Home 2017 May (Page 5)

Month: May 2017

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

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Chamber Corners Departments

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• May 11: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Amy’s Place Bar & Grill, 80 Cottage St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank.

• June 6: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m. “Move the Mountain” with the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, hosted by New City Brewery, 180 Pleasant St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc. and Westfield Bank.

• June 28: Speaker Breakfast: “Why Ping-pong Tables Do Not Define Your Business Culture,” 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Williston Northampton School, 19 Payson Ave., Easthampton. Featured guest speaker: Tim Retting of Cincinnati-based InTrust. Sponsored by BusinessWest, Easthampton Savings Bank, Finck & Perras Insurance Agency Inc., Innovative Business Systems Inc., United Personnel, and Williston Northampton School.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

• May 5: Spring Swizzle Auction, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Hosted by Eastside Grill, Strong Ave., Northampton. Cost: $75. Purchase tickets at www.chamberspringswizzle.com.

• May 10: May Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at Goggins Real Estate, 79 King St., Northampton. Sponsors: Applied Mortgage, Greenfield Community College Foundation, MassDevelopment, and Northeast Solar. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• May 11: “Google Analytics,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by SCORE of Western Mass. What is Google Analytics? A free, powerful analytics tool that provides reports showing how visitors found your website and what they did when they got there. It measures the effectiveness of your online and offline marketing campaigns. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. Cost: free.

• May 18: “Intro To QuickBooks,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This session will cover setting up a new company, invoicing and receiving payments, writing checks, and paying bills. The session will end with a brief introduction to and overview of reports. It is suitable for those who have recently started using QuickBooks and those planning to use it. This session is taught on the PC desktop version, but the basic principles of QuickBooks remain the same for the Windows, Macintosh, and online versions of the program. Be aware that specific details of how to accomplish a task or available features may differ on the different versions, and these differences will not be covered. It is not required, but if you have a laptop or tablet and have QuickBooks installed, you may bring it and follow along. Note: this workshop is designed for training on the basics of QuickBooks and is not intended to troubleshoot problems individuals may currently be experiencing. Those types of questions are better suited to a one-on-one consulting session. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

• June 7: June Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., at ConVino, 101 Armory St, Northampton. Sponsors: Keiter Builders and MassDevelopment. Networking event. Cost: $10 for members.

• June 23: “Microsoft Excel: Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts,” 9-11 a.m., at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. Pre-registration is required; space is limited. To register, visit [email protected]. Cost: $35 for members, $45 for non-members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• May 1: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, May Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Amelia Park Ice Arena, 21 South Broad St., Westfield. Join us for our monthly Coffee Hour with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. This event is free and open to the public. Call the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 to register for this event so we may give our host a head count.

• May 5: “What to Expect at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination,” 8:30-10 a.m., hosted by Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield. Imagine one afternoon an envelope from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) arrives in the mail. You are filled with dread as you discover that a former employee has filed a complaint alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Now what? Join Attorney Timothy Netkovick of Royal, P.C. for a workshop to discuss what to expect at the MCAD. Cost: free for members, $30 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door or in advance). Light refreshments will be served. Online registration is available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• May 10: May After 5 Connection, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Armbrook Village, 551 North Road, Westfield. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members (cash or credit paid at the door). Refreshments will be served, and a 50/50 raffle will benefit the chamber’s CSF – Dollars for Scholars fund. Online registration is available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• May 22: The chamber’s 56th annual golf tournament, 10 a.m., the Ranch Golf Club, Southwick. Sponsors: Whip City Fiber, SealRyt Corp., Westfield Bank, Baystate Noble Hospital. Along with a round of golf, bid at the live auction to benefit three $500 student scholarships and win some raffles. Online registration, along with information on sponsorships and foursomes, are available at www.westfieldbiz.org. For more information, call Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

(413) 755-1310

• May 3: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Featuring Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at large, who will speak about trending words, Merriam-Webster’s sassy tweets, and some of the 1,000 new words recently added to the dictionary. Cost: $22.50 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members in advance ($35 at the door).

• May 10: Lunch ‘n’ Learn, “The Trump Effect: Potential Impact on Employer Mandates,” 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Presented by attorney Amelia Holstrom of Skoler, Abbott & Presser. Cost: $25 for members in advance ($30 at the door), $35 for non-members ($40 at the door).

• May 17: Speed Networking, 3:30-5 p.m., hosted by Lattitude, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Cost: $20 for members in advance ($25 at the door), $30 for non-members in advance ($35 at the door).

• May 23: Professional Women’s Chamber Woman of the Year Celebration, 5:30 p.m., hosted by Storrowton Tavern Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

• May 30: Pastries, Politics, and Policy, 8-9 a.m., hosted by TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Cost: $15 for members ($20 at the door), $25 for non-members in advance ($30 at the door).

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Register online for events at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• May 3: Wicked Wednesday and grand re-opening, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Curry Printing/Fast Signs, West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information about this event, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or register at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

• May 10: Job Fair 2017, 3-7 p.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. The town of Agawam and the West of the River Chamber will be hosting a local job fair. West Springfield and Agawam businesses, along with other employment opportunities, will be showcased. This event is free and open to the public. To be a participating vendor, register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

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

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

United Financial Announces Q1 Earnings, Dividend

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The company reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $14.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. The company reported net income of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. “Over the last three consecutive quarters, United Financial Bancorp Inc. has averaged a return on average assets of 0.87% and a return on average tangible common equity of 10.89%, as the company continues to make progress on its four key objectives communicated in April 2016,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of the company and the bank. Assets totaled $6.70 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased $97.1 million, or 1.5%, from $6.60 billion at Dec. 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, total loans were $4.94 billion, representing an increase of $42.3 million, or 0.9%, from the linked quarter. Changes to loan balances during the first quarter of 2017 were highlighted by a $44.6 million, or 6.2%, increase in commercial business loans and a $16.6 million, or 4.0%, increase in owner-occupied commercial real-estate loans. Total residential mortgages increased during the first quarter of 2017 by $11.2 million, or 1.0%. Total cash and cash equivalents decreased $6.3 million, or 6.9%, during the linked quarter, while the available for sale securities portfolio increased by $32.3 million, or 3.1%. Deposits totaled $4.79 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased by $79.2 million, or 1.7%, from $4.71 billion at December 31, 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, money-market deposit accounts increased $157.2 million, or 12.9%, and NOW checking deposits increased $39.2 million, or 7.9%, from the linked quarter, reflective of a seasonal increase in municipal deposits and successful new account acquisition. These increases were offset by a $110.1 million, or 6.3%, decrease in certificates of deposit, some of which migrated to money market deposit accounts. The board of directors declared a cash dividend on the company’s common stock of $0.12 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2017 and payable on May 10, 2017. This dividend equates to a 2.73% annualized yield based on the $17.58 average closing price of the company’s common stock in the first quarter of 2017. The company has paid dividends for 44 consecutive quarters.

Johnson & Hill Partners with Family Business Center

AMHERST — The Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley has been helping family-owned and closely held companies from around Western Mass since 1994, through a series of educational dinner forums and morning workshops, roundtables and customized consults. The center’s strategic partners contribute to that professional development in the areas of accounting, banking, leadership, insurance, wealth management, staffing, and law, and BusinessWest is the media partner for the center. Now Johnson & Hill Staffing will be taking on the role of the FBC’s staffing sponsor-partner. “As a longtime member of the FBC, we are excited to move into the role of sponsor/partner in our continued support of family business across the Pioneer Valley,” said Andrea Hill-Cataldo, president. “As specialists who staff anything from short-term needs to key direct hire roles in administrative, accounting and finance, legal, and professional settings, the Johnson & Hill team collectively brings decades of staffing insight to the table. Our goal is to provide members of the FBC with that insight to help them evaluate new and innovative ways of acquiring the talent that will drive their business forward.” The schedule of educational events for the Family Business Center is at fambizpv.com.

Berkshire Bank Receives Six Marketing Awards

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank was recently honored with six awards for community engagement and marketing of leading-edge products. The bank was recognized at the Financial Marketing Awards in Newport, R.I. and the New England Financial Marketing Awards in Burlington, Mass.; both events took place in March. The Financial Marketing Awards are the oldest financial awards in New England. The program honors banks and credit unions for creative marketing and branding efforts, while the Community Champion Award recognizes a bank or credit union for the difference they make in the community. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Community Champion Award – Gold for Pittsfield Public Schools attendance billboard;

• Loan Award – Silver for home-equity campaign; and

• Deposit Award – Bronze for Leap Year deposit campaign.

The New England Financial Marketing Assoc. has a diverse membership representing financial institutions with assets ranging from less than $500 million to more than $5 billion. Its annual awards program honors banks and credit unions in the New England states for creative marketing, branding, and community efforts. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Overall Community Service – 2nd Place for Xtraordinary Day campaign;

• In-Branch Design – 2nd Place for Mid-Atlantic region branch design; and

• Customer Service – 2nd Place for Game Plan point of sale.

Pride Stores Partners with Local Beer Brand White Lion

SPRINGFIELD — White Lion Brewing continues to root itself as Springfield’s craft-beer brand. Pride Stores, which has a beer and wine selection in five of its 30 locations, will feature White Lion as the preferred local beer brand. “The partnership is part of Pride Stores’ commitment to the local community,” said David Horgan, director of Advertising. White Lion has accounts throughout Massachusetts, but company President Raymond Berry said “there is no better feeling than knowing local decision makers like Pride Stores want to be part of our growth. This partnership will put the brand and our portfolio in front of people daily. Both companies are committed to the city and surrounding communities.” The stores will carry White Lion’s portfolio of bottled and soon-to-be-released canned products.

HMC Earns ‘A’ Grade for Patient Safety

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has once again earned an ‘A’ rating from the Leapfrog Group, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the U.S. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the first and only national healthcare rating focused on errors, accidents, and infections. The program has been assigning letter grades to general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. since 2012. Holyoke Medical Center was one of 823 hospitals to receive an ‘A’ ranking among the safest hospitals in the U.S. “This is the third consecutive ‘A’ rating for Holyoke Medical Center. As a free-standing, independent community hospital, we must rely on providing our patients with the safest, highest-quality, affordable care possible, and we appreciate our staff who join us every day in being dedicated to our mission,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc.

Sunshine Village Earns CARF Accreditation

CHICOPEE — The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) announced that Sunshine Village has been accredited for a period of three years for its day-habilitation, employment-services, and day-services programs. The latest accreditation is the 10th consecutive successful three-year Accreditation given to Sunshine Village by the international accrediting body. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. CARF accreditation is a useful tool to determine the best organization for services. Specifically, the organization was tested against 856 standards in areas including leadership, strategic planning, financial planning, input from people served, risk management, health and safety, human resources, technology, rights of people served, accessibility, and performance improvement, as well as quality individualized services and supports. In the past ten years, this achievement indicates Sunshine Village’s well-established pattern and commitment to practice excellence. “I am so proud that Sunshine Village has again been recognized by CARF with their highest level of accreditation,” said Gina Kos, executive director for Sunshine Village. “This is an outstanding achievement, and it shows that the organization meets our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. Every day, more than 230 staff work hard to achieve that mission — and this accreditation is validation of that. It shows that we do deliver on the promise of a great day — and that our employees truly shine.” Now in its 50th year, Sunshine Village is a nonprofit organization with a main campus in Chicopee and additional sites in Chicopee, Springfield, Three Rivers, and Westfield. It has been providing day services for adults with developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, since 1967.

Mary Ann’s Dance and More Announces Relocation

EASTHAMPTON — Mary Ann’s Dance and More, a local dance-apparel store, announced it will be moving to its new home on Route 10 in Easthampton on July 1. The company will move to 396 Main St., the former home of Fit Body. The location offers easier parking, a more friendly shopping experience, better accessibility, and the ability to host more in-store events. In January, the company launched its app on Google Play and the App Store. It will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary in August. Mary Ann’s Dance and More offers customers dance supplies, including apparel and accessories, as well as novelty and gift items. An active business in the community, the company is recognized as a consistent sponsor of various local organizations.

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move
Aaron Miller

Aaron Miller

Strengthening its business strategy and development expertise, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) named Aaron Miller Head of Strategy & Corporate Development. Miller reports to Betsy Ward, MassMutual’s chief financial officer and chief actuary. In his new role, Miller, who will work closely with MassMutual’s executive leadership team, is responsible for leading the development of the company’s corporate and business strategies, as well as competitive intelligence, helping maximize MassMutual’s long-term performance. Miller joins MassMutual from Capital One Financial Corp., where he spent more than six years as managing vice president of Strategy. In this role, he was responsible for supporting the company’s overall corporate development agenda and evaluating potential acquisition targets. Of note, he led Capital One’s $9 billion acquisition of ING Direct USA in February 2012, and the company’s $2.6 billion acquisition of HSBC’s U.S. credit-card business in May 2012. Prior to Capital One, from 2006 through 2010, Miller was a principal with Boston-based private equity firm Great Hill Partners, where he was responsible for originating and evaluating investment opportunities in the financial-services, Internet, and business-services sectors. He also served on the boards of Ziff Davis Media Inc. (acquired by j2 Global Inc.), and Central Security Group (acquired by Summit Partners), among others. Miller began his career in 1999 with McKinsey & Co.’s North American financial-services practice, eventually becoming a senior consultant. There, he helped Global 1000 and earlier-stage companies address such issues as strategy, new-business development, and operations. Miller received his bachelor’s degree in economics and public policy studies from Duke University, and earned his MBA from the Harvard Business School.

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Kevin Manghan

Kevin Manghan

PeoplesBank announced the appointment of Kevin Manghan to Infinex Financial Advisor, PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services. Manghan possesses more than 29 years of financial-planning and investment experience. He will be responsible for providing financial planning and investment-portfolio planning to bank customers. PeoplesFinancial and Insurance Services offers access to a wide array of investment and insurance options through Infinex Investments Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Products include mutual funds, annuities, retirement and pension plans, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and 529 college savings plans. Manghan holds a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College in Albany, N.Y., and is a certified financial planner. He served for more than 20 years on the board of directors for the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp. and Business Assistance Corp.

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Alfred Albano Jr.

Alfred Albano Jr.

Bacon Wilson announced that Attorney Alfred Albano Jr. has joined the firm. He is a general practitioner with more than 35 years of experience representing clients in Western Mass. Albano is a member of Bacon Wilson’s real-estate, estate-planning, business, and family-law practice groups. To ensure continuity of client service, Bacon Wilson will maintain his current office at 100 Russell St. in Hadley. This new branch will also enhance Bacon Wilson’s presence as a regional, full-service law firm with five locations throughout the Pioneer Valley: in Amherst, Northampton, Springfield, Westfield, and now in Hadley.

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Daniel Carr

Daniel Carr

Attorney Daniel Carr has joined Royal, P.C., the management-side-only labor and employment law firm, and will focus his practice in labor law and complex employment litigation. Carr’s practice includes matters involving labor relations, workplace safety and OSHA, unfair competition and trade secrets, discrimination, harassment and retaliation, wrongful discharge, workers’ compensation, employee privacy, wage-and-hour law, breach-of-contract and unfair-competition claims, and laws related to disability and other leave. His preventive work includes drafting a variety of employment-related manuals and contracts, such as executive agreements, compensation and commission agreements, restrictive covenants, and severance and settlement agreements. Prior to joining Royal, P.C., Carr worked at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and has insight into state and federal employment discrimination law and agency regulations. He obtained his juris doctor from the George Washington University School of Law. He received his bachelor’s degree in English and American literature from New York University.

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Glenn Welch, president and CEO of Freedom Credit Union, announced a promotion within the credit union and the appointment of a new mortgage loan originator:

Edward Nuñez

Edward Nuñez

• Edward Nuñez has been promoted to Assistant Vice President of Member Business Lending at Freedom. He has more than 19 years of experience in the financial-services industry, 15 of which have been at Freedom. Most recently, Nuñez led the credit union’s business-development department and led its youth banking, credit union partners program, and financial-literacy programs. He is active in the community, and serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Roger L. Putnam Technical Fund, Elms College board of trustees, the Basketball Hall of Fame finance subcommittee, the executive committee for the Credit for Life Financial Literacy Fairs, and the Greater Springfield Visitors Convention Bureau Howdy Award committee, to name a few. He is a West Springfield Rotarian and treasurer for the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Committee. In 2012, Nuñez was named one of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty honorees and was one of the first recipients of the Warren Group’s Credit Union Hero awards recognizing credit-union leaders throughout Massachusetts; and

Lisa Mish

Lisa Mish

• Lisa Mish has joined Freedom as a mortgage loan originator and is responsible for real-estate origination throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. As she helps expand Freedom’s mortgage services to its members throughout the Pioneer Valley, she will offer her expertise in conventional, FHA, MassHousing, Mass. Housing Partnership’s One Mortgage, as well as USDA and VA loans. Mish has 14 years of experience in the finance industry, including expertise in residential mortgage origination, first-time homebuyer assistance, and secondary-market sales. Most recently, she was loan originator at Lee Bank. Currently, Mish is a board member of the Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Mass., a member of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, and participates on several committees. She is working at Freedom’s main office branch in downtown Springfield.

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Gary Blanchette

Gary Blanchette

Springfield College announced that Gary Blanchette has been named Vice President for Institutional Advancement. The move marks the return of Blanchette to his alma mater. He received a bachelor’s degree with honors from Springfield College in 1980 with concentrations in psychology and counseling. As vice president, Blanchette will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of the college’s development and alumni-relations efforts, including the development and implementation of a long-range fund-raising strategy. He will serve as a member of Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper’s leadership team. Blanchette was the senior vice president of Development for the Junior Achievement USA, where he was responsible for the successful organization and execution of an unprecedented multi-year national campaign to raise $25 million. Previously, he served the regional Junior Achievement of Central Florida in several executive roles over a 20-year term including president for five years. There, he led a strategic planning process and launched a capital campaign that resulted in the establishment of the first JA Academy for Leadership and Entrepreneurship in the country. “It is with sincere gratitude and joy that I accept the position of Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Springfield College,” said Blanchette. “As a proud alumnus, the ability to come home to Springfield College and to be part of the team that will continue to create an environment where future students will have the opportunity to experience the life-changing education that Springfield College provides is a dream come true. Springfield College has made a difference in so many lives, including mine. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with the Springfield College community as together we move our mission forward.”

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Splash Marketing and Creative, a full-service marketing agency located in Westfield, announced the recent hiring of Amanda Myers, a 2016 graduate of Roger Williams University. Myers joins Splash Marketing and Creative as its newest web designer. In this role, Myers will combine creativity and technical savvy to build or redesign websites for clients, improving the aesthetics, functionality, and overall usability of a brand or company’s web presence. Myers earned a bachelor’s degree in web development with a minor in both marketing and graphic design. She has experience building websites for several different industries, including nonprofit, manufacturing, and higher education. Myers also has significant experience in customer service.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Balathunis, Timothy P.
116 Austin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Bessette, Paul Emery
Bessette, Audra Lynn
966 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Bouchard, Clovis V.
Bouchard, Patricia M.
27 Joan Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/17

Bradley, Timothy A.
36 Hartwick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/17

Calabrese, Anthony J.
124 Barrington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/17

Coakley, Margie R.
100 Leyfred Terrace
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/26/17

Colonial Pizza
Anagnos, Constantine
a/k/a Anagnostopolus, Constantine
Anagnos, Eleni
a/k/a Anagnos, Helen
66 Holbrook St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/17

Cranson, Richard Earnest
Cranson, Barbara Ann
65 Broadway St., Apt. 68
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Dow, Leah S.
1 Day Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Edward Acker Photography
Acker, Edward G.
34 Main St.
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Eldridge, Larry F.
54 Charter Oak Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/27/17

English, Brian K.
English, Andrea E.
a/k/a Wilke, Andrea Elizabeth
a/k/a Lyman, Andrea Elizabeth
27 Van Ness St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Gerber, Stuart M.
20 Halifax Court
Apt G, Bld. 23
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Gonzalez, Marianne Theresa
303 Sanders St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Grant, Harvey M.
79 Old Farm Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Holbrook, Lawrence Russell
P.O. Box 225
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Huynh, Tay T.
1170 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/17

Jackson, Wendy L.
244 Silver St.
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/17

K & B construction
Dubrule, Bruce G.
21 East Buckland Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/20/17

Knechtel, Katie Louise
149 Bartlett Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Labine-Perry, Valerie J.
5 Elm Circle
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/17

Lavoie, Tracy A.
a/k/a Lotito, Tracy Ann
188 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/17

Lawrenchuk, Timothy
Lawrenchuk, Mary
39 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/30/17

LeSage, Julie P.
119 Chantilly Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Lewis, James M.
12 Lenox St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/17

Maharne, George J.
840 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Malloy, Gary A.
87 1/2 Orchard St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Mastroianni, Karen L.
68 Highland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

McCabe, Michael T.
56 Perrine Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/17/17

McDonald, Amanda R.
40 Thompson St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/17

McLain, Laura
5 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Murphy, Christopher R.
169 Wachusett St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Olbrych, Mary A.
a/k/a Friel, Mary A.
451 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

O’Neil, Judith A.
87 East Road
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/17

Peck, Wayne T.
P.O. Box 206
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/17

Potters Playhouse
Potter, Thomas R.
Potter, Kelly G.
91 Old Douglas Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/17

Ravento, Arnaldo
a/k/a Lopez, Arnaldo Ravento
222 Pine St., Fl. 1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/17

Ryan, Tracey Anne
416 North Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

Scerbo, Justine M.
P.O. Box 776
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/17

Schenk, Scott Parker
a/k/a Schenk, Ashley
49 Old Stage Road
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Shukes, John M.
a/k/a Tressler, John M.
92 Moulton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

The Hairport
Collins, Kristen
186 West Main St., Apt
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/30/17

V.I.P. Pest Solutions
Smart Looks II
Fortin, Jason M.
Fortin, Brenda Lee
a/k/a Marquis, Brenda Lee
151 Woodcrest Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/17

Vorce, Melanie Marie
78 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/24/17

Watson, Dallas A.
Watson, Tina Marie
165 Cole Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/20/17

White, Patrick
81 Hawthorne St.
lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/17

Wilson, Kelley L.
a/k/a Gyurasz, Kelley L.
157 Corinth St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/17

Winners Circle
Sheikh, Mehmood A.
92 Blokland Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/17/17

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of March 2017.

AMHERST

Oliver Construction
170 East Hadley Road
Omar Gayle

Renaissance School Inc.
867 North Pleasant St.
Dotty Meyer

Socialopolis
151 Orchard Hill Dr.
Jacob Ayers

TrailTech
5 Morrow Lane
John Kowalski

CHICOPEE

Big Boys Contracting
930 McKinstry Ave.
Victor Borisik

Casa del Caribe Restaurant
108 West St.
Bernice Rivera

Ela Deli
226 Exchange St.
Elzbieta Magda, Gregorz Magda

Europa Deli
55 Cabot St.
Krystyna Kania

Frank’s Garage
11 Lawndale St.
Frank Drewniak

Hearth and Harness
35 Cochran St.
Ginger Moon

Oasis Risk
57 Sanford St.
Garrett Owens

RJ Services
1 Exchange St.
Richard Jones

EASTHAMPTON

Elite Quality Cleaning Service, LLC
22 Treehouse Circle, Apt. 2
Pamela Ann Lumpkin

In Unity Healing Center
384 Main St.
Candice Amendola

R & D Ventures Group
37 Maple St.
Robert Bolon

Spirit Playground Healing Arts
384 Main St.
Tammi Jo Bechard

Superior Roof Cleaning
25 Franklin St.
Luke Delisle

EAST LONGMEADOW

Added Attractions
180 Shaker Road
Carol Kononotz

Ciao Bella
128 Shaker Road
Donna Brayton

Great Clips of East Longmeadow
420 North Main St.
Clifford Laraway

Perron’s Automotive Inc.
197 Shaker Road
Brian Perron

Salon Karma
35 Harkness Ave.
Sarah Pliska

GREENFIELD

Connecticut River Conservancy
15 Bank Row
Connecticut River Watershed Council, Andrew Fisk

Lafave Plumbing & Heating
182 Fairview St.
Brian Lafave

HADLEY

Debra Rusenko, Licensed Acupuncturist
8 Goffe St.
Debra Rusenko

Leah Hollrock Jewelry
298 Russell St.
Leah Hollrock

Nail Pro
367 Russell St.
Ouyn Nguyen, Lien Luong

Peters Farm
112 East St.
Clinton Peters

Rtrue Productions
3 Kennedy Dr.
Richard Trueswell

S&M Rebuilders
75 Lawrence Plain Road
Carl Johnson

HOLYOKE

Cajun Café & Grill
50 Holyoke St.
Harry Chen

Dr. Vonnahme & Associates, P.C.
98 Lower Westfield Road
Dr. Hans Vonnahme

Providence Behavioral Health Hospital
1233 Main St.
The Mercy Hospital Inc.

Rogue Life Art
20 Hitchcock St.
Kristen Davis, Amy Davis

Ven You Events
14 School St.
Beatriz Cruz

LONGMEADOW

Mousse Café
101 Converse St.
Darby Mather

Muslu Law Firm
785 Williams St., #185
Claudia Kokaz

RA Wireless of MA
744 Bliss Road
Sammy Fathalla

Sagacity
114 Crescent Road
Barbara Flynn

School Volunteers Share
18 South Park Ave.
Jennifer Cosgrove

LUDLOW

Fall Fields Farm 2
482 Holyoke Road
Clarke Kennedy

Psych Care Associates, P.C.
185 West Ave., Suite 301
Usman Qayyum

NORTHAMPTON

Al-Mehar Inc.
15 Locust St.
Syed Iqbal

Angie Gregory Consulting
18 Northern Ave.
Angela Gregory

Anthony King Wheelbuilding
32 Highland Ave., Apt. 2
Anthony King

Arborcast Films
28 Highland Ave.
David Gaestel

Born Perfect
72 Center St., #3B
Jaye McElroy, Leta Herman

The Children’s Clinic
17 Brewster Court
Tina Champagne

Easthampton Farmers’ and Makers’ Market
198 Sylvester Road
Adrienne Ehlert-Bashista

Grow Haus Inc.
26 Strong Ave.
Moses Nasar

Hybrid Strength and Conditioning
215 Lovefield St., Unit D
Alexander LeBoeuf

Noho Music
104B Damon Road
Philip Warren

Rebekah Markham
16 Center St., Suite 511
Rebekah Markham

Studio 338 Handwoven
221 Pine St.
Paula Veleta

Tidy Gnome
59 Chestnut St.
Angela Parro

PALMER

Ancestral Link
1321 Main St., Apt. 6
Romari Caesar

Arrange This Travel
1350 Ware St.
Tonya Girouard

Bourgeois Transportation
3001 Hill St.
Kenneth Bourgeois

Federico’s Sales and Service
323 Burlingame St.
Francis Federico

Payless Auto
26 Wilbraham St.
Kelly Doyle, Wayne Doyle

Stephen’s Tree Service
102 Chestnut St.
Shane Stephens

SOUTHWICK

Center Property Services, LLC
15 Pearl Brook Road
Michael Buscemi

The Cove
90 Point Grove Road
Tina Siniscalchi

New Main Moon
610 College Highway
Zhao Yang

Residential Bulk Deliveries
9R Rising Corner Road
Norman Mogul

SPRINGFIELD

CEMA 69
25 Mattoon St.
Carlos Mendez

Chicke D’s Chicken & Grill
1375 Carew St.
Derrick Brathwaite

Clayton Commons Management
7 Clayton St.
Ernest Harris

Creative Mind Labs
248 Hancock St.
Marcus Hickley

Hong Kong Garden Restaurant
475 Breckwood Blvd.
Shaoquing Ni

Insurance Paid Construction
93 Maryland St.
Mayra Martinez

It Makes Scents
77 Fairfield St.
Michelle LaRocque

JDL Financial
11 Preston St.
Julius Demetrius

JDL Productions
27 Lyman St.
Julius Demetrius

Life in the Valley
83 Ontario St.
Angel Martinez

Magnolia Family Daycare
204 Abbott St.
Michelle Mann

Papa Bear Gift Baskets
186 Belmont Ave.
Jasmine Green

Plummer Enterprise
116 Andrew St.
Deveron Plummer

Posh Studio LLC
1372 Allen St.
Cynthia Rossini

Power Gospel Church
43 Ferris St.
Jesse Lee

Quang’s Forest Park Barbershop
529 Belmont Ave.
Tuyen Nguyen

Trueheart Enterprise
38 Wilber St.
Lolitta Lowe

Tyler John Inc.
28 Verge St.
Samuel Wilson

Universal Real Estate
33 Mulberry St.
Anthony Ardolino

Yung Kidney
75 Copeland St.
Shequinna Barton

WARE

Deer Haven Farm, LLC
417 Palmer Road
Brian Skoczylas, David Skoczylas

DeSantis, LLC
417 Palmer Road
Brian Skoczylas, David Skoczylas

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Advanced Landscaping
955 Piper Road
Allan Beiermeister

Ashley Arms, LLC
131 Ashley Ave.
Mary Thayer

Atlantech Security
203 Circuit Ave.
Steven Rodrigues

Atwood Fire & Security
33 Sylvan St.
George Condon III

Bertera Mitsubishi
526 Riverdale St.
Bertera Automotive

Bob’s Auto
622½ Union St.
Robert Philip

Cyber Exchange
1267 Riverdale St.
Stephen Buynicki

Joe’s Barbershop
450 Main St.
Joseph Guadalupe

Mr. Siding
96 New Bridge St.
Maksim Reznichenko

Northeast Family Services
59 Interstate Dr.
Peter Patch

Orgullo Latino
2260 Westfield St.
Lois Reyes

Otis Boat Lift & Docks
849 Amostown Road
Brian Battista

Pat Tours
1285 Riverdale St.
Mary Gorecki

Savers
135 Memorial Ave.
Michael Ensine

Stella’s Bones & Pet Care
640 Elm St.
Lesley Maple

Super Petro Inc.
230 Day St.
Michael Vickers

Then G Creations
240 Dewey St.
Angelica Dias

Ultimate Home Inspections
379 Rogers Ave.
Theodore Pinkerman

Zen Cowork
865 Memorial Ave.
Karoun Charkoudian

WILBRAHAM

The Law Office of Karen M. Romano, Esq.
1060 Stony Hill Road
Karen Romano

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

CHICOPEE

Lang J. Moran Electric Inc., 25Lagadia St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Lang Jamal Moran, same. Electrical contractor.

EASTHAMPTON

Mahaw Inc., 44 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Majid A. Malik, 419 Montcalm St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Retail business.

FLORENCE

Northampton Taxpayers Association Ltd., 88 Turkey Hill Road, Florence, MA 01062. John Riley, same. Voluntary organization to study Northampton city expenses and income, especially the new storm water fee.

HOLYOKE

Mont Marie Affordable Land Inc, 32 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Yitzchok Rokowsky, 274 Ridge Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701. Nonprofit designed to provide housing to seniors and needy people.

SOUTH HADLEY

Pioneer Valley Industrial Hemp Inc., 56 Lincoln Ave., South Hadley, MA 01075. Adam R. Sweet, same. Nonprofit dedicated to the research and education of the uses of industrial hemp.

SPRINGFIELD

I Found Light Against All Odds Inc., 1380 Main St., Suite 409, Springfield, MA 01103. Stefan Davis, 1328 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA 01104. To aid today’s youth and communities by designing and implementing a television talk show program, that addresses social, emotional and economic issues that today’s youth are experiencing in their communities.

Kites of Compassion Inc., 45 Miller St., Springfield, MA 01104. Teresa M. Carrasquillo, same. Nonprofit formed to raise money for individuals and families living in extremely difficult circumstances in need of a helping hand.

Lucky Star Food Inc., 266 Belmont Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Muhammad A. Nasir, same. General trading.

Montalvo Transportation Inc., 92 Mondrovia St., 2 Fl., Springfield, MA 01104. Anthony Montalvo, same. Trucking.

Mourad Exports Inc., 49 Bartels St., Springfield, MA 01128. Hassan Mourad, same. Used auto exports.

STOCKBRIDGE

Mcelhiney Woodworks Inc., 3 Goodrich St., Stockbridge, MA 01262. Brian Mcelhine, same. Residential construction.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

One Shop Solutions Inc., 130 Elm Street, 1L, West Springfield, MA 01089. Naveen Kumar Sharma, same. IT services and selling of computers and devices.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

SC Learning Commons to Be Named for Benefactor

SPRINGFIELD — During his lifetime, Rev. Harold Smith dedicated himself and his many gifts to Springfield College. Mary-Beth Cooper, Springfield College president, announced that, to celebrate his rich legacy, the college will name its newly reconstructed learning commons to honor his memory and the many ways in which he helped Springfield College grow and prosper. Smith passed away March 21, 2017, in New York City, at age 83. “Harold had a passion for Springfield College and for the YMCA,” said Cooper. “His life’s work will live on in this learning commons and in the lives of our students who will study and research there.” Smith was a valued member of the Springfield College board of trustees for more than three decades, and served as chair of the board’s investment committee for 25 of those years, as well as on the executive committee and the committee on business affairs. Under his leadership, and through his investment expertise and strategy, the college’s endowment experienced unprecedented growth through a diverse portfolio. Smith was recognized for his dedication and commitment to serving others in the Springfield College tradition when he was awarded the Springfield College honorary doctor of humanics degree in 1998. He was a member of the college Naismith Giving Society, which recognizes donors who have given more than $1 million during their lifetime. He is enshrined in the YMCA Hall of Fame located on the college campus. The Harold C. Smith Learning Commons will be dedicated when the building is opened later this year to honor the man who studied for the ministry, but went on to become the president and chief investment officer of the YMCA Retirement Fund. Reflecting 21st-century library innovations, the learning commons will become the heart of the college’s academic program, providing facilities where students and faculty can study, research, work in groups, and receive writing and other academic support. Renovations of the college’s 45-year-old library began in August 2016, and the new facility will include a 24-hour reading room, a café, and a technology hub designed to promote collaboration between research and information technology, and will be home to the college’s Academic Success Center. Smith was a dedicated philanthropist and volunteer throughout his lifetime and volunteered for the League of Women Voters, the Interfaith Committee of Trumbull, and the Bridgeport Area Foundation. He was a trustee of the YMCA Retirement Fund, YMCA Greater Bridgeport, and Ursinus College, as well as a board member of the YMCA of Greater New York, Bank Mart, and Y-Mutual Insurance. Born in the Bronx, Smith was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and held a bachelor’s degree and doctor of divinity degree from Ursinus College, a master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary, and an MBA from New York University. He was a chartered financial analyst, a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts, and a member of the American Economics Assoc. He had a 40-year dual career in ministry and investments.

STCC to Offer Summer Classes

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will offer five-week and 10-week on campus and online summer classes. Session One begins June 5, and Session Two starts July 10. Summer classes an ideal opportunity for area college students to earn college credit between June and August, said STCC Dean of Enrollment Management Matthew Gravel. “The majority of classes available during summer session can be used to fulfill requirements at other colleges and universities,” he added. “Classes fill up very quickly, and we continue to offer classes across the curriculum to meet the demands of STCC students, as well as students from other colleges and universities who are home for the summer.” Academic subject areas include accounting, anthropology, biology, business law, chemistry, criminal justice, economics, electronic systems, English, finance, graphic communication and photography, history, IT, math, marketing, medical assisting, music, office information technologies, philosophy, physics, psychology, sign language, sociology, Spanish, and speech. Class schedules are available at www.stcc.edu/summer. Students can register online, by phone at (413) 755-4321, or in the Registrar’s Office, Garvey Hall South, first floor.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

United Financial Announces Q1 Earnings, Dividend

GLASTONBURY, Conn. — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, announced results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The company reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, compared to net income for the linked quarter of $14.6 million, or $0.29 per diluted share. The company reported net income of $11.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. “Over the last three consecutive quarters, United Financial Bancorp Inc. has averaged a return on average assets of 0.87% and a return on average tangible common equity of 10.89%, as the company continues to make progress on its four key objectives communicated in April 2016,” said William Crawford IV, CEO of the company and the bank. Assets totaled $6.70 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased $97.1 million, or 1.5%, from $6.60 billion at Dec. 31, 2016. At March 31, 2017, total loans were $4.94 billion, representing an increase of $42.3 million, or 0.9%, from the linked quarter. Changes to loan balances during the first quarter of 2017 were highlighted by a $44.6 million, or 6.2%, increase in commercial business loans and a $16.6 million, or 4.0%, increase in owner-occupied commercial real-estate loans. Total residential mortgages increased during the first quarter of 2017 by $11.2 million, or 1.0%. Total cash and cash equivalents decreased $6.3 million, or 6.9%, during the linked quarter, while the available for sale securities portfolio increased by $32.3 million, or 3.1%. Deposits totaled $4.79 billion at March 31, 2017 and increased by $79.2 million, or 1.7%, from $4.71 billion at December 31, 2016. In the first quarter of 2017, money-market deposit accounts increased $157.2 million, or 12.9%, and NOW checking deposits increased $39.2 million, or 7.9%, from the linked quarter, reflective of a seasonal increase in municipal deposits and successful new account acquisition. These increases were offset by a $110.1 million, or 6.3%, decrease in certificates of deposit, some of which migrated to money market deposit accounts. The board of directors declared a cash dividend on the company’s common stock of $0.12 per share to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2017 and payable on May 10, 2017. This dividend equates to a 2.73% annualized yield based on the $17.58 average closing price of the company’s common stock in the first quarter of 2017. The company has paid dividends for 44 consecutive quarters.

Johnson & Hill Partners with Family Business Center

AMHERST — The Family Business Center of Pioneer Valley has been helping family-owned and closely held companies from around Western Mass since 1994, through a series of educational dinner forums and morning workshops, roundtables and customized consults. The center’s strategic partners contribute to that professional development in the areas of accounting, banking, leadership, insurance, wealth management, staffing, and law, and BusinessWest is the media partner for the center. Now Johnson & Hill Staffing will be taking on the role of the FBC’s staffing sponsor-partner. “As a longtime member of the FBC, we are excited to move into the role of sponsor/partner in our continued support of family business across the Pioneer Valley,” said Andrea Hill-Cataldo, president. “As specialists who staff anything from short-term needs to key direct hire roles in administrative, accounting and finance, legal, and professional settings, the Johnson & Hill team collectively brings decades of staffing insight to the table. Our goal is to provide members of the FBC with that insight to help them evaluate new and innovative ways of acquiring the talent that will drive their business forward.” The schedule of educational events for the Family Business Center is at fambizpv.com.

Berkshire Bank Receives Six Marketing Awards

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank was recently honored with six awards for community engagement and marketing of leading-edge products. The bank was recognized at the Financial Marketing Awards in Newport, R.I. and the New England Financial Marketing Awards in Burlington, Mass.; both events took place in March. The Financial Marketing Awards are the oldest financial awards in New England. The program honors banks and credit unions for creative marketing and branding efforts, while the Community Champion Award recognizes a bank or credit union for the difference they make in the community. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Community Champion Award – Gold for Pittsfield Public Schools attendance billboard;

• Loan Award – Silver for home-equity campaign; and

• Deposit Award – Bronze for Leap Year deposit campaign.

The New England Financial Marketing Assoc. has a diverse membership representing financial institutions with assets ranging from less than $500 million to more than $5 billion. Its annual awards program honors banks and credit unions in the New England states for creative marketing, branding, and community efforts. Berkshire received recognition in the following categories:

• Overall Community Service – 2nd Place for Xtraordinary Day campaign;

• In-Branch Design – 2nd Place for Mid-Atlantic region branch design; and

• Customer Service – 2nd Place for Game Plan point of sale.

Pride Stores Partners with Local Beer Brand White Lion

SPRINGFIELD — White Lion Brewing continues to root itself as Springfield’s craft-beer brand. Pride Stores, which has a beer and wine selection in five of its 30 locations, will feature White Lion as the preferred local beer brand. “The partnership is part of Pride Stores’ commitment to the local community,” said David Horgan, director of Advertising. White Lion has accounts throughout Massachusetts, but company President Raymond Berry said “there is no better feeling than knowing local decision makers like Pride Stores want to be part of our growth. This partnership will put the brand and our portfolio in front of people daily. Both companies are committed to the city and surrounding communities.” The stores will carry White Lion’s portfolio of bottled and soon-to-be-released canned products.

HMC Earns ‘A’ Grade for Patient Safety

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) has once again earned an ‘A’ rating from the Leapfrog Group, ranking it among the safest hospitals in the U.S. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the first and only national healthcare rating focused on errors, accidents, and infections. The program has been assigning letter grades to general acute-care hospitals in the U.S. since 2012. Holyoke Medical Center was one of 823 hospitals to receive an ‘A’ ranking among the safest hospitals in the U.S. “This is the third consecutive ‘A’ rating for Holyoke Medical Center. As a free-standing, independent community hospital, we must rely on providing our patients with the safest, highest-quality, affordable care possible, and we appreciate our staff who join us every day in being dedicated to our mission,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Inc.

Sunshine Village Earns CARF Accreditation

CHICOPEE — The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) announced that Sunshine Village has been accredited for a period of three years for its day-habilitation, employment-services, and day-services programs. The latest accreditation is the 10th consecutive successful three-year Accreditation given to Sunshine Village by the international accrediting body. This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. It has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. CARF accreditation is a useful tool to determine the best organization for services. Specifically, the organization was tested against 856 standards in areas including leadership, strategic planning, financial planning, input from people served, risk management, health and safety, human resources, technology, rights of people served, accessibility, and performance improvement, as well as quality individualized services and supports. In the past ten years, this achievement indicates Sunshine Village’s well-established pattern and commitment to practice excellence. “I am so proud that Sunshine Village has again been recognized by CARF with their highest level of accreditation,” said Gina Kos, executive director for Sunshine Village. “This is an outstanding achievement, and it shows that the organization meets our mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities. Every day, more than 230 staff work hard to achieve that mission — and this accreditation is validation of that. It shows that we do deliver on the promise of a great day — and that our employees truly shine.” Now in its 50th year, Sunshine Village is a nonprofit organization with a main campus in Chicopee and additional sites in Chicopee, Springfield, Three Rivers, and Westfield. It has been providing day services for adults with developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, since 1967.

Mary Ann’s Dance and More Announces Relocation

EASTHAMPTON — Mary Ann’s Dance and More, a local dance-apparel store, announced it will be moving to its new home on Route 10 in Easthampton on July 1. The company will move to 396 Main St., the former home of Fit Body. The location offers easier parking, a more friendly shopping experience, better accessibility, and the ability to host more in-store events. In January, the company launched its app on Google Play and the App Store. It will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary in August. Mary Ann’s Dance and More offers customers dance supplies, including apparel and accessories, as well as novelty and gift items. An active business in the community, the company is recognized as a consistent sponsor of various local organizations.

BFAIR to Hold Second Annual Walk for Independence on June 24

By
Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — Berkshire Family & Individual Resources (BFAIR) announced its second annual Walk for Independence on Saturday, June 24. Last year, the inaugural walk along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail saw participation of nearly 100 walkers of all ability levels, with this year already set to exceed that number.

A stroll to Cheshire and back (with or any distance in between), the walk will be a fund-raising event in which BFAIR participants, community members, and sponsors can get involved in through sponsored walking, lunch, bucket raffles, and entertainment. Starting and finishing at the Adams Visitors Center, the walk is a day of fun and helps BFAIR share its mission to enrich the lives of people of all ages and abilities by providing positive life experiences and advocacy through distinctive, individualized, quality services.

As a local nonprofit, BFAIR relies on public funds to provide critically needed residential, vocational, habilitative, and clinical services for adults, adolescents, and children with developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury, as well as home-care services for the elderly.

The registration fee for the walk is $25 for adults and $12.50 for children 10 and younger. Registration includes a picnic lunch and ball-cap giveaway. Interested walkers can register online at thedriven.net/bfairwalk, by calling (413) 664-9382 ext. 40, e-mailing [email protected], or visiting www.bfair.org.

In addition to registering, walkers may seek individual sponsors by asking family and friends to support their walk. Donations are accepted via thedriven.net/bfairwalk, or donation envelopes can be provided for walkers.

Corporate sponsorships are available for the trail, mile, bronze, silver, and gold levels, ranging from $100 to $2,500, respectively. Interested businesses should contact Jennifer Civello at [email protected] for more information. Current gold-level walk sponsors include Greylock Federal Credit Union, MountainOne, and the Print Shop Williamstown.

Continued Excellence Award Nominations Due May 12

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — There’s still time to nominate someone for the Continued Excellence Award, as BusinessWest will accept nominations through Friday, May 12. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on June 22.

Two years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-16 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Northwestern Mutual.

The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

Nkori Edem Wins Elevator-pitch Competition with Ko-Aqua Kit

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Nkori Edem, a student from Mount Holyoke College, took first place at last week’s elevator-pitch competition at the Awards Ceremony & Banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. She pitched the Ko-Aqua Kit, a completely waterproof and airtight swim cap designed specifically for women of color.

Edem convinced a panel of judges from area banks that her pitch was the best. Rune Percy and Alexander Smith, a student team from UMass Amherst, took second place based on their business-concept pitch for ARBioDesign, which aims to save tens of thousands of patients every year by personalizing dialysis treatment using rapid and inexpensive microfluidic blood-diagnostic tests. Finally, Daniel Olive, a student at Elms College, took third place with the DBL (Don’t Be Late) Pillow, which utilizes Bluetooth technology to revolutionize waking up.

Representatives from six area banks once again sponsored the elevator-pitch competition and served as judges at the annual event held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The banks include Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, KeyBank, PeoplesBank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank.

The live event featured a student representative from each of 13 participating local colleges: American International College, Bay Path University, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Amherst, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. First-, second-, and third-place winners received $1,000, $750, and $500 respectively. Each student participating received $100.

Six student businesses were identified by the bank judges as Best Exhibitors. These were selected from a pool of 62 unique companies during a trade-show-type portion of the evening which featured the 2017 Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winners. The winning exhibitors were Elms College: JMH Partners, LLC (Kevin Hepburn, Connor Holland, John Jacquinet, and Raphael Monterio); Western New England University: Sparks to Sparkles (Rebecca Abramson); Westfield State University: JPS Design Solutions (James Schmidt); Western New England University: Napollo Music (Sebastien Percy); Springfield College: Thorello Leather Goods (Dilyara Celik), and UMass Amherst: App Outreach, LLC (Jordan Ames, Davis McVay, Rich Sadick, and Lauren Tse-Wall).

The Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Alumni Entrepreneurship Award is presented each year to an individual who has advanced substantially as an entrepreneur since receiving the Grinspoon Spirit Award. Phil Scarfi, founder of Pioneer Mobile Applications and alumnus of UMass Amherst, was awarded the 2017 Alumni Award and $1,000. Pioneer Mobile Applications is a software consulting agency, specializing in mobile app design and development.

Carol Leary to Speak at Holyoke Public Library May 10

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Carol Leary, president of Bay Path University, will present at Holyoke Public Library, on Wednesday, May 10, from noon to 1 p.m. during a free event designed to help adult women seek a college degree. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Leary’s book, Achieving the Dream: A How-to Guide for Adult Women Seeking a College Degree.

“The importance and benefit of earning a college degree, particularly for women, is extraordinary,” Library Director Maria Pagan said. “Holyoke Public Library is pleased to welcome Dr. Leary in sharing her expertise and personal anecdotes with the local community.”

Pagan also noted that Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse will be in attendance.

All library programs are open to the public and free of charge. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Holyoke Public Library at (413) 420-8101 or by registering in person at the library’s front desk. Parking is available along the street in front of the new entrance to the library and in lots adjacent to and immediately across the street from the library.

Spirit Takes Flight from Bradley to Orlando, Myrtle Beach

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Daily News

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — Spirit Airlines’ inaugural flights from Bradley International Airport to Orlando, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. launched on April 27.

“Bradley International Airport is a critical piece of Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure. Every day, more and more businesses and residents are turning to the airport as their first choice for air travel,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said. “The addition of these new flights increases options for people in the region to get to where they need to go.”

Added Mark Kopczak, vice president of Network Planning for Spirit Airlines, “we are thrilled to deliver this non-stop service to two of the country’s most popular summer destinations. These news flights, with new service to Fort Lauderdale starting in June, give Hartford even more ultra-low-cost options for summer travel.”

Spirit Airlines is currently Bradley Airport’s only ultra-low-cost airline. This airline business model, which is increasing in popularity among economy travelers and the college-student population, offers introductory service to a variety of destinations for competitive fares.

“Spirit Airlines is a strong addition to Bradley’s growing menu of direct flights,” Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) Chairman Charles Gray said. “A continued mission of the Connecticut Airport Authority is for Bradley’s travelers to love the journey through the airport and beyond. One way of doing that is by continuing to diversify Bradley’s flight options, which is why we’re very pleased to be welcoming Spirit to the Bradley family.”

All of Spirit’s operations at Bradley Airport will utilize either a 145-seat Airbus A319 or a 182-seat Airbus A320 aircraft. The Orlando route is offered daily, year-round, and the Myrtle Beach non-stop is a seasonal service offered four days per week. Spirit will commence non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale on June 15.

“The key to successful route development is a loyal customer base,” CAA Executive Director Kevin Dillon said. “The Myrtle Beach service has been frequently requested by our travelers, and the additional frequencies between Bradley, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale will provide travelers with more options. It is our hope that these additions to our route structure will continue to encourage our travelers to come home to Bradley and choose our local airport over other airports.”