, contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900.
 
GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
 
• April 6: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Dever Auditorium at Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event, so we may give our host a head count.

• April 8: April After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Vantage Sports & Rehab, 130 Southampton Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• April 28: Southwick Home to Business Show, at Tucker’s Restaurant. For more information, contact Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• May 4: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Renaissance Manor, 37 Feeding Hills Road, Westfield. This event is free and open to the public. Call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register, so we may give our host a head count.

• May 13: May After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Refreshments will be served. Bring your business cards and make connections. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.
 
• May 18: Save the date for the annual golf tournament at 10 a.m. at Tekoa Country Club. More details to come.
 
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
 
• April 14: Professional Women’s Chamber Ladies Night,  5-7 p.m., at Hofbrauhaus, 1105 Main St., West Springfield. Enjoy complimentary wine and refreshments.
Reservations are complimentary but required. To reserve a spot, contact Gwen Burke at (413) 237-8840 or [email protected]. The Professional Women’s Chamber is an affiliate of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.
 
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• April 1: Wicked Wednesday,  5:30-7:30 p.m., at Kaptain Jimmy’s, 916 Suffield St., Agawam. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants, which bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. Free for chamber members, $10 at the door for non-members. Event is open to the public. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].
 
• April 16: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., at Cal’s, 1068 Riverdale Road, West Springfield. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. The only cost to attend is the cost of lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately the day of the event. Please note, we cannot invoice you for these events. Attendees must be members or guests of members. 
For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

‘Creating and Leveraging Networks for Success’
March 25: Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) will present “Creating and Leveraging Networks for Success” from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke. The program will feature Gibran Rivera, senior associate at the Interaction Institute for Social Change in Boston. He will provide a crash course on strategic networking and educate attendees on how to thrive in a networked world, strategize as a networked professional, and overcome networking obstacles. Rivera moved from Puerto Rico to Westfield at age 12 and says the experience of “becoming a minority” has come to define his life’s work. He is the originator of Start & Thrive Studio and maintains a long-time affiliation with the Interaction Institute for Social Change, where he works on the development of leaders, organizations, and networks, and uses coaching, training, process design, and facilitation in service of those who are committed to social transformation. The program is being sponsored by Griffin Staffing Network. The cost is $45 for LPV members and $60 for non-members. For more information or to register, call (413) 737-3876.

Spaghetti Supper
March 25: The Gray House will hold its 24th annual Spaghetti Supper from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Greek Cultural Center, 22 St. George St., Springfield. This special event is a crucial fund-raiser for the Gray House, typically attracting about 400 attendees. Tickets for the event are $5 for adults and $3 for children, and may be purchased at the door. In addition to the supper, there will be a raffle and a silent auction. This year, first prize at the raffle is a foursome to the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, valued at $400. The East Longmeadow Knights of Columbus Council #9960 will once again be cooking the meal for the spaghetti supper. All proceeds will help the Gray House provide food, clothing, and educational services to neighbors in need. This year, the Gray House will honor Bay Path University (BPU) for its overall support. “We’re excited to honor Bay Path and acknowledge their assistant director of Student Activities, Michelle Mirti, and Dr. Kathryn Wiezbicki-Stevens from the Psychology Department,” said Dena Calvanese, executive director of the Gray House. “These two women have introduced many fantastic Bay Path students to the Gray House, and some of those students have become dedicated, compassionate, and very active volunteers. The Gray House relies on volunteers, and the Bay Path community truly makes a difference for the Gray House and, more importantly, to the people we serve.” The Gray House is a small, neighborhood agency located in and serving the North End of Springfield, one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods and one of the poorest in the state, where than 50% of residents live in poverty and struggle to meet their daily needs. The Gray House assists by providing food, clothing, adult education, and after-school and summer programming for children, and has been providing such support for 30 years and assisted nearly 11,000 people in 2014. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (413) 734-6696, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.grayhouse.org.

EANE Management Conference
March 26: The Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) announced that its 11th annual Management Conference will be held at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, with a focus on employee engagement. The full-day conference will address how managers and supervisors can create a culture of engagement, alignment, and loyalty to improve organizational performance. “Statistics show that only 29% of the workforce is engaged, while 45% is not engaged and, most alarming, 26% is disengaged,” said Meredith Wise, EANE president. “The benefits of high employee engagement are clear.” The program will feature Kevin Kruse, an expert on the power of leadership and employee engagement, and leadership columnist for Forbes. He is a New York Times bestselling author of Employee Engagement 2.0 and Employee Engagement for Everyone. The conference also includes a peer panel discussion on engagement, breakout sessions, and a special presentation on “Creating a POP! Culture of Engagement” with Rich Trombetta of Innovation Is Easy. The cost for the program is $325 per person, with discounts for three or more. Register at www.eane.org or by calling (877) 662-6444. The program will offer 6.25 credits from the HR Certification Institute. Sponsoring the program are United Personnel and the CPA firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Red Cross Open House
March 26: The American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts will host a recruitment event and open house 2 to 7 p.m. at its new location at 150 Brookdale Dr., Springfield. The goal of the event is to showcase all of the volunteer opportunities available in community. Prospective volunteers will be able to visit table displays representing the programs and services of the Red Cross. Attendees can speak with active volunteers who can answer questions about what is involved. Opportunities exist to respond to local disasters and provide relief to victims, including sheltering and feeding on larger events, working as a liaison with Red Cross partners, assisting with registration at blood drives, or staffing the reception desk. There are also openings to teach CPR, first aid, and preparedness education or help with various office-related tasks. “The Red Cross provides the training and resources to enable our volunteers to truly make a difference in our community,” said Mary Nathan, disaster program manager. The Red Cross asks that people consider sharing their time and talent to make a difference in the community, and visit the open house. Tours will be offered to all who attend. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Home & Garden Show
March 26-29: The original Western Massachusetts Home & Garden Show will take place at the Eastern States Exposition, in the Better Living Center and the Young Building, showcasing the latest trends from local home-improvement businesses, including Boilard Lumber, Baystate Rug & Flooring, Hampden Zimmerman Lighting Design Showroom, Ondrick Natural Earth, Serv-U Locksmiths, and Yankee Mattress Factory. The Home & Garden Show is the region’s premier show for preparing consumers and construction professionals for the upcoming building season. From first-time homeowners and weekend-warrior renovation enthusiasts to lawn and garden experts and contractors, the Home & Garden Show offers home-improvement and commercial-building solutions for a wide audience. The days and hours are Thursday, March 26, 2 to 9 p.m.; Friday, March 27, 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 are free. Active military and veterans get free admission on Thursday with valid ID. Visit the Home & Garden Show website, westernmasshomeshow.com, for reduced-admission coupons.
 
Legends of Music
March 29: A rock and roll tribute to the legends of American music will help to raise funds for the local USO of Pioneer Valley. The show will take place at Chez Josef in Agawam, with cocktails at 4 p.m., seating at 5 p.m., and the show beginning at 6 p.m. Local tribute artists include Ray Guillemette Jr. as Elvis Presley, Rick Larimore as Rod Stewart, Ben Ashley as Buddy Holly, Charlie Lask as Neil Diamond, Atoa Ripley with a tribute to Lou Rawls and Tom Jones, Brian McCullough with a tribute to Roy Orbison, Erving Lewis as Lionel Ritchie, Patrick Tobin with a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Nicky Fuller as Lady Gaga, Gregorio Malante as Tina Turner, and Vicki Rose with a tribute to Celine Dion. All will be backed up by Joe Perreira’s Western Mass All Stars. Tickets cost $20 and are available at Chez Josef. Call the Chez Josef box office at (413) 355-5394 to reserve a seat.

Transitioning Business Ownership
March 31: One of the largest challenges facing business owners today is how to solve the question, “how do I get out of my business?” If you are like 2.7 million American business owners over the age of 55, the answer carries a greater significance. The country is embarking on the largest transition of business ownership in history, yet three out of four owners haven’t taken a single step to prepare for what will be the most competitive sellers’ market ever. The good news is, it’s not too late to start planning. Kevin and Michael Vann of the Vann Group are providing a primer on what you need to know about the succession/transition planning process from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Colony Club in Springfield. Topics to be discussed include the current transition/succession landscape, establishing transition expectations and objectives, business valuation facts and realities, family and partner dynamics, exit options and structure considerations, preparing the company for transition, and your advisors and the value they create. Breakfast will be served, and each attendee will receive a free, customized Business Exit/Transition Readiness Analysis ($1,000 value). To register, contact Michael Wright at (413) 543-2776 or [email protected], or register online.

ACCGS Business@Breakfast
April 1: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) April Business@Breakfast will feature a Mayors’ Forum as the highlight of the event from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke, sponsored by United Personnel Services. Dave Madsen, managing editor and primary anchor for abc40, will moderate an informal discussion with West Springfield Mayor Edward Sullivan, Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. The discussion will provide attendees with an inside look at the personal and professional lives of these elected officials. Sullivan is halfway through his first term as mayor. Knapik has served as mayor of Westfield since 2010 and announced this year that he is seeking out new challenges and will not be running for another term. Sarno has announced his candidacy for a fourth term in office. If elected and he completes the entire term, it would make him the longest-standing mayor in Springfield’s history. Business@Breakfast is a monthly series that pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions that bring honor to the region. Tickets are $20 for ACCGS members and $30 for general admission. Reservations are suggested and can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com or by contacting Member Services Director Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; contact Mazzaferro at (413) 755-1313 for information.

Employment-law Seminar
April 9: Due to the high volume of interest, Royal LLP will present an encore of its seminar pertaining to three major changes in employment law that every employer needs to be aware of for 2015. The seminar will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at the company’s offices at 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. At this roundtable, the company will focus on sick leave, domestic-violence leave, and paternity leave, and will also flag an issue with respect to the Affordable Care Act relating to healthcare reimbursement, as well as minimum wage. The seminar will be led by principal Amy Royal. Cost is $30 per person; payments may be mailed to Royal LLP, 270 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060. Advance registration is required, and seating will be limited. Contact Ann-Marie Marcil at [email protected] to register.

Not Just Business as Usual
April 30: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event is one of the premiere networking events for business leaders in Western Mass. This annual celebration, in its sixth year, is a celebration of innovative thinking which gives participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program. The event will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and the keynote speaker, Google Engineering Director Steve Vinter, to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Vinter has overseen the growth of Google’s Cambridge site from 15 software engineers in 2007 to more than 900 today. He is responsible for developing digital-publishing products such as Google eBooks, Google Play Newsstand, and Play for Education, and has over 20 years of industry experience working in the Boston area, focusing on building products and services for hundreds of millions of users of mobile and cloud computing. He also is the co-founder of MassCAN, a partnership of organizations which collaborate to inspire and educate students in Massachusetts to learn computing and prepare them to lead and innovate the future economy, which will be driven by computer technology. This year, NJBAU will feature interactive workstations featuring the STCC Mobile SIM and Engineering program. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $100 each, and sponsorships begin at $1,500. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

EASTEC
May 12-14: With manufacturing a driving force of economic growth in the Northeast, as well as across the U.S., more than 12,000 business owners, engineers, designers, production managers, and purchasing executives will gather at EASTEC, the East Coast’s premier manufacturing event. Produced by SME, the biennial event takes place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield and features more than 650 exhibitors and three days of complimentary educational sessions. In its 34th year, the event showcases the latest manufacturing technologies from additive manufacturing/3D printing to waterjet cutting, and provides access to industry experts sharing insights on how to foster innovation, increase productivity, and improve profits. This year, attendees will also get to see more than 300 new products being highlighted at the show. At EASTEC, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with resources, research and purchase the latest technologies, and discover ways to improve productivity and increase profits. Meanwhile, the complimentary educational sessions will address trending topics such as automation innovations and Lean creativity, along with other major advancements in manufacturing. New features in 2015 will include keynote presentations from Carl Palme, applications product manager, Rethink Robotics; and Jason Prater, vice president of Development, Plex Systems, that will help with solving complex issues that U.S. manufacturers face today. EASTEC also will highlight the Bright Minds Program, designed to educate the next-generation workforce on the advancements in manufacturing that make it an exciting and rewarding career path. Winners of the Bright Minds Dream It! Do It! Student Challenge will be recognized at a special program during the three-day event. EASTEC is recommended for professionals in industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, automotive, commercial machinery, electronics, fabricating, and plastics. The event is nearly sold out, so SME encourages companies to reserve exhibit space before it’s too late. To learn more about EASTEC, view full conference and exhibit details, or register, visit easteconline.com.

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. Details on the event, which honors the region’s most accomplished and civic-minded professionals under age 40, will be published in upcoming issues. The class of 2015 will be revealed and profiled in the April 20 issue.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Marie Desources v. Early Childhood Centers of Greater Springfield Inc.
Allegation: Negligent failure to maintain property: $4,974.17
Filed: 2/26/15

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Camfour Inc. v. Flint Armament Inc.
Allegation: Failure to comply with previous judgment: $213,573+
Filed: 2/27/15

Certified Laboratories Inc. v. Lansal, Inc. d/b/a Hot Mama’s Foods
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $100,112.63
Filed: 2/2/15

George H. Holsten III, M.D. v. Noble Health Systems
Allegation: Lost compensation for professional services rendered: $25,000+
Filed: 2/4/15

Springfield Housing Authority, as third-party beneficiary and as assignee for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Development v. Wall Construction Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and conversion: $250,000
Filed: 2/27/15

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
John and Darcy Guimond v. Chicopee Concrete Services Inc. and L & L Realty Trust
Allegation: The plaintiff, in his capacity as an employee of the Mass. Department of Transportation, was inspecting cement mixers when he fell into a lube pit: $25,000+
Filed: 1/26/15

William H. and Ilene Mitchell v. James M. Kiely and Ziad Kutayli, M.D.
Allegations: Medical malpractice in the performance of colorectal surgery: $120,000
Filed: 2/3/15

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Dream Cymbals and Gongs Inc. v. Jose Dias d/b/a Paper City Music Shop
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,876.61
Filed: 1/23/15

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
Physicians Services v. Kimberly Lange d/b/a Lange Chiropractic
Allegation: Unpaid medical billing services: $6,313.77
Filed: 1/30/15

Rosyln Rochester v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff seeking relief for injuries sustained in slip and fall: $2,000+
Filed: 2/12/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Irene and Walter Greenia v. Balise Mazda
Allegation: Breach of contract for sale of a motor vehicle: $14,920.63
Filed: 2/25/15

Perkins Paper, LLC v. Linda L. Briggs d/b/a Codfather Restaurant
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,702.54
Filed: 3/2/15

Wolverine World Wide Inc. v. Kids Footwear Outlet Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,691.13
Filed: 2/25/15

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Inspan, LLC v. James P. Ayotte, d/b/a Country Cottage Construction
Allegation: Breach of contract: $14,711.37
Filed: 2/12/15

Picture This

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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]

Celebrating Springfield

DScrowdReceptionMore than 700 people flocked to the MassMutual Center on March 12 for DevelopSpringfield’s Celebrate Springfield Annual Dinner. The nonprofit organization, dedicated to spurring economic development in the city’s many neighborhoods, honored three individuals — Springfield Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy; Jerald Jay Griffin, co-founder of the Stone Soul Festival; and Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin — for their efforts to stimulate growth and vitality in the city. Pictured: the crowd during networking hour.DavisSilvaBeanStephens
From left, Steve Davis, senior trustee of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation; Paul Silva, executive director of Valley Venture Mentors; Delcie Bean, founder and CEO of Paragus Strategic IT, and Bob Stevens, president of Stevens & Associates, P.C.Award-Recipients
From left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield; Armando Feliciano, DevelopSpringfield board member and event chair; Kennedy, Griffin, and Plotkin; and Jill Monson-Bishop, mistress of ceremonies.

School Building Authority Announces ‘My Ideal School’ Contest

By
Daily News

BOSTON — State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, chair of the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA), and MSBA Executive Director Jack McCarthy announced the 2015 “My Ideal School” contest. The goal of the contest is to promote discussion among students and teachers about how thoughtful design and construction of schools in Massachusetts support student learning.

The contest is open to all first-grade students currently attending a Massachusetts public school. Regional winners will receive a prize donated by Santander Bank. One grand-prize winner will have his or her “My Ideal School” contest picture featured on the cover of the MSBA annual report. All winners will be honored at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House on May 27. Contest submissions must be postmarked by April 24 for consideration. More information can be found on the MSBA website at www.massschoolbuildings.org.

The Mass. School Building Authority partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally appropriate, flexible, sustainable, and cost-effective public-school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the authority has made more than 1,500 site visits to more than 250 school districts as part of its due-diligence process, and has made more than $11.2 billion in reimbursements for school-construction projects.

WSU Hosts Lecture to Spark Interest in International Politics

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — As part of its annual Month Celebrating Women calendar of events, Westfield State University will host British South Asian scholar Dr. Alka Kurian, who will present her lecture, “Women as Militarized Bodies: Subject or Objects?” today at 5 p.m. in Wilson Savignano Auditorium C.

For nearly 30 years, Westfield State has held events dedicated to awareness and celebration of women’s rights and issues involving women globally. What started off as a week-long celebration organized around International Women’s Day (March 8) is now a month-long tribute complete with guest speakers, concerts, and art exhibits. The month is organized by faculty and staff and the department of Diversity, Inclusion, and Student Activities, and is led by Ron’na Lytle, administrative assistant of the Ethnic and Gender Studies and World Language Studies departments.

Kurian is a lecturer at the University of Washington Bothell, where she teaches courses in film studies, literature, women’s studies, and human rights. She is the author of Narratives of Gendered Dissent in South Asian Cinemas and served as the co-director of the ninth Seattle South Asian Film Festival. She holds a Ph.D. in film and cultural studies from the University of Sunderland in the U.K.

During her lecture, Kurian will focus on women’s participation in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the armed wing of the Tamil resistance movement in the post-colonial Sri Lankan civil war. She will draw a comparison between Sri Lanka women’s participation in suicide missions with several geopolitical locations in the Middle East and initiate a conversation on the transformative potential of revolutionary violence for the gendered subaltern.

The lecture was organized by Shoba Sharad Rajgopal, associate professor of Ethnic and Gender Studies, who met Kurian at the National Women’s Studies Assoc. “I hope audience members develop more of an interest in international politics through attending this lecture,” Rajgopal said. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lytle at (413) 572-5573.

UMass Amherst Nursing to Explore Social-justice Issues in Health

By
Daily News

AMHERST — The College of Nursing at UMass Amherst will explore new frontiers in social-justice issues in healthcare as part of a March 30 symposium titled “Health as a Human Right: A Call to Action.” The symposium takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the university’s Campus Center Auditorium.

Leading a session on digital storytelling will be nurse, filmmaker, philanthropist, and social-justice activist Susan Hagedorn, professor emerita at the University of Colorado College of Nursing. Hagedorn, a 1977 alumna of the UMass Amherst nursing program, established the Seedworks Professorship in Social Justice at the College of Nursing in 2013. Her films include Island Nurse (2013) and Disruptive Innovator (2012).

In preparing for the symposium, Hagedorn and a film crew from the Berkeley, Calif.-based Center for Digital Storytelling are filming the personal stories of UMass Amherst students and faculty, focusing on social-justice issues and experiences. Many of these films, each several minutes in length, will be shown during the symposium and act as launching pads for discussion and breakout sessions in areas such as aging, diversity, violence, and sexual and reproductive health rights.

“Nurses are at often the front lines in seeing everything from post-traumatic stress disorder to elder self-neglect, and are the most likely to advocate on behalf of an underserved population,” said UMass College of Nursing Dean Stephen Cavanagh. “This symposium will feature some very real, very personal stories that moved people to action.”

Daniel Weinshenker, Midwest director of the Center for Digital Storytelling, who will help lead the workshop, said he has seen it become “an absolutely life-changing workshop for many people.”

Peggy Chinn, professor emerita from University of Connecticut School of Nursing and editor of the journal Advances in Nursing Science, will present the keynote. She has consulted worldwide on doctoral curriculum development, feminism and nursing, publishing, and a number of topics related to holistic healing modalities in nursing.

Also featured will be Beverly Malone, CEO of the National League for Nursing. Named one of Modern Healthcare’s “100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare,” she is among America’s most vocal leaders in the national conversation about the nursing and nurse-educator shortage, and the role of nursing in ensuring access to safe, quality, culturally competent care to diverse patient populations. Other program participants include:

• UMass Amherst College of Nursing professor Jean Swinney, chair of the American Public Health Assoc. Public Health Nursing Section. A champion for social justice for more than 25 years, she continues working to decrease health disparities, increase workforce diversity, and provide insight regarding the impact of racism and inequality on health and the related challenges faced by people and communities of color;

• UMass Amherst College of Education professor Ximena Zúñiga, whose interests include social-justice education, student development in social-justice and diversity education, multicultural group processes, intergroup dialogue and relations on college campuses, and action research;

• Sarah Szanton of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, whose specialties include gerontology, aging in place, and racial and socioeconomic health disparities; and

• Aline Gubrium of the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, whose areas of specialization include sexual and reproductive health rights and justice; participatory digital, visual, and narrative research methodologies; and holistic and culture-centered approaches to health promotion.

The general registration fee for the symposium is $50, or $15 for students. Breakfast and lunch are included. The event is co-sponsored by the UMass Amherst College of Education and the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences.