2016 - Page 39 of 44 - BusinessWest

UMass Announces Major Progress on Campus Renovations

By BusinessWest Staff February 18, 2016

Daily News

BOSTON — The University of Massachusetts now spends three out of four capital dollars on renovation and repair and has significantly reduced its maintenance backlog in recent years, President Marty Meehan said this week.

In a letter submitted to state government leaders, Meehan noted that UMass has gone through a building boom over the past 20 years, largely in response to enrollment and faculty-innovation booms, but said the university over the past decade has placed a significant emphasis on maintenance and renovation.

“The building that has taken place across the UMass system has been critical to our ability to step forward and emerge as a great public university. While we have constructed new facilities, we have also recognized the need to repair facilities that aged over the years,” he noted.

One of the fastest-growing universities in the nation, the five-campus UMass system experienced a 44% surge in enrollment in the past two decades and built academic buildings and student housing to accommodate the increase of 22,000 students. It also constructed laboratories and other facilities needed as it emerged as a global research university.

But UMass also recognized that it had to repair as well as build, Meehan said, and has been guided in its efforts by Sightlines, a company that advises more than 400 colleges and universities across the nation and in Canada on facilities-management issues.
In his letter to state government leaders, President Meehan said recent reports from Sightlines show that:

• Between 2009 and 2015, UMass Amherst reduced its project backlog from $2 billion to $1.5 billion, achieving a 25% decrease;

• UMass Amherst saw deferred maintenance decrease significantly during this period, declining from $869 million to $596 million, for an even larger percentage reduction of 31%. This occurred at a time when backlog at public universities in the U.S. grew by nearly 20%, according to Sightlines;

• Sightlines calculates that the UMass system is on course to reduce its current $1.45 billion in deferred maintenance by nearly 40% to $900 million by fiscal year 2019, when the university’s current capital plan concludes; and

• It is also projected that the backlog for the UMass system will decline from $3.2 billion to $2.26 billion over the next three years.

Backlog refers to those facilities projects that should be handled over the next decade, and deferred maintenance is the term for projects that need to be addressed within three years.

“We are not declaring victory or minimizing the work that lies ahead, but I think it’s important to note that UMass has charted this prudent course,” Meehan said. 

Added Victor Woolridge, chairman of the UMass board of trustees, “the University of Massachusetts has taken the responsible course in addressing the needs of buildings that in some cases are 40-plus years old. We have taken on issues that we needed to confront in order to be able to provide really good students with the high-quality facilities they need to be able to compete in the contemporary environment.”

Meehan noted that, “on occasion, people ask me why UMass students need world-class facilities. And my answer always is, because our students are world-class.”

James Kadamus, vice president of Sightlines, added that “I think UMass is doing all the right things.”

Other key points in Meehan’s letter:

• Nearly three-quarters of the current UMass capital program is dedicated to projects that will reduce the five-campus system’s project backlog;

• Since 2008, UMass has included a maintenance reserve for every new building constructed by the university; and

• Enrollment at UMass has increased by 44.5% over the past 20 years, soaring from 51,044 to 73,761 students. Of the 22,717 students UMass has added, 14,673 are in-state students, while out-of-state students increased by slightly more than 8,000.

“We are pleased that students from other countries and states are choosing UMass,” Meehan said, “but we, of course, will always have a special commitment to Massachusetts students.”

Plainridge Park Casino Revenue Up 12% in January

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2016

Daily News

PLAINVILLE — Gambling revenue at Plainridge Park Casino increased by $1.3 million in January, snapping five straight months of revenue declines after a strong start last spring. The slots parlor brought in $12.5 million last month, the highest monthly total since October’s $12.9 million, according to the state Gaming Commission.

Plainridge is still unlikely to reach the $300 million it projected for its first year. It has collected $94.4 million in revenue in its first seven months, putting it on pace for $162 million for the year. However, historically, casino business tends to pick up in the spring, and casino officials hope the January boost continues in the coming months.

GoodWorks Insurance, CEMA Donate $15,300 to Operation Fuel

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2016

Daily News

GREAT BARRINGTON — As a result of a partnership between GoodWorks Insurance and the Connecticut Energy Marketers Assoc. (CEMA), Operation Fuel recently received a donation of $15,300. The donation will be used to help more than 30 lower-income Connecticut families keep the heat and electricity on this winter.

For the second year in a row, GoodWorks — a regional independent insurance agency headquartered in Glastonbury, Conn., with additional offices in New Milford, Avon, and Columbia, Conn., and Great Barrington and Worcester, Mass. — launched the initiative by pledging a minimum $10,000 donation to Operation Fuel and promising to match up to $5,000 in donations from CEMA’s member companies. GoodWorks donates 50% of its operating profit to local charities through community grants.

Operation Fuel is a private, nonprofit program that provides emergency energy assistance year-round through its network of fuel banks to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in financial crisis.

“The generous support from GoodWorks Insurance and CEMA shows that we are all part of the operation. Without the support of the community, Operation Fuel could not do the work that we do,” said Operation Fuel Executive Director Patricia Wrice.

Professional Women’s Chamber Seeks Woman of the Year Nominations

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC) is seeking nominations for its Woman of the Year award. The award is presented annually to a woman in the Western Mass. area who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community.

This award has been given annually since 1954. The first recipient was Julia Buxton, treasurer of Buxton Inc., founder of what is now known as the PWC and the first woman elected to the Springfield Chamber board of directors. Other past recipients include Carol Campbell, Kitty Broman, Iris Holland, Sr. Mary Caritas, Nancy Dusek-Gomez, Gale Candaras, Arlene Putnam, Mary Reardon Johnson, Ellen Freyman, Jean Deliso, and Anne Paradis.

Candidates must be gainfully employed in a paid, full-time position and live or work in the Pioneer Valley. Any woman in the Pioneer Valley may be nominated; no chamber affiliation is required. Nominee achievements can be representative of a lifetime of work or for more recent successes.

Nomination forms are available online at www.professionalwomenschamber.com or by e-mailing event committee chair Jenny MacKay at [email protected]. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 18.

HUB International New England Welcomes Eric Martinez

By BusinessWest Staff February 17, 2016

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — HUB International New England, a division of HUB International Limited, announced that Eric Martinez has joined the company as personal lines account manager. He will be based in the East Longmeadow office and will assist clients with their homeowner’s, auto, and personal-liability umbrella coverages.

Martinez joins HUB International with more than 10 years of experience in the personal-lines field. His past job responsibilities have included supervising and scheduling staff, resolving client issues, working to maintain carrier relationships, and assisting in planning and implementing marketing programs. His role at HUB International includes assisting in the day-to-day needs of clients, reviewing and updating policies and certificates, maintaining existing client relationships, generating new business, and keeping abreast of the changing market.

“Hiring exceptional employees is the reason that we can continue to delight our clients time and time again,” said Timm Marini, president of HUB International New England. “We are proud to be able to hire the best of the best. Eric’s personality and strengths will certainly be beneficial as we continue to expand into one of the largest agencies throughout New England.”

Have You Ordered Your Difference Makers Tickets?

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on Thursday, March 31.

Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s class was profiled in the Jan. 25 issue, and their stories can also be read online at businesswest.com. They include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales, philanthropist (1965-2015); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties; Bay Path University President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president of J.E. Robison Service and an internationally known advocate for people with autism.

Tickets cost $60, and tables of 10 are available. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit businesswest.com/differnce-makers/difference-makers-event. Difference Makers is sponsored by EMA Dental, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, PeoplesBank, Royal LLP, and Sunshine Village.

Michael Case Appointed Board Chair at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Gov. Charlie Baker recently visited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to tour the facility and swear in Michael Case as the new chairman of the board of trustees. Baker was joined by local legislators and visited with residents to discuss the administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting the facility.

“Meeting the needs of the Commonwealth’s veterans and their families is a top priority for our administration,” Baker said. “I am pleased to announce Michael Case, a 35-year war veteran and a devoted public servant, as the new chair of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and thank [outgoing board chair] Steve Como for his work on the board over the years. The mission and importance of this home is crucial, and I thank the staff for their dedication to providing quality healthcare for our veterans.”

Case is a Vietnam veteran who has served for more than 35 years in the Air Force and with the Massachusetts National Guard. He has served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and as part of rescue efforts during Hurricane Katrina. As a guardsman, Case also served as a police officer in Pittsfield for more than 20 years. During his career, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served as commander of the Special Reaction Team. Recently, Case has assisted other veterans as the Veterans Service officer for the town of Washington. He sits on the board of directors at Mycom Federal Credit Union in Pittsfield and was elected to the Washington Board of Selectmen and the Central Berkshire Regional School Committee.

The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home is a state-funded, fully accredited healthcare facility that includes full-time residential accommodations, an on-site dental clinic, and a multi-service outpatient department.

Springfield Regional Chamber After 5 to Celebrate March Madness

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — March Madness will be the theme for the Springfield Regional Chamber After 5 event on Wednesday, March 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Sponsored by Spherion Staffing, the after-hours networking event provides an opportunity for the business community to gather and network in an informal setting. Attendees will enjoy networking, trivia, and free-throw contests, as well as complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and complimentary admission into the Hall of Fame.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for as low as $100. Reservations for the event are $5 for members and $10 for the general public. Sponsorships and reservations may be purchased online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or by contacting Sarah Mazzaferro at [email protected].

Monson Savings to Offer Free Tax Preparation Through VITA

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2016

Daily News

MONSON — The Ware branch of Monson Savings Bank is participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation for those who qualify for this service.

Monson Savings Bank volunteers will help people prepare their federal and Massachusetts state taxes starting every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Those interested must call (413) 263-6500 to find out if they qualify and to make an appointment. The program is sponsored and funded by Springfield Partners for Community Action and United Way of Pioneer Valley.

“We are very pleased to help with this important program,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “We see this as an extension of everything else that we’re doing to promote financial literacy as part of our Dollars & Sense activities.”

Added Paul Bailey, executive director of Springfield Partners, “we at Springfield Partners are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Monson Savings to provide this important service to the Ware community.”

Although the VITA program traditionally completes more than 5,000 free tax returns annually, said Sylvia deHaas Phillips, senior vice president, Community Impact at United Way of Pioneer Valley, “we realize there are many more people who could benefit from this important service, and we are pleased to expand our partnerships to make this happen.”

Four Executives Added to EANE Board of Directors

By BusinessWest Staff February 16, 2016

Daily News

AGAWAM — Meredith Wise, president of the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast (EANE), announced the addition of four executives to the 18-member EANE board of directors: David Leslie, controller of Glenmeadow Inc. in Longmeadow; William Manthey, vice president and chief financial officer at Bridgeport Fittings Inc. in Stratford, Conn.; Erin Gisherman Minior, CEO of Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Rhode Island in Providence; and Michael Rocheleau, executive vice president and chief financial officer of PTA Corp. in Oxford, Conn.

EANE board members offer concrete counsel and valuable perspectives that help the organization remain at the forefront of employment relations and drive member engagement.

Leslie oversees the accounting and information-technology functions at Glenmeadow. Over the 19 years he has been with the company, he has negotiated tax-exempt bond and private-placement issues that have funded expansions and major renovations at Glenmeadow. He has overseen the responses to random audits by the IRS and DOL, both with successful outcomes. He is on the board of directors for the Community Music School of Springfield and has served on the board of directors of the East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Chamber of Commerce and East of the River 5 Town Chamber of Commerce. He remains connected to chamber service, sitting on two committees of the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is also an Aging Services surveyor for CARF International.

Manthey has been vice president and CFO at Bridgeport Fittings for 13 years, and has held CFO and administrative positions in general management for Connecticut manufacturing companies over the last 40 years. He is also a certified management accountant, a certificate he received in 1981. He is a former chair of the board for the Manufacturing Alliance of CT and negotiated its acquisition by EANE. In his spare time, he does volunteer work in the Cheshire, Conn. Lions Club and was a co-founder and now vice president of the Cheshire Half Marathon Foundation.

Minior is responsible for the workings of JFS and for all services under its mission to care for families and individuals throughout their life cycle. These services include the Counseling Center, Adoption Options, Lifeline RI, home care, the Kosher Mealsite in Cranston, R.I., and Kosher Meals-on-Wheels, AgeWell RI, and Moes Chitim (the annual Passover appeal). She joined the agency in 1997 as coordinator of elderly services and became director of professional services in 1999. Currently, she is a member of the CEO Council of the Assoc. of Jewish Family & Children’s Agencies. She has been active in leadership positions with the Somerset Council on Aging, the YMCA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She has an extensive clinical background in social work and is an experienced instructor and supervisor.

Rocheleau has been with PTA Corp. for more than 20 years. Besides serving as executive vice president and CFO, his additional duties include serving as the general manager of the Oxford, Conn. business unit. Prior to joining PTA, he served as CFO for a multi-state plastics manufacturer with international operations, vice president of Operations for a multi-plant manufacturer and distributor of stainless-steel and specialty alloys, and corporate controller for a security and alarm company with significant growth fueled organically and through acquisitions. Early in his career, he held progressively more responsible positions in financial and operational accounting.

Health New England Announces New Branding, Launches New Website

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England recently launched an all-new corporate brand, marked by a blue and gray logo and tagline, “Where you matter.” To coincide with the new brand launch, the company also released its new public website, healthnewengland.org.

Health New England continues to offer health plans across three lines of business: commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid (its Be Healthy MassHealth plan). Although the company will begin using one logo to represent all lines of business going forward, the new branding will have no impact on the current plans or benefits available to members.

“We have been meeting the health care needs of our communities for more than 30 years. And now, we’re renewing our commitment to our members and business partners through our all-new logo and brand promise,” said Steven Webster, director, marketing and digital strategy. “We have a new look, and our commitment to members and our communities is as strong as ever.”

The new Health New England branding was developed after over a year of extensive research with brokers, employer groups, providers, and members, which revealed three key brand attributes: quality coverage, thoughtful service, and a human experience.

Health New England’s new public website offers a contemporary design, updated content, and simplified navigation. Last fall, the company relaunched its member portal, my.healthnewengland.org, offering new tools and information to help members manage their healthcare.

“It’s our goal to provide our members with a meaningful, simplified, and robust experience, working to help explain complex healthcare topics,” Webster said.

Based in Springfield, Health New England is a nonprofit health plan serving members in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Baystate Health.

Gove Law Office Welcomes Jaclyn Packard

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2016

Daily News

LUDLOW — The Gove Law Office announced that attorney Jaclyn Packard has joined the firm, focusing her practice on civil and criminal litigation and trials, real-estate transactions, and estate planning.

“Jaclyn Packard is a wonderful addition to our growing law firm of professionals who represent the diverse practice areas Gove Law offers clients within the firm’s Litigation, Real Estate, and Estate Planning departments,” said Michael Gove, founding partner of Gove Law Office.

Having graduated cum laude from the Florida Coastal School of Law, Packard holds a license to practice law in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida. In addition to being a practicing attorney, she is an active supporter of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event and a volunteer with the Lawyer for a Day program.

The Gove Law Office, with offices in Ludlow and Northampton, is a bilingual firm with attorneys who provide guidance to clients in the areas of business representation, criminal and civil litigation, personal-injury law, commercial lending, residential and commercial real estate, estate planning, immigration, and bankruptcy. For more information, visit www.govelawoffice.com.

Keith G. Roy Construction Appoints Joshua David Roy Vice President

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2016

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Keith G. Roy Construction Inc., a construction and contracting company serving Massachusetts and Connecticut since 1946, announced that Joshua David Roy has been appointed vice president.

“Joshua is continuing a legacy of leadership at a local family-owned and -operated company,” said President Keith G. Roy.

Joshua developed his expertise by working side-by-side with both his grandfather, David, and his father, Keith, since his teenage years. He oversees and personally works on projects that include roofing; exterior builds, including decks and siding; as well as interior construction, including kitchens and baths. “I take particular pride in training our crew, project supervision, and customer service,” he said.

For more information about the company, visit kgroyconstruction.com.

Women’s Fund Names Liz Feeley Director of Philanthropy

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2016

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts announced that Liz Feeley was named director of philanthropy. She brings a wealth of blended experience in education and philanthropy to the organization.

Feeley received her bachelor’s degree in English from Lehigh University. After spending 21 years coaching intercollegiate women’s basketball at institutions such as Smith College, Princeton University, the University of Notre Dame, and Holy Cross College, Feeley took her penchant for building relationships into the field of philanthropy. She brings a background in strategic planning, team building, volunteer management, and designing sustainable programs to the Women’s Fund.

Feeley’s work at both Smith College and Stoneleigh-Burnham School, a day-boarding school for girls in Greenfield, brought to the forefront of her consciousness issues that girls and women face each day. She looks forward to building relationships around the Women’s Fund’s mission of creating economic and social equality for women and girls in Western Mass. through philanthropy.

Prior to arriving at the Women’s Fund, Feeley served as director of Development at Amherst Montessori School. Previously, as director of Development and Alumnae Relations at Stoneleigh-Burnham, she led a team that increased fund-raising by 133% and alumni participation in the annual fund by 50% in three years. As director of Development, she also launched an initiative that increased the number of major-gift donors by 35% in two years. In five years, her team took fund-raising at the school to an unprecedented level by implementing a strategy based on stewardship, cultivating relationships, brand identity, creating sustainable programs, social media, and in-person visits across the country and in Asia.

While at Stoneleigh-Burnham, Feeley was instrumental in the planning and implementation of a $1.2 million two-year campaign. Her team coordinated and hosted a Leadership Symposium and Gala to launch the campaign that successfully raised money for a new student-center complex. She partnered with volunteer groups of parents, alumni, faculty, students, trustees, and others in an effort to advance the mission of the institution.

DevelopSpringfield to Host Fifth Annual Celebrate Springfield Dinner

By BusinessWest Staff February 12, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — DevelopSpringfield will host its fifth annual Celebrate Springfield dinner event in celebration of the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year along with exciting new initiatives underway.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Festivities will include a reception with live music by the Eric Bascom Trio, auction activities, a cash bar, and hors d’oeuvres, followed by dinner, a brief program, and award presentations.

The platinum sponsor this year is MassMutual Financial Group. Many other local businesses and organizations are also supporting the event as sponsors and participants. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

DevelopSpringfield will once again present its Partner in Progress Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of three individuals toward revitalization in Springfield. Honorees are selected for their leadership and ability to motivate and inspire others. This year’s honorees are Brian Connors, Springfield’s deputy director of Economic Development; Maureen Hayes, president of Hayes Development Services; and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College.

In addition to the program and award presentations, greetings will be provided by Mayor Domenic Sarno followed by Jay Ash, secretary of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. Jill Monson-Bishop of Inspired Marketing will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The celebration is a benefit event; all proceeds will support DevelopSpringfield’s redevelopment initiatives, projects, and programs. More than 500 attendees, including state and city officials, leaders from the business and nonprofit communities, and local residents, are expected to come together in support of ongoing efforts to advance development and redevelopment projects, to stimulate and support economic growth, and to expedite the revitalization process within the city.

Tickets are $100 per person. Registration and sponsorship information is available at www.developspringfield.com or by contacting Paige Thayer at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected]. RSVP by Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Milly Parzychowski Among Winners of United Bank Sales Contest

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2016

Daily News

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Bank announced the winners of its 2015 Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) Sales Contest, the bank’s second annual internal awards program that recognizes its bankers for achieving excellence in mortgage production, and a local mortgage loan originator, Milly Parzychowski, is among the honorees.

The final standings are based on the number of units and volume closed in 2015. Depending on an MLO’s production for a given year, they can be recognized in three categories: Chairman’s Club (including Chairman’s Club Champion), President’s Club, or Vice President’s Club. Parzychowski was named to the Vice President’s Club.

Parzychowski, who joined United Bank in 2011, is based at the Westfield branch and covers Western Mass. Her more than 40 years in banking and mortgage origination included loan officer roles at Mortgage Master Inc. and Family Choice Mortgage Corp. Parzychowski was also a branch manager at American Home Mortgage and at CNI National Mortgage, a loan originator with National City and Source One, and started her banking career as a teller at Valley Bank in Springfield. She is currently an MBA candidate at Bay Path University.

STCC Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual Event Set for April 14

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation’s Not Just Business as Usual (NJBAU) event, a networking event for business leaders in Western Mass., will be held at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday, April 14.

The event, now in its seventh year, is a celebration of innovative thinking giving participants the opportunity to learn from business experts while raising significant funding for the STCC WORKS scholarship program.

A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with dinner and keynote speakers to follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year, NJBAU will host a discussion of diversity in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with panelists Emily Reichert, CEO of Greentown Labs; Laurie Leshin, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and Frank Robinson, vice president of Public Health and Community Relations for Baystate Health.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Tickets are $175 each, and sponsorships begin at $2,500 for a table for 10. For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Christina Tuohey, STCC’s director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, at (413) 755-4475 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets online, visit www.stcc.edu/njbau.

MBK Names Brandon Mitchell, Chris Marini to Senior Associate Roles

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) announced the promotion of Brandon Mitchell, CPA, MSA and Chris Marini, MSA, MOS to senior associate positions.

Mitchell has been with MBK since 2013 and brings a strong technical skill set to his work, as well as a background in sales.

“Brandon has demonstrated a strong understanding of our clients and their industries in his time with our firm,” said MBK partner Howard Cheney. “He is resourceful and often takes the initiative to educate himself on his clients beyond the scope of his technical work, allowing him to enhance his relationship with our client base and deliver an even higher level of client service.”

Mitchell earned his MSA from Westfield State University. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

For more than two years, Marini has demonstrated a dedicated work ethic to both clients and the firm. He is a team leader within the not-for-profit, HUD, and pension-audit niches.

“Since the very beginning, Chris has worked hard and demonstrated a commitment to growth and education,” Cheney said. “He is also an instrumental resource for computer and technology matters here at the firm, helping to spearhead a number of projects and initiatives as we continue to take our cloud-based computer environment to the next level. This has resulted in efficiencies which we are able to pass on to our clients.”

Marini holds a BBA with a concentration in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and earned his MSA from the University of Connecticut. He is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants and the board of trustees for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a mentor for the Westfield State University Accounting Club.

Rob Poole Appointed Director of Business Programs at AIC

By BusinessWest Staff February 11, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Rob Poole has been named director of business programs at American International College (AIC). He will oversee the undergraduate and graduate business administration programs.

As part of his responsibilities, Poole will lead the faculty in upgrading the curriculum and managing internship opportunities. The internship program will integrate with the business community to create placements that are mutually beneficial to the industry, students, and the college. In addition, he will focus the MBA program for the non-business major.

“Acquiring a technical area of knowledge as an undergraduate, while layering and applying business experience, significantly expands career opportunities,” he said.

Poole’s areas of expertise include accreditation, assessment, and internship programs. In addition to working as a private consultant, he has served as an assistant professor at Richard Stockton College and Bellarmine University. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, then received his master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, and a PhD in production operations management from the University of North Texas.

Columbia Gas Joins Forces with Revitalize CDC Green-N-Fit Event

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has awarded Revitalize CDC a donation of $5,000 in support of the 2016 Green-N-Fit event scheduled for Saturday, April 23.

“We are so appreciative of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts’ ongoing support, now for the fifth consecutive year. Thanks to Columbia Gas, we are able to make the homes of low-income elderly and military veterans in need safe, healthy, and energy-efficient,” said Revitalize CDC President and CEO Colleen Loveless.

Nearly 100 skilled and dedicated volunteer employees from Columbia Gas have tackled several projects over the past five years. Projects have included interior and exterior painting, upgrading a daycare outdoor play space, repairing bathroom and kitchen plumbing, planting a garden, and pitching in wherever there is a need.

“Columbia Gas of Massachusetts is committed to working with nonprofit organizations such as Revitalize CDC where their mission to revitalize homes, neighborhoods, and lives through preservation, education, and community involvement aligns with ours to help create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work,” said Andrea Luppi, the utility’s manager of Communications and Community Relations.

Jean Deliso Offers Added Protection, Security Through AARP Products

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2016

Daily News

AGAWAM — Jean Deliso, CFP, from the Connecticut Valley General Office of New York Life, is now authorized to offer AARP-branded life insurance and lifetime-income annuity products to AARP members. It is the first time these group-life-insurance products are offered by authorized-to-offer agents.

Deliso is among a select group of New York Life agents who became authorized to offer her clients AARP Guaranteed Acceptance Life, AARP Level Benefit Term, and AARP Permanent Life Insurance, all from New York Life and New York Life’s Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity. She is a licensed insurance agent and passed courses specific to AARP.

Deliso has been a New York Life agent since 1995. She serves on many boards in her community, including the Baystate Health Foundation and Pioneer Valley Refrigerated Warehouse, and is chairman of the board of the Community Music School of Springfield. She is past chairman of the board of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, past board member of AAA Pioneer Valley, and past trustee of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the advisory council at Bay Path University.

Since 1994, AARP group-life products from New York Life have been available via direct mail to AARP members. The company has also been the provider of group lifetime-income annuities to AARP members since 2006.

Link to Libraries to Host ‘A Night of Passion’ on April 5

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2016

Daily News

HOLYOKE — They’re calling the event “A Night of Passion.” That’s a phrase that applies to both support for efforts to promote childhood literacy and a fondness for a particular food or beverage.

These various passions will come together April 5 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke at Link to Libraries’ biennial fund-raising event.

More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, which will be a celebration of all that Link to Libraries has accomplished since it was created in 2008 — including the donation of nearly 500,000 books to area schools and organizations — and how it intends to continually expand its mission in the years to come.

As for those passions for specific foods and drinks, they will be a focus of the night, provided by a host of area celebrities and business leaders, including Mike Mathis, MGM Springfield president and chief operating officer; Kevin Rhodes, Springfield Symphony Orchestra conductor; Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center president and CEO; Delcie Bean IV, CEO of Paragus Strategic IT; Mick Corduff, executive chef and co-owner of the Log Cabin; Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal, P.C., and many more.

As for their passions, well, those are carefully guarded secrets at this point.

Those who would like to experience these passions and support Link to Libraries — which supplies books to schools and other organizations across Western Mass. and Northern Conn., and promotes read-alouds that put area business and civic leaders in area classrooms — can buy tickets for $40 each by sending checks to: Link to Libraries, Attn. Karen Blinderman, P.O. Box 958, West Springfield, MA 01090.

Sponsors for “A Night of Passion” include lead sponsors Health New England and Rediker Software, and event sponsors Bacon Wilson, Bank of America – U.S. Trust, the Frank Stanley Beveridge Foundation, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, James Vinick and Moors & Cabot Investments, Monson Savings Bank, PeoplesBank, Peoples United Bank, the Springfield Falcons, and United Bank.

Berkshire Bank Announces $2.3 Million in Community Support

By BusinessWest Staff February 10, 2016

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced that its two charitable foundations awarded a total of $1,810,229 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont during 2015. The grants supported education and community-development initiatives as well as health and human services and cultural programs. In addition, Berkshire Bank provided approximately $500,000 in community sponsorships, raising its total contributions in the community to more than $2.3 million.

“Our philanthropic investments impacted more than 8 million individuals in 2015, helping to enhance economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for members of our community,” said Lori Gazzillo, vice president and director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “Thanks in large part to the work of our nonprofit partners, individuals improved their reading, writing, and math; graduated from high school; attended college; and visited local cultural organizations. Our partners also created affordable housing, revitalized downtown centers, and helped individuals gain employment. We are so pleased to continue our support of so many community initiatives throughout our footprint.”

Rediker Software Helps Schools Run More Efficiently

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Sections Technology

Class Act

Andrew Anderlonis says Rediker Software’s products are designed to require as little time or fuss as possible from their users.

As a chemistry teacher in the late ’70s, Rich Rediker was simply seeking a way to generate tardy notices more efficiently, using a computer which, by today’s standards, seems impossibly inadequate for … well, anything. But that humble machine became the foundation of what has evolved into an international leader in school administrative software, doing business in every state and 115 countries. Through four decades of innovation and growth, one goal has remained constant: to make life easier for teachers and administrators, so they, in turn, can spend more time with the kids.

The Commodore PET was a late-’70s computer with a tiny, calculator-like keyboard and a whopping 4K of RAM.

It was also the foundation on which Rich Rediker built a software company that today employs 125 people at its Hampden headquarters and around the world, and has grown to become an international leader in what’s known as administrative software for schools, with a presence in all 50 states and 115 countries.

“The company started before the Internet existed, before Windows, even before DOS,” said Andrew Anderlonis, Rediker’s son-in-law and the firm’s second-generation president. What did exist, though, back in 1980, was a need.

Specifically, as a chemistry teacher at Longmeadow High School, Rediker needed an easier way to track student tardies and generate notices. So, using the PET he had scraped up enough money to buy, he designed a program to do just that — and also helped the school’s secretary produce a daily bulletin faster than before.

“He kept working on it, tinkering with it, and it became useful to the school,” Anderlonis explained, to the point where he offered to sell his program to other schools, beginning with St. Mary’s High School in Westfield in 1981. After a couple of years dividing his time between teaching and broadening his tiny software business, he left LHS and dedicated himself full-time to what is now known as Rediker Software.

Two generations of Rediker leadership: Rich and Gail Rediker (right) and Andrew and Amy Anderlonis.

At first, Rediker ran his business from the basement of a house in Hampden — a story with echoes of the way giants like Amazon and Microsoft were birthed. As he developed more sophisticated programs to run other administrative tasks, sales took off, and in 1998, he moved into the building at the center of Hampden that still houses the enterprise today — that is, after a needed expansion in 2006.

“As the software evolved, he converted it for DOS, converted it to Windows … now we’re tackling mobile-type things. It’s amazing,” Anderlonis said. “Not many technology companies have been around four decades.”

Because of that long history, he added, “we’re convinced that we were the first student-information system on a PC. There were mainframe systems, but not on a PC.”

Covering the Bases

Today, the company serves public, private, charter, and religious schools with administrative software. That’s a broad category Anderlonis said, one best explained by some of the company’s key products, including:

• Administrator’s Plus, which manages data on students and staff. Schools can use the system to track attendance, create report cards, manage discipline, and build student schedules. Teachers can use the integrated web gradebook, TeacherPlus, to calculate and enter grades. School administrators can create digital portfolios for each student and staff member, and use them to electronically store documents and class projects. The system allows schools to batch e-mail report cards and other documents to parents, eliminating the need for paper and postage. Families can log into the system from home to see their children’s grades as well as other important school information. Finally, teachers can maintain web pages for their classes as a learning resource;

• Admissions Plus Pro, an enrollment-management software program that streamlines the admissions and enrollment process, while reducing extra work and duplicate data entry. The system can help private schools increase the number of applications they receive by allowing parents to submit them online;

• Teacher Evaluator, a web-based application available as an app for iPad but also accessible with any web browser. The application helps schools schedule and complete teacher evaluations; and

• School Office Suite, a product that complements Administrator’s Plus and folds in other areas of school functions, including cafeteria, library, and school-nursing services, in addition to basics like applications, admissions, and academics.

Rich Rediker (center) with his staff in Hampden, just some of the 125 employees based across the U.S.

“Our products cover anything that has to do with student data — attendance, report cards, grades, discipline, general demographic information, billing information, and more,” Anderlonis said. “The admissions product allows schools to customize the admissions process. Our goal is really to provide a complete product suite. When kids apply and enroll, they’re brought into the system, and their information can be shared with parents.”

The goal, he went on, is user convenience — specifically, as much automation, and as little time spent fussing with data, as possible.

“The end goal is for schools not to have to spend a lot of time managing data,” he told BusinessWest. “We’re building systems that are easy to use and easy to understand, and part of that hinges on great customer support.”

It’s an element Rediker has invested in, with an in-house call center in Hampden. In fact, 75% of the company is built around customer support and product development; half the firm’s employees are developers, tasked with creating new products and improving existing ones.

One sign of progress is the way the software has evolved beyond something only administrators used, to products that teachers and students interact with directly. “We’re approaching nearly 2 million students using portals, and close to 100,000 teachers; we’ve seen really substantial growth in the adoption and use of our portals.”

Since his arrival at the company four years ago — Anderlonis’ wife, Amy, is Rediker’s daughter and the firm’s public-relations manager, while Rich Rediker continues to act as CEO — he has made an effort to expand the ways in which Rediker interacts with customers, including delivering software through the cloud; partnering with Microsoft, Apple, and Google to open up new channels for its products; and finding new uses for its expertise.

“We’ve moved into products for mass notification, allowing schools to mix text, call, and e-mail notifications across the system,” he noted as one example. Another is a deeper commitment to designing school websites, an effort for which Rediker has partnered with Wild Apple Design Group in Wilbraham.

The bottom line, Anderlonis said, is that schools always have room for improvement in the way they incorporate technology. “Schools in general typically lag a little behind on the tech highway. They’re obviously constrained by what’s in the budget. But most schools are going to spend on classroom technology; we’re trying to provide software tools that enable them to be more constructive.”

The last two years have been an especially fruitful time, he added, when it comes to developing next-generation technology at Rediker. “We’ve looked at where we’ve had success and how we can continue that success and continue to grow. We have a very tight-knit family atmosphere here — we promote family and a great workplace culture — and make sure that, as a family business, we take care of our employees because, in the end, they take care of our schools.”

Next Generation

In short, Anderlonis said, he simply wants to make sure Rediker stays ahead of the technology curve and carry on an impressive record of growth.

“Rich has done an amazing job ensuring the company is profitable every year since the company was founded, and we continue to do that through product innovation,” he said. “My goal is really to set the company up for the next generation of management and success with these products, and to create a strategic vision going forward. With the products were introducing to the market, we’re focused on providing even more robust, powerful, and flexible tools for schools to utilize. We really feel we’re one of the top vendors in the U.S. with student-information systems, and we consider ourselves the market leader.”

As a preferred vendor for Massachusetts schools, Rediker software is employed in more than 80 districts and charter schools, but it has also forged a solid reputation in Catholic schools, recently winning a contract with the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C, one of many large dioceses the company boasts among its clients.

Public or private, Anderlonis said, “we want our customers to feel comfortable choosing to partner with Rediker. We want schools to call us when they need help. Schools call us all the time, and we’re there to talk to them.”

In addition, the company hosts three week-long workshops annually, each one drawing up to 100 educators from across the U.S. and around the world. “They interact with staff, train on the software, and get to network with other administrators. There’s a really tight-knit community around our products, both domestically and internationally. It’s pretty neat.”

As part of an effort to stay on top of advancing technology — while helping to cultivate the next generation of software developers — Anderlonis launched a summer internship program that brings a handful of promising high-school and college students on board to work on real-world projects.

“They experience the full life cycle — they’ll develop a product all the way from an idea on the whiteboard to possible customer interaction,” he explained, drawing from the skills they’ve been learning in school. “It’s not just a superficial internship; there’s a lot of depth. We give them a lot of autonomy. We’re essentially giving students in the local community an opportunity to use their abilities on real-world applications, but at the same time, they’re helping us.”

The company also connects to the community through a program called Rediker Cares, a volunteer program that allows employees to volunteer at local organizations and events during company time. As a result, employees have made significant contributions to local organizations, particularly Link to Libraries, the regional literacy initiative that was given workspace at Rediker free of charge; Anderlonis sits on the nonprofit’s board.

“Our company is a primary sponsor of Link to Libraries; they’re a great organization,” he said. “That’s another way we can give back — by helping promote literacy. Our employees have a chance to volunteer there and other ways in the community as well.”

That commitment echoes, in a different way, Rediker’s mantra of giving teachers more time with students, and developing software that allows them to have that.

“Technology is such a foundation for everything today, including education,” Anderlonis told BusinessWest. “Walk into any classroom nowadays, and you’ll see incredible technology — computers, tablets, smartboard projects. That’s the hardware, but what’s behind it? Our goal is to be part of the software that can help schools run more efficiently and effectively.”

Still, he added, as the company continues to branch out and diversify, it will do so at a measured pace, as not to lose the personal touch Rich Rediker has emphasized from his Commodore days.

“We’re not the biggest company, and we’re not the most aggressive,” Anderlonis said, “but we’re passionate about what we do, and we take care of our customers.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Demand Soars for Cybersecurity Experts Across Many Industry Sectors

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Sections Technology

A Critical Skills Gap

American employers have realized the vital importance of cybersecurity — but that realization has created a near-term shortage of workers that may require long-term solutions.

Cybersecurity was once the province of defense contractors and government agencies, but in the third edition of its annual cybersecurity job-market analysis, Burning Glass found that hiring has boomed in industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

A glance at the headlines is enough to explain why. In addition to the federal Office of Personnel Management, recent cyber breaches have hit major consumer companies like Chase and Target. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ 2015 State of U.S. Cybercrime Survey, a record 79% of survey respondents said they detected a security incident in the past 12 months. Many incidents go undetected, however, so the real tally is probably much higher.

Yet, we are also seeing multiple signs that demand for these workers is outstripping supply. Job postings for cybersecurity openings have grown three times as fast as openings for IT jobs overall, and it takes companies longer to fill cybersecurity positions than other IT jobs. That’s bad for employers, but good news for cybersecurity workers, who can command an average salary premium of nearly $6,500 per year, or 9% more than other IT workers.

Or, put another way, there were nearly 50,000 postings for workers with a CISSP certification in 2014, the primary credential in cybersecurity work. That amounts to three-quarters of all the people who hold that certification in the U.S. — and presumably most of them already have jobs.

This is a gap that will take time to fill. The skills for some IT positions can be acquired with relatively little training, but cybersecurity isn’t one of them. For example, five years of experience are required to even apply for a CISSP certification. That doesn’t even consider the rising demand for experience in a specific industry, like finance or healthcare. This suggests that the shortage of cybersecurity workers is likely to persist, at least until the education and training system catches up.

Among the key trends in cybersecurity jobs:

• These jobs are in demand and growing across the economy. The professional-services, finance, and manufacturing/defense sectors have the highest demand for cybersecurity jobs. The fastest increases in demand for cybersecurity workers are in industries managing increasing volumes of consumer data, such as finance (+137% over the last five years), healthcare (+121%), and retail trade (+89%).

• Positions calling for financial skills or a security clearance are even harder to fill than other cybersecurity jobs. The hardest-to-fill cybersecurity jobs call for financial skills, such as accounting or knowledge of regulations associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, alongside traditional networking and IT security skills. Because finance and IT skills are rarely trained for together, there is a skills gap for workers who meet the requirements of the ‘hybrid jobs.’ Meanwhile, more than 10% of cybersecurity job postings advertise a security-clearance requirement. These jobs, on average, take 10% longer to fill than cybersecurity jobs without a security clearance.

• Cybersecurity positions are more likely to require certifications than other IT jobs. About one-third (35%) of cybersecurity jobs call for an industry certification, compared to 23% of IT jobs overall.

• Cybersecurity employers demand a highly educated, highly experienced workforce. Some 84% of cybersecurity postings specify at least a bachelor’s degree, and 83% require at least three years of experience. Because of the high education and experience requirements for these roles, skills gaps cannot easily be resolved though short-term solutions. Employers and training providers must work together to cultivate a talent pipeline for these critical roles.

• Geographically, cybersecurity jobs are concentrated in government and defense hubs, but are growing most quickly in secondary markets. On a per capita basis, the leading states are Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and Colorado; all have high concentrations of jobs in the federal government and related contractors.

Burning Glass is a Boston-based firm that delivers job-market analytics that help employers, workers, and educators make data-driven decisions. Its full report on cybersecurity jobs is available online at burning-glass.com/research/cybersecurity.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Building Permits Departments

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

AMHERST

Jeffrey Brown
231 Triangle St.
$11,000 — Change out rooftop air conditioning unit

Town of Amherst School Department
70 South East St.
$36,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Authier Inc.
12 Dallaire Ave.
$8,500 — Repair front of building

River Valley Counseling Center
249 Exchange St.
$40,000 — Repair water damage

W.M.D.C.
227 Lonczak Dr.
$38,000 — Install modular office

GREENFIELD

Baystate Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$8,000 — Interior renovations

James Arcoleo
146 Federal St.
$158,000 — Renovate building to medical offices

Sander Greenfield, LLC
367 Federal St.
$20,000 — Interior renovations for paint booth, bathrooms, and reception area

Super 8 Motel
21 Colrain Road
$6,500 — Renovations to create a laundry room

Quabbin Regions Inc.
326 Deerfield St.
$10,000 — New roof

LUDLOW

Lupa Game Farm
62 Nash Hill Road
$11,500 — Alterations

SOUTH HADLEY

Francis Conforti
41 West Summit St.
$47,000 — Re-roof

Town of South Hadley
1 Lincoln Ave.
$4,000 — Re-roofing

U.S. Industrial Gaylord, LP
24-28 Gaylord St.
$200,000 — Renovations and alterations

SPRINGFIELD

Boston Road/Pasco Rt. 20 Retail, LLC
1300 Boston Road
$130,000 — Permit for building shell only

SMD Realty
933-937 Boston Road
$120,000 — Interior build-out

Wakefern Food
633 Boston Road
$608,000 — Expand existing supermarket

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

91 West Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $260,831
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Mark Healy
Date: 01/04/16

BUCKLAND

4 Clement St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Jesus Salgado
Seller: Patricia A. Donohue
Date: 01/06/16

2 Laurel St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $142,000
Buyer: Daniel R. Friedman
Seller: Pamela E. Parker
Date: 12/30/15

27 Orcutt Hill Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: John R. Holden
Seller: Ruth M. Bosch
Date: 01/07/16

36 State St.
Buckland, MA 01370
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Donald T. Dodge
Seller: Phillips B. Sherburne
Date: 12/31/15

CHARLEMONT

71 West Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $247,500
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Gonzalez
Seller: Henry Dymerski
Date: 12/28/15

CONWAY

59 Shelburne Falls Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Gregory D. Smith
Seller: James Boehmer
Date: 01/08/16

DEERFIELD

5 Industrial Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,916,250
Buyer: Deerfield Industrial LLC
Seller: CMLT 2008 LSI Ind. 5 LLC
Date: 12/29/15

ERVING

28 Forest St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $151,270
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: James Sicard
Date: 12/29/15

143 North St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Hodges
Seller: Shawn D. Conway
Date: 12/29/15

8 Union St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Chase
Seller: Jason T. Liimatainen
Date: 01/05/16

GREENFIELD

7 Alden St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $223,348
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: John Snide
Date: 12/30/15

9 Carol Lane
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Christopher Kimball
Date: 12/28/15

26 Congress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Christopher V. Mason
Seller: Frances T. Cassidy
Date: 12/30/15

30-32 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Grinnell Properties LLC
Seller: Greenfield Savings Bank
Date: 01/06/16

55 White Birch Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $131,500
Buyer: Darlene A. Holland
Seller: US Bank
Date: 01/04/16

HAWLEY

28 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Tedd F. White
Seller: Lisa A. Turner
Date: 12/28/15

LEVERETT

79 Hemenway Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Patrick R. Jernigan
Seller: Roberts, Doris H., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/16

MONTAGUE

82 Montague St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Timothy A. Broga
Seller: Shelley M. May
Date: 12/29/15

75 Turnpike Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $146,100
Buyer: Frances C. Macphail
Seller: US Bank
Date: 12/31/15

NEW SALEM

12 East Eagleville Lane
New Salem, MA 01331
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Christopher A. Kingsbury
Seller: Parker B. Edson
Date: 12/31/15

ORANGE

504 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Erwin H. Merrifield
Seller: Steven T. Canning
Date: 12/30/15

117 Hayden St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Richard A. Jones
Seller: Logan Reid Ventures LLC
Date: 12/29/15

558 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $257,900
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Richard J. Delrossi
Date: 12/30/15

SUNDERLAND

258 River Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Benjamin J. Snyder
Seller: Martha G. Bushey
Date: 12/30/15

WARWICK

315 Wendell Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $136,500
Buyer: Stone Financing LLC
Seller: Kirk S. Valentine
Date: 12/31/15

WHATELY

223 River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Timothy Viens
Seller: Mindy T. Thach
Date: 01/04/16

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

262 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $217,000
Buyer: Riccardo A. Panaia
Seller: Timothy F. Sugrue
Date: 12/29/15

138 Elmar Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Gina G. Daniele
Seller: Eric J. Vieu
Date: 01/06/16

69 Randall St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Robert H. Greany
Seller: Thelma U. Troie
Date: 01/08/16

19-21 Hope Farms Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Kevin D. Ghareeb
Seller: Kristin E. Bistany
Date: 12/30/15

48 Howard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Ellen Mwapaura
Seller: Daglio, Gloria L., (Estate)
Date: 12/29/15

321 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Marcon Investments LLC
Seller: O’Connell Oil Associates
Date: 12/30/15

1004 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: 1004 Springfield St. LLC
Seller: Ellsworth W. Smith
Date: 01/08/16

650 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $700,000
Buyer: Yash RT
Seller: Donald A. Scott
Date: 12/28/15

43 Witheridge St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Vernon P. Farmer
Seller: Kylee C. Granfield
Date: 12/30/15

BLANDFORD

9 Woronoco Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Turrell
Seller: Francis Zak
Date: 12/30/15

BRIMFIELD

185 Old Sturbridge Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $168,900
Buyer: Mark R. Bastien
Seller: Jason P. Foskett
Date: 12/31/15

CHICOPEE

119 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Jonathan Robert
Seller: Mitchel M. Plamondon
Date: 12/31/15

95 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $192,900
Buyer: Kevin St. Georges
Seller: G. F. Bergeron-Chartier
Date: 12/31/15

342 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: NAP Properties LLC
Seller: K&A LLC
Date: 01/05/16

53 Green St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Michael Kruzel
Seller: Eleanor R. Kapinos
Date: 12/29/15

14 Guerin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Patrick A. Ganieany
Seller: Karen A. Kosoirek
Date: 12/30/15

101 Holyoke Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Sydney J. Roy
Seller: Nathan T. Baker
Date: 01/08/16

15 Nadeau Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Gordafreed D. Gardin
Seller: Joseph M. Kokoszka
Date: 12/31/15

65 Pondview Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $139,500
Buyer: Maura M. Livingstone
Seller: Mary L. Coalson
Date: 01/06/16

42 Sandra Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $135,500
Buyer: Robert L. Scribner
Seller: Michael A. Scribner
Date: 12/31/15

EAST LONGMEADOW

75 Alpine Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $156,900
Buyer: Nicholas L. Scholtz
Seller: Joseph A. Panzetti
Date: 12/29/15

76 Brookhaven Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Melanie Bliss
Seller: Antonio Truoiolo
Date: 01/08/16

115 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Anthony Hernandez
Seller: FNMA
Date: 12/28/15

231 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Maritza L. Zavala
Seller: Paul M. Foley
Date: 12/30/15

520 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Cafe CT LLC
Seller: Antonio Coelho
Date: 01/06/16

7 Odion St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $218,900
Buyer: German Garcia
Seller: Kevin M. Reed
Date: 01/06/16

21 Oxford Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Antonio Truoiolo
Seller: Thomas P. Hanifan
Date: 01/08/16

Pondview Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Custom Homes Development Group
Seller: Joseph Chapdelaine & Sons
Date: 01/07/16

746 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Yaw Sarpong
Seller: Grahams Construction Inc.
Date: 12/30/15

470 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Robert J. Mazur
Seller: Kenneth A. Richard
Date: 12/30/15

56 Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Heather M. Locklear
Seller: Vincent A. Vaicekauskas
Date: 12/28/15

71 Stonehill Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Timothy Shea
Seller: Gary T. Lloyd
Date: 12/31/15

GRANVILLE

272 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: John P. Yeakley
Seller: Travis A. Gaffey
Date: 01/08/16

552 South Lane
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $197,000
Buyer: William H. Adair
Seller: John A. Cosmus
Date: 12/30/15

HAMPDEN

11 Maple Grove Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $378,500
Buyer: Mark Tobias
Seller: Jerry Ago
Date: 01/04/16

365 South Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $338,900
Buyer: Robert Vanwart
Seller: James K. Quackenbush
Date: 01/07/16

146 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Fletcher & Maple LLC
Seller: Timothy S. Shea
Date: 12/29/15

66 Woodland Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $203,000
Buyer: Mary Persaud
Seller: O’Donnell, William J., (Estate)

HOLLAND

10 Julia Ann Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: David A. Lopez
Seller: Christian D. Lund
Date: 12/29/15

HOLYOKE

91 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Paul J. Maiolo
Seller: Ian Lafond
Date: 12/29/15

173-175 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Angel L. Rodriguez
Seller: Raymond F. Turgeon
Date: 01/04/16

393 Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Thomas W. Dziok
Seller: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Date: 12/29/15

1093 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Edwin Gonzalez
Seller: Bogumil Kazmierczak
Date: 12/30/15

205-207 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Hunter Allen
Seller: Saray Kon
Date: 12/31/15

7 Thorpe Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Yarland Properties LLC
Seller: Hilltop Garden Apartments
Date: 01/08/16

31 Valley Heights
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Corbin A. Lavertu
Seller: Roy, Robert H., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/15

222 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Marisol Figueroa
Seller: Elizabeth Rivera
Date: 01/06/16

230 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Melvin Pagan
Seller: Reynardo J. Nazario
Date: 12/30/15

330 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $128,284
Buyer: Miriam Villa-Ayala
Seller: Jeffrey Ocampo
Date: 01/07/16

LONGMEADOW

275 Burbank Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $268,250
Buyer: Brendan Fitzgerald
Seller: David Trenkner
Date: 01/05/16

429 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Yisroel Gesin
Seller: Joseph A. Garofalo
Date: 01/04/16

1069 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Douglas Ferro
Seller: Ira Smolowitz
Date: 01/08/16

57 Maplewood St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Esther M. Kim
Seller: Carl W. Janovsky
Date: 01/05/16

97 Tecumseh Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Buyer: Shambhu Rana
Seller: Sodi Inc.
Date: 01/04/16

35 Twin Brook Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Christopher P. Hayes
Seller: Natasha A. Reid
Date: 12/28/15

LUDLOW

163 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Fernando L. Ribeiro
Seller: Arthur A. Flanagan
Date: 01/08/16

91 Chapin Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Jettie C. McCullough
Seller: Edward C. Bryant
Date: 12/31/15

110 James St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $248,000
Buyer: Anna Vargas
Seller: Amelia Santos-Dias
Date: 12/28/15

219 Kendall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: John Carvalho
Seller: Jimmy Canoa
Date: 12/29/15

70-72 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Beau Stjacques
Seller: Paulo C. Ramos
Date: 12/30/15

68 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: Nicole L. White
Seller: Laura L. Poehler
Date: 12/28/15

221 Wedgewood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: David M. Garcia
Seller: Kevin Czaplicki
Date: 12/30/15

137 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: James R. Soffen
Seller: Brian Liberty
Date: 12/31/15

343 Winsor St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: 341-343 Winsor Street LLC
Seller: Macs LLC
Date: 12/31/15

MONSON

35 Elm St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Erica M. Brunell
Seller: Bayview Loan Servicing
Date: 01/06/16

24 Old Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Keith M. Ostrander
Seller: William J. O’Neil
Date: 01/05/16

PALMER

24 Breton St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,300
Buyer: Jessy I. Salsbury
Seller: Barnes, Joyce M., (Estate)
Date: 01/06/16

N/A
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Brad F. Brothers
Seller: Paul J. Demers
Date: 12/29/15

1060 Overlook Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: Kimberly Bailey
Seller: Ryan M. McMullen
Date: 01/06/16

2118-2120 Palmer Road
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Alyson Hann
Seller: James F. Shea
Date: 01/04/16

RUSSELL

160 Timberidge Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Gregory J. Pascale
Seller: Brian C. Ober
Date: 12/28/15

121 Westwood Dr.
Russell, MA 01071
Amount: $359,000
Buyer: Steven M. Zayac
Seller: Mary A. Carlson
Date: 12/30/15

SOUTHWICK

162 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Patrice N. Stearley
Seller: Michael J. Zalucki
Date: 12/28/15

300 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: TSC Enterprises LLC
Seller: David B. Spillane
Date: 01/08/16

194 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Dale T. Lafayette
Seller: Lynn K. McMullin
Date: 01/08/16

9 Industrial Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: TSC Enterprises LLC
Seller: 9 Industrial Road LLC
Date: 12/31/15

12 Maple St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $172,500
Buyer: David W. Hamel
Seller: Vernon P. Famer
Date: 12/30/15

285 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Rebecca M. Joslin
Seller: Dale T. Lafayette
Date: 01/08/16

181 South Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jose Canini
Seller: Timothy J. Mannion
Date: 12/30/15

SPRINGFIELD

1800 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $915,649
Buyer: Blue Hills Fuels LLC
Seller: Cumberland Farms Inc.
Date: 12/31/15

68 Birchland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Debra A. Gomes
Seller: Penniman, Mildred M., (Estate)
Date: 01/08/16

97 Bremen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $146,400
Buyer: Bernadette Davis
Seller: Jay Weissman
Date: 12/31/15

26 Burnside Terrace
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Jolene Alexander
Seller: Jackson H. Williams
Date: 01/07/16

837-839 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Jeauvon L. Garcia
Seller: Gloria Turner
Date: 12/30/15

19 Chalfonte Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $169,500
Buyer: Lauren Dembek
Seller: Robert M. Wood
Date: 01/06/16

14 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Denault
Seller: William Raleigh
Date: 01/07/16

7 Dana St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Sergul Durdu
Seller: George S. Elias
Date: 01/07/16

26 Delano Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Christina Dacruz
Seller: Timothy Clark
Date: 01/08/16

63 Farnsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Cesar C. Acevedo
Seller: Cesar Acevedo
Date: 12/30/15

108-110 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Karla M. Rivera
Seller: Gustavo E. Bautista
Date: 12/30/15

30 Gold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Fernando A. Suero
Date: 12/31/15

217 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $138,000
Buyer: Lee Dutil
Seller: Deborah Tracy
Date: 01/06/16

67 Jordan St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: Aaron R. Goncalves
Seller: Pszczyna RT
Date: 01/07/16

36 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: Torena C. Webb-Thomas
Seller: Asbel Nunez
Date: 12/30/15

42 Kensington Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $154,500
Buyer: Torena C. Webb-Thomas
Seller: Asbel Nunez
Date: 12/30/15

32 Larkspur St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Babette Pellechia-Reyes
Seller: Danielle C. Armstrong
Date: 12/29/15

236 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,650
Buyer: Luis M. Ovalle
Seller: Anthony Carnevale
Date: 12/30/15

112 Maybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Eugene Ortiz-Reyes
Seller: Merlo Associates Inc.
Date: 12/29/15

9 Montcalm St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $198,700
Buyer: Yekaterina A. Alekseyeva
Seller: KAC Properties LLC
Date: 12/28/15

53 Murray Hill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $147,300
Buyer: Richard R. Wilkins
Seller: Robert J. Smith
Date: 01/05/16

59 Pinevale St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Raddy O. Nunez
Seller: KEM Management LLC
Date: 01/07/16

117 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Tamari J. Martinez
Seller: Nathaniel M. Murray
Date: 01/05/16

163-165 Prospect St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Yeison Ramirez
Seller: Begaina Lopez
Date: 01/08/16

15 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $142,383
Buyer: Sergey Savonin
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 01/05/16

50 Rollins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Cassandra Martinez
Seller: Jonathan K. Willoughby
Date: 01/05/16

2025 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,090,000
Buyer: WD 2025 Roosevelt LLC
Seller: Bay State Gas Co.
Date: 12/29/15

68 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Neil Bridgman
Seller: Michael J. Martino
Date: 12/29/15

428-430 Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Norse Properties LLC
Seller: Croken, Edward D., (Estate)
Date: 12/31/15

159 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Andy Ocasio
Seller: Maria L. Perez
Date: 12/29/15

515 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Thanh Huynh
Seller: David G. Stevens
Date: 12/29/15

68 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Johnny F. Izquierdo
Seller: Anwar Properties LLC
Date: 12/29/15

68 Whittier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Holly Alvarez-Savageau
Seller: Diep Lam
Date: 12/31/15

2163 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $151,871
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Sammie L. Smith
Date: 12/30/15

WALES

18 Lynch Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Robert C. Milne
Seller: Theresa M. Smart
Date: 12/30/15

25 Lynch Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: John S. Griswold
Seller: Judith M. Chisholm
Date: 12/31/15

39 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $182,500
Buyer: Jason Prokowiew
Seller: Stephen M. Dennis
Date: 12/30/15

WEST SPRINGFIELD

103 Herrman St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $192,500
Buyer: Stephanie R. Dowers
Seller: Freshour, John H., (Estate)
Date: 01/04/16

39 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $237,000
Buyer: John R. Bowers
Seller: Ann E. Phaneuf
Date: 01/08/16

106 Lincoln St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $190,722
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Tracy L. Hartshorn
Date: 12/29/15

811 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Central Chevrolet Inc.
Seller: William R. Bayton
Date: 12/31/15

44 Morningside Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Mandy C. Chan
Seller: Donald Pomeroy
Date: 01/08/16

39 Mulcahy Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $424,900
Buyer: Hassen M. Borhot
Seller: Francis Wheeler Construction
Date: 01/07/16

294 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $189,900
Seller: Raymond M. Dutkiewicz
Date: 01/07/16

22 Prospect St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Battista & Sons Property Mgmt.
Seller: Paula A. Remington
Date: 12/29/15

885 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $2,050,000
Buyer: 66 West Springfeild Realty
Seller: Veerji LLC
Date: 01/07/16

75 Sagamore Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,500
Buyer: Gary P. Acebuche
Seller: Terence J. Hurlbut
Date: 01/06/16

30 Vincent Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $194,900
Seller: Flagstone Properties Inc.
Date: 12/29/15

2482 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Keith D. Cosimini
Seller: Jan C. Trudell
Date: 12/29/15

William Frank Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $364,875
Buyer: MWF Realty Realty LLC
Seller: Klondike Investment Group
Date: 12/29/15

WESTFIELD

39 Crane Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $137,500
Buyer: Nadezhda Shlykova
Seller: Ruth M. Minkus
Date: 01/07/16

78 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $357,920
Buyer: Jeffrey V. Cormier
Seller: Granville Road LLC
Date: 01/08/16

19 Hancock St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Boris Kuklin
Seller: Benjamin Solokhin
Date: 12/28/15

41 Heritage Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Jason Worrell
Seller: David A. Amanti
Date: 12/30/15

113 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Michael P. Daly
Seller: Robert K. Walker
Date: 01/05/16

35 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $194,500
Buyer: Amanda M. Leclair
Seller: Wanda L. Lafogg
Date: 01/04/16

57 Orchard St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Routhier
Seller: Sitler, Helen E., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/15

16 Phillip Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Jeffrey A. Thomson
Seller: Nancy A. Smith
Date: 12/28/15

22 Phillip Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Kevin M. Quinn
Seller: Craig A. Thomas
Date: 12/29/15

39 Riverside Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: David D. Duda
Seller: Anna D. Dalikas
Date: 12/30/15

136 Shannon Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Philip Chabot
Seller: Rene Chabot
Date: 12/31/15

46 Vadnais St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $126,500
Buyer: Aaron M. Kline
Seller: Steve N. Spelman
Date: 01/05/16

WILBRAHAM

36 Longview Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Rebecca C. Gay
Seller: Phyllis A. Murphy
Date: 12/28/15

123 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: James J. Charles
Seller: Corrine E. Sawyer
Date: 12/30/15

25 Pleasant View Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $378,000
Buyer: Derek Fergus
Seller: Michael F. Ware
Date: 12/31/15

Stonington Dr. #14
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Peter D. Martins
Seller: Silo Farm Associates LLC
Date: 01/08/16

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

BELCHERTOWN

66 Chadbourne Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Carleen S. Sullivan
Seller: Deborah L. Dunbar
Date: 01/04/16

95 Enoch Sanford Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $212,500
Buyer: Deirdre Marley
Seller: Elizabeth B. Holtzman
Date: 12/31/15

Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Lori A. Alves
Seller: David A. Ladizki
Date: 12/28/15

25 Lexington Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Norman B. Veroneau
Seller: Jeannine B. Daskam
Date: 12/29/15

205 Orchard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Sara B. Trowbridge
Seller: L. P. Audette Builders Inc.
Date: 01/05/16

47 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $150,700
Buyer: Christopher M. Johnson
Seller: Karen A. Utley
Date: 12/29/15

141 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Erik Gay
Seller: Linda T. Gay
Date: 12/31/15

131 Warner St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Loretta W. Lyons
Seller: Michele F. Critelli
Date: 01/04/16

CUMMINGTON

16 Jordan Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $246,500
Buyer: Nathan Buckhout
Seller: Gregory A. Jordan
Date: 01/04/16

EASTHAMPTON

10 Alden St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $208,500
Buyer: Jacqueline B. Siller
Seller: Brousseau, Barbara A., (Estate)
Date: 01/04/16

7 Allen St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Ruth A. Barrett IRT
Seller: Rita L. Bartlett
Date: 01/08/16

396 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $221,500
Buyer: Peter E. Jalbert
Seller: Linda L. McDonald
Date: 12/31/15

12 Emily Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $321,900
Buyer: Ryan M. Jones
Seller: Michael A. Jurkowski
Date: 12/30/15

51 Garfield Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Wilson G. Buri
Seller: Mark T. McDowell
Date: 12/30/15

49 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Maureen L. Belliveau
Seller: Michael D. Thibault
Date: 12/30/15

4 Knight Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Ralph S. Robitaille
Seller: Fletcher S. Smith
Date: 12/30/15

65 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: David P. Lang
Seller: Richard W. Koloszyc
Date: 01/08/16

90-92 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Alan Verson
Seller: William J. Schalk
Date: 12/31/15

89 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $224,800
Buyer: Danielle Martineau
Seller: Charles E. Yates
Date: 12/29/15

107 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Robert C. Fedor
Seller: Linda A. Keyes
Date: 12/30/15

30 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Michael J. O’Connor
Seller: Herbert A. Peterson
Date: 01/08/16

119 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: John A. Deiling
Seller: Nancy F. MacDonald RET
Date: 01/05/16

GRANBY

242 Amherst St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Emily D. Souza
Seller: Robert L. Gould
Date: 12/30/15

109 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Mark B. Paul
Seller: Derek R. Mercure
Date: 12/31/15

HADLEY

121 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Earle Shumway
Seller: Gerard P. Goodsell
Date: 01/06/16

36 Stockbridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Joan Zaskey
Seller: Zaskey Frank, (Estate)
Date: 01/04/16

HUNTINGTON

3 Lowell Lane
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Randy J. Lemire
Seller: Joseph E. Kellam
Date: 12/30/15

99 Searle Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $202,500
Buyer: Kellie E. Riel
Seller: Stephan W. Manley
Date: 01/08/16

NORTHAMPTON

21 5th Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Karine Roesch
Seller: John H. Fagan
Date: 12/30/15

6 Beaver Brook Loop
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Steven P. McDonough
Seller: Beaver Brook NT
Date: 12/29/15

1345 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: J. Laurel Pelis
Seller: John L. McKenna
Date: 12/31/15

133 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Michael C. Sanders
Seller: Valerie J. Dahl
Date: 12/30/15

37 Henshaw Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $599,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Batchelor
Seller: Mary J. Price
Date: 12/29/15

401 Kennedy Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $222,500
Buyer: Jakob Palches
Seller: Gougeon, Norman A., (Estate)
Date: 12/30/15

53 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $159,500
Buyer: Kathryn Collins
Seller: Jeremy Winstead
Date: 12/31/15

52 Laurel St.
Amount: $306,250
Buyer: Carrie M. Banks
Seller: Scott W. Remick
Date: 12/28/15

97 Locust St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Jaynjane LLC
Seller: 97 Locust Street RT
Date: 01/06/16

65 Maple Ridge Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $560,000
Buyer: Louise L. Lopman
Seller: Stephanie B. Kelly
Date: 12/31/15

239 State St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Mary J. Price
Seller: Evelyn S. Berman
Date: 01/08/16

181 Westhampton Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: David I. Rosenfield
Seller: Charles T. Canalizo
Date: 01/08/16

PELHAM

137-B Packardville Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $134,500
Buyer: Wesley K. Couture
Seller: Barbara E. Deguise
Date: 12/31/15

SOUTH HADLEY

31 Riverlodge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $363,366
Buyer: Robert E. Chouinard
Seller: Homes By Leblanc Inc.
Date: 12/28/15

10 Spring Meadows
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: Erin K. Regan
Seller: Joseph R. Marchetti
Date: 01/06/16

SOUTHAMPTON

40 Coleman Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Michelle L. Swift
Seller: Kelly Cline
Date: 01/08/16

20 Gilbert Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $287,500
Buyer: Aaron G. Gay
Seller: Martin J. Sawyer
Date: 12/29/15

5 Miller Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $261,261
Buyer: Martin J. Sawyer
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 12/29/15

WARE

76 Beaver Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Jay H. Frolick
Seller: Rosemarie T. Acquista
Date: 12/31/15

14 Laurel Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $143,000
Buyer: Clayton F. Jedziniak
Seller: Angela J. Lawrence
Date: 01/04/16

110 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Laura E. Gilmore
Seller: Scott Fershleiser
Date: 01/08/16

WILLIAMSBURG

1 Kellogg Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Poverty Mountain LLP
Seller: Charles H. Edwards
Date: 01/07/16

142 Main St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: American Dream Realty LLC
Seller: Berkshire Bank
Date: 01/07/16

10 Mountain St.
Williamsburg, MA 01062
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Michael Whalen
Seller: Pandora C. Redwin
Date: 01/05/16

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Bailey, Michael L.
Bailey, Anne M.
63 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/16

Bank, Michael S.
PO Box 102
Sandisfield, MA 01255
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/16

Benoit, Robin M.
368 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/16

BGM Electrical Contractor
Mitton, Bruce G.
48 Donamor Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/03/16

Blase, George A.
Blase, Kelly A.
19 Ruthven St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/16

Calderwood, Patricia A.
239 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/16

Czupryna, Roger Joseph
5 Cosgrove St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/16

Davenport, Ronald
Davenport, Susan M.
12 Crandall St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/16

Haygood, Chanelle J.
a/k/a Phair’s Lawn Service
154 Croyden Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/16

Hutchins, Rodney C.
Hutchins, Marie E.
726 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/16

Koszorowski, Tobie
144 Mallow Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/16

Kustra, Lita M.
441 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/16

Martin, Carole Elaine
32 Quaboag Valley Co-op S.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/16

Phair’s Lawn Service
Phair, Robert W.
58 Thomas Island Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/16

Pinkos, David R.
48 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/16

Renz America Company Inc.
92 Almgren Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/16

Semaski, Kerry A.
58 Highland Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/10/16

Smith, Norman Wallace
Smith, Lisa Mae
8 Orpin Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/16

Torres, Jose J.
19 Knollwood St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/16

Zinn, Byron W.
Zinn, Michelle L.
a/k/a Cone, Michelle L.
a/k/a McGrath, Michelle L.
48 South Westfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/16

Rivas, Ramon L.
41 Collins St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/15

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Built for Comfort Band
21 Fairview St.
Douglas Rossi

DAB Studios
525 Springfield St.
Danielle Burns

Stan’s Paving
1370 Main St.
B & J Stanley

Trespass
1251 River Road
Trespass

GREENFIELD

Anne Christopher Nail Company
5 Arch St.
Sheila Dupras

Attune Reiki and Healing Arts
110 Franklin St.
Benjamin Conruck

Barlow Paving & Excavating
77 Davis St.
Bryan Barlow

Saw-What Photography
209 Barton Road
Kelley Manson

Unity Healing Temple
158 Main St.
Kristin Brackett

HOLYOKE

Joann Fabrics & Crafts
2267 Northampton St.
Brian Bailey

Myers Conversation
46 Howard St.
William Myers

Those Dogs
60 Chapin St.
Brian Goldrick

SPRINGFIELD

413 Gridiron Consulting
36 Gates Ave.
Warren Lawrence

Allston Antiques
27 Lyman St.
William Paul

Arianna Family Market
51 Montgomery St.
Arelis Siri

Bella Milano Pizza
29 St. James Blvd.
Ahmet Citlak

Better Care Cleaning
178 Albermarle St.
Willie Jones

Car Guys Auto Recyclers
148 Temby St.
Allan Bartlett

Career Express Cleaning
699 Bay St.
Jenny Silva

Carlos Crus Masonry
51 Chester St.
Carlos Crus

CMV Home Improvement
21 Lang St.
Carlos Velez

Dallas & Company
161 Laconia St.
Richard Anthony

Dillomart
74 Bartels St.
Keiko Andolino

DLP Anderson
18 Northway Dr.
Dawn L. Anderson

Done Right Realty
25 Merrick Ave.
Jerry Rivera

Top Mechanical Service
77 Ellsworth Ave.
Raymond Brainard

Top Notch Cuts
363 Boston Road
Shawn Jones

Try Me Too Breakfast
827 State St.
Damin J. Mullen

Tufts Health Plan
1441 Main St.
Tufts Associated

Vega Productions
1562 Sumner Ave.
Joe Vega

White House Vision
107 Spring St.
Aaron Butler

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Green Paws Landscaping
1614 Westfield St.
Craig Chapman

Hampden Gas Mart Inc.
562 Westfield St.
Nipun Salja

JMJ Vacuum
735 Memorial Ave.
Donald Desnoyers

KAP Stone Kraft Paper
100 Palmer Ave.
KAP Stone Container

Market Ready Solutions
38 Neptune Ave.
New England Estate

Riverdale Storage Center
143 Doty Circle
Jan Chrzran

The Crop Shop
338 Westfield St.
Nancy Jamrog

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Departments Incorporations

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

Agawam

Krishna Keshav Corp., 31 Riviera Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Jay Patel, 9 Sanford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824. Gas station and convenience store.

Amherst

Ginger Garden Restaurant Amherst Inc., 351 Northampton St., Amherst, MA 01002. Xue Bin Zhang, 1855 SW Jamesport Dr., Port St Lucie, FL 34953. Food service.

Belchertown

Gigxero Inc., 121 Aldrich St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Kristopher J. Pacunas, same. Technology: Internet (e-commerce and website).

Clarksburg

Florida Mountain Turnip Inc., 522 Walker St., Clarksburg, MA 01247. Jerrid C. Burdick, same. Service — Florida mountain turnips and vegetables.

Easthampton

Golden China Pan Inc., 98 Union St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Dan Ju Pan, 8 Quirk Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Restaurant.

Great Barrington

MC2 Creative Services Inc., 454 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Walter J. McTeigue III, 76 Townhouse Road, South Egremont, MA 01258. Jewelry design and related services.

Hampden

La Casa Bella Inc., 546 Main St., Hampden, MA 01036. Michael F. Connors, 7 Jennifer Lane, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Restaurant/tavern.

Holyoke

Jeb Corporation, 81 North Bridge St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jose Almonte, 193 Cabot St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Own and operate a liquor store.

Longmeadow

Hair Studio One Inc., 20 Cross St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Michelle La Valley, 13 Rabideau Dr., Easthampton, MA 01027. Hair salon.

Southwick

Him Group Foundation Inc., 37 Dear Run Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Pramod Sarraf, same. Organization for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes.

Springfield

Guananico 1 Market Corp., 68 Locust St., Springfield, MA 01108. Carlos Tejada, same. Grocery store.

Main Wok Inc., 590 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA 01104. Song Qiu Chen, same. Restaurant/food service.

Mama Hilda’s Houses Inc., 13 Quincy St., Springfield, MA 01109. Rosah Clase Tuarezca, same. Recovery center for women from alcohol, drugs, and domestic violence.

Markey Barrett, P.C., 1414 Main ST. 8th Floor, Springfield, MA 01144. Patrick J. Markey, 17 Oxford St., Springfield, MA 01108. Law practice.

Masjid Al-Nur Inc., 820 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01109. Yasir Osman, 197 Florida St., Springfield, MA 01109. Place of worship for Muslims and providing education on Islam.

Westfield

HCT Second Hand & Pawn Shop Inc., 68 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085. Thang Dac Bui, 32 Russell St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Buy and sell new and used merchandise.

West Springfield

Het Parikh Inc., 55 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Rakesh Parikh, same. Real estate.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Briefcase Departments

Downtown Springfield
to Offer Free Wi-fi

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic Sarno and Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy announced upgrades to Springfield’s downtown technology infrastructure. The initiatives include providing free public wi-fi access beginning in the downtown area this spring, then expanding to other areas of the city, including public parks. Working with city partners, the initiative will also bring high-speed fiber into buildings, which will provide the growing entrepreneurship sector with quicker, cost-effective, easier-to-access technology. “Springfield has a history of innovation,” Sarno said. “These investments will keep us competitive in the market to attract entrepreneurs and to assist those here today in continuing to grow. This will also serve as a matter of convenience for residents and tourists who will be able to access Internet in our parks and public spaces.” The initial investment will range between $50,000 and $100,000 and will ensure free wi-fi access throughout downtown. The investment comes on the heels of the city’s announcement of a National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) award, part of which will dedicate funding to a pair of key innovation projects in the district: DevelopSpringfield’s Springfield Innovation Center and an IT workforce-training program through Tech Foundry. Funding is expected to be $300,000 for each project. All of these activities fall in the city’s Transformative Development Initiative district, a designation the city applied for and was awarded through MassDevelopment, which has since provided staff, an equity investment, and technical and financial assistance as the Worthington Street master plan continues to advance. “This has all been part of a dedicated planning process to establish an innovation district in our downtown,” Kennedy said. “The private and nonprofit sectors have been doing their share in creating a great deal of excitement with programming; these key city infrastructure investments will only help further these efforts. It’s been a great partnership.”

Springfield Regional Chamber Adopts
Energy Position

SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of the Springfield Regional Chamber voted this week, on behalf of its members, to take a position on energy in the state of Massachusetts and to support a balanced energy portfolio, including the expansion of the supply of natural gas. “Energy is a critical issue for our members. While they acknowledge that regional investment in the transmission infrastructure has increased the reliability of our grid, they see that demand for natural gas continues to rise and the infrastructure is not in place to support such demand,” said chamber President Jeffrey Ciuffreda. “This not only increases their already-high costs of electricity, but causes constraints on the infrastructure and supply. Combined, they tell us it significantly impeded their continued economic development and the economic development of our region.” As a result, Ciuffreda said the Chamber, on their behalf, has adopted the following position: “The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRC), through its members, has long identified the high, and increasing, cost of energy as a major issue to address and more recently has identified the constraints on the supply of natural gas as a major deterrent to economic development in the region. Therefore, the chamber supports the expansion of the supply of natural gas, especially to the Western Massachusetts region, as a means to assist in economic-development efforts as well as to reduce the cost of electricity. The chamber acknowledges that two pipeline expansions are in various stages of development, the Spectra project as well as the Kinder Morgan project, and encourages the development of each. The chamber believes that there are sufficient permitting and regulatory rules in place to ensure the safety of these projects and the protection of lands in and around these projects. While endorsing the increased supply of natural gas, the chamber also reiterates its support for the goal set by the state for the development of solar energy and encourages swift action on a comprehensive energy bill that will further bring on line other alternative energies such as wind and hydro. Finally, the chamber is encouraging its members to take advantage of the programs available, many funded through electricity charges, for conservation and efficiencies. There is no better way to lower the cost of electricity than through those efforts. Moving toward this balanced portfolio of energy sources and recognizing the conditions and constraints about being in New England will ensure a better future for all — businesses and residents alike.” Ciuffreda said the chamber will work with local and state officials, utility companies, and developers to continue to advocate on behalf of its members for the programs and capital necessary to lower these escalating costs and improve the region’s infrastructure, and will be an active participant in reviewing any legislation on this issue.

State Proposes $83.5M
for Vocational Technical Education Programs

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker, Secretary of Education James Peyser, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald Walker II, and Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash announced a series of new initiatives to support career vocational technical education, including $83.5 million to be proposed between the governor’s FY 2017 budget recommendation and new capital grant funding to be filed in an economic-development bill this week. “With too many good-paying jobs going unfilled, we are pleased to announce this critical investment in our career and technical schools,” Baker said. “Our proposal will make it possible for more students to explore a pathway to success through stronger partnerships with our schools and local businesses in the Commonwealth.” The funding in the FY 2017 budget will be coupled with a substantial capital-grant program for vocational equipment that further aligns the administration’s investments with local economic- and workforce-development needs and employment partnerships. “Massachusetts has some of the strongest career-technical programs in the country, at both the high-school and college levels, but access and quality are uneven across the Commonwealth, and there’s currently little alignment across education levels,” said Peyser. “Our efforts will significantly expand student access to high-quality career-education programs in STEM fields, manufacturing, and traditional trades, with a focus on underserved populations and communities.” Added Walker, “finding ways to make sure people get the skills and job training they need to get a good-paying job is one of the biggest challenges before us. With these initiatives, we will engage employers as full partners in program design and implementation to help them create a pipeline of workers.” Ash noted that “vocational institutions are an important part of training the workforce to address the skills gap. These additional resources will continue to equip vocational institutions as they train the next generation of skilled workers who will help grow the Commonwealth’s economy.”

Employer Confidence Steady to Start 2016

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers remained steady during January as optimism about the state economy offset uncertainty about China and turbulent financial markets. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 0.5 points to 55.8 last month, starting 2016 well above the 50 mark that denotes a positive economic outlook. The increase was driven by a 1.8-point surge in the index measuring employer attitudes about Massachusetts. Confidence remained lower than it was in January 2015, however. “The fact that employer confidence remained solid during a month in which the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was at one point off 9% and oil dropped below $27 a barrel points to the fundamental, underlying strength of the Massachusetts economy,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. 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. The index ended 2015 down for the year, but remained consistently in optimistic territory for the first 12-month period since the Great Recession. Most of the sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of employer rose a point or two in January, though all remained down year over year. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, jumped 1.8 points to 58.1, starting the year more than a point lower than last January. “The Massachusetts Index has been above its national counterpart for 80 consecutive months, and that perception was bolstered by the decision in January by General Electric to locate its corporate headquarters in Boston,” Torto said. “GE’s decision was important, not only for the 800 jobs it will bring, but because the company cited Massachusetts’ leadership in knowledge industries as its reason for coming.” The U.S. Index of national business conditions slipped to 49.9 on the month, leaving it more than four points lower than a year ago. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased slightly to 54.6, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose almost a full point to 57.0. “Employers clearly do not believe that the correction in financial markets signals an overall economic slowdown,” said Alan Clayton-Matthews, associated professor of Economics and Public Policy at Northeastern University and a BEA member. “Massachusetts employers foresee positive business conditions through at least the first half of 2016, and that comports with economic forecasts that Massachusetts will reach full employment during the year.” The three sub-indices bearing on survey respondents’ own operations were mixed in January. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, was up 0.3 points at 57.0, the Sales Index shed 1.1 points to 57.1, and the Employment Index rose 1.3 points to 55.1. “The increase in the Employment Index is good news for Massachusetts. Our survey found that 39% of respondents reported adding staff during the past six months, while 19% reduced employment,” said Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at College of the Holy Cross and another BEA member. “Expectations for the next six months are even stronger — 37% hiring and only 10% downsizing.”

State Announces $9.2M
in Skills Capital Grants

HOLYOKE — The Baker-Polito administration recently announced the availability of $9.2 million in Skills Capital Grants for vocational-technical equipment investments to improve the quality of education and vocational training, provide career technical training to increase program capacity, and enable students to improve their skills to meet the needs of employers in the Commonwealth. “The skills gap is real across the country, and many companies cannot find the talent they need to fill positions and further develop their local economic impact,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “By investing in capital equipment at vocational and technical schools that are focused on training, we will ensure more residents get the skills they need to get good-paying jobs in growing industries across the Commonwealth.” State officials announced the availability of the Skills Capital Grants at the future site of Holyoke Community College’s (HCC) Center for Culinary and Hospitality Excellence, located in the heart of the Holyoke Innovation District, which is experiencing significant investment and growth. The center is being funded by a $1.75 million capital grant from the former Manufacturing Training Equipment Grant program, which is being combined with the Vocational Opportunity Challenge Grants to create the new Skills Capital Grant. The Holyoke grant was awarded from a prior funding round. High demand for career training programs like Holyoke’s led to the creation, and expansion in scope, of the Skills Capital Grant program. “We are proud and excited to see the expansion of Holyoke Community College’s Culinary Arts program into a larger center which will provide critical skills to our residents for jobs available that are available now,” said Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse. Added HCC President William Messner, “Holyoke Community College is committed to continuously improving our academic program offerings. We have invested $20 million in such efforts over the past few years in areas directly related to regional employment opportunities, including this culinary center, as well as healthcare, STEM fields, and adult literacy. We are pleased to be able to expand our culinary and hospitality program at a critical time for the region and look forward to increasing the educational opportunities for hundreds of local residents.” The Skills Capital grants will range from $50,000 to $500,000, and while the grants do not require a match, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate cash and/or in-kind matches. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts schools, institutions, and organizations that provide career/vocational technical education programs, including all Chapter 74-approved vocational tech schools, community colleges, and providers of training programs that meet the federal Perkins Act definition of career and technical education. Grant applications must be submitted by Jan. 29.

Results From Statewide
Healthcare Quality
Survey Released

WATERTOWN — Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) announced the results of an independent statewide patient experience survey, now publicly available at healthcarecompassma.org. The survey encompassed nearly 65,000 patients from more than 500 primary-care practices representing approximately 4,000 physicians across the state, who responded to the question of whether they would recommend their primary-care physician to their family and friends. “The answer to this and other patient-experience questions makes Healthcare Compass MA a tremendous resource for Massachusetts residents who want to find the best care available,” said Barbra Rabson, president and CEO of MHQP. Questions about whether or not providers ask patients about feeling depressed, feeling stressed, or experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, or a mental or emotional illness were reported for the first time in MHQP’s 2014 survey results. The 2014 statewide behavioral-health mean score of 53.1 indicated that there was substantial room for improvement. The results of the 2015 survey indicate improvement to 56.5 for these behavioral-health measures, with several practices having made truly noteworthy progress. The survey also found that primary-care physicians across the state excel in communicating with their patients. The communication mean score for all practices across the state is 93.5 out of a potential 100 points. “We are fortunate to live in Massachusetts where we have access to MHQP’s statewide public reporting about patient-experience results,” said patient advocate Rosalind Joffe, president of ciCoach and MHQP board member. “MHQP’s commitment to capturing and reporting the patient voice, and focusing on what is important to patients, will continue to make care better in Massachusetts.” Added Dr. Thomas Scornavacca, senior medical director, UMass Memorial Health Care Office of Clinical Integration, “MHQP’s survey provides actionable information that helps bring physicians closer to our goal of delivering patient-centered care. At UMass Memorial Health Care, we evaluate MHQP survey results very carefully as we set healthcare quality-improvement priorities.”

Applicants Sought for
Energy and Environmental
Education Awards

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is now accepting nominations for its annual Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education until March 30. EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton will present awards this spring to Massachusetts teachers and students involved in school-based programs that promote environmental and energy education. “I am proud to recognize the teachers and students leading and inspiring their communities as they tackle critical energy and environmental issues,” Beaton said. “It is important to engage students early in issues like energy, recycling, conservation, and wildlife, and they have so many fresh ideas to offer.” All public and private Massachusetts schools (K-12) that offer energy and environmental education programs are eligible to apply for the awards. In 2015, schools and nonprofit organizations from 22 communities across the state were recognized for their work on issues including recycling, energy conservation, ocean science, wildlife conservation, and alternative fuels. The Secretary’s Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education will review applications through mid-April. Qualified entrants will be invited to attend a formal award ceremony with Beaton at the State House this spring.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Company Notebook Departments

U.S. News Ranks
Isenberg’s Online MBA Program 12th Nationally
AMHERST — The Isenberg School of Management’s online MBA program at UMass Amherst ranks among the best online MBA programs in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online MBA Programs.” The Isenberg MBA is ranked 12th out of 221 institutions ranked by the publication. “We continue to lead the pack in an increasingly competitive online educational landscape,” said Mark Fuller, dean of the Isenberg School. “This confirms what thousands of Isenberg students and alumni have known for over a decade: Isenberg’s online program goes beyond case studies and textbooks to drive students to real success.” The U.S. News ranking is based on five factors: student engagement, admissions selectivity, peer reputation, faculty credentials, and training and student services and technology. Unlike many of the other programs that recently entered the online space, Isenberg has offered its MBA in a 100% online format for more than 13 years, making it one of the oldest accredited online MBA programs in the nation. Enrollment approaches 1,300 students, making it the largest out of the top 25 schools ranked by U.S. News. “We continue to attract a high number of highly educated, highly successful professionals because we have a team of experienced professors and advisors who really understand how these students learn best,” said John Wells, associate dean of professional programs. “Despite our long tradition of outstanding online education, we continue to innovate with a variety of new approaches and technologies to connect students in our online format, new opportunities for in-person connections, and more diversity in our class offerings, including business analytics and sport management.”

Florence Bank TV Ad
Earns Top-20 Ranking from Bank Innovation
FLORENCE — Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through nine branch locations, has earned a spot on the Bank Innovation website (www.bankinnovation.net) for creating one of the 20 best banking videos of the year.
The commercial was produced by Sean Tracey Associates, Florence Bank’s advertising agency of record for the past three years and a key contributor to the bnk’s rebranding campaign. As one of Bank Innovation’s top 20 video ads of the year, the Florence Bank commercial is in good company with banks from around the world, including such high-profile institutions as Capital One, PayPal, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Lloyds Bank, Ally Financial, Bank of Scotland, Bank of Ireland, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The Bank Innovation website was launched in 2009 and is produced by Royal Media, a media company that has served the financial industry since 1995. Bank Innovation tracks and encourages innovative banking worldwide. According to Sean Tracey, principal of Sean Tracey Associates, the 30-second video was a follow-up to a commercial produced two years ago in which local talent danced to the beat of Florence Bank’s theme music, titled “Always.” That year, professional singers were used on the music tracks. “Since that was a hit market-wise, we thought it would be a great idea to follow up the dancing commercials with a series of singing commercials,” said Tracey. “Since the bank’s customer base is full of talented artists and musicians, we felt we could use all local singers, performing the bank’s theme music in their own style.” The singing styles featured in the video range from country and jazz to pop and rock, with the 10 performers showcased culled from close to 50 who auditioned. Casting and pre-production spanned three months, with post-production and editing taking another month. Photography was shot over a two-day period on the Academy of Music stage in Northampton. Music producer and writer Dan Serafini, a long-time friend of Tracey’s, produced the music for the ad. “It was a dream-team production experience and extremely rewarding. As far as we know, this concept has not been done before, much less by a local bank — it was bold and daring,” Tracey said, thanking Monica Curhan, the bank’s senior vice president and marketing director, and President and CEO John Heaps Jr. “for their immense bravery and trust in our team to do something truly innovative and allow us to push the creative envelope. I think it paid off in spades.” Heaps added, “we are thrilled at the attention our latest television spot is receiving and feel honored that it has earned a spot on the Bank Innovation website. We thank Sean Tracey Associates for their vision and remarkable work and also our talented customers for their contribution to this award-winning video.”

MacDuffie Announces Collaboration with MCPHS
GRANBY — The MacDuffie School, a co-ed, college-preparatory school for grades 6 to 12, announced a collaboration with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) that will guarantee qualified students admission to the Boston-based university. “The MCPHS program aligns well with the MacDuffie School,” said MacDuffie Head of School Steve Griffin. “MCPHS works hard to ensure that their graduates are certified in their home country, which is great for our international population. In addition, many of our local students are looking at careers in health sciences; a path to guaranteed admission is a wonderful benefit to all of our students.” This opportunity is contingent on students’ success in prerequisite courses at MacDuffie and, if needed, an English-proficiency test. According to the agreement, students with a minimum B average in MCPHS-specified science and math courses will be eligible for a reserved spot in an undergraduate program. Students graduating from MacDuffie with a minimum B average in the prerequisite courses and who meet the English-language requirements are guaranteed both a reserved spot and a scholarship. “In the health sciences, it’s important to have good training and references,” said Ita Duron-Hermouet, director of Admission International Research and Strategy at MCPHS. “Our graduates have the most prestigious internships available.” Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health are just a few of the institutions where MCPHS graduates obtain internships and employment.

State & Bond, LLC Joins International Trade Group
SPRINGFIELD — State & Bond, LLC, has become a member of ACA International, a association of credit and collection professionals. ACA membership demonstrates that State & Bond is dedicated to advancing quality and professionalism in the credit and collection industry. As an ACA member, State & Bond has agreed to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, as well as the ethical standards and guidelines established by the association. State & Bond is also a member of the New England Collectors Assoc. Founded in 1939, ACA brings together third-party collection agencies, law firms, asset-buying companies, creditors, and vendor affiliates, representing more than 230,000 industry employees. ACA establishes ethical standards; produces a wide variety of products, serices, and publications; and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers, and consumers. For more information, visit www.acainternational.org.

Michael’s Party Rentals
to Move into New
Location in Palmer
LUDLOW — Michael’s Party Rentals Inc., located in Ludlow, recently purchased a building at 1221 South Main St. in Palmer. The new building gives the rental company more than double its current space, providing more than 20,000 square feet. “I have been looking for quite a long time to find the right building to solve our space issues,” said Michael Linton, president and owner. “Landing in Palmer was perfect because we service west to Albany and east to Boston, as well as north and south from Vermont to Southern Connecticut; this gives the team terrific access.” The additional space is needed to hold Michael’s ever-growing inventory of special-event equipment, including items obtained during its recent acquisition of Yankee Tents. The migration of the tents, chairs, and china from Ludlow to the new building will not happen until late spring, as Linton plans a major renovation of the building, including 1,000 square feet of office space, as well as a 2,000-square-foot Show Room and Design Center, where a client can plan an event. “This is the part I am most excited about,” said Melissa Sullivan, senior event coordinator and director of the Design Center. “It is going to be so amazing to actually be able to help a client visualize their event by creating a mini-version for them to touch and feel.” In addition, Michael’s will be adding a state-of-the-art tent-washing machine, the only one of its kind in the Pioneer Valley. The total project is expected to cost just shy of $750,000 and was financed by Chicopee Savings Bank and the Worcester Business Development Corp.

Euro-style Kart Track to Open in Hadley in March
HADLEY — Get ready to start your engines — Autobahn Indoor Speedway will open in March in the Hampshire Mall. “Indoor kart racing has been popular in Europe for many years and has recently found a strong following on the West Coast of the United States,” said Autobahn Managing Partner David Larson. “Autobahn Indoor Speedway is extremely excited to be bringing the first European-style indoor electric kart-racing facility to the Amherst area.” The Italian-made adult racing karts approach speeds of 50 mph. The speedway utilizes zero-emission electric karts that accelerate faster than their noisier, gas-powered counterparts. “These are not the slow, rattling go-carts you may be used to as a kid,” Larson said. “Our karts are the highest-performance available, state of the art and built for safety. One of the first things people notice is the torque of our electric motors — that acceleration is amazing. The handling is also top of the line, with hydraulic disc brakes, a rear differential, and competition-style racing tires.” The company, which will have a total of nine tracks on the East Coast by April, provides racing instruction to newbies and offers competitive leagues to more seasoned drivers. There are even Junior Karts (with slightly slower speeds) suitable for the younger crowd if they are at least 48 inches tall. Autobahn Indoor Speedway will be available for company outings, social groups, and birthday parties. Various group race packages are designed to meet the needs of most events, but a custom package can be arranged (including private, full-facility rentals). Groups have reserved race times and exclusive use of the track during their races, and they can compete individually or in teams. For more information, visit www.autobahnspeed.com or e-mail [email protected].

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Departments People on the Move

• PeoplesBank announced the promotions and appointments of nine associates.
• Matthew Bannister has been appointed to Vice President, Corporate Responsibility. He possesses more than 30 years of brand management and corporate social-responsibility experience. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from UMass Amherst. His prior experience includes advertising, public relations, and event marketing for top advertising agencies and major nonprofit organizations;
• Paul Hillsburg has been promoted to Vice President, PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services. With more than three decades of financial, sales, and business-development experience, he first joined the bank in 2008 and previously served as assistant vice president, PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services. He holds an associate degree in business management from Springfield Technical Community College. He holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.
• Kristen Hua has been promoted to Vice President, Secondary Market. She possesses more than a decade of banking experience. She first joined the bank in May 2001 and previously served as assistant vice president, secondary market. She holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree from Providence College. She also is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies;
• Craig Kaylor has been appointed to Vice President, Compliance. He brings more than a decade of banking and financial experience to his new position, where he will be responsible for overseeing all compliance regulations and policies. He holds a juris doctor degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University and a bachelor’s degree from the University at Albany, SUNY;
• Denise Lamory has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Loan Administration. She possesses close to four decades of banking experience. She first joined the bank in August 1976 and previously served as assistant vice president, commercial loan administration. She holds several business and financial certificates from the Western Massachusetts Institute of Management Education Inc. and Holyoke Community College;
• Trisha Leary has been promoted to Vice President, Internal Control. She possesses more than a decade of financial experience. She first joined the bank in 2013 and previously served as risk oversight officer. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.
• Karen Sinopoli has been appointed to Vice President, Controller. She brings a decade of banking and audit experience to her new position, where she will be responsible for maintaining and supervising the financial record of the bank in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. She holds a master’s degree in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at the UMass Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University;
• Donna Wiley has been promoted to Vice President, Regional Manager. She possesses close to four decades of banking experience. She first joined the bank in 1979 and previously served as assistant vice president, regional manager. She holds an associate degree in business administration from Holyoke Community College and graduated with honors from the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. School for Financial Studies; and
• Brian Rheaume has been promoted to assistant vice president, information technology. He possesses more than a decade of information-technology experience. He first joined the bank in 2002 and previously served as information technology officer supervisor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Westfield State University and is an A+ certified professional IT technician.
•••••
Kathleen McCormick and Peter Mirante have been appointed to the Berkshire Community College board of trustees. McCormick is a partner with McCormick, Murtagh & Marcus, a law firm in Great Barrington. She joined the firm in 2004 and was named partner in 2009. Her focus is on residential and commercial real estate, land use and permitting, construction law, business law, and estate planning. She previously clerked for First Justice David Kopleman in the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court and later served as an associate with the litigation firm Herlihy, Thursby & Herlihy in Boston. She has worked for well-known companies such as the Boston Celtics, the Jane Blalock Co., and Reebok International. McCormick holds a juris doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. She is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Assoc., the Berkshire County Bar Assoc., and the Real Estate Bar Assoc. of Massachusetts. She is dedicated to enriching the lives of disadvantaged youth and is an active community member serving on boards of numerous charitable organizations. Mirante, who has worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years, is senior vice president of Branch Administration at Greylock Federal Credit Union in Pittsfield. He joined Greylock in 1998 and has served in numerous management positions. Prior to joining Greylock, he worked for Patten Corp. and then Berkshire Bank.
Mirante holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the former North Adams State College. He has a long history of community service and currently serves on the boards of the Northern Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Family & Individual Resources, Berkshire Compact for Education, and North Adams Parks & Recreation. Darlene Rodowicz, who was recently reappointed board chair by Gov. Charlie Baker, noted that “the new board members bring a wealth of knowledge from their respective roles in the community. We are happy to have them join the BCC board of trustees as we continue to advance the mission of the college.”
•••••
Local law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced that attorney Steven Schwartz is the recipient of the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy Award. The award is presented annually by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in partnership with the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County and the Pioneer Valley Estate Planning Council. Each year, the award’s recipient may recommend a Hampden, Hampshire, or Franklin county charity of their choice to receive a $1,000 grant. This year, Schwartz has decided to recommend the grant be made to the Children’s Study Home in recognition of its 150 anniversary. Schwartz concentrates his practice in the areas of family-business planning, mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and estate planning. His practice involves representation of principals in family-business planning (including exit planning for business owners), representation of individuals and corporations in the purchase and sale of business enterprises, strategic planning for the future of clients’ businesses, and providing advice on alternatives in financing through loans and venture capital.
•••••
Pope Francis High School announced that John Goda, Athletic Director for Holyoke Catholic High School, has been appointed to the Athletic Director position for Pope Francis High School. The creation of Pope Francis High School was announced in 2015 when Springfield Bishop Mitchell Rozanski revealed that Cathedral High School and Holyoke Catholic High School would merge into a new school, named in honor of the current Pope. While the official merger will take place to coincide with the next academic year, 2016-17, there has already been a joining together of the athletic programs. Goda, a 1987 graduate of Cathedral, started his career with Holyoke Catholic as a teacher in 1994, and took over as athletic director in 2003. Since the merger of Cathedral and Holyoke Catholic was announced, Goda has worked alongside Cathedral Athletic Director Joe Hegarty to oversee the combined athletic programs for Pope Francis High School. Hegarty recently vacated his position at Cathedral, and Goda will assume the role.
•••••
Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) announced the appointment of Phillip Candito to the position of Vice President of Business Development, where he is leading marketing and development efforts and focused on growing the organization. Candito worked as director of Business Development at the Eastern Connecticut Health Network in Manchester, Conn. for 10 years before coming to HMC. Previously, he served St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Conn. as director of Rehabilitation Services and Occupational Medicine, and as a physical therapist. Earlier, he earned a degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut; worked in television, video, and stage production for 10 years in Connecticut and New York City; re-enrolled at UConn and earned a degree in physical therapy, which he practiced for 10 years; then attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to earn his graduate degree.
•••••
TD Bank has named Karl Mirke assistant vice president, store manager of the location at 90 Main St. in North Adams. He is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing the day-to-day operations at the store, serving customers in Berkshire County, including North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams, Cheshire, Stamford, and Readsboro. Mirke has 11 years of retail banking experience. Prior to joining TD Bank, he served as assistant branch manager at Citizens Bank in Pittsfield. He is a 2003 graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams.
•••••
Aaron Smith, P.C., a certified public accounting firm, announced that certified public accountant Bernard “Buzz” Travers III will assume the role of managing director. In that role, Travers will provide leadership and direction to achieve the goals of the firm. He will oversee day-to-day management and will continue to cultivate the talents of all accountants and staff at Aaron Smith. Travers joined the firm in 1999 as a tax specialist. He is a certified public accountant in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. His areas of expertise include corporate, individual and fiduciary income tax; state and local income and sales and use taxation; federal and state tax audits; mergers and acquisitions; estate and gift taxation; nonprofit taxes; and bankruptcy taxation. In addition, he has assisted numerous business owners in the sale and purchase of businesses. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bentley University and his juris doctor from Western New England University School of Law. He is past president of the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County Inc., past president of the Field Club of Longmeadow Inc., an officer and director of the Sportsmen’s National Land Trust Inc., and past treasurer of the Longmeadow High School hockey and lacrosse booster clubs.
•••••
Bob Barna has joined Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) as a consulting architect. Barna was employed by VMWare as a senior consultant for the last 16 months and has 19 years of experience in the IT industry. He spent 17 of those years as the senior systems engineer at Competitive Computing. He has earned numerous VMware certifications and has extensive experience in design enablement, developing business requirements and identifying use cases, architecture design, environment build, product pilot, documentations and knowledge transfer, and more. Barna joins a team at WCA that also includes another former VMWare employee, Dan Sullivan, who joined VMWare shortly after it was founded and, in his seven years there, served customers all over New England and New York as a VMware systems engineer, VMware account executive, and partner business manager. Sullivan, who now holds the role of senior solution architect at WCA, is a 39-year veteran of the IT industry, with a background that combines technical expertise and sales skills.
•••••
EMA Dental announced that Dr. Colleen Chambers has joined the practice as its newest associate. Chambers completed her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at the University of Connecticut and went on to earn her DMD at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She was awarded the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Research Fellowship for her research with alveolar bone and implant integration using rh-PDGF-BB. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she focused on esthetics, general dentistry, and complex implant dental treatment. Chambers is proud to have had the opportunity to provide dental care to underserved communities at the CT Mission of Mercy, Remote Area Medical Services in Wise County, Va., and as part of a dental service trip to Honduras. She is a member of the American Dental Assoc., the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Valley District Society.
•••••
Caroline Gear has been named executive director of the International Language Institute (ILI) of Massachusetts, located in Northampton. Gear joined ILI in 1986 as a Spanish and ESOL instructor, and in 1989, she became the school’s director of programs. In that capacity, she has been ILI’s primary coordinator with numerous partners, including area businesses, partner colleges and universities, the U.S. State Department, the Fulbright Scholars program, and the U.S. Commercial Service. She has written several articles on assessment and evaluation and regularly presents on teacher training and supervision, both regionally and nationally. Gear earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from State University of New York at Potsdam and her masters’ degree in Spanish literature from Michigan State University. In addition to her years at ILI, she has worked in Peru, Mexico, and Spain.
•••••
Lee Bank announced that Wendy Healey has been named to the position of Senior Vice President, Community Banking, and David Harrington has been named to the position of Vice President, Commercial Lending. Healey joins Lee Bank with experience in both the retail-banking and financial-technology sectors. She most recently served as senior vice president in charge of retail, sales, and marketing at Torrington Savings Bank. Prior to that, she was an independent financial services consultant while pursuing an MBA, and has held senior management roles at COCC Inc., a lead provider in core technology to the financial industry; Sovereign/Santander Bank; and People’s United Bank in Connecticut. As senior vice president in charge of community banking, Healey’s focus will be on existing and new customer relationships, as well as the design and fulfillment of new products and packages of services to meet customer needs. She will oversee policies, future business planning, and long-range strategic goals for her department and is responsible for the overall administration of compliance, including policy and procedures, monitoring, review, training, and board reporting. Harrington brings more than 18 years of experience in product and operations management. He most recently served as multi-life new business operations manager at Guardian Life Insurance Co. in Pittsfield. Prior to that, he was employed as product and project manager, U.S. Insurance Group, MassMutual Financial Group, and senior product line manager, disability and long-term-care insurance at Berkshire Life Insurance Co. As vice president of commercial lending, Harrington is responsible for developing and maintaining Lee Bank’s commercial-lending activities and expanding existing customer relationships in conjunction with the bank’s strategic goals.
•••••
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) recently welcomed three new members to its board of trustees: Steven Grande, Franklin Quigley, and Macarthur Starks Jr. Grande is president of Meridian Industrial Group, LLC in Holyoke and Springfield. He also serves on the Holyoke Taxpayers Assoc. is vice chair of the advisory committee at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, chairs the Mayor’s Industrial Development Advisory Council, serves on board of directors for the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, is a member of the advisory board for William J. Dean Technical High School; and is president of the board of directors for the Western Massachusetts National Tooling and Machining Assoc. Grande holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from American International College. Quigley, an STCC alumnus, serves on the STCC foundation board and is a member of the presidential search committee. He is the president of FD Quigley and Associates, an organization specializing in providing project-management services to commercial retail developers; is a member of the state board of directors for Special Olympics; and is a retired referee of the American Hockey League. Starks, a senior finance and leadership professional, is an assistant vice president/change agent at MassMutual Way Center of Excellence, at MassMutual Life Insurance Company. Starks also serves as board chair and treasurer of FutureWorks Career Center in Springfield. A graduate of STCC (‘88), Starks received a master’s in management information systems and a bachelor of arts in accounting from Western New England University.

Chamber Corners

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Chamber Corners Departments

GREATER CHICOPEE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 11: CEO Luncheon with Maura McCaffrey of Health New England, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. As president and CEO at HNE, McCaffrey leads the premier locally owned health plan serving this region. Health New England, headquartered in downtown Springfield, employs more than 340 people and provides health coverage for more than 225,000 members. Sponsored by Chicopee Savings Bank, First American Insurance Agency Inc., Holyoke Medical Center, and PeoplesBank Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members. To reserve tickets, call Lynn Morrissette at (413) 594-2101.

• Feb. 17: February Salute Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr. Chicopee. Cost $23 for members, $28 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Feb. 11: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., sponsored by Canon Realty. Join area business professionals for networking. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

GREATER HOLYOKE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Feb. 17: Economic Development Breakfast: Growing Businesses 1×1, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Delaney House, Country Club Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Community College. A breakfast focusing on entrepreneurism with keynote speaker and local entrepreneur Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, along with graduates of the SPARK Entrepreneurial Launch Program. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members, which includes a hot breakfast buffet. Call the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com to sign up.

• Feb. 17: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., sponsored and hosted by Slainte, 80 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 or visit holyokechamber.com to sign up.

GREATER WESTFIELD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Feb. 10: Chamber After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 10: Springfield Regional Chamber Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., location to be determined. Sponsored by the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

• Feb. 11-March 17: Springfield Regional Chamber Leadership Institute, TD Bank Conference Room, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Sponsored by MassMutual Financial Group and supported by the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation. Special guest speakers. The institute is directed by Julie Siciliano, dean of the Western New England University College of Business, and Jack Greeley, executive in residence. Participants will actively explore best practices of leaders; analyze their own leadership, learning, and and problem-solving styles; and experience the synergies that result from high-performing teams. Cost: $885 per participant, which includes a day trip to Beacon Hill and graduation dinner.

WEST OF THE RIVER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Feb. 18: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Lattitude in West Springfield. Enjoy a sit-down lunch while networking with fellow chamber members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief sales pitch. Only members or guests of members may attend. The only cost to attend is the cost of lunch. Attendees will order off the menu and pay separately that day. We cannot invoice you for these events. For more information, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb. 24: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The Breakfast will feature a panel of various legislatures, including state Sen. James Welch, state Sen. Donald Humason, State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. Cost: $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, call the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Agenda Departments

‘Wolf to Woof’ Exhibit

Through May 12: In today’s society, dogs enhance the lives of millions of people in countless ways, but they are also some of our oldest friends. Ancient clues like cave paintings and burials reveal that dogs and people have lived together for thousands of years. But why have humans formed such close relationships with dogs, and not cows or chickens? “Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs” is the largest and most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created on the history, biology, and evolution of dogs. The exhibit, on view at the Springfield Science Museum through May 12, attempts to sniff out the facts on dogs and explore what makes the human/dog relationship so unique. It uses the familiarity and love of these four-legged friends to explore science and biological concepts. The exhibit has four themed sections including multi-media displays, artifacts, photo murals, and dioramas of taxidermied wild canines and sculpted modern dog breeds. Additionally, interactive, hands-on components demonstrate key exhibit concepts. For example, visitors can enter a ‘howling area’ and guess what dogs are saying, test their nose against a dog’s great sense of smell, and examine fossil and genetic evidence of how modern-day dogs are descended from wolves. In addition, the weekly Museums à la Carte lecture on Thursday, March 17 will feature a talk by Eliot Rusman, president and CEO of Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Tickets for this lecture are $4 for the general public and $2 for members. “Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs” is sponsored by United Bank. MassMutual is the 2015-16 Premier Sponsor of the Springfield Museums.

Grief Through Story Workshop

Feb. 10: The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens will present a Grief Through Story workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St. The workshop, co-hosted by the Sunderland, Deerfield, and Hatfield public libraries, is geared toward adult caregivers and community members who are interested in learning how to initiate gentle conversations with youth about death, dying, and grief. The purpose of the workshop is to use children’s literature as an effective tool in talking with children about these difficult topics. Participants will join in a guided conversation about grief and will discover resources in various mediums that can be used to facilitate these important conversations. Family members, friends, and loved ones in the lives of a grieving young person, as well as anyone interested in grief work with children, is invited to attend. The snow date is Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free, and drop-ins are welcome. The Garden provides bereavement support at no cost to grieving families with young children no matter where, how, or when a death occurred. For more information about its programs, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, Garden coordinator, at (413) 582-5312.

Chocolate Fantasy

Feb. 12: Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s volunteers and members of the Baystate Franklin Auxiliary (BFA) will hold their annual Chocolate Fantasy fund-raiser from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the hospital’s main conference rooms. This year, funds raised at the Chocolate Fantasy will support the hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Department and Mental Health Unit. The event also features Valentine-related crafts and a raffle with baskets of items from local businesses. BFMC Clinical Notes, the hospital’s women’s a cappella chorus, will present a mini-concert of love songs at 12:15 pm in the main lobby. “Many local organizations and BFMC staff and volunteers have graciously and generously donated chocolate items, from chocolate-chip cookies to chocolate-covered apples to truffles and fudge, and much more,” said Sydney Ramey, chair of the Chocolate Fantasy committee. “We always invite contributors to think creatively as they consider what to send in for the sale.” A highlight of this year’s Fantasy is the raffling of an original watercolor by John Tomasetti, a member of the Old Deerfield Painting Group. The painting is on display in the BFA Gift Shop window. Raffle tickets may be purchased in the shop for $2 each, three for $5, or $10 for a baker’s dozen. The drawing will take place at the Chocolate Fantasy. For more information on the event, or to donate chocolate goodies or raffle items, contact Becky George, manger, Volunteer Services, BFMC, at (413) 773-2318 or [email protected].

Red Cross Blood Drive

Feb 16: The MassMutual Center will host its annual American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Severe winter weather across the nation since Jan. 1 has forced the cancellation of more than 300 blood drives, resulting in more than 9,500 donations uncollected, further depleting an already-low winter supply. In order to fulfill the need, blood products are being distributed to hospitals as quickly as donations are being collected. “The MassMutual Center is proud to hold our annual blood drive in support of the Red Cross. We are committed to serving the Springfield community and working with partners such as the Red Cross whose mission is to provide compassionate care to those in need,” said Stacey Church, general manager of the MassMutual Center. Visit redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.

Informational Seminar on
Alzheimer’s, Dementia

Feb. 16: The Arbors at Chicopee will host an informational seminar on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia at 6 p.m. Ed Walters-Zucco, RN at Integra, will offer a brief presentation on the differences between the two diseases and the signs and symptoms. More than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Community and resident family members will gather to learn how to cope with this statistic. Following the presentation will be a question-and-answer session and a raffle drawing. Refreshments, cookies, and cheese and crackers will be served.

Dinner, Conversation
About Race in America

Feb. 21: Blue Heron Restaurant will host “On the Bus: Dinner and a Conversation About Race in America with Julius Lester and Barry Moser.” Lester and Moser, writers, educators, and artists who currently reside in Western Mass., both came of age in Tennessee in the 1950s and 60s. Although they both rode public buses in the South, their experiences differed greatly because of the color of their skin. Their experience provides a lens through which the two will begin a discussion on race, racism, and segregation in the U.S. Local poet, author, and gallery owner Richard Michelson will moderate the discussion. Guests will be invited to pose questions to the panelists and share their own thoughts and experiences on the subject. The evening’s menu will draw from the culinary heritage of the American South. The meal will begin with a root vegetable soup served with pimento-cheese crostini. For the main course, guests will choose from a selection of chicken-fried steak with cream gravy, fried catfish with jalapeño remoulade, or squash and cheddar soufflé. Side dishes will be served family-style, and include collard greens, hoppin’ John, sautéed okra, and housemade biscuits. The meal will conclude with a slice of chess pie, a staple of Southern cuisine. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the cost is $40 per person, not including tax or gratuity. The full menu is available to view at www.blueherondining.com/special-events. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (413) 665-2102 or e-mailing [email protected].

Real-estate
Licensing Course

Feb. 22: Beginning Monday, Feb. 22, the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley will sponsor a 40-hour, 14-class sales-licensing course to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts real-estate salesperson license exam. The course will be completed on Wednesday, March 23. Tuition is $359 and includes the book and materials. For an application, call the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley at (413) 785-1328.

Celiac Disease and
Gluten-free Diets

Feb. 24: Many people are on gluten-free diets, either due to celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or just because they think it’s healthier. The community is invited to attend a luncheon program titled “Separating Facts from Fad: Gluten-free Diets,” presented by Dr. Harbir Sawhney, gastroenterologist from Baystate Medical Practices – Mary Lane Gastroenterology from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer. “Dr. Sawheny will discuss celiac disease, gluten-free diets, and all things gastrointestinal,” said Susan Fontaine, senior coordinator of Loyalty Programs at Baystate Health. “Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which the body can’t tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and sometimes oats. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease. “If you need to cut gluten from your diet, it may seem difficult, but there are many healthy and delicious foods that are naturally gluten-free,” said Fontaine, noting that the program will include a gluten-free bag lunch. The program is sponsored by Baystate Health Senior Class and will include lunch at no cost. Space is limited, and registration is required by calling Baystate Health Link at (800) 377-4325. For more information about the Senior Class Loyalty Program, visit www.baystatehealth.org/seniorclass.

Academy of Music
Historic Tour

Feb. 24: The Academy of Music will offer a free tour of the historic theater at 5:15 p.m. Led by Academy of Music Development Coordinator Kathryn Slater, the tour will provide insight into the history behind this Northampton mainstay, including details about the organization’s founder and interesting notes about the many revitalizations. Built in 1891, the Academy of Music was the first municipally owned theater in the U.S., and home to the first stock theater company in the nation, the Northampton Players, formed in 1912. For nearly 125 years, the Academy has hosted an impressive array of performers, and the building holds the tales. See for yourself the century-old hole cut in the stage floor for Houdini’s disappearing act; Cole Porter’s grandfather clock; dressing rooms used by Sarah Bernhardt, Boris Karloff, Ethel Barrymore; and more. Step on the stage and see the Academy of Music from a whole new perspective, and take in the results of the 2014 restoration that refurbished the 800-seat auditorium, which earned a Mass. Historical Commission Preservation Award. This walking-and-talking tour begins promptly at 5:15 p.m. in the main lobby and is expected to run approximately 45 minutes. Admission is free, but reservations are required, as attendance is limited to 20. Reservations may be made through the Academy of Music Box Office by calling (413) 584-9032, ext. 105, Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., or by e-mailing [email protected].

Springfield Falcons
Dr. Seuss Night

March 12: The Springfield Falcons, in partnership with the Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, announced Dr. Seuss Night, to be held during a game against the Portland Pirates starting at 7 p.m. Dr. Seuss Night and the game will be sponsored by Berkshire Bank. For the first time ever, Dr. Seuss Enterprises has partnered with the Falcons and the Springfield Museums in presenting this special night to honor Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, who was born and raised in Springfield. The Springfield Museums are preparing to open the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in 2016, an exhibit featuring interactive activities for children and a one-of-a-kind experience that will provide a look at the man behind the drawing board. “We are excited to partner with the Springfield Museums and Dr. Seuss Enterprises in presenting this special night to honor one of Springfield’s most famous native sons,” Falcons President Sarah Pompea said. “We have been anticipating this night since the summer months and are excited to aid the launching of the new museum in support of a unique family entertainment night around a favorite children’s author.” The night will include appearances by the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumed characters. In addition, specialty jerseys will be worn by Falcons players and auctioned off, with proceeds donated to the Springfield Museums to help support the creation of the new museum. “We are thrilled that the Falcons are stepping up in support of our fund-raising campaign,” said Kay Simpson, president of the Springfield Museums. “It’s wonderful to have the support of one our best downtown neighbors.”

Difference Makers

March 31: The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Tickets cost $60, and tables of 10 are available. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit businesswest.com. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s class was profiled in the Jan. 25 issue, and their stories can also be read online at businesswest.com. They include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales, philanthropist (1965-2015); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties; Bay Path University President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president, J.E. Robison Service. Difference Makers is sponsored by EMA Dental, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, PeoplesBank, Royal LLP, and Sunshine Village.

5K Run & Walk
for a Noble Cause

April 30: Registration is now open for Baystate Noble Hospital’s 32nd annual 5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause, being held at Stanley Park in Westfield. The race begins at 9 a.m., with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. near the Children’s Pavilion. The Baystate Noble 5K is a competitive road race for all levels of runners, from the novice to the serious athlete. The 3.1-mile course is flat out and back through Stanley Park and the surrounding residential area. A family-friendly, non-competitive walk follows the same route as the road race. Individuals, teams, wheelchair racers, and school groups are all encouraged to participate. After the race, refreshments, activities, and vendor tables will be located near registration, and awards will be given out. Early registration is encouraged. The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $35 through April 29 (seniors 60 and older are $25). The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $40 on April 30 ($30 for seniors). Children 12 and under participate free when accompanied by a paying adult. T-shirts in various sizes are available to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory is available. To register online, download registration materials, and read general information, visit baystatenoblehospital.org/5k. Sponsorship and vendor table opportunities are also available. For more information, visit baystatenoblehospital.org/5k or contact the Community Development Office at [email protected] or (413) 568-2811, ext. 5520.

40 Under Forty

June 16: The 10th annual 40 Under Forty award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, honoring 40 of the region’s rising stars under 40 years old. The magazine will continue to accept nominations for the class of 2016 until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. The nomination form, which can be found at businesswest.com, requests basic information and can be supported with other material, such as a résumé, testimonials, and even press clippings highlighting an individual’s achievements in their profession or service to their community. An independent panel of judges (see profiles on page 9 of this issue) will choose the winners, and their stories will be told in the April 18 issue. The event is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual and Paragus Strategic IT (presenting sponsors), EMA Dental, Health New England, Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, Moriarty & Primack, and United Bank. More details on the gala will be revealed in upcoming issues.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Court Dockets Departments

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

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Holly K. Michaelson, M.D. v. Kellogg Co. and U.S. Foods
Allegation: Plaintiff suffered oral lacerations, internal bleeding, abdominal pain, and bowel trauma after ingesting Kellogg cereal containing shards of glass: $25,000+
Filed: 10/20/15

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Burek Brothers Construction v. A.C.E. Coatings Unlimited Inc. and Bernard Woodard
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $12,550
Filed: 12/11/15

Morais Concrete Service Inc. v. Town of Orange
Allegation: Breach of a public construction contract: $20,188.11
Filed: 11/20/15

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Ryder Transportation Services v. Vision Beyond Transportation Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $187,979.76
Filed: 12/15/15

Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc. v. Crosby Queenin Properties, LLC
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $130,000+
Filed: 12/18/15

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

J. Polep Distribution Services v. D Market and Sohrab Khan
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,398.09
Filed: 12/22/15

Mohawk Factoring Inc. v. Rainbow Carpet and John P. Casey
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,068.49
Filed: 12/24/15

Sage Engineering and Contracting Inc. v. 134 Capital Drive, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of services and materials in renovation of building: $135,602
Filed: 12/23/15

U.S. Foodservices Inc. v. West Springfield Adult Care, LLC and John Bersani
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,939.69
Filed: 12/21/15

Zakiyyah Lybieddin v. Leominster Credit Union and Metro Auto Sales and Services Inc.
Allegation: Defendant Leominster acted unfairly by refusing to respond to plaintiff regarding a rescission of a lease agreement with Metro: $20,620
Filed: 12/30/15

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Departments Picture This

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

Taking a Stand Against Bullying

A grant proposal that Westfield Bank submitted to the Mass. Bankers Assoc. Charitable Foundation on behalf of Rachel’s Challenge has resulted in a $2,000 award to that organization, which provides intervention programs designed to provide a safe, caring, and supporting learning environment and is named in honor of Rachel Scott, who was killed in the Columbine school shooting in Colorado in 1999. The award will help fund local anti-bullying efforts in the Greater Westfield area, and is in addition to the $3,500 Future Fund grant Westfield Bank awarded Rachel’s Challenge in 2015. “Bullying, harassment, and violence have no place in society — and especially not in our schools,” said James Hagan, president and CEO of Westfield Bank. Pictured with Westfield Technical Academy students are (from left) Stefan Czaporowski, the school’s principal; Stacy Waite, branch manager, Westfield Bank; Westfield Police Sgt. Eric Hall; and Kristine Hupfer, Rachel’s Challenge advisor.

Hoophall Classic Leadership Award

Springfield College and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame presented the fourth annual Hoophall Classic Leadership Award to Springfield College sport management students Brooke Fairman and Gregory Weigert (second and third from left). Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper (left) and Hall President and CEO John Doleva (right) made the formal presentation during the 2016 Spalding Hoophall Classic at Blake Arena. Both Fairman and Weigert were key contributors during the Classic, the leading high-school basketball tournament in the country. Fairman and Weigert helped lead more than 75 student event-staff workers and more than 30 student liaisons during the event. They created and conducted training sessions for volunteers of the event; collaborated with Springfield College Office of Conferences & Special Events, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and ESPN to ensure schedules of events; and supervised all event operations during the five-day tournament. They were each awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

Pride Stores Donates $25,000 to CHD’s MaryAnne’s Kids Fund

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Pride Stores recently donated $25,000 to the Center for Human Development’s (CHD) MaryAnne’s Kids Fund, which was established to provide opportunities for children in foster care that would otherwise be unavailable to them. This donation will help continue to provide these children the means to pursue special interests in music, dance, art, sports, summer camps, and extracurricular education, and an overall positive influence that will remain with them throughout their lives.

“Pride does so much for MaryAnne’s Kids, helping foster children have opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them,” said Jim Williams, CHD’s Children and Families Program director. “We are grateful to have such a great partner in the community.”

Every year, Pride Stores sells $1 ornaments in each of its 30 locations during the holidays to support MaryAnne’s Kids. “We are grateful to all the Pride customers who support this important fund-raiser.” said Marsha Del Monte, president of Pride Stores.

Green Streets Design Workshop, Informational Session Set for Feb. 11

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — A Green Streets design workshop and informational session related to regreening the X commercial district in Springfield will be held on Thursday, Feb. 11 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Forest Park Library Community Room.

Regreen Springfield is working with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), the Conway School of Design, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, and the city of Springfield to determine the feasibility of installing ‘green street’ components in the X neighborhood, and to develop recommendations that will be shared with the city’s Planning and Engineering departments as they advance possible realignment of roadway patterns at the X.

During the session, a public presentation outlining the scope of the project will be delivered, and neighborhood input and participation in the process will be solicited. An overview of the function and value of urban trees will also be presented. Students from the Conway School of Design, the PVPC, and Regreen Springfield will deliver the presentation, and it will be interactive in nature.

Country Bank Supports Abby’s House with Donation

By BusinessWest Staff February 9, 2016

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank recently Abby’s House with a check for $3,050. This donation was made possible through the Country Bank Employee Charitable Giving Program’s casual Fridays.

Each week Country Bank staff are able to wear jeans in exchange for a $5 donation to the charity of the month. The total funds collected are then matched by Country Bank. The organizations chosen for this honor are suggestions submitted by the staff at Country Bank.

Country Bank serves Central and Western Mass. with 14 offices. For more information, visit www.countrybank.com or call (800) 322-8233.

Class Act

Covering the Bases

Next Generation

A Critical Skills Gap

Downtown Springfield to Offer Free Wi-fi

Springfield Regional Chamber Adopts Energy Position

State Proposes $83.5M for Vocational Technical Education Programs

Employer Confidence Steady to Start 2016

State Announces $9.2M in Skills Capital Grants

Results From Statewide Healthcare Quality Survey Released

Applicants Sought for Energy and Environmental Education Awards

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

‘Wolf to Woof’ Exhibit

Grief Through Story Workshop

Chocolate Fantasy

Red Cross Blood Drive

Informational Seminar on Alzheimer’s, Dementia

Dinner, Conversation About Race in America

Real-estate Licensing Course

Celiac Disease and Gluten-free Diets

Academy of Music Historic Tour

Springfield Falcons Dr. Seuss Night

Difference Makers

5K Run & Walk for a Noble Cause

40 Under Forty

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Taking a Stand Against Bullying

Hoophall Classic Leadership Award

Daily News

News

Contact

Departments

Events

Downtown Springfield
to Offer Free Wi-fi

Springfield Regional Chamber Adopts
Energy Position

State Proposes $83.5M
for Vocational Technical Education Programs

State Announces $9.2M
in Skills Capital Grants

Results From Statewide
Healthcare Quality
Survey Released

Applicants Sought for
Energy and Environmental
Education Awards

GREATER CHICOPEE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER HOLYOKE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER WESTFIELD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WEST OF THE RIVER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Informational Seminar on
Alzheimer’s, Dementia

Dinner, Conversation
About Race in America

Real-estate
Licensing Course

Celiac Disease and
Gluten-free Diets

Academy of Music
Historic Tour

Springfield Falcons
Dr. Seuss Night

5K Run & Walk
for a Noble Cause