Home 2016 August (Page 4)

Month: August 2016

Doing Business As Certificates

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DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of July 2016.

Agawam

Gallagher Academy of Real Estate
351 Walnut Street Ext
J. Cullen P. Gallagher

Gallagher Real Estate
350 Walnut St.
Paul Gallagher

My Sister’s Scrapbook
26 Hunter’s Greene
Susan Tapply

The Magic Blend
1325 Springfield St. #8
Adam Kaplan

Amherst

Hampshire Mindfulness
409 Main St., Suite 252
Jessica Murphy

M.G.L Industries
48 Curtis Place
Matthew G. Leclair

MOMO
23 North Pleasant St.
Jamyang Wangchuk and Rabga Ngawang

New Bridge Software Consulting
65 Stagecoach Road
Daniel Thibodeau

Pita Pockets/Fibi and Fadi LLC
103 North Pleasant St.
Nahla Ejja

Star Nails & Spa
316 College St.
Mung Thi Pham

Chicopee

D & B Auto Sales Service LLC
395 Broadway St.
Donny Aderno & Rebecca L. Aderno

Family Barbers & Beauty Supplies
212 Exchange St.
Alex A. Nieves

Healing Touch
24 White Birch Ave.
Cindy Roux

KS Services
35 Casino Ave.
Kelly A. Surprise

Temp Solutions LLC
259 Arcade St.
William Frank Renaud

Northampton

Audubon Arts
341 Audubon Road
Elizabeth E. Vizentin

Bamboo (Asian Cuisine)
311 Riverside Dr.
Manelas T. Marroquin & Javier E. Marroquin

Health Care Resources Centers
297 Pleasant St.
Community Health Care Inc

Najame & Kling Law Offices
90 Conz St., Suite 208
Mark A. NeJame & Julie G. Kling

Thrive: Growing Wellness
166 Grove St.
Jessica Gifford

Springfield

Acres Dental Care
1954 Wilbraham Road
James E. Maslowski

ATI Physical Therapy
1160 Dickinson St.
Performance

Carte 24. COM
27 Highland St.
Sa Nguyen

Cumberland Farms #0211
514 Belmont Ave.
John Daly

Deniliva Inc., D/B/A Liberty
977 Boston Road
Steven Kowalski

Deniliva Inc., D/B/A Liberty
1334 Liberty St.
Steven Kowalski

Done Rite Overhead Doors
24 Gardens Dr.
Kevin Chiasson

Educating Youth
87 Sunapee St.
Simone Phillips

Guardian Soldiers Law Enforcement
18 Champlain St.
David A. Dimiero

Lucky Traders Inc.
389 Belmont Ave.
Wahab Bari

Puerto Rico Candy Store
2756 Main St.
Ady Nelson Rosario

Rick’s Home Improvement
49 Silver St.
Jasmine Owen

Solivan Landscaping
80 Castle St.
Reinaldo Solivan Jr.

Springfield Central Downtown
1477 Main St.
Glenroy Beresford

Thomas’ Cleaning Company
450 Hancock St.
Thomas M. Peralta

West Springfield

Balise Nissan of West Springfield
500 Riverdale St.
Balise JRN, Inc

Chapin Baby
1680 Riverdale St.
Tatyana Gut

Early Bloomers Family Child Daycare
76 Blossom Road
Jocelyn Donohue

Elite Interior Designs
499 Elm St.
Aslan Viysalov

Powers & Liquori
84 Park St.
Gary B Liquori

Quick Stop Food
20 River Street
Amanullah Khan

Westfield

Community Church of Westfield
11 Washington St.
Advent Christian Church of Westfield

EZ Mart
82 Franklin St.
82 Franklin St. Inc.

For K-9s & Felines, LLC
45 Southwick Road
For K-9s & Felines, LLC

Lularoe Kimberly Curran
84 Tannery Road
Kimberly Jensen-Curran

North American Restoration
40 Franklin St. Rear
Harland C. Avezzie

Northside Creamery
519 Southampton Road
Mancino Farms Inc.

Pro-Cutters Environmental Timbering
135 Susan Dr.
Brian R. D’Agostino

Romans Mowing
152A Miller St.
Roman Mikhalinchik

Tanya Costigan Events
1029 North Road
Tanya Costigan

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.

ADAMS

Mount Royal II Inc., 99 Howland Ave., Adams, MA 0122. Themina Imran, 314 Old Farms Road West, Middletown, CT 06457. Real estate ownership and operation.

AGAWAM

Modern Olympic Inc., 470 School St., Agawam, MA 01001. John Krause, same. Internet sales.

BRIMFIELD

MA Trailriders, Inc., 125A Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. John Blouin, 35A 3rd St., Webster, MA 01570. To raise awareness and support for the ATV community.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Loon Hill Management Co. Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 204, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Ernest A. Gralia, III, same. Management services.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Nonprofit Center Of The Berkshires Inc., 40 Railroad St., Suite 10, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Ronald M. Bernard, 182 Cold Spring Road, Sandisfield, MA 01255. A nonprofit, member-based organization providing education, information, products and services to nonprofits and civic groups in the Berkshire region.

LONGMEADOW

Longmeadow Police Benefit Association Inc., 34 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Ewen MacEachern, 203 South Monson Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Providing benefits to its members upon sickness, injury and/or death and to engage in other civic, educational, charitable, and benevolent purposes.

McChen Restaurant Inc., 813 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Michael Chen, same. Restaurant.

PITTSFIELD

Master Han’s US Taekwondo Inc, 141 Tyler St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Yunhee Han, same. Taekwondo martial art center.

New Asain Garden Inc., 3 Newell St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Limin Liu, same. Restaurant serves Asian foods.

SPRINGFIELD

Lucy’s Family Market Corp., 935 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01105. Luz M. Lazala, 88 Surrey Road, Springfield, MA 01104. Grocery store.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

NV Concepts Unlimited Inc., 95 Apple Ridge Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Timothy Bonito, same. Event production, talent management, and event promotion.

Briefcase

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Briefcase Departments

Governor Signs Bipartisan Pay-equity Legislation

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bipartisan pay equity bill last week, passed unanimously by both legislative branches, to ensure equal pay for comparable work for all Massachusetts workers and equal opportunities to earn competitive salaries in the workplace. The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, State Auditor Suzanne Bump, state Sen. Patricia Jehlen, state Rep. Ellen Story, state Rep. Patricia Haddad, and members of the Legislature at a signing ceremony in the State House to enact S.2119, An Act to Establish Pay Equity, which will go into effect on July 1, 2018 for Commonwealth employers and employees. “I am pleased to sign bipartisan legislation to create a more level playing field in the Commonwealth and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to earn a competitive salary for comparable work,” Baker said. “I thank the Legislature for unanimously passing this bill and working closely with the business community to support women and families across the state.” Added Polito, “this legislation is an important step toward advancing more equal, inclusive, and thriving workplaces throughout the Commonwealth for women and families.” The new law will prevent pay discrimination for comparable work based on gender. The bill allows employees to freely discuss their salaries with coworkers, prohibits employers from requiring applicants to provide their salary history before receiving a formal job offer, and authorizes the attorney general to issue regulations interpreting and applying the expanded law. Under the new law, employers are permitted to take certain attributes of an employee or applicant into account when determining variation in pay, including their work experience, education, job training, or measurements of production, sales, or revenue. “This new law is an important step toward ensuring economic security for Massachusetts women and families. It makes vital updates that reflect our modern economy and balance the needs of workers and the business community,” said Attorney General Maura Healey, adding that “pay equity is not only a women’s issue, it’s a family issue, and with this new law on the books, we are closer to closing the pay gap in our state.” The statute of limitations laid out currently under the equal-pay statute will be expanded from one to three years, and employees will no longer be required to pursue a general claim of intentional discrimination at the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination before filing a separate equal-pay claim in court.

ABA Bringing Franchise to Springfield This Fall

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Sting will be the first American Basketball Assoc. (ABA) team to call Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, its home when it commences play in November. The organization will boast top talent from the Greater Springfield area and beyond. The Sting will join the ABA’s Northeast Division for the start of the 2016-17 season, alongside teams in Boston, Providence, New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. The franchise will be owned by Zach Baru of Longmeadow. Baru’s past experience in sports and entertainment includes the Springfield Spirit of the National Women’s Basketball League, the Greater Springfield Pro-Am Basketball League, the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League, and the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Dr. Steven Sobel has been hired as the team’s first general manager and head coach. Sobel, a former Division II star at the University of Hartford, has spent more than 40 years coaching collegiate and professional basketball teams and players. During the offseason, he helms the Springfield Slamm of the Greater Hartford Pro-Am Basketball League. Sobel is also a nationally recognized motivational speaker and author of The Good Times Handbook: Your Guide to Positive Living and Exciting Life. “We are excited to bring professional basketball back to the city of Springfield. With Dr. Sobel at the helm, and potential supporters already reaching out, the possibilities for success here in the community are endless,” Baru said.

Free Legal Assistance Available to Small Businesses

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England University Small Business Legal Clinic is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs and small-business owners seeking legal assistance for the fall 2016 semester. Under faculty supervision, law students assist clients with legal issues, including choice of entity, employment policies, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and intellectual-property issues relating to trademark applications and copyright. This is a free service available to local businesses that would not otherwise have the resources to obtain these types of services. The Small Business Clinic at Western New England School of Law has assisted more than 300 small businesses. By using the clinic’s services, businesses can avoid problems by getting legal issues addressed early and correctly. It also provides students with an opportunity to get real-world experience. The Small Business Legal Clinic asks small-business owners to submit their applications by Monday, Aug. 15. Applications received after that date will be considered if additional resources are available. Students will begin providing services in September. For more information, call the clinic at (413) 782-1469 or e-mail [email protected].

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

Berkshire Hills Reports Second-quarter Results

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. reported second-quarter GAAP earnings of $0.52 per share in 2016 compared to $0.35 in 2015. Core earnings increased to $0.54 per share from $0.51 for these respective periods. Results increased due to expanded operations and improved profitability. Core EPS is a non-GAAP financial measure and is adjusted to exclude net non-core charges primarily related to acquisitions and restructuring activities. GAAP results last year included higher non-core charges related to the Hampden Bancorp acquisition. Second-quarter financial highlights, compared to the prior quarter, include 5% total loan growth, 4% total commercial loan growth, 3.31% net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent), 58.7% efficiency ratio (non-GAAP financial measure), 0.26% non-performing assets/assets, and 0.22% net loan charge-offs/average loans.

NAI Plotkin Makes Move to Heart of Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — NAI Plotkin announced it will relocate to the MassLive building, 1350 Main St., in mid-August. 1350 Formerly known as One Financial Plaza, the building is well-known throughout Springfield for its first-, third-, and ninth-floor galleries activating the spaces. This move brings a third-generation family business into the dynamic and changing heart of downtown. NAI Plotkin’s team of commercial real-estate professionals will occupy 5,884 square feet on the 14th floor in the class-A office tower. The space is currently being renovated to best suit the contemporary property management team. “As we continue to grow our business in and around the Springfield market, we needed to put down roots in a new space that will grow with us,” said Evan Plotkin, company president. “We’re excited to start this new chapter of our company’s history.”

United Financial Bancorp Announces Q2 Earnings

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. The company had net income of $9.1 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. Operating net income (non-GAAP) for the second quarter of 2016 was $10.0 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $10.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the linked quarter. Operating net income for the second quarter of 2016 is adjusted for purchase accounting impacts, net gain from sales of securities, and the effect of position eliminations as a result of the company’s previously disclosed reorganization plan. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2016, operating income was also adjusted for Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston pre-payment penalties. The company reported net income of $13.3 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Total assets at June 30, 2016 increased by $95.8 million to $6.42 billion from $6.32 billion at March 31, 2016. At June 30, 2016, total loans were $4.73 billion, representing an increase of $81 million, or 2%, from the linked quarter. Loan growth during the second quarter of 2016 was highlighted by a $58 million, or 9%, increase in commercial business loans; a $14 million, or 3%, increase in home-equity loans; and an $8 million, or 2%, increase in owner-occupied commercial real-estate loans. Residential mortgages declined during the second quarter of 2016 by $5 million, reflecting the company’s continued strategy to reduce on-balance sheet exposure to residential mortgage loans. Deposits totaled $4.46 billion at June 30, 2016 and decreased by $79 million, or 2%, from $4.53 billion at March 31, 2016.

Smith & Wesson Purchases Laser-sight Maker for $95M

SPRINGFIELD — Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Crimson Trace Corp., an industry leader in laser-sighting systems and tactical lighting for firearms, for $95 million. Crimson Trace has long been a key supplier of laser-sighting systems for Smith & Wesson. For more than two decades, Crimson Trace has provided consumers, military units, and law-enforcement officers around the globe with laser-sight and tactical-light products. Offering more than 225 products, its award-winning innovations include the Lasergrips, Laserguard, and Rail Master platforms. The company’s product line also includes the Defender Series, Lightguard, and its new LiNQ wireless activation system. Based in Wilsonville, Ore., Crimson Trace operates from a 50,000-square-foot, leased facility where it engineers and manufactures its products. Crimson Trace was founded 22 years ago and has organically generated a 10-year compound annual revenue growth rate in excess of 10%. Its products maintain a premium position with hundreds of independent retailers as well as large sporting-goods retailers, including Cabela’s, MidwayUSA, Nation’s Best Sports, and internet retailer Optics Planet Inc. “Crimson Trace provides us with an exceptional opportunity to acquire a thriving company that is completely aligned with our strategy to become a leader in the market for shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiasts,” said James Debney, Smith & Wesson president and CEO. “As the undisputed leader in the market for laser-sighting products, Crimson Trace serves as an ideal platform for our new Electro-Optics Division.”

Tech Foundry Announces New Classes Beginning Sept. 6

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry is looking for new students who seek a new career in information technology. A free, 14-week program, meeting for 20 hours per week beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6, will focus its teaching skills in four technological areas: networking, data, programming, and troubleshooting.

Taking part in the program involves taking classes at Tech Foundry as well as going on field trips and doing four weeks of internships with area employers. Completing the program will help prepare participants for an entry-level position in IT.

Anyone interested in joining the program should click here and fill out the application.

Jerry Rome Nissan Becomes Balise Nissan

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Jerry Rome Nissan, located at 500 Riverdale St. in West Springfield, has officially become Balise Nissan of West Springfield.

The current facility and parking area will undergo expansion in the coming months. Pending approval from the town of West Springfield, the dealership will be renovated to align more closely with Nissan’s latest dealership image.

“Our team is thrilled for the all-new Balise Nissan of West Springfield,” says Bill Peffer, president & COO of Balise Motor Sales. “We look forward to exceeding customers’ expectations in areas of sales, service, and overall customer experience.”

Balise Nissan is the sixth Balise dealership on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and the ninth Balise dealership in Western Mass.

Attorney Marylou Fabbo Recognized Among Top Women of Law

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that Attorney Marylou Fabbo has been named one of the 2016 Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. This distinction is presented to only 50 female legal professionals in the Commonwealth each year.

The Top Women of Law program highlights women who are trailblazers in their respective fields and role models for future generations of attorneys. This prestigious list of elite female legal professionals will be honored at a dinner program sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, planned for Oct. 27 at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston.

“I am truly humbled to be recognized among so many talented women,” Fabbo said. “It speaks volumes about our firm to have two attorneys recognized this year. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the honorees in October.”

Fabbo represents employers in employment litigation before state and federal courts as well as state and federal agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She is a partner at Skoler Abbott and heads the firm’s litigation team. She has extensive experience working with employers to reduce the risk of legal liability they may face as the result of illegal employment practices. She is a frequent speaker on employment-related topics and also conducts extensive management-training and employment-practices audits. She is a published author and volunteers in the local community.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly was founded in 1972 and reports decisions issued by all state and federal courts in Massachusetts as well as changes to court rules, verdict and settlement reports, bar-discipline notices, and other news vital to attorneys in the Commonwealth. A complete list of the publication’s 2016 Top Women of Law can be found at masslawyersweekly.com.

Springfield Regional Chamber Super 60 Nominations Due Aug. 12

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Time is running out to submit nominations for the Springfield Regional Chamber’s annual Super 60 awards program. The deadline is this Friday, Aug. 12.

Now in its 27th year, the awards program celebrates the success of the fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the region, which continue to make significant contributions to the strength of the regional economy. Each year, the program identifies the top-performing companies in revenue growth and total revenue. Last year, total-revenue winners combined for revenues of more than $1 billion, with only-third of winners exceeding revenues of $30 million. All winners in the revenue-growth category had growth in excess of 20% while one-third experienced growth in excess of 65%.

To be considered, companies must be based in Hampden or Hampshire county or be a member of the Springfield Regional Chamber, produce revenues of at least $1 million in the last fiscal year, be an independent and privately owned company, and have been in business for at least three full years. Companies are selected based on their percentage of revenue growth over a full three-year period or total revenues for the latest fiscal year.

Companies may be nominated by financial institutions, attorneys, or accountants, or be self-nominated. Companies must submit a nomination form and provide net operating revenue figures for the last three full fiscal years, signed and verified by an independent auditor. All financial information must be reported under generally accepted accounting principles and will be held and considered confidential and not released without prior approval.

Nomination forms are available here or by contacting Kara Cavanaugh at [email protected] or (413) 755-1310.

The Super 60 awards will be presented in partnership with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce at the annual luncheon and recognition program on Friday, Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam.

Royal, P.C. Welcomes Attorney Timothy Netkovick

By
Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Attorney Timothy Netkovick has joined Royal, P.C. He has more than 14 years of litigation experience and has tried nearly two dozen cases to verdict.

Netkovick’s practice is focused in labor law and complex employment litigation. He also counsels companies on the multitude of state and federal employment laws impacting them, including wage-and-hour issues, disability and leave laws, workplace safety and OSHA compliance, affirmative action, and contract negotiations. His other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals; preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements; and conducting management training.

He is a graduate of American International College and Western New England University School of Law.

J. Polep Distribution Services Promotes Brian Neeld to Vice President

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Daily News

CHICOPEE — J. Polep Distribution Services announced the promotion of Brian Neeld to vice president, in addition to his role as chief financial officer.

Neeld has been with J. Polep since 1998. Over the last 18 years, he has played a key role in the Accounting department. When he first started with the company, he held the title of accounting assistant, and worked his way up to corporate controller, a title he held for nine years, supporting the CFO. He was responsible for the production of financial reports, maintenance of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets.

In 2014, Neeld was appointed CFO, then was promoted to vice president. Company leaders say his commitment and focus on customers, vendors, and the J. Polep team — as well as his dedication and ability to tackle complex accounting — have positively impacted J. Polep’s growth.

Hampshire College Breaks Ground on 19-acre Solar Arrays

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Daily News

AMHERST — Hampshire College has begun installing 15,000 solar panels on approximately 19 acres of its 840-acre campus, with an eye toward producing 100% of campus electricity from on-site renewable energy on an annualized basis. By its research, Hampshire is the first U.S. residential college to go 100% solar.

Hampshire’s two solar-power systems together will have a generation capacity of 4.7 DC/3.5 AC megawatts, enough to power about 500 American homes. They are expected to avoid the emission of approximately 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to taking almost 650 cars off the road. Construction of the arrays, representing the largest-known on-campus system among colleges and universities in New England and one of the largest in the Eastern U.S., is estimated to be completed by the end of this year.

Project partner SolarCity will construct the two photovoltaic (PV) solar arrays, each coupled with a 250-kilowatt (500-kilowatt-hour) battery-storage system. Under the project’s power-purchase agreement, the solar arrays and battery system will be built and operated by SolarCity, and Hampshire will purchase the electricity from SolarCity at a fixed rate that is lower than what the college now pays for electricity. Hampshire estimates it will save up to $400,000 per year for 20 years, up to $8 million total in electricity costs.

Hampshire is part of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, under which the college has committed to implementing a comprehensive plan to achieve a carbon-neutral campus. In implementing its Climate Action Plan, Hampshire is also practicing its mission in the areas of innovative research, experiential education, social justice, forward-thinking operations, and environmental action.

“We’re extremely proud of this commitment to renewable energy, and of the social and environmental benefits it provides to our community,” said President Jonathan Lash. “Despite being a modestly resourced institution, in snow country, we’re going all the way with solar for our electricity.”

Skoler Abbott Helps Employers Navigate New EEOC Filing Deadline

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. will host a series of webinar sessions to help employers navigate new U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filing deadline.

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age disability, or genetic information. Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws, along with many labor unions and employment agencies.

Earlier this year, the EEOC published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would require employers to report pay data and hours worked under strict guidelines. Every employer with 100 or more employees and employers who are federal contractors will be required to submit these reports. It is important that employers file reports correctly to avoid legal liability and discrimination claims from regulators and private parties.

Attorneys John Gannon and Stefanie Renaud will present an in-depth webinar on the ins and outs of EEOC filing to properly meet the Sept. 30 filing deadline. They will walk employers through evaluating filing requirements, the time periods for reporting employment data, and how to best categorize job titles and pay data to avoid EEOC scrutiny.

The webinars are slated for Thursday, Aug. 11, Tuesday, Aug. 30, Wednesday, Sept. 7, and Tuesday, Sept. 20, all from 1:30 to 3 p.m. To register an upcoming webinar, visit store.hrhero.com/events.

Gannon has defended employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, as well as actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage-and-hour law. He also has experience with lawsuits seeking to enforce restrictive covenants and protect trade secrets. He frequently assists employers in litigation-avoidance strategies. He regularly counsels employers on compliance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Renaud focuses on labor law and employment litigation. Prior to joining Skoler, Abbott & Presser, she interned with the Enforcement Division of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, where she investigated employment-discrimination claims and drafted decisions on behalf of the commission.

Westfield Food Fest Slated for Aug. 26-28

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — The Rotary Club of Westfield announced the second annual Westfield Food Fest will take place Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28. This three-day event will feature vendors from local restaurants and food trucks, as well as entertainment from local musicians.

The Rotary Club hopes this free event will draw people to the downtown area. The event will be held on Elm Street between Franklin Street and Main Street on Aug. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m., Aug. 27 from noon to 9 p.m., and Aug. 28 from noon to 6 p.m. The festival will also be broadcast live on location on WSKB 89.5 FM.

Participating local restaurants include Pasquale’s, Two River Burritos, and Janik’s Pierogis. Food trucks will include Ed & Angies, Sun Kim Bop Korean, Silver Platter Gourmet, Bistro Bus, Moolicious Ice Cream, Angelo’s Fried Dough, and Ed’s Fries. A variety of local artists and craftspeople will be doing interactive, family-friendly demonstrations. The Rotary Club will sell beer and wine. For information on how to become a vendor, e-mail Jennifer Gruszka at [email protected].

Event sponsors include Westfield Bank, Westfield Gas & Electric, Forish Construction, Elm Electrical, Commercial Distributing, Mestek, Sarat Ford, Roger Butler Insurance Agency, Jerome’s Party Plus, and John S. Lane & Son Inc. This event would not be possible without the support of the city of Westfield, the Westfield Police Department, and all other city departments that help make events safe and enjoyable.

For more information, visit facebook.com/westfieldrotaryclub. A complete schedule and listing of vendors, participants, and musicians will be posted soon.

Employer Confidence Falls Again in July

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Daily News

BOSTON — A resurgent U.S. stock market, better-than-expected job growth, and growing labor-force participation failed to make believers of Massachusetts employers during July as business confidence fell for a second consecutive month.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index declined one point to 55.1 last month, leaving it more than four full points lower than in July 2015. The confidence reading remained above the 50 mark that denotes an overall positive economic outlook, but optimism dimmed across the board on employment, the Massachusetts economy, and employers’ outlook on their own companies. The index has now declined in three of the past four months.

Economists suggest that employers may be caught between the expectation of an expanding U.S. economy and concern about anemic growth and instability overseas. It’s a paradox that has resulted in the stock and bond markets, which usually move in opposite directions, rising in tandem this year.

“We see a familiar pattern in what is now the fourth-longest economic expansion since World War II — employers remain optimistic about the state of the economy, but it is an optimism marked by fits and starts and reactions to all sorts of political and economic events,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The AIM Business Confidence Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. It has remained above 50 since October 2013.

Most of the sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of employer declined during July. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, dropped 1.3 points during July and 0.3 points over the year to 57.2. The U.S. Index of national business conditions, in contrast, bucked the downward trend of the past year (in which it dropped 3.0 points) by gaining 1.5 points. Even so, employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than about the national economy for 75 consecutive months.
The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, fell 0.2 points to 55.3, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, slid 1.8 points to 54.8.

“July marked the first time since September 2015 that employers were more positive about current conditions than those six months from now. It’s something to watch, since confidence drives employer decisions on hiring and investment moving forward,” said Elliot Winer, chief economist for Northeast Economic Analysis Group LLC. “It’s also worth noting that employer confidence in their own companies has declined by 5.8 points, albeit from a high level, during the past 12 months.”

Indeed, the three sub-indices bearing on survey respondents’ own operations all weakened. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, fell 1.8 points to 55.9, while the Sales Index lost 1.4 points to 55.6, and the Employment Index dropped 2.0 points to 52.5.
The AIM survey found that nearly 39% of respondents reported adding staff during the past six months, while 19% reduced employment. Expectations for the next six months were stable, with 37% expecting to hire and only 10% downsizing.

“A tightening labor market is finally beginning to put upward pressure on wage growth as employers compete for skilled workers,” said Michael Goodman, executive director of the Public Policy Center (PPC) at UMass Dartmouth. “Wages rose 2.6% for the 12 months ended in June, the fastest annual growth rate since 2009. While this is welcome news for the state’s working families, whose wages have been stagnant for an extended period, it represents a challenge for those employers with limited pricing power who can expect it to be increasingly difficult and expensive to obtain the labor they need to support expected growth in coming months.”

Confidence levels in July were higher in Greater Boston (56.8) than in the rest of the Commonwealth (52.2). Non-manufacturing companies enjoyed a significantly brighter outlook at 58.0 than manufacturing employers, who posted an overall confidence level of 52.6.

AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, a BEA member, said employers should take encouragement from the moderate approach to business issues taken by state lawmakers during the two-year legislative session that ended Sunday night. Beacon Hill balanced a difficult budget with no tax increases, passed economic-development and energy legislation, and developed a consensus pay-equity measure that balances the needs of employers and workers.

“The Legislature and the Baker administration again showed an understanding of the factors that contribute to business growth and job creation,” Lord said. “We give particular credit to House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who forged meaningful compromises on pay equity, non-compete agreements, and other key issues.”

Training Program on Oct. 4-5 to Target Incubator Development

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The International Business Innovation Assoc. (InBIA), in partnership with the Assoc. of Cleantech Incubators of New England (ACTION), will host a two-day Northeast Training Institute at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 4-5. Four courses will be offered for the professional development of incubator managers or those exploring the development of an incubator or accelerator program in their community.

Those who should consider attending include business incubation and acceleration professionals, university administrators and faculty in entrepreneurship, community influencers and chamber of commerce of leaders, and economic-development leaders. Join other participants from around the region for these world-recognized training programs and hear about development plans for the Holyoke Innovation District.

Learn more at www.actionnewengland.org. E-mail Joan Popolo at [email protected] with any questions.

Real-estate Licensing Course Begins Sept. 7

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class, sales-licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Oct. 12.

Tuition is $359 and includes the book and materials. For an application or more information about the course, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328.

Berkshire Bank Named Among Top 10 Best Banks in Massachusetts

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has been recognized by AdvisoryHQ News as one of the Top 10 Best Banks in Massachusetts.

“We are honored to be recognized by AdvisoryHQ News on their list of the best banks in Massachusetts,” said Tami Gunsch, executive vice president of Retail Banking. “We look forward to continuing to provide solutions to meet the financial needs of those within our communities and help our customers thrive and achieve what’s most exciting in their lives.”

AdvisoryHQ News based its rankings on a number of factors, including advantages, benefits, and value-creating products and services provided by these financial institutions that benefit the consumers they serve. It delves deeper than the obvious fees, ratios, and metrics, also looking at the quality and value of products and services, creating a more personal examination. The products listed by Advisory HQ News as particularly beneficial to consumers are the NOW Checking, Pure Excitement Money Market, mobile banking, and MyBanker programs.

AdvisoryHQ News is an online news outlet that provides research, reviews, and ranking of firms and products across the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

Third Annual BerkshireSPEAKS Slated for Sept. 18

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Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — The third annual BerkshireSPEAKS will take place Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1:30 p.m. at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in Great Barrington. This year’s event will feature six Berkshire trailblazers and visionaries sharing their inspirational stories.

BerkshireSPEAKS was established to create an opportunity for the entire community to hear from local residents who have had a significant impact on the Berkshires and beyond.

“BerkshireSPEAKS continues to grow each year, with speakers whose passion reminds us that anything is possible,” said Toby Levine, event co-chair. “We have a fantastic program planned and look forward to an afternoon that brings the community together to share empowering ideas.”

This year’s speakers include John Downing, CEO of Soldier On, a national organization fighting veteran homelessness; Nancy Kalodner, Berkshire Realtor, teacher, and arts supporter; Gwendolyn Hampton-VanSant, CEO and Founder of Multicultural BRIDGE; Mary Pope Osborne, award-winning author of the Magic Tree House series (130 million copies sold worldwide); John Hockenberry, author, journalist, and award-winning public radio host; and state Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, who represents the 4th Berkshire District. A reception with the speakers will follow the presentations.

Registration costs $15 online and $18 at the door. To register online, visit www.hevreh.org/berkshirespeaks.

Jeffrey Trapani to Chair SRC Legislative Steering Committee

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Robinson Donovan, P.C. announced that attorney Jeffrey Trapani has been appointed chair of the legislative steering committee for the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The legislative steering committee identifies issues of major concern to the business community, researches the issues, and recommends positions on them. The committee is also charged with educating members on these issues, soliciting member support, and encouraging elected officials to adopt the chamber’s position. This committee also serves as the legislative arm of the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce.

“Jeff is not only an outstanding litigator, but a genuine leader in the community,” said Nancy Frankel Pelletier, head of Robinson Donovan’s litigation department. “We are very proud that he has taken on a leadership role at the Springfield Regional Chamber. He has an unwavering commitment to our business community, and he will be carrying on a decades-old tradition at Robinson Donovan of community service.”

Trapani, a partner at Robinson Donovan, concentrates his practice in civil litigation, including insurance defense, employment law, municipal liability, business litigation, and professional malpractice. Additionally, he represents landlords in summary-process actions and housing-discrimination claims and insurance companies in unfair-settlement claims and coverage issues. He graduated, cum laude, from New England Law in Boston, where he was editor in chief of the New England Law Review. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers since 2008.

Celebrate Holyoke Announces Food Vendors for Festival

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The Celebrate Holyoke planning committee announced this year’s food vendors set to participate in the three-day festival happening August 26-28. This year’s food vendors include a broad mix of Holyoke restaurants like Sláinte, Fiesta Café, and Capri Pizza, as well as regional favorites like Wheelhouse Farm. A wide variety of mobile food trucks will be set up throughout the weekend as well, including Holyoke Hummus Co., Mothership Gourmet, and Say Cheese grilled-cheese sandwiches.

“We’re pleased to welcome this talented group of local restauranteurs, which all bring something unique and delicious to our festival,” said Jenna Weingarten, executive director for Celebrate Holyoke. “We’re fortunate to have many of our vendors returning from last year, and we’re also really excited for the new food options that are joining us this year that will guarantee there’s something for everyone.”

Guests will be able to purchase food and drinks from the following local establishments: Papa’s Gourmet Hotdogs, Wheelhouse Farm, Nutmeg Concessions, Gateway City Arts, Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Sláinte, Say Cheese, Holyoke Hummus Co., Mothership Gourmet, Damn Yankees BBQ, Capri Pizza, Jnd Amusements, Fiesta Café, and Silk Deli and Bistro.

Celebrate Holyoke is a three-day festival that made its return last August after a 10-year hiatus, drawing an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people downtown over the course of the weekend. This year’s festival will include live musical performances, foods and beverages from local restaurants, and goods from local artists and crafters. Also back by popular demand is Slide the City, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Blue Sox Kick Off Playoffs Thursday, Aug. 4

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The second-seeded Valley Blue Sox will kick off postseason action against third-seeded North Adams this Thursday, Aug. 4 at 6:35 p.m. at MacKenzie Stadium in Holyoke.

While the Sox’ fate has been decided for a few days now, a tight battle for the fourth seed caused a delay in scheduling. With Winnipesaukee losing Tuesday night and Vermont and Upper Valley splitting their double-header, it sets up a four-way tie for fourth place in the Northern Division, which will be played out in a single-elimination, split double-header tournament on Wednesday. The winner will face top seed Sanford.

As for the Sox, they will begin proceedings on Thursday night in Holyoke. Game 2 will be played in North Adams on Friday, Aug. 5 at 6:35 p.m. If necessary, the Sox will host the final and deciding game 3 on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 6:35 p.m.

Tickets for the series can be purchased at valleybluesox.com, by calling the Blue Sox ticket office at (413) 533-1100, or at the gate on Thursday night.

Mercy Medical Center Names Lisa Casasanta VP of Population Health

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Lisa Casasanta has been named vice president of Population Health for Mercy Medical Center and the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing and aligning population-health strategies and the associated performance metrics.

Additionally, she develops business plans that support affiliation with community partners; serves as a key partner with affiliated accountable-care organizations and regional leadership in the development of market growth plans; and provides direction, leadership, and management of all population-health strategies, including transition of care, chronic-disease management, and Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) programs.

Most recently, Casasanta served as director of Population Health Marketing and Managed Markets Marketing for Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals in Ridgefield, Conn. She has also served as director of the Customer Marketing Group at Pfizer in New York, and as director of Strategic Initiatives at Pfizer Health Solutions in Santa Monica, Calif. and New York.

Casasanta received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Connecticut and her master of public health degree from the UConn School of Medicine. She holds a First Line Management certification and a Franklin Covey Microsoft Project certification.

“A proven leader, Lisa understands the importance of high-quality care delivery and appropriate care management for patients across our continuum,” said Dr. Scott Wolf, president of Mercy Medical Center and SPHS. “This ability, coupled with her broad base of experience and knowledge of disease management, make Lisa a great asset to our team at Mercy Medical Center and the entire health system.”

Wistariahurst to Host Summer Play Day for Local Families Aug. 20

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — On Saturday, Aug. 20 from 1 to 3 p.m., Wistariahurst, Holyoke’s center for history, art, and culture, will host a free community event featuring lawn games, crafts, family-friendly tours, and more.

Wistariahurst, the former estate of the Skinner family, includes three acres of formal gardens and grounds, a Holyoke history exhibit, an archival facility, and a preserved historic mansion. The afternoon’s activities will be inspired by the history and features of the site, including the fossilized dinosaur tracks which pave the entryway, the historically inspired rose garden, and turn-of-the-century garden parties.

“As the summer season winds down, we want our gardens and grounds to be filled with families exploring and playing,” said Lisa Nicholson, program coordinator. “Dress up and have a cup of lemonade in the garden. Play a game of croquet or badminton like the Skinner family may have done.”

For more information or to view a schedule of other upcoming events at Wistariahurst, visit www.wistariahurst.org.

DevelopSpringfield Forges Collaborations in Advance of Redevelopment

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — DevelopSpringfield acquired a vacant building at the corner of Dwight and Carew streets together with several adjacent parcels to create a large redevelopment site with the aim of bringing new vitality to the area by redeveloping a critically underutilized and vacant site.

The proposed redevelopment concept would rehabilitate the historic Carew Street Baptist Church building’s 11,680 square feet, in a historically sensitive manner, into modern, energy-efficient office space. The surrounding parcels, formerly a brownfields site, would be redeveloped into parking and landscaping. The project represents a more than $3 million investment in this section of Springfield’s North End.

As a part of this redevelopment initiative, DevelopSpringfield forged innovative partnerships with EcoBuilding Bargains (EBB), Roca, and Habitat for Humanity in an effort to reduce waste and recycle as much of the reusable interior furnishings and building materials as possible. In addition, the site is now secured with fencing salvaged from another recent DevelopSpringfield project.

“We appreciate the opportunity to engage with these organizations to help advance our common goals,” said Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield. “Working together, we can really pay it forward.”

A team from Roca, a local organization dedicated to supporting high-risk young men from the community by providing them with mentoring and transitional employment-training assistance, removed salvageable items like church pews, radiators, an organ, and more, to be shared with EBB and Habitat. Roca also assisted in clearing brush and debris from the adjacent lots. No historically significant building features or fixtures were removed.

“It was Roca’s pleasure to participate in this exciting collaboration. Eighty-six percent of the young men we are privileged to serve here at Roca are from the city of Springfield, and it is wonderful to give them the opportunity to give back to their community,” said Chris Judd, director of Roca Springfield. “Young men work hard at Roca to learn new work skills that help them stay out of harm’s way and succeed, and this is exactly the kind of opportunity that help them and our community move forward.”

Both EBB and Habitat’s ReStore have programs to create treasure from salvage in the form of unique resale opportunities of donated household goods which provide each of their organizations with needed resources to support their important programming.

“We’re very excited to be working with DevelopSpringfield to help find new homes for these valuable materials,” said Amy Weber, eco sales specialist at EcoBuilding Bargains. “Our mission is to keep perfectly good materials out of landfills and make these available at bargain prices.”

EcoBuilding Bargains, located at 83 Warwick St. in Springfield, is an enterprise of the nonprofit Center for EcoTechnology. For information about how to donate materials to EcoBuilding Bargains, call Weber at (413) 341-0098.

This redevelopment will be exemplary of sustainable development and smart growth principles. Rehabilitating an existing building, rather than demolishing it and building new, uses less energy and fewer materials, and enhances sustainability by capturing the building’s ‘embodied energy’ — the energy consumed through the processes associated with constructing the building when it was originally built. The project will also result in the redevelopment of a former brownfields site and is located in a densely populated, walkable urban area at a location with excellent transit access.

The rehabilitated building will be energy-efficient, with a new, natural-gas-fired, forced-hot-air system and energy-efficient air conditioning, as well as energy-efficient windows and insulation. The redevelopment will also minimize water use and feature low-impact development with enhanced stormwater management.

Governor Signs Bipartisan Pay-equity Legislation

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Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bipartisan pay equity bill yesterday, passed unanimously by both legislative branches, to ensure equal pay for comparable work for all Massachusetts workers and equal opportunities to earn competitive salaries in the workplace.

The governor was joined by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, State Auditor Suzanne Bump, state Sen. Patricia Jehlen, state Rep. Ellen Story, state Rep. Patricia Haddad, and members of the Legislature at a signing ceremony in the State House to enact S.2119, An Act to Establish Pay Equity, which will go into effect on July 1, 2018 for Commonwealth employers and employees.

“I am pleased to sign bipartisan legislation to create a more level playing field in the Commonwealth and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to earn a competitive salary for comparable work,” Baker said. “I thank the Legislature for unanimously passing this bill and working closely with the business community to support women and families across the state.”

Added Polito, “this legislation is an important step toward advancing more equal, inclusive, and thriving workplaces throughout the Commonwealth for women and families. We thank the Legislature for their collaboration with the Commonwealth’s employers and their commitment to creating more opportunities for Massachusetts skilled workforce.”

The new law will prevent pay discrimination for comparable work based on gender. The bill allows employees to freely discuss their salaries with coworkers, prohibits employers from requiring applicants to provide their salary history before receiving a formal job offer, and authorizes the attorney general to issue regulations interpreting and applying the expanded law.

Under the new law, employers are permitted to take certain attributes of an employee or applicant into account when determining variation in pay, including their work experience, education, job training, or measurements of production, sales, or revenue.

“This new law is an important step toward ensuring economic security for Massachusetts women and families. It makes vital updates that reflect our modern economy and balance the needs of workers and the business community,” said Attorney General Maura Healey, adding that “pay equity is not only a women’s issue, it’s a family issue, and with this new law on the books, we are closer to closing the pay gap in our state.”

The statute of limitations laid out currently under the equal-pay statute will be expanded from one to three years, and employees will no longer be required to pursue a general claim of intentional discrimination at the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination before filing a separate equal-pay claim in court.

GoodWorks Insurance to Support HBRAWM Scholarship Foundation

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Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — Members of the Home Builders & Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts (HBRAWM) can now automatically support their own educational foundation under a new agreement with GoodWorks Insurance. The insurance agency will donate 20% of its commissions to the Home Builders Foundation of Western Massachusetts on all business and personal insurance policies members buy from it.

The Springfield-based contractors’ association has nearly 500 members in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. GoodWorks Insurance is an independent insurance agency with offices in Great Barrington and Worcester.

“It’s a creative arrangement. Our members will be able to support our foundation without spending an extra cent,” said Brad Campbell, executive director of the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Western Massachusetts. “GoodWorks has shown professionalism and commitment to work with our members.”

Just as important are the variety of services and solutions GoodWorks Insurance can offer to association members, he added. “It gives us more top-notch products and services in our holster to offer our members.”

Over the years, HBRAWM has provided $500,000 in scholarships and other grants to support the building trades. Besides college scholarships, the foundation offers $500 tool scholarships to vocational-school graduates to help them get started in their careers.

GoodWorks Insurance donates half its operating profits to local nonprofits that support education, healthcare, and public safety. Besides its Massachusetts offices, it has Connecticut offices in Avon, Columbia, Glastonbury, and New Milford. Serving more than 10,000 clients, GoodWorks has special expertise serving building contractors, nonprofits, fuel dealers, aerospace firms, and manufacturers, providing both insurance and surety bonds.

Berkshire Museum Calls Museums for All Program a Success

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — In its first year, the Museums for All program has been a success at the Berkshire Museum, with more than 800 visitors participating. Initiated in September 2015, Museums for All, a signature access program of the Assoc. of Children’s Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, enables low-income families (two adults and two children) to visit the Berkshire Museum free with the presentation of an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card.

The program is designed to encourage families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Berkshire Museum’s participation in this program is funded by the TD Charitable Foundation.

“Adopting the Museums for All and other programs to remove financial access as a barrier to participation is part of a concerted effort to open our doors to ever-larger numbers of people,” said Van Shields, Berkshire Museum’s executive director. “In addition to providing opportunities for more people to benefit from our programs, we are also providing opportunities for more people to connect with each other who might not otherwise do so. We believe that strengthens our social fabric, which is why our mission statement includes a commitment to bring people together.”

Since September 2015, a total of 812 visitors — 503 adults and 309 children — have used the Museums for All program to visit the Berkshire Museum. That’s an average of three people per day, nearly 100 per month. Since the inception of the program, each month has seen an increase in participation over the previous month; in May, 153 visitors used the program to gain access to the museum’s exhibitions and programs.

Single-family Home Sales Up Throughout Pioneer Valley

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley reported that single-family home sales in June were up 16.1% compared to the same time last year. The median price was up 2.0% to $209,000.

County reports vary. In Franklin County, sales were up 71.4%, and the median price was up 17.1%. Hampden County, sales were up 9.8%, and the median price was up 1.6%. And in Hampshire County, sales from June 2015 to June 2016 were up 16.5%, while the median price was down 1.9%.

Carle Museum Presents ‘Brown Bear Everywhere’ Pop-up Exhibition

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Daily News

AMHERST — In celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the book that launched Eric Carle’s career — Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. —the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is sending the book’s famous characters to the main streets and outdoor spaces of its hometown.

This special pop-up exhibition, “Brown Bear Everywhere,” on view from Aug. 8 through Oct. 10, will bring 14 high-quality reproductions of Carle’s original collage illustrations to some of Amherst’s popular restaurants, schools, and recreational sites. The exhibition helps kick off a year of special events to honor the children’s classic, which is one of the best-selling picture books of all time.

Framed reproductions from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? will be located at Amherst Commons (White Dog), Bangs Community Center (Purple Cat), Bare Mountain (Brown Bear), Black Sheep Deli (Black Sheep), Fort River Elementary School (Teacher), Hampshire College (Red Bird), High Horse Restaurant (Blue Horse), Hitchcock Center for the Environment (Green Frog), Jones Library (Final Page), Amherst College Mead Art Museum (Endpapers), the Mill District in North Amherst (Original Brown Bear, 1967 edition), Mill River Recreation Area (Goldfish), the Norwottuck Rail Trail (Children), and the UMass Amherst campus pond (Yellow Duck). Labels at each location will provide information about the works of art, the book, and Carle’s artistic process.

“We enjoyed matching each picture in the book to a specific location in Amherst,” said Ellen Keiter, the Carle’s chief curator. “Placing Eric Carle’s Black Sheep at the Black Sheep Deli was an obvious fit, as was displaying his image of a teacher at Fort River Elementary School. Perhaps my favorite is Brown Bear atop Bare Mountain, the highest elevation in Amherst. It seems appropriate that Brown Bear look out over the Valley from this majestic perch.”

Keiter also lauded the town’s enthusiasm for the project. “We’ve spent the last eight months working with the host sites, and the response has been overwhelming. Not a single business or organization turned us down. In fact, each location enthusiastically embraced the project. It’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t know and love the book.”

“Brown Bear Everywhere” kicks off a year-long, nationwide celebration, including “Brown Bear Turns 50!” opening at the Carle on Sept. 13. Support for both exhibitions has been provided by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.

Published in 1967, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? had an immediate appeal to children and adults alike. Martin’s rhythmic call-and-response text builds anticipation at each turn of the page, while Carle’s bold graphics and parade of animals encourage learning and imagination. The book has been translated into 31 languages — from Arabic to Vietnamese — and has sold more than 16 million copies. In addition to the original 1967 book, Carle re-illustrated editions in 1970, 1984, and 1992.

In support of both exhibitions, the Carle will launch a special page on its website with Brown Bear teacher activities, photographs, fun facts, and a video of Carle reading the book. An accompanying social-media campaign asks friends to tag the Carle @carlemuseum and submit selfies taken in town with their favorite character using the hashtag #brownbeareverywhere. Selfies will be entered in a weekly drawing to win a Brown Bear anniversary tote bag.