Month: November 2016

BOSTON — The state’s total unemployment rate dropped to 3.3% in October, marking the fourth consecutive month the rate went down, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported Thursday.

The last time the state’s unemployment rate hit 3.3% was in April 2001. The unemployment rate in September was 3.6%.

In October, preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate Massachusetts lost 5,500 jobs over the month. However, the September job gains were higher than originally reported, with the state gaining 8,100 jobs compared to the previously published 5,100 job gain estimate. Year to date, December 2015 to October 2016, Massachusetts has added 61,300 jobs.

At 3.3%, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is down 1.5% over the year from 4.8% in October 2015. There are 55,400 fewer unemployed residents and 100,700 more employed residents over the year compared to October 2015.

“We are pleased to see the state’s unemployment rate continues to drop month after month,” Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker II said. “But we are mindful of the residents who have not been able to find a job in the past year. We are doing all we can to re-engage those individuals in this thriving job market.”

In October, over-the-month job gains occurred in the professional, scientific, and business services; manufacturing; and other services sectors. Over the year, the largest private-sector percentage job gains were in construction; professional, scientific, and business services; education and health services; and leisure and hospitality.

Community Foundation Awards Two Tighe & Bond Scholarships

WESTFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts recently announced the recipients of two Tighe & Bond college scholarship awards. These scholarships honor several of Tighe & Bond’s former leaders and provide support for local college students pursuing engineering degrees. Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers more than 550 charitable funds, which have been created either by or for the benefit of Pioneer Valley residents.

Tighe & Bond established its first memorial scholarship fund in 1996 to honor past President George McDonnell, and in 1999 set up another scholarship to honor past President Edward Bayon. In 2006, the firm established yet another scholarship to honor past President Philip Sheridan.

Nam Pham, a 2016 graduate of Cathedral High School, is this year’s recipient of the Philip W. Sheridan – Tighe & Bond Scholarship. He is attending Northeastern University to study civil engineering.

Damond Davis, a 2016 graduate of Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School, is also a recipient of the Philip W. Sheridan – Tighe & Bond Scholarship. He is attending Western New England University to study civil-engineering technology.

“Tighe & Bond established these annual scholarships to honor the careers and contributions of three former company leaders who were instrumental in setting the long-term direction and success of the company Our goal is to help fund higher education for talented young students who are pursuing engineering careers,” said David Pinsky, president and CEO of the civil and environmental engineering firm “Plus, the Community Foundation does an exceptional job administering these funds to well-deserving recipients who will go on to build successful careers and make valuable contributions to their communities.”

Springfield Regional Chamber After 5 to Focus on ‘Art of the Sale’

SPRINGFIELD — The 1350 Gallery on the ninth floor of 1350 Main St., Springfield, will play host to the Springfield Regional Chamber’s “Art of the Sale” After 5 on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by NAI Plotkin and sponsored by ROCA Inc. The event offers an opportunity for business professionals to gather and network in an informal setting surrounding by murals, sculptures, paintings, and even table tennis and foosball.

Reservations cost $5 for members, $10 for general admission, and include complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. To reserve a spot, visit www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or e-mail [email protected].

Sponsorship opportunities are available for as low as $100. Sponsorships may be purchased online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by e-mailing Jeff Lomma, member services director, at [email protected].

Springfield College to Create Tobacco-free Campus

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College has been awarded a grant as part of the American Cancer Society and the CVS Health Foundation’s Tobacco-Free Generation Campus Initiative (TFGCI), a $3.6 million, multi-year program intended to accelerate and expand the adoption and implementation of 100% smoke- and tobacco-free campus policies. Springfield College is one of the first 20 colleges and universities to receive a TFGCI grant.

Over the next three years, colleges and universities throughout the U.S. will be awarded TFGCI grants to support their efforts to advocate for, adopt, and implement a 100% smoke- and tobacco-free campus policy. Campuses will also receive technical assistance and resources to support their efforts with education, communications, cessation, and evaluation.

“We’re honored to be one of the first colleges to receive this pioneering grant and look forward to using these critical new resources to enable our tobacco-prevention task force to successfully promote the adoption and implementation of a strong, 100% tobacco-free policy on campus,” said David Hall and Miriam Siegel, co-chairs of the Springfield College Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus Implementation Committee. “Protecting the health and wellness of our faculty, staff, students, and visitors and creating a healthier and cleaner campus environment is a very high priority.”

On Jan. 1, 2017, Springfield College will join 1,427 other institutions of higher education in the U.S. in becoming a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus. Throughout November, smoke-free/tobacco-free signs will be installed around the campus. Internal signage in all campus buildings will be installed soon after. Additionally, a new webpage for the Springfield College smoke-free/tobacco-free initiative (springfield.edu/smokefree) will be launched.

This TFGCI grant announcement coincided with the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17, an intervention effort to encourage smokers to quit for a day, quit for good, or make a plan to quit. TFGCI is part of Be the First, CVS Health’s new five-year, $50 million initiative that uses education, advocacy, tobacco control, and healthy-behavior programming to help deliver the nation’s first tobacco-free generation and extend the company’s larger commitment to help people lead tobacco-free lives. CVS Health has set actionable and measurable goals for Be the First, including a doubling of the number of tobacco-free college and university campuses in the U.S. In 2014, CVS Health became the first, and remains the only, national pharmacy chain to eliminate the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products from its stores.

“We’re at a critical moment in our nation’s efforts to end the epidemic of tobacco use, but we know we can’t do it alone,” said Eileen Howard Boone, senior vice president for corporate social responsibility and philanthropy for CVS Health, and president of the CVS Health Foundation. “Through the power of partnership and by increasing the number of tobacco-free colleges and universities, we can contribute to the progress being made where a tobacco-free generation in the U.S. seems possible, and not a faraway dream.”

Leading to Unlock Announces ‘A Spa Day for the Sole’

ENFIELD, Conn. — Leading to Unlock, LLC, a business-consulting firm based in Northeast Conn., has announced an upcoming workshop, “A Spa Day for the Sole: Rediscovering Yourself Through Play.”

The workshop design uses facilitated exercises and hands-on play with Lego bricks. This creative method allows participants to rediscover what is important to their personal journey, improves communication skills, and unlocks confidence, creativity, and potential from within. Participants can use what is learned as input into their annual review, build a résumé, or create their development plan.

The workshop will be held at the Sheraton Springfield, One Monarch Place, on two separate days: Wednesday, Nov. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 6. The workshop includes breakfast, ‘hard fun,’ lunch, more hard fun, and a take-home model for continuous inspiration after the workshop. Seats are limited. To register, click here.

Leading to Unlock LLC, a women-owned consulting firm, uses hands-on play and hard fun customized for each organization. Its team of experts specializes in building confidence, knowledge, collaboration, leadership, and communication skills within organizations, and helps create an environment where employees collaborate, innovate, and communicate differently, unlocking their individual and untapped potential.

Tessa Murphy-Romboletti Named New SPARK Program Manager

HOLYOKE — Jeffrey Sullivan, chairman of the Greater Holyoke Chamber Centennial Foundation, announced that Tessa Murphy-Romboletti was chosen to lead the Foundation’s entrepreneurship program, known as SPARK. She was chosen by a committee made up of Holyoke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem partners, including Hilda Roque of Nuestra Raices, Maria Pagan of the Holyoke Public Library, Harry Montalvo of Easthampton Savings Bank, Jeffrey Hayden of Holyoke Community College, board chairman Jeffrey Sullivan, and Kathleen Anderson, president of the Chamber Foundation.

“As the new SPARK program manager, Ms. Murphy-Romboletti will oversee the Co-starter Launch Class, develop programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them overcome hurdles in opening their own business, and work with mentors and those that can offer some expertise to new business owners,” Sullivan said. “Ms. Murphy-Romboletti will also be responsible for development, fund-raising, and community outreach.”

Added Anderson, “we are extremely excited to have Tessa join our team. The interview committee chose Tessa to lead this effort because of her expansive knowledge of the city, especially the central business district, her knowledge of the SPARK program, and her skills in grant writing, which will go a long way in the development of the SPARK program and building Holyoke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Murphy-Romboletti has worked for the city of Holyoke for the last five years in both the Office of the Mayor and currently as development specialist for the Office of Planning & Economic Development. In this role, she has provided assistance to both new and existing business owners while acting as a project manager for several development projects within the city’s urban-renewal plan. Her experience in project management, grant writing, and communications, along with her experience working in the public sector, will serve the organization in its continued efforts to support Holyoke’s entrepreneurial community.

“I have always been inspired by SPARK’s goal to identify and develop home-grown talent from residents within the city in order to create jobs, expand our tax base, and fill vacant space,” Murphy-Romboletti said. “I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to work for the city that I love for the last four years, where I’ve met great people and passionate members of our community. I am looking forward to continue working with residents and business owners in this new capacity, and can’t wait to get started.”

Pioneer Valley Credit Union Receives A+ Rating from BBB

SPRINGFIELD — Pioneer Valley Credit Union has recently received an official A+ accreditation rating from the Better Business Bureau.

“It is an honor to be recognized with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau for living our values and being devoted to putting members first,” said Anabela Grenier, president and CEO of Pioneer Valley Credit Union, which has been in business since 1923. “The BBB Standards for Trust are in line with our core guiding principles as a financial cooperative, and reflect the values of the credit-union industry. The BBB accreditation is a true testament to our long-standing reputation and another reason why it’s great to do business with Pioneer Valley Credit Union.”

Three Industry Veterans Expand OrthoLite Marketing, Sales Team

AMHERST — OrthoLite, a leading provider of comfort and performance insoles, announced three new additions to its marketing and sales team, including Dan Legor as director of Marketing; Andy Downes as sales manager, Key Accounts; and Matt Hennessey as sales manager, Performance East. These new appointments will support OrthoLite’s dedication to strengthening partner relationships across the globe.

In his new role, Legor will manage all aspects of marketing while elevating the brand’s global marketing and branding strategies. As an accomplished senior marketing professional, he brings more than 20 years of experience to OrthoLite. Most recently, he was the director of E-commerce at Lindt & Sprungli, and prior to that he was the head of U.S. Marketing at ECCO Shoes, senior Marketing manager at Timberland, and Retail Marketing manager at the Rockport Co.

Downes brings more than 20 years of product and sales experience to OrthoLite, and was most recently the Key Account sales manager for Inov-8 footwear. During his 13 years at Nike, he held sales and product-related roles in a variety of business units such as Running Specialty, Custom Footwear, and Special Make-up Groups. From Nike, he joined Adidas as category manager, Running Footwear for several years before moving to Innov-8.

Hennessey brings more than 16 years of senior-level sales and development experience to OrthoLite and most recently was the Product Development manager at Sperry. Prior to Sperry, he was a senior Development manager at Under Armour Footwear and a senior developer at New Balance Footwear, along with holding the National Sales manager position at Xterra.

“We’re thrilled to have these dynamic professionals joining our team and helping to drive continued growth within each of the key sales channels,” said Pamela Gelsomini, OrthoLite president. “The number-one priority of the sales and marketing team is to help our footwear partners sell more shoes by delivering the most comfortable product to their consumers. This has fueled our success together over the years, so we will continue to invest in ways to help each of these brands exceed their goals with OrthoLite. Dan’s deep leadership experience in brand strategy will help to shape new marketing initiatives with our footwear partners and with the brand overall. Andy and Matt also share OrthoLite’s unwavering commitment to deliver world-class service and collaborative support.”

Joe Bishop Joins Team at Northeast IT Systems

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Northeast IT Systems Inc. announced Joe Bishop as the latest addition to its growing team.

Bishop spent four years at Yankee Candle, where he was a candle maker. He then went on to work at NCR Corp., where he spent two years working on POS systems and ATMs. His latest work experience included working for an IT company for 10 years as a PC technician.

When asked what got him interested in computers, Bishop accredited it to having a computer at a young age — his first one, in fact, at just 4 years old. He and his grandfather would spend time on the computer downloading games after school. When it comes to his profession, he said he s always learning new things. “There is so much to learn in the IT field that there’s never a dull moment.”

Bishop studied computer networking at Porter and Chester Institute in Chicopee. His certifications include Network+, A+, MCP, and CCNA.

Health Connector Launches Open Enrollment Education Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 16, the Massachusetts Health Connector will join Caring Health Center in Springfield to launch its new Open Enrollment multi-lingual outreach and education campaign.

The event will feature leaders from the Health Connector and Caring Health Center unveiling a new multi-media campaign and community-engagement strategy to reach diverse, uninsured residents across Western Mass. It will also feature a local resident who has become insured through the program.

The campaign was developed based on feedback from area focus groups and includes an emphasis on reaching uninsured Latino residents in Western Mass.

FIT Staffing Welcomes Emily Doucette

SPRINGFIELD — FIT Staffing, an information-technology staffing and recruiting company based in Springfield and Enfield, Conn., announced that Emily Doucette has joined the team as a technical recruiter.

Doucette has extensive recruiting and HR experience in the information-technology and aerospace-engineering industries. At FIT, she is responsible for sourcing and screening technical talent for Massachusetts and Connecticut clients. She has a bachelor’s degree in business management and an MBA from Springfield College. She is also a member of the adjunct faculty at Springfield College and teaches business management to undergraduate students.

Berkshire Bank Launches Season of Giving

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has launched its fifth Season of Giving, the bank’s annual initiative to assist children and families in need during the holiday season. The campaign runs through the end of the holiday season and engages bank employees in a variety of community-service projects throughout the cities and towns that Berkshire Bank serves. These projects benefit nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and the Mid-Atlantic region.

In addition to local volunteer efforts, Berkshire Bank is inviting the public to participate in the initiative through You Give Goods, an innovative virtual-collection site. Individuals can purchase goods online for a selected nonprofit organization in their region through early December. Purchases are 100% tax-deductible, and items are shipped directly to the organizations. To participate, visit yougivegoods.com/berkshirebank. The Berkshire Bank Foundation, the charitable arm of Berkshire Bank, also plans to contribute grants to local nonprofit organizations serving those in need this holiday season.

Local activities are being organized by bank employees in each of the institution’s geographic markets. In Berkshire County, bank offices are supporting local children in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. Donations can be dropped off at any Berkshire Bank location in Berkshire County through Dec. 16 or purchased online at yougivegoods.com/berkshirebank through Dec. 6. Additionally, bank employees will help distribute Thanksgiving meals, assemble bikes for children in partnership with Berkshire Theatre Group, and take a turn ringing the bell for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Employees also plan to assist the Salvation Army in giving out Christmas gifts and food to families in need.

In the Pioneer Valley, bank employees have teamed up with the Department of Children & Families to collect gifts for local families in need. All community members are welcome to participate by stopping by their local Berkshire Bank office and choosing items from the giving tree. Donations can be dropped off at any Berkshire Bank location in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties through Dec. 16, or purchased online at yougivegoods.com/berkshirebank through Dec. 6. Bank employees will also volunteer their time with a variety of local nonprofit organizations during the holiday season, including Wreaths Across America and the Salvation Army.

Chamber Slates Agawam Junior High School Career Day for Dec. 1

AGAWAM — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Agawam Junior High School, has scheduled its annual Career Day for Thursday, Dec. 1 starting at 7:30 a.m.

Career Day focuses on bringing local business owners and specialty trade members to educate the Agawam Junior High School students on opportunities in various fields of work. The students sign up for selected seminars on skilled trades that they are interested in learning more about. It offers the students an insight on numerous opportunities for potential careers.

Similar events are held at Agawam High School, West Springfield High School, and the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative in conjunction with the West of the River Chamber of Commerce in May and June every year. For more information on how to participate, contact the West of the River Chamber of Commerce.

Doing Business As Certificates

DBA Certificates Departments

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

Amherst

Cold Hill Studio
143 Lincoln Ave.
William Wear

Jeffrey Amherst Manor Services
252 West St., #12
Plotkin Software, LLC

Magic Technology
252 West St., #12
Plotkin Software, LLC

Renew Vitality: Nutrition for Energy and Well-Being
324 Middle St.
Rosamond Reed Wulsin

Berkshiretown

Burt’s Garage
71 North Liberty St.
Burt Sjostrom

D&J Global Sourcing
25 Mountain View Dr.
Weifeng Liu

Foto 360
371 North Washington St.
Izudin Lelic

New England Fine Home Building Inc.
26 Jensen St.
Herbert Hodge

Pegasus Services
162 Amherst Road
Hugh Connolly-Brown

RS Publishing Group
534 North Washington St.
Richard Zych

Chicopee

James Wiernasz Home Improvements
30 Asselin St.
James Wiernasz

Nail Garage
104 Lauzier Ter.
Wasana Hannoush

Odessa Transportation
128 Hampden St.
Pavlo Dukach

Easthampton

Childs Lawn Care
30 Chapin St.
Jeffrey Childs

Crimson Canary
25 Lyman Ave.
Lonnie Chu

Elizabeth Benedict, LMHC Outpatient Therapy
181 Northampton St.
Elizabeth Benedict

Hadley Design Works
One Cottage St.
Patricia Hayes

House of Mirth Photos
22 Cottage St.
Stacy Waldman

Juggernaut Glass
116 Pleasant St., Suite 58
Mark Wurtzel

Parkway Storage
9 Industrial Parkway
John and Martha Morin

Union Mart & Smoke Shop
123 Cottage St.
Abdulmannan Bufi

Greenfield

Cathy at the Hair Niche Salon
20 Church St.
Cathy Flood

Denny’s Pantry
469 Bernardston Road
Erin Quintana

Hattapon’s Thai Kitchen
265 Main St.
Hattapon Wattanavat and Beth Greeney

Northeast Vinyl Repair
82 Conway St.
Joel Boie

Hadley

Awn Engineering & Equipment
27 Middle St.
Christian Stanely

Chipotle Mexican Grill
334 Russell St.
Chipotle Mexican Grill LLC

Elite Taw Kwon Do
367 Russell St.
Jung Gyu Li

Holyoke

Carve Beauty Bar
67 Lincoln St.
Christina Regali, Lindsay Murphy, Whitney Simmons, Tiffany Duchesne, and Chelsea Falcett

C-Town Supermarket
13 Cabot St.
Anthony Diaz

Dwight Market
910 Dwight St.
Luis Severino

Massachusetts Artisan Foods
329 Main St.
Anthony Hall and Neftali Duran

Smooth Cleaning Service
10 Wayne Court
Valerie Haynes

Longmeadow

Partners in Scientific Inquiry
534 Park Dr.
Lamis Jarvinen

Straight Gaff Labs
44 Terry Dr.
Stephen McKenna

Ludlow

Brewin Grounds
223 East St.
John Brown

Dan’s Construction Service
865 West St.
Dan Gerasimchuk

Northampton

Bent Brain Studio
38 Orchard St., #2
Karen Lovejoy

C & T Construction
15 Fairway Dr.
Christopher Kellogg

Hair by Debbie
16 Meadow St.
Deborah Stutz

Jupiter Girl
221 Pine St., #447
Caitlin Carvalho

Local Love
24 Lake St.
Jason Rathaus and Alexandra Wagman

The Northampton Olive Oil Co.
150 Main St., Suite 14
Jason Martin

Southwick

Ed Roberts Staffing
72 Vining Hills Road
Ed Roberts

Hodo’s Haven
133 Berkshire Ave.
Gregory Scavetta

Moon Sail Creations and Engraving LLC
11 Great Brook Dr.
Erica Heng

Spike’s Custom Design
280 College Highway
Lawrence Pelletier

Springfield

Able Place Inc.
186 St. James Ave.
184 Bowdoin St.
Elaine Awand

Always Divine G & R
22 McKnight St.
Gladys Rodriguez

An Café
667 Dickinson St.
Thao Thanh Pham

Brenda’s Cakes
70 Knollwood St.
Brenda Carrera

The Brothers Drywall
43 Farnham Ave.
James Alston

C & M Cleaning & Maintenance
430 Belmont Ave.
Charade Cordova

Cloud 9 Marketing Group
13 Onondaga St.
Dylan Pilon

Dani’s Mini Mart
320 St. James Ave.
Lee Ware

East Coast Associates
1 Allen St.
Vincent Monfredo

El Morro Bakery & Restaurant
599 Page Blvd.
Neidy Cruz

Flash Flood Auto Club
150 Cloran St.
Wanda Pierce

Greystone Properties
742 Belmont Ave.
Shawn Summers

La Fritura Restaurant
130 Walnut St.
Darinel Marte

Lucky Nails LLC
415 Cooley St.
Chan Tu

MLA Management LLC
391 Grayson Dr.
Maxine Huang

Mocha Emporium
1623 Main St.
Adel Wahhas

Motivated Minds Promotion
158 Maple St., Apt. D
Evan Cox

Primos Auto Center
125 Main St.
Armando Tereso

Royal Cuts Barbershop
128 Hancock St.
Ivan DeLeon

The Skin & Body Boudoir
1498 Allen St.
Monique Gaudet

That’s Game
80 Brookside Circle
Curtis Lewis

WAMF Consulting
24 Revere St.
Ronald Davis

WDR Services
524-A Main St.
Dwight Gregory

Westfield

Bill Sowa Home Repairs
84 Glenwood Ave.
William Sowa

Ferguson Fire & Fabrication
30 Char Dr.
Ferguson Fire & Fabrication

KC Law
30 Court St., Suite 1
Kevin Chrisanthopoulos

Ugasa Inc.
16 St. Dennis St.
Ash Tamang

West Springfield

Amada Senior Care Central
95 Ashley Ave.
Paul Hillburg

Big Lots #1863
1150 Union St.
Big Lots Stores Inc.

Cassandra Salinardi, MEd, LMHC, LPC
10 Central St.
Cassandra Salinardi

Cooper Works Services
93 Charles Ave.
Ricky Cooper

Foley Connelly Benefits Group
37 Elm St.
Michael Zampeceni

Forza
97 Althea St.
Vladislav Ciloci

Foxy Nails
589 Westfield St.
Vananh Nguyen

Friendly Fuel
75 Union St.
David Vickers

Gary Archambault, DMD, PC
1284 Elm St.
Gary Archambault

Lizet Land Photography and Design
1346 Elm St.
Lizet Land

Phoenix Community Builders
1459 Westfield St.
V. Winston Tate

Solution-Tech Associates
1510 Morgan Road
Gerald Krywicki

Tap House Grille
1506 Riverdale St.
Louis Masaschi

Wilbraham

Concord Electric Supply
2701 Boston Road, Unit 2
David Rosso

Creative Media & Research
17 Nokomis Road
Christine Ricci-Cooley

Feverfew Communications
19 Delmor Ave.
Staffan Tiderman

Kayla Talmadge
2812 Boston Road
Kayla Talmadge

Massage by Carol
2440 Boston Road
Carol Britton

Miles Consulting
9 Lee Lane
Bobbie Miles

One Stop Discount Liquors
2701 Boston Road
Gabriela and Ireneusz Sekowski

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
2039 Boston Road
Round Robin, LLC

Salon J Inc.
70 Post Office Park, #7005
Rebecca Leonczyk

Tree Solutions Inc.
4 Horseshoe Lane
Jeffrey Slade

Wing Design Contracting
1 Bungalow Point
Alexander Wing

Bankruptcies

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Atmaca, Mehmet Mustafa
Atmaca, Nil
21 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/16

Bamber, Julie A.
5A Pine Hill Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/16

Connery, David John
PO Box 223
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/16

Desautels, Deborah L.
1113 Burts Pit Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/16

Diodati, Dawn-Marie
28 Phillip Ave
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/16

Dyer, Gary Wayne
Dyer, Lori Ann
218 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/16

Errichetto, Darlene R.
76 Hickingbotham Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/13/16

Gauthier, Richard
Gauthier, Mary A.
127 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/16

Gould, Jeffrey Michael
Gould, Danielle Marie
a/k/a Pearce, Danielle M.
230 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/16

Gromosky, Jillian J
68 Jim Ash Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/16

Hickey, Kara Anne
246 Conway St., Apt. 2
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/16

Holmes, Angela L.
332 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/16

Lewkowicz, Ann-Marie
55 Sodom St.
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/16

Lynch, Jane E.
150 Federal St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/16

McCaughey, Belinda Z.
25 Bayne St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/16

Olson, Eric W.
Olson, Jane
98 Pheasant Hill Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/16

Ozuna-Nunez, Sarah E.
171 Arnold Ave
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/16

Pafumi, Michael J.
155 Kibbe Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/16

Smith, Jennifer L.
714 Barker Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/16

St.Germain, Martin 0.
70-72 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/05/16

Tix and More LLC
Ticket Knight
Knight’s Ticket Service LLC
Knight, Michael Alan
Knight, Jennefer Madeleine
162 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/16

Transcend Carriers, Inc.
TCI Enterprises, LLC
Jordan, James Fraser
Jordan, Susan Walsh
86 Whately Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/16

Real Estate Transactions

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

ASHFIELD

Bug Hill Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Kathleen B. Kerivan
Seller: Diana B. Taylor
Date: 10/13/16

904 Cape St.
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Suzanne M. Smith
Seller: Curtis E. Pichette
Date: 10/04/16

1216 Conway Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Double Edge Theatre Productions
Seller: Jean V. Keyes
Date: 10/14/16

BERNARDSTON

71 Martindale Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $238,000
Buyer: David H. Brothers
Seller: Laura J. Sibilia
Date: 10/07/16

161 Martindale Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Ronald C. Fountain
Seller: Patch IRT
Date: 10/11/16

56 West Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Christopher Zukowski
Seller: Peter F. Bagley
Date: 10/03/16

BUCKLAND

7 Mary Lyon Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $381,600
Buyer: Efrem Marder
Seller: Madeleine B. Provost
Date: 10/12/16

COLRAIN

54 Foundry Village Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Christopher L. Norwood
Seller: Marjorie P. Dumas IRT
Date: 10/13/16

DEERFIELD

7 Hillcrest Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jeffery W. Edwards
Seller: Ewen, Harold I., (Estate)
Date: 10/12/16

4 Lee Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $356,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Belanger
Seller: Todd P. McCoy
Date: 10/06/16

ERVING

2 Ridge Road
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: Daniel J. Sargent
Seller: Robert W. Landers
Date: 10/14/16

GREENFIELD

12 Champney Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $120,329
Buyer: Citifinancial Servicing
Seller: Steven Gary
Date: 10/03/16

12 Coolidge Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $134,675
Buyer: Susan A. Gamelin
Seller: Hertsch IRT
Date: 10/14/16

17 East Cleveland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Trevor Berman
Seller: J. J Smith Properties LLC
Date: 10/07/16

14-16 Garfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: Philip E. Pittelli
Seller: Yves R. Marceau
Date: 10/03/16

69 Haywood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $203,500
Buyer: Bonnie L. Wilson
Seller: Emily S. Conlon
Date: 10/07/16

8 Linden Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Shri Maruti Ganesh LLC
Seller: Ioanis Dimitriou
Date: 10/04/16

59 Madison Circle
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Laura Mackay
Seller: Kells, Alice M., (Estate)
Date: 10/12/16

196 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Jeremy S. McCloud
Seller: Jeannie M. Ostroskey
Date: 10/03/16

19 Smith St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Matthew T. Cavanaugh
Seller: Lisa A. Morrison
Date: 10/14/16

83 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Michele R. Lafleur
Seller: Elizabeth M. Gadwa
Date: 10/14/16

HAWLEY

270 East Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $257,000
Buyer: Shawn R. Billings
Seller: James M. McGrath
Date: 10/14/16

LEVERETT

1 Rattlesnake Gutter Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Diana Balmonte
Seller: Ralph W. Tiner
Date: 10/14/16

LEYDEN

155 Frizzell Hill Road
Leyden, MA 01337
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Crapo
Seller: Carol L. Lutz RET
Date: 10/05/16

MONTAGUE

37 Davis St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Beth L. Perkins
Date: 10/06/16

39 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $166,000
Buyer: Joshua P. Colwell
Seller: Mary J. Prasol
Date: 10/14/16

16 Sunderland Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Michael M. Nelson
Seller: Henry Komosa
Date: 10/11/16

NEW SALEM

137 South Main St.
New Salem, MA 01355
Amount: $136,000
Buyer: Jeffrey W. Reynolds
Seller: Joan Dickson
Date: 10/07/16

ORANGE

1 Charles St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Robert A. Kilian
Seller: 1 Charles Street TR
Date: 10/14/16

36 Cherry St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Bonnie J. Madore
Seller: Westvue NPL T 2
Date: 10/06/16

44 Dexter St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Donna L. Northrup
Seller: Nicholas J. Chandler
Date: 10/07/16

60 Fountain St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Robert L. Hughes
Seller: Rose M. Squire
Date: 10/07/16

558 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Michael J. Traylor
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/11/16

SHUTESBURY

118 Leonard Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $227,000
Buyer: Margaret G. Turgeon
Seller: Laurie E. Rabut
Date: 10/14/16

503 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $346,400
Buyer: Anders Johansson
Seller: David H. Jean
Date: 10/14/16

20 Schoolhouse Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Rachael L. Moran
Seller: John B. Wielgus
Date: 10/14/16

SUNDERLAND

19 Pine Court
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Sungwook Wi
Seller: Nhiem H. Nguyen
Date: 10/13/16

WARWICK

344 Old Winchester Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Nathan K. Swartz
Seller: Hometown Bank
Date: 10/07/16

WENDELL

191 Thompson Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Jamiel E. Poindexter
Seller: Pamela A. Richardson RET
Date: 10/05/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

83 Clover Hill Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Michael L. Fields
Seller: Marjorie A. Crowley
Date: 10/03/16

234 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $367,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Mark Romeo
Date: 10/12/16

73-75 Kanawha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Anton V. Shabayev
Date: 10/03/16

439 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $251,000
Buyer: Jason J. Votzakis
Seller: Jason Eisenbeiser
Date: 10/14/16

31 Ottawa St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $226,000
Buyer: Daniel L. O’Connor
Seller: Stephen P. Brouillette
Date: 10/14/16

70-72 Sunnyslope Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Lloyd C. Sutton
Seller: Martin J. Feid
Date: 10/14/16

6 Vassar Road
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $277,500
Buyer: Domenick J. Pisano
Seller: Edward J. Smith
Date: 10/12/16

4 Washington Ave. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $349,000
Buyer: 4 Washington Street LLC
Seller: Holyoke Credit Union
Date: 10/14/16

100 Zachary Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Christopher Tedone
Seller: Dean M. Vecchiarelli
Date: 10/13/16

BLANDFORD

63 Chester Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $164,500
Buyer: Delaney Noe
Seller: Maureen A. Dion
Date: 10/14/16

BRIMFIELD

45 Apple Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $242,000
Buyer: Morgan Keating
Seller: Betsy L. Shelton
Date: 10/14/16

CHESTER

13 School St.
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Michael Daley
Seller: John P. Collins
Date: 10/14/16

CHICOPEE

79 Asselin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Felicia Colcombe
Seller: Pamela K. Balch
Date: 10/03/16

30 Buckley Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Buckley Property Investment
Seller: John W. Dietel
Date: 10/14/16

595 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Freddie Vazquez
Seller: DB Properties LLC
Date: 10/14/16

278 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Richard D. Tomolillo
Seller: Alan R. Dusseault
Date: 10/07/16

11 Greenleaf St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Orne
Seller: Timothy J. Haas
Date: 10/07/16

40 High St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: 40-42 High Street RT
Seller: Double D. Investments LLC
Date: 10/03/16

42 High St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: 40-42 High Street RT
Seller: Double D. Investments LLC
Date: 10/03/16

10 Lord Ter. S
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Kim M. Schmidt
Seller: Christopher T. Lalli
Date: 10/14/16

19 Magnolia Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Keith F. Ellsworth
Seller: Freeman B. Knowlton
Date: 10/04/16

192 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Edward L. Mari
Seller: Kenneth R. Tellier
Date: 10/03/16

32 Nassau St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $274,600
Buyer: Suzana C. Ortiz
Seller: Richard Harty
Date: 10/04/16

64 Rzasa Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: John & Maria Marques IRT
Seller: Riverbend 2 Properties
Date: 10/14/16

1679 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Kristie Bosworth
Seller: Leland F. Gould
Date: 10/07/16

96 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Alexander Dumais
Seller: Alan J. Dumais
Date: 10/14/16

35 Woodland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: David P. Depalo
Seller: V. Jean Parker-Schmieding
Date: 10/13/16

EAST LONGMEADOW

100 Bent Tree Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: David Casali
Seller: Chabilal Neergheen
Date: 10/05/16

41 Cedar Hill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Sarah K. Andrew
Seller: Nancy A. Ward
Date: 10/12/16

51 Dawes St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Chelan D. Brown
Seller: Anthony R. King
Date: 10/14/16

18 Fairview St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Rachel Spirito
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/04/16

321 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Kristin T. Preye
Seller: Joseph P. Saimeri
Date: 10/06/16

741 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $31,320,000
Buyer: Longmeadow MA Senior Property LLC
Seller: Elm Care Group LP
Date: 10/14/16

Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Longmeadow MA Senior Land
Seller: Elm Care Group LP
Date: 10/14/16

57 Pease Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Joseph Coughlin
Seller: Linda A. Coughlin
Date: 10/13/16

33 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $219,000
Buyer: Jean A. Medrek
Seller: Loretta H. Potter
Date: 10/12/16

22 Savoy Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Lauren McDonough
Seller: Michele L. Lincoln
Date: 10/13/16

HAMPDEN

10 Mountainview Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Amy M. Bohan
Seller: Casey A. Scholtz
Date: 10/12/16

37 Woodland Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $191,500
Buyer: Joanna Santaniello
Seller: Joseph B. Sullivan
Date: 10/03/16

HOLLAND

46 Island Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: James M. Butler
Seller: Michael S. Ouellet
Date: 10/03/16

8 Lee Ave.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $136,450
Buyer: Walter L. McCarthy
Seller: Frank Albarella
Date: 10/07/16

28 Sandy Beach Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Gordon J. Brookes
Seller: Richard E. Lach
Date: 10/14/16

6 Vinton Way
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Michael Hahon
Seller: Rita A. Mahon
Date: 10/14/16

HOLYOKE

88-90 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Debra L. Dominguez
Date: 10/13/16

108 Chapin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Damaris Jimenez
Seller: Jodine Powers
Date: 10/13/16

235 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $184,400
Buyer: Corrina M. Riley
Seller: Cardinal Home Investors
Date: 10/14/16

20 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $183,900
Buyer: Kristen J. Davis
Seller: James C. Wooller
Date: 10/11/16

161 Michigan Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Stephanie Joyce
Seller: Szymonik, John F., (Estate)
Date: 10/04/16

321 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Joanna M. Lima
Seller: Carmen L. Gonzalez
Date: 10/14/16

LONGMEADOW

41 Belleclaire Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Kelly M. Keating
Seller: Nancy Paquette
Date: 10/07/16

387 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $305,900
Buyer: Sharai A. Brown
Seller: Lori-Anne Nadeau
Date: 10/07/16

LUDLOW

Autumn Ridge Road #39
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Thomas A. Wood
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 10/04/16

24 Edison Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Bedros Tavil-Shatelyan
Seller: Amy E. Peck
Date: 10/14/16

50 King St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: John P. Santo
Seller: Ian Premo
Date: 10/11/16

44 Warsaw Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $236,000
Buyer: Donna Martines
Seller: Barbara Pyers
Date: 10/05/16

MONSON

24 Beebe Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Dawn M. Conklin
Seller: Tamara L. Deiter
Date: 10/07/16

158 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Nicholas F. Degon
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/11/16

51 Butler Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Todd R. Huhtanen
Seller: Linda A. Lacombe
Date: 10/14/16

11 Homer Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $183,125
Buyer: Nancy S. Parmele
Seller: Bryan V. Moller
Date: 10/12/16

9 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Christopher D. Morey
Seller: Lyn Desrochers
Date: 10/07/16

MONTGOMERY

10 Sunset Lane
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $224,900
Buyer: Colin J. Monkiewicz
Seller: Richard M. Couture
Date: 10/07/16

PALMER

37-39 Belchertown St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $276,774
Buyer: Lasalle Bank
Seller: Brian A. Sampson
Date: 10/14/16

62 Cabot St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Stephen Denham
Seller: Mary J. Joyal
Date: 10/03/16

29 Olney Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Tamara A. Soares
Seller: Carter, Elizabeth I., (Estate)
Date: 10/03/16

15 Pearl St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $119,900
Buyer: Ronald J. Guertin
Seller: William R. Midwood
Date: 10/14/16

66 Water St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ronald Emery
Seller: Timothy M. Haley
Date: 10/05/16

RUSSELL

690 Blandford Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Joseph A. Veale
Seller: Louis C. Lancie
Date: 10/06/16

303 South Quarter Road
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $220,800
Buyer: Banc America Funding Trust
Seller: H. Spielmann-Bergamini
Date: 10/12/16

SPRINGFIELD

322 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Joanna King
Seller: Kathleen M. Rodd
Date: 10/14/16

92 Agnes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Katherine P. Wrona
Seller: Jennifer A. Bodge
Date: 10/14/16

50 Arliss St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $168,500
Buyer: David R. Sabbides
Seller: Michele Bertone
Date: 10/07/16

356-364 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $1,536,000
Buyer: 356-364 Belmont LLC
Seller: Glenshane 1 LLC
Date: 10/07/16

523 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Minh Tai Inc.
Seller: SCS Realty Corp. Inc.
Date: 10/05/16

11 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Jacqueline Ponce
Seller: Gerald F. Lavalley
Date: 10/14/16

95 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Joanne K. Gilmour
Seller: Gregory J. Heffernan
Date: 10/03/16

1333 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $685,000
Buyer: Basile Properties LLC
Seller: Salvatore A. Scibelli
Date: 10/14/16

75 Burnside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Ruth N. Restivo
Seller: Michelle R. Camano
Date: 10/05/16

Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Orlando R. Hernandez
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/03/16

147 Carver St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $134,567
Buyer: Carmen J. Molina-Figueroa
Seller: Timothy Nguyen
Date: 10/12/16

388 Central St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $144,000
Buyer: Kim L. Wallace
Seller: North End Housing Initiative
Date: 10/11/16

116 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Pamela J. Elliott
Seller: Jacob B. Schmitt
Date: 10/04/16

73 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $128,900
Buyer: Dominic J. Bernard
Seller: Louis M. Bourget
Date: 10/06/16

64 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Armando Lopez
Seller: Barbara A. Meehan
Date: 10/14/16

20 Emeline Court
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $252,000
Buyer: Tianya Zhou
Seller: Edmund R. Towles
Date: 10/07/16

25-27 Firglade Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Dirlei Fontes
Seller: Christopher R. Kane
Date: 10/05/16

134 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Nicole M. Choiniere
Date: 10/11/16

56 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Lien K. Pham
Seller: Chi C. Wong
Date: 10/06/16

936-942 Grayson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $14,000,000
Buyer: CSL Springfield MA LLC
Seller: American Masters Village
Date: 10/04/16

26 Greene St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Luis Otero
Seller: Gilberto Gonzalez
Date: 10/13/16

170 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Victoria Badillo
Seller: Ryan E. Werth
Date: 10/07/16

22 Hazen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Zhongwei Shi
Seller: Estelle Bazos
Date: 10/07/16

43 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $138,900
Buyer: Yolanda Santiago
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 10/03/16

22 Holly Court
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $151,500
Buyer: Joshua Carney
Seller: Bryan, John R., (Estate)
Date: 10/06/16

50 Ingersoll Grove
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Jeannie M. Ostroskey
Seller: Laura Roy
Date: 10/06/16

118 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Josheehan S. Ware
Seller: Joseph J. Giguere
Date: 10/14/16

139 Maebeth St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Henry Cordeiro
Date: 10/12/16

31 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01001
Amount: $2,660,000
Buyer: TEMA LLC
Seller: Chateau Assoc. Springfield
Date: 10/03/16

28 Martin St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Amy M. Bartley
Seller: Michael Bavaro
Date: 10/14/16

29 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $124,800
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Demetrios P. Tjimis
Date: 10/06/16

332 Naismith St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Braj Chhetri
Seller: Emily M. Wechter
Date: 10/05/16

747 North Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $132,135
Buyer: Bank New York Mellon
Seller: James A. Meaux
Date: 10/11/16

24-26 Norfolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Yusef B. Id-Deen
Seller: Grant Durtschi
Date: 10/11/16

36 Paramount St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Peter Lavigne
Date: 10/13/16

77 Phillips Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Christopher A. Gamble
Date: 10/14/16

1373 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Farman Elahi
Seller: US Bank
Date: 10/05/16

25 Portland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $129,900
Buyer: Gerald A. Mckoy
Seller: Greg Dewberry
Date: 10/14/16

75 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $134,900
Buyer: John C. Keefe
Seller: Sarah L. Fairbanks
Date: 10/11/16

67 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Liam D. Hogan
Seller: Michael R. Harris
Date: 10/07/16

Saint Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $191,000
Buyer: D. C. Pichardo-Derodriguez
Seller: Vernice J. Christian
Date: 10/06/16

559 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,335,000
Buyer: Newport 555 State St. LLC
Seller: JPMT Realty LLC
Date: 10/04/16

340 Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $3,295,000
Buyer: Springfield SS LLC
Seller: 9 Iron LLC
Date: 10/06/16

Taylor St.
Springfield, MA 01101
Amount: $3,295,000
Buyer: Springfield SS LLC
Seller: 9 Iron LLC
Date: 10/06/16

5-15 Temple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $2,660,000
Buyer: TEMA LLC
Seller: Chateau Assoc. Springfield
Date: 10/03/16

73 Upton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Pedro Mattey
Seller: Stephanie C. Joyce
Date: 10/04/16

88 Washburn St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Nicholas G. Newsome
Seller: Cruz Rosario
Date: 10/12/16

29 Wells St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Bertrand Sims
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 10/06/16

93 West Broad St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,250,000
Buyer: F. L. Roberts & Co. Inc.
Seller: Steven M. Roberts
Date: 10/14/16

270 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $118,450
Buyer: Wilmington TR
Seller: Donald Ingram
Date: 10/03/16

SOUTHWICK

Gableview #12
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Robert T. Clayton
Seller: Laplante Construction Inc.
Date: 10/14/16

24 Shore Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $243,526
Buyer: Sheri L. Gentile
Seller: Beverly J. Gentile
Date: 10/06/16

WALES

15 Grove Point Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Diane L. Blais
Seller: Wickers, Laraine S., (Estate)
Date: 10/12/16

WESTFIELD

798 Airport Industrial Park
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Oleksak RET
Seller: Whip City Investments LLC
Date: 10/04/16

41 Aldrich Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Cassells
Seller: Irene M. Marsh
Date: 10/04/16

48 Bailey Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $367,500
Buyer: Baron Maruca
Seller: Johnathan J. Timek
Date: 10/14/16

208 Belanger Road
Westfield, MA 01073
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Sean M. Henry
Seller: Harold A. Demers
Date: 10/11/16

11 Brookline Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Ronald C. Perrott
Seller: Mark E. Deacon
Date: 10/12/16

8 Cherry St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Leo J. Boucher
Date: 10/03/16

108 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Juan A. Roman
Seller: Marcia J. Orlandi
Date: 10/07/16

131 Dartmouth St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Camptillo Realty LLC
Seller: Todd C. Roselli
Date: 10/13/16

54 Day Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jason J. Schrecke
Seller: John R. Schrecke
Date: 10/05/16

1497 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Samuel J. O’Connor
Seller: Martin Rodgers
Date: 10/12/16

131 Hillcrest Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Timothy J. Chrystal
Seller: David K. Miller
Date: 10/07/16

20 Miller St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Nataliya A. Vdovichenko
Seller: Aleksandr Vdovichenko
Date: 10/03/16

18 Overlook Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Kelly M. Oliver
Seller: Francis A. Friguglietti
Date: 10/07/16

30 Schumann Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: George A. Plante
Date: 10/13/16

17 Stephen Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Mary E. Cotnoir
Seller: Mary E. Cotnoir
Date: 10/13/16

97 Union St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Jason T. Grunwald
Seller: Charles E. Copson
Date: 10/06/16

9 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Arlene F. Miacola
Date: 10/11/16

64 Woodside Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Marth E. LLC
Seller: Terry A. Andras
Date: 10/11/16

WILBRAHAM

2350 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $4,500,000
Buyer: Prime Group Wilbraham LLC
Seller: Baystate Self Storage Wilbraham
Date: 10/14/16

2424 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Zander Hersman LLC
Seller: Robert H. Rowe
Date: 10/14/16

3233 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $192,000
Buyer: Craig Holmes
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 10/11/16

24 Red Bridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Christopher N. Russell
Seller: Michael Ferranti
Date: 10/04/16

237 Springfield St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $303,000
Buyer: Andrew J. Harrington
Seller: Walter J. Grono
Date: 10/07/16

6 Scenic Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $314,000
Buyer: Robert G. Considine
Seller: Timothy J. Nelen
Date: 10/14/16

997 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $126,450
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Charles B. Thompson
Date: 10/03/16

WEST SPRINGFIELD

60 Almon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Evan D. Culver
Seller: Alan C. Spencer
Date: 10/11/16

76 Armstrong St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $146,404
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Francesco M. Giordano
Date: 10/04/16

52 Clyde Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $180,900
Buyer: Gregory J. Heffernan
Seller: William J. Langlands
Date: 10/03/16

76 Cornflower Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Charles Denard-Robinson
Seller: Monica Hall
Date: 10/13/16

19 East School St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Jose E. Acevedo
Seller: Michael Werman
Date: 10/11/16

183 Falmouth Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Allen C. Keough
Seller: Matthew A. Hamilton
Date: 10/03/16

45 Fox St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Muriel J. Morin
Date: 10/06/16

113 Massasoit Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Nathanael Perez
Seller: Mark J. Rodgers
Date: 10/14/16

501 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $2,157,000
Buyer: AF West Springfield MA
Seller: James P. Demetri
Date: 10/06/16

87 Mulcahy Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $505,500
Buyer: Mark J. Rodgers
Seller: Francis Wheeler Construction
Date: 10/07/16

170 Norman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: C&L LLC
Seller: Center Line Industries
Date: 10/06/16

Sawmill Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Javier Ocampo
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/06/16

72 Upper Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Donald J. Finamore
Seller: Allen C. Keough
Date: 10/03/16

185 Wolcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: William E. Sullivan
Seller: Kathleen M. Vetal
Date: 10/14/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

797 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $610,000
Buyer: Jianhan Chen
Seller: Joyce M. Gooden
Date: 10/03/16

44 Western Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Sharon S. Kimball
Seller: Erik K. Kjeldsen
Date: 10/07/16

40 Woodlot Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jason Kamilar
Seller: Denise M. Emmons-Andler
Date: 10/12/16

BELCHERTOWN

256 Cold Spring Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jonathan G. Martins
Seller: Theresa A. Przybylowicz
Date: 10/14/16

332 Cold Spring Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Susan Hibbard
Seller: Holly F. Clements
Date: 10/07/16

19 Deer Run
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Carlson
Seller: Paul R. Kucinski
Date: 10/04/16

700 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Todd A. Bucklin
Seller: Tianyi Zhou
Date: 10/07/16

139 Kennedy Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $272,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Cote
Seller: Elizabeth Cassidy
Date: 10/14/16

250 Mill Valley Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David A. Pepin
Seller: FHLM
Date: 10/14/16

71 North St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $125,600
Buyer: Bank New York
Seller: Thomas R. Hourihan
Date: 10/07/16

236 North Liberty St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Michael E. Neiford
Seller: Charles E. Cavagnaro
Date: 10/06/16

CHESTERFIELD

238 Bryant St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $130,500
Buyer: Peter G. Smith
Seller: Robert Palmer
Date: 10/04/16

EASTHAMPTON

2 Division St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Anthony J. Dedrick
Seller: Shirley J. Smith
Date: 10/14/16

117 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $299,500
Buyer: Frederick Hanselman
Seller: David M. Biron
Date: 10/12/16

25 Mutter St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Padraic M. Shaughnessy
Seller: Barbara A. Kugler
Date: 10/12/16

9 Wilton Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Crossroads Prop Investors
Seller: Bank Of New York Mellon
Date: 10/13/16

GOSHEN

45 Aberdeen Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Robert E. Barber
Seller: Herbert W. Ezold
Date: 10/11/16

GRANBY

86 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Denise J. Fedele
Seller: Coderre Development Inc.
Date: 10/05/16

HADLEY

4 Maegans Way
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Richard M. Diruzza
Seller: Gwen A. Quinlan
Date: 10/12/16

26 Stockwell Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $354,000
Buyer: Andrew Vinard
Seller: Mark Acton
Date: 10/06/16

HATFIELD

Molloy Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Harlow Builders
Seller: Molloy, Edward D., (Estate)
Date: 10/07/16

4 Porter Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Holland Hoagland
Seller: Travis J. Kowalski
Date: 10/06/16

HUNTINGTON

41 Allen Coit Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Dunn
Seller: Adam Platt
Date: 10/11/16

15 Rockybrook Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: 15 Rockybrook Dr. Land Trust
Seller: Kenneth E. Rachmaciej
Date: 10/03/16

59 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $251,500
Buyer: David L. St.Germain
Seller: Robert S. Baker
Date: 10/14/16

NORTHAMPTON

10 Beaver Brook Loop
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Christopher W. Steed
Seller: Beaver Brook NT
Date: 10/05/16

399 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $339,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Balboni
Seller: Susan F. Rice
Date: 10/14/16

24 Fort St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $288,000
Buyer: Pooja G. Rangan
Seller: Michael J. Ahearn
Date: 10/14/16

33 Orchard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Alexandra M. Diamond
Seller: Robert J. Lefebvre
Date: 10/14/16

17 Stoddard St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $482,500
Buyer: Jeffrey S. Saltzman
Seller: Jacob H. Schauer
Date: 10/14/16

17 Warren St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Richard Parr
Seller: Romney B. Biddulph
Date: 10/11/16

138 West St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Safe Journeys LLC
Seller: Gerard R. Wallace RET
Date: 10/07/16

1089 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Bonnie S. Gordon
Seller: TJDL Development LLC
Date: 10/04/16

SOUTH HADLEY

86 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $324,900
Buyer: James Jolley
Seller: Jack Plotnikiewicz
Date: 10/04/16

55 Judd Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Kaylan Vazquez
Seller: Rosemary Reardon
Date: 10/06/16

15 Lyman St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Robert L. Scribner
Seller: Christine A. Howard
Date: 10/14/16

13 Magnolia Ter.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $358,500
Buyer: Martin D. Rodgers
Seller: Donna M. Theroux
Date: 10/12/16

60 Park Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $392,500
Buyer: CIL Realty Of Mass Inc.
Seller: Christine M. Roy
Date: 10/05/16

121 Sunset Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $262,000
Buyer: Margaret Stebbins
Seller: Melissa M. Boucher
Date: 10/14/16

SOUTHAMPTON

Gunn Road #A
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Andrew D. Endris
Seller: John A. Piparas
Date: 10/06/16

40 Gunn Road Ext.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Christopher S. Laptew
Seller: Thomas M. Garvey
Date: 10/03/16

5 Madeline Way
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Thomas J. Hogan
Seller: Connecticut River Valley Development
Date: 10/07/16

165 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Nathan R. Bush
Seller: Lorena V. Valente
Date: 10/05/16

WARE

188 Old Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $252,500
Buyer: William Midwood
Seller: Laurie E. Edwards
Date: 10/12/16

2-4 Towne St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $147,400
Buyer: Stephen R. Chiacchia
Seller: Frederick Hagman
Date: 10/11/16

104 West St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $7,651,236
Buyer: Jayne E. Sears-Renfer
Seller: HJN Hotels Corp.
Date: 10/14/16

4 Williston Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $284,900
Buyer: Keith D. Brecher
Seller: Samantha C. Clay
Date: 10/04/16

WILLIAMSBURG

45 Briar Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Angelina M. Altobellis
Seller: Noel J. Botfield
Date: 10/11/16

2 Deer Haven Dr.
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $581,000
Buyer: Jacob H. Schauer
Seller: Katharine B. Cowperthwait
Date: 10/06/16

18 Eastern Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $595,000
Buyer: Lawrence L. Lashway
Seller: Gerald D. Lashway
Date: 10/03/16

Building Permits

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of October 2016.

Chicopee

A. Crane Realty Inc.
619 Grattan St.
$18,000 — Remodeling of existing third-floor apartment

Burnett Road LLC
295 Burnett Road
$500,000 — Demolition of vacant motel

The Kendall Apartments LLC
2 Springfield St.
$3,132,313 — Renovate existing 39-unit SRO into 41 studio apartments

Greenfield

9 Mill St.
9 Mill St.
$3,700 — Pull back rubber, remove insulation, rebuild overhang duplicating existing details, new insulation, metal flashing, adhere rubber to new insulation

Cherry Run Realty LLC
487-489 Bernardston Road
$3,000 — Renovate existing space, remove walls and door

Greenfield Church of Christ
341 Conway St.
$325 — Construct overhang to protect newly installed door

Middle Franklin Development Group LLC
329 Conway St.
$602,000 — Renovate wing of first floor into family practice suite

Middle Franklin Development Group LLC
329 Conway St.
$3,175 — Relocate sprinklers to match new floor plan

Springfield

700 Sumner Ave. Enterprises Inc.
694-696 Sumner Ave.
$16,000 — Redo roof on rear of building; strip and reshingle

Basser-Kaufman
510 Parker St.
$22,000 — Subdivide existing building by adding a partition

Eversource Energy
300 Cadwell Dr.
$30,000 — Install additional smoke and heat detectors, pull stations, and notification appliances to existing fire-alarm system

Freedom Credit Union
77 Boylston St.
$60,000 — Roofing and insulation

Park East Cooperative Corp.
1042 Allen St.
$25,201.93 — Remove all old windows and install replacement windows

Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., LLC
1522 Boston Road
$451,000 — Fit-up of existing space including minor partition change, finishes, electrical distribution, minor plumbing changes, and minor HVAC modifications

Tinkham Management
66 Industry Ave.
$131,250 — Roofing and insulation

WD 2025 Roosevelt LLC
2025 Roosevelt Ave.
$7,000 — Shed construction

Incorporations

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

Adams Arts Advisory Board Inc., 3 Myrtle St. Apt. A10, Adams, MA 01220. Francie Riley, same. An association of artists and individuals interested in advancing the arts in the town of Adams, Mass. by providing support and advice to art related community projects, such as the development and production of public art pieces.

BELCHERTOWN

Baby Mine Rescue Inc., 466 Warren Wright Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Jennifer Franz, same. Non-profit organization rescuing local and out of state dogs and puppies.

HADLEY

355 Russell St Hadley 01035 Inc., 355 Russell St., Hadley, Ma 01035. Dharmindar Sinha, 39-40 30th St., Long Island City, NY 11101. Retail Tech.

LEEDS

Barn Removal Services Inc., 45 Reservoir Road, Leeds, MA 01056. Henry J. Souza, same. Barn and structure wood repurposing.

NORTHAMPTON

Autism Behavioral & Learning Experience Inc., 351 Pleasant St. Suite B126, Northampton, MA 01060. Gary Ferrigno, 36 Ridgeway Dr., Feedings Hills, MA 01030. Applied behavior analysis.

SPRINGFIELD

Abarham Inc., 47 Wilcox St., Springfield, MA 01105. Anthony Abraham, same. Consulting.

Anabelle Inc., 517 Newbury St., Springfield, MA 01104. Matthew Drenen, same. Landscaping services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Action Carpet & Cleaning Inc., 90 Churchill Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Kevin G Blake, 87 Mountain Road, East Hartland, CT 06027. Carpet installation and cleaning.

American Way Transport Inc., 425 Union St., Level D, Suite 7, West Springfield, MA 01089. Bahtiyar Agayev, 77 Glendale Road, Agawam, MA 01001. Trucking.

WESTHAMPTON

Arriving Safe Inc., 163 Main Road, Westhampton, MA 01027. Barbara Ann Nichols, same. Educating women using actionable strategies, and self-defense techniques.

Company Notebook

Company Notebook Departments

AIC Named Among Fastest-growing Colleges

SPRINGFIELD — The Chronicle of Higher Education named American International College (AIC) one of the fastest-growing colleges in the U.S. for the fifth time. Among private, nonprofit master’s institutions, AIC placed among the top 20 colleges and universities in the country, ranking 16th, with a nearly 124% growth rate. AIC is the only Massachusetts college or university to place in this category and outpaced the national average growth rate of 21.7% by more than 100%. AIC has more than doubled its enrollment over a 10-year span, 2004-2014. In a categorical comparison to other colleges and universities in Massachusetts, Bay Path University ranked 17th among private baccalaureate institutions with an 82.6% growth rate, and Elms College ranked 18th in the same category with a growth rate of 78.3%. “We believe that a college education is more than academic and intellectual growth,” said AIC President Vince Maniaci. “At AIC, we are committed to the personal, spiritual, and professional development of our students. We identify trends and explore and develop programs that will provide our students with a foundation upon which they can build to reach their full potential. This is a competitive and rapidly changing world. We make every effort to help our students compete successfully in that environment and are proud to be recognized for our efforts.” Data collected for the Chronicle of Higher Education was based on fall enrollments of full-time and part-time students and included all U.S. degree-granting programs with a minimum 500-student enrollment in 2004.

Magazine Names Westside Finishing Among Top Shops

HOLYOKE — Westside Finishing has been named one of the best finishing shops in North America, according to an industry benchmarking survey conducted by Products Finishing magazine, a trade publication that has covered the industry since 1938. The magazine conducted an extensive benchmarking survey that analyzed hundreds of finishing companies in several different areas, including current finishing technology, finishing practices and performances, business strategies and performances, and training and human resources. Only the top 50 shops were given the honor of being a Products Finishing ‘Top Shop’ based on a scoring matrix in those four criteria. “Westside Finishing has established itself as one of the best finishing operations in the industry,” said Tim Pennington, editor of Products Finishing magazine. “The criteria we used was very stringent, and only the top finishing shops that excelled in all four areas made the list. Westside Finishing is in rare air when it comes to finishing operations.” Brian Bell, owner and president of Westside Finishing, said he is “extremely excited and pleased to be named one of Products Finishing magazine’s Top Shops for the second year. Our employees and management team have worked very hard to be the best in the industry, and to provide our customers with quality service.”

Skoler, Abbott & Presser Earns Tier 1 Ranking

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced it has once again received a Tier 1 ranking in five different practice areas for the Springfield metropolitan area by The Best Lawyers in America. The firm was recognized for its excellence in arbitration, employment law in management, labor law in management, labor and employment litigation, and mediation. Notably, all of these practice areas received Tier 1 rankings, signifying a score within a certain percentage of the highest-scoring firms in the metropolitan area. “We do our best every day to present our clients with legal advice that reflects an understanding of each of their unique businesses,” said Partner Timothy Murphy. “I think the firm’s high degree of expertise and proficiency is demonstrated in our continued ranking as a Tier 1 law firm by Best Lawyers.” Attaining a Tier 1 ranking in so many different practice areas marks a strong combination of quality law practice and expansive legal experience, and reflects one of the highest levels of respect within the legal community, he added. The rankings are based on an evaluation process that includes both client and lawyer evaluations, peer reviews from leading attorneys in specified practice areas, and final reviews from law firms as part of the formal review process and selection. To be eligible for the rankings, a law firm must have at least one lawyer who is included in Best Lawyers in that particular practice area and metropolitan area. Best Lawyers is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. The Best Lawyers lists of outstanding attorneys are compiled by conducting comprehensive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers.

Springfield Museums Wins Grant to Restore Windows

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums have been awarded a Museums for America grant of $106,592 from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to restore and stabilize 20 Tiffany stained-glass windows at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum. These grants are awarded through competitive peer review and require at least a 100% match by the applicant. The program is an essential component of the institute’s goal of sustaining cultural heritage. The 20 Tiffany stained-glass windows are original to the main façade of the historic George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, which opened in 1896. The windows have deteriorated because of age, city pollution, and the harsh New England weather. This project includes a provision to protect the windows and their restoration through the addition of exterior tempered glass. The restoration of the Tiffany stained-glass windows will reintegrate these important decorative features with the building as well as greatly increase the effectiveness of the museum’s environmental control system. “These windows are rare and highly significant,” said Kay Simpson, president of the Springfield Museums. “They are the only Tiffany stained-glass windows in existence that were specifically commissioned for an American art museum, and they are a critical element of the overall design of the 1896 museum building. We are grateful to the IMLS for providing us with funding to stabilize and preserve these important stained-glass treasures for future generations.”

Elms College Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Earns Accreditation

CHICOPEE — The School of Nursing at Elms College has received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program. CCNE accreditation is a nongovernmental peer-review process that operates in accordance with nationally recognized standards established for the practice of accreditation in the U.S. “The DNP program was a vision and a dream for Elms School of Nursing and our community partners,” said Kathleen Scoble, dean of the School of Nursing at Elms. The DNP degree is a clinical practice doctorate in an advanced specialty of nursing practice for the role of nurse practitioner. DNP graduates from Elms are eligible to sit for advanced certification and licensure in one of two specialty tracks: family nurse practitioner or adult-gerontology acute-care nurse practitioner. Most local programs educate advanced-practice nurses (APRNs) at the master’s level, but — in accordance with the American Assoc. of Colleges of Nursing’s evolutionary position to move the level of preparation necessary for APRN roles from the master’s degree to the doctorate level — Elms College has implemented the clinical doctorate to prepare NPs with the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise. The college has partnered with Baystate Medical System and Berkshire Health Systems, who fund cohorts of nurses to fill critical roles in their organizations now and into the future.

People on the Move

Departments People on the Move

Melyssa Brown

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced that Melyssa Brown, CPA, MBA, has been accepted into the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Leadership Academy. She was previously honored with a Women to Watch Emerging Leader Award from the Massachusetts Society of CPAs. Brown’s induction into the Leadership Academy took place over the course of a four-day program held earlier this month in Durham, N.C. The prestigious invitation-only program featured interactive dialogue with the profession’s top leaders designed to build on the foundational knowledge perspective of each individual. Attendees were immersed in experiential exercises and self-examination of leadership and how a new strategic vision will positively impact their personal life, career path, and the CPA profession. “We’re very proud of Melyssa’s achievement,” said MBK partner James Barrett. “It’s not her first honor, and it certainly won’t be her last. She started here as an entry-level staff member and quickly went on to become the youngest senior manager in the firm’s history. We look forward to more amazing things from her.” Brown received her bachelor in accountancy degree from Elms College and her MBA in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She is vice president of the Girls Inc. board of directors and is active in the UMass Family Business Center and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield. She was also a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2013.

•••••

Baystate Health has appointed Ben Craft to the new position of Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs. Craft, who has served as the organization’s director of Public Affairs since 2012, is assuming the additional responsibility of government affairs to support Baystate’s needs for strong connections with local, state, and federal government amid continuing rapid change in the healthcare environment. Craft returned home to Western Mass. to join Baystate in 2008, having worked previously at the United Nations and the Wall Street Journal in New York City. His work at the UN included communications and policy advocacy with government, nonprofit, and civil-society partners. He will report to Jennifer Endicott, Baystate’s chief strategy officer and senior vice president of Strategy and External Relations. “With his deep understanding of the challenges facing healthcare providers today and a strong network of relationships in the community and across Baystate Health, Ben is well-positioned to serve as point person for our local, state, and federal government partners,” said Endicott. “He is committed to finding ways to improve the dialogue between our dedicated elected officials and Baystate Health, the largest provider of safety-net services and largest private employer in Western Massachusetts. Ben’s previous experience, particularly at the UN, will be invaluable in achieving this goal.” Craft grew up in East Longmeadow and is a 1996 graduate of UMass Amherst.

•••••

Three new board members have been elected to the Bay Path University board of trustees. Mary Bushnell, Martin Caine, and Andrew Davis will each serve a three-year term which began in June.
• Bushnell is a 1974 graduate of Bay Path. She and her husband, David, have been generous donors to the university for 30 years, with their philanthropy having a particular focus on student scholarship. In 2005, she served as co-chair to kick off the Carol A. Leary Endowed Scholarship Fund for First Generation Students. Their support of Bay Path’s “Charting New Paths” campaign was instrumental in launching the American Women’s College, Bay Path’s online degree-completion program. Currently, their support involves providing funds to underwrite a data-based campus study being done to determine which in-school factors contribute to Bay Path graduates’ personal, professional, and/or family success upon graduation. She has served on many boards for the past 30 years, recently completing her tenure of eight years on the board of the Overlook Foundation, which raises funds for the Overlook Medical Center in Summit, N.J.;
• Caine is a principal at Wolf & Company, P.C. in Springfield. He has more than 25 years of experience as a certified public accountant, providing audit and advisory services to business owners, executives, and boards of directors. His advisory services include consulting on internal control compliance, acquisitions and divestitures, due diligence, and compensation matters. His industry experience encompasses financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution, and not-for-profit entities. Caine is a frequent speaker on financial topics, particularly in his areas of expertise, accounting and auditing. He is a 1986 graduate of Western New England College and is a CPA in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, and serves on the board of advisors at Valley Venture Mentors Inc.; and
• Davis is president and managing partner of Chestnut Realty Management, LLC in Springfield. He is responsible for the underwriting and financing of new transactions for the firm’s investment strategies. Prior to forming Chestnut Realty Partners, Davis spent three years with Wallace Capital, managing underwriting in its Florida office and originating bridge real-estate loans; six years at PVI Capital, LLC, a private commercial lender specializing in short-term bridge financing; and five years managing residential acquisitions for GFI Partners, a production builder and real-estate development company. A 2001 graduate of St. Michael’s College, he is a former board member of HAPHousing and serves as chapter forum officer for the Young Presidents’ Organization.

•••••

Berkshire Bank announced the following:
• Gregory Lindenmuth has joined Berkshire as executive vice president, chief risk officer, reporting to the bank’s president, Richard Marotta. Lindenmuth joins Berkshire Bank from the FDIC, where he worked for 24 years, most recently as a senior risk examiner for the Division of Risk Management Supervision. Through this position, he has gained expert understanding of capital markets, including investments, derivatives, securitizations, market risk, liquidity/funds management, and mortgage banking. He also excels in modeling profit plans, establishing budgets, and setting strategic objectives. In his new role, he will lead the loan workout, credit, and enterprise risk management teams. Lindenmuth holds a bachelor’s degree in operations management from the Plattsburgh State University of New York and an MBA in corporate finance from Clarkson University. With the FDIC, he was a capital markets, mortgage banking, and fraud specialist and a member of the National Examination Procedures Committee. He also co-developed and co-presented the FDIC’s technical-assistance videos on interest-rate risk and has been an active speaker at New England Directors’ Colleges;
• Mike Ferry has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Regional President, for Berkshire County and Vermont. Ferry brings more than 37 years of industry experience, 30 of which have been spent with Berkshire Bank. Leading the Berkshire and Vermont regions for the bank since 2012, his primary focus is commercial lending and ancillary products and services. He also serves as president of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. Ferry holds a bachelor’s degre from Saint Michaels College in Colchester, Vt. Dedicated to his community, he is currently a board member and Treasurer for Berkshire County ARC, board president of the Berkshire Housing Development Corporation & Berkshire Housing Services Inc., board member and chair of the finance committee for Berkshire United Way, committee member for the Dalton Development and Industrial Commission and a volunteer coach with the Special Olympics Massachusetts; and
• Jim Hickson has rejoined the bank as SVP Commercial Regional President for the Pioneer Valley and Connecticut markets. In his new role, he will focus on growing the commercial-lending business, as well as expanding relationships with products and services offered through the bank’s other business lines, including wealth management, private banking, insurance, and retail banking. Hickson brings to the bank more than 26 years of financial experience. His previous roles include commercial banking team leader for People’s United Bank and SVP ABL relationship manager at Berkshire Bank, and he also held positions within TD Bank, KPMG Consulting, and Fleet Capital. Hickson holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and an MBA from Boston University. He is board chair and president of the board of directors for Common Capital, a board member for New England Certified Development Corp., and serves on Wilbraham Friends of Recreation.

•••••

Bacon Wilson announced that five attorneys have been named to the 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in the Commonwealth, and three have been named to the 2016 Massachusetts Rising Stars list. Both rosters appear in New England Super Lawyers magazine. Only 5% of New England’s lawyers are Super Lawyers, with attorneys selected for background, professional experience, achievement, and peer recognition. The following Bacon Wilson attorneys were honored for 2016:
• Gary Fialky – Business/Corporate, Banking, Real Estate;
• Michael Katz – Business/Corporate, Business Bankruptcy, Consumer Bankruptcy;
• Paul Rothschild – General Litigation, Employment and Labor, Personal Injury;
• Hyman Darling – Estate Planning & Probate, Elder Law, Tax; and
• Gina Barry – Estate Planning and Probate, Elder Law, Residential Real Estate.
Rising Stars are under 40 years of age, or have been practicing law for less than 10 years. Fewer than 2.5% of New England lawyers are named as Rising Stars, including the following Bacon Wilson attorneys for 2016:
• Adam Basch – Construction Litigation, Business Litigation, Personal Injury;
• Benjamin Coyle – Business/Corporate; State, Local, and Municipal; Estate and Trust Litigation; and
• Thomas Reidy – Land Use/Zoning.

•••••

Jennifer Halloran

Bolstering its commitment to reach consumers on their terms, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. has appointed longtime financial-services branding and marketing executive Jennifer Halloran as head of Brand and Advertising. Halloran, who is based in Boston and reports to MassMutual Chief Customer Experience Officer Gareth Ross, will oversee the collaborative development and implementation of the company’s initiatives in brand marketing, community responsibility, digital content, and social engagement. She will also be responsible for managing the deployment of the MassMutual brand strategy throughout all channels, as well as in the company’s community-engagement efforts. “We are excited to have someone with Jennifer’s track record of experience in the financial-services industry and business acumen on board to further enable us to drive the MassMutual brand in a way that is consistent with our strategy, and create a consistent experience within the marketplace and with our customers,” said Ross. “Her experience, creativity, and passion for collaboration — underscored by her successes throughout her two-decade career — will be invaluable as we move forward as a company.” Halloran was most recently with Fidelity Investments, where she spent a total of eight years in a variety of leadership roles in marketing, communications, and branding. These responsibilities included managing and executing the redesign of web, digital, and content programs for Fidelity’s Innovation Lab, as well as many other cross-channel digital customer-experience programs. She also held various marketing, communications, and brand-strategy positions with both Mobiquity Inc. and Putnam Investments. She began her career in 1996 with integrated advertising agency Digitas (now DigitasLBi). A graduate of Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, Halloran earned her MBA in marketing/marketing management from Babson College’s Franklin W. Olin Graduate School of Business.

•••••

Amy Royal

Royal, P.C., a woman-owned, boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm, announced that Amy Royal, principal and founding partner of the firm, has been honored with selection as one of New England’s Super Lawyers and has been included in the 2016 issue of New England Super Lawyers magazine. Super Lawyers consists of attorneys throughout New England who are nominated by their peers as outstanding lawyers; the nomination then goes through an extensive selection process. With more than 16 years of experience, Royal has successfully defended employers in both federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies in a variety of areas of employment law, including employment discrimination and sexual harassment, unfair competition, breach of contract and wrongful discharge claims, workers’ compensation, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) violations, with a special emphasis in wage-and-hour class actions. Royal regularly advises non-union clients on maintaining a union-free workplace and performs other preventive work such as wage-and-hour law compliance, record-keeping audits, drafting of employee manuals and affirmative-action plans, and management training. In addition, she assists unionized clients during contract negotiations, at arbitrations, and with respect to employee grievances and unfair-labor-practices charges. Royal’s accolades also include Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2012 Top Women of Law award recognizing her as a top female lawyer in Massachusetts, as well as BusinessWest’s prestigious 40 Under Forty award, recognizing her for outstanding leadership in the Pioneer Valley business community.

Briefcase

Briefcase Departments

Employer Confidence Strengthens in October

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers rose for a second consecutive month during October, bolstered by a surprising improvement in the outlook among manufacturers and the continued strong performance of the state economy. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 0.3 points to 56.2 last month, 0.6 points higher than in October 2015. The increase was driven by a 2.6-point jump in the manufacturing index, which has lagged overall confidence readings for the past 18 months as companies struggled with economic weakness in Europe, China, and other key export markets. The increase came as the Massachusetts unemployment rate fell to 3.6%, its lowest rate since the dot-com boom of 2001. The AIM 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. Almost all of the sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of employer were up in October. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, gained 0.9 points to 57.9, leaving it a healthy 3.8 points ahead of the same time last year. The U.S. Index of national business conditions remained unchanged at 49.2, 1.7 points lower than its level of October 2015. Employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than about the national economy for 78 consecutive months. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased slightly to 56, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose 0.3 points to 56.3. The future view is virtually the same as it was a year ago. The three sub-indices bearing on survey respondents’ own operations also strengthened. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, rose 0.2 points to 57.9, while the Employment Index surged 0.9 points to 55.4. The Sales Index lost ground, however, falling 1.2 points during October and 3.9 points during the previous 12 months.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

Chamber Corners Departments

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Nov. 18: November Chamber Breakfast with John B. Jurst, 7:30-9 a.m., at Greenfield Country Club, 171 Country Club Road, Greenfield. The speaker will be John Hurst, president of RAM, the Retailers Assoc. of Massachusetts. RAM is a trade association that represents some 3,200 retail stores by advocating for them in this changing retail climate. RAM voices concerns about potential legislation, labor laws and rights, compensation, loss prevention, and other factors related to retailing, whether a megastore or the mom-and-pop shop downtown. What is the future of retailing? This discussion is a timely one just before holiday shopping begins. Cost: $13 for members, $16 for non-members. Register at www.franklincc.org or by calling (413) 773-5463.

• Dec. 16: Annual Holiday Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at Deerfield Academy, 7 Boyden Lane, Deerfield. A bountiful buffet will be presented by the Academy chefs. The program will be sponsored by the Recorder, and tributes will be offered to the recipient of its Citizen of the Year award. A selection committee pores over the many nominations that are received and makes the difficult choice just prior to the event. Awardees are recognized for their volunteer work in their community, as well as many acts of kindness during their lives. There are also gift bags for those attending. Register early at www.franklincc.org or by calling (413) 773-5463.

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Nov. 16: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Collegian Court restaurant, 89 Park St., Chicopee. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Dec. 2: Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce SnowBall, 6 p.m., hosted by Garden House at Look Park. This holiday celebration begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. served by Myer’s Catering, and the evening ends with dancing to live music by Maxxtone. Cost: $75 per person. Reservation deadline is Nov. 23. For more information or to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the Greater Easthampton Chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Nov. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Homewood Suites. The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will be collecting lightly worn, professional shoes for Dress for Success and men’s apparel for Suit Up Springfield. A representative from Dress for Success will be on hand to answer any questions. Suit Up Springfield helps provide professional attire to young men in the Greater Springfield area, and allows continued building of professional development and mentorship programs. Plenty of freezable baked sweet breads will be on hand to purchase in time for the holidays. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members and at the door. No invoicing under $20. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 if you would like to bring a door prize or if you would like a marketing table for $25. Sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Nov. 16: 56th annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Congratulations to 2016 award winners: Firtion Adams, 2016 Business of the Year; Westfield Technical Academy, 2016 Nonprofit Business of the Year; and George’s Jewelers Inc., 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. The event sponsor is Staples, and the registration table sponsor is the Gaudreau Group. Cost: $50 for chamber members, $60 for general admission.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Nov. 15: Pastries, Politics and Policy, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. The program will be “What’s Driving the Cost of Healthcare,” with Eric Linzer from the Mass. Assoc. of Health Plans. Reservations are $15 for members in advance ($20 at the door), or $25 for general admission in advance ($30 at door). Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 15: Springfield Regional Chamber Speed Networking, 7:15-9 a.m., location to be determined. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 17: Springfield Regional Chamber Government Reception 2016, 5-7 p.m., at the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. An evening of informal conversation with local and state leaders. Reservations are $50 for members in advance ($60 at door), $75 for general admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 22: City of Springfield Economic Development Presentation, in partnership with the Springfield Regional Chamber, 4 p.m., at CityStage, One Columbus Center, Springfield. The theme is “Springfield — Rising to New Heights.” Complimentary admission. Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

• Nov. 29: Springfield Regional Chamber Speed Networking, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Colony Club, 1500 Main St., Springfield. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for general admission ($35 at the door). Reservations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Nov. 15: Coffee with Mayor Reichelt, 8-9:30 a.m., at the West Springfield Public Library Community Room, Park Street, West Springfield. Join us for a cup of coffee and a town update from Mayor Will Reichelt. Questions and answers will immediately follow. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

Agenda Departments

‘Diversify Your Workforce’

Nov. 17: The Western Mass. Employment Collaborative (WMEC) will present a breakfast event called “Diversify Your Workforce” from 9 to 11 a.m., preceded by breakfast and networking at 8:30 a.m. at the Delaney House in Holyoke. WMEC partners work toward the common goal of increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. WMEC works across all disabilities and represents hundreds of job seekers who have the skills, commitment, and desire to enter the workforce and contribute positively to a local employer. To that end, it is partnering with the Mass. Down Syndrome Congress and its “Find Your Next Star” campaign. Attendees of the Nov. 17 event will learn ways to grow their business and meet their hiring needs. To register, visit www.mdsc.kintera.org/dywwest.

Art & Leisure Auction

Nov. 18: Combining the celebration of creativity with the generosity of giving, the United Way of Franklin County is holding its 17th annual Art & Leisure Auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenfield Community College Dinning Commons. Thanks to the generous support of local artists, businesses, and individuals, this year’s auction will feature more than 200 items, including Springfield Thunderbirds tickets; two $1,000 Southwest Airlines gift certificates; a one-week stay in Stowe, Vt.; a day trip for two to Martha’s Vineyard by private airplane; a season pass to Silverthorne Theater; gift certificates from numerous area business; handcrafted works of art; framed prints, paintings, and photographs; Tom White Pottery, fabric arts; and jewelry. Featuring state Rep. Paul Mark as guest auctioneer, the event will feature leisure items and gifts from the Pioneer Valley and beyond for live and silent auctions. The United Way Art & Leisure Auction is presented by Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Savings Bank, Steve Lewis Subaru, WAHI/Bear Country, and the Recorder. The event will benefit the United Way of Franklin County and its 27 partner agencies. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are included included in the cost of admission, which is $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. To purchase advance tickets, visit www.uw-fc.org, e-mail [email protected], or call (413) 772-2168.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

Nov. 19: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the nation’s largest suicide-prevention organization, is hosting more than 350 International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day events worldwide on Saturday, Nov. 19. Survivor Day allows people affected by suicide loss to gather around the world at events in their local communities to find comfort and gain understanding. Locally, the Western Mass. chapter of AFSP will host a Survivor Day event at Westfield State University from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Survivor Day gatherings will include a screening of Life Journeys: Reclaiming Life after Loss, a new, AFSP-produced Survivor Day documentary that traces the grief and healing journey that follows a suicide loss over time. Additional programming at the Westfield State event will include presentations by loss survivors and mental-health professionals, as well as small-group discussions. For those who can’t attend, AFSP will also host a 90-minute online program that will include a film screening of Life Journeys, a post-screening discussion on coping with a suicide loss, and a Q&A session with online viewers. “After I lost my younger brother Raymond to suicide, I felt so alone and guilty about his death. But attending a Survivor Day event allowed me to connect with others who had lost a person close to them, and made me realize I wasn’t alone — that others understood my grief. It was incredibly healing,” said Renae Carapella-Johnson, who lost her younger brother, Raymond Carapella, to suicide in 2005. For more information about Survivor Day events, visit afsp.org. To register for the Survivor Day event at Westfield State University, contact Heather White, area director for the Western Mass. chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, at (413) 387-3770 or [email protected].

Joseph D. Freeman Bowl-a-Thon

Nov. 19: The Joseph D. Freedman Bowl-a-Thon will present its fifth annual event to benefit Camphill Village in Copake, N.Y. The event will be held from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Chicopee AMF Lanes. Last year, more than 250 attended the event, and since its inaugural in 2011, the event has raised more than $220,000 for Camphill, which is a residential village where 95 special-needs residents reside. No one has ever been charged a fee to live at the Village, nor has anyone ever been turned away for lack of funds. To learn more about the event, visit www.camphillvillage.org/bowlathon.

Girls on the Run 5k

Nov. 20: Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will Host its Girls on the Run 5k starting at 10 a.m. at the Smith College athletic fields. The event is open to the public. The run, organizers say, is about the joy of empowering girls in grades 3-8 and celebrating their incredible achievements over the 20-session, 10-week program season of Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts. Twenty-four schools from all four Western Mass. counties coming together with their families and friends to run and celebrate their achievements. There will also be family-friendly activities and a fun warmuup. More than 250 volunteers will be running with the girls as running buddies, while numerous community members and another 85 volunteers will help organize and run the race. To volunteer or to participate in the run, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org, or register the day of the run starting at 8 a.m. Sponsors incude Cooley Dickinson Medical Group Women’s Health, HUB International, Holyoke Gas and Electric, Children’s Heart Center, RunReg, Holyoke Medical Center, Spoleto Restaurant, Palmer Paving, River Valley Counseling Center, and Northampton Pediatric Dentistry.

Lighting Ceremony for Trees of Love & Thanksgiving

Nov. 20: The trees in the Healing Garden at Cooley Dickinson Hospital will again be aglow this late fall and winter with lights remembering and honoring friends, family, and neighbors. Through a donation of $15 or more per individual, community members can designate a light in memory or in honor of a loved one in the annual Trees of Love & Thanksgiving. Proceeds from this annual fund-raising initiative support the purchase of equipment that enhances patient care at Cooley Dickinson. Funds raised through 2016 Trees of Love will help furnish two pediatric rooms in the hospital’s Emergency Department with murals, distraction carts, a monitoring system, and child-appropriate equipment. In addition, funds will again provide infant car beds, which are critical to ensuring the safe transport of underweight babies. This year’s fund-raising goal is $15,000. Previous Trees of Love campaigns have supported an infusion bay in the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and 3D mammography, which provides earlier detection of breast cancer. A lighting ceremony will be held Sunday, Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m. in the Healing Garden. A reception will follow in the Kittredge Surgery Center waiting area located at the north entrance. Light refreshments will be served as the Horse Mountain Jazz Band performs. Those wishing to donate can pick up a form at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Coffee Shop or download the form. In addition to lights on the trees in the Healing Garden, names of those being honored and remembered are posted in the corridor adjacent to the Hospital’s main lobby, in the Chapel, and at the north entrance. Trees of Love & Thanksgiving is a project of the Friends of Cooley Dickinson, formerly the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Auxiliary, and Cooley Dickinson’s Pastoral Care Department.

Court Dockets

Court Dockets Departments

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

Hampden Superior Court

Ryan Close, p/p/a Christina Benson v. Dyanne Tappin, MD et al
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $25,000+
Filed: 10/13/16

Kocayne Givner v. J. Savage Inc., Jay Savage, and Gabriela Alcantara Pohis
Allegation: Monies owed for services, labor, and materials: $44,416.67
Filed: 10/13/16

Valerie Carter-Stone, personal representative of the estate of Alfred Carter v. Marc Norris, MD
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $25,000+
Filed: 10/17/16

Jessica Blanchard v. Teavana Corp. and Peter King
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 10/20/16

Hampshire Superior Court

David A. Woods v. Aquadro & Cerruti Inc. and Daniel O’Connell’s Sons Inc.
Allegation: Negligence on construction job site causing personal injury requiring 10 months of treatment: $92,630.28
Filed: 10/17/16

DLW Realty, LLC v. O’Leary Group Inc., MetLife Insurance Co. of Connecticut d/b/a Travelers Insurance Co.
Allegation: Contract dispute: $31,100.68
Filed: 10/17/16

Franklin Superior Court

Jerome Willard a/k/a Decorator’s Workroom v. Molly Aitken
Allegation: Monies owed for renovations and improvements to defendant’s property: $72,013.06
Filed: 9/21/16

Paulette Leukhardt v. Amherst College Corp. and Board of Trustees
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $105,209
Filed: 9/26/16

Palmer District Court

Perkins Paper LLC v. Malaru LLC d/b/a Blackjack Bar & Grill and Mark Laramee
Allegation: Monies owed for goods sold and delivered: $9,930.78
Filed: 10/5/16

Picture This

Departments Picture This

Email ‘Picture This’ photos with a caption and contact information to [email protected]

Super 60

More than 500 guests gathered at Chez Josef in Agawam on Oct. 28 for the Super 60 awards luncheon, presented by the Springfield Regional Chamber to honor the region’s fastest-growing privately owned companies. This year’s top honoree in the Total Revenue category was Stavros Center for Independent Living Inc. in Amherst, while the top honoree in Revenue Growth was Lavishlyhip, LLC in Feeding Hills. The event’s keynote speaker was Tree House Brewing co-founder Dean Rohan.

From left, Justin Pelis, board treasurer of Stavros Center for Independent Living; Ashley Allen, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Health New England; Nancy Bazanchuk, board vice president of Stavros; and John Patrick, president and CEO of Farmington Bank

Bill Grinnell, president of Webber and Grinnell Insurance (left), and Richard Venne, CEO and president of Community Enterprises

From left, Allen; Jay Ray, president of Detector Technology Inc.; and Patrick

Baystate Phishing Attack Serves as Wake-up Call for Companies

Sections Technology

Won’t Get Fooled Again?

The trouble with a phishing scam, Brendan Monahan says, is that only one person in an organization has to fall for it to put information at risk.

Or, in Baystate Health’s case, five.

“There is constantly a threat to businesses — including ours; we’re no different — from outside phishing attacks,” said Monahan, manager of Public Affairs, in the wake of a phishing attack in August that exposed the personal data of thousands of patients. “They’re often internationally based and geared toward handing over the keys to the kingdom to a hacker who, from what we understand from most experts, is looking for some financial gain out of it.”

That doesn’t seem to have occurred in this case, Baystate officials say, but the incident, which was made public late last month, is serious enough to trigger a re-examination of the system’s security protocols — and to serve as a warning to other employers in the region, both large and small.

Specifially, on Aug. 22, Baystate learned that a phishing e-mail had been sent to numerous Baystate employees that, if opened, allowed hackers to access those employees’ e-mail accounts.

Phishing is an electronic attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords and credit-card information, by masquerading as a trustworthy source. Phishing e-mails may contain links to a site infected with malware, or directly load a program onto a computer that makes it contents accessible to the scammer. The Baystate scam e-mail was designed to look exactly like an internal memo to employees.

eric brown

The best defense is to have a written information-security policy in place. Part of that is training in security awareness for employees. That way, employees can’t say, ‘I didn’t know,’ or ‘I don’t understand.’ That’s where the data risk is. It’s not from the outside; it’s from the inside, with mistakes, careless errors made by employees.”

Baystate’s investigation determined that five employees responded to the phishing e-mail, allowing the hackers to gain access to those employees’ e-mail accounts. Some of the e-mails in those accounts included patient information, including names and dates of birth, diagnoses and treatments received, medical record numbers, and, in some instances, health-insurance identification numbers. However, the e-mails did not contain Social Security numbers, credit-card numbers, or other financial information commonly used by scammers and identity thieves to enrich themselves.

“The [phishing] e-mail contained information that would be described as mimicking or mocking an internal Baystate Health HR memo. Five employees clicked on that e-mail, that immediately compromised their Outlook e-mail accounts into the hands of the perpetrator,” Monahan told BusinessWest. “Our computer research firm found exactly what was in the e-mails and what could have been looked at.”

The fact that no financial data was compromised may be small comfort for affected patients, that fact may mean the scammers have no real use for the information, and left it alone when they discovered they couldn’t profit. But that remains to be seen.

“In this case, there was no financial gain to be had from the patient information,” Monahan said. “That’s why we don’t know whether they went through the documents, but they could have.”

Still, he added, “while we have no evidence that any patient information has been taken or misused, we want to assure our patients that we take this incident very seriously.”

Next Steps

Upon discovering the breach, Baystate immediately took steps to secure the e-mail accounts and began an investigation, and also reported the incident to law enforcement.

But finding out what happened and trying to identify the perpetrators is only one step in the process of responding to the incident, Monahan said. Topping that list is ensuring — or at least trying to ensure — that such an incident won’t be repeated, and that begins with employee education and training regarding phishing e-mails and other scams.

“That was already going on beforehand, and I would say it’s being ramped up,” he explained, noting that employees can click a button at the top of any e-mail if they suspect it comes from a suspicious source, and someone from Baystate’s IT staff will come and determine if it’s dangerous or not. “We try and help them, to train them not to click on a suspicious e-mail, what a phishing attack looks like, and how to recognize it when it comes about.”

frank vincentelli

Unfortunately, they’re always a step ahead, and for those of us in the security industry, to prevent their success, we have to figure out what they’re doing. But if you present a soft, open belly, they’re going to dive right in.”

Frank Vincentelli, chief technology officer at Integrated IT Solutions in Westfield, and Eric Brown, the company’s vice president of Security Services, recently spoke about data security in the business world at the Western Mass. Business Expo, and discussed at length the critical role each employee plays in keeping a company safe.

“The best defense is to have a written information-security policy in place,” Brown said. “Part of that is training in security awareness for employees. That way, employees can’t say, ‘I didn’t know,’ or ‘I don’t understand.’ That’s where the data risk is. It’s not from the outside; it’s from the inside, with mistakes, careless errors made by employees.”

Vincentelli noted that a computer without access to the Internet or e-mail is generally safe, but not particularly useful, so businesses must strike a balance between safety and usability. “The very fact that you have access to these resources is giving the attackers a way into your system and your information.”

The entire security chain, in other words, is only as strong as its weakest link.

“Each individual user is an active part in the overall security strategy of the company,” he went on. “I’m sure all of us can think of a person in we work with who’s not necessarily technologically sophisticated, a person who usually gets a virus or is hit with CryptoLocker three or four times a year. That person is the best level of protection your organization has.”

Training every employee then, is critical, but companies must still maintain a robust firewall infrastructure, complete with early-detection capabilities to identify breaches when they occur. Still, Vincentelli said, “the most important component is the individual user.”

On Guard

Phishing scams are, unfortunately, more common in the healthcare realm than some might suspect. In recent years alone, according to data-risk consulting firm IDT911, a server operating under contract for DeKalb Health Medical Group in Indiana experienced a cyberattack that compromised more than 1,300 patient-information records; Baylor Regional Medical Center in Texas was hacked after doctors responded to phishing e-mails, exposing the patient information contained in their inboxes, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and even Social Security numbers; and Franciscan Health System in Washington was hacked in a phishing scheme that affected potentially 12,000 patients.

Norton, the developer of Internet security software, recommends several steps to avoid becoming the victim of phishing at work, including being wary of e-mails asking for confidential information; watching out for generic-looking requests for information, as fraudulent phishing e-mails are usually not personalized; and avoiding using links in an e-mail to connect to a website, instead opening a new browser window and typing the URL directly into the address bar.

“This is constantly a threat that we have to be wary of as employees, in part because we have a confidentiality policy and handle health information and other protected information,” Monahan told BusinessWest. “We have to be good stewards of that. There needs to be a sense of vigilance, and we have to enforce it. With almost 13,000 people who work here, there’s no one piece of software that will block this particular type of attack. It comes down to workforce training.”

The attacks can be subtle, and often play on human psychology — including people’s natural curiosity. Brown asked his audience at the Expo what they would do if they found a USB stick on the ground before answering his own question.

“Obviously, if you find a USB stick and don’t know who the owner is, you don’t want to touch it,” he said. “That is one way people get malware infections. If I wanted to infect a company, I’d take 30 USB sticks, put a virus on them, and toss them in a parking lot. I guarantee a half-dozen people would pick them up and stick them in their computers.”

Vincentelli called cybersecurity a cat-and-mouse affair, adding that “I’m not sure who’s who.” But it’s clear that hackers are constantly honing techniques to exploit security weaknesses, and when the target develops a defense, the hackers create a better weapon.

“Unfortunately, they’re always a step ahead, and for those of us in the security industry, to prevent their success, we have to figure out what they’re doing,” he said. “But if you present a soft, open belly, they’re going to dive right in.”

Baystate mailed letters to people who may have been affected on Oct. 21, who were directed to call a phone number staffed by an outside contractor hired by Baystate to walk patients through the process of learning if they had been victimized, Monahan said. In the meantime, the health system vowed to raise their level of awareness of threats that continue to evolve in sophistication.

“There are a million cyberthreats out there in the world, and this is one of them,” he said. “We are constantly working to train our workforce to recognize these threats and stay ahead of them — because the threat is always changing.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Smartphone Apps Help Users Manage, Improve Their Lives

Sections Technology

Something for Everyone

Smartphones rule the world — or, at least, their users’ lives — but they wouldn’t be of much use without apps. And those apps are legion, appealing to individuals’ desire to manage everything from finances to fitness, to continually learn new things and find new ways to have fun. Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular and well-reviewed apps available today.

Say you want to more effectively manage your finances. Or get in shape. Or brush up on your math skills. Or just relax and have a good time.

As the old iPhone commercials used to say, there’s an app for that. Many, many more than one, actually. And they’re usually free, and available on both the iOS and Android platforms.

For this year’s roundup of what’s hot in technology, BusinessWest checks in on what the tech press is saying about some of the most popular smartphone apps.

Financial App-raisals

For starters, smartphones have put a world of personal finance in people’s hands. For example, Personal Capital offers simple charts and graphs of the user’s income, spending, and investment performance so they can easily monitor their finances.

“Track your investments by account, asset class, or individual security, see how your portfolio compares to major indices, and find the exact percentage of each asset class that’s in your portfolio,” Investopedia explains. “A 401(k) fee analyzer and mutual-fund fee calculator show if you’re paying too much in fees. The Investment Checkup feature analyzes your portfolio and shows how much you stand to gain with a few changes.”

Business Insider reports that Intuit’s Mint gives users a real-time look into all their finances, from bank accounts and credit cards to student loans and 401(k) accounts. “It automatically tracks your spending, categorizes it, and alerts you when/if you approach your budget limit. You can even ask for custom savings tips within the app,” the publication notes. “Everything is shown in simple, intuitive graphs and charts, making it one of the most popular personal-finance apps in the world.”

Meanwhile, Business Insider also recommends GoodBudget, an app that brings the envelope-budgeting method into the smartphone. Users create ‘envelopes’ for each of their budget categories, such as groceries, transportation, and shopping, and pre-determine how much they want to allocate in each envelope. They can then record and track how much they’re spending from each envelope. “It may not be as sophisticated as some of the other apps, but Goodbudget offers a simple way to stick to your budget and keep your spending really disciplined.”

What about financial security? Investopedia recommends Prosper Daily, a personal-finance security service that tracks spending and protects credit cards from fraud and errors. Users can quickly view balances and recurring charges across all their credit and debit cards.

“Prosper Daily creates an alert if a suspicious charge is posted to your account, allows you to report the charge and/or contact the merchant, and will help you get your money back from fraudulent, erroneous, or unfair charges,” the publication notes. “Data-breach alerts let you know when a data breach has occurred at a place where you’ve shopped.”

Healthy App-roach

What if physical wellness tops one’s priority list. No fear — there are countless apps for that, too, teaching users how to shop, all the facts on what they’re eating, how to exercise, and how to stay committed to better habits.

One of the most popular nutrition apps is MyFitnessPal, which offers a wealth of tools for tracking what and how much the user eats, and how many calories they burn through activity, explains PC Magazine. “Of all the calorie counters I’ve used, MyFitnessPal is by far the easiest one to manage, and it comes with the largest database of foods and drinks. With the MyFitnessPal app, you can fastidiously watch what you eat 24/7, no matter where you are.”

The app’s database of more than 6 million foods makes it easy to track a diet, or the lack of one, added the online magazine Greatist. “Whether you’re trying to lose weight or put on muscle, the app helps determine the best things to eat and meet your goals.”

But nutrition is only part of the story when it comes to fitness — exercise is the other key discipline. But where to start? One possibility is the Nike+ Training Club, which takes the concept to the next level, offering more than 100 workouts to choose from. Users can also opt for a customized, full-body, four-week plan. “A trainer leads you through the routines, plus you get instructional video clips of the moves,” notes Fitness magazine. “Don’t like burpees? The updated app lets you swap drills you hate for ones you love.”

For those who prefer being outdoors to get in shape, Strava Running and Cycling GPS monitors running or cycling routes via GPS, notes Digital Trends. “It also gamifies your cardio workout and pairs with leaderboards, achievements, and challenges, bringing a competitive spirit to your routine.”

For a more comprehensive training assistant, Men’s Fitness recommends Jefit, which creates personalized workout routines by tracking and analyzing the user’s workout progress and diligently recording weight, reps, and time.

“Its data-heavy approach will appeal to stat nerds and workout obsessives alike. Jefit also packs the most robust library of exercises and maneuvers,” the magazine notes, including how-to videos with more than 1,300 exercises making up scores of workouts. The free version is limited, with some bare-bones workout routines and basic activity logs, while paid options are ad-free and unlock more features.

App-lied Learning

Countless popular apps focus on education and learning for all ages. For kids, the Children’s MD blog recommends Khan Academy, which collaborates with the U.S. Department of Education and myriad public and private educational institutions to provide a free, world-class education for anyone.

“It’s incredibly easy to use, there are no ads, and it’s appropriate for any school-aged child that knows how to read,” the blog reports, noting that Khan Academy started as a math-learning site but has expanded to many other subjects, from art history to economics. “My kids will spend hours looking at computer-science projects that other kids have shared and incorporating ideas into their own programs. The Khan platform combines educational videos with practice problems and project assignments.”

Meanwhile, Photomath focuses on, well, math, and does it well, Digital Trends reports. “For high-school students who just need a bit more guidance on how to isolate ‘x’ in their algebra homework, Photomath is essentially your math buddy that can instantly solve and explain every answer. Simply snap a photo of the question (you can also write or type), and the app will break down the solution into separate steps with helpful play-by-play, so that you can apply the same principles to the rest of your homework.”

For language learning, Children’s MD recommends Duolingo, which provides interactive foreign-language education in 15 languages so far. It’s appropriate for both kids and adults, and one independent study found that a person with no knowledge of Spanish would need about 34 hours with Duolingo to cover the material in the first college semester of Spanish classes.

“It’s simple, user-friendly, and never boring,” the blog notes. “Install the app on your phone and get your language lessons done while you are on the elevator or waiting in line.”

Learning means expanding one’s horizons, of course, and where better to do that than the NASA App, which aggregates a wide range of NASA content. “Space enthusiasts and curious minds will love how it packs a wealth of news stories, features, images, video, and information about the space agency’s activities into this one mobile app,” PC Magazine reports.

App-ealing Entertainment

Let’s face it, though — smartphone users want apps that are just plain fun as well. For music enthusiasts, it’s hard to go wrong with Spotify. Wired notes that users can access a huge catalog of music for a small monthly fee, creating their own playlists or enjoying the app’s curated stations.

Seven years after its debut, Mashable adds, “Spotify has tons of competition in the online streaming space, but the app continues to be one of the best ways to listen to music and podcasts on demand and on the go.”

Sports fans might dig ESPN Score Center, which allows users to check game progress from more sports than most other apps, PC Magazine reports, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, ice hockey, cricket, rugby, and more.

For those whose idea of fun is improving their cooking skills, plenty of apps do the job. Digital Trends recommends two. Big Oven features more than 250,000 recipes, and provides grocery lists based on them, lets users add your own, and import recipes from friends. “If you like (or want to like) to cook, start with Big Oven.”

But the publication also raves about Yummly, which offers access to thousands of unique recipes. “On top of recipe and grocery-list functionality, Yummly takes user preferences into account to provide recipe recommendations, for when you just can’t decide what to eat.”

Finally, if the kitchen doesn’t provide enough action and adventure, Mashable recommends downloading Action Movie, the brainchild of Star Wars and Star Trek director J.J. Abrams. The app allows anyone with an iPhone introduce movie-level special effects to their short videos.

“Not only is it incredibly easy to use and completely addictive, it’s a huge crowd pleaser,” the site notes. “Filming a Thanksgiving dinner where a virtual car can unexpectedly crash across the dinner table is guaranteed to inspire roaring laughter. Action Movie is free, but smartly uses in-app purchases to sell you additional effects, all as good as the originals. It’s the rare app that has few competitors and has maintained a high level of quality.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

BLAAST to Discuss Marijuana Legalization Nov. 16

AMHERST — Massachusetts voters have just legalized marijuana. The Business Leadership for Amherst Area Strategies (BLAAST) group is working to determine some of the likely effects in the Amherst area. In other words, what should business owners expect in terms of economic impact, public health, and public safety?

Come find out Wednesday, Nov. 16 as Amherst-based attorney Peter Vickery moderates a conversation among panelists and business owners on this important topic from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Pacific Lodge, Main Street, Amherst. Panelists currently scheduled include Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone and Paul McNeil of the Opioid Task Force.

The forum is the second event in a joint project of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District that discusses pressing public-policy issues affecting businesses, both in downtown Amherst and the wider Amherst area. Coffee will be provided. The public is welcome, but seating is limited.

Scenes from WMBExpo 2016

Photography by Dani Fine Photography

Events Features WMBExpo

MassMutual Center, Springfield, Thursday, November 3

WMBExpo2016LOGO
More than 2,000 people ventured to the MassMutual Center in Springfield on Nov. 3 for the 6th Annual Western Mass. Business Expo. The day-long show featured a wide variety of informative and entertaining programming, on subjects ranging from drones to virtual reality; motivating Millennials to robotics; entrepreneurship to search-engine optimization. The Expo kicked off with a breakfast staged by the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, and ended with the popular Expo Social. In between were seminars, more than 100 exhibitors, a pitch contest, lunch hosted by the Professional Women’s Chamber, an ice cream social, and much, much more. In the gallery below, BusinessWest offers a pictorial review of the show, capturing many of the sights of an unforgettable event.

[Show slideshow]

wmbexposponsors2016

MSBDC’s Samalid Hogan Wants to Cement Relationships

Features

A Builder and a ‘Connector’

Samalid Hogan

Samalid Hogan takes the reins at the Mass. Small Business Development Center at a time when entrepreneurial energy is high in the region, fueled by the growth of programs aiming to help fledgling ventures succeed. It’s an energy that excites and inspires her in this latest challenge in an intriguing, wide-ranging career.

Whenever someone suggests that Samalid Hogan has big shoes to fill — and that’s a common occurrence, to say the least — she’s ready with a witty response.

“I remind them I have size-11 feet … they’re my father’s feet,” said Hogan, noting that she’s made reference to this statistic countless times since she was named successor to Dianne Fuller Doherty at the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network’s (MSBDC) Western Mass. office a few months ago.

And she acknowledges that she needs those large feet.

Indeed, Doherty, who was once the subject of a chapter in a New York Times series of articles on individuals who worked well past traditional retirement age, was at the helm of the MSBDC for more than 30 years (so long, in fact, that BusinessWest founder John Gormally sought out her help when launched the publication in early 1984 — and more than a few times thereafter). She was, in some respects, synonymous with the agency.

But Hogan feels she’s more than ready to take on the challenge of succeeding Doherty and carrying out the agency’s multi-faceted mission, based on her diverse résumé, one that includes her own entrepreneurial undertakings. It comes complete with a number of public-sector stops working with small businesses to help them launch, grow, and succeed.

“In many ways, I’m just doing what I’ve always done throughout my career,” said Hogan of her new role at the MSBDC, an agency that, in a nutshell, provides free, confidential (two important qualities, to be sure), one-on-one business-advisory services to prospective and existing small-business owners.

That word ‘small’ has a textbook definition of sorts at MSBDC and other area agencies — 100 employees and under. And while the center has, indeed, assisted companies at the far end of that spectrum, most, over the years, have been truly small, and often sole proprietorships.

I love action plans and work to set goals and determine the outcomes that are desired, and then working backward from there. And I like helping people get organized and have a very clear direction of where they’re going.”

Hogan said she became more than a little interested in the directorship of the MSBDC when it was advertised, and then endured a lengthy hiring process, not simply because of the work being done at the center, although that was certainly a big part of it.

Another large part involves timing. Indeed, there is a considerable amount of entrepreneurial activity, or energy, in the region, fueled by the creation and growth of agencies and academic programs with various missions but the collective goals of inspiring entrepreneurship and helping fledgling ventures succeed.

This movement, or this collection of agencies and degree programs, now has a name that is fast becoming part of the local lexicon: entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Hogan said the MSBDC is a proud member of that ecosystem, and is fully invested in efforts to broaden and strengthen this collaborative through partnerships, referrals, and a deep spirit of cooperation.

“At the end of the day, we can all do a better job of referring clients to each other, for the benefit of the client,” she said of the many entrepreneurship-focused agencies in the area. “It comes down to what the client needs and identifying which agencies can best provide those services, and working together.”

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Hogan about this latest career stop, her outlook for the MSBDC and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the art and science of advising and mentoring small-business owners.

Sole Searching

Hogan met with BusinessWest to discuss all of the above in the conference room at the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of that city’s downtown.

She was there, as she is every month for a full day, for what she called “outreach,” to meet with clients (small-business owners) one-on-one to discuss, essentially, where they’re at, where they want to get, what it will likely take to get there, and which individuals and agencies might be able to provide some assistance with mapping out the journey.

“We want to be able to go where the clients are and give them that flexiblility so we can serve them better,” she noted, adding that there are similar ‘outreach offices’ in Greenfield, Northampton, and Amherst.

She was wrapping up with one business owner when BusinessWest arrived, and had another that would be waiting in the lobby in less than an hour. So she didn’t waste any time getting to the meat of the discussion, which is the ecosystem, where the MSBDC fits into it all, and how the collective agencies can work together to ultimately provide more and better services.

And she began by drawing a distinction between her approach to this work and the one taken by Doherty.

“She was an investor in small business, and she owned a very successful marketing business,” Hogan said of her predecessor. “My qualifications are slightly different, and I’m more of a entrepreneurship student — I study everything that has to do with small business.

“I do have experience as an entrepreneur,” she went on, noting the co-working space she created. “And I do the advising of small businesses. But what I really like to do is build bridges between all the recent and non-recent entrepreneurial programs and support services.”

And, as noted earlier, Hogan believes she brings a solid background in work with small businesses — as well as with a host of area economic-development-related agencies — to the center and its mission.

She summed up the job descriptions that went with the titles on her various business cards by saying she has been both a “builder” and a “connector,” and usually both at the same time.

The photograph that accompanied her writeup as one of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty winners in 2013, when she was employed as senior project manager for the city of Springfield, shows her with a hard hat, shovel, and a few bricks.

These are the physical, or literal, symbols of construction, she explained, adding that much of the building she’s part of has been figurative in nature, as in building relationships, partnerships, coalitions, and momentum for a city, neighborhood, agency, or office holder’s platform.

Indeed, Hogan, an economics major at Bay Path University, was recruited by a major financial-services firm. But her skill set, strong personality, and considerable confidence caught the attention of state Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, who successfully recruited Hogan to become her chief of staff.

Samalid Hogan describes herself as a ‘builder, ‘connector,’ and ‘project manager,’ and will be doing a lot of that kind of work for the MSBDC.

In that role, she became the ‘connector’ she mentioned earlier, connecting constituents to agencies and resources and, in the process, helping them manage their problem or issue (work in very ways similar to that carried out by the MSBDC.)

From Coakley’s office, Hogan would move to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, where she would handle similar duties, but on a region-wide basis. In the course of doing so, she would become familiar with — and partner with — many more agencies and institutions involved in the many aspects of economic development.

From there, she segued to a project manager’s position in Springfield, a role that involved more of that connecting she was becoming proficient at, but also a good deal of literal, bricks-and-mortar building.

Hogan became involved in a host of initiatives, including the South End revitalization project, Court Square redevelopment efforts, brownfield-restoration efforts, redevelopment of the former Gemini site, and many others. She also worked directly with small-business owners, through a façade program and a small-business loan program.

In 2015, she took her collective experience to a different city and different challenge, specifically Holyoke’s Innovation District, where she worked with a list of officials, agencies, business owners, and prospective entrepreneurs to generate energy and commerce in the heart of the Paper City.

When she saw that the MSBDC was advertising for a new director (it had gone several months without one after Doherty officially stepped down in 2015), she quickly embraced the position as the most logical next step in a career in many ways defined by work with and on behalf of small enterprises.

Getting a Foot in the Door

“I’ve been working with small businesses for a long time in economic development,” said Hogan as she explained her interest in the MSBDC. “I like being able to help people and guide them — I’m a project manager.

“I love action plans and work to set goals and determine the outcomes that are desired, and then working backward from there,” she went on. “And I like helping people get organized and have a very clear direction of where they’re going.”

Acting as project manager is how she characterizes her role at the MSBDC, using that term in reference to the cases of individual clients.

And the cases, or projects, vary with each person or business that finds the agency.

As noted earlier, the center, funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state Office of Business Development, and hosted by UMass Amherst and its Isenberg School of Management, assists what are, technically speaking, small businesses, but some operations that most would consider large, with 100 or more employees.

It also assists companies with a few dozen or more workers that are looking to get to the proverbial next stage, usually through some type of financing — one of many realms where the center can make some effective connections.

But much of the work, including the outreach Hogan was conducting when she met with BusinessWest, would be with what are considered very small ventures and prospective businesses that exist maybe on a napkin or in someone’s imagination.

To explain what she does, and what the center does, she summoned a hypothetical situation, only the situation — and the commentary — is, all too often, very real.

“I’ll ask someone to tell me about their business,” she started. “They’ll say, ‘I just got started, I have a few sales, but I don’t really know where to go with this. I need to hire some people, and to expand, I need to do this and that.’

“I’ll then say, ‘OK, who’s your accountant? Who’s your lawyer? Who do you work with on insurance?’” she went on. “They’ll say, ‘I don’t have an accountant, I don’t have a lawyer … and do I really need insurance?’ And then I’ll go through the basics with them.”

Advice often begins with the basics, she continued, but it rarely ends there, and often involves the next steps after hiring those professionals listed above — work to identify markets, develop strategies for reaching those markets, secure financing, promote the product or service, and much more.

“People who come here might be frustrated or confused and not really sure about what they want to do,” she told BusinessWest. “By asking them questions, I can help them self-discover the path they want to take.”

Then there are those bridge-building efforts, she said, adding that, while the MSBDC provides an array of important services, it is just one player in the region’s ever-broadening efforts to inspire, educate, and mentor entrepreneurs.

Others within the ecosystem include SCORE, which focuses on industry-specific business guidance; the Small Business Administration and Common Capital, which connect business owners with capital; Valley Venture Mentors, which mentors entrepreneurs and helps them hone their pitches and identify markets; and many others.

Linking clients with these partner agencies is an important part of the MSBDC’s mission, said Hogan, adding that one agency simply can’t do it all alone, and partnerships are vital — for specific business owners, but also the region as a whole.

“Oftentimes, I will walk people over to SCORE,” she said, noting that both agencies have offices in the Scibelli Enterprise Center in Springfield, as does New England Business Associates. “We need to help clients access all the agencies that can help them grow their businesses.”

A Shoe-in

Hogan said she hasn’t had to summon that size-11-feet remark lately, as commentary about the big shoes she has to fill has subsided somewhat.

Indeed, she has settled into a role that is different than others she has had over the years in some respects, but at its foundation is fundamentally the same. It’s all about building bridges, being a connector, and managing projects.

She’s always been good at that, and now that she’s putting those talents to use in ways that will help businesses get … well, if you’ll pardon the expression, a leg up.

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

New East Longmeadow Leadership Fuels Optimism

Community Spotlight Features

Community Spotlight

Denise Menard and Robyn Macdonald say the gas station and convenience store under construction at 227 Shaker Road will give people in the southern portion of town access to needed services.

East Longmeadow has grown and flourished in recent years thanks to its excellent schools, pastoral landscape, and thriving Industrial Garden District, where manicured lawns and flower gardens belie the scope of commercial and manufacturing companies that do business there.

However, last year, the town’s bucolic character was upset by repeated controversy that was ignited and fueled by reports of corruption. “The town went through a year of turmoil, and some businesses were hesitant to move here due to the negative publicity,” said Robyn Macdonald, the town’s Planning, Zoning Board, and Conservation director.

She added that these issues were essentially put to rest in April when residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new charter that replaced the town meeting and three-member Board of Selectmen with a town manager and Town Council that features seven elected members.

Its first official meeting was staged July 1, and a few weeks later, former East Windsor, Conn. First Selectman Denise Menard was hired as interim town manager.

“The charter expanded the town’s leadership, and work has already been done to preserve the good things that exist here, while promoting healthy living and balanced growth,” Macdonald said.

To that end, plans are in place to establish East Longmeadow’s first human resources department. In addition, several new positions have been added that include a director of finance; a director of Planning and Community Development; and a full-time health director. Aimee Petrosky was recently hired to fill that role and is working with the newly appointed three-member Board of Health.

She told BusinessWest that the town held its first flu clinic last month, which was highly successful and will be repeated next year. In the meantime, the board plans to seek funding to vaccinate uninsured residents, and the next event will include the shingles vaccine.

Other changes include a new sharps-disposal program that offers disposal units to residents at an affordable price because they can be cost-prohibitive; new regulations that make it illegal to smoke any type of tobacco, including e-cigarettes and vapor cigarettes, within 50 feet of a public building; a fine policy for restaurateurs who fail to comply with health regulations; and new rules that require companies that serve or produce food to install traps to prevent grease from entering sewers and affecting business operations or private residences.

“The Health Department also recently purchased an electronic inspection system that will post the outcomes of health inspections online,” Petrosky said, noting that food-safety training sessions were held for the School Department, the Council on Aging, and at churches that requested it to insure that the most vulnerable populations are protected.

Menard applauds these changes because they add to the town’s offerings, and notes that, when a permanent town manager is named, it will be important for the person to promote intelligent economic development and take a proactive stance in attracting new businesses.

“There is room for growth in the underutilized areas of our industrial and commercial sections of town,” she said.

Macdonald agrees, and says there are a few dormant parcels they hope to fill in the future, including the long-vacant Package Machinery site. “East Longmeadow has always welcomed new businesses, but we try to maintain a good balance between residential and business growth,” she noted.

For this, the latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest looks at projects on the drawing board as well as developments underway that will help East Longmeadow retain its small-town character while offering new venues that will boost the tax base and provide services for people who live and work in the town.

Major Projects

Officials are happy that several sites in town that have been vacant for more than a decade are being redeveloped.

For example, L.E. Belcher broke ground three months ago on a 6,500-square-foot convenience store with five gas pumps, 10 pumping stations, three outdoor tables, and 28 parking spaces on a lot at 227 Shaker Road that was empty for many years.

The company has secured a license to sell wine and beer, and worked closely with the Planning Board to ensure the new business is a good fit for the town. Ownership has installed flashing pedestrian safety lights to facilitate safety on the Chestnut Street side of the Redstone Rail Trail that runs behind the property, and contributed to a mitigation fund that will assist the Department of Public Works with roadway and traffic improvements in the Shaker Road and Chestnut Street corridor.

“It’s a busy intersection, and their gift of $25,000 to the DPW was a great gesture from a new business,” Menard said.

Macdonald concurred. “L.E. Belcher is a community-minded company, and the facility they are building will provide the industrial area with a service that doesn’t exist in that part of town. There is nothing like it from there until Route I-90 in Enfield, and it is expected to bring in people from Connecticut, while reducing congestion at the rotary,” she said, adding that the new convenience store and gas station are expected to open in mid- or late January.

A new restaurant called Green/Wich is also under construction at 16 Maple St. on the rotary. The eatery’s plans were recently approved, and the owner has also secured a beer and wine license.

“It’s a great addition to our center, and we’re happy to have a building that sat empty for many years put to use by a business that will help people attain a healthy lifestyle. It will offer high-end wraps and salads with indoor seating,” Menard said.

Macdonald told BusinessWest that Green/Wich had to do a major renovation of the building that included asbestos abatement, and has worked closely with the town to ensure the restaurant meets all safety requirements when it opens in about a month.

Several businesses in the town are experiencing rapid growth, including Go Graphix, which relocated from a shopping plaza on North Main Street to a 5,000-square-foot space on Benton Drive in the industrial park several years ago.

“The organization takes a concept through design, production, and installation. Their focus is on individual brands and messaging, and they incorporate big-picture objectives while paying close attention to the smallest details,” Macdonald said. “They have done so well, they are planning a 2,584-square-foot addition to their existing building. “

That project is still in the planning stages, but in September the Planning Board approved construction of an 18,000-square-foot medical office building on 250 North Main St.

The new, two-story structure will be constructed by Associated Builders for Baystate Dental Group and will have 90 parking spaces. The dental office will occupy the first floor, and the second floor will be rented as medical or office space.

Two other significant projects were also recently proposed. The first is an expansion: Excel Dryer wants to put an addition onto its existing building at 357 Chestnut St. that will include 1,300 square feet of warehouse space and 3,700 square feet of office space.

“This is a family-owned and -operated company that revolutionized the industry and set a new standard for performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction,” Macdonald said. “They have continued to grow, and the addition will enhance their ability to move forward in the future.”

The second project is much more complex, as it involves the towns of East Longmeadow and Longmeadow.

Macdonald said the planning boards in both towns have been working with Michael Crowley of Michael Crowley Associates and Middle Franklin Development, Robert Levesque of R. Levesque Associates Inc., David Dunlop of David Dunlop Associates, and Fuss & O’Neill to create a medical complex that will add to East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center at 305 Maple St., cross town lines, and provide benefits to both communities.

Crowley presented plans for the project in June. It includes four structures on a 20-acre site: a 50,000-square-foot medical office building in Longmeadow that would be occupied by Baystate Health; a two-story, 25,000-square-foot conventional office building in East Longmeadow; and an assisted-living facility and an expansion of the existing skilled-nursing facility that would be run by Berkshire Health in the town.

“The complex will feature state-of-the-art technology and have every safety system installed possible, including fire alarms, an emergency generator, and rooftop units with individual room controls,” Macdonald said, explaining that the two towns have commissioned a traffic study to mitigate any problems that could result from the project because it will affect some of their busiest intersections, namely Benton Drive and Chestnut Street in East Longmeadow, the Converse Street area in Longmeadow, and that town’s intersection at Dwight Road, Williams Street, and Maple Street.

Work in Progress

The Department of Public Works has an ongoing project that involves installing new sidewalks in East Longmeadow’s center and around the schools to make pedestrian travel safe and help make the town more desirable.

Historically, that hasn’t been a problem.

“Businesses are thriving in East Longmeadow and want to stay here,” Macdonald said, explaining that, although the town doesn’t have its own utility companies, manufacturers in the Industrial Garden District including Sullivan Paper Co., Tiger Press, and the recently sold Lenox Newell Rubbermaid have installed solar panels on their roofs, and panels have also been approved for the Reminder building in the commercial district.

“We still have plenty of room for new companies, and the opportunities here are great. The town welcomes large and small businesses, and our Industrial Garden District is a beautiful area which is easy to get to from I-91,” she noted.

Indeed, the negative publicity has come to an end, the town is moving forward, and the future looks bright for residents and businesses alike.

East Longmeadow at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1894
Population: 15,720 (2010)
Area: 13.0 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $21.12
Commercial Tax Rate: $21.12
Median Household Income: $78,835
Median Family Income: $99,707
Type of Government: Town Council; Town Manager
Largest Employers: Cartamundi; Redstone Rehab and Nursing Center; Lenox Newell Rubbermaid
* Latest information available

A Time to Listen

Opinion

Editorial

It’s over.

The election that most of America couldn’t wait to see end is over. Only it’s not.

The voting is over, and so are the tabulation of votes, the victory speech, and the concession speech. The analysis and finger pointing … well, that will go on for months, probably years.

Also not over, far from over, in fact, is the historic state of divisiveness in this country that led us to last week’s outcome.

This divisiveness, distrust, and outright hostility are difficult to quantify, and even harder to qualify — although a comment made by a voter in West Virginia to a Boston Globe reporter might at least help.

This individual believes, and has no reason whatsoever to doubt, a report (or several reports, as the case may be) on the Internet about how the Hillary Clinton team had put in an order for several hundred guillotines, presumably to be used to take out supporters of the Second Amendment and other conservative planks after she was elected into office.

That’s where we’re at right now, and it’s a very scary, us-against-them scenario that yielded all manner of wild doomsday scenarios if the other side were to triumph in this election.

The nation’s elected leaders stopped listening to people a long time ago, or they listened and didn’t respond, which is the same thing as not really listening. And that’s what seemingly propelled Trump forward.”

And this scenario didn’t vanish or even diminish even as CNN was gauging the probability that Clinton could gain enough votes in Michigan’s Wayne County to stave off a loss in the state and somehow rebuild the ‘blue wall’ — eventually concluding that she couldn’t.

No, it’s still there, and this creates ample anxiety about the months ahead, while fueling real doubt about whether Donald Trump can, indeed, unite Americans, or if Americans have any interest in actually becoming united. Most of them probably don’t.

But they are united in one respect, and this is what has to change going forward. No one — no one — listens anymore, and that’s why we’re here, with one side saying, ‘how could this have happened?’ and the other side saying, ‘how could this not have happened?’

The nation’s elected leaders stopped listening to people a long time ago, or they listened and didn’t respond, which is the same thing as not really listening. And that’s what seemingly propelled Trump forward, enabling him to confound pundits and pollsters alike and offer a firm middle finger to those who said, at myriad stops along the way, ‘he can’t do this.’

Speaking of middle fingers, that’s what a majority of the voters gave to not only the politicians who didn’t listen, but also to the press, which didn’t listen, either, and instead became fixated on telling people who they should vote for and whom they couldn’t possibly vote for.

But this non-listening extended to those supporting both candidates, who began to act, well, like the candidates themselves. They sidestepped issues, talked over one another, called each other names, and fueled enormous distrust in the system as a whole. ‘Your candidate should be in jail.’ ‘Yeah, but your candidate calls women pigs’ — that kind of stuff.

There will be a lot of soul-searching among a host of constituencies in the near future. The Democrats will be doing some (and not just about why they didn’t visit Wisconsin this fall); the Republicans, even in victory, will do their share (that’s what happens when you ride to victory on the coattails of someone you turned your back on), and perhaps even the press will do some and re-examine what it did and didn’t do over the past 18 months.

The voters? Maybe they need to do a little soul-searching as well, and maybe some of that listening that has been missing from the equation for so long.

By doing so, we won’t become actually united — that’s not going to happen — but maybe, just maybe, we can become less divided.

Marijuana: What Now for Employers?

Opinion

By Tom Jones

Massachusetts has a new law permitting the possession and recreational use of marijuana. Voters approved Question 4 on legalization last week by a margin of 53.6% to 46.4%.

And unlike the earned-sick-time law a couple of years ago, this one comes with a short lead-in period — the law takes effect on Dec. 15.

What does the 12-page statute mean for employers?

The law focuses almost exclusively on the regulation and taxation of the sale of recreational marijuana. The measure will actually have little to no direct impact on most employers. There is only a short reference to employment in section 2, which discusses limitations of the law:

“This chapter shall not require an employer to permit or accommodate conduct otherwise allowed by this chapter (i.e. the use of recreational marijuana) in the workplace and shall not affect the authority of employers to enact and enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of marijuana by employees.”

Employers should keep an eye out for potential court cases related to the new law. Such cases could materially affect the manner in which employers implement the law in the future.”

Companies that addressed their drug-testing and drug-use policies in response to the 2012 medical-marijuana law can prepare for the 2016 law with little more than a quick review. For companies that did not establish policies four years ago, now is the time to do so.

Review your drug/alcohol-free workplace policies to ensure that they cover all forms of drug use, including marijuana. You should also review your drug- and alcohol-testing polices to ensure they cover the topics you want.

You may want to revise your policy to ensure that it covers all aspects of your workplace, including vehicles used for business purposes, off-site duties at customer sites, work-related events and seminars, and company-owned parking lots and garages.

Employers should keep an eye out for potential court cases related to the new law. Such cases could materially affect the manner in which employers implement the law in the future.

There has been only one legal case so far in Massachusetts involving an employee and medical marijuana. In that case, the employee was terminated, then sued, claiming discrimination, and the court ruled in the employer’s favor on all six counts, except privacy.

Associated Industries of Massachusetts is available to answer any questions about the new marijuana law or about reviewing and updating your drug-use related polices. Contact Beth Yohai at [email protected] or (617) 262-1180, ext. 335.

Tom Jones is vice president of Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

Isenberg Continues Its Drive Toward Becoming a National Brand

Cover Story Education Sections

Amassing ‘Reputational Capital’

Isenberg School Dean Mark Fuller

When Mark Fuller became a candidate for dean of the Isenberg School of Business at UMass Amherst, he saw an institution that was, by his estimation, “solid, but underperforming.” That latter adjective no longer applies. Indeed, Isenberg has made a solid move in the rankings of public schools, reaching No. 1 in BusinessWeek’s compilation of the top public schools in the Northeast. The challenge ahead — and it’s a considerable one, to say the least — is to achieve the additional ‘reputational capital’ to move still higher.

Mark Fuller says he gets asked the question all the time.

It comes in various forms, and is put to him by a host of constituencies, including school administrators, alums, other business-school deans (lots of those), and even the occasional business writer.

They all want to know how Fuller, who arrived as dean of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst in 2009, has been able to orchestrate a steady and quite impressive climb in the rankings of the region’s — and the nation’s — top business schools, especially the public institutions.

To wit, in Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s current undergraduate business-school rankings, Isenberg ranks first among public schools in the Northeast (New England and New York) and 11th in the nation; among all business schools in the nation, it is 33rd. Just six years ago, those last two rankings were 36 and 78, respectively.

The answer to the question comes mostly in a long form — and you need to set aside more than a few minutes if you want that one — but also a short form, or at least a brief overview that identifies the main elements in the equation.

They are, said Fuller, creating a plan and, more importantly, executing it effectively, while also creating a culture laser-focused on student success (much more on that later).

“I’m a shameless borrower of phrases, like the one from a CEO who came to our school. He used to say that it’s 10% strategy and 90% execution, and I believe that,” said Fuller. “We’re very good at execution, and we have to be, because there’s no magical degree program that suddenly elevates you 30 spots in the rankings; it doesn’t work that way.

“Everyone knows what you should be doing — it’s not rocket science,” he went on. “Where the rubber meets the road is how well you execute on all these things.”

To make a long story somewhat shorter, this is essentially what the Isenberg School has done — and this is, in a nutshell, what Fuller tells all those who ask him the question noted above.

List of Colleges with MBA Programs

Getting more specific, Fuller said there are, quite obviously, many components to the school’s plan. They include everything from the creation of new curricular programs to raising the money needed for the endowed chairs and faculty positions needed to recruit some of the best business professors in the world; from greatly escalating efforts to promote and market Isenberg to the scene going on outside Fuller’s office — construction of a $62 million expansion of the school.

He summed up everything that’s been accomplished to date by saying that Isenberg now has a much better story to tell — in terms of everything from faculty to facilities to the success of its graduates — and is doing an exponentially better job of telling that story.

He lumps all of this together in the phrase ‘reputational capital.’ The school has much more of it than it did a decade ago, and the mission is, well, to simply accumulate much more of this precious commodity in the years to come.

That’s the only way to continue moving up in the rankings, said Fuller, who has the specific goal of propelling Isenberg into the top 10 nationally among public schools.

In many respects, moving up several more rungs will be more difficult than attaining the height currently reached, he said, drawing an analogy to golf — sort of. It is not easy, but easier to move from an 18 handicap into the single digits, he acknowledged, than it is to move from a 6 or an 8 to something approaching scratch.

So it is with business schools and climbing in the rankings, he went on, because doing so will take more work, more money, more of everything else listed above, and, overall, more success in transforming Isenberg into what Fuller called a “national brand” when it comes to business schools.

isenbergrankingbw116a

It is not quite there yet, he told BusinessWest, noting that the single word Isenberg, while it certainly resonates regionally, is not yet able to stand alone like other brand names such as Haas (University of California at Berkely); Ross (University of Michigan at Ann Arbor); and McIntire (University of Virginia).

“We want to become an iconic brand,” he said. “So when someone says, ‘I went to Isenberg,’ people know where that is. Iconic brands are one-word brands.”

For this issue and its focus on education, BusinessWest asked the question seemingly everyone else is asking, but then went further, asking how Isenberg can soar still higher and what it will take for the school to achieve that ‘national brand’ status.

Numbers Game

Fuller said there are myriad ways to both quantitatively and qualitatively measure a business school’s success and level of improvement.

These include everything from the number of undergraduate applications received (up a whopping 49% at Isenberg since 2010) to the average SAT scores of accepted students (up from just over 1,200 in 2011 to nearly 1,280 in 2015; from something called ‘recruiter satisfaction,’ which, as that term suggests, is a measure of recruiter happiness with those they recruit, to comments (and a growing number of them) from alums noting that their children were accepted into many of the top private business schools nationally, but not Isenberg; from the rising number of endowed chairs to that aforementioned construction of a 72,000-square-foot addition.

But rankings continue to drive the train, if you will, in academia these days, he noted, and attaining lower numbers in all kinds of compilations was Fuller’s primary mission when he arrived on the Amherst campus in 2009 after serving for six years as chair of the department of Information Systems in the College of Business at Washington State University.

Actually, he said the more specific goal has been to increase the stores of reputational capital, and that rankings are merely a metric of reputation, or one of many, with others being placement rates at Big-4 accounting firms and penetration into leading financial-services giants such as Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, among others.

“I would like to see us become one of the top 10 public schools in the nation and within the top 20 overall,” he explained, adding that the school is certainly on the right trajectory for those results, but needs to maintain that course and gain more thrust to break those barriers.

And while climbing in the ranks equates to opportunities for the school and the university, he said, the far more important matter is that better rankings and reputation translate into greater opportunities for the students enrolled in the programs.

“Those sorts of universities provide great opportunities for their students,” he said of the schools at or near the top of the rankings. “When you come out of a place with that level of reputational capital, there are simply more job opportunities and higher salaries. And that reputational capital not only allows us to place students better, it allows us to recruit very high-quality students, which builds this sort of perpetual-motion machine that also allows us to recruit very high-quality faculty.”

Backing up a bit, Fuller said he was attracted to the opportunity to lead Isenberg because he saw a solid program that was, in his view, but also that of many others, underperforming.

And he saw an opportunity to change that equation.

“It had a great foundation — I couldn’t have done the things we were collectively able to do without the outstanding faculty we had here,” he explained. “I saw an opportunity to go from high quality to great.”

And while designing and building that perpetual-motion machine he mentioned isn’t the specific wording on his job description, that, in a nutshell, is what he and his team have been doing.

Degrees of Progress

Not to oversimplify things, said Fuller, because there is nothing really simple about all this, attaining more reputational capital, and thus climbing in the ranks, boils down to those two elements mentioned earlier: improving the story a business school has to tell (and there are many elements in this equation) and then telling this story in a louder, more effective voice.

And this brings us back to those main assignments for his team — creating a plan and then executing it.

The plan, Fuller told BusinessWest, has many elements, or building blocks, if you will, all incorporated into the design for a reason — or several of them.

Indeed, at its core, the plan is simple — create programs, hire faculty, and generate quality and results (outcomes) that will:

• Attract top students and enable graduates to succeed in the workplace;

• Generate enthusiasm and financial support among a host of constituencies, but especially alums;

• Enable the school to generate more reputational capital;

• Propel the institution higher in the rankings; and

• Create sufficient momentum to allow each of the above to perpetuate itself and grow in size and strength.

Elaborating, Fuller said everything his team does is student-focused and undertaken with the goal of improving outcomes, meaning everything from job opportunities to salaries.

One of the keys, he said, has been an outside-in look at curriculum, whereby industry leaders provide input on what’s being done and what can be done better.

“We’re trying to find those curricular, programmatic elements that will drive great opportunities for students,” he explained. “And we’re very deliberate in that; we don’t chase just any new majors.”

Instead, the school focuses on where the jobs are and, more importantly, where they will be, in realms such as analytics, business intelligence, and operations and information management.

Meanwhile, the school has also made major strides in the area of professional development, with initiatives aimed at creating internships, generating opportunities to study abroad (a nod toward an increasingly global economy), and helping students improve interviewing skills, network more effectively, and refine their LinkedIn presence, among other things.

“Many of our students will actually say that their peers at other schools and colleges across campus go to them to learn how to refine their résumé or their LinkedIn profile,” he explained. “And we hit the ground running on that; our students will have a résumé and LinkedIn profile by the end of their freshman year.”

Another focus, as mentioned earlier, is that statistic known as recruiter satisfaction, he went on, adding that Isenberg hired a director of organizational metrics, who, among things, garners hard data on just how happy recruiters are with the school’s graduates.

“It’s like flying on an airline,” Fuller explained. “You fly, you get a survey; the airline asks, ‘how did we do?’ We do the same thing.”

isenbergtopschoolsbw116a

And it turns the results, especially those that are not particularly favorable, into action, he went on, noting that one identified problem was with résumés, criticism that eventually led to efforts to improve and standardize those documents, so much so that recruiters can now easily recognize something Fuller called the “Isenberg résumé.”

As for growing support among alums and other groups, Fuller drew an analogy to big-time college sports.

“Attendance for basketball games where a team is losing is less than it is for a school that’s winning,” he explained. “For alumni, there was a real sense that we had to build pride in the brand, because the public business schools across the country are a very competitive set of schools, and we all want to be competitive.”

Story Lines

When it comes to telling the story better, Fuller started by gesturing across the conference room table to Chris Foley Pilsner. Her business card reads ‘Assistant Dean & Chief Marketing Officer,’ and she is the first at Isenberg to have such a title.

More importantly, she leads a growing team of professionals, said Fuller, adding that the school has become much more aggressive in recent years when it comes to promoting its brand.

“We also have a digital strategist and social-media director, among other positions,” he explained. “We’re building up that infrastructure that allows us to tell our story about how good we’ve become.

“Many people know we’ve gotten better, but they’re not cognizant of how much better we’ve gotten,” he went on. “I hear that from alumni, even; they don’t know how good we’ve really become.”

The goal moving forward is to simply have better news to report, said Fuller, meaning continuous improvement. And, as he noted, moving ever-higher becomes more difficult because the competition is more keen, and those ahead of Isenberg in the rankings have every intention of staying where they are or moving higher themselves.

Continued upward movement is made still more challenging by two rankings where Isenberg lies at the very bottom of the chart, at least among the top public schools. These would be ‘operating budgets’ and ‘school endowments.’

Indeed, Isenberg has an operating budget of $38.2 million (less than one-quarter the total registered by the top-ranked public school, Indiana University’s Kelley School), and an endowment of just over $31 million, far less than one-tenth the figure at the University of Virginia’s Darden School, ranked second overall by BusinessWeek.

In many ways, how far UMass has come despite those statistics are serious points of pride, said Fuller, but those factors, and also the lowest total (70) of tenure-stream faculty among the top schools, will represent serious hurdles to moving higher.

“We like to say, affectionately, that we fight above our weight class,” he said while referring specifically to the operating budget and endowment rankings. “But we also know that you can’t continue to do that, so we’re trying to get our alumni to help us figure out how to grow this operating budget.”

Elaborating, he said that financial gifts from alums are not the only way to enlarge the budget. Others include corporate gifts, grants, and foundation support, and alumni can assist with all of the above.

Overall, to move still higher in the rankings, Fuller and his team will have to build what amounts to a bigger, even more effective perpetual-motion machine, and continue their focus on execution.

To elaborate, he moved to the whiteboard in the conference room and drew a rudimentary schematic, in the form of a circle with the word ‘reputation’ in the middle, and references to the three elements that drive it — programs, infrastructure, and image — and the need to focus on all three.

Image, as noted earlier, is a measure of how others perceive your school, and includes everything from the many regional and regional rankings to efforts to tell the story. Programs, meanwhile, as mentioned, include everything from curricular initiatives to professional-development tools. And infrastructure is a broad term used to describe everything from facilities to the faculty, and it is perhaps the biggest area of need going forward.

The construction project going on outside Fuller’s window is a prime example of infrastructure work, he noted, adding that, with rising enrollment, Isenberg had no choice but to expand its footprint in order to provide the highest-quality education.

“We need the facilities that will allow us to hire the faculty to drive the quality of the program,” he explained, “because I can’t grow anymore, either in quality or the number of students we teach, without expanding our infrastructure.”

Another element of infrastructure is the faculty, he said, noting that the school needs to grow its endowment so it can add more endowed chairs and teaching positions and thus enhance recruitment efforts in that realm.

“The big hurdle for us to move into the top rung of the rankings is to continue to build this infrastructure of resources that will enable us to compete,” he said, drawing another analogy to college sports, this time to the elaborate training facilities needed to recruit top players and coaches to athletic programs.

Off-the-charts Improvement

When asked if there was an accepted road map for public business schools to follow to attain growth and reputational capital, Fuller said ‘no,’ but also that this is another question that those other deans put to him.

Specifically, they want to know the route Isenberg followed to become number 1 in the Northeast and reach a status just outside the top 10 nationally.

He tells them it’s a well-marked route, but the key isn’t knowing the directions; it’s in executing them properly.

That’s how a business school gets where it wants to go.

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

Bay Path and Its President Take a Lead Role in Homeland Security

Education Sections

Joining the Fight

Carol Leary says women can, and must, play a lead role in efforts to stem violent extremism.

At first, Carol Leary thought the e-mail she received in September was spam, and was wondering why it didn’t go into that particular folder.

It was from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), she said, and was essentially an inquiry, with the sender alerting Leary, the long-time president of Bay Path University in Longmeadow, that she had been nominated for a position on the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, or HSAAC, and asking if she was interested in learning more and possibly serving.

This was an acronym that Leary admits she had never heard of — “I didn’t know this panel existed” — but now rattles off with great frequency and ease.

Indeed, after determining that the e-mail was, in fact, legitimate, and not junk or, worse, a virus spreader, Le ary did apply for that panel — because she immediately grasped the importance of its broad mission and the fact that sitting on it would be a great honor not only for her, but the school she’s led since 1994.

She was chosen to join seven others as the latest members of a panel that is essentially parked at the intersection of academia and DHS, which is becoming an ever-more-important spot on the map.

Through its six subcommittees, the HSAAC focuses on such matters as campus resilience, cybersecurity, international students, homeland-security academic programs, academic research and faculty exchange, and student and recent-graduate recruitment, and that list of assignments certainly helps explain why Leary received that e-mail mentioned earlier.

Indeed, Bay Path has put itself at the forefront of such issues and concerns, said Leary, through both graduate and undergraduate degree programs in cybersecurity and specific courses such as “An Introduction to Terrorism and Counterterrorism” and “The Path to Violent Extremism,” both offered by the American Women’s College and the One Day Program at Bay Path.

“I think these programs are what really attracted Homeland Security,” she told BusinessWest, “because the newest area they will focus on is countering violent extremism, and when they saw we had classes taught by someone with a great reputation in Great Britain on this subject, they knew we had an expert.”

That would be Bob Milton. He’s the retired commander of the London Metropolitan Police Service, New Scotland Yard; director of his own consulting company that specializes in counterterrorism consulting; and, as noted, professor of Criminal Justice and lead faculty for Counterterrorism at Bay Path.

He blueprinted many of the courses at the college, including the two mentioned above, and recently delivered a talk at the school, as part of its Kaleidoscope series, called “Countering Terrorism: The New Role of Women.”

This is a subject of particular interest to Leary — and the rest of the HSAAC, for that matter — because it represents an important, but far from fully tapped resource in the battle to identify and possibly defuse developing violent extremism.

“As we know, in our own country we have young people being radicalized,” she told BusinessWest. “Mothers are probably going to be the first to recognize this. The question then becomes, how do we reach women, not only in all communities, but particularly Muslim communities across our world, probably woman to woman? I think this is going to be a very important role for women to play in the field of countering extreme violence.

As we know, in our own country we have young people being radicalized. Mothers are probably going to be the first to recognize this.”

“We need to give them the tools, the techniques, and the impetus to do this,” she went on. “We need to show them they will be helping our country and helping the families in which students are being radicalized.”

Milton agrees. “You could say that the biggest threat to the U.S. is coming from within; the last few attacks have both come from within,” he said, citing incidents in Florida and California. “We need to put much more effort into identifying those people who are becoming radicalized and then putting in place measures to try and carry out intervention. And women can play a big role in this.”

For this issue, BusinessWest looks at Leary’s appointment to the Homeland Security panel, but also the developments that led to it — specifically the school’s rise to prominence in this field — and the many issues involved with combating violent extremism.

Front of Mind

As he talked about the many issues involved with countering radicalism and the importance of doing so on many levels, Milton recited a statement issued by members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army after it executed a nearly successful attempt on the life of then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1984 at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.

“It said, ‘you need to be lucky all the time — we only need to be lucky once,’” he recalled, adding that the note was received after Thatcher narrowly escaped the blast of a long-delay time bomb that left a gaping hole in the façade of the hotel. (Five others were killed in the attack, and 31 were injured).

Milton told BusinessWest that he recites that IRA message often in the talks and lectures that he gives in cities around the world, and probably not in the context that most people might think. Instead of agreeing with the gist of the missive, he says its thinking is inherently flawed.

To get his point across, he summons a quote often attributed to golfing legend Gary Player, among others, which goes something like, “the more I practice, the luckier I become.”

Whatever the exact quote is, and regardless of who actually said it, the message is clear, said Milton: the harder individuals, groups, and countries work to counter terrorism and violent radicalism, the more successful they will be.

This, in essence, goes a long way toward explaining the existence (and the mission) of not only the DHS, but the HSAAC as well — which is, in part, to practice hard at the work of recognizing and stemming radicalization.

“We need to work harder so we’re lucky,” said Milton, adding that this work constitutes a large, complex fight, started long ago and now waged on many fronts and in many ways. And it focuses on everything from working with, rather than isolating, underprivileged communities, to teaching others how to spot the many warning signs of someone being radicalized.

Milton said these include changes in behavior, being secretive, excessive amounts of time spent on the Internet, acquiring new friends, disappearing for long periods of time, and becoming angry, frustrated, even passionate about things they see on the news.

But spotting the signs is only part of the equation, he went on, adding that people, and especially mothers, need to know what to do when they see those signs.

Bob Milton says individuals, agencies, and nations need to work hard to counter radicalization and essentially make their own luck.

“It’s my experience that it’s the families, and the women in the families, who are more likely to see the signs of radicalization earlier than anyone else,” he explained. “There have been so many cases in the U.K., particularly, where young women or men have become radicalized, and in some cases have gone off to fight and die in Syria, and yet their families — and particularly the women in those families — knew there was something going on and had nowhere to go.”

In short, he went on, women — especially those who are, for some reason, be it language issues or something else, isolated within their community — need to become less isolated and, therefore, more empowered to effectively deal with these situations.

And women, as noted, can play a huge role in this effort, said Leary, who, as she talked about this, drew an effective, even poetic analogy to the work carried out by women at Bletchley Park, the headquarters for Britain’s fabled code breakers during World War II, immortalized in countless books, TV series, and movies such as the recent The Imitation Game.
“The word we would use for it today is cybersecurity,” she said of those efforts to break the codes enciphered on Germany’s Enigma machines. “All the men were off fighting the war; it was the women trying to decode messages sent all across Europe. Fast-forward 70 years, and it’s clear that we again need more women in this field.”

Bay Path is certainly doing its part in this effort, she went on, adding that roughly 80 students are enrolled in its cybersecurity programs, and the number is growing every year.

The master’s-degree program in cybersecurity management graduated its first class in 2014, and there are now 30 (17 of which are women) currently enrolled in that program. Meanwhile, there are 50 students (almost all of them women) enrolled in the undergraduate program, which features concentrations in digital forensics and information assurance.

As noted earlier, though, the role to be played by women moving forward is multi-faceted and goes much deeper than taking jobs in this growing field. It entails work within and for the community to intervene and hopefully prevent individuals from resorting to violence in support of a cause or faith.

Getting the Message

Leary, named by BusinessWest as one of its Difference Makers for 2016 for her work at the college and in the community, acknowledged that she had more than enough to keep her busy before that e-mail arrived in September.

And while she has, indeed, learned to say ‘no’ over the years due to the sheer volume of requests she receives to donate her time, energy, and talent to a group or cause, that word never entered her mind when the DHS enlisted her help.

That’s because the group’s mission is so important, and also because Bay Path has made major investments — and major strides — toward become a recognized leader in cybersecurity and related programs.

And those investments can and will yield dividends at this critical juncture for the country — and the world.

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

Federal Grant Will Help STCC Students Achieve STEM Degrees

Education Sections

Closing the Gap

Arlene Rodriguez says the $3.4 million federal grant that STCC received will help Hispanic and low-income students obtain degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Arlene Rodriguez says people who apply for a grant of any type need to have a compelling story about why the money is important.

The vice president of Academic Affairs at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) knows developing the story is something that takes time, energy, dedication, and great attention to detail, which are all elements that were incorporated into a recent grant application the college submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.

The year of work that went into its preparation was well worth it, however, as the story met with unparallelled success: STCC was recently awarded one of the largest awards in its history: a five-year, $3.4 million grant for the program called the Hispanic and Low-income Transformed Education in STEM (HiLITES) Project.

It’s aimed at helping students attain degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes and programs, and although STCC is the only community college in Massachusetts to win this award, Rodriguez says it’s appropriate due to the school’s demographics. To be eligible to receive the grant, a college must be designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, which is attained when at least 25% of the total student population is Hispanic.

STCC’s Hispanic population is 27.6%; it has been designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2013; and 56% of its students receive federal Pell grants, which are limited to students with financial need.

“This grant was very competitive, and it took all I had not to jump up and down when I heard that we were given exactly what we asked for,” Rodriguez said. “It will give us an opportunity to make significant changes proposed by faculty and students who identified obstacles to success in STEM courses during interviews that took place before we applied for the grant. People were very honest about what stopped them from continuing in these programs, and faculty talked about where they see students struggle and what we need to change,” she continued. “It was a collaborative effort that was student-oriented; we are determined to make changes to improve students’ lives, and one of our goals is to increase the number of students in STEM disciplines.”

Indeed, it’s critical for local students as well as the economy; a report commissioned by Raytheon says a workforce prepared to tackle science is needed to drive future growth and innovation, and 67% of manufacturers are experiencing a shortage of qualified employees.

In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor estimates that 8,654,000 STEM-related jobs will exist in 2018, not including self-employed STEM individuals, and although the national average wage is $42,979, those with a STEM degree earn about $78,000.

STCC has more than a dozen STEM programs that range from architectural and building technology to computer-aided drafting, CNC operations, electrical engineering technology, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and many are not found in other community colleges across the state. But right now, only 14% of its Hispanic students and 11% of its low-income students enroll in STEM courses, and those who do need support to be successful.

This grant was very competitive, and it took all I had not to jump up and down when I heard that we were given exactly what we asked for.”

“There is a disconnect between Hispanic students and students with Pell grants when it comes to jobs that are available, and we want to bridge that gap,” said Rodriguez. “Our end goal is to prepare students for positions that are going unfilled, and this grant will allow us to provide them with the support they need to make a better life for themselves and provide for their families.”

She noted that the majority of Hispanic and low-income students enter college needing help in math and have lower rates of retention and graduation. “Students who are Hispanic and low-income perform worse on all three measures than students who are only Hispanic or low-income,” she told BusinessWest.

STCC President John Cook agreed. “We’re open-eyed about student needs, and this grant will help us address complex challenges. We look forward to building diversity across our unique array of STEM programs, and this is a chance to both expand initiatives while also trying new and creative approaches,” he said.

Multi-faceted Program

The grant money will be used to provide a wide spectrum of programs and services over a five-year period that will kick off in the spring. One of the new initiatives will introduce students in middle and high schools to STEM careers they may not know about in fields that include precision manufacturing, information technology, and HVAC, as there are job vacancies in these areas that pay well.

STCC’s plan is to bring the students to campus, introduce them to the faculty, show them the machines they will work on if they enter these programs, and educate them about careers associated with STEM degrees and the type of work they would perform on a daily basis.

“A student may not know these courses are available, or think they couldn’t succeed in them because they require a lot of math. But we have fantastic teachers who are able to teach these subjects in creative ways that make it easy to learn, and our faculty wants to make sure that our students succeed,” Rodriguez said, noting that, in some cases, students with an associate’s degree can earn $50,000 to $60,000 after graduation, and many have job offers before they matriculate.

There is also a plan to work with local high schools and expand the dual-enrollment system that allows students to go to the STCC campus and take courses before they receive their high-school diploma, as well as to expand programs with four-year colleges and improve the transfer rate by creating a seamless transition.

Assessments are conducted of a student’s math and English skills when they enter STCC, which is important because Rodriguez says many students are not ready for college-level math and need to take a series of courses to get them up to speed, which is a national problem at the majority of community colleges.

“The average age of our students is 26, and taking extra courses can be frustrating; they may have families or part-time jobs, so there is a sense of urgency to graduate,” she said, adding that many have GEDs, and even those who did well in high school may need to regain math skills after spending years away from the classroom.

“The grant will allow STCC to provide these students with enough support to take math and science courses without prolonging the time it takes them to graduate,” she continued, explaining that this may mean redesigning some STEM courses, offering additional tutoring, and providing more professional-development opportunities for instructors.

Students who are part-time and have not yet selected a major will also be exposed to STEM courses and careers through demonstrations, guest lectures, and other avenues.

In addition, two STEM advisers will be hired to conduct outreach and help students interested in STEM careers transition into the progams, and a STEM Center will be created as a centralized location for presentations, group study, tutoring, and faculty work. Rodriguez noted that the STEM Center will likely be located in space that will be vacated when the new Learning Commons is completed in 2018.

Change Agent

A 2013 report by the Commonwealth that addressed the skills gap says pipelines are powerful tools because they address both sides of the issue by giving people in the workforce the skills they need while responding to the changing nature of what employers are seeking from their workers.

The grant will help to strengthen the local pipeline, and since STCC graduates live locally, are committed to the community, and usually stay in the area, the grant is a win-win situation, Rodriguez said.

“Community colleges are the front lines of workforce education, and we can respond to employers’ needs in a way that four-year schools may not be able to,” she noted. “The essence of this institution has remained unchanged for the past 50 years, and it has helped to produce leaders in business, government, and education in various professions that benefit the community. Our college continues to be an engine of economic opportunity and development for the region.”

Indeed, it’s an ongoing story, and this chapter should have a happy ending as students are given the support they need to enter careers that pay well and local employers see an increase in qualified candidates to fill jobs, which will allow their companies to grow and thrive in a changing economy.

The Forecast Is Bright for the Holiday Shopping Season

Holiday Gift Guide Sections

Green Expectations

Nicole Sweeney says new offerings like Gifted Tones Paint and Music Lounge will keep shoppers engaged during holiday-season visits to Eastfield Mall.

Carolyn Edwards is surrounded by dozens of stores on a daily basis, so she tends to do her holiday shopping late in December.

But this year, she purchased two Christmas gifts in mid-October and joined the growing ranks of consumers on an early quest to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list.

“It’s not something I normally do, but sales inspired me to start shopping early,” said the general manager of Lee Premium Outlets.

Tempting gift items also spurred Nicole Sweeney to start shopping well in advance of Christmas, and by Halloween she had a pile of holiday gifts sitting on her desk.

“I don’t wait until Black Friday to shop, but I have never done it this early before,” said the marketing manager at Eastfield Mall in Springfield, noting that purchasing things over a period of several months helps to mitigate the sticker shock that many people face at Christmas.

National surveys show that two in 10 shoppers began their annual quest for the perfect present in early October, and big-box stores put Halloween and Christmas decorations and merchandise on display at about the same time.

“Black Friday preview sales were started early to get people’s appetites going for the holiday spending that leads up to the day after Thanksgiving [Black Friday]. But that day is not like it used to be,” Sweeney said.

Indeed, retailers have already begun to cash in on the final quarter of the year, and the forecast for the season is green. The International Council of Shopping Centers has predicted a 3.5% increase in holiday shopping at brick-and-mortar stores, compared to the 2.2% gain last year; the National Retail Foundation (NRF) expects retail sales in November and December (excluding autos, gas, and restaurants) to increase a solid 3.6% to $655.8 billion; and Deloitte predicts holiday spending to increase between 3.6% and 4% from November through January, topping $1 trillion.

Although online shopping is on the rise and cuts into the pockets of mom-and-pop operations that don’t have websites with free shipping, PwC’s 2016 Retail and Consumer Holiday Outlook survey notes that almost 75% of consumers plan to shop locally, 56% will seek independent retailers, and consumers with annual household incomes less than $50,000 will increase their spending more than consumers overall.

List of Companies Offering Corporate Gifts

In addition, more people will have cash to spend because retailers have hired, or are planning to hire, between 640,000 and 690,000 seasonal workers, in line with last year’s 675,300 holiday positions.

Gifts are expected to run the gamut from toys to clothing, and high-tech items such as tablets, phones, and gaming devices are expected to be popular, but many people will choose their own presents after the holidays, because gift cards are expected to make up 32% of purchases.

“The stores had their holiday décor in place by the end of October, and the day after Halloween, we went into the holiday season full force,” Edwards said, echoing other retail spokespeople who said Christmas music began playing Nov. 1 and the sound of cash registers humming added to the spirit of the shopping season.

New Attractions

Lisa Wray says the unofficial kickoff for the holiday season at Holyoke Mall was Veterans Day weekend.

“Santa arrived Nov. 12 in a fire truck escorted by the Holyoke Fire Department, and we were ready for the people here to do their holiday shopping,” said the marketing director for Holyoke and Hampshire malls.

Lisa Wray says Holyoke Mall’s holiday sales should be in line with national projections, but foot traffic should get a boost from several new stores.

She expects sales to be in line with the NRF’s predictions, but expects foot traffic to get a boost, because Holyoke Mall has added eight new stores in the last seven months.

They include Zales Jewelers, a cell-phone accessory and repair shop called Shatter and Case, a women’s plus-size clothing store called Torrid, a newly remodeled Bath & Body Works and White Barn Candle, a Touch of Beauty Nails & Spa, Sprint, CilantroMex restaurant, and Billy Beez, an indoor play park with a jungle theme featuring fun that ranges from bouncing to jumping, sliding, climbing, and more.

Although people will not be camping out on Black Friday like they did years ago, Wray said, it’s still a significant day at Holyoke Mall; many large retailers will open their doors at 12:01 a.m. and people will be lined up to take advantage of promotions.

“Stores like Target, Sears, and Best Buy will all have doorbuster sales that are still a big draw,” said Wray, adding that Holyoke and Hampshire malls will open at 7 a.m.

All of this year’s holiday carts and kiosks at Eastfield Mall were in place Nov. 1, but Black Friday is not as big as it used to be, Sweeney told BusinessWest, adding that Eastfield also has new stores and venues, including a Bounce! Indoor Inflatable Park that opened earlier this fall and is already attracting families.

“My instinct is that places that offer experiences will have an edge this year, because that allows people to wrap in something festive with their shopping,” she said, explaining that parents can combine a trip to Bounce! and shopping in one visit; people can shop, then listen to live music at Donovan’s Pub or take in a movie before and after making purchases.

“Foot traffic is important because we have a lot of mom-and-pop stores. It’s getting easier and faster to shop online, so it’s become very competitive, but one-day preview sales generate a lot of excitement because they offer really good deals in advance of Black Friday,” Sweeney noted, explaining that special promotions will continue throughout the season to accommodate those who shop early, late, and anytime in between.

Other new ventures at Eastfield Mall include V-Stream Dreams, a store that sells an alternative to a TV cable box that allows people to get a multitude of channels with minimal or no lag time; and Gifted Tones Paint and Music Lounge, an art store where people can learn to paint alone or with friends.

Lee Premium Outlets also has new stores, including Kay Jewelers, Guess, a Toys R Us Express, and 10,000 Villages, which will be open only during the holiday season.

“Outlet centers are driven by promotions, and the stores here are offering really good sales. They are difficult to pass up, and folks are already taking advantage of them; they aren’t waiting for the snow to fly or for the week of Thanksgiving to get started on their shopping,” Edwards said, noting that handbags and accessories are always popular, and Michael Kors and Coach are good places to find these gifts.

She added that sales will be heavily promoted, and the right price point will inspire people to make purchases, which often include gifts for themselves.

Positive Signs

The fourth quarter of the year is a critical time for retailers, an obvious point that still needs to be stressed.

“The holiday season is so important to them that they can’t let a day go to waste,” Sweeney said.

Holyoke Mall expects to meet expectations forecast by the NRF and other retail groups, and the forecast is equally bright at Lee Premium Outlets.

“All of the early indicators this year are that we will meet or exceed last year’s sales. The numbers should come in for us,” Thomas said.

Which will indeed bring joy to local retailers who hope the sound of cash registers processing sales will continue to ring in a very merry Christmas.

Holiday Gifts to Please the Business Professional or Customer

Holiday Gift Guide Sections

Perfect Presents

giftgivingart The holiday season will soon be upon us, and choosing a gift for a business professional or customer that will make their life easier or provide a bright spot in their day can be a daunting, but ultimately satisfying, task.

Some want to keep pace with the latest technology, others appreciate anything that can provide them with comfort or add pleasure to their work day, while still others appreciate whimsy or a gift they can enjoy themselves or with others when their day is done.

BusinessWest has done its best to make your shopping easier by presenting ideas in a variety of price ranges sure to please a co-worker, frequent flyer, or anyone who spends a good deal of their life in the office. Some items can be found locally and support small businesses, while others are carried at a range of stores.

If none of these seems quite right, a gift certificate to an area store, restaurant, or theater venue is sure to be appreciated. And, last but not least, consider a gift to a charitable organization you know the person cares about and supports.

Prosperity Candle

Candles can make a scent-sational gift, and a small group of socially responsible female entrepreneurs at Prosperity Candle in Easthampton has a wide range of offerings designed to brighten things for everyone on your list.

Their candles are handmade to order with soy-blend wax, essential oils, and natural cotton and wood wicks, and can be purchased individually or in a gift box that contains local products.

Try Pioneer Valley Gift Box #1 with maple syrup from Florence and a candle scented with a blend of tobacco leaves, aged cedar, and a touch of spice ($34 at www.prosperitycandle.com).

Fitbit 2 Heart Rate and Fitness Band

Many people make an annual New Year’s resolution to exercise more, and a Fitbit 2 Heart Rate and Fitness Band may be the ideal gift to help goal-oriented professionals meet with success.

The device contains a multitude of features that range from call, text, and calendar notifications to “Reminders to Move” that encourage wearers to take 250 steps every hour, and tracks steps taken, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes of exercise, and hourly activity, as well as how long and how well you sleep. The battery lasts up to five days without being recharged. Starts at $149.

Tre Olive Gift Box

Anyone who likes to cook or enjoys a good salad will appreciate a gift of extra-virgin olive oil grown by members of the Falvo family in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. Tre Olive in East Longmeadow has individual bottles starting at $9.99, balsamic vinegars and spreads, beautiful gift boxed tins starting at $19.99, and olive-oil soaps flavored with lemongrass, fig, and other intriguing combinations.

There is also the ultimate gift: adopt an olive tree for a year, receive a photo of it, and look forward to the spring when its olives are pressed and you or your gift recipient will be sent some of the freshest oil imaginable. At www.treolive.com.

Nokia Treasure Tag

People who travel frequently often fear losing their laptop, luggage, and other necessary items. But this little tag with a standard watch battery life of six months can prevent that: it connects to smartphones that use Bluetooth 4, and if the traveler forgets an item, the tag beams. In addition, it allows you to search for missing items. Cost: $30.

Tea Guys

Many business professionals drink coffee throughout the day, but if you introduce them to award-winning tea brewed in small batches, they may thank you for years to come.

Tea Guys in Whately offers every type of tea imaginable with highly unusual blends and flavors such as chocolate raspberry and candied lemon. A box, gift package, or gift certificate is sure to soothe. At www.teaguys.com.

Natico Decision Maker and Paperweight

Business involves daily decisions, but sometimes it’s not clear what to do. In these cases, it’s simple to alleviate stress — or just have a moment of fun — by pressing the button in the middle of the Natico decision maker and paperweight.

A solution will appear when it is done spinning, and your reaction may help determine what course to take. The paperweight can also serve as a conversation piece when someone enters your office. Cost: $17.50.

Herman Miller Aeron Desk Chair

Comfort is priceless, and spending hours behind a desk can lead to chronic back pain, but Herman Miller offers an almost foolproof solution with its classic Aeron desk chair.

The most well-known ergonomic office chair on the market incorporates the latest research around the science of sitting; fabric and foam are replaced with a breathable, woven suspension membrane, and ergonomic engineering allows the person’s weight to be distributed evenly to eliminate pressure points and heat buildup.

The chair reclines, and its PostureFit feature provides support at the base of the spine, where it is needed. Models start at $679 at Lexington Group Inc. in West Springfield.

Share Coffee Roasters

There’s nothing to brighten up a day like getting a gift at work, and coffee lovers will be thrilled to find a delivery of freshly roasted gourmet coffee sent to them weekly by Share Coffee Roasters in Hadley. The first bag is free, and after that, weekly packages are sent for the length of time you choose and come in 6-, 12-, or 18-ounce packages.

The coffee is roasted and shipped the same day and is similar to fine wine, as it contains a medley of tastes. For example, Guatemalean Los Dos Socios has hints of dark chocolate, juicy citrus fruits, and praline. Prices start at $13 at www.sharecoffeeroasters.com.

Dragon Professional Individual, v15

If you know a small-business owner or executive who doesn’t have a secretary or complains frequently about carpal-tunnel pain, Dragon Professional Individual v15 voice-recognition software may usher in tidings of great joy. It can transcribe dictation or an audio interview three times faster than typing, and the person never needs to use their hands. In addition, simple voice commands can be used to edit documents or change formatting with up to 98% accuracy. Cost: $300.

Frigo Gourmet Foods Gift Basket

Food is always a welcome gift, and a gift basket from Frigo Gourmet Foods in Springfield can be shared at the office, taken to a party, or enjoyed at home. They come in a wide array of prices and styles, but their Old World Italian gift basket is sure to be a hit, with its irresistible mix of seasonal products such as panettone, amarettini cookies, biscotti, torreones, asiago, fontina, parmesan, provolone, salami, pepperoni, and casaling or sopressata meats. Cost: $125 at www.frigofoods.com.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones

Have a frequent flyer on your list? Someone who has trouble concentrating in a noisy workplace, or whose performance soars when listening to music their co-workers might not appreciate? Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones might suit their needs as they combine Bluetooth connectivity with the latest in noise-canceling technology, take a mere 15 minutes to charge, and have an unmatched battery life of 20 hours with a free app that makes switching between devices easy. Cost: $349.

Black Birch Vineyard

This family-owned Southampton vineyard offers award-winning wines created by hand in small, individually numbered batches. Choose from reisling, chardonnay, epic white, pinot noir, cabernet blanc, and more at $16 and up, or a beautiful gift basket that contains a bottle of wine, two glasses, and a wine-tasting gift certificate for two. Basket: $45 at www.blackbirchvineyards.com.

Clear Bubble Paperweight

This clear bubble paperweight by the Museum Store at Wheaton Arts is handmade, so the color and size may vary if you purchase more than one, but it’s an unusual gift that is practical, decorative, and comes with a story card. Cost: $34 at www.wheatonarts.org.

Laurel Mountain Basket Co. Inc.

This Easthampton company creates unique gourmet gift baskets and believes that giving a gift basket “shouldn’t make you a basket case.”

Each basket is made when the order is placed, so give them a call at (413) 527-1243 to talk about their kosher, gluten-free, and specialty New England gift baskets overflowing with products that can be designed to suit every budget and palate. Visit www.laurelmtbasket.com.

Wireless Weather Station

People who love to know what it’s doing outside will delight in a desktop wireless weather station. Many models are available and range in price from about $50 to more than $500.

The AcuRite 01036 Pro Weather Station with PC Connect, 5-in-1 Weather Sensor, and My AcuRite Remote Monitoring App has great ratings; accurately measures the temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and rain; and allows you to set up programmable weather alarms as well as e-mail and text alerts to notify you when conditions change or your presets are reached. Cost: $125.

Giombetti Associates Welcomes Thom Fox as Chief People Officer